Helix thruster
First Claim
1. In a device for producing rotary motion:
- a housing having an axially extending bore, a piston movable axially within the bore between a retracted position and an extended position, means for applying a pressurized fluid to the piston to move the piston from the retracted position toward the extended position, means for imparting rotation to the piston as it travels between the retracted position and the extended position, an output member rotatively mounted on the housing, and a driving connection between the piston and the output member such that the output member rotates with the piston.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Helical thruster having a housing, a piston movable axially within the housing between retracted and extended positions, and an output member rotatively mounted on the housing. Pressurized fluid is applied to the piston to drive the piston from the retracted position toward the extended position, and the output member rotates as the piston travels toward the extended position. In one disclosed embodiment, the piston is non-rotating, and a helical driving connection between the piston and the output member imparts rotation to the output member as the piston travels toward the extended position. In another disclosed embodiment, the piston rotates as it travels toward the extended position, and the output member rotates with the piston.
5 Citations
14 Claims
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1. In a device for producing rotary motion:
- a housing having an axially extending bore, a piston movable axially within the bore between a retracted position and an extended position, means for applying a pressurized fluid to the piston to move the piston from the retracted position toward the extended position, means for imparting rotation to the piston as it travels between the retracted position and the extended position, an output member rotatively mounted on the housing, and a driving connection between the piston and the output member such that the output member rotates with the piston.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. In a device for producing rotary motion:
- a housing having an axially extending bore, a piston movable axially within the bore between a retracted position and an extended position, means for applying a pressurized fluid to the piston to move the piston from the retracted position toward the extended position, helical guide means for imparting rotation to the piston as it travels between the retracted position and the extended position, an output member rotatively mounted on the housing, and a driving connection between the piston and the output member which constrains the output member for rotation with the piston while permitting axial movement of the piston relative to the output member.
- View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. In a device for producing rotary motion:
- a housing having an axially extending bore, a piston movable axially within the bore between a retracted position and an extended position, means for applying a pressurized fluid to the piston to move the piston from the retracted position toward the extended position, helical splines on the housing and on the piston for imparting rotation to the piston as it travels between the retracted position and the extended position, an output member rotatively mounted on the housing, longitudinally extending splines on the piston and on the output member constraining the output member for rotation with the piston while permitting the piston to move axially relative to the output member, a damping piston and fluid in an axially extending bore in the drive piston, and means for limiting travel of the damping piston toward the extended position, and means carried by one of the pistons for puncturing the head of the other when the damping piston stops moving to provide a controlled discharge of the fluid which permits the drive piston to continue moving toward the extended position at a controlled rate.
- View Dependent Claims (14)
Specification