摘要 |
A fluid powered linkage (12) has at least three side plates (18) of substantially equal width joined by connectors (17) to form a polygon of variable cross sectional area. An upper plate and a lower plate enclose a variable volume within the polygon. At least one port (37) allows fluid to enter into or leave from the enclosed variable volume in a controllable manner. Seals prevent fluid from entering or leaving the enclosed variable volume other than through the one or more ports. Two abutments (19, 11) are located on the side plates or connectors and the distance between the two abutments varies non-linearly with, but in the same direction as, the variable cross-sectional area. Optionally, an inner surface of one or more of the side plates defines a recess. A preferred linkage has a cross-section in the shape of a diamond or rhombus of varying internal angles, or a half or quarter thereof. In use, the obtuse angle preferably ranges from nearly 180 degrees to about 135 degrees. The linkage is used in an apparatus for producing a fluid output with altered pressure, volume or flow compared to a fluid input and a hydraulic motor.
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