Abstract: A method of performing wireless actuation by inductive heating of magnetic particles. The method provides a bladder having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface forming an interior area, the bladder configured to expand or retract so as to change an area of the interior area, (ii) a plurality of magnetic particles suspended in a fluid medium and disposed within the interior area, and (iii) a sleeve disposed on the outer surface of the bladder. The method excites the plurality of magnetic particles by application of an alternating magnetic field to which the particles reaction. The method causes, by the excited magnetic particles, a phase transition to the fluid medium within the interior area which causes the bladder to expand, such that the sleeve confining the bladder generates actuation from the expansion or retraction of the bladder.

Abstract: A soft bodied robotic member has the appearance of a finger and has a deformable rubber elongated body surrounding an array of rigid ribs interconnected by a perpendicular constraint. The plates form a series of parallel protrusions extending from opposed sides of the body and have a serrated, sawtooth or wavelike appearance. A tether runs through each row of protrusions and draws the corresponding protrusions together in a compressive manner to bend or dispose the finger toward the compressed side. Gaps between the protrusion allow movement of the protrusion towards adjacent protrusions to dispose the body in an arcuate shape. The constraint is a planar sheet that bends with the arc along its width, but resists lateral twisting, thus limiting movement outside a plane defined by the arc and the tether. Multiple finger members may be placed in close geometric proximity for gripping a common object.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.

Abstract: A material dispensing device for dispensing liquid material whose viscosity is higher than water, and a related material output volume detecting device and a related damper device are disclosed. The material output volume detecting device includes: a damper device arranged to operably buffer liquid material flowing therethrough; and a flowmeter arranged to operably measure the flow of liquid material outputted from the damper device. The damper device includes: a damper base having a material buffer chamber; a diaphragm covered on the material buffer chamber; a fastening element positioned on the diaphragm and having a hollow portion; and a restriction element, positioned on the fastening element, and arranged to operably restrain a degree of deformation of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a pneumatic, hydraulic, or otherwise inflatable or pressurized artificial muscle. Also provided are methods for making, controlling, and using such a muscle useful for prostheses, movement aids, or wearable robots to assist the movement of impaired subjects or to improve the function of healthy subjects. Muscles can be made by densely winding tension wires around pressurized expandable tubes having one or more specific geometric shapes removed from the tube cross section. The curve of output characteristics such as output force vs. contraction ratio can be adjustable by changing parameters of the sectional view of the tube. The appropriate shape of tube and related output characteristics can be selected according to application area or body part to be assisted to achieve the most flexible and optimal design for one or more muscle groups.

Abstract: A damper device for use in an automated beverage preparation apparatus is disclosed. The damper device includes: a damper base having a material entrance hole, a material exit hole, and a material buffer chamber positioned between the material entrance hole and the material exit hole; a diaphragm covered on the material buffer chamber; and a fastening element positioned on the diaphragm and having a hollow portion. When the volume of liquid material within the material buffer chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, the diaphragm deforms to protrude outward, so that a part of the diaphragm enters the hollow portion of the fastening element.

Abstract: A material output volume detecting device for use in an automated beverage preparation apparatus is disclosed. The material output volume detecting device includes: a damper device arranged to operably buffer liquid material flowing therethrough; and a flowmeter arranged to operably measure the flow of liquid material outputted from the damper device. The damper device includes: a damper base having a material entrance hole, a material exit hole, and a material buffer chamber positioned between the material entrance hole and the material exit hole; a diaphragm covered on the material buffer chamber; and a fastening element positioned on the diaphragm and having a hollow portion. When the volume of liquid material within the material buffer chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, the diaphragm deforms to protrude outward, so that a part of the diaphragm enters the hollow portion of the fastening element.

