WO2023223341A1

WO2023223341A1 - Buoy driven hydraulic power pack

Info

Publication number: WO2023223341A1
Application number: PCT/IN2023/050448
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mani Kalaimani
Original assignee: Mani Kalaimani
Priority date: 2022-05-20
Filing date: 2023-05-11
Publication date: 2023-11-23

Abstract

The present invention comprises a buoyant chamber (100) containing a buoyant fluid (110). A plurality of serially connected buoy systems (200) is disposed of within the buoyant chamber (100). The buoy system (200) comprises a buoy (300), 5 mounting structure (500), blowing means (540), and a hydraulic cylinder (700). By alternately entrapping air and buoyant fluid within the annular space (350) of the buoy (300), it is allowed to reciprocate up and down. Using the reciprocating movement, the hydraulic cylinder is continuously operated to produce a pressurised fluid output. Thereby the present invention performs like a hydraulic power pack. 10 The present invention overcomes the challenges, as seen from the prior art, namely consistent production of energy, continuous output, and ease of portability. Furthermore, it provides a cost-effective solution.

Description

BUOY DRIVEN HYDRAULIC POWER PACK

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention is generally related to the field of the hydraulics power pack. More particularly relates to a buoy driven hydraulic power pack.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[002] Hydraulics is widely used in a range of lifting applications in many industries. To name a few: mining, automotive industry, sheet-metal industry, plastics moulding etc.

[003] By exerting a minimal amount of force, a hydraulic system can deliver a higher pressure of more than 65 MPa. By virtue of this property, hydraulics systems are deployed wherever it is required to lift heavy loads at an affordable cost. It operates on Pascal’s law. Pascal’s law states that “Pressure applied to a confined incompressible fluid at any point is transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid in all directions and acts upon every part of the confining vessel at right angles to its interior surfaces and equally upon equal areas.”

[004] A hydraulic system uses a fluid to generate and transmit energy within an enclosed system from one point to another. The deliverable force can be in the form of linear motion, force or rotary motion.

[005] A hydraulic power pack is usually a stand-alone assembly. It consists of a drive motor, hydraulic pump and hydraulic fluid reservoir. The drive motor drives the pump. The pump converts the electrical energy into hydraulic energy.

[006] The inherent problem with this kind of hydraulic powerpack is that it requires substantial electrical energy.

[007] Therefore, certain attempts have been made to utilise alternative energy sources, like wave energy, to replace conventional electrical power. However, those systems are inconsistent, non-continuous and not portable.

[008] The available prior art of interest describes various power packs, but none discloses the present invention. The related art does not reveal any such better solution so far. Firstly, there is a need for a power pack that will provide a consistent energy output; secondly, it shall give the output continuously; thirdly, it shall provide ease of portability.

[009] The prior art will be discussed in the sequence of perceived relevance to the present invention.

[010] CN101818720 -Tidal range buoy power generating device: This prior art discloses a tidal range buoy power generating device. A circular hole is formed in the centre of a large buoy, and a pile passes through the circular hole. Due to the tidal change, the buoy reciprocates up and down. This, in turn, operates a reciprocating pumping device connected with a spray pipe of a hydroelectric generator on the shore through a pipeline so that a generator is pushed to generate power.

[Oi l] CN206222227 - A kind of wave-activated power generation navigation mark device: This prior art provides a beacon device that utilises wave energy power supply. Using the sea waves, a swing motion is created on the swing rod, which cuts the magnetic induction line in the magnetic field to generate electric energy to light the beacon light. However, this prior art has a limited and specific application. [012] CN110529329 - A kind of ocean wave power generation device: This prior art provides an ocean wave power generation device. It converts the reciprocating moment of the buoy into rotary motion through some gear train. A power generation device is operated through rotary motion to produce power. This prior art also has certain limitations.

[013] The present invention attempts to solve the challenges, as is seen in the prior art. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or severally, teach the present invention. Therefore, there is a need for an efficient and cost-effective device and method to address the highlighted challenges of the prior art. The present invention provides a simple and elegant solution to the existing state of the art as technical advancement that is also cost-effective. The objects and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description.

