Abstract: An extendable cylinder of elastically variable length and substantially invariable circular cross section is combined with another such extendable cylinder or a movable separating organ to form an operating unit. One of the extendable cylinders of the operating unit is arranged for two or three dimensional motion of a free one end as it extends. For example, symmetric, concentric elastic cylinders between common plates at opposite ends of the cylinders extend together two dimensionally.

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: An axially contractable actuator which includes an elongated hollow enclosure (14) formed by a fluid impermeable substantially non-elastic material and having a plurality of protrusions each with respective bases having more than three sides. Each base side (48) of a protrusion is attached to a base side (48) of an adjacent protrusion by a flexible seam of continuous fold (55). Each protrusion is foldable about a plane dividing the protrusion into two parts from an axially-extended condition in which the base sides are substantially parallel, to an axially-contracted condition in which the protrusion encloses a volume larger than that enclosed in the axially-extended condition. A pair of axially-aligned end terminations (18) are formed at each end of the enclosure with one of the end terminations being hollow.

Abstract: A traveling device traveling along an elongated tube or member has an elastic contractable body expanding in radial directions to cause a contractive force in axial directions when supplied with pressurized fluid into the body. Mounting members are connected to respective ends of the elastic contractable body, and elastic member are arranged between the mounting members causing force resisting to the contractive force of the elastic contractable body. An anchoring structure is fixed to the mounting members and expands when supplied with pressurized fluid into the anchoring members. In case of a large diameter column or tube, the traveling device comprises a plurality of elastic contractable bodies and a pair of frames having a shape and a size encircling the column or enclosed in the tube other than the components above described.

Abstract: A carburetor for an internal combustion engine is provided. The carburetor float bowl is internally vented through a venting path that leads from the carburetor throat, via the primer chamber, to the airspace above the float bowl. An annular lip is provided on the primer bulb that acts as a check valve and seals off the venting passageway when the primer bulb is depressed, thereby insuring that the primer charge passes into the float bowl and is not lost through the venting passageway.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator includes a tubular body made of a rubber-like elastic material and a braided structure made of organic or inorganic high-tensile-strength fibers reinforcing an outside of the tubular body. Closure members sealingly close ends of the tubular body; at least one of the closure members has a fluid connecting passage. The tubular body deforms to expand its diameter when pressurized fluid is introduced through the connecting passage to cause contractive force in the longitudinal direction. Contraction-detecting strain gauges at one closure member provide signals corresponding to the contractive force of the actuator.

Abstract: A traveling device traveling along an elongated tube or member has an elastic contractable body expanding in radial directions to cause a contractive force in axial directions when supplied with pressurized fluid into the body. Mounting members are connected to respective ends of the elastic contractable body, and elastic member are arranged between the mounting members causing force resisting to the contractive force of the elastic contractable body. An anchoring structure is fixed to the mounting members and expands when supplied with pressurized fluid into the anchoring structure. In case of a large diameter column or tube, the traveling device comprises a plurality of elastic contractable bodies and a pair of frames having a shape and a size encircling the column or enclosed in the tube other than the components above described.

Abstract: The device comprises on the one hand at least one substantially tightly-sealable chamber, which is bounded partly at least by a wall from an approximately resiliently distortable material, and on the other hand flexible, approximately unstretchable spiral-wound filaments which extend substantially next to one another at least about said wall, whereby part of said filaments are wound rightwards and another part thereof leftwards, and this in such a way that two arbitrary crossing filaments may undergo some angular displacement relative to one another, and the one end each said filaments on the one side of said chamber is fixed relative to a working point, and the other end thereof on the opposite side of said chamber is fixed relative to another working point, and whereby further at least one feed opening is provided in said chamber, wherethrough a pressurized gas or liquid may be fed and said wall is distortable at least along one direction cross-wise to the line joining both said working points, in such a wa

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated assembly includes a casing made of a flexible resilient material, such as rubber or polyurethane, a coiled tension spring sleeved on the casing for biasing the casing to move toward a retracted position, and a coiled spacing spring interposed between the tension spring and the casing for preventing any wall of the casing from being clamped between any two adjacent turns of the tension spring. When a compressed fluid is applied to the interior of the casing, the casing extends.

