Abstract: An apparatus generates power at micro-scale dimensions that is sufficient to simulate the muscle activity required by the joints of robotic fingers. The apparatus includes a bellows device for generating a motion stimulus in response to pressure changes within the bellows. A configuration of programmable micromachined valves is used to regulate the flow of pressurized fluid within the bellows. A microprocessor is responsive to motion commands for controlling the operation of the apparatus. The apparatus is configured as an integrated device that is coupled to the articulations of a robotic hand via suitable attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation device. Provision is made that the air propulsion plant (20) conveys at least a portion of the air in an air circulating mode by means of at least one variable volume chamber (6) in a pulsating manner at a very low frequency, with the chamber being connected to the room (2) by at least one air passage (21).

Abstract: Pneumatic jack of the type comprising a rigid body (1) joined to the outer edge of a deformable membrane (2) so as to delimit with the latter a chamber of variable volume capable of being subjected to either atmospheric pressure of a negative pressure, via an air inlet located in the chamber. The body (1) and the membrane (2) each have, substantially in the center, an opening (15, 14) that can be closed, at least partially, by a disc (4, 3). Application in multiple position jacks.

Abstract: A medication delivery device having a reduced weight due to the configuration of the end terminal of the pleated bellows reservoir. The end terminal includes an indented portion which is sized such that when the reservoir is in the compressed/empty position there is substantially no separation between the indented portion and the base portion of the reservoir. This construction allows the reservoir to be almost completely emptied of medication when the reservoir is collapsed but does so in a manner which does not add to the weight of the device.

Abstract: A closed loop fully self-contained actuation system for converting a mechanical input motion into a mechanical output motion, which actuates a device such as a flight control surface on an aircraft, comprises an input actuator including a first fluid pressurizing means responsive to the mechanical input motion, and an output actuator including a second fluid pressurizing means, as well as a flexible fluid line extending between the first and second fluid pressurizing means to provide fluid communication therebetween. The second fluid pressurizing means is responsive to fluid flow through the fluid line, thereby initialing the output motion. The system is advantageous because it requires no hydraulic pumps, no accumulators, no reservoirs, and no dynamic seals or mechanical joints, permitting great reliability. The actuation system may be easily folded in conjunction with the apparatus on which it is employed, for compact storage.

Abstract: A condition responsive control device comprising a case, a controller carried by the case, a linkage system supported by the case and coupled to the controller, and a condition responsive linkage actuator. The actuator comprises a convoluted bellows having an anchor convolution hermetically fixed to a bellows supporting housing. An anchor convolution mounting face and a housing bellows support zone are bonded together to secure the bellows to the support housing so that the bellows operates the linkage and controller in response to pressure differentials.

Abstract: A bellows construction is provided which defines multiple convolutions along the length thereof and having the ends of the bellows connected to respective fixed and moveable components by means of high temperature solder or weld metal. To protect the bellows against damage by overpressure, back-up rings are positioned in each of the inwardly and outwardly facing convolutions of the bellows structure. Back-up rings in the heat affected zones at the end portions of the bellows are composed of metal so that they will not become deteriorated by application of heat. Internal back-up rings in the central, non-heat affected zone of the bellows may be composed of a polymer material. All of the back-up rings of the externally facing convolutions of the bellows may be composed of polymer materials since they can be assembled within the respective convolutions. After the soldering or welding operations have been completed.

Abstract: A bellows that is affixable by way of a connecting sleeve to a machine part, and is made of polymer material and has folds formed, at least in one partial area, in the shape of a screw thread. The connecting sleeve is provided with at least two retaining elements that are distributed in the circumferential direction and project inwardly and/or outwardly from the top surface of the connecting sleeve, the retaining elements being able to be forced into engagement with snap-in locking elements of the machine part, which exhibit a groove following the direction of the folds.