SUMMARY

[014] The present invention overcomes the challenges, as seen from the prior art, namely consistent output of energy, continuous output, and ease of portability. The present invention comprises a buoyant chamber wherein a buoyant fluid is stored. A plurality of serially connected buoy systems is disposed of within the buoyant chamber. The buoy system comprises a buoy in which an annular space is created to receive and entrap the buoyant fluid and compressed air. The buoy further has a plurality of openings, and such openings are made to open and close through a swivelling plate operated by an actuating means. The present invention further comprises a portable mounting structure. The mounting structure comprises guiding provisions for the buoy to reciprocate and a blowing means to blow the air into the buoy when it is at the bottom, thereby replacing the entrapped buoyant fluid, which makes the buoy float upwards. When the buoy reaches the top, the swivelling plate gets operated, allowing the air to escape and the buoyant fluid to enter the annular space. It makes the buoy slide down. Thereby, a continuous reciprocating moment is created. The buoy is connected to a piston of a hydraulic cylinder. The reciprocating moment of the buoys continuously compresses the actuating fluid inside the hydraulic cylinder. A continuous pressurised fluid output is achieved to perform the work (20) as a hydraulic power pack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[015] The structure and the technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve the above and other objects can be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[016] FIG 1A illustrates a generalised system diagram of the present invention;

[017] FIG IB illustrates the two dimensional drawing of an embodiment of the present invention;

[018] FIG 2A shows the pictorial view of the present invention;

[019] FIG 2B shows the exploded view of the present invention;

[020] FIG 3A shows the pictorial view of the buoy assembly from the top;

[021] FIG 3B shows the pictorial view of the buoy assembly from the bottom;

[022] FIG 3C shows the exploded view of the buoy assembly; [023] FIG 3D shows top view of the buoy assembly;

[024] FIG 3E shows shows the cross-sectional view of the buoy assembly;

[025] FIG 3F shows the buoy assembly at its open condition;

[026] FIG 3G shows the buoy assembly at its closed condition;

[027] FIG 4 illustrates the two dimensional drawing of another embodiment of the present invention;

[028] FIG 5A shows an alternate embodiment of the buoy;

[029] FIG5B shows an alternate embodiment of the swivelling plate;

[030] FIG5C shows the assembly of the alternate embodiment of the buoy and the swivelling plate;and

[031] FIGs 6, 7, 8 and 9 show various other alternate embodiment of the buoy and the swivelling plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[032] The present invention provides for a novel approach to the construction and operation of a buoy driven hydraulic power pack (10). It aids to deliver the pressurised fluid which can be deployed to do any useful work (20). For example, lifting of heavy objects in a cost-efficient way. Principle of working will become apparent from the following description.

[033] Fig 1A shows the generalised system diagram of the present invention (10). A fluid at atmospheric pressure (5A) is fed into the present invention (10). The fluid (5A) is compressed by the system to deliver a pressurised fluid (5B) to do useful work (20) i.e. to activate any desired application (20).

[034] The present invention (10) works as said processing system (1). Fig. IB illustrates the two dimensional drawing of an embodiment of the present invention (10). It provides for the method to operate a buoy driven hydraulic power pack (10), comprising a buoyant chamber wherein a buoyant fluid (110) is stored. A plurality of serially connected buoy system (200) disposed within the buoyant chamber (100).

[035] As seen from the Figs 2A-2B, 3A - G, said buoy system (200) comprising a buoy (300) having a first portion (310) having opposed upper surface (312) and lower surface (314), wherein a plurality of openings (316) is radially arrayed and formed therethrough, said buoy further having an annular second portion (320) extended downwardly from the lower surface (314) around the periphery of the first portion (310), the annular second portion (320) having opposed outer surface (322) and inner surface (324) whereby an annular space (350) is created within said buoy (300) to receive and entrap the buoyant fluid (110) and air.

[036] Referring to Figs 3A-3G, 5A-C, 6,7,8 and 9, said buoy (300) may be in any shape. Namely, shaped like, a cylinder (300 and 300A), a frustum of a cone (300B), a polygonal prism (300C), a frustum of a pyramid (300D), and/or an irregular shaped object (300E).

