Abstract: A pneumatic support comprises a long hollow body, tapering towards the ends and two pressure/tension elements. The hollow body is embodied by a sleeve of gas-tight, flexible, non-stretch material. Said sleeve can be formed from two layers, an external non-stretch, flexible sleeve and an inner gas-tight elastic bladder. The hollow body can be pressurised with compressed gas by means of a valve. The both pressure/tension elements lie along diametrically opposed surface lines of the hollow body on the same and are partly or completely frictionally connected to the hollow body along said surface lines. The ends of the pressure/tension elements are frictionally connected to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane that heals on its own after being damaged mechanically as well as a method for producing said membrane which is used for pneumatic structures featuring an internal operating pressure of 10 mbar to 500 mbar. The inventive membrane is provided with a plastic layer on the pressure side, said plastic layer being interspersed with blisters that have a diameter ranging from 10? to 200?.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic support (1) which can be folded together as a result of joints (10) in the pressure member (3) and has a flexible web (12) that is connected to the tractive member (4) over the entire length of the latter and is connected to the pressure member (3) only in the region of the joints of said member (10). This allows the joints (10) to be fixed in such a way that the pressure member (3) does not buckle at the site of the joints and thus remains stable.

Abstract: The cushion according to the invention is made up of several layers of pneumatic elements (3) which each form a matrix (2). These pneumatic elements (3) each have a multiplicity of holes (5a) into which elastic spring elements, for example foam cylinders (1), are inserted. The pneumatic elements (3) are all substantially congruent, such that the holes (5a) of superposed pneumatic elements (3) are in each case located at the same places. An individual pneumatic element (3) is produced from two superposed sheets of an elastic plastic. The two sheets are welded sealingly to each other at the edges of the cushion and at the edges of the holes (5a). The holes (5a) are cut out after the welding. Each pneumatic element (3) has at least one connection for compressed gas. While supporting a patient, the pneumatic elements (3) are alternately supplied with compressed gas and then relaxed again.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic actuator composed of cuts of a gas-tight film which are interconnected so as to form hollow film elements that are gas-tight towards the outside. The hollow film elements are interconnected by means of air ducts while forming a fan-shaped structure from a cross-sectional perspective. The actuator, which is fastened to a component, is swiveled about a common edge of the hollow film elements when compressed gas is delivered via a connection. The swiveling movement of the actuator can be used for gripping and holding objects or transmitting optical signals.

Abstract: A suspended load-bearing structure that is formed by pneumatic structural load-bearing elements comprising an elongate hollow body, compression bars, and traction elements. The hollow body is impinged upon by gases that are lighter than air. In a first embodiment, an individual suspended structural load-bearing element is used as a ridge beam of a large tent hall whose interior has no pillars. The roof is formed by a waterproof cover, the sides of which are stretched on pillars. The cover and the structural load-bearing element are anchored to the ground by means of anchoring ropes.

Abstract: The pneumatic structural element comprises from one to a number of interconnected elements of the following construction: two hollow bodies made of textile material coated in a gas-type manner and each having two end caps are assembled such that they produce a common sectional area. The edging of this sectional area is formed by two curved tension/compression elements into which is clamped a gas-tight web made of a flexible material of high tensile strength. This web can be connected to the tension/compression elements in a gas-tight manner. By filling the two hollow bodies with compressed gas, a tensile stress ? pretensions said web. This pretensioning increases the bending rigidity of the tension/compression elements. If a plurality of such elements are combined to form a roof, every two adjacent hollow bodies thus form a sectional area with a tension/compression element and web.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support structure comprising a tension-compression element (1) which is composed of tension-compression bars (2) that are connected in real joints (3) as well as tension straps (4) that extend from one joint (3) to another (3). The outermost tension-compression bars (2) are connected in one respective knot (9). Two pressurized hollow members that are surrounded by a cover (6) are arranged on both sides of a plane that extends through the tension-compression element (1) such that the linear tensions ? generated in the cover (6) preload the tension straps (4) on the plane of the tension-compression element (1), secure the tension-compression bars (2) against bending, and stabilize the joints (3). The linear tensioning components that extend perpendicular to said plane of symmetry strut the tension-compression element (1) against lateral bending. Air-tight, optionally elastic pneumatic elements (7) can be inserted into the hollow members (5).

Abstract: Joint element for a pneumatic structural element (1) according to the prior art, comprising a sleeve (2), a compression member (3), two tension members (4) and two spherical caps (5). In each case one joint element is fitted for the spherical caps (5) such that an opening (10) accommodates the spherical cap (5). The joint elements serve for introducing tensile and compressive forces, in a manner free of bending moments, into the pneumatic structural element (1), the compressive forces being absorbed by the compression member (3) and the tensile forces being absorbed by the tension members (4). The joint element has holes (12) for fastening the compression member (3) with a screw (15), on the one hand, and holes (11) for accommodating the tension members (4), on the other hand.

Abstract: A pneumatic lordosis support (1) consists of a cushion (3), which is integrated into the backrest (2) of a seat. Laterally of a vertical center line (7), the cushion encompasses horizontal connections (8) between a front side and a rear side of the cushion (3). The cushion (3) is composed of an air-tight flexible membrane. In the region of the vertical center line (7), the connections (8) encompass breaks. Vertically offset to the connections (8), the cushion (3) encompasses further central horizontal connections (10), which extend substantially across the region of the breaks in the connection (8). In the region where connections (8) and central connections (10) are located close to one another, reduced radii of the membrane lead to the occurrence of less stress than in the remaining cushions (3) and allow the spine of a user to dip into the cushion (3) more softly.

