Abstract: The auxiliary suspension device is relatively neutral at rest and responds in coordination with the existing suspension system upon application of a load. The redundant suspension device has an inflatable bellow that is mounted between a vehicle's frame and an existing vehicle suspension element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diaphragm pump for conveying a fluid, a method for starting up a diaphragm pump for conveying a fluid and the use of a diaphragm pump for conveying a fluid.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress and pump combination has an inflatable bladder having a sidewall, and a pocket formed in the sidewall. A valve is disposed in the pocket for controlling the flow of air into and out of the bladder. An electric air pump, sized to fit substantially within the pocket, is operable in a forward mode for pumping air onto the inflatable bladder through the valve, and a reverse mode for pumping air out of the inflatable bladder through the valve. A switch with a forward, reverse and neutral positions, allows the user to selectively operating the pump in the forward and reverse modes, the switch opening the valve in the pocket when in its forward and reverse positions.

Abstract: A vacuum pump includes a hollow container that has a vacuum port and internal chamber walls. The vacuum port opens to an exterior of the container and the chamber walls define chambers that are in fluid communication with the vacuum port. There are flexible bladders disposed in the chambers. The flexible bladders include vents that open through the container to the exterior. A plunger in the container includes arms that extend into the chambers such that each of the flexible bladders is situated between one of the arms and one of the chamber walls. The plunger is moveable between a home position and an upstroke position to compress and deflate the flexible bladders via the vents and thereby change the volume of the flexible bladders. The change in the volume draws a vacuum through the vacuum port.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump is revealed. The diaphragm pump includes a pump device, a pump body, a top cover, and an air release valve head. The pump body includes at least two air inlet passages, at least one air outlet passage and at least one leak-proof/sealing passage, all selectively communicating with one cavity. The top cover includes a valve port, an air vent and an air outlet duct. Air pressure in the leak-proof passage acts on the air release valve head so that the valve port is closed by the air release valve head while the pump device is pumping air. The air release valve head and the valve port are separated from each other and then the valve port is communicating with the air outlet duct when the pump device stops pumping air. The pump performance is improved and no air release valve is required.

Abstract: A blood pumping device is described having at least a first pump and a first pump actuator for inducing a blood flow in a body's circulatory system. The pump has one upper chamber having an inlet channel and one lower chamber having an outlet channel. The upper and lower chambers are separated by a movable valve plane provided with a one-way valve. The pump actuator induces movement of the valve plane in an upward and downward direction between the upper and lower chambers in response to control signals from a control unit. When the valve plane moves in an upward direction, the valve opens allowing a flow of blood from the upper to the lower chamber. The lower chamber is provided with a bag-like portion forcing said flow of blood to make a turn of between 110° to 150° before leaving through the outlet channel.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprising a vacuum system configured to attach to a vacuum attachment apparatus and a residual limb. The prosthetic foot may comprise a resilient bottom member, a resilient top member, and a vacuum system. The resilient bottom member may comprise a front end and a rear end. The resilient top member may comprise a front end and a rear end and the front end of the resilient top member may be connected to the front end of the resilient bottom member. The vacuum system may be coupled to an underside of the rear end of the top member. The vacuum system may comprise a compressible member, a chamber located within the compressible member, a universal valve system received within the compressible member, a passageway connecting the valve system and the chamber, and an air return coupled to the valve system and the vacuum attachment apparatus.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprising a vacuum system configured to attach to a vacuum attachment apparatus and a residual limb. The prosthetic foot may comprise a resilient bottom member, a resilient top member, and a vacuum system. The resilient bottom member may comprise a front end and a rear end. The resilient top member may comprise a front end and a rear end and the front end of the resilient top member may be connected to the front end of the resilient bottom member. The vacuum system may be coupled to an underside of the rear end of the top member. The vacuum system may comprise a compressible member, a chamber located within the compressible member, a valve system received within the compressible member, a passageway connecting the valve system and the chamber, and an air return coupled to the valve system and the vacuum attachment apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack including a plurality of electricity generation units fastened by means of a plurality of fastening members. Each electricity generation unit includes a single cell, and a sealing member sandwiched between two other members thereby sealing one of the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. The surface of the sealing member included in at least one electricity generation units, the surface facing either of the two other members, has a surface roughness Ra of 3.0 ?m or less.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack including a plurality of electricity generation units fastened by means of a plurality of fastening members. Each electricity generation unit includes a single cell, and a sealing member sandwiched between two other members thereby sealing one of the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. The surface of the sealing member included in at least one electricity generation units, the surface facing either of the two other members, has a surface roughness Ra of 3.0 ?m or less.

