Patent · US Expired

Hydraulic actuator with shock absorbing capability

US6176170A · kind A · utility

24Cited by
16References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 3, 1999
Grant dateJan 23, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 3, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF02B61/045
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A shock absorbing hydraulic actuator comprises a cylinder with first and second pistons slidably disposed therein. The first and second pistons are moveable relative to each other. A poppet is supported by the first piston and is moveable relative to the first piston. In response to hydraulic fluid pressure within a passage of the first piston, the poppet can be caused to move in a direction which opens a passage through the first piston to allow the first piston to move relative to the second piston in response to a shock impact such as that which can result from an outboard motor striking a submerged or floating object. The second piston remains in its original position. A bleed passage allows the first piston to resume its original position next to the second piston after the impact has occurred. This movement towards its original position is caused naturally by the weight of an object supported by the hydraulic actuator, such as an outboard motor.

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