TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to mechanical devices that utilize a compressed fluid to produce a force in a reciprocating linear motion, and more particularly to a multi-piston cylinder that utilizes fluid pressure to displace a shaft/piston rod.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The need of developing high forces in a reciprocating linear motion is primarily fulfilled by a linear actuator, or a cylinder. The solution existent so far is to stack multiple cylinders inline and that led to invention of multiple piston cylinders that is practically a series of two or more pistons secured on a common piston rod, inside a cylinder body divided into multiple chambers. The pistons under pressure exert an axial force on the piston rod and all the forces are summed and applied at the piston rod end of the cylinder to effect reciprocating movement of the piston rod in the axial direction of the cylinder.
[0004] Conventional cylinders are provided with an inlet port and an exhaust port to allow passage to a fluid to enter and exit the cylinders to enable axial movement of the piston rod due to pressure exerted by the fluid on the pistons. After a desired axial movement of the piston rod, the fluid is discharged through the exhaust port which results in a pressure drop that limits full advantage of the work and further hinders fluid utilization rate. Also, costs associated with such conventional cylinders are quite high.
[0005] Further, in many applications, a high force applying fluid cylinder of small size and dimensions is required since space and clearances provided for mounting the cylinder are quite restricted due to other considerations. However, conventional cylinders are not able to fulfill conditions such as, small size and high force applying capability that somewhat limits utilization of the conventional cylinders where they otherwise might be advantageously employed.
[0006] There is therefore a need in the art to overcome problems associated with the conventional cylinders, and to provide a multi-piston cylinder that confers to adequate space constraint and force requirements. Further, there exists a need to provide for a multi-piston cylinder that takes full advantage of work generated by application of the fluid and is associated with higher fluid utilization rate as compared to conventional cylinders.
[0007] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0008] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0010] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a multi-piston cylinder capable of generating reciprocating movement of the piston rod in the axial direction of the cylinder.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a multi-piston cylinder that utilizes a fluid such as air, to exert pressure on a plurality of pistons that enables reciprocating movement of the piston rod in the axial direction of the cylinder.
[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a multi-piston cylinder that is associated with high fluid utilization rate.
[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a multi-piston cylinder that confers to adequate space constraints and force requirements.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a modular multi-piston cylinder that may be easily assembled and disassembled.
[0016] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a cost-efficient multi-piston cylinder.

SUMMARY
[0017] The present disclosure relates to a multi-piston cylinder that utilizes fluid pressure to displace a piston rod in its axial direction. Aspects of the present disclosure provide a multi-piston cylinder (also referred to as “multi-piston actuator” hereinafter) that includes a plurality of cylinders arranged in a linear configuration and an intake manifold in communication with a plurality of inlet ports that are adapted to inject a fluid, such as compressed air, a compressed gas, and the likes, into the plurality of cylinders.
[0018] In an aspect, each of the plurality of cylinders includes a piston. The plurality of pistons pertaining to the plurality of cylinders are connected to a common piston rod. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of inlet ports is adapted to inject the fluid into at least one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders.
[0019] In an aspect, the intake manifold regulates flow of the fluid, through the plurality of inlet ports, into the at least one cylinder. When the fluid is injected into the at least one cylinder through at least one of the plurality of inlet ports, the common piston rod moves in an axial direction due to pressure exerted by the fluid on corresponding piston of the at least one cylinder.
[0020] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of cylinders is accommodated by a cylinder block. The plurality of cylinder blocks pertaining to the plurality of cylinders are adapted to be coupled with each other with the help of a plurality of bolts.
[0021] In an embodiment, the proposed multi-piston cylinder may include an exhaust manifold in communication with a plurality of exhaust ports, each of the plurality of exhaust ports adapted to expel the fluid from the at least one cylinder, wherein the exhaust manifold regulates flow of the fluid through the plurality of exhaust ports.
[0022] In an embodiment, the plurality of pistons are made up of material selected from a group consisting of metals, plastics, acrylics and the likes. For instance, the pistons may be made up of Aluminium to prevent wear and tear of seals present at the inlet and the outlet ports.
[0023] In an embodiment, injection of the fluid in the plurality of cylinders through the plurality of inlet ports results in synchronized movement of the plurality of pistons pertaining to the plurality of cylinders in order to effect axial movement of the common piston rod.
[0024] In an embodiment, the multi-piston actuator generates a force of about 2.5 ton at a speed of about 42 stroke cycles/minute of the common piston rod.
[0025] In an embodiment, the intake manifold comprises a set of inlet valves to regulate flow of the fluid through the plurality of inlet ports. In an embodiment, the exhaust manifold comprises a set of exhaust valves to regulate flow of the fluid through the plurality of exhaust ports.