Abstract: An anchorage connector for use in a height safety system is provided. The anchorage connector comprises an energy absorbing, deformable, corrugated enclosed chamber having a first end and a second end, and at least one anchorage attachment point, at one end or both ends.

Abstract: A well pump assembly has a pump driven by an electrical motor. A seal section reduces a pressure difference between a dielectric lubricant in the motor and a hydrostatic well fluid pressure. The seal section has a housing containing a guide tube concentric with the axis. Contractible and extensible inner and outer bellows surround the guide tube. An inner bellows guide ring is secured to the inner bellows between ends and has an inner surface with an inner diameter smaller than a minimum inner diameter of the inner bellows for sliding engagement with an outer surface of the guide tube as the inner bellows lengthens and contracts. The outer bellows has a guide ring secured between ends and having an outer surface with an outer diameter larger than a maximum outer diameter of the outer bellows for sliding engagement with an inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound on the body of a patient. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an overlay, which is further comprised of cup members that may be detached or cut away from the overlay so that the overlay can be adjusted in size and shape. Also, in some embodiments, the overlay is further comprised of a pressure venting valve to maintain a predetermined level of reduced pressure at the site of the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the site of the wound in the volume under the overlay. In yet other embodiments, the treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, a suction bulb may be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to an overlay that covers the wound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a valve for metering filled and/or pasty media. In accordance with an embodiment, the valve comprises a valve element having a metering opening and a valve gate movable in translation and having a flow opening. The valve gate is configured for carrying out an oscillating double-stroke movement in the course of which the flow opening of the valve gate is temporarily aligned with the metering opening of the valve element. The flow opening of the valve gate is aligned with the metering opening of the valve element in the course of the double-stroke movement of the valve gate a first time during the forward stroke and a second time during the backward stroke.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump and pump system including a pump housing defined along a longitudinal axis and having defined therein one or more pumping chambers and one or more driving chambers. At least two check valves communicating with each of the one or more pumping chambers for conducting a production fluid into and out of the pumping chamber. One or more flexible axially elongated diaphragms are mounted in the pump housing and sealingly separate the one or more pumping and driving chambers. At least one cam mechanism is disposed in the pump housing and coaxially therewith the pump housing longitudinal axis. The at least one cam mechanism is configured for rotational movement to provide for radial deflection of the one or more flexible axially elongated diaphragms into the one or more pumping chambers to effect pumping of a production fluid therethrough the diaphragm pump.

Abstract: Bellow actuated pump devices for dispensing a product from a container may include a bellow and a base or a bellow, a base, and a valve wherein actuation of the bellow dispenses a product and the de-actuation of the bellow refills the pump for the next actuation.

Abstract: A simplified pump system including a bellow (310) having a suction valve (312), a stem (320), a fluid lock (330), and a tube retainer (380) having a vent element wherein the product flow into and out of a pump chamber formed by the bellow (310) and stem (320) is controlled by the suction valve (312) and fluid lock (330).

Abstract: Described is a method for manufacturing a diaphragm assembly through the use of injection molding. The method can avoid the use of PTFE as a chemically resistant coating. Further, the method can increase overall adherence of a polymer diaphragm to an insert through the use of an interference surface on at least the surface of a head of the insert.

