Abstract: A medical retrieval device, and related method, for removing material, such as calculi, from a patient's body. In one embodiment, the device includes a handle, a sheath, and a retrieval assembly located at the distal end of the retrieval device. The retrieval assembly includes a plurality of legs, each of which includes a lumen for receiving fluid. The legs are made of an expandable material that will allow the legs to inflate when the lumen receives a fluid. In another embodiment, the device includes a core element wound to form a helical coil. The helical coil has a lumen for receiving a fluid. The core element is made of an expandable material that allows it to inflate when the lumen within the helical coil receives a fluid.

Abstract: Primer apparatus and methods are described herein. An example primer apparatus includes a flexible body defining an internal chamber to be fluidly coupled to a fuel system. The body includes a first layer material having a low permeation characteristic to substantially prevent diurnal emissions from escaping the fuel system, a second layer material adjacent the first layer material having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to an uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by a user, and a third layer material adjacent to the first layer material such that the first layer material is disposed between the second layer material and the third layer material and having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to the uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by the user.

Abstract: A bladder system and apparatus for use with a beverage barrel or container, to reduce undesirable head-space in a wooden container of a beverage, especially a fermented beverage, such as wine. The system continuously protects the beverage contained in a wooden barrel from the harmful effects of oxidation at the air-to-fluid interface in the head-space and compensates for ullage, attributable to evaporation, leakage or sampling losses. The system includes an inflation stem connected to a barrel bladder inflatable by filling with an inflation gas. The inflation stem includes a liquid level sensor and inserts into a bung opening. The fluid level is sensed and a gas valve opens to fill the bladder, reducing head-space within the barrel. The system can combine the control of several barrels and optionally with other sensors, to create a barrel monitoring and control network.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator for a turbocharger system's turbine bypass valve comprises a piston slidable in a cylinder so as to define a chamber containing a compression spring assembly operable to exert a spring force on the piston. The cylinder can be selectively subjected to a vacuum or pressure for exerting a fluid pressure force on the piston in a direction opposite from the spring force. The spring assembly comprises a first spring arranged to be compressed by the piston throughout a first range of motion of the piston in a compression direction, and at least a second spring arranged to be compressed by the piston throughout a second range of motion that is smaller than and co-terminal with the first range of motion but to be uncompressed during an initial part of the first range of motion of the piston in the compression direction.

Abstract: A safety coupling apparatus which includes first and second annular coupling parts for attachment to first and second coaxial rotatable shafts. The second coupling part defines an axial chamber which has an open end facing the first coupling part, and a radially-extending recess between a collar and a flange, both extending and located radially outwardly of the axial chamber, wherein the flange is spaced from the collar. An expandable hollow body of the first coupling part axially extends through the open end and into the axial chamber. A cavity subdivides the hollow body into inner and outer cylindrical sections and can (1) be filled with, or (2) emptied of pressurized fluid to expand or contract the inner and outer sections relative to one another and cause or prevent external surfaces thereof to contact adjacent surfaces of the axial chamber and thereby prevent or enable relative rotation of the first and second coupling parts.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a mounting apparatus that includes: (a) a first ring having a first surface and a second surface; (b) a second ring having a first surface and a second surface, which second ring is movable with respect to the first ring; (c) a first flexible diaphragm attached to: (i) the first surface of the first ring along a first-surface-first-ring attachment perimeter that encloses a first effective surface area, and (ii) the first surface of the second ring along a first-surface-second-ring attachment perimeter; and (d) a second flexible diaphragm attached to: (i) the second surface of the first ring along a second-surface-first-ring attachment perimeter that encloses a second effective surface area, and (ii) the second surface of the second ring at a second-surface-second-ring attachment perimeter; wherein: the first and second flexible diaphragms and the first and second rings form a chamber with one or more intake apertures.

Abstract: An inner space connected to a power source and an inner space connected by way of a pressure loss part with respect to the flow of compressible fluid are provided, thereby obtaining effects similar to when the volume occupied by the compressible fluid with respect to the entire inner space is reduced when the pressure of the pressure source is rapidly changed, and effects similar to when the entire inner space is one space when static load is applied from the outside.

