Machine element or mechanism – Mechanical movements – Reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-01
2001-01-23
Footland, Leonard A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Mechanical movements
Reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary
C254S231000, C254S232000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176145
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of actuators and, more particularly, to an improved actuating mechanism for providing compression and tensioning forces.
Background Art
A variety of chain or rope tighteners are known for providing tightening forces. Similarly, a variety of hoists or jacks are known for providing compression forces. Examples of such mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 217,091, 1,157,110, 1,686,501, 1,378,702, 2,426,717, 3,980,275 and 4,130,269.
Although these tensioning and compressing devices are useful, they are not versatile or durable and are cumbersome to use. Hence, it would be useful to provide an improved power driven actuating mechanism which may be adapted to operate as a tensioning turnbuckle or a fixed-end linear actuator, which may be driven by a wide variety of power drivers or a manual driver, and which has features which provide for a more durable and smoother operating mechanism.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
With parenthetical reference to the corresponding parts, portions or surfaces of the disclosed embodiment, merely for the purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, the present invention provides an improved actuating mechanism (
15
) having a housing (
16
), a gear transfer system (
18
) enclosed in the housing, a threaded barrel (
19
) extending from the housing, a screw rod (
20
) threaded for movement through the barrel, an end plate (
21
) mounted to the housing opposite the barrel, where the transfer system communicates with a driver input (
22
) and the barrel, whereby rotation of the transfer system will cause rotation of the barrel and axial movement of the screw rod through the barrel.
The transfer system may comprise two perpendicular beveled gears (
23
,
24
). One of the beveled gears may be a ring gear (
23
) and the other beveled gear may be a pinion gear (
24
). The driver input may comprise a square recess set in the pinion gear. The driver input may be adapted for operation with either a pneumatic driver or a manual driver. The housing may be a split housing (
25
,
26
). The housing may contain gear lubricant. The end plate may include an end connection (
28
) which may be a clevis. The end connection may be a bearing plate. The screw rod may include an end connection (
32
). The end plate may be removable from the housing.
The present invention also discloses an actuating mechanism in which the barrel and housing are adapted to allow removal of the end plate and the insertion of a second screw rod (
31
) threaded for movement through the barrel opposite the first screw rod, whereby rotation of the transfer system will cause axial movement of both screw rods through the barrel.
Accordingly, the general object of the present invention is to provide an actuating mechanism with an improved structure which is durable, easy to operate, and versatile.
Another object is to provide an actuating mechanism which has a compactly enclosed and contained gear transfer system.
Another object is to provide an improved actuating mechanism in which the housing of the gear transfer system may be filled with a lubricant.
Another object is to provide an improved actuating mechanism in which the gearing mechanisms are lubricated so that the life of the device may be extended.
Another object is to provide an improved actuating mechanism which employs a single barrel for both tensioning and compressing.
Another object is to provide improved actuating mechanism in which the moving parts are protected so as to improve durability.
Another object is to provide an improved actuating mechanism in which the device may be driven by a variety of hand held power tools, such as electric drivers, hydraulic drivers, pneumatic drivers, or may be operated manually if desired.
Another object is to provide an improved actuating mechanism with a gear system that provides a mechanical advantage.
Another object is to provide an improved actuating mechanism which may be used with a variety of end fittings or connections.
Another object is to provide an improved actuating mechanism which is provided with a split housing to allow easy maintenance and repair.
Another object is to provide an improved actuating mechanism which is adapted for use as either a tensioning device, such as a turnbuckle, or as a compression device, such as a linear actuator.
Another object is to provide an improved actuating mechanism which allows for stationary operation.
These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the foregoing and ongoing written specification, the drawings, and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4790201 (1988-12-01), Gheddo
patent: 5544801 (1996-08-01), Schick
Columbus McKinnon Corporation
Footland Leonard A.
Phillips, Lytle, Hitchcock, Blaine & Huber LLP
LandOfFree
Actuating mechanism does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Actuating mechanism, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Actuating mechanism will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2517297