Abstract: A tension actuator suspension system is disclosed, providing control over the elevation of a load suspended from a reference system, as well as over the compliance of the suspension system. As employed in a vehicle suspension system, a preferred arrangement employs radially expansible, axially contractible tension actuators exhibiting tensile forces that decrease nonlinearly as each contracts. An antagonistic actuator pair is arranged in opposition between the chassis and each wheel of the vehicle. Air is supplied to the actuators from a compressor and accumulator by lines under the control of pressure regulator valves. Manual or automatic inputs allow the adjustment of both vehicle chassis elevation and suspension system compliance individually with respect to each wheel.

Abstract: An actuator has a first connection point and a second connection point at opposite ends and is contractable along an axis extending between the connection points. The actuator has at least one hollow enclosure with an opening for admitting a pressurized fluid. A simultaneously radially expandable, axially contractable constraining means cooperates with the enclosure. The constraining means converts radial expansion of the actuator into axial contraction when pressurized fluid is admitted into the enclosure. In a preferred form, the constraining means comprises a network of non-stretchable, flexible tension links.

Abstract: An overpressure device for applying pressure from a first hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic fluid comprises:(a) a housing in which is located a piston(b) an opening in the housing for the entry of the first hydraulic fluid to one side of the piston(c) a second opening in the housing for the entry of the second hydraulic fluid to a chamber on the other side of the piston whereby the pressure of the first hydraulic fluid is exerted on the second hydraulic fluid, and(d) an additional means of exerting pressure on the piston so that pressure exerted on the second hydraulic fluid is greater than that of the first hydraulic fluid alone.The overpressure device is particularly suitable for use in applying pressure to the sealing system of the ball valve described in European patent application No. 82302173 when used to control the flow of fluid, e.g. crude oil in a pipeline. The overpressure device enables the pressure in the pipeline to provide a portion of the pressure required to pressurize the sealing system.

Abstract: A bellows assembly is secured to a retainer by extrusions having a mushroom or arrow shaped cross section. Air flowing through the terminal impinges upon an impervious film covering the central portion of the device and is diverted into two flow paths. Initially the flow paths extend between the film and the cutoff plates which coact to form a tight shut off. Downstream of the cutoff plates, the flow paths are between a porous foam covering the bellows and foam surrounding the cutoff plates to provide a sound reducing effect. If necessary or desirable, the back of the retainer may be covered with foam or other suitable sound insulating material.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic muscle contracts when air or hydraulic pressure is applied to it. The muscle has a long elastomeric bladder covered by a long tubular braid of flexible but inextensible fibers or filaments. When the bladder is inflated the braid is forced to expand laterally, which shortens it axially when the pressure is relieved, the muscle will relax allowing a pulling force on a tendon connected to a termination on its distal end to stretch it back to its original length. These fluid dynamic muscles can be used for bending the articulation section of a borescope or endoscope.

Abstract: This invention is a fluid actuator of the rolling lobe form in which a closed toroidal flexible membrane forms concentric rolling lobes on the inside and outside surfaces of an annular piston which moves axially into the membrane. The fluid actuator can be used in brake and clutch assemblies where the actuator is connected to a high pressure fluid source and serves to activate the brake or clutch assembly, a shaft or axle can pass through the center of the toroid.

Abstract: A fluid actuated limb comprising an elongate flexible core member having a first plurality of bellows extending parallel to the core member and being radially spaced from the core member around substantially the entire circumference thereof. A second plurality of bellows are radially spaced from the core member and helically wrapped around the length of the core member in a first helical direction, and a third plurality of bellows are radially spaced from the core member and helically wrapped around the length thereof in a second helical direction opposite to the first helical direction. Fluid air pressure selectively applied to the limb results in limb movements including extension and contraction, bending with resistance to torsion, right hand and left hand rotation, and combinations of the aforementioned movements.

Abstract: The method and system employ strings of tension actuators in opposed relationship for controlling motions or deflections of jointed members: for example, for controlling the motions of arms, legs and elephant trunks or flexible antennae in robots and for controlling the deflections of beams and columns in frames and structures. These opposed tension actuators are inflated with controlled air pressures which are oppositely varied from a predetermined common-mode pressure P.sub.o (initial fluid pressure level P.sub.o). In other words, as one tension actuator is being inflated with pressure increasing above P.sub.o, the opposed tension actuator is being inflated with pressure decreasing below P.sub.o for producing motion or deflection of the jointed member in one direction, and conversely for producing motion or deflection in the other direction. The opposed tension actuators have their ends anchored to rigid movable plates or struts containing sockets for the respective joints.