Abstract: This invention refers to a method for removing a part of concrete construction that comprises a base concrete; a reinforced concrete formed on the base concrete; rebars embedded in the base concrete and upwardly extending through the reinforced concrete; the method comprising the steps of: forming a slit in the reinforced concrete and disconnections at an intermediate of the rebars; applying an expansion force on opposite surfaces of the slit in the reinforced concrete to simultaneously break a boundary plane of the reinforced concrete; and removing the moved portion of the reinforced concrete from the base concrete as a scrap. Also, the present invention provides a flat jack suitable to break boundary planes of the scrap wherein the flat jack comprises two metallic plates joined to each other, and an inlet for introducing into the jack pressurized fluidic material to inflate the jack in order to produce a great expansive force.

Abstract: A contractile unit comprising a contractile hose extending between two spaced head pieces and adapted to perform a longitudinal contraction on being subjected to internal pressure, and a position sensor means responsive to the distance between the head pieces. The position sensor means possesses a microwave generator arranged on one of the head pieces and adapted to emit microwaves into the interior space of the contractile unit, an evaluating means being provided responsive to the distance between the head pieces using transit time measurement, phase comparison of the emitted and reflected wave or using determination of the resonant frequency.

Abstract: According to the invention, a compressor having a threaded screw connection portion formed directly on a fitting portion of the housing is provided. Since no through bolt or the like for connecting two-parts of the housing is used, the diameter of the housing can be reduced. However, in a case that a suction port and discharge port do not align with an external mounting structure, a mounting means able to slide on the housing and adjust the positions of mounting brackets at least in the direction of rotation is added.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is realized wherein output error of sensor element can be reduced even in the case where the pressure sensor is utilized in high temperature conditions. A pressure sensor is provided with a housing 20, a diaphragm 24 that partitions the interior and the exterior of the housing 20, a sensor element 54 provided within the housing 20, output value of the sensor element 54 varying in accordance with force exerted thereupon, and a force transmitting rod 52 provided within the housing, the force transmitting rod 52 moving downwardly when a pressure is exerted upon the diaphragm 24, the force transmitting rod 52 thereby exerting force upon the sensor element 54. The diaphragm 24 has a central region 26 contacting with the force transmitting rod 52, and a surrounding region 27 surrounding the periphery of the central region 26 and connecting the central region 26 with the housing 20.

Abstract: A fluid power operable actuating device, which possesses a flexible contractible tube extending between two spaced head pieces, such flexible contractible tube being caused to expand radially when its inner space is subjected to fluid pressure and transmitting simultaneously axial forces, due to contraction, to the head pieces. The flexible contractible tube comprises an elastically deforming flexible tube body which has a special geometrical shape having a cross sectional outline on the inner periphery and/or the outer periphery of the flexible tube body which is non-circular and/or is in the form of several portions of the body of the flexible tube with properties of the material of the flexible tube body which are different from one another.

Abstract: An air pump comprises a hollow pump body, at least one pulling member, an air inlet and an air outlet. The hollow pump body has air inside and consists of flexible sides and two opposite stiff ends. The air outlet is provided on the pump body to discharge the air in the pump body when the pump body is pressed. The pulling member is attached to one of the stiff ends of the pump body in order to restore the pressed pump body by pulling the pulling member. The air inlet is provided on the pump body to suck outside air into the pump body when the stiff end is pulled by the pulling member to restore the shape of the pressed pump body.

Abstract: A pump that can be adjusted to vary the volumetric output of the pump. The pump has a flexible housing that defines an inner pump chamber. The flexible housing can be collapsed by the user to discharge the contents of the inner chamber. Integral with the housing is an outer spring that returns the pump to the original extended position when the housing is released by the user. The pump further includes one-way valves that allow air to flow into and out of the inner chamber. Wrapped around the housing is a belt that controls the extended volume of the inner chamber and the corresponding volumetric output of the pump. The belt can be adjusted to vary the size of the inner chamber and the volumetric output of the pump. The belt may have different settings that define the amount of air provided by the pump. When used as part of a resuscitator unit, the belt can be adjusted to match the volumetric output of the pump with the lung capacity of the patient.

