Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for effecting actuation of a device. The device has a home position and a set position and the apparatus returns the device to the home position upon loss of power to the apparatus. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a drive motor for providing a driving force to a drive shaft, and a bias member having a cocking mechanism and a release mechanism. The bias member provides a bias force to a bias shaft when the cocking mechanism is cocked and the release mechanism is released; the release mechanism is released when power is lost to the actuator. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus further includes a drive member which delivers an actuating force to an actuating shaft in response to forces received on an input shaft. Still further, the apparatus preferably includes a transmission mechanism coupled with the drive shaft, with the bias shaft, and with the input shaft. The transmission mechanism delivers the driving force to the bias shaft when a clutch gear arrangement is engaged with the transmission mechanism. The transmission member delivers the driving force to the input shaft when the bias shaft is locked. The transmission mechanism delivers the bias force to the input shaft when the power is lost to the actuator.

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First Claim