Actuator and method of actuating
US9488259B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/18056
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An actuator includes, a housing, an expandable member housed within the housing configured to expand and contract, an elongated member in operable communication with the expandable member, and a ratchet in operable communication with at least one of the expandable member and the elongated member. The ratchet is configured to allow movement of the elongated member in a first direction relative to the housing in response to expansion of the expandable member and to prevent movement of the elongated member in a second direction in response to contraction of the expandable member until the elongated member has moved a selected dimension, after which the ratchet automatically permits movement of the elongated member in the second direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.