Abstract: A platform is mounted by bellows, at least one for each degree of freedom (DOF) of the platform. The bellows may provide either an active or a passive mounting for the platform. By arranging a suitable number of such bellows in supporting relationship a platform or floater for example six degrees freedom can be provided. Using pneumatic bellows in opposed pairs, one pair for each degree of freedom and by controlling the pressure in (and flow to) the bellows selected forces may be applied to the platform to accurately position the platform or to provide feedback for a sensory control e.g. as reflected force applied to the joystick. The position and orientation of the platform, i.e. movement of the platform, may be used to generate signals for example as in a joystick. Sensing the pressure in each of the bellows of each of the pairs permits the forces being applied by or to the platform to be monitored.

Abstract: A bellows for use in fluid control devices includes a head, a shoulder, a blind hole extending from an opening in the shoulder to the head, and a hollow compressible neck between the head and the shoulder, through which the blind hole extends. The neck includes a thin-walled, circumferential band located between the shoulder and the head. The bellows is formed by forming, in a body of thermoplastic material, an inner bore having an inner diameter. Next, at least one thin-walled circumferential band is formed between the head and the shoulder. Finally, the body is deformed to cause each circumferential band to bow.

Abstract: A tentacle-like manipulator has a resiliently longitudinally extensible, laterally bendable elongate member, e.g. an inflatable bellows or a helical compression spring-like member, with an end effector mounting on one end thereof. Tendon-like tension members extend along said elongate member and are spaced apart from one another around said elongate member, one end of each of said tension members being to said elongate member at said one end thereof. Guides spaced apart along and secured to said elongate member and slidably engage said tension members for guiding said tension members relative to said elongate member. Further tension members extend along only a portion of the length of the elongate member and are secured to the elongate member at a location intermediate the ends of the elongate member. Winches are used to wind and unwind the tension members to correspondingly control the length and the bending of the elongate member.

Abstract: In a flexible bellows used to implement some change of volume, material is added inside of the convolution walls to reduce the clearance volume associated with the fully compressed mode. For gas compression applications, this combination of bellows walls and independently-added filling material not only improves the volume and compression ratios available but also provides an opportunity to design for lower stress and longer life.

Abstract: A closed loop fully self-contained actuation system for converting a mechanical input motion into a mechanical output motion, which actuates a device such as a flight control surface on an aircraft, comprises an input actuator including a first fluid pressurizing means responsive to the mechanical input motion, and an output actuator including a second fluid pressurizing means, as well as a flexible fluid line extending between the first and second fluid pressurizing means to provide fluid communication therebetween. The second fluid pressurizing means is responsive to fluid flow through the fluid line, thereby initialing the output motion. The system is advantageous because it requires no hydraulic pumps, no accumulators, no reservoirs, and no dynamic seals or mechanical joints, permitting great reliability. The actuation system may be easily folded in conjunction with the apparatus on which it is employed, for compact storage.

Abstract: The bellows comprise identical waves, having sidewalls in which the elastic deformation of the bellows is located and which have a general curved form in the same axial direction. The bellows can thus be put into a state of elastic axial contraction just sufficient, if the bellows are considered in axial half-section, for each sidewall to be at least approximately contiguous at a single point with the other sidewall of the same wave and at a single point with a sidewall of an adjacent respective wave and for the mean wave peak and wave trough directions respectively to be mutually offset in angle, at least one of them being oblique with respect to the axis of the bellows. The relation between the axis travel of the bellows and its life expectancy is thereby optimized.

Abstract: A welded bellows is formed by welding together a stack of annular elements such that spacer rings are located between adjacent elements at the inner and outer diameters and are the locations for the welds. The spacer rings eliminate very small clearances/contact between movable members which can be the locations for stress risers in the presence of dirt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for handling a workpiece comprising a vessel that is longitudinally extensible and pressurizable, and a nonextensible and laterally flexible member on the vessel. The member constrains one side of the vessel to be nonextensible, causing the vessel to bend in the direction of the nonextensible member when pressurized.

Abstract: A bellows pump comprises a body, a movable supporting member supported in the body movably, a bellows fixed between the body and the movable supporting member, peak portions of the bellows, and a driving means for driving the movable supporting member, wherein the bellows has a thin portion and a thick portion, and pitches of the bellows are in inverse proportion to the thicknesses thereof.