Abstract: A portable self-deflating fluid inflatable bladder adaptable to use as a damper for control of fluid flow in fluid supply systems and more specifically for control of air flow in heating and air conditioning ducts such as may be effectively used in zone controlled air conditioning systems. The bladder is an assembly of two layers of sheet material sealed together, one layer being a flat base sheet of semi-rigid flexible material having an internal memory causing it to return to its flat shape upon removal of flexing forces, the other layer being a flexible conformable material without shape memory so that it responds to make space for the volume of air pumped between the layers by way of a connection thereto. Inflation stresses on the base sheet cause it to be self-deflating and enables the bladder to be closely regulated in size for corresponding close control of air flow through an air passage in which the bladder is installed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an annular actuator (10) employing a closed toroidal elastomeric diaphragm (12) including in its interior a flat annular plate (14) adhered on one flat side (18) thereof to the interior peripheral surface (22) of the diaphragm (12). A shaft (114) or support may exit through a central passageway (16) in the center of the diaphragm. Hydraulic fluid is introduced into the actuator (10) to actuate the clutch (80) mechanism as a substitute for a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An expansible mandrel with a plurality of fluid pressure actuated expansion devices, the devices including an expandable pressing shoe member, an inflatable tubular bladder member cooperating with said shoe member for actuating the expansion movement thereof and duct and valve means connectable with pressure fluid ducts for conducting and controlling the pressure fluid flow in and out of said bladder member. A channel section shaped housing member contains therein the shoe member and the bladder member and a connector member. The housing with therein the bladder member and the shoe member and the connector member constitutes a self-contained replaceable expansion device unit.

Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror, the mirror element of which is supported by a ball-and-socket-like joint, and can be adjusted by two elements that can be actuated by pressure medium. In order to use single-acting adjustment elements, a reset spring is associated with the two elements. This reset spring is disposed on an imaginary line that bisects the angle defined by the two adjustment elements and the ball-and-socket-like joint. This reset spring is expediently a compression spring that is disposed across from the two adjustment elements.

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: The method and system employing double-acting, fluid-driven, twistor-pairs as combined flexural supports, joints, torque motors and linear-response angular deflectors in arms and legs of robots. Thus, the twistor-pairs at each joint advantageously serves as hinge or flexural support for the limb supported by the joint and simultaneously serves as double-acting turning motor for moving the portions of the arm or leg supported by the twistor pair. Various jointed-arm or jointed-leg robots, called "arthrobots" are shown embodying the invention. Controllably varying fluid pressure P.sub.1 and R.sub.2 (usually pressurized air) fed into elastic shells forming respective fluid chambers of a double-acting, twistor-pair at each joint, deflects a limb into predetermined predictable angular positions, depending upon these pressures.

Abstract: High pressure, fluid-driven tension actuators, axially contractible upon inflation by a suitable fluid such as compressed air to convert fluid pressure energy into linear contraction displacement, employ nearly spherical shell surfaces when inflated constrained by meridian and parallel elements. The inflatable shells are formed of elastomeric resilient material, and the constraining elements in certain embodiments of the invention comprise a reinforcing, tubular, knitted, fabric sleeve that axially encompasses, conforms to, and is bonded to a resilient, hollow bladder which defines a fluid chamber having at least one conduit connected at a polar location to bladder and sleeve for inflating and deflating the chamber. The parallel and meridian elements for constraining the elastomeric resilient shell include a generally square constraining pattern extending in an equatorial band around the shell upon inflation of the nearly spherical shell.

Abstract: A contractility actuator includes a longitudinal quadrilateral mesh of relatively inelastic segments with anchor points at either end, an expandable bladder confined within the mesh and means for introducing and inflating the bladder with a liquid for generating a contractile force between the anchor points mechanically analogous to a muscle but of much greater magnitude. Two or more of the contractile actuators are arranged in a system for precisely articulating one or more arms pivotally secured at the distal ends of a structural member.

Abstract: An actuator has a first connection point and a second connection point at opposite ends and is contractable along an axis extending between the connection points. The actuator has at least one hollow enclosure with an opening for admitting a pressurized fluid. A simultaneously radially expandable, axially contractable constraining means cooperates with the enclosure. The constraining means converts radial expansion of the actuator into axial contraction when pressurized fluid is admitted into the enclosure. In a preferred form, the constraining means comprises a network of non-stretchable, flexible tension links.

