Abstract: A pneumatic actuator unit concept is disclosed which includes a unitary structure that has single or dual inflatable pneumatic air chambers mounted on and fixed to a common central base member or plate member that provides a base for the air chambers. Dual air chambers can apply force in different directions with respect to the base member. The operating air is supplied by way of access ports located in the central base member which also includes an integral internal control valve system. The air chambers are preferably airbag devices which may be sleeve-type airbags, single or multiple convoluted airbags or other inflatable apparatuses.

Abstract: The diaphragm profile 10 is defined by a computer generated compound radius 10d beginning at 10f and ending at 10g. The compound radius is generally governed by the equation: ( t 2 ) R = ? E where, t=Diaphragm Thickness R=Radius of Curvature of Diaphragm Profile ?=Stress from Flexure of Radius “R” E=Modulus of Elasticity The profile limits diaphragm stresses to a prescribed and controlled level dictated by the initial formed profile of the diaphragm. As the bellows compresses, the gaps between adjacent diaphragm spans begin to close, thereby supporting the diaphragm and limiting further increases in stress. The remaining and shortened free span of each diaphragm is able to withstand the elevated pressures achieved during the compression process, ultimately offering a stable structure to the increase in loading. A lubricious wear strip 11 is used to protect the diaphragm from undesired wear that could result from metal to metal contact between the diaphragms.

Abstract: A linear actuator having a low profile and a long stroke is provided. The actuator includes a housing integrally connected to a telescoping piston. The piston may be extended by a fluid such as inflation gas provided by an inflation gas generator in fluid communication with the piston. The piston extends rapidly through a one-shot stroke. The extending piston converts energy in the fluid into motion for performing linear work. The linear actuator may be formed from a single piece of parent material through stamping processes including deep draw stamping. Alternatively, other metal forming processes may be used to form the linear actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a work operation on sheet material includes a plurality of drive wheels for driving the sheet material in cooperation with a plurality of pinch rollers along a feed path. Each of the drive wheels includes a drive surface having a plurality of primary teeth and a plurality of secondary teeth. Each primary tooth includes a top surface and a plurality of primary contact points to engage the sheet material. Each secondary tooth includes either a secondary contact line or a secondary contact point that come into contact with the sheet material to provide additional driving force and to prevent the sheet material from being perforated by the primary teeth. The primary teeth and the secondary teeth of the drive wheels engage the sheet material to advance the sheet material along the feed path. The drive surface of the drive wheels of the present invention minimizes slippage of the sheet material in the drive apparatus without damaging the sheet material.

Abstract: An air bag actuated brake cylinder assembly for a railway vehicle braking system is provided which comprises a cylindrical casing engaged with the railway vehicle braking system including a hollow piston assembly having a piston rod assembly attached thereto and mounted for longitudinal movement within the cylindrical casing. An air bag actuator is engageable with the hollow piston assembly and an inner surface of the cylindrical casing for moving the piston and piston rod in an outward direction upon actuation thereof to initiate a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The air bag actuated brake cylinder assembly of the present invention allows for improved control of the movement of the brake cylinder piston and consequently improved control of the brake shoe forces which is especially desirable during light load conditions. Also, the air bag actuated brake cylinder of the invention is capable of accommodating piston bail and/or misalignment without leaking air.

Abstract: The invention discloses a deployable, inflatable conformable fuel tank assembly constructed to be installed at a certain location on an aircraft and to be retained at that certain location throughout the entire flight operation of the aircraft. The fuel tank assembly is constructed to be movable between a first, deployed aerodynamic configuration in which the assembly can hold a supply of liquid fuel, and a second, stowed aerodynamic configuration in which the exterior surface of the assembly conforms to a surface of the aircraft underlying the assembly.