Abstract: An improvement of a brake booster is provided which is also provided with the function to serve as an automatic braking unit. A front bead of bellows disposed in a constant pressure chamber is supported by and urged against the wall surface of a front shell by a support of a support member. When the atmosphere is introduced into the internal space within the bellows to cause the brake booster to serve as an automatic braking unit, even though the front bead of the bellows is axially pulled as the bellows expands, a leakage around a seal where the front bead is connected is prevented because the front bead is urged against the wall surface of the front shell by the support member.

Abstract: A fluid-driven actuator including a barrier having narrow openings, an inflatable sac having two portions, a first portion including working surface external to the barrier means, and a second portion compactly folded behind the barrier means, and a movable member positioned for engagement by the working surface of the sac and moved when the sac is inflated and the second portion of the sac is drawn through the narrow openings in the barrier means.

Abstract: A liquid pump is disclosed having a center block containing inlets and outlets for liquid to be pumped and air to operate the pump with associated valves for liquid and air. A pair of opposed cylinders are provided on opposite sides of the center block and each containing a collapsible bellows connected to a sleeve forming a piston with the liquid being pumped in the chamber within the bellows. Push rodes extend from one piston to the other so that the piston pumping liquid out pushes the other piston to fill with liquid. The bellows have conbolutions of selectively varying wall thickness, and tapered single or dual compression seals are provided where the bellows are joined to the center block. An inflow conical valve and an outflow shuttle valve are provided for each cylinder, and vent tubes are provided to cool the bellows and to actuate the air valve at the end of the piston stroke. An encapsulated sheet member is provided in each cylinder.

Abstract: A bellows actuator has at least one bellows chamber comprising at least three chamber segments arranged around an axis. Each of the chamber segments forms a radially outwardly extending protrusion comprising four chamber wall portions, which merge with one another along fold lines which extend peripherally and radially of the bellows chamber and converge radially outwardly to meet at radially outermost apexes of the chamber segments. The bellows actuator is expansible and contractible along the axis by flexure of the wall portions relative to one another about the fold lines in response to pressure changes within the bellows chamber.

Abstract: A compact metal bellows preferably for converting pressure changes into lar motion, has alternating inner and outer welds accomplished by a laser weld technique. An inner weld fixture is provided for deflecting a portion of the bellows away from the very small beam spot of the laser weld process. The compact metallic bellows of the present invention is particularly adapted for fitting into a small space and taking advantage of its equal free length and solid length to provide a spring force equal the sum of the spring force of each of the several metallic diaphragms.

Abstract: Frozen product dispensing apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing 14 for locating a cylindrical deformable container 26 of product. A plunger 16 bears on the container to discharge the product from the container 26 and the plunger is driven by compressed air either by direct pressure on the plunger 16 or by the use of a bellows which engages on the plunger. The housing 14 has a door 22 through which the product passes to an outlet valve 29 and the door may be opened to replace the container 26.

Abstract: A dust protector includes a plurality of pleated units. Each pleated unit has a first and a second hollow truncated cone-shaped member. The converging ends of the first and second truncated cone-shaped members are joined together. The diverging end of the first truncated cone-shaped member has a first flange with annular groove which is engageable with a second flange of the diverging end of an adjacent second truncated cone-shaped member.

Abstract: A deflatable sealing member forms a weatherstrip to seal a closure opening. The sealing member includes an operative tubular section designed to provide tight interference engagement between the closure and vehicle body when vented to atmosphere and expanded by built-in resilient memory. A bellows pump is connected to the sealing member through a flow control circuit. The bellows pump serves to deflate the sealing member during closing of the closure. The bellows pump is adapted for convenient mounting in a cavity in the closure or vehicle body spaced from the closure hinge area. A flexible cable connects the bellows pump to the closure or vehicle body to provide the necessary actuation for operation of the bellows pump in response to the swinging movement of the closure. As the closure closes, a bleed port of fixed or variable size located at the pump vents the sealing member to ambient pressure, and the sealing member expands by resilient memory to its full cross section so as to provide a tight seal.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuating apparatus includes a cylindrical case having a fitting at one end connectable to a source of pressurized oil, the fitting having a passage for communication with the pressurized oil, a slider slidably carried by the cylindrical case, the slider being slidable in response to the oil pressure, a first spring device for biasing the slider in a predetermined direction to resist the force on the slider applied by the oil pressure, a slidable contact device carried by the slider, an oil pressure sensor which includes a resistor and a ground conductor, the slidable contact device being slidably engaged with the resistor, the resistor being fixed with respect to the slidable contact device, and a second spring device for biasing the slider in the predetermined direction. The second spring device is connected to the slider, with the second spring device having a smaller spring constant than the first spring device.

