Abstract: A sliding crank actuator for rotating an axle connectable to the actuator, the axle being provided as part of a system external to the actuator. The axle is rotatable in the external system about an axis which is located at a fixed distance from and which is perpendicular to a drive screw in the actuator.The actuator comprises a drive screw rotatable about a fixed axis and a drive nut on the drive screw. The drive nut moves along the length of the drive screw as the drive screw is rotated.The actuator further comprises a crank arm having a first member and a second member slideably innerconnected so that the first and second members slide longitudinally with respect to each other. The first member is connected to the drive nut so that the crank arm can pivot about the drive nut. The second member comprises apparatus for connecting the second member to the axle so that, as the drive nut moves along the drive screw, the axle connected to the second member is rotated.

Abstract: A drive train system for rotating an axle in an external system about an axis which is perpendicular to a driven shaft. The driven shaft has a drive screw thereon and is rotatable about a fixed axis. A drive nut is located on the drive screw and is movable along the length thereof as the drive screw is rotated. A two-part, slidably interconnected crank arm has one part fixed to the axle and the other part slidably interconnected with the drive nut. A power drive is operably connected to the driven shaft through a friction drive including a driven member mounted on the shaft by means of a slip fit through a center hole and a friction plate rotating with the shaft through a center opening. An annular-ring surface between the driven member and the friction plate creates an interface which limits the frictional drive force developed thereby.