Abstract: An improved diaphragm, which operates and has the structure of a short-thick beam, is comprised of a plug having a channel, a tire cord reinforcement is bonded to the plug, an elastomer cured to the reinforcement means, and a sleeve bonded to the elastomer. This diaphragm is capable of being used in many applications, particularly, fluid-handling devices.

Abstract: A device for converting energy of a fluid medium into mechanical work comprises a hermetically sealed chamber (1) communicated through valves with systems for supply and discharge of a fluid medium. The chamber has an opening (4) in which a sleeve (5) of flexible material is secured through one end along the perimeter, the sleeve being mounted in the chamber (1) with a possibility of reciprocation relative to the secured end so that during the motion from the initial position to the extreme position a part of the sleeve (5) is turned inside out forming a space (9) communicating with the chamber (1). The sleeve (5) through its other end is connected to a drum (7) disposed in the chamber (1) and mounted on a shaft (6) coupled to a reverser (11) through an overrunning clutch (8). In the initial position the sleeve (5) is wound on the drum (7).