Expansible chamber devices – Relatively movable working members – Interconnected with common rotatable shaft
Patent
1992-05-11
1994-06-07
Look, Edward K.
Expansible chamber devices
Relatively movable working members
Interconnected with common rotatable shaft
92 92, 49340, F01B 704
Patent
active
053179560
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a pivoting actuator, particularly, although not exclusively, envisaged for use in pivoting a panel with respect to a surface or another panel
The present invention more particularly relates to a pop-up target particularly, although not exclusively, envisaged for use in shooting practice.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Prior art pop-up targets rely upon actuators including geared electric motors, pneumatic rams and springs to pivot a target panel from a concealed position to a revealed position It is important that the actuator be capable of such pivoting in a relatively short period of time so as to provide an element of surprise when the target panel is revealed Typically, such a period of time is less than 0.5 seconds. Hence the actuators must provide sufficient power to pivot the target panel through approximately 90.degree. in less than 0.5 seconds. Such speed of operation leads to disadvantages with prior art pop-up targets For example, electric motors must be made relatively large to provide the rapid actuation and therefore are relatively heavy and expensive. Also, pnuematic rams must be of a relatively large diameter and of relatively high pressure to achieve rapid actuation and also require a source of compressed air capable of relatively high flow rates. Spring actuators have the disadvantage that resetting of the target panel must be accomplished either manually or through use of an electric motor or the like.
For ease of transportation, positioning and concealing of the pop-up targets at a practice location it is desireable to have a relatively small base for the pop-up target. Where a remote source of electrical and/or pneumatic power is used it is preferable that any connecting pipe work and/or wiring, between the power source and the pop-up target be of a relatively small diameter or gauge. Also, the connecting pipe work or wiring (if any) should preferably be flexible so that it may easily be concealed when in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pivoting actuator capable of pivoting between two positions.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a gas actuator comprising
a first member having a first surface;
a second member having a second surface, said first and second members pivotally coupled together to allow said second member to pivot with respect to said first member between a first and second position;
a flexible and inflatable member disposed between said first and second surfaces and adapted for exerting a force therebetween to pivot said second member from said first position to said second position; and,
means for controlling the magnitude of said force in such a manner that the magnitude of said force increases to a maximum and thereafter decreases prior to said second member reaching said second position
Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pop-up target capable of relatively rapid actuation while having a relatively compact actuator.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a gas actuator comprising
a first member having a first and a second surface portion;
a second member having a third and a fourth surface portion, said first and second members pivotally coupled together to allow said second member to pivot with respect to said first member between a first position in which said first and third surface portions are substantially parallel and a second position in which said second and fourth surface portions are substantially parallel;
a first flexible and inflatable member disposed between said first and third surface portions, and adapted for exerting a force therebetween to pivot said second member to said second position;
a second flexible and inflatable member disposed between said second and fourth surface portions and adapted for exerting a force therebetween to pivot said second member to said first position; and,
means for controlling the magnitude of said force exerted by said
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Devenish Donald M.
Devenish Engineering Pty Ltd
Look Edward K.
Nguyen Hoang
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