J-ME modular, internally shifting, double acting, linear fluid actuator system

Abstract

An improved, modular, internally shifting, double acting linear fluid actuator system which is adapted to be driven by liquid, air stream, steam, or gas, (collectively referenced as fluid medium.) The present invention is comprised of three core modules and two attachment mechanisms: a Control Module, two Canister Modules, and Canister Adjustment Plates. The Control Module receives pressurized fluid medium, internally shifts the fluid medium flow into and out of Canister Modules, and exhausts depressurized fluid medium. The Canister Modules perform the work for each actuator application, and are attached to the Control Module by Canister Adjustment Plates at each end of the Control Module, which allows attachment to different diameter canister modules simultaneously. The Canister Modules may operate at different pressures, different volumes, or perform different applications simultaneously. A modified embodiment includes a Control Module compatible with external switching systems while maintaining central fluid control and modular efficiency.

1 . A modular, internally shifting, double acting linear fluid actuator system which is adapted to be driven by pressurized liquid, air stream, steam, or gas (collectively referenced as fluid medium), to perform pump, press, and reciprocating type applications in single or double end configurations; and said actuator system which consists in three separate modules and two attaching mechanisms comprised of:
 a. A Control Module:
 i. That internally diverts the flow of fluid medium, by means of an internal shifting mechanism, to perform work in two separate Canister Modules at opposite ends of the actuator system simultaneously. 
 ii. That provides central control of the fluid medium so that the fluid medium always provides its power on the extension stroke of the actuator system, never on the retraction stroke. 
 iii. That controls input and output of fluid medium through internal controls. 
 iv. In a modified embodiment provides compatibility with external switching devices: while maintaining central control of the fluid medium so that the fluid medium always provides its power on the extension stroke of the actuator system, never on the retraction stroke; while providing modular compatibility with Canister Modules. 
   b. A set of Canister Modules which:
 i. Are attached to the Control Module, by Canister Adjustment Plates; 
 ii. Perform work at both ends of the actuator system simultaneously; 
 iii. Are interchangeable; 
 iv. Can be different diameters in the same actuator system; 
 v. Can perform different applications simultaneously. 
   c. A set of Canister Adjustment Plates which:
 i. Connect the Control Module to the Canister Modules; 
 ii. Are interchangeable; 
 iii. Provide a flow passage for the fluid medium between the Control Module and Canister Modules; 
 iv. Can attach Canister Modules that are:
 A. Smaller in diameter than the Control Module; 
 B. The same size as the Control Module; 
 C. Larger than the Control Module; 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 a. The Control Module is encased in a cylindrical tube which has:
 i. A set of Supply Ports that allows pressurized fluid medium from a single Supply Line into the a set of Flow Chambers; 
 ii. A set of Exhaust Ports that allow depressurized fluid medium to exit the Exhaust Chamber into a single return line, or in some pneumatic applications to discharge into the atmosphere; 
 iii. A set of Relief Ports that discharge pressured fluid medium to a single Return Line, or in some pneumatic applications to discharge into the atmosphere. 
 iv. A set of Plunger Ports spaced equidistant around the center of the Control Module Outer Wall. 
 v. Two threaded or flanged Open Ends that attach to the Canister Adjustment Plates. 
   
     
     
         3 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the Control Module contains:
 a. Two Port Controls each having:
 i. an upper and lower Shutoff Spear; 
 ii. an outer edge that seals against the Control Module Outer Wall; 
 iii. a set of sealed Shifting Rod Holes; 
 iv. a Port Control Passage 
   b. Two Flow Walls each having:
 i. An outer edge that seals against the Control Module Outer Wall; 
 ii. A set of sealed Shifting Rod Holes; 
 iii. A Port Control Receiving Orifice; 
 iv. Clips, pins, bolts, etc. that secure the Flow Walls to the Control Module Outer Wall 
   c. Two Compression Walls each having:
 i. An outer edge that seals against the Control Module Outer Wall; 
 ii. A set of sealed Shifting Rod Holes; 
 iii. A sealed Connecting Rod Hole; 
 iv. A One Way Valve; 
 v. A Relief Orifice 
 vi. Clips, pins, bolts, etc. that secure the Compression Walls to the Control Module Outer Wall. 
   d. Two Pressure Pistons each having:
 i. An outer edge that seals against the Control Module Outer Wall; 
 ii. A set of sealed Shifting Rod Holes; 
 iii. A sealed Connecting Rod Hole. 
   e. A Control Head which contains:
 i. A set of sealed Shifting Rod Holes; 
 ii. A tapered surface adjacent to the outer surface and its sidewall; 
 iii. A Control Head Through Hole 
   f. Two Relief Chambers which:
 i. Are open chambers; 
 ii. Have the Flow Walls as their outer walls; 
 iii. Have the Compression Walls as their inner walls; 
 iv. Contain Relief Valves that release pressurized fluid medium into the Return Line in hydraulic applications, but may release fluid medium into the atmosphere in pneumatic applications. 
   g. Two Control Chambers which:
 i. Have Compression Walls as their outer fixed walls; 
 ii. Have Pressure Pistons as their moveable inner walls; 
 iii. Receive pressurized fluid medium through a One Way Valve in the Compression Walls; 
 iv. Discharge pressurized fluid medium through Relief Orifices in the Compression Walls; 
   h. A Shifting Chamber which:
 i. Is located in the center of the Control Module; 
 ii. Has Pressure Pistons as its moveable outer walls; 
 iii. Has a set of Control Springs; 
 iv. Houses the Control Head; 
 v. Houses a set of Control Head Stops; 
 vi. Has a set of Actuator Control Plungers. 
   