Abstract: The pneumatic structural element according to the invention comprises from one to a number of interconnected elements of the following construction: two hollow bodies (1) with casings (9) made of textile material preferably coated in a gas-tight manner and having end caps (5) are assembled such that they produce a common sectional area (2). The edging of this sectional area (2) is formed by two curved tension/compression elements (3) into which is clamped a web (4) made of a flexible material of high tensile strength. By filling the two hollow bodies (1) with compressed gas, a tensile stress ? is built up in their casings (9) and is transmitted directly or via the tension/compression elements (3) to the web (4) and pretensions said web. This pretensioning greatly increases the bending rigidity of the tension/compression elements (3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a support structure comprising a tension-compression element (1) which is composed of tension-compression bars (2) that are connected in real joints (3) as well as tension straps (4) that extend from one joint (3) to another (3). The outermost tension-compression bars (2) are connected in one respective knot (9). Two pressurized hollow members that are surrounded by a cover (6) are arranged on both sides of a plane that extends through the tension-compression element (1) such that the linear tensions ? generated in the cover (6) preload the tension straps (4) on the plane of the tension-compression element (1), secure the tension-compression bars (2) against bending, and stabilize the joints (3). The linear tensioning components that extend perpendicular to said plane of symmetry strut the tension-compression element (1) against lateral bending. Air-tight, optionally elastic pneumatic elements (7) can be inserted into the hollow members (5).

Abstract: The inventive cushions (5) for sitting, leaning or lying upon are essentially constructed of a pneumatic structure and of a covering that surrounds the pneumatic structure. The pneumatic structure consists of an enclosure (2) and webs (3) resulting in the formation of chambers (4). The pneumatic structure is pressurized whereby tensioning the covering so that the ribbed surface of the pneumatic structure can no longer be clearly perceived. In other embodiments, the cushions (5) are equipped with means for individual adaptation. They can also be supplemented with reinforcing and stiffening structures. Cushions (5) can be deformed or moved relative to one another by means of pneumatic actuators.

Abstract: The inventive pneumatic child seat (1) comprises a back part (8) and a seating part (7). The child seat (1) can be impinged upon by pressure from a pressure gas store (11) after the closing element (6) is opened. The child seat (1) automatically unfolds from an opening (5) in a back rest (4) of a vehicle seat, changes into the represented shape and is disposed on the seat (3) of a vehicle seat. Said child seat is configured in such a manner that the back part (8) can be supported separately, extending into the opening (5) when impinged upon by pressure from a pocket (17) and being secured therein.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator having a flexible plate, the flexible plate being made of a rigid flexible material. The pneumatic actuator further includes at least two elongate, flexible but poorly extensible pneumatic pressure ducts that are disposed side by side and are in parts connected to the flexible plate to which they are secured and on which they are arranged in such a manner that, when the pressure ducts are pressurized with compressed gas, tangential forces are generated parallel to the flexible plate causing said flexible plate to bend.

Abstract: The internal pressure p1 of the hollow body of a pneumatic structural element that comprises a hollow body (1), at least two traction elements (4) and at least one compression member (2) can be electrothermally varied by means of a fluid. The hollow body (1) houses a void (12) which is filled with a gas (15), and a container (9) which contains a volatile liquid (10). Said liquid (10) can be heated or cooled by means of a heat pump (13). Said heat pump (13) thermally contacts the liquid (10) via lamellas (24). A pressure sensor (14) measures the pressure inside the void (12). A cable (16) links the sensor (14) and the heat pump (13) with control and regulating electronics (23).

Abstract: A protective helmet having an inner hood includes a spacer knitted fabric of a monofilament yarn. The hood is covered by a pneumatic central layer which can be pressurized by means of compressed air and can be inflated by means of an air pump which can be, for example, removed and provided with valves. An outer layer consists of an inner textile layer which lies over the pneumatic central layer, and plates which are fixed to the textile layer, for example by adhesion. The plates include, for example, of plastic, composite materials, or natural materials. The plates can be arranged in such a way that joints are created thereinbetween, the outer layer thus being provided with a certain elasticity in order to cater for different head shapes and sizes.

Abstract: An adaptive seat and backrest cushion, divided into a seat cushion and a backrest cushion of essentially the same construction. A number of webs are introduced between an upper skin and a lower skin of an airtight shell by welding or gluing. The first webs are of simple construction, the second webs are of double construction each with a cavity between the webs. The space within the shell is filled with compressed air at a pressure p1, the cavities can be pressurised as required with compressed air at a pressure of p2, where p2>p1. The thickness as well as the softness of the seat or backrest cushion can thus be altered.

Abstract: An air guiding device is fastened to the front end of the motor vehicle and has a pneumatic operating element in order to displace the air guiding device from an inoperative position into an operative position. In order to protect the pneumatic operating element, for example, from stone as the motor vehicle is driven, the air guiding device comprises a spoiler lip comprising a flexible and elastic material, the pneumatic operating element is constructed as an inflatable hose which, viewed in the driving direction, is arranged behind the spoiler lip, and the elastic spoiler lip, in its inoperative position, rests under prestress against the front end.

Abstract: A pneumatic device for pivoting a pivotal component is articulated to a structural element by means of a joint. Hoses produced from a material of low ductility, to which compressed air can be admitted, are inserted between the pivotal component and the structural element. The hoses contain an airtight bag. When these bags are inflated via valves, compressive forces act both on the structural element and on the pivotal component, causing the latter to swivel out. In order that the hoses cannot migrate, webs run from the joint to the hoses. In order to relieve the hoses in a specific limit position of the pivotal component and to prevent oscillatory movements of the pivotal component, a locking device is provided. The locking device includes a rod, which runs through a brake device fixed to an arm.