Abstract: A soft composite actuator is described, including a first elastomeric layer; a strain limiting layer; and a first radially constraining layer, wherein the first elastomeric layer is disposed between the first radially constraining layer and the strain limiting layer; and the elastomeric layer, the strain limiting layer, and the radially constraining layer are bonded together to form at least one bladder for holding pressurized fluid. Methods of using and making of the soft composite actuator are described.

Abstract: A bellows pump 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 motion platform/simulator uses pumps coupled to servo-controlled electric motors to pump fluid directly into and out of rubber bellows-type actuators. Peristaltic or gear pumps may be used in conjunction with linear transducers/encoders. The fluid can be a gas such as air or one of many non-toxic fluids, even water, as the pump or actuators require no lubrication from the working fluid. In the preferred embodiment, a mechanical pivot such as a U-joint is situated between the platform and the ground surface, and each transducer is located immediately adjacent an actuator. A reservoir or reservoirs may be provided to supply and receive fluid to and from the actuator(s) through the pump(s) or, alternatively, the pump(s) may be coupled between two actuators, thereby eliminating the need for a fluid reservoir. A pump may be coupled between two stacked actuators or different actuators located at different points on the platform.

Abstract: A deadweight pressure standard provides improved measurement accuracy and repeatability. The standard includes a flow regulator having a first valve controlled by a first pair of non-hysteresis sylphons, and a supply regulator having a second valve controlled by a second pair of non-hysteresis sylphons. The first and second valves achieve an equilibrium state between the supply regulator and the flow regulator. The second valve regulates pressure generated by an applied pressure supply. A mass-to-pressure transducer transforms an applied gravitational force into a reference pressure regulated by the first valve. The center of pressure force on the first pair of non-hysteresis sylphons, and the center of pressure force on the first valve, are exerted along a first reference axis. The center of pressure force on the second pair of non-hysteresis sylphons, and the center of pressure force on the second valve, are exerted along a second reference axis.

Abstract: The device comprises an elongated elastomer tube, sealed tightly by clamps at each end against disk shaped end pieces, the one end disk fixed and the other sliding, axially to the other disk, on restraining rods. An orifice in the fixed disk permits the injection of pneumatic pressure causing the expansion of the elastomer tube. Surrounding the elastomer