     
     
         4 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the Control Module contains a set of Shifting Rods which:
 a. Are attached to the Control Head by, but not limited to clips, or threads and nuts, or pins, etc.;   b. Are attached to two Port Controls by, but not limited to clips, or threads and nuts, or pins, etc.;   c. Are slideably mounted in the Control Module, and pass through the Flow Walls, Relief Chambers, Compression Walls, Control Chambers, Pressure Pistons, and Shifting Chamber.   
     
     
         5 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the Control Module contains a set of Actuator Control Plungers which:
 a. Are spaced equidistant around the center of the Control Module Outer Wall;   b. Maintain a preset pressure against the Control Head until sufficient differential pressure is applied on the Control Head to:
 i. Push Actuator Control Plungers into the Control Module Outer Wall; 
 ii. Push past Actuator Control Plungers from Position I to Position II; or 
 iii. Push past Actuator Control Plungers from Position II to Position I. 
   
     
     
         6 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the Control Module contains a Connecting Rod which:
 a. Is slideably mounted in the Control Module, and passes completely through the center of the Control Module, through both Canister Adjustment plates, and:
 i. Terminates within the Canister Modules in pump type applications; 
 ii. Terminates within one Canister Module and extends completely through the second Canister Module in single end applications, or in a combination of pump and press type applications performed simultaneously; 
 iii. Extends completely through both Canister Modules in a double ended press or reciprocating type applications. 
   b. Attaches to the Canister Piston Heads within the Canister Modules.   
     
     
         7 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the two Canister Adjustment Plates:
 a. Attach the Control Module to Canister Modules that are:
 i. Smaller in diameter than the Control Module; 
 ii. The same diameter as the Control Module; 
 iii. Larger in diameter than the Control Module; 
   b. Attach to the Control Module and Canister Modules by Threaded Adapters or Flanged Adapters;   c. Are completely interchangeable;   d. Have a Canister Adjustment Plate Passage that:
 i. Provides a path for pressurized fluid medium to enter the Canister Modules from the Control Module; 
 ii. Provides a path for depressurized fluid medium to exit the Canister Modules into the Control Module; 
 iii. Serves as Port Control Receiving Orifices. 
   
     
     
         8 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein The Canister Module Outer Walls are cylindrical tubes which have:
 a. Service Ports that can be used with, but not limited to:
 i. Breather Tubes 
 ii. One Way Valves 
 iii. Plugs 
 iv. Pressure Gauges 
 v. Relief Valves 
 vi. Accumulators 
 vii. Pulse Dampeners 
   b. A Threaded or Flanged Open End that attaches to End Caps:   c. A Threaded or Flanged Open End that attaches to Canister Adjustment Plates.   
     
     
         9 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein each Canister Module contains a Canister Piston Head that:
 a. Attaches to the Connecting Rod by, but not limited to:
 i. Threads and self-locking nut; or 
 ii. Press Fit: or 
 iii. Clips; or 
 iv. Pins; 
   b. Seals against the Canister Outer Wall;   c. Provides its power stroke on the extension stroke, never on the retraction stroke;   d. Serves as the outer moveable wall to the Canister Fluid Chamber   e. Serves as the inner moveable wall to the Canister Work Chamber   
     
     
         10 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the Canister Modules each contain a Canister Fluid Chamber which:
 a. Has its inner boundary as the Canister Adjustment Plate;   b. Has its moveable outer boundary as the Canister Piston Head;   c. Expands Outwardly as pressurized fluid medium enters through the Canister Adjustment Plate;   d. Retracts inwardly as depressurized fluid medium exits through the Canister Adjustment Plate;   e. Houses a Compression Spring which;
 i. Limits the inward movement of the Canister Piston Head on the retraction stroke. 
 ii. Cushions the force of the Canister Piston Head on the retraction stroke; 
 iii. Provides mechanical energy to assist the pressurized fluid medium at the beginning of the extension stroke. 
   f. Houses a Metal Trap which traps Metal Shavings that are harmful to the actuator or peripheral equipment;   g. Houses a Stroke Shortener which shortens the stroke movement of the Connecting Rod;   
     
