Actuator for movably supported object
US4660881A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 1985 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/18808
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An actuator for a movably supported object, comprising a rack, a rotatable pinion engaging the rack, a biasing member disposed around the axis of the pinion and connected to the pinion, and a damper. The biasing member stores a biasing energy while the pinion is rotated in one direction by a movement of the rack in a first direction. The biasing member biases the pinion in the other direction with the stored biasing energy and thereby biasing the rack in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The damper is encircled by the biasing member and has a fluid chamber which contains a viscous fluid and is formed around the axis of the pinion. The damper further includes a rotary member which is rotated with the pinion and has a damper portion disposed in the fluid chamber. The viscous fluid provides a resistance to rotation of the damper portion and to rotation of the pinion in the above-indicated other direction. Also disclosed is a container device incorporating the actuator. The container device comprises a stationary retainer, and a container supported by the retainer movably relative to the retainer. The rack is fixedly supported by one of the retainer and the container,…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.