Abstract: A fluid-driven tension actuator has a pair of end-connection, ring-shaped fittings of relatively large internal diameter with multiple inextensible strands anchored to them and initially extending between them as straight lines oriented at a pitch angle in the range from 60.degree. to 120.degree. forming a network of tension elements constraining the actuator shell and connecting together said two end fittings. These tension element strands define a ruled surface having the shape of an hyperboloid of revolution when the actuator is in its initially deflated (elongated or extended) position. These tension element strands serve to constrain the resilient, flexible, stretchable, elastomeric shell of the actuator which stretches and bulges outwardly into nearly a spherical surface of revolution when the actuator is in its inflated (contracted or retracted) position.

Abstract: A rolling-type bellows for vehicular pneumatic cushioning systems. In the installed state, support surfaces of the bellows that are adjacent to the end beads thereof are supported against vehicle parts that are movable relative to one another; the axial width of the support surfaces can vary. In the region of the annular support surfaces, the bellows are provided with raised interval axial ribs, which enhance the buckle-free continuous movement of the rolling folds, and reduces wear of the walls of the bellows.

Abstract: A primer for an internal combustion engine carburetor including a variable volume air chamber which is provided with a flexible resilient dome member. The dome member includes a protruding nipple including an aperture therein for admitting air into the chamber. Inside the chamber, a protrusion is provided including a sloping surface with an aperture therein. A passage connects the aperture in the sloping surface to the fuel supply bowl. When an operator abruptly depresses the flexible resilient dome member, a volume of air is abruptly displaced from the chamber through the passage and into the fuel supply bowl to force fuel from the bowl through a nozzle and into a fuel/air mixture passageway of the carburetor.

Abstract: An airbed mattress and support system includes an air reservoir and a device for controllably delivering air to the airbed mattress and for controlling and for maintaining, as the user desires, the air pressure in the airbed mattress.

Abstract: A fluid actuator comprises a rigid housing having a reciprocating member, a tubular hose section having a straight length bearing against one face of the reciprocating member and connectible to a first port for introducing pressurized fluid to cause it to inflate and thereby to drive the reciprocating member rectilinearly in one direction, and a return member, e.g., a second tubular hose section, having a straight length bearing against the opposite face of the reciprocating member and connectible to a second port for introducing pressurized fluid to cause it to inflate and thereby to drive the reciprocating member rectilinearly in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A conveying device more particularly suitable for use as a vertical hoist on construction sites or in industrial premises takes the form of a flexible and pliant hose-like pressure duct having a shuttle piston therein. The shuttle piston acts to seal off an internal portion of the duct and is fixed in place by way of a magnetic coupling with an external rider. The external rider is anchored in place so as to encompass the portion of the pliant duct in which the shuttle piston is located. The pliant duct is moved either up or down depending on whether fluid pressure is inserted into the duct above or below the fixed shuttle piston. By attaching a hook or the like to one end of the duct the pliant hose is capable of acting as a traction rope.

Abstract: In a device for the production of pressure by means of a piston (2), the piston (2) which has a rectangular cross-section is arranged in a cylinder (1) whose cylinder bore has also a rectangular cross-section. A cylindrical sleeve (3) is arranged inside the cylinder (1) and its edges rest tightly against two parallel surfaces (11, 12) located opposite each other. When a pressure agent is led into the interior of the sleeve (3) over a cylinder wall (9), the sleeve (3) pushes the piston (2) with a high pressure out of the cylinder block.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator includes an elastic tubular body, closure members sealingly closing its ends and a braided structure made of braided cords reinforcing the tubular body. The braided structure is expanded in its radial direction and simultaneously contracted in its axial direction together with the tubular body when pressurized fluid is supplied into the tubular body. According to the invention the braided cords of the braided structure comprises monofilaments each having a smoothly rounded outer surface of a large radius of curvature. A protective layer may be provided between the tubular body and the braided structure or a filler such as an incompressible fluid substance having no constant shape is provided in the tubular body, or diameters of both ends of the braided structure and braided angles at both the ends are made larger than those at a substantially mid portion of the braided structure.