Abstract: A robotic grasping system can include a three-dimensional (3D) printed joint, a stiff portion coupled with the 3D-printed joint, internal tubes within the 3D-printed joint, a bellows coupled with the 3D-printed joint and at least one of the internal tubes, and a pressure source configured to cause the internal tubes to pressurize or depressurize the bellows.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide enhancements for soft robotic actuators. In some embodiments, angular adjustment systems are provided for varying an angle between an actuator and the hub, or between two actuators. The angular adjustment system may also be used to vary a relative distance or spacing between actuators. According to further embodiments, rigidizing layers are provided for reinforcing one or more portions of an actuator at one or more locations of relatively high strain. According to further embodiments, force amplification structures are provided for increasing an amount of force applied by an actuator to a target. The force amplification structures may serve to shorten the length of the actuator that is subject to bending upon inflation. According to still further embodiments, gripping pads are provided for customizing an actuator's gripping profile to better conform to the surfaces of items to be gripped.

Abstract: An integrated hybrid energy recovery and storage system for recovering and storing energy from multiple energy sources is disclosed. The system includes an accumulator unit having a high pressure accumulator and a low pressure accumulator. At least one piston is mounted for reciprocation in the high pressure accumulator. The accumulator unit is configured to receive, store, and transfer energy from the hydraulic fluid to the energy storage media. The system further includes two or more rotational directional control valves, in which at least one rotational directional control valve is positioned on each side of the accumulator unit. Each rotational directional control valve includes multiple ports. The system also includes two or more variable displacement hydraulic rotational units. At least one variable displacement hydraulic rotational unit is positioned adjacent each of the rotational directional control valves.

Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.

Abstract: A soft robotic gripper having component parts capable of being assembled in the field at the terminus of an industrial robot arm for providing adaptive gripping of a product. A hub includes a pneumatic inlet leading to outlets. Finger mounts with pneumatic passages hold inflatable fingers, and tension fastener(s) secure and compress the finger mounts toward the hub by passing through the pneumatic passages and fastening under tension in a direction of the hub.

Abstract: A finger for a robotic gripper may include a flexible backbone, a plurality of jamming layers, and a membrane bag. The backbone may have a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The backbone may include a flexible beam, and a plurality of branches attached to the flexible beam and spaced apart from one another. Each branch may include a first end surface extending along the first side, and a second end surface extending along the second side. The first end surfaces may collectively extend along a majority of the first side, and the second end surfaces may collectively extend along a majority of the second side. The jamming layers may be positioned along the third side or the fourth side. The membrane bag may be positioned over the jamming layers.

Abstract: In an apparatus for pipeline renovation using a lining fiber tube impregnated with a reactive resin that cures under the effect of light-emitting devices, the apparatus has a head part 1 made of a transparent, temperature-resistant material, and end caps 2, 3 seal the apparatus hermetically against the outside, wherein the whole apparatus or at least its head part 1 is filled with a transparent, flame-retardant insulating fluid 5 and the apparatus contains an insert whose insulating substrates 8 are populated with high-performance light-emitting diodes 9.

Abstract: An artificial muscle system includes a collapsible skeleton, a flexible skin, and a muscle actuation mechanism. The collapsible skeleton is contained inside a volume defined, at least in part, by the flexible skin. The flexible skin and the collapsible skeleton are configured for the flexible skin to provide a pulling force on the collapsible skeleton when a pressure difference exists between the inside of the sealed volume and a surrounding environment to change at least one of the dimensions and thus geometry of the collapsible skeleton. The muscle actuation mechanism includes at least one of the following to deploy or contract the collapsible skeleton: (a) a fluid displacing, releasing, or capturing mechanism configured to increase or decrease fluid pressure inside the sealed volume; and (b) a heating or cooling element configured to change the temperature of fluid in the sealed volume.

Abstract: A soft continuum robotic module comprises a plurality of inflatable actuators disposed between plates. Via inflation or deflation of one or more of the actuators, the module may extend, contract, twist, bend, and/or exert a grasping force. One or more modules may be combined to form a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Plug for high-pressure processing machines with a bag, comprising a duct for the passage of a pressure-transmitting fluid to the bag, another duct for filling and emptying of a product to be pressurized and a valve. The plug is further provided with a rod for opening and closing the valve. Said rod is located in the duct for the product and has its own inner duct joined to a cleaning agent chamber for the passage of the cleaning agent through the product duct. The invention also relates to a machine incorporating said plug and a method for the processing of pumpable substances. Hygienic design and very high pressure sealing requirements are met by the invention.