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

Abstract: An angularly shaped inflatable bladder assembly adaptable to use as a damper or shut-off means for control of fluid flow in fluid flow systems and more specifically for control of air flow in air conditioning systems. The angularly shaped bladder is formed of an assembly of fluid impermeable polymer sheet materials edge sealed. The bladder is bent to a desired angular form less than 180 degrees and at least one layer being flexible fluid conformable material without shape memory so that it responds to inflating fluid such as air pumped between the layers through a connection to the bladder. One or two inflatable pockets are provided upon bending the assembly along a line between two opposite edges of the bladder. Upon inflation the single or two pockets enlarge and push the opposite sides of the assembly further apart whereby the angle between the two becomes wider, or upon deflation the opposite sides are drawn together to narrow the angle.

Abstract: An expandable boot employing a bellows for enclosing and protecting an object that changes in dimension. In one embodiment, the boot includes a vent in the form of at least one tube projecting from the boot and open to the atmosphere for the admission or expulsion of air as the bellows is extended or contracted. Preferably, a second tube similar to the first and projecting from the opposite end of the boot permits passage of air through the boot when it is stationary to prevent excess moisture accumulation. The bellows is protected against kinking during its compression by providing that adjacent webs in the pleats of the bellows are asymmetrical.

Abstract: A deflatable sealing member forms a weatherstip to seal a closure opening. The sealing member includes an operative tubular section designed to provide tight interference engagement between the closure and vehicle body when vented to atmosphere and expanded by built-in resilient memory. A bellows pump is connected to the sealing member through a flow control circuit. The bellows pump serves to deflate the sealing member during closing of the closure. The bellows pump is adpated for convenient mounting in a cavity in the closure or vehicle body spaced from the closure hinge area. A flexible cable connects the bellows pump to the closure or vehicle body to provide the necessary actuation for operation of the bellows pump in response to the swinging movement of the closure. As the closure closes, a bleed port at the pump vents the sealing member to ambient pressure, and the sealing member expands by resilient memory to its full cross section so as to provide a tight seal.

Abstract: A deflatable sealing member forms a weatherstrip to seal a closure opening. The sealing member includes an operative tubular section designed to provide tight interference engagement between the closure and vehicle body when vented to atmosphere and expanded by built-in resilient memory. A bellows pump is connected to the sealing member through a flow control circuit. The bellows pump serves to deflate the sealing member during closing of the closure. The bellows pump is adapted for convenient mounting in a cavity in the closure or vehicle body spaced from the closure hinge area. A flexible cable connects the bellows pump to the closure or vehicle body to provide the necessary actuation for operation of the bellows pump in response to the swinging movement of the closure. As the closure closes, a bleed port of fixed or variable size located at the pump vents the sealing member to ambient pressure, and the sealing member expands by resilient memory to its full cross section so as to provide a tight seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bellows with supporting elements, the supporting elements being provided with a notch in the zone where the folded material of the accordion overlaps. Such a bellows is characterized by an especially small compression size.

Abstract: A pneumatic system (10) is shown in its most preferred use in a spray gun (12) to remotely control a pressure washer. The system (10) generally includes an integrally formed, homogenous squeeze box (40) including a location ear (52), a nose tube (46), a bellows (44), and a discharge tube (48). Bellows (44) is generally rectangular in cross section and includes a flat top (62) and bottom (63) and accordion sides (64) having generally longitudinal fold lines (72, 74, 76, 78, 80) which are generally parallel to the mold part line (93) and the tubes (46, 48) but include a 2.degree. draft for ease in mold removal. A valve and spring tube (42) is loosely received on the nose tube (46) for sealing a vent hole (60) provided therein when the bellows (44) is compressed by a trigger (30) of gun (12) and for biasing the trigger (30) to an uncompressed bellows condition.