Abstract: Provided is a diaphragm pump guaranteed with operational reliability that enables a fluid to be continuously sucked and discharged by causing a volume change of an working chamber through a diaphragm pulsating according to the flow of compressed air controlled by movement of a spool constituting an air control valve, and smoothly can pump a fluid by reliably controlling the flow of compressed air using an up-and-down motion of a spool performed by pressure of the compressed air, and thus completely resolving an inoperative situation caused by a delay in motion of the spool. The diaphragm pump includes: a pump body (10), a shaft (20), a first diaphragm (30), a second diaphragm (40), and an air control valve (50).

Abstract: A simplified pump system may include a bellow having a suction valve, a stem, and a fluid lock wherein the product flow into and out of a pump chamber formed by the bellow and stem is controlled by the suction valve and fluid lock.

Abstract: Urea solution pumps having leakage bypass flowpaths and methods of operating the same are disclosed. Certain embodiments are pump apparatuses including an inlet passage in flow communication with a source of urea solution and a pump chamber, an outlet passage in flow communication with the pump chamber and an exhaust after treatment system, a diaphragm facing the pump chamber and coupled with an actuator, a first housing member coupled with a second housing member form a seal around the pumping chamber, a leak collection chamber surrounding the seal, and a return passage in flow communication with the leak collection chamber and the inlet passage. Urea solution that leaks from the pump chamber past the seal is received by the leak collection chamber and flows through the return passage to the pump inlet passage.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pump adjusting method and a membrane pump having a pumping chamber, a pressure and a suction connection, wherein the pressure and the suction connections are connected to the pumping chamber, a hydraulic chamber, wherein the pumping chamber and hydraulic chamber are separated from each other by a membrane, wherein a pulsating working fluid pressure can be applied to the hydraulic chamber which can be filled with a working fluid, wherein the membrane is moved between a first and second chamber positions of different volumes, wherein the chamber is connected to a working fluid reservoir, wherein the membrane comprises exchangeable spring elements exerting different forces on the membrane. The force which is exerted by the spring element on the membrane in the direction of the second position can be adjusted.

Abstract: A device for generating a synthetic jet is described. The device can include a flap, an actuator coupled to the flap and a chamber including an aperture. The flap forms a portion of the chamber. The flap is configured to oscillate in a flapping motion such that fluid is alternately drawn into the chamber via the aperture and expelled from the chamber via the aperture to form the synthetic jet. In some embodiments, multiple flaps can be used on a device to generate the synthetic jet.

Abstract: A pump includes a housing defining an interior volume, a diaphragm partitioning the interior volume into a pumping chamber and an actuating chamber, a diaphragm support associated with the actuating chamber and configured to limit movement of the diaphragm, and a dispersion element coupled to the housing. The dispersion element includes a network of channels that is configured to distribute a fluid within the pump.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a pump and valve combination for inflating an inflatable bladder. In one embodiment the pump and valve combination has a pumping area formed between top and bottom polymeric films with a foam insert located therein and an air intake hole leading into the pumping area. A conduit leads from the pumping area to an inflatable bladder and a flow restrictor is located in a pathway of the conduit. In a second embodiment the pump and valve combination has a pumping area formed between top and bottom polymeric films and a grommet. An air intake is located in the pumping area. The grommet has an exhaust hole and a flexible band arranged around the grommet, including the exhaust hole.

