Pneumatic actuator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A pneumatic actuator converts energy (in the form of compressed air, typically) into motion. The motion can be rotary or linear, depending on the type of actuator. Some types of pneumatic actuators include:
- Tie Rod Cylinders
- Compact Air Cylinders
- Rotary Actuators
- Grippers
- Escapement mechanisms
- Rodless Actuators with Magnetic linkage
- Rodless Actuators with Mechanical linkage
- Specialty actuators that combine rotary and linear motion--frequently used for clamping operations
- Vacuum Generators
A robotic sculpture that uses a pneumatic actuator was created by artist Jim Pallas and engineer Jim Zalewski in 1990. This artwork, the Nose Wazoo, senses movements of people around it and, using the pneumatic actuator (cylinder) to change its center of gravity, gimbals through several different movements as shown in a short video.
There are a number of different manufacturers of pneumatic equipment. Some examples are:
