Abstract: A braking system for an autonomous car is provided, including a car body, a pedal, a braking mechanism, a resistance ruler, a driving motor, a connecting member, a first micro switch, a second micro switch, and a control unit. The pedal is pivotally connected to the car body, the braking mechanism is connected to the pedal, and the resistance ruler is disposed on the pedal. The connecting member is connected to the driving motor and the pedal. The control unit is electrically connected to the driving motor, the resistance ruler, the first micro switch, and the second micro switch. When the pedal is in a first position relative to the car body, the pedal contacts and actuates the first micro switch. When the pedal rotates relative to the car body from the first position to a second position, the pedal contacts and actuates the second micro switch.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic actuator having improved durability. A pneumatic actuator (10) comprises an actuator body (100) including: a cylindrical tube (110) configured to expand and contract by air pressure; and a cylindrical sleeve (120) formed by weaving cords (121) oriented in predetermined directions, wherein in a no-load and no-pressure state, an average angle (?1) of the cords (121) with respect to an axial direction (DAX) of the actuator is 20 degrees or more and less than 45 degrees, and in a state in which an average angle (?3) of the cords (121) with respect to the axial direction (DAX) of the actuator is 45 degrees with an air pressure of 5 MPa, a ratio (S2/S1) of a total area (S2) of gaps (122) of the cords (121) to an area (S1) of an outer surface of the actuator body (100) is 35% or less.

Abstract: A pressure driven apparatus comprising a housing, at least one flexible membrane located within the housing dividing the interior of the housing into at least two chambers. At least one input or exhaust cam assembly operates in conjunction with the at least one flexible membrane to provide an expansion zone within the housing. Fluid enters the housing producing movement of the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is connected to a drive member such that the movement of the fluid within the expansion zone results in the membrane imparting a force to the drive member. The flexible membrane includes seals used to maintain a dynamic and movable seal with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A barrier of a vacuum pump prevents contamination from entering a vacuum pump air line. The barrier separates parts of the pump and is moveable between an initial state and a distended state. The barrier is assembled within the pump with a pre-load. When the vacuum source is applied to the barrier, the barrier achieves a distended state and when the vacuum source is released, the barrier incrementally self returns to an initial state. The geometry and material construction of the barrier, along with the pre-load, assists in returning the barrier on its own to the initial state from the distended state.

Abstract: A double-acting deformable fluid actuator with three chambers consists of three axisymmetrical coaxial membranes (10, 11 and 12), constrained by two end pieces (13 and 14) so as to identify three chambers, namely, an inner chamber (15), an intermediate chamber (16), and an outer chamber (17); each chamber is supplied with fluid under pressure through respective connectors (18, 19 and 20) set on one of the end pieces.

Abstract: A system and method for actively manipulating fluid flow over a surface using synthetic pulsators. Synthetic pulsators produce pulsed jet operable to manipulate the primary fluid flow proximate to the synthetic pulsator. The synthetic pulsator includes a dual diaphragm synthetic jet coupled to high performance dual actuator solenoids, wherein the synthetic jet is operable to produce an oscillatory flow. The oscillatory flow of the synthetic jet(s) produces the pulsed jet operable to manipulate the primary fluid flow. These synthetic pulsators may then be actively manipulated to control the flow behavior of the ducted fluid flow, influence the inception point and trajectory of flow field vortices within the fluid flow, and reduce flow separation within the primary fluid flow.

Abstract: A pumping system and related methods involving an outer chamber and an inner chamber extending between two endplates, wherein the circumference of the inner chamber may be adjusted via a plurality of ribs and linear motors.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated artificial muscle for use with orthetic devices, prosthetic devices or as an actuator for other applications in medical or robotic devices. Working fluid is pumped between two expandable fluid-containing cells, which are complimentary active elements of the artificial muscle. This eliminates the need for a storage reservoir, thereby providing a self-contained, force efficient device. Each of the preferred embodiments described has one or more expandable fluid-containing cell defined by at least one flexible wall. The flexible walls are configured so as to have elastic properties that are limited to predefined directions of expansion and contraction.

Abstract: The automatic transmission of the present invention prevents fluctuation of torque transmission through a band brake. In the hydraulic operator for the band brake, a resilient elastic cushion is provided between a rod abutting one end of the band of the band brake and a piston. Any slippage between the band and drum of the band brake will result in oscillation of the rod. However, the elastic cushion absorbs oscillation of the rod, thereby isolating the piston from that oscillation.