[0026] In an embodiment, an end of the multi-piston actuator is accommodated by at least one end cover to provide a modular housing to the multi-piston actuator.
[0027] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the disclosure together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0029] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary sectional view representation of proposed multi-piston cylinder in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary side view and perspective view representations of the proposed multi-piston cylinder respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary side view and perspective view representations of the proposed multi-piston cylinder having incorporated with an additional cylinder block respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view representation of the proposed multi-piston cylinder with an end cover at one of its ends respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[0036] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0037] The present disclosure relates to a multi-piston cylinder that utilizes fluid pressure to displace a piston rod in its axial direction. Aspects of the present disclosure provide a multi-piston actuator that includes a plurality of cylinders arranged in a linear configuration and an intake manifold in communication with a plurality of inlet ports that are adapted to inject a fluid, such as compressed air, a compressed gas, and the likes, into the plurality of cylinders.
[0038] In an aspect, each of the plurality of cylinders includes a piston. The plurality of pistons pertaining to the plurality of cylinders are connected to a common piston rod. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of inlet ports is adapted to inject the fluid into at least one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders.
[0039] In an aspect, the intake manifold regulates flow of the fluid, through the plurality of inlet ports, into the at least one cylinder. When the fluid is injected into the at least one cylinder through at least one of the plurality of inlet ports, the common piston rod moves in an axial direction due to pressure exerted by the fluid on corresponding piston of the at least one cylinder.
[0040] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of cylinders is accommodated by a cylinder block. The plurality of cylinder blocks pertaining to the plurality of cylinders are adapted to be coupled with each other with the help of a plurality of bolts.
[0041] In an embodiment, the proposed multi-piston cylinder may include an exhaust manifold in communication with a plurality of exhaust ports, each of the plurality of exhaust ports adapted to expel the fluid from the at least one cylinder, wherein the exhaust manifold regulates flow of the fluid through the plurality of exhaust ports.
[0042] In an embodiment, the plurality of pistons are made up of material selected from a group consisting of metals, plastics, acrylics and the likes.
[0043] In an embodiment, injection of the fluid in the plurality of cylinders through the plurality of inlet ports results in synchronized movement of the plurality of pistons pertaining to the plurality of cylinders in order to effect axial movement of the common piston rod.
[0044] In an embodiment, the multi-piston actuator generates a force of about 2.5 ton at a speed of about 42 stroke cycles/minute of the common piston rod.
[0045] In an embodiment, the intake manifold comprises a set of inlet valves to regulate flow of the fluid through the plurality of inlet ports. In an embodiment, the exhaust manifold comprises a set of exhaust valves to regulate flow of the fluid through the plurality of exhaust ports.
[0046] In an embodiment, an end of the multi-piston actuator is accommodated by at least one end cover to provide a modular housing to the multi-piston actuator.
[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary sectional view representation of proposed multi-piston cylinder in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the multi-piston cylinder (interchangeable referred to as “multi-piston actuator” hereinafter) may include a plurality of cylinders 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, 102-5 (collectively referred to as cylinders 102 and individually referred to as cylinder 102). Each of the cylinders 102 can have a piston 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4, 104-5 (collectively referred to as pistons 104 and individually referred to as piston 104) appropriately positioned there within.
[0048] In an embodiment, each of the cylinders 102 can be accommodated within a cylinder block (as shown in FIG. 2A) that is designed/adapted to be coupled with cylinder block of other cylinder 102 with the help of a plurality of bolts.
[0049] In an aspect, the pistons 104 can be positioned within the cylinders 102 such that when the cylinders 102 are mounted over a piston rod 106 each of the pistons 104 are connected to the common piston rod 106 such that movement of one or more pistons 104 in a forward direction results in axial displacement of the common piston rod 106 in the forward direction. Similarly, movement of one or more pistons 104 in a backward direction results in axial displacement of the common piston rod 106 in the backward direction.
[0050] In an aspect, the cylinders 102 are arranged in a linear configuration whilst mounted over the piston rod 106 and their cylinder blocks are coupled with each other such that the resultant cylinder housing covers at least a portion of the piston rod 106. In an embodiment, one end of the piston rod 106 may be freely available outside the resultant cylinder housing and its other end may be available within the resultant cylinder housing such that during linear movement of the piston rod 106 in forward direction, free end of the piston rod 106 may extend towards the forward direction. In another embodiment, the other end of the piston rod 106 may also extend from the resultant cylinder housing such that both ends of the piston rod 106 emerge outwards from the resultant cylinder housing. In an embodiment, the piston rod 106 may be in the form of a lead screw, a shaft or a tube depending on design requirements.
[0051] In an aspect, the proposed multi-piston actuator further includes an intake manifold 108 that may be connected to an inlet port assembly including a plurality of inlet ports 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4 and 110-5 (collectively referred to as inlet ports 110 and individually referred to as inlet port 110). In an embodiment, each of the inlet ports 110 may be adapted to inject a fluid, for example, compressed air, into one of the cylinders 102. The inlet manifold 108 regulates flow of the fluid, through the inlet ports 110, into the cylinders 102. In an embodiment, the intake manifold 108 may include a set of inlet valves to regulate flow of the fluid through the inlet ports 110.
[0052] In an aspect, when the fluid is injected into the cylinders 102 through inlet ports 110, the common piston rod 106 moves in an axial direction due to pressure exerted by the fluid on corresponding piston 104 of the cylinders 102.
[0053] In an embodiment, the proposed multi-piston actuator may further include an exhaust manifold (not shown) that may be connected to an exhaust port assembly including a plurality of exhaust ports 112-1, 112-2, 112-3, 112-4 and 112-5 (collectively referred to as exhaust ports 112 and individually referred to as exhaust port 112). In an embodiment, each of the exhaust ports 112 may be adapted to expel the fluid from one of the cylinders 102 into an exhaust fluid delivery pipe or directly to the atmosphere. The exhaust manifold regulates flow of the fluid, through the exhaust ports 112. In an embodiment, the exhaust manifold may include a set of exhaust valves to regulate flow of the fluid through the exhaust ports 112.
[0054] In an embodiment, the pistons may be made up of materials such as metals, plastics, acrylics and the like. For instance, the pistons may be made up of Aluminium to prevent wear and tear of seals present at the inlet and the outlet ports 110/112.
[0055] In an embodiment, the multi-piston actuator may generate a force of about 2.5 ton at a speed of about 42 stroke cycles/minute of the common piston rod 106.
[0056] In an embodiment, the proposed multi-piston actuator may be configured to a blister packaging machine for blistering pharmaceutical as well as confectionery and other consumer products. Outer end of the common piston rod 106 may be connected to a die (not shown) of the blister packaging machine to enable reciprocating motion of the die in axial direction of the common piston rod 106, thereby resulting in required movement of the die to effect blistering of a product.
[0057] In an embodiment, outer end of the common piston rod 106 may be connected to core side of a die (not shown) and provides a punching effect on cavity side of the die which is mounted on a movable carriage. In between the core and cavity side of the die there runs a metal strip which after punch takes the shape of the die.
[0058] It would be appreciated that although embodiments of the present disclosure is explained in terms of configuration of the proposed multi-piston actuator with a blister packaging machine, scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the same in any way whatsoever, and configured of the proposed multi-piston actuator with any other type of machines/apparatuses that require a reciprocating linear motion is well within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0059] In an embodiment, injection of the fluid in the cylinders 102 through the inlet ports 110 results in synchronized movement of the pistons 104 pertaining to the cylinders 102 in order to effect axial movement of the common piston rod 106.
[0060] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary side view and perspective view representations of the proposed multi-piston cylinder respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, each of the cylinder 102 may be accommodated within a cylinder block 202. The cylinders 102 may be mounted over the piston rod assembly 206 that comprises a piston rod 106. The cylinders 102 include pistons 104 that are connected to the piston rod 106.
[0061] In an embodiment, the each of the cylinders 102 may be mounted over the piston rod assembly 206 such that each piston 104 pertaining to each of the cylinders 102 is connected to the piston rod 106. The cylinders 102 are positioned in a linear arrangement by bolting each of the cylinder block 202 with each other with the help of a plurality of bolts 204. In an embodiment, the number of cylinders 102 required to be mounted over the piston rod assembly 206 depends on force required by the multi-piston actuator.
[0062] In an embodiment, each of the cylinder block 202 are incorporated with the piston rod assembly 206 in such a way that the inlet ports 110 and the exhaust ports 112 can provide inflow and outflow of the fluid into and away from an inner cavity of the cylinders 102 respectively. The intake manifold 108 may regulate flow of the fluid into the inner cavity of each of the cylinders 102 in order for the multi-piston actuator to achieve the required force and stroke speed.
[0063] Referring now to FIGs. 3A and 3B, where exemplary side view and perspective view representations of the proposed multi-piston actuator having an additional cylinder block incorporated therewith respectively is shown, the additional cylinder block 302 may be bolted to existing cylinder blocks 202 in order to increase the force applied to the piston rod 106 by adding an additional piston 104 pertaining to the additional cylinder 102 to existing set of pistons 104.
[0064] In an embodiment, the proposed multi-piston actuator is modular in nature, i.e., the cylinder blocks 202/302 may be easily assembled and disassembled from each other by application or removal of the bolts 204. The number of cylinder blocks 202 required to be mounted over the piston rod assembly 206 depends on force required by the multi-piston actuator.