Abstract: In a drive device operated by pressure fluid a progressive linear or swinging or rotary movement of a driven element is produced by means of at least one lifting element. Between the lifting element and the driven element there is arranged at least one wedge which carries out a stepwise reciprocating movement under the influence of the lifting element. In this way the driven element is pushed forward step by step in the loaded direction via a force locking. This drive device permits a force-locked connection to the object to be moved.

Abstract: A pressure vessel comprising a rigid container having a deformable partition therein defining two chambers for fluid, each having a fluid port leading thereinto with an elongated apertured central guide tube for said partition extending axially in said container having at least one end secured to one of said ports. A flexible closure member encompasses said guide tube and the apertures thereof, said closure member having a plurality of closure elements normally extending radially outward from said tube, each closure element comprising a pair of spaced walls joined at their outer ends, one of said walls having apertures therethrough.

Abstract: Attitude control mechanism for a flexible bag component of a composite pneumatic chamber including a fixed section over which an inturned portion of a flexible bag pneumatic chamber section rolls includes a cantilever bag attitude control stem having its root anchored in a mounting closing the end of the flexible bag remote from the rigid pneumatic chamber section and extends through a central guide aperture of at least one frame mounted within the rigid pneumatic chamber section for substantially linear reciprocation guidance so as to prevent appreciable buckling of the flexible bag as it is contracted axially by movement of the mounting carrying the stem toward the rigid pneumatic chamber section.

Abstract: A chamber structure in a blood pump or the like is described. The structure includes a deformable sac having an annular side wall which is held in a rigid condition, and a pair of opposed circular walls, each joined to the annular side wall through a flexible annular wall portion. A circular pusher plate acting against each circular wall has an initial deflection position at which the associated flexible wall portion in the sac takes the form of a circumferentially uniform roll having an outwardly convex, bulged cross sectional curvature. The rolls in the sac maintain their circumferentially uniform, bulge-like character as the pusher plates are moved toward inwardly moved positions.

Abstract: A manually operable resuscitator bag of one-piece construction having a generally elongated football shape, an inlet at one said end, and an outlet at the other end, fold-rings in each end portion having walls of reduced thickness, whereby the ends may be telescoped, ridges of thickened wall section between the fold-rings, the center of the bag having a wall thickness equal to the thickness of said ridges in the tapering ends between the fold-rings, and longitudinal ribs formed on the outer surface of the center of the bag spaced around the circumference, providing increased resiliency and a rapid recovery for the shape of the bag.

Abstract: An air pump includes a number of inflatable chambers forming a closed container which defines a pumping chamber. The container is fitted with one-way inlet and outlet valves to effectuate the pumping operation. In one embodiment, the container is cylindrical with seven to nine longitudinal air chambers forming the walls of the chamber. The ends of the cylindrical container are fitted with the inlet and outlet valves. Also disclosed is a method of making and of using such a pump.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump especially for pumping viscous and abrasive materials including a spherical housing, the inner portion of which defines a pumping chamber together with a cylindrical hose membrane activated by a pulsating medium. One or more hose membranes surround a support pipe having a circular cross section to prevent compressive strain on the membranes during pumping by deformation of the membrane in the inward direction. In an alternative embodiment, a modulated support tube is provided to permit the diaphragm to flap into the indentations of the support tube in a manner neutral to longitudinal extension. Support rings are provided which permit symmetrical arching of the hose diaphragm during the compression stroke.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a bladder which is to be disposed on each of axially opposite end portions of a tire building machine having a tire building drum, respectively, and is employed for turning back a ply cord bound on the tire building drum of the tire building machine, comprising of the steps of binding a bladder material on a cylindrical member, the bladder material being reinforced with cords and unvulcanized, the cylindrical member having two annular grooves formed in the outer peripheral portion thereof, binding a cloth belt containing water around the outer peripheral surface of the bladder material so that the bladder material is shaped conformingly to the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical member and the two annular grooves, vulcanizing in a vulcanizing vessel the bladder material to form two annular ridges on the bladder material conformingly to the shape of the annular groove, and taking out the bladder material from the vulcanizing vessel and turning back the bladder material around