Abstract: A balloon pressure pump comprising a cavity (1) having a distal end and a proximal end; a push rod (2) having a distal end and a proximal end, and provided with an external thread and inserted into the cavity; a handle (3) fixedly connected with the proximal end of the push rod (2); a locking member (4) having a distal end and a proximal end and arranged on the proximal end of the push rod (2) and used to lock same; the distal end of the locking member (4) is fixedly connected with the proximal end of the cavity (1). The handle (3) is internally provided with a sleeve (5) to accommodate the push rod (2); said sleeve (5) is fixedly connected with the proximal end of the locking member (4). The proximal end of the push rod (2) includes a spring (11) which is enclosed within the sleeve. The simple structure of the pump simplifies operations such as pressure application, pressure relief, negative pressure evacuation and the like, and is greatly convenient for a user.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump includes a first plate, a second plate and a diaphragm having first and second side surfaces. A fluid chamber is defined by the first plate and the first side of the diaphragm, a fluid inlet fluidly connected to the fluid chamber and a fluid outlet fluidly connected to the fluid chamber. An air chamber is defined by the second plate and the second side of the diaphragm, such that the diaphragm is retained between the first plate and the second plate. A clamp moves between a first position in which the first plate is fixedly connected to the second plate and the diaphragm, and a second position in which the first plate is disconnected from the second plate and the diaphragm to permit disassembly of the first plate, the second plate and the diaphragm.

Abstract: A microdiaphragm pump having a diaphragm chamber in contact with one side of an intake valve and one side of a discharge valve. The microdiaphragm includes two valve plate sheets 12, in each of which a valve plate 14 of one of an intake valve 26 and a discharge valve 28 and a flow path aperture 16 that provides a passage of the other valve are formed and which are laminated in directions that are opposite from each other; two valve seat sheets 18, which are laminated to the laminate and in which valve seats 20 and valve stoppers 22 are formed; a base plate 32; a frame 34; a diaphragm 36; and a drive element 42. The microdiaphragm pump has extremely small external dimensions and provides high productivity, high flow control accuracy, a smooth operation, large suction and discharge forces, and high reliability.

Abstract: A simplified inflation valve includes a base forming centrally a bore. The bore has a bottom to which a PU membrane is attached. The membrane includes at least one aperture in a location outboard the bore. An outer circumference of the membrane is fixed to the base through ultrasonic technique or die pressing. A squeezer is mounted on the base and has elasticity for elastically resuming shape after being pressed and has an interior space forming an air chamber. The air chamber has a top forming at least one through hole. The squeezer has a bottom including an outer circumferential portion forming a sealing rim, which is fixed, through ultrasonic technique or die pressing, to the base so as to form an inflation valve. The inflation valve can be connected to an air bladder, whereby through pressing the inflation valve, the air bladder can be inflated.

Abstract: A high pressure bellows assembly is disclosed herein. The high pressure bellows assembly includes a first bellows being reversibly expandable. The high pressure bellows assembly also includes a second bellows being reversibly expandable. The high pressure bellows assembly also includes a chamber including a first portion encircling the first bellows, a second portion including an interior of the second bellows, and a third portion placing the first and second portion in fluid communication.

Abstract: First and second structures are connected by helical fibers. The orientation between the first and second structures are changed, and by doing so, the positions of the helical fibers are correspondingly changed. The position of change of the helical fibers can be used for a pumping effect, or to change some other fluidic characteristics. One other fluidic characteristics, for example, may use the movement of the helical fibers as a valve.

Abstract: The present invention describes the improvements due to alternated actuation cycles to reduce the delivery errors related to the pumping chamber elasticity, the actuator relaxation or hysteresis. The method actuates a pumping device with an optimal driving voltage profile, wherein the pumping device comprises a pumping chamber including a pumping membrane and a voltage controlled actuator connected to said membrane; the movement of said membrane being defined by three positions, namely a rest, a bottom and a top position. The method includes the actuation of the membrane with a pumping pattern including at least two different cycles: Cycle A: rest-bottom-rest-top-rest Cycle B: rest-top-rest-bottom-rest. The invention also relates to a device to carry out the method.

Abstract: A cryogen pump, including: a pump section that includes: a bellow with an inlet opening at a first end and an exit opening, the inlet opening in direct fluid communication with a volume of a cryogen, the exit opening at least in fluid communication with a second end of the bellow opposing the first end, a pair of plugs configured to sealingly close the opposing ends of the bellow, the pair of plugs cooperating so that when one plug sealingly closes one of the ends, the other end of the bellow is open; and a drive section configured to drive the pump section in a reciprocating manner so as to move the plugs.