Abstract: A rotary actuator may include a first holder in which a fluid injecting portion is formed, a second holder rotatably coupled to the first holder, a flexible body fixed to the first holder and the second holder and configured to expand as a fluid is injected through the first holder, and a plurality of fibers radially disposed in a spiral shape at the flexible body and configured to rotate the flexible body when the flexible body expands.

Abstract: A material dispensing device, a material output volume detecting device, and a related damper device for use in an automated beverage preparation apparatus are disclosed. The material output volume detecting device includes: a damper device arranged to operably buffer liquid material flowing therethrough; and a flowmeter arranged to operably measure the flow of liquid material outputted from the damper device. The damper device includes: a damper base having a material entrance hole, a material exit hole, and a material buffer chamber positioned between the material entrance hole and the material exit hole; a diaphragm covered on the material buffer chamber; and a fastening element positioned on the diaphragm and having a hollow portion. When the volume of liquid material within the material buffer chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, the diaphragm deforms to protrude outward, so that a part of the diaphragm enters the hollow portion of the fastening element.

Abstract: Provided are a defrosting control device, an air conditioner and a defrosting control method therefor. The device includes an airbag device, wherein the airbag device includes a mounting support (1), an airbag (2) and an inflation mechanism. When an air conditioner to be controlled enters a defrosting mode, the inflation mechanism inflates the airbag (2) such that same forms an airbag layer to isolate an outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner to be controlled from flowing air outside the outdoor heat exchanger. The defrosting control device can achieve the beneficial effects of a small defrosting heat loss, a good defrosting effect and a good user experience.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly including an elongated cannula member having proximal and distal end portions, a cannula housing coupled to the proximal end portion of the elongated cannula member, a balloon anchor coupled to the distal end portion of the elongated cannula member, and a collar disposed along the elongated cannula member and in fluid communication with the balloon anchor. The collar includes a first check valve and a manually actuatable pump. The first check valve is configured to control flow of air into the balloon anchor. The manually actuatable pump is coupled to the first check valve.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and associated method includes an introducer needle assembly and an aspiration needle assembly. The introducer needle assembly includes an introducer cannula having proximal and distal ends, each end including an opening, and a screw assembly coupled to the introducer handle. The screw assembly includes a threaded tube and a lead screw receivable in the threaded tube. An outer cover is disposed around and in sealing engagement with the threaded tube and the lead screw. The aspiration needle assembly is receivable in the introducer cannula and includes an aspiration cannula forming a channel for aspirating bone marrow and including a flexible portion that extends from a distal end along a length of the aspiration cannula. A length of the aspiration cannula that extends beyond the distal end of the introducer cannula is adjustable by advancing the lead screw into or reversing the lead screw out of the threaded tube.

Abstract: Improved systems for diagnosing and/or treating arrhythmia of a heart makes use of an array of articulation balloons to control movement of a distal portion of a catheter inside the heart, and may be used to align a diagnostic or treatment tool with a target tissue surface region along or adjacent an inner surface of one of the chambers of the heart. The articulation balloons can generate articulation forces at the site of articulation, and the movement may provide greater dexterity than movements induced by transmitting articulation forces proximally along a catheter body that winds through a tortuous vascular pathway.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a charging indication method. The method includes: acquiring a current ratio of a remaining battery capacity to a total battery capacity; determining a target curvature angle of a flexible display screen associated with a terminal based at least on the current ratio; and controlling the flexible display screen to present the target curvature angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting utilizing an inflatable actuator are disclosed. A sorting system utilizing an inflatable actuator includes an inflatable actuator. The inflatable actuator is disposed in a cantilever beam orientation atop a support surface. The system includes an inflation component coupled to the inflatable actuator to provide an inflation force. Additionally, the system includes a control component configured to send an activation signal to the inflation component responsive to a detection of an object to be sorted. Responsive to the activation signal, the inflation component inflates the inflatable actuator to cause the inflatable actuator to make contact with the object to be sorted. The contact of the inflatable actuator with the object to be sorted causes the object to change from a first trajectory to a second trajectory.