     
         11 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the Canister Modules contain a Canister Work Chamber which:
 a. Has its outer boundary as an End Cap;   b. Has its moveable inner boundary as the Canister Piston Head;   c. Houses the Service Ports;   d. Expels product fluid out of the Canister Module through the End Cap or Service Ports on the extension stroke of the Canister Piston Head in pump type applications;   e. Draws product fluid into the Canister Module through the End Cap or Service Ports on the retraction stroke of the Canister Piston Head in pump type applications;   f. Expels gas or air out of the Canister Module through the Service Ports on the extension stroke of the Canister Piston Head in press or reciprocating type applications.   g. Draws gas or air into the Canister Module through the Service Ports on the retraction stroke of the Canister Piston Head in press or reciprocating type applications.   h. May be used in conjunction with:
 i. Breather Tubes 
 ii. One Way Valves 
 iii. Plugs 
 iv. Pressure Gauges 
 v. Relief Valves 
 vi. Accumulators 
 vii. Pulse Dampeners 
   
     
     
         12 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the Relief Valves and the Compression Walls embody Pressure Differential Mechanisms in which:
 a. The Relief Valve Releases Pressure in the Pressure Path, while;   b. The Compression Wall maintains pressure on the Control Chamber creating a positive differential pressure which forces the Pressure Piston to compress the Control Spring against the Control Head with enough force to:   c. Move the Control Head past the Actuator Control Plungers and move the Shifting Mechanism from Position I to Position II, or from Position II to Position I.   
     
     
         13 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the Shifting Mechanism which:
 a. Is composed of the Control Head, Shifting Rods, Port Controls; and   b. Directs the flow of fluid medium in Position I by:   c. Positioning the upper Port Control to:
 i. Form an upper Flow Chamber which effectively opens an upper Supply Port; 
 ii. Form Isolation Chamber C which effectively blocks an upper Exhaust Port; 
   d. Positioning the lower Port Control to:
 i. Form Isolation Chamber B which effectively blocks a lower Supply Port; 
 ii. Form a lower Exhaust Chamber which effectively opens a lower Exhaust Port. 
   
     
     
         14 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein a Connecting Rod Extension:
 a. Is attached to the end of a Connecting Rod;   b. Is located within a Canister Module;   c. Is slideably mounted through a Canister End Cap;   d. Provides greater rod cross-sectional area in certain punch/press type applications.   
     
     
         15 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the Control Head Stops:
 a. Define the Limits of movement of the Control Head; and   b. Define the Limits of movement of the Shifting Mechanism.   
     
     
         16 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein a Relief Orifice:
 a. Is located in each Compression Wall;   b. Decompresses the Control Chamber after switching has occurred.   
     
     
         17 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 1 , wherein the Modified Control Module:
 a. Allows compatibility with external switching means while maintaining central control of the fluid medium flow.   b. Directs all fluid medium force on the extension stroke of the Piston Heads; never on the retraction stroke; and   c. Provides modular compatibility with the Canister Modules and external switching means.   
     
     
         18 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 17 , wherein the Modified Control Module consists of a cylindrical tube which serves as the Modified Control Module's Outer Wall which includes:
 a. Receiving/Exhaust Ports that allows pressurized fluid medium to enter the Modified Control Module on the extension stroke of the Piston Heads; and allows depressurized fluid medium to exit the Modified Control Module on the retraction stroke of the Piston Heads;   b. Threaded or flanged Open Ends that attach to the Canister Adjustment Plates;   
     
     
         19 . The linear fluid actuator system according to  claim 17 , wherein the Modified Control Module contains Receiving/Exhaust Chambers which:
 a. Are open chambers that direct fluid medium flow into and out of the Canister Modules;   b. Have the Canister Adjustment Plates as their outer walls;   c. Have the Fixed Sealed Hole Center Wall as their inner wall which;
 i. Contains a Fixed Sealed Connecting Rod Hole which may be sealed by, including and not limited to O-rings, rod seals, or precision drilled holes, and holds the Connecting Rod while maintaining a seal between the upper Receiving/Exhaust Chamber and the lower Receiving/Exhaust Chamber; 
 ii. Is removable; 
 iii. Is held in place by Center Wall Retainers. 
   c. Houses a Connecting Rod which:
 i. Is slideably mounted in the Fixed Seal Hole Center Wall, and passes completely through the center of the Control Module, through both Canister Adjustment plates, and:
 A. Terminates within the Canister Modules in pump type applications; 
 B. Terminates within one Canister Module and extends completely through the second Canister Module in single end applications, or in a combination of pump and press type applications performed simultaneously; 
 C. Extends completely through both Canister Modules in a double ended press or reciprocation type application. 
 
 ii. Attaches to the Canister Piston Heads within the Canister Modules.