Abstract: A Bourdon tube apparatus is provided for monitoring the pressure of a fluid pressure source. The output of the Bourdon tube is translated into a curvilinear motion which is transmitted to a linearly movable actuator valve or indicator. To enhance the force output linear response or linear output of the Bourdon tube actuator, an abutment block is provided which contacts one or more turns of the Bourdon tube adjacent its closed end to prevent expansion movement of the Bourdon tube in a direction opposite to the desired linear output movement. The Bourdon tube is mounted for calibrational purposes by having its open end connected by a flexible pipe to a support post which is rotationally mounted for movement about its longitudinal axis and defines a fluid conduit connection between the pressure source being monitored and the open end of the Bourdon tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for actuating a desired device, such as a switch controlling a pump, in response to a predetermined pressure condition in a selected environment of varying pressure, such as closed vessel. A tube having a flattened segment of deformable material is disposed in fluid communication with the selected environment and a flattened segment of the tube is inserted between a tube support surface and a movable tube segment compression member. When the flattened tube segment expands in response to an increased pressure condition within the monitored environment, the tube segment compression member moves to actuate the device.The flattened tube segment unexpectedly improves the precision and consistency in actuating the device exactly at the predetermined pressure condition.

Abstract: A carburetor is provided with a primer for aiding in starting an engine, the primer including a priming bulb for forcing air into the air space in the float bowl to cause the air pressure in the air space to be greater than atmospheric pressure and to cause liquid fuel to be forced through the fuel nozzle and into said fuel-air mixture passage of the carburetor. The priming bulb includes a flexible wall having a groove and a vent opening is located in the base of the groove and is positioned so as to close as the priming bulb is compressed and as air is forced into the air space of the float bowl. The carburetor also includes a narrow passage permitting the venting of a portion of the air forced into the air space of the fuel bowl by the priming bulb to thereby control the amount of liquid fuel injected into the carburetor venturi.

Abstract: A medical suction device is disclosed which includes a vacuum indicator flag. This flag is made up of a flexible tube capped with a plug. The rigidity of the walls of the tube is chosen such that the walls collapse when the pressure inside the tube falls below a predetermined value, thereby allowing the flag to droop. In addition the rigidity of the tube serves to hold the flag upright when the pressure inside the tube rises above a second predetermined value. Thus the state of the flag (upright or drooped) provides a remote indication of the pressure being developed by the suction device. In addition, the suction device uses a constant force coiled ribbon spring to provide substantially constant suction as the suction device is filled. Furthermore, the suction device includes a plurality of separately valved drainage receptacles which can be folded and stored compactly against the drainage device.

Abstract: A respiratory exercise device for measuring the volume of air inhaled by the user, the device comprising an essentially rigid transparent container having an inhalation tube by means of which air is evacuated from the container, the container having an expansible member in communication with the outside air which expands within the container as the air in the container is evacuated, calibrated indicia being provided which measures the extent to which the expansible member is expanded, thereby indicating the volume of air withdrawn from the container.

Abstract: A product and method of making a bellows from thermoplastic sheet material including forming a plurality of substantially U-shaped gussets having inside and outside edges, heat-sealing the inside edges of the gussets in pairs, heat-sealing the outside edges of adjacent pairs in an accordion-like stack, and then heat-sealing the stack of sealed gussets between a folded cover member of thermoplastic sheet material having an air passage through the cover member for communication with an expansible air chamber formed by the cover member and the gussets.

Abstract: A peristaltic motor is provided comprising a reciprocating slave piston adapted to be actuated by the progressive, sequential contraction of two aligned, resiliently deformable peristaltic tubes by a weighted roller such as a wheel of a heavy vehicle. The leading ends of both tubes, that is the ends first contacted by the moving roller, are connected to the slave cylinder, one on either side of the piston and the trailing ends of the tubes are connected to one another so that movement of the roller from the leading end to the trailing end of the first tube causes the hydraulic fluid therein to move down the tube and into the slave cylinder moving the piston through half a stroke. Movement of the roller in the same direction over the second tube, forces the hydraulic fluid into the other side of the slave cylinder to move the piston through the second half of the stroke. The piston is associated with means to utilize its movement such as an air compressor or a pump.

Abstract: A tire building machine has a dual bladder ply turn-up mechanism including radially inner and outer annular bladders mounted on a radially stepped annular support. Each bladder is fully contour molded and has imbedded in its radially inner wall a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanged inserts adapted for connecting and positioning the bladder on the support. Each bladder further includes position stabilizers in the form of inelastic cinch bands which include openings through which the inserts extend and the outer bladder may also include an annular girdle to improve bladder rolling characteristics. Also provided is a one-piece manifolded bladder support which includes a radially stepped cylindrical support surface for the bladders and internal porting means for bladder inflation.