Abstract: Variable stiffness devices and methods of their use are provided. In some embodiments, a variable stiffness device comprises an inner member defining a compartment for receiving an actuating fluid; an outer member disposed around the inner member; and a granular medium disposed between the inner member and the outer member; wherein the inner member is being moveable in a radial direction from a relaxed state to an expanded state by introducing the actuating fluid into the compartment of the inner member to compress the granular medium against the outer member to increase the stiffness of the device.

Abstract: This disclosure includes manipulating apparatuses and related methods. Some manipulating apparatuses include an actuator having a semi-rigid first segment, a semi-rigid second segment, and one or more flexible cells disposed between the first segment and the second segment, where the actuator is configured to be coupled to a fluid source such that the fluid source can communicate fluid to vary internal pressures of the one or more cells, and where each cell is configured such that adjustments of an internal pressure of the cell causes angular displacement of the second segment relative to the first segment.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a hybrid actuator attaining both driving force and responsiveness, capable of reducing inertia of a movable portion. [Solution] A pneumatic air muscle has a cylinder (112) provided in a flexible member (100) forming a pneumatic artificial muscle. At the center of an upper lid element (109) of the cylinder, a through hole is opened, and an inner wire (103) of a Bowden cable passes through this through hole and is coupled by means of a spring (106) to a bottom portion of the cylinder. When the pneumatic artificial muscle contracts, the inner wire (103) and the pneumatic air muscle move together because of the stopper (105), and the contraction force is transmitted. In contrast, when the pneumatic air muscle extends, the stopper (105) is disengaged, while the tension of inner wire (103) is kept by the spring (106) to prevent slacking.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device for spatially adjusting the position of an object, comprising a plurality of plate elements which are arranged one over the other and which have radial guide structures that engage into one another at mutually facing sides, wherein at least one pair of movement plates and a pair of inclination plates are arranged on a base. The movement plates have a constant thickness, and the respective upper radial guide structures and lower radial guide structures of each movement plate are offset eccentrically relative to one another. The inclination plates have a variable thickness, and the respective upper radial guide structures and lower radial guide structures of each inclination plate are arranged concentrically to one another.

Abstract: A soft-bodied actuator can be configured to be in a pinched or contracted configuration when power is not supplied to the actuator. Thus, a supply of electrical energy is not needed to maintain the actuator in the pinched or contracted configuration. The actuator can include a central bladder. The central bladder can include a flexible casing that defines a central fluid chamber. The central fluid chamber can include a dielectric fluid. A first conductor and a second conductor can be operatively connected to opposite portions of the central bladder. The actuator can be configured such that, in the activated mode, the first and second conductors receive electrical energy from a power source such that they are like charged, causing the first and second conductors to repel each other. The central fluid chamber can include a particulate material to help maintain the central bladder in the pinched configuration.

Abstract: A pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) actuator includes first and second end caps, an elastic bladder connected to the end caps, and a covering around the elastic bladder and connected to the end caps. At least one of the first and second end caps is configured to move and narrow a distance between the end caps in response to inflation of the elastic bladder by a fluid. At least one of the end caps includes a vent configured to allow the fluid to exit the elastic bladder and collapse the covering after activation of the PAM actuator. At least the covering is configured to provide braking for the PAM actuator. The covering may be configured to collapse at least partially between the first and second end caps to provide at least some of the braking for the PAM actuator.

Abstract: An actuation system for a joint includes an actuator having a piston, an articulating element coupled to the actuator that is driven by the piston to match a gait cycle of an appendage, an energy source engaged with the piston that energizes working fluid within the actuator to drive the piston and generate exhaust gas, a plurality of valves coupled to the actuator, and an exhaust gas holding element coupled to the actuator that is sized to hold a volume of the exhaust gas contained within the actuator.

