The present invention is an Electric servo system which controls and automates gate openings based on GPS speed and position data that results in precise and reliable modern variable and constant rate application. The Electric servo system also allows for Mechanical gate linkages to remain intact, resulting in few changes to the aircraft and redundancy of emergency components. A Mechanical input connect/disconnect is used to effortlessly transfer between the automated Electric servo system and the Mechanical gate system.

The present invention is an Electric servo system which controls and automates gate openings based on GPS speed and position data that results in precise and reliable modern variable and constant rate application. The Electric servo system also allows for Mechanical gate linkages to remain intact, resulting in few changes to the aircraft and redundancy of emergency components. A Mechanical input connect/disconnect is used to effortlessly transfer between the automated Electric servo system and the Mechanical gate system.

A motion assistance apparatus may include a power transmitting device having an input link provided to rotate with respect to a base, an output link provided to rotate with respect to the base, a first shaft connected to the input link in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the input link, a first connecting link connected to the first shaft, a second shaft connected to the first connecting link in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the first shaft, a second connecting link connected to the second shaft, and a third shaft connected between the second connecting link and the output link in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the second shaft.

A motion assistance apparatus may include a power transmitting device having an input link provided to rotate with respect to a base, an output link provided to rotate with respect to the base, a first shaft connected to the input link in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the input link, a first connecting link connected to the first shaft, a second shaft connected to the first connecting link in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the first shaft, a second connecting link connected to the second shaft, and a third shaft connected between the second connecting link and the output link in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the second shaft.

A pivot unit comprising a linear actuator; a rod assembly driven by the linear actuator; an output shaft driven by the rod assembly; a housing enclosing the rod assembly and a portion of the output shaft, and attached to the linear actuator; a saddle driven by the output shaft; a first stop arm operatively attached to the first arm and a first end of the output shaft; a second stop arm operatively attached to the second arm and a second end of the output shaft; a first shock absorber secured to a first side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the first stop arm; and a second shock absorber secured to a second side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the second stop arm.

A pivot unit comprising a linear actuator; a rod assembly driven by the linear actuator; an output shaft driven by the rod assembly; a housing enclosing the rod assembly and a portion of the output shaft, and attached to the linear actuator; a saddle driven by the output shaft; a first stop arm operatively attached to the first arm and a first end of the output shaft; a second stop arm operatively attached to the second arm and a second end of the output shaft; a first shock absorber secured to a first side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the first stop arm; and a second shock absorber secured to a second side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the second stop arm.

A vane phaser with an unlocking and relocking mechanism attached to the lock pin, which through the use of a solenoid, distinct from the solenoid used for the oil control valve, which can lock and unlock the vane phaser. When the solenoid is energized and during rotation of the camshaft, the solenoid makes contact with a lever or gear wheel attached to the lock pin, causing the lock pin to rotate. A helical feature on the lock pin itself or on the lever causes the lock pin to move axially, unlocking the vane phaser.

A vane phaser with an unlocking and relocking mechanism attached to the lock pin, which through the use of a solenoid, distinct from the solenoid used for the oil control valve, which can lock and unlock the vane phaser. When the solenoid is energized and during rotation of the camshaft, the solenoid makes contact with a lever or gear wheel attached to the lock pin, causing the lock pin to rotate. A helical feature on the lock pin itself or on the lever causes the lock pin to move axially, unlocking the vane phaser.

An actuator release mechanism comprising a longitudinal member, e.g. a piston, which is moveable axially to permit or prevent axial movement of the lock bolt and hence deployment of the actuator. Movement of the piston is due to the force of the lock bolt, under a spring force, on the one hand, and to the position and force of a linkage assembly on the other hand. The linkage assembly comprises a first link fixed, at one end, e.g. by means of a piston lock pin, to the piston and fixed at a pivot point to a second link. The second link is fixed to a rotational drive means, here a rotary solenoid or stepper motor, so as to rotate about a centre of rotation.

An actuator release mechanism comprising a longitudinal member, e.g. a piston, which is moveable axially to permit or prevent axial movement of the lock bolt and hence deployment of the actuator. Movement of the piston is due to the force of the lock bolt, under a spring force, on the one hand, and to the position and force of a linkage assembly on the other hand. The linkage assembly comprises a first link fixed, at one end, e.g. by means of a piston lock pin, to the piston and fixed at a pivot point to a second link. The second link is fixed to a rotational drive means, here a rotary solenoid or stepper motor, so as to rotate about a centre of rotation.