Abstract: A double-acting actuator includes a first tubular body made of an elastic material, a first reinforcing braided structure surrounding the first tubular body, a second tubular body made of an elastic material surrounding the first reinforcing braided structure to form a space outwardly thereof, and a second reinforcing braided structure surrounding the second tubular body. The actuator further includes closure members for closing and joining ends of the first and second tubular bodies and reinforcing braided structures, and guiding device for permitting axial movements of the first and second tubular bodies but restraining lateral movements thereof. The first and second reinforcing braided structures are so constructed that initial braided angles thereof permit of the first braided structure elongating and permit of the second braided structure contracting when the pressurized fluid is supplied into the first and second tubular bodies.

Abstract: A fluid actuator including a pair of hingedly interconnected members between which is located a fluid expansible element such as a bellows which may be expanded upon application of fluid pressure to cause pivotal movement of the hingedly interconnected members. The actuator may also include a further pair of hingedly interconnected members which are themselves hinged to the first pair of members and which define with the first pair of members a space for receipt of the fluid expansible element.

Abstract: In an anti-lock automotive vehicle brake system comprising a vacuum brake power booster, a considerable reduction of manufacturing and assembling costs is obtained while the system's reliability in operation is simultaneously augmented by the incorporation into this brake system of a second movable wall arranged within the vacuum brake power booster to which a controllable pressure differential may be applied. The wall isolates two pneumatic working chambers and, in the case of slip control, is movable in a direction opposite to the actuating direction of the master brake cylinder by two compensating cylinders which are connected with the master brake cylinder pressure chambers. A hydraulic chamber which is normally in communication with an unpressurized pressure-fluid supply reservoir is sealed from the reservoir by a retention valve during slip control to hydraulically prevent brake petal induced pressure from being applied to the master cylinder.

Abstract: An improved spring brake construction is formed by a pair of concave metal housng portions having peripheral lips. Once the internal components of the spring brake are assembled within the housing portions, the lip of one housing portion is spun over the lip of the other housing portion to capture and grip it, thereby permanently sealing the housing portions together. The push rod and coil spring within the spring brake are maintained in axial alignment by a central indentation in one of the housing portions that extends coaxially within the coil spring, and by the construction of the spring diaphragm with a central axial protrusion which extends into a central opening in a spring plate on the side of the diaphragm facing the coil spring. On the opposite side of the diaphragm a push rod seat is laterally restrained from movement relative to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A dual diaphragm, multiposition vacuum actuator. Dual diaphragms in a housing define two vacuum chambers. A spring urges one diaphragm and an actuator rod extended, and the other diaphragm retracted. Vacuum in one chamber retracts the extended diaphragm and actuator rod to an intermediate position, and advances the retracted diaphragm. Vacuum added in the other chamber retracts both diaphragms and the rod as a unit to a fully retracted position.

Abstract: According to the invention, the device comprises a housing (1), two chambers (2, 3) interconnected through a pipeline (4) and disposed in the housing opposite to each other. Each chamber (2 or 3) has a piston made in the form of an elastic sleeve (10 and 11), whose one end is turned inside out and secured to the inner surface of the pipeline (4) at the point of its connection to the chamber (2 to 3). Each piston is kinematically connected to the working member (7) via a shaft (5 or 6) mounted in the chamber (2 to 3), one end of which is kinematically connected to the working member (7), and a drum (8 or 9) connected to the other end of the shaft (5 or 6) and provided with a reverser. Secured on the drums (8 and 9) are the other ends of the sleeves (10 and 11). The pressure space formed by the spaces of the chambers (2, 3) and the space of the pipeline (4) is communicated with a fluid medium supply system (14).

Abstract: A reaction mechanism (462) that is carried on a disc (80) of a wall (70) to provide a control mechanism (81) with an indication of the output force being supplied to a push rod (132) through the combined outputs of wall (70) and wall (18) which move in opposite directions.