Abstract: A lift bag includes a plurality of independently inflatable chambers for controlling lifting of objects. Each chamber is defined by an upper surface sheet and a lower surface sheet, the upper surface sheet of one chamber positioned below an adjacent chamber being securely attached to the lower surface sheet of an adjacent chamber. The lift bag can be operated at pressures of about 15 psig at specified heights which allows greater flexibility compared to conventional, single-chambered lift bag which operate at pressures of about 7 psig. Preferably, all seams, reinforcements, and fittings are vulcanized in place using uncured rubber coated fabric. Grommets or other securing means may provide further stability to the lift bag.

Abstract: An inflation mechanism which comprises an inflation head and a sidewall connected by a living hinge or weakened area which permits the inflation head to invert within the interior chamber of the sidewall during compression of the inflation mechanism thereby permitting a high volume of fluid displacement.

Abstract: Power transmission device for linear movement, comprising a principal member (2), which is movable along a displacement path, and a housing (1) which presents bearing means (10) for the movement of the member along the displacement path. A guide member (3) is arranged to guide the principal member in its displacement path, and a power member (4) is arranged to be able to be activated to apply a force to the principal member so that it moves while being guided by the guide member. A portion of the principal member is arranged to drive a connected device. The principal member (2) and the housing (1) and suitably also the power member (4) are each formed from longitudinally extending sections or profiles with essentially constant cross-sections along their lengths. In this manner the power transmission device can be produced in various lengths from a basic embodiment by cutting said profiles from raw material profiles having the cross-section referred to.

Abstract: A damper includes an elastic bladder which is attached to and surrounds a support element mountable in a ventilation duct. The bladder inflates when supplied with fluid to restrict the available air space within the duct, thus restricting airflow through the duct. The amount of restriction can be regulated by monitoring the degree of inflation of the bladder and by controlling the degree of inflation to provide the desired airflow restriction rate. The bladder may be inflated by supplying pressurized air to the interior of the bladder through the support element or by vaporizing a refrigerant in communication with the bladder. The damper may comprise a single bladder extending longitudinally through the duct or a plurality of bladders extending transversely across the duct.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a collapsible flexible pump which includes an inflatable spring and framework. The inflatable spring framework is formed by attaching a layer of flexible material over selected exterior portions of the flexible material pumping chamber to form a passageway therebetween. Inflation of the inflatable spring framework via an inflation valve, results in the collapsed flexible pump distending into a three dimensional pumping chamber inscribed by the inflated spring framework. The pumping chamber includes appropriate inlet and discharge valves. By applying a compressive force to the pumping chamber, the volume of fluid within the pumping chamber is forced out through the discharge valve. The restoring tendency of the distended inflatable spring framework returns the pump chamber to the extended position on the returning intake stroke. A plurality of exemplary inflatable articles are disclosed.

Abstract: A coupling assembly component is used in a coupling assembly to transmit force between driving and driven elements. The coupling assembly component includes an annular tube which is radially extensible and retractable to move a friction surface into and out of engagement with another coupling component. The tube includes a reinforcing layer which is enclosed by a cover layer. A plurality of vent openings are formed in and extend through the cover layer to the reinforcing layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the vent openings are formed in bodies of porous polymeric material disposed in the cover layer. The bodies of porous polymeric material have an inner side exposed to the reinforcing layer and an outer side which is exposed to the atmosphere around the tube.

Abstract: A fluid pump for infusing medical fluids to a patient includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The housing further includes a substantially hemispherically shaped surface which is circumscribed by a periphery. An elastomeric membrane is attached to the periphery of the surface and is stretched over the surface to place the membrane in its region of nonlinear elasticity. With this combination, a potential fluid chamber is established between the surface of the housing and the stretched membrane.In operation, fluid is injected through the inlet port and into the potential chamber between the housing and the elastomeric membrane to fill the chamber with the desired medical fluid. A fluid line is connected to the outlet port of the pump and a flow restrictor is coupled with the fluid line to control the flow of fluid from the chamber. Fluid flows from the chamber as a result of the nonlinear contraction of the elastomer membrane.

Abstract: An actuator includes an elastic member extensible in axial directions when a pressurized fluid is supplied into the elastic member, and guiding device arranged outwardly of the elastic member and permitting the elastic member to move in the axial directions, but restraining the elastic member from moving in directions intersecting the axial directions. As the actuator is of an air-bag type so that energy of the pressurized fluid can be converted into mechanical movement with high efficiency. The actuator moves only in axial directions without expanding in radial directions, so that the actuator takes up little space in operation.

Abstract: An actuator, which directly converts fluid pressure to rotary movement, has generally cylindrical and helically fluted circumferential wall, an end wall bearing an output member, and a fixed opposite end wall. The actuator may be a one-shot device providing substantial torque and driving the output member through a relatively wide angle by having a pyrotechnic gas generating charge mounted inwardly of the fixed end wall and by exceeding the elastic limit of the circumferential wall which is metallic to so as to withstand pyrotechnically generated gas.

Abstract: A terminator for a fluid actuated muscle has an axial bore and a removable seal pin that fits into an elastomeric tubular liner in the bore. The pin has a flattened outer end with a hole through it to facilitate extraction. The pin is removed to facilitate bleeding of air or other gases when the muscle is filled with hydraulic fluid. The pin can be held in place by a cable terminator that is fitted into the muscle terminator.

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: An improved switch point setting device for fluid process sensors monitoring a process pressure, including a cylindrical housing, an elongated threaded shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, and a movable post member with a threaded base portion threadably mounted on the threaded shaft within the housing and a dog-leg post portion extending from the housing to form a pressure set point. A coil spring within the housing biases the threaded base portion in positive threaded engagement with the threaded shaft. An O-ring provided around the base portion on each side of the post portion enables threadable movement of the base portion during set point adjustment while otherwise maintaining the base portion reliably in position.

Abstract: A fully lined disk brake has a brake housing rotatably mounted on a wheel and segmented arcuate shaped brake shoes supported in the brake housing by a fixed mounting on the wheel assembly which extends over the radially outward open end of the housing to support the brake shoes and is movable from over the open end of the housing to permit access thereto for replacing the brake shoes without dismantling the brake actuating mechanism. The invention provides brake shoes having a device for association with the mounting to support the brake shoes and brake shoe actuating mechanism which automatically adjusts the brakes for optimum operation.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for sensing fluid pressure by mechanical flexure of a tube according to the principles of the Bourdon tube, wherein the tube forms a part of the fluid flow path, and where the pressure may be sensed during both dynamic and static fluid flow conditions.

Abstract: A pneumatic control device for a displaceable member of an electric circuit, having a compressible air reservoir adapted and connected by a flexible conduit to an enclosure comprising the said movable member, and comprising three superposed rigid or semi-rigid members which are at least partially housed or enclosed one inside the other, and at least one member having a compressible wall and having an edge which is engaged and clamped between two of the superposed rigid or semi-rigid members; the first of said members together with the compressible walled member delimiting the air reservoir and being provided with a nozzle leading into an inner chamber which is delimited by the assembly of said three rigid or semi-rigid members; the second and third of said members delimiting a passage between them which connects the inner chamber to an annular outer chamber delimited by the second and the third rigid or semi-rigid members and open at its periphery; said flexible conduit being connected to the nozzle in the in

Abstract: Pressure responsive force transmission apparatus such as may be used in automatic controls and for hydraulic and pneumatic lift or force mechanisms comprises a pair of substantially rigid lift elements each having a base plate, at least two guide arms projecting from the base plate, and at least two guide surfaces at the sides of the base plate. The pair of lift elements is mated together each with its guide arms engaging the guide surfaces of the other. A flexible inflatable bladder is disposed between the base plates of the mated lift elements. One of the lift elements is formed with a fluid transmission passage communicating with the interior of the bladder. By delivering fluid under pressure through said passage, the bladder is inflated and causes the lift elements to move apart.

Abstract: An air pump comprises a hollow pump body, at least one pulling member, an air inlet and an air outlet. The hollow pump body has air inside and consist of flexible sides and two opposite stiff ends. The air outlet is provided on the pump body to discharge the air in the pump body when the pump body is pressed. The pulling member is attached to one of the stiff ends of the pump body in order to restore the pressed pump body by pulling the pulling member. The air inlet is provided on the pump body to suck outside air into the pump body when the stiff end is pulled by the pulling member to restore the shape of the pressed pump body.