[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view representation of the proposed multi-piston cylinder with an end cover at one of its ends respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the cylinder blocks 202/302 pertaining to the plurality of cylinders 102 are adapted to be fastened/coupled with each other with the help of bolts 204. In an embodiment, an end of the multi-piston actuator is accommodated by at least one end cover 402 to provide a modular housing to the multi-piston actuator.
[0066] In an embodiment, the cylinder block 202/302 available at and end of the multi-piston actuator is covered by an end cover 402 so that the assembly of the cylinders 102 and the piston rod assembly 206 is covered by the end cover 402.
[0067] In an embodiment, length and width of the multi-piston actuator may be adjusted based on space constraint requirements and force requirements. In an embodiment, envelope size where the proposed multi-piston actuator is to be mounted is less than space required for a conventional single piston cylinder to generate a force of 2.5 ton.
[0068] In an embodiment, as the proposed multi-piston actuator may utilize compressed air to effect axial movement of the piston rod 106, the proposed multi-piston actuator is substantially free from accumulation oil and dirt as is the case with conventional hydraulic cylinders.
[0069] Thus the present disclosure provides a pneumatic multi-piston actuator that comprises a plurality of cylinders arranged in a linear configuration, each of the plurality of cylinders comprising a piston, wherein the plurality of pistons pertaining to the plurality of cylinders are connected to a common piston rod, and an intake manifold in communication with a plurality of inlet ports, each of the plurality of inlet ports adapted to inject a fluid into at least one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders. The intake manifold regulates flow of the fluid, through the plurality of inlet ports, into the at least one cylinder. When the fluid is injected into the at least one cylinder through at least one of the plurality of inlet ports, the common piston rod moves in an axial direction due to pressure exerted by the fluid on corresponding piston of the at least one cylinder.
[0070] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “includes” and “including” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0071] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0072] The present disclosure provides a multi-piston cylinder capable of generating reciprocating movement of the piston rod in the axial direction of the cylinder.
[0073] The present disclosure provides a multi-piston cylinder that utilizes a fluid such as air, to exert pressure on a plurality of pistons that enables reciprocating movement of the piston rod in the axial direction of the cylinder.
[0074] The present disclosure provides a multi-piston cylinder that is associated with high fluid utilization rate.
[0075] The present disclosure provides a multi-piston cylinder that confers to adequate space constraints and force requirements.
[0076] The present disclosure provides a modular multi-piston cylinder that may be easily assembled and disassembled.
[0077] The present disclosure provides a cost-efficient multi-piston cylinder.

Claims:
1. A multi-piston actuator comprising:
a plurality of cylinders arranged in a linear configuration, each of the plurality of cylinders comprising a piston, wherein the plurality of pistons pertaining to the plurality of cylinders are connected to a common piston rod; and
an intake manifold in communication with a plurality of inlet ports, each of the plurality of inlet ports adapted to inject a fluid into at least one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders, wherein the intake manifold regulates flow of the fluid, through the plurality of inlet ports, into the at least one cylinder;
wherein when the fluid is injected into the at least one cylinder through at least one of the plurality of inlet ports, the common piston rod moves in an axial direction due to pressure exerted by the fluid on corresponding piston of the at least one cylinder.
2. The multi-piston actuator of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cylinders is accommodated by a cylinder block, and wherein the plurality of cylinder blocks pertaining to the plurality of cylinders are adapted to be coupled with each other with the help of a plurality of bolts.
3. The multi-piston actuator of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust manifold in communication with a plurality of exhaust ports, each of the plurality of exhaust ports adapted to expel the fluid from the at least one cylinder, wherein the exhaust manifold regulates flow of the fluid through the plurality of exhaust ports.
4. The multi-piston actuator of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pistons are made up of material selected from a group consisting of metals, plastics and acrylics.
5. The multi-piston actuator of claim 1, wherein injection of the fluid in the plurality of cylinders through the plurality of inlet ports results in synchronized movement of the plurality of pistons pertaining to the plurality of cylinders in order to effect axial movement of the common piston rod.
6. The multi-piston actuator of claim 1, wherein the multi-piston actuator generates a force of about 2.5 ton at a speed of about 42 stroke cycles/minute of the common piston rod.
7. The multi-piston actuator of claim 1, wherein the intake manifold comprises a set of inlet valves to regulate flow of the fluid through the plurality of inlet ports, and wherein the exhaust manifold comprises a set of exhaust valves to regulate flow of the fluid through the plurality of exhaust ports.
8. The multi-piston actuator of claim 1, wherein an end of the multi-piston actuator is accommodated by at least one end cover to provide a modular housing to the multi-piston actuator.
9. The multi-piston actuator of claim 1, wherein the fluid is compressed air.