Abstract: A pneumatic actuator for imparting velocity to a resting object, comprising a fixed member and a ram, the ram having two or more generally elongated ram members, wherein the fixed member is formed with a base plate having an inlet hole therethrough, the ram members are formed and disposed concentrically about the center axis so as to lie one within another and to move in a telescopic arrangement, the innermost one of the ram members is configured to enable it to be driven by any pressurized gas fed through the inlet hole and to drive the object, and each of the other ram members is configured to move only behind the innermost ram member; the actuator being operative to move the innermost ram member along its entire range of motion and thereby impart velocity to the object.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator for imparting velocity to a resting object, comprising a fixed member and a ram, the ram having two or more generally elongated ram members, wherein the fixed member is formed with a base plate having an inlet hole therethrough, the ram members are formed and disposed concentrically about the center axis so as to lie one within another and to move in a telescopic arrangement, the innermost one of the ram members is configured to enable it to be driven by any pressurized gas fed through the inlet hole and to drive the object, and each of the other ram members is configured to move only behind the innermost ram member; the actuator being operative to move the innermost ram member along its entire range of motion and thereby impart velocity to the object.