Abstract: A reaction mechanism for use in a vacuum brake booster (10). A lever (86) transfers a reaction force from a first plunger (64) into a second plunger (110) to provide an operator with an indication of the output force being produced in response to an input force. A resilient member (118) urges a first connecting member (116) into engagement with the lever (86). When a predetermined input force is applied, the reaction force overcomes the resilient member (118) and thereafter allows the input force to be directly transmitted through a second connecting member (122) and added to the output force.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped engine mount comprising a working space bounded by a mounting bracket, a supporting spring and a partition wall, and an equalizing space bounded by the partition wall and by a resilient buffer wall, which are interconnected through a throttle opening and are filled with a liquid, as well as a gas-filled chamber which is disposed within the partition wall and is closed relative to the working space by a circular first disk suspended from an elastic annular diaphragm, the gas-filled chamber being further closed relative to the equalizing space by a second disk suspended from an annular diaphragm, and the first and second disks being formed by first and second neutralizing masses.

Abstract: A control valve (81) for a vacuum brake booster (10) having a sleeve member (96) for positioning a poppet valve (92) in a bore (74) of a hub (28) and defining the limits for a continuous flow path (98) between a first chamber (30) and a second chamber (68) within the hub (28).

Abstract: In moving solar energy collectors to track the sun, there are combined:a pressurized air solar heat sensing head assembly, utilizing compressed air in adjacent and opposing chambers, each chamber having a flexible diaphragm closely contacting an actuator of a four way valve of a pressurized water drive system, with these chambers being located on opposite sides of a sunshade assembly;a pressurized water drive system having the four way valve moved by the pressurized solar heat sensing head assembly, whereby water under pressure from this valve is directed to one side or the other of an actuator utilizing compact and collapsible hoses, which in expanding to receive the pressurized volume of water, move a power take off connector, in turn attached to a cable of a pulley drive subassembly, in turn rotatably secured to solar energy collectors to adjustably position them; andsolar energy collectors selected from many types each of which is mountable about one structurally supported axis assembly, to make automatic

Abstract: A tandem brake booster having first and second lever arms for transferring an output force from a second wall into an output member in response to an input signal being applied to a control member. A first cam surface on each lever arm engages an annular fulcrum member and a second cam surface engages the output member. The engagement of first and second cam surfaces on the fulcrum and output member direct said output force from said second wall into said control member along a force vector substantially parallel to the output member without the introduction of rotational forces on a first wall.

Abstract: A vacuum brake booster includes a pair of diaphragms which move in opposite directions during a brake application. One of the diaphragms is connected to a valve assembly to generate a first force assisting braking while the other diaphragm generates fluid pressure in an output chamber formed substantially by the valve assembly. The fluid pressure in the output chamber generates a second force assisting braking.

Abstract: A tandem brake booster (10) having first (24) and second (28) walls that move in opposite directions within a cavity to produce an output force. A lever arrangement (48) attached to the second (28) wall engages a fulcrum (70) to transfer a force produced by movement of the second wall (28) into the first (24) wall. A control mechanism (72) has a cylindrical body (74) with an annular surface (78) that engages the lever arrangement (48). The movement of the cylindrical body (74) as compared to the output member (41) is a function of the ratio of the distance from the fulcrum (70) to end (46) and from the fulcrum (70) to the annular surface (78), and as such, maximum output travel can be achieved without requiring a corresponding input travel.

Abstract: A pump is described in which a flexible enclosure defines a pump chamber whose contents are expelled by movement of a pusher plate engaged with the enclosure. The pusher plate is moved by an elongate beam spring interconnecting the pusher plate with a solenoid drive mechanism. Solenoid actuation causes flexing of the beam spring from a relatively less stressed to a relatively more stressed position, the increased stress in the spring being relieved by pusher element movement. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a symmetrical arrangement of opposed pusher elements and associated beam springs.

Abstract: A pneumatic drive has at least one working cylinder composed of a pair of parallel stationary walls and a pair of walls which extend at right angles to the first pair and are movable relative thereto, towards and away from each other. This varies the volumetric content of the cylinder and changes one transverse dimension thereof. A piston is reciprocable in the cylinder and constructed of a plurality of sections which together define the piston surface that is exposed to the pressurized working medium of the drive. During the working stroke these sections move apart from one another so as to together define a piston surface of maximum area; during the idle (return) stroke the sections are moved together by an arrangement provided for this purpose, so that some of them are concealed behind or within others, thus reducing the piston surface to an area which may only amount to about 20% of the former area.