Abstract: A soft robotic device includes a flexible body having a width, a length and a thickness, wherein the thickness is at least 1 mm, the flexible body having at least one channel disposed within the flexible body, the channel defined by upper, lower and side walls, wherein at least one wall is strain limiting; and a pressurizing inlet in fluid communication with the at least one channel, the at least one channel positioned and arranged such that the wall opposite the strain limiting wall preferentially expands when the soft robotic device is pressurized through the inlet.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a variety of tools in many types of environments. The actuation technique employs a closed conduit, such as a closed tube, arranged in a curvilinear structure. By applying a differential pressure to the closed conduit, the curvature of the curvilinear structure is changed. This change can be used to actuate a corresponding tool between desired operational positions.

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: An Extensile Fluidic Muscle Actuator (FMA) that changes the normal direction of force and motion, achieving compressive force generation and extensile motion output with just a small increase in friction, weight, and cost is disclosed. The motion conversion is accomplished by a pushrod that is attached to the inside end of one of the actuator's end fittings, and extends through the actuator body and slidably out through the other end fitting. The other end fitting is held stationary by a seal housing that contains a sealing element to retain internal fluid pressure as the actuator moves. A linear bearing may also be installed to keep the rod aligned and centered properly in the seal. Upon pressurization of the actuator, the flexible body of the actuator will expand radially, causing relative contractile motion between the two end fittings. However, as the two end fittings are drawn towards each other, the pushrod is extended.

Abstract: A fluid-powered cylinder for displacing an object with respect to a support surface is disclosed. The fluid-power cylinder includes a fabric enclosure having ends fastened to two end caps and forming an expandable and contractible chamber therein. The chamber has a port for selectively disposing an incompressible fluid in the chamber. The chamber is adapted to displace the object to a first position with respect to the support surface and to displace the object to a second position with respect to the support surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fluidically operable manipulator made up of several manipulator segments stacked along an extension curve, each comprising at least one connecting plate and at least two fluidically separated fluid chambers spaced apart on the connecting plate at right-angles to the extension curve, wherein each of the fluid chambers has at least one elastically deformable wall section which is designed to make possible, on pressurization of the respective fluid chamber with a fluid, a change in volume of the fluid chamber for a linear movement substantially parallel to the extension curve, and wherein a main extension surface of the connecting plate is provided for an arrangement at least substantially at right-angles to the extension curve, wherein the two or more fluid chambers are made integral with the connecting plate or plates.

Abstract: In a rotation device using a hydraulic actuator, a rotation angle range is increased. A placement member rotatably coupled to a rotary member has a projecting part on an upper face. A hydraulic actuator is arranged on a projecting face of the projecting part; the actuator and the rotary member coupled with a wire material. The projecting part is formed such that it becomes higher from a leading edge on the side of the rotary member to an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, and becomes lower from the intermediate portion to a trailing edge. Thereby, when fluid is supplied to the actuator and shortens the actuator length, a tip of the actuator moves along the projecting face of the projecting part, and is located high, separated from the upper face of the placement member such that the rotation angle range of the rotary member becomes large.

Abstract: There is provided an abnormality determination unit that determines whether or not an output measurement unit is abnormal, in order to determine abnormality of the output measurement unit. When the output measurement unit is abnormal, the operation of an elastic actuator is controlled not in accordance with a measurement result of the output measurement unit but in accordance with an internal state model.

Abstract: An actuator is provided whose expansion in the radial direction can be efficiently translated into longitudinal movement when its length is contracted and extended by injecting a fluid into the tubular body. The fluid injection type actuator includes an actuator body, which is an expansion and contraction section of the actuator. The actuator body is constructed of a cylindrical rubber tube and annular fiber groups inserted and extending longitudinally therein. The annular fiber groups are each a group of fibers, such as glass roving fibers having a diameter of about 10 ?m, arranged in an annular array along the circumference of the rubber tube. The arrangement allows the rubber tube to be restrained over the entirety of the actuator body longitudinally when it is expanded radially.

Abstract: An actuation system for trailing-edge flap control suitable for use in reducing vibration in rotorcraft blades as well as primary flight control and noise mitigation employing an antagonistic pair of fluidic artificial muscles (FAMs) located and operated inside the rotor blade. The FAMs are connected to a force transfer mechanism such as an inboard bellcrank and engaged to an outboard bellcrank by one or more linkages running spanwise out through the spar. The outboard mechanism translates the spanwise linkage motion into chordwise motion of a flap control rod which is connected to the trailing-edge flap. A torsion rod flexure (TRF) device is included connecting the trailing-edge flap to the blade. The actuation system can produce large flap deflections at relatively high operating frequencies for vibration reduction and noise cancellation and is capable of larger flap deflections at lower operating frequencies for embedded primary control of the rotorcraft.

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: An artificial muscle (10) comprises a chamber (12) having a flexible wall of plastics material, a device for heating and/or cooling a low-boiling-point fluid contained in, or in communication with, the chamber so that at least some of the fluid changes state between liquid and gaseous so that the force in the chamber on the flexible wall changes and/or the flexible wall moves to change the volume of the chamber, and a tendon (14) which at least partly encircles the chamber over an extent that varies with variations in the chamber volume for transmitting force between the flexible wall and a load. The use of a low-boiling-point fluid operating at around its boiling point enables plastics materials to be used without thermal damage, and the use of plastics materials enables low production costs. The use of a flexible wall to convey an effort to a load avoids the need for sliding parts and can provide advantages such as reduced friction and ease of sealing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pumping system comprising a pump having a rigid outer casing defining an interior space and a tube structure in the interior space, the tube structure being flexible and substantially inelastic. The interior of the tube structure defines a pumping chamber for receiving pumped fluid. The tube structure is movable between laterally expanded and collapsed conditions thereby providing discharge and intake strokes. The pumping chamber receives pumped fluid to cause the tube structure to move towards the expanded condition and undergo an intake stroke. The pumping chamber—undergoes a discharge stroke upon collapsing of the tube structure. The pumping system also comprises a delivery means and a supplying means for delivering pumped fluid to the pumping chamber and for supplying actuating fluid to an actuating region around the tube structure in timed sequence to cause the tube structure to undergo discharge and intake strokes.

Abstract: Rotary axial peristaltic pumps, related methods and components. The rotary axial peristaltic pump generally comprises a platen having a platen surface, a tube positioned adjacent to the platen surface, cam that rotates about a rotational axis and has a cam surface that is spaced apart from the platen surface and a plurality of tube compressing fingers. The fingers move axially back and forth in sequence to sequentially compress segments or regions of the tube against the platen surface, thereby causing peristaltic movement of fluid through the tube. The fingers move back and forth on axes that are substantially parallel to the axis about which the cam rotates.

Abstract: A fluidic artificial muscle actuator consisting of an inner elastic bladder surrounded by a braided filament sleeve and sealed off on either end with end fittings. Pressurization of the actuator produces force and/or motion through radial movement of the bladder and sleeve which forces the sleeve to move axially. Both contractile and extensile motions are possible depending on the geometry of the braided sleeve. The fluidic artificial muscle actuator is manufactured using a swaging process which plastically deforms swage tubes around the end fittings, braided sleeve, and pressure bladder, creating a strong mechanical clamping action that may be augmented with adhesive bonding of the components. The swaging system includes the swaging die and associated components which are used to plastically deform the swage tube during assembly of the actuator.

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: An infusion pump includes an actuator having an output shaft; a pump actuator having a length (lactuator) moved by the output shaft and in contact with tubing, such that the pump actuator at an output shaft actuated distance (x) creates flat contact areas with the tubing, and wherein remaining non-contact areas of the tubing are at least substantially circular in shape; and a logic implementer configured to use at least two relationships to solve for a same number of variables to calculate a cross-sectional area of the tubing at an output shaft actuated distance (x).

Abstract: Fluid pressures of a plurality of compressible fluid pressure actuators that drive a joint through antagonistic driving are controlled by a main-fluid pressure control device, and at the time of applying quick brake upon collision, a proximate fluid pressure high-speed control device, disposed closely to the actuators, carries out pressure application or pressure reduction at a high speed on the actuators so as to be quickly accelerated or decelerated.