[037] As shown in Figs 3C, the present invention further comprises a swivelling plate (400) having opposed upper surface (412) and lower surface (414), wherein a plurality of openings (416) is radially arrayed and formed therethrough, said swivelling plate is axially aligned and rotatably secured by a securing means with said buoy (300). Said swivelling plate (400) further comprising a fixedly mounted cam pin (470) on the outer surface (472).

[038] Figs 3C - G show an actuating means (450) fixedly mounted onto said buoy (300), whereby said actuating means (450) actuates said cam pin (470) thereby said swivelling plate (400) swivels about its axis and position itself such that it creates an open position (452) and a closed position (454), wherein the open position (452) is effected by evenly aligning the plurality of openings (316) of said buoy and the plurality of openings (416) of said swivelling plate (400) whereby the buoyant fluid (110) is allowed to pass through while in the open position (452), further the closed position (454) is effected by alternately aligning the plurality of openings (316) of said buoy and the plurality of openings (416) of said swivelling plate (400) whereby the buoyant fluid (110) is prevented to pass through while in the closed position (452).

[039] As an alternate embodiment (300A) of said buoy (300), as seen from the Fig. 5A, the plurality of openings (316A) can also be additionally or alternatively formed through between the outer surface (322A) and the inner surface (324A) of the annular second portion (320A).

[040] Fig. 5B shows and alternative embodiment (400A) of said swivelling plate (400). Said alternate embodiment of swivelling plate (400A) has a substantially plannar first portion (410A) having an opposed upper surface (412 A) and lower surface (414B) and further having an annular second portion (420A) having an opposed Gutter surface (422A)and inner surface (424A) wherein a plurality openings are radially arrayed and formed therethrough. The objective of said swivelling plate (400 or 400A) is to operatively achieve the open position (452) and the closed postion (454). Fig. 5C shows the assembly of the alternate embodiment of said buoy (300A) and said swivelling plate (400A).

[041] As seen from Figs 2A-B and Figs. 3A-G, the present invention further comprises a mounting structure (500) for operatively mounting said buoy (300). Said mounting structure (500) comprising a base plate (510) and a top plate (520). Said base plate (510) having opposed upper surface (512) and lower surface (514), the lower surface being adopted for removable positioning and securement on to a surface at the bottom of said buoyant chamber (100). Said top plate (520) has an opposed upper surface (522) and lower surface (524). Said buoy (300) further comprising plurality of guiding tabs (350) fixedly projected from the outer surface (322) of said buoy (300). The guiding tabs (350) having a upper surface (352) and lower surface (354), a guiding hole (356) is formed therethrough.

[042] Refering to Figs. 2A-B, the mounting structure (500) further comprises a plurality of guide rods (530) having top end (532) and bottom end (534), the bottom end (534) is fixedly secured to upper surface (512) of said base plate (510) and the top end (532) is fixedly secured to lower surface (524) of said top plate (520) whereby the space between the lower surface (524) of the top plate (520) and the upper surface (512) of the base plate (510) defines the operating space of said buoy (300), wherein said buoy (300) is moveably engaged with said plurality of guide rods (530) through the guiding tabs (350) of said buoy (300), whereby said buoy (300) is operatively allowed to slide up and down. [043] Refering to Figs. 2A-B, 3A-G the mounting structure (500) further comprises a blowing means (540) axially aligned with said buoy (300) and fixedly secured onto the upper surface (512) of said base plate (510), said blowing means is operatively connected to an external compressor whereby the blowing means (540) blows the air while said buoy (300) is proximal to the upper surface (512) of the base plate (510) further said swivelling plate is set in the closed position (454) by said actuating means (450), whereby the blown air replaces the entrapped buoyant fluid (110) whereby said buoy (300) is made to buoy-up and travel proximal to the lower surface (524) of said top plate(520) by the buoyant force.

[044] Said actuating means (450) effects the open position (452) while said buoy (300) is at proximal to the lower surface (524) of said top plate (520), whereby the entrapped air is allowed to disperse within the buoyant fluid (110) and simultaneously the buoyant fluid (110) enters into the annular space (350), whereby said buoy (300) slides down to proximal to the upper surface (512) of said base plate (510).