Abstract: A tandem brake booster (10) having a housing (12) with a cavity therein divided by a first wall (24) and a second wall (28) into first, second and third chambers (20, 26 and 30). The first and second chambers (20, 26) are connected to each other through a control valve (62) and the first and third chambers (20, 30) are connected to each other by a conduit (38). The second wall (28) is connected to the first wall through lever arrangements (100 and 102). When the first chamber (20) is connected to a source of vacuum, air is evacuated from the first, second and third chambers (20, 26 and 30). In response to an input force, the control valve (62) interrupts communication of vacuum to the second chamber (26) and allows air to be communicated to the second chamber (26). With air in chamber (26) and vacuum in the first and third chambers (20 and 30 ) a pressure differential is created across walls (24 and 28).

Abstract: This scuba regulator second stage includes the following improvements:(a) a diaphragm assembly using a pair of generally conical flexible diaphragms facing each other and clamped together about a portion of their periphery, the unclamped peripheral sections flexibly spreading apart to function as an exhaust valve;(b) a "detune button" which prevents inadvertent turn-on of the breathable gas supply valve during unattended use of the regulator, and which is automatically disengaged when the user begins to breathe through the regulator;(c) a case configuration in which the breathable gas inlet tube is situated very close to the regulator mouthpiece so as to minimize the torque loading on the teeth of the user as the user's head is turned;(d) a unitary valve configuration in which the entire breathable gas flow valve assembly is removable from the regulator case as an integral unit, without the use of tools;(e) a valve poppet configuration which prevents tilting of the poppet when the breathable gas flow control

Abstract: A pump is described in which a flexible enclosure defines a pump chamber and in which the contents of the pump chamber are expelled by movement of a pair of opposed pusher elements engaged with the enclosure. The pusher elements are displaced by at least one pair of beam springs, each of which is pivotally supported at one end and is engaged with one of the pusher elements at the other end. The ends of the beam springs opposite the pusher elements are pivoted by actuation of symmetrical solenoid armatures, causing each of the springs to be stressed. Relief of the spring stress forces the pusher elements toward each other. De-energization of the solenoid armatures permits the beam springs to pivot back to the original position upon filling of the pump chamber.

Abstract: An expansible device for exerting force which has a generally "S" shape cross-section, being formed by stepped diameter cylinder, and arrangements using such a device are disclosed. The device may exert sealing forces and be controlled by admission of fluid pressure which acts on a thin wall member so supported as to be subjected to compressive stress alone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing welding flux involving a flux supply and dispensing system comprising a tank assembly that includes an upper flux receiving chamber, a lower flux dispensing chamber, and a flux transfer chamber intermediate the upper and lower chambers. Flux is supplied to the flux receiving chamber either by a vacuum pick up arrangement or a suitable gravity or mechanical feed arrangement, and screened. The floors of the upper chamber and transfer chamber are each ported and equipped with separate plug valves arranged to move vertically to open and close with a plug type fit the respective ports for sequentially transferring a welding flux charge first from the upper chamber to the transfer chamber, and then from the transfer chamber to the lower dispensing chamber, under the control of a sealed pneumatic actuation system that keeps the flux from fouling the moving parts involved.

Abstract: Pneumatic caliper brake actuator having diaphragm, piston member and cylinder body. Cylinder body has outer portions having clearance recesses therein to accept the outer ends of arms carrying brake shoes. At least two return compression springs extend between the piston member and outer portion of cylinder body, the springs having outer ends straddling the clearance recess and inner ends against piston member to retract piston when fluid pressure is reduced. The clearance recesses are hollow projections positioned off-center and symmetrically relative to outer portion of cylinder and spaced apart to accept arm outer end therebetween and accept outer ends of the return springs therein to restrict lateral movement of springs. Overall dimension across outer faces of projections on opposite sides of the cylinders is approximately equal to an overall dimension across the outer portions of the opposed arms.

Abstract: A soil moisture detector is disclosed herein for incorporation between a timer controller and an electrical water supply valve. The detector includes a pneumatic diaphragm apparatus whereby a pressure level is maintained or released between a pair of diaphragms in response to a moisture sensing valve buried in the ground. The pneumatic condition of the detector permits the slug of a solenoid valve, responsive to the timing sequence of the timer controller, to open or close a switch for supplying voltage to the water supply valve.