Abstract: A scale utilizing an oil pressure gauge for displaying the measured weight is disclosed. In the scale, there is an apparatus for intermediate transmission of sensed pressure representing the weight applied on the scale. The apparatus includes a bellows-shaped envelope having an open end and a sealed end and forming a chamber therein for containing hydraulic oil, a base member connected to the open end of the envelope and an air leakage member positioned on the sealed end of the envelope. There is an oil passage formed in the base member to enable the hydraulic oil in the envelope to flow out. An annular clamp is used for the connection of the base member and the envelope. A knob is connected to the air leakage member to block the air passage. The apparatus for intermediate transmission of sensed pressure may further include a plurality of rigid metal retainers outside of the envelope for preventing the same from overly deforming in a radial direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic system (10) is shown in its most preferred use in a spray gun (12) to remotely control a pressure washer. The system (10) generally includes an integrally formed, homogeneous squeeze box (40) including a location ear (52), a nose tube (46), a bellows (44) and a discharge tube (48). Bellows (44) is generally rectangular in cross section and includes a flat top (62) and bottom (63) and accordion sides (64) having generally longitudinal fold lines (72, 74, 76, 78, 80) which are generally parallel to the mold part line (93) and the tubes (46, 48) but include a 2.degree. draft for ease in mold removal. A valve and spring tube (42) is loosely received on the nose tube (46) for sealing a vent hole (60) provided therein when the bellows (44) is compressed by a trigger (30) of gun (12) and for biasing the trigger (30) to an uncompressed bellows condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bellows in which the cover projects like a roof over the two arms and the apexes of the inner layer of the arms are supported on the inner layer of the cover. In this way a very robust and wear-resistant construction of the bellows is obtained.

Abstract: A rolling bellows for pneumatic cushioning or shock absorption of a vehicle. Such rolling bellows are stressed particularly severely during telescoping in the pressureless state during assembly and also under emergency condititions. In order to avoid the occurrence of tension cracks from such causes, the rolling bellows are provided in the region of the cylindrical curvature, and on the inner surface, with integrally formed-on raised surface portions.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a lip of a headbox slice. A first vessel contains a substantially incompressible liquid. The temperature of the incompressible liquid can be varied. An expansible member communicates with the first vessel and is also full of a substantially incompressible liquid. Thus increasing the temperature of the incompressible liquid in the first vessel expands liquid from the first vessel towards the expansible member to expand that member.

Abstract: A bellows for protecting spindles, guideways, and the like of machine tools comprises a pleated cover having inner and outer cover elements and support members between adjacent pleats. The inner cover element has inwardly extending flaps which may be secured to the support members or to each other to form such support members.

Abstract: A boot for enclosing and protecting an object. The boot includes a vent in the form of at least one tube projecting from the boot and open to the atmosphere for the admission or escape of air. Preferably, a second tube similar to the first and projecting from the opposite end of the boot permits passage of air through the boot to prevent excess moisture accumulation.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated stacking device with a frusto-conically shaped inflatable bladder accommodated with clearance within a housing into which a stack container with stack embracing sidewall panels is insertable with the stack container panels arranged in the clearance space between the housing and the bladder.

Abstract: An assembly having a heat expansible fluid therein and capable of expanding and contracting in response to temperature changes between predetermined limits with a first member having a front surface and a rear surface, with the surfaces terminating in a free end. A second member having a rear front surface and a rear surface is also provided with the surfaces terminating in a free end. The first member may include an inner section, with an outer section, and a central section extending intermediate the inner and outer section. The central section has a curved wall extending outwardly from the rear surface. The inner section is adapted to expand outwardly upon the assembly being elevated in temperature which results in the expansion of the heat expansible fluid contained therein. The assembly can be designed to be fully expanded at approximately 85.degree. F. and contracted at approximately 65.degree. F. in an unloaded condition.

