pic: S.W.A.T. 771's Robot

[dlavery]

Originally Posted by RogerR

if i recall correctly, the retracting force of a 2-inch bore piston is about 180 lbs (as she said), while the expanding force is over 200 lbs.

Theoretical extension force for a 2" diameter piston at 60 psi is 188.5 pounds (force=piston surface area * pressure). The theoretical retraction force is 176.7 pounds (piston surface area during retraction is reduced by the area of the piston rod). In reality, both of these numbers are slightly reduced due to friction in the system and minute amounts of blow-by around the seals. But the total available force is still more than sufficient to lift a 130 pound robot (unless you have really whaled away at the piston rod and bent it [note to certain team members - pistons are NOT hammers!], in which case you will never lift anything ).

-dave