Abstract: A positioning device having a high rigidity and smooth positioning characteristics. The positioning device holds a piston formed integrally with a table within a cylinder and has pressure-adjusting elements in two pressurizing chambers in the cylinder partitioned with the piston. A gas is ejected into a clearance between the piston and the cylinder to hydrostatically support the piston. The emitted gas is introduced into the two pressurizing chambers to drive the piston and the table by the pressure difference between the pressurizing chambers. The pressure-adjusting elements include nozzles for emitting the gas in the pressurizing chambers and pressure-adjusting bodies for changing the opening degree of the ejecting port of the nozzles.

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: A differential pressure actuator includes two fluid containing bags mounted on opposite sides of a support bar, and one of the bags is coupled to a load by a plate at the side of the bag opposite the bar. The other bag is also coupled to the load by a second plate mounted at the opposite end of the other bag, and the second plate is mechanically connected to the first plate by a rod extending along the central axis of the first and second bags. Both of the bags contained a pressurized fluid in excess of atmospheric pressure, and the difference in the forces generated by the two bags is impressed upon the load. In one embodiment, the first and second bags are provided with a bellows surrounding the rod to seal the interior of the bag from ambient atmosphere. In another embodiment, the seal is provided by two sleeves coupled by a sealing ring. The load is a movable roller in a ringer for coating steel, and the movable roller is provided with separate actuators at opposite ends of the roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universally movable suspension member for a direction indicating display system, especially for a gyro system (2), in which a bellows unit (1) is provided between a revolving disk (3) and the gyro system (2). The suspension member is designed as a double-bellows unit including two oppositely folded bellows (5, 6) so that, while a reliable and accurate indication is obtained, the volume of construction is decreased and the manufacturing costs are reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to an hydraulic release arrangement for vehicle clutches or the like and consisting of an annular cylinder axially expanding in the application of the clutch and a release bearing that is affixed to the annular cylinder without special guidance. The annular cylinder is constructed of coaxially arranged tube-shaped spring metal bellows with lateral self-sealing connection rings. Alternatively, a spring metal bellows with a U-shaped profile is used.

Abstract: An antifreeze injector device for compressed air braking systems has a closed compressible bellows or compensatable rubber cylinder, the inside of which communicates with liquid to be injected and the exterior of which is subject to actuation pressure. The effective area subject to the actuator pressure being greater than that subject to the liquid to enable operator to inject into a reservoir of elevated pressure but to avoid the use of sliding pistons.

Abstract: A pressure compensated flexible extensile and retractile elongated tubular bellows having opposite ends arranged to be sealingly connected with members operatively movable towards and away from each other, and in which the bellows has a wall structure formed to maintain a substantially constant internal pressure of entrapped fluid within the bellows, during extensile and retractile movements thereof.

Abstract: A disk brake assembly including a stamped sheet metal integral body having at least one substantially flat side wall with top and end portions projecting from the top and end edges, respectively, of the side wall. An actuator opening is formed in the side wall, and a flange projects from the periphery of the opening to define an integral sleeve. A disk brake actuator module is received in the opening and sleeve, the module including a cylindrical housing having a closed end and an open end with an actuator mounted therein and axially extendable and retractable with respect to the housing in response to fluid pressure changes in the housing. The module housing is received in the sleeve with a friction fit and is formed with a retaining flange that engages the side wall of the integral body to prevent axial movement of the housing in one direction relative to the side wall.

Abstract: A tire building drum for assembling and shaping green tire carcasses toroidal includes a central drum and side drums with membranes capable of being blown up to shape the tire carcass. Supporting rings are located on opposite sides of the central drum. The invention is characterized in that the core supporting ring consists of an elastomeric material with a high E-modulus and is provided on the inner side with a disk-shaped flange supported in a groove, the flange having concentric collapsible grooves and being capable of extending radially under air pressure.

Abstract: A collapsable bellows for applying pressure to clear a sink drain is generally an elongated tubular thin-walled rubber or resilient plastic member having a mouth and flange at one end and a closure wall at the other end. The sidewall of the member has a series of accordian pleats along its length, which are formed by alternate frusto-conical and annular wall sections. An integral mushroom-shaped handle projects from the exterior of the closure wall.