Abstract: A blow-molded bellows of a thermoplastic elastomeric material has a generally cylindrical hollow accordion-type convolution section and ends integral therewith. The ends has axial protrusions extending outwardly from the central areas of respective ends. Each protrusion is connected to an adjacent convolution by an integral shoulder which has inwardly concave portions and outwardly convex portions. The concave portions are adjacent to the parting line, whereas the convex portions are remote from the parting line. By this feature of the bellows, the outermost convolutions of the accordion-type convolution section of the bellows can be molded into circumferentially substantially uniform wall thickness to assure improved operability and heat-resistant property of the bellows.

Abstract: A Stirling heating pump has a working piston acting upon a compression chamber and actuated by a crank drive accommodated in a housing, and a diaphragm bellows surrounding the working piston for sealing the compression chamber from the housing and having an inner hollow communicating with the former. Pressure variations in the interior of the diaphragm bellows are compensated by a pressure throttling element arranged between the compression chamber and the inner hollow of the diaphragm bellows, and a compensating diaphragm expansible in the housing and having an inner hollow communicating with the inner hollow of the diaphragm bellows serves to form a closed flow circuit.

Abstract: A pneumatic converter comprising a bellows having in its interior a coupling plate connecting the two ends of the bellows together at a position offset from the center axis of the bellows.

Abstract: A method for making an axially extendable and contractable bellows is provided for use in monolayer photographic lithographic cameras and enlargers. The method includes the initial step of passing a single web of synthetic resin sheet material past at least one die having die edges arranged in a predetermined pattern for producing a separable bellows blank having fold lines formed therein for forming of multiplicity of pleats. Then the bellows blank is die formed and following its separation from the web it is folded onto itself to produce a seam which is then bonded. Finally, the hollow body thus formed is compressed along its longitudinal axis and along the fold lines so as to produce a pleated bellows configuration.

Abstract: A diaphragm consisting of multiple arches configured such that radial compliance is increased and pressure responsive radial compression loading will approximate radial tension loading resulting from deflection of an associated pressure sensor mechanism. On the pressure receiving side of the diaphragm, a broad shallow convex section extends between two concave sections of tighter curvature. The portions of the concave sections remote from the convex section each extend to a substantially cylindrical configuration. A sharp convex bend extending to a flat radial flange provides an attachment edge with minimum attachment stress. A method of forming such a diaphragm to insure uniform wall thickness by allowing maximum lateral migration of the diaphragm sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: The figure shows a variable rate aneroid capsule consisting of a bellows 24 sealed with vacuum inside and having helically formed convolutions 22 defining an outer helical threaded surface 20 that is matingly engageable with the helical threaded surface 18 of a nut 14 that is axially slidably but non-rotatably mounted in a stationary housing 10; the bellows having end shafts 30 and 32 extending rotatably through the housing for connection of shaft 30 to a device to be moved linearly, and for connection of shaft 32 through an adjustably mounted sleeve 38 to a lever 42 for rotating the bellows to progressively engage the convolutions with the nut 14 to render the engaged convolutions inactive by preventing expansion or contraction of the engaged convolutions and thereby reducing the number of active unengaged convolutions to thereby vary the stroke and spring rate of the bellows for the same pressure differential across the surface of the bellows.

Abstract: A bellows assembly and method of making the assembly are disclosed. The assembly comprises a bellows head including thin walled flexible members which are joined to define an expansible chamber. An anchor fitting attaches and communicates the bellows head to a capillary tube and an expansible fluid occupies the tube and chamber. A base supports the bellows head and capillary tube with the anchor fitting interconnecting the bellows head, tube and base. The anchor fitting is bonded to the diaphragm member and capillary tube and deformably engages the base plate to clamp the base plate to the bellows head.

Abstract: A seat assembly in which a seat is mounted on a vibration damping mounting including a variable rate spring in the form of a fluid filled and pressurized pouch disposed between two rigid members capable of relative rotation, vertical movements of the seat which result in relative rotation of the two rigid members towards each other being arranged to compress the pouch and increase the area of contact of the pouch with the rigid members.