Patent · US Expired

Electro-pneumatic actuator and servo-valve for use therewith

US6138458A · kind A · utility

4Cited by
11References
19Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 2, 1998
Grant dateOct 31, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 2, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF15B15/10
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An actuator employing an electromagnetic voice coil actuator in parallel with a pneumatic actuator in a single, integrated unit. Rolling diaphragms on the piston are used to minimize sliding static friction. The pneumatic portion of the actuator provides the high forces necessary to support a heavy load and does not become stiff at high frequencies. At high frequencies (above 15-20 Hz.), where the frequency response of the pneumatic portion of the actuator decreases, the voice coil portion takes over and provides the desired high frequency actuation forces. The voice coil does not require a large amount of electrical power, and air flow in the pneumatic actuator provides sufficient cooling of the voice coil. A servo-valve is also disclosed for use with the pneumatic portion of the electro-pneumatic actuator.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.