[045] Refering to Figs 1A-B, 2A-B, the present invention further comprises a hydraulic cylinder (700) having a piston (710), an inlet port (712) to draw -in the actuating fluid (720A) and an out let port (714), said hydraulic cylinder (700) is secured onto the upper surface (522) of said top plate (520) and the piston (710) is secured on to the upper surface (312) of said buoy (300), whereby said buoy (300), while floats up, the interconnected piston (710) of the cylinder (700) also moves up along with the buoy (300) whereby the piston (710) compresses the drawn in actuating fluid (720A) within the cylinder (700), whereby the pressurised actuating fluid (720B) is let out through the out let port (714) to perform the work (20) as a hydraulic power pack.

[046] Refering to Fig. 3B, said buoy (300) further having a plurality of pre-filled air chambers (330) fixedly arrayed and radially extended outwardly from the inner surface (324) of the annular second portion (320), whereby the plurality of pre- filled air chambers (330) counter the combined weight of said buoy (300) and the piston (710) of said hydraulic cylinder.

[047] Refering to Fig. 3A-B, said securing means for operatively securing said swivelling plate (400) with said buoy (300) for securement is selected from the group consisting of step bolts, circlips, and any combinations thereof.

[048] Refering to Fig. 3C, said actuating means (450) for actuation to effect the open position (452) and closed position (454) is selected from a group consisting of mechanical cam pin actuators, push-pull solenoid actuators, hydraulic linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators and electro-mechanical linear actuators.

[049] Figs. 2A-B shows a mechanical cam pin actuator. It comprises of cam tracks (460A & 460B) mounted onto said base plate (510) and said top plate (520) respectively. As siad buoy (300) moves along with said swivelling plate (400), the cam pin (470) fixedly attached with said swivelling plate (400) engages with the cam profile formed onto the cam tracks (460A & 460B) thereby the open position (452) and closed position (454) is achieved.

[050] As shown in Figs 2A-B, both inlet port (712) and out let port (714) of said hydraulic cylinder (700) is operatively controlled by external flow control directional valves. [051] The present invention overcomes the challenges, as seen from the prior art, namely consistent production of energy, continuous output, and ease of portability. Furthermore, it provides a cost-effective solution.

ANOTHER PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[052] In another preferred embodiment, the Fig. 4 shows a serially connected four buoy system (200). Similarly, any number of multiples of buoy system (200) can be connected to scale up the output of pressurised fluid (720B) to adequately service the needs of the work (20) to be performed.

Claims

CLAIMS A method to operate a buoy driven hydraulic power pack (10), comprising the steps of: providing a buoyant chamber (100) wherein a buoyant fluid (110) is stored; a plurality of serially connected buoy systems (200) disposed within the buoyant chamber (100); said buoy system (200) comprising: a buoy (300 or 300A) having a first portion (310) having opposed upper surface (312) and lower surface (314), said buoy further having an annular second portion (320) extended downwardly from the lower surface (314) around the periphery of the first portion (310), the annular second portion (320) having opposed outer surface (322) and inner surface (324) whereby an annular space (350) is created within said buoy (300) to receive and entrap the buoyant fluid (HO); said buoy (300), wherein a plurality of openings (316) is radially arrayed and formed therethrough; said buoy (300) further comprising plurality of guiding tabs (350) fixedly projected from the outer surface (322) thereof; the guiding tabs (350) having a upper surface (352) and lower surface (354), wherein a guiding hole (356) is formed therethrough; providing a swivelling plate (400) having opposed upper surface (412) and lower surface (414), wherein a plurality of openings (416) is radially arrayed and formed therethrough, said swivelling plate (400) is axially aligned and rotatably secured by a securing means with said buoy (300); said swivelling plate (400) further comprising a fixedly mounted cam pin (470) therefrom; providing an actuating means (450) fixedly mounted onto said buoy (300), whereby said actuating means (450) actuates said cam pin (470) thereby said swivelling plate (400) swivels about its axis and position itself such that it creates an open position (452) and a closed position (454), wherein the open position (452) is effected by evenly aligning the plurality of openings (316) of said buoy (300) and the plurality of openings (416) of said swivelling plate (400) whereby the buoyant fluid (110) is allowed to pass through while in the open position (452), further the closed position (454) is effected by alternately aligning the plurality of openings (316) of said buoy and the plurality of openings (416) of said swivelling plate (300) whereby the buoyant fluid (110) is prevented to pass through while in the closed position (454); providing a mounting structure (500) for operatively mounting said buoy (300); said mounting structure (500) comprising: a base plate (510) having opposed upper surface ( 12) and lower surface (514), the lower surface being adopted for removable positioning and securement on to a surface at the bottom of said buoyant chamber (100); a top plate (520) having opposed upper surface (522) and lower surface (524); providing a plurality of guide rods (530) having top end (532) and bottom end (534), the bottom end (534) is fixedly secured to upper surface (512) of said base plate (510) and the top end (532) is fixedly secured to lower surface (524) of said top plate (520) whereby the space between the lower surface (524) of the top plate (520) and the upper surface (512) of the base plate (510) defines the operating space of said buoy (300), wherein said buoy (300) is moveably engaged with said plurality of guide rods (530) through the guiding tabs (350) of said buoy (300), whereby said buoy (300) is operatively allowed to slide up and down; providing a blowing means (540) axially aligned with said buoy (300) and fixedly secured onto the upper surface (512) of said base plate (510), said blowing means is operatively connected to an external compressor whereby the blowing means (540) blows the air while said buoy (300) is proximal to the upper surface (512) of the base plate (510) further said swivelling plate (400) is set in the closed position (454) by said actuating means (450), whereby the blown air replaces the entrapped buoyant fluid (110) whereby said buoy (300) is made to buoy-up and travel proximal to the lower surface (524) of said top plate(520) by the buoyant force; said actuating means (450) effects the open position (452) while said buoy (300) is at proximal to the lower surface (524) of said top plate (520), whereby the entrapped air is allowed to disperse within the buoyant fluid (110) and simultaneously the buoyant fluid (110) enters into the annular space (350), whereby said buoy (300) slides down to proximal to the upper surface (512) of said base plate (510); and providing a hydraulic cylinder (700) having a piston (710), an inlet port (712) to draw-in the actuating fluid (720A) and an out let port (714), said hydraulic cylinder (700) is secured onto the upper surface (522) of said top plate (520) and the piston (710) is secured on to the upper surface (312) of said buoy (300), whereby said buoy (300), while floats up, the interconnected piston (710) of the cylinder (700) also moves up along with the buoy (300) whereby the piston (710) compresses the drawn in actuating fluid (720A) within the cylinder (700), whereby the pressurised actuating fluid (720B) is let out through the outlet port (714) to perform the work (20) as a hydraulic power pack. The method to operate the buoy driven hydraulic power pack ( 10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said buoy (300) is shaped like a cylinder (300A), a frustum of a cone (300B), a polygonal prism (300C), a frustum of a pyramid (300D), or an irregular shaped object (300E). The method to operate the buoy driven hydraulic power pack ( 10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said buoy (300) further having a plurality of pre-filled air chambers (330) fixedly arrayed and radially extended outwardly from the inner surface (324) of the annular second portion (320), whereby the plurality of prefilled air chambers (330) counter the combined weight of said buoy (300) and the piston (710) of said hydraulic cylinder. The method to operate the buoy driven hydraulic power pack ( 10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said securing means for operatively securing said swivelling plate (400) with said buoy (300) for securement is selected from the group consisting of step bolts, circlips, and any combinations thereof. The method to operate the buoy driven hydraulic power pack ( 10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating means (450) for actuation to effect the open position (452) and closed position (454) is selected from a group consisting of mechanical cam pin actuators, push-pull solenoid actuators, hydraulic linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators and electro-mechanical linear actuators. A buoy driven hydraulic power pack (10), comprising: a buoyant chamber (100); a buoyant fluid (110) stored within said buoyant chamber (100); a plurality of serially connected buoy system (200) disposed within the buoyant chamber (100); said buoy system (200) comprising: a buoy (300) having a first portion (310) having opposed upper surface (312) and lower surface (314), wherein a plurality of openings (316) is radially arrayed and formed therethrough, said buoy further having an annular second portion (320) extended downwardly from the lower surface (314) around the periphery of the first portion (310), the annular second portion (320) having opposed outer surface (322) and inner surface (324) whereby an annular space (350) is created therein; said buoy (300) further comprising plurality of guiding tabs (350) fixedly projected from the outer cylindrical surface (322) thereof; the guiding tabs (350) having a upper surface (352) and lower surface (354), wherein a guiding hole (356) is formed therethrough; a swivelling plate (400) having opposed upper surface (412) and lower surface (414), wherein a plurality of openings (416) is radially arrayed and formed therethrough, said swivelling plate is axially aligned and rotatably secured by a securing means with said buoy (300); an actuating means (450) fixedly mounted onto said buoy (300), whereby said actuating means (450) actuates said swivelling plate (400) to swivel about its axis and position said swivelling plate (400) such that it creates an open position (452) and a closed position (454), wherein the open position (452) is effected by evenly aligning the plurality of openings (316) of said buoy and the plurality of openings (416) of said swivelling plate (300), further the closed position (454) is effected by alternately aligning the plurality of openings (316) of said buoy and the plurality of openings (416) of said swivelling plate (300); a mounting structure (500) for operatively mounting said buoy (300); said mounting structure (500) comprising: a base plate (510) having opposed upper surface (512) and lower surface (514), the lower surface removably mounted on to the bottom of said buoyant chamber (100); a top plate (520) having opposed upper surface (522) and lower surface (524; a plurality of guide rods (530) having top end (532) and bottom end (534), the bottom end (534) is fixedly secured to upper surface (512) of said base plate (510) and the top end (532) is fixedly secured to lower surface (524) of said top plate (520) wherein said buoy (300) is moveably engaged with said plurality of guide rods (530) through the guiding tabs (350) of said buoy (300); a blowing means (540) is axially aligned with said buoy (300) and fixedly secured onto the upper surface (512) of said base plate (510), said blowing means is operatively connected to an external compressor whereby the blowing means (540) blows the air while said buoy (300) is proximal to the upper surface (512) of the base plate (510) further said swivelling plate is set in the closed position (454) by said actuating means (450) whereby the blown air replaces the entrapped buoyant fluid (110) whereby said buoy (300) is made to buoy-up and travel proximal to the lower surface (524) of said top plate(520) by the buoyant force; said actuating means (450) effects the open position (452) while said buoy (300) is at proximal to the lower surface (524) of said top plate (520), whereby the entrapped air is allowed to disperse within the buoyant fluid (110) and simultaneously the buoyant fluid (110) enters into the annular space (350), whereby said buoy (300) slides down to proximal to the upper surface (512) of said base plate (510) because of its self-weight; and a hydraulic cylinder (700) having a piston (710), an inlet port (712) to draw-in the actuating fluid (720A) and an out let port (714) to let out the pressurised actuating fluid (720B), said hydraulic cylinder (700) is secured onto the upper surface (522) of said top plate (520) and the piston (710) is secured on to the upper surface (312) of said buoy (300), whereby said buoy (300), while floats up, the interconnected piston (710) of said hydraulic sylinder (700) also moves up along with the buoy (300) whereby the piston (710) compresses the drawn in actuating fluid (720A) within said hydraulic cylinder (700), whereby the pressurised actuating fluid (720B) is let out through the out let port (714) to perform the work (20) as a hydraulic power pack. The buoy driven hydraulic power pack (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said buoy (300) is shaped like a cylinder (300A), a frustum of a cone (300B), a polygonal prism (300C), a frustum of a pyramid (300D), or an irregular shaped object (300E). The buoy driven hydraulic power pack (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said buoy (300) further having a plurality of pre-filled air chambers (330) fixedly arrayed and radially extended outwardly from the inner surface (324) of the annular second portion (320). The buoy driven hydraulic power pack (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said securing means for operatively securing said swivelling plate (400) with said buoy (300) for securement is selected from the group consisting of step bolts, circlips, and combinations thereof. The buoy driven hydraulic power pack (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said actuating means (450) for actuation to effect the open position (452) and closed position (454) is selected from a group consisting of mechanical actuators, push-pull solenoid actuators, hydraulic linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators and electro-mechanical linear actuators.