Mechanical-Lock Actuating Cylinder

extends through the piston and out through both ends of the cylinder. One or both ends of the piston rod may be attached to a mechanism to be actuated. In either case, the cylinder provides equal areas on each side of the piston so that the amount of fluid and force required to move the piston a certain distance in one direction is exactly the same as the amount required to move it an equal distance in the opposite direction. Actuators are designed for a particular type of installation. For example, internal locking cylinders are used on some bomb bay door installations, while cushioned types are used where it is necessary to slow the extension or retraction of landing gears. Mechanical-Lock Actuating Cylinder In many installations it is necessary to lock an actuating cylinder in a specified position. This may be for safety or operational requirements of the unit. The different designs of lock cylinders vary between manufacturers, but they are usually of the ball-lock or finger-lock type. At times, indicating devices are also incorporated along with the lock feature of the cylinders. BALL-LOCK ACTUATOR. —The cylinder shown in figure 8-3 is a single-action, ball-lock Figure 8-3.—Cutaway of a single-action, ball-lock actuating cylinder. 8-3