Abstract: Improved bellows and bellows and base attachments for pumps facilitate smaller actuation forces for pumps having a base and unitary valve member.

Abstract: Improved, rigid valves for pumps include outlet valve portions having a valve seal portion and one or more surfaces which create pockets between the outlet valve and an interior wall of a pump to collect and trap particulates in a formulation being pumped.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pump adjusting method and a membrane pump having a pumping chamber, a pressure and a suction connection, wherein the pressure and the suction connections are connected to the pumping chamber, a hydraulic chamber, wherein the pumping chamber and hydraulic chamber are separated from each other by a membrane, wherein a pulsating working fluid pressure can be applied to the hydraulic chamber which can be filled with a working fluid, wherein the membrane is moved between a first and second chamber positions of different volumes, wherein the chamber is connected to a working fluid reservoir, wherein the membrane comprises exchangeable spring elements exerting different forces on the membrane. The force which is exerted by the spring element on the membrane in the direction of the second position can be adjusted.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing a liquid into a sealed external container or a sealed external system, the apparatus having a bellows which is sealed a first end, which is sealed at a second end solely by a valve, and which contains the liquid; wherein the valve is one which is positioned remote from the first end of the bellows, which retains the liquid in the bellows, and which permits liquid flow only in a direction from the apparatus to the sealed external container or the sealed external system; and wherein the apparatus further has a connector which in use forms a sealed connection between the apparatus and a sealing valve on the sealed external container or the sealed external system.

Abstract: A bellows pump including in its pump case (5) a pair of plastic bellows (6) that expand and contract to alternatingly execute an output stroke that sends fluid out of pump chambers (7) defined by the bellows and a suction stroke that supplies fluid to the pump chambers. Metal actuation plates (10) are provided in the pump case so as to be movable in the axial direction, and these actuation plates are fixedly connected to the bottom walls (6a) of the bellows in peripheral portions thereof so that the opposed end faces (10c, 6g) of the actuation plates and fluid-contact portions (6f), which are at the center of the bottom walls of the bellows and come into contact with fluid in the pump chambers, are set in a close contact to each other. The close-contact portions are sealed by O-rings (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a diaphragm pump having a delivery space, which encloses a working volume, at least one deflectable diaphragm, which can be moved into a suction position and a pump position, an inlet valve arranged on a suction side of the diaphragm pump and an outlet valve arranged on the pressure side of the diaphragm pump. In order to make it possible to deliver fine-grain powder, for example, non-flowable powders having particle sizes of 0.01 ?m to 100 ?m, using a diaphragm pump, it is proposed that a gas feed for introducing a gas into the delivery space be arranged at the delivery space. In addition, the invention relates to a method for delivering fine-grain powder.

Abstract: This invention provides a multi-layer diaphragm which is for use in fluid devices and has excellent maintainability in addition to both operability and pressure resistance. This multi-layer diaphragm is provided with a first and second plate and with an elastic adhesive layer which binds together the first and second metal plates. The elastic adhesive layer has an elastic layer that is elastic in a direction which offsets the first and second metal plates from one another in the in-plane direction. The multi-layer diaphragm is provided with a metal mounting plate which, provided in a position allowing protrusion beyond the first and second metal plates in the outer edge direction, has a mounting unit for mounting to the fluid device.

Abstract: A bellows pump which is provided with a case member that forms an axial space therein, closed-bottomed cylindrical bellows that are arranged in the space in an axially extendable/contractable manner and axially separate the space into a pump chamber and an operation chamber, suction valves that are provided on a suction side of the pump chamber and guide a fluid to be transferred to the pump chamber, and discharge valves that are provided on a discharge side of the pump chamber and discharge the fluid to be transferred from the pump chamber, and which extends/contracts the bellows by introducing a working fluid into the operation chamber to discharge the working fluid from the operation chamber, wherein each of the bellows is configured by alternately forming mountain portions and valley portions along the axial direction and having, on a predetermined position in the axial direction, annular ring portion integrally formed therewith.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing first and second medicaments to a patient that is made up of first and second stand-alone, interconnectable assemblies. The first of these assemblies comprises a fluid reservoir assembly that houses a fluid reservoir defining component while the second assembly comprises a fluid delivery and control assembly that includes an adding assembly for controllably dispensing the second medicament to the patient, a novel flow control means that functions to control the flow of medicinal fluid from the fluid reservoir of the first assembly toward the patient via a plurality of fluid flow control passageways.

Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump fluid, and one or more magnets carried by the plunger. The one or more magnets may be used to impart a force on the plunger when the plunger expands and compresses in the reciprocating action within a pump body responsive to a magnetic field. Shuttle valves for shifting flow of pressurized fluid between at least two conduits include a spool movable within a valve body and one or more magnets carried by the spool. The one or more magnets may be used to impart a force on the spool responsive to a magnetic field. Reciprocating fluid pumps may include such shuttle valves. Methods include forming and using such pumps and shuttle valves.

Abstract: In one example, a fluid system component includes a first element and a second element, where one or both of the first and second elements are configured to be exposed to a fluid. The fluid system also includes a flexible diaphragm positioned between the first and second elements. Finally, the fluid system component includes one or more retaining elements, each retaining element having a first portion received in the first element and a second portion received in the second element. The retaining elements also extend through the flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A simplified pump system may include a bellow having a suction valve, a stem, and a fluid lock wherein the product flow into and out of a pump chamber formed by the bellow and stem is controlled by the suction valve and fluid lock.

Abstract: The pump device has a driving member with one end connected to a diaphragm and another end connected to a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism side end repeats reciprocating motion along first axial direction and oscillation in second axial direction. The diaphragm side end performs the reciprocating motion in the first axial direction, and a problem is that the diaphragm easily deteriorates to be cut in a direction in which the diaphragm can be easily stretched, for example, in the second axial direction for performing oscillation. By embedding the base fabric having the fiber which extends in the second axial direction into the diaphragm, the strength in the second axial direction and the durability can be improved. By providing the index part to indicate the second axial direction, the extending direction of the fiber of the base fabric embedded within the diaphragm becomes distinguishable.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven diaphragm pumping machine comprises a plunger (6) that is slidably mounted in a middle part of the inside of the machine's hydraulic cylinder (5) between first and second bellow-like diaphragms (4,10). Ends of the plunger (6) are connected to the first and second bellows-like diaphragm (10) to define respective first and second outer annular spaces (a) that are independent of one another, and the pressure of fluid in the first annular space (a) is independent of the pressure of fluid in the second annular space (a). The machine may also comprise a hydromechanical switch for commutating a valve (102) to automatically control the supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder at given moments of the machine's cycle.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: A suction pump, in particular a breast pump, comprises a bleed valve with a bleed opening, a bleed body which seals the bleed opening and an operating means for operating the bleed body. The bleed body may be operated such that upon opening the valve initially only a partial region of the bleed opening is released and subsequently a greater part thereof or the whole bleed opening is released. The suction pump provides a large functionality with the smallest size and, furthermore, is cheap to produce and easily assembled.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump having: a pump body including a suction path and a discharge path for a fluid; a pair of diaphragms; pump shafts which are attached to tip end portions of the diaphragms; a pair of pump flanges which slidably support the pump shafts, and which are integrated with the pump body through connection bodies that are placed outside the diaphragms; connecting rods which connect connecting plates attached to projecting tip-end portions that are projected from the pump flanges in the pump shafts, to each other in a state where the connecting rods are passed through the pump flanges to be placed outside the diaphragms; and a cover cylinder. The connecting rods are slidably supported through slide bearings which are supported by the pump flanges.