Jeffrey A Carlson

US Patent:

6868773, Mar 22, 2005

Filed:

Aug 8, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/638109

Inventors:

Donald L. Davis - Roscoe IL, US
Jeffrey A. Carlson - Roscoe IL, US

Assignee:

Electro Cam Corporation - Roscoe IL

International Classification:

F01B019/04

US Classification:

92 92, 92153

Abstract:

A fluidic actuator includes a central elastic tube with an interior bore and a surrounding sheath formed of braided fibers. End fittings are attached to the tube and sheath at first and second ends thereof and include a cap with a hollow cavity into which an end section of the tube and sheath are inserted and embedded in a hardened adhesive. The hardened adhesive seals off the ends of the tube and strongly bonds the fibers of the sheath to the end caps to provide strong mechanical connections. A fluid coupling may extend through one of the end caps to connection to an end of the tube, with an interior bore in the coupling in communication with the bore in the tube to allow fluid under pressure to be supplied to the interior of the tube. A liquid lubricant may be held in the fibers of the sheath to provide lubrication between the elastic tube and the fibers of the sheath to reduce wear and abrasion of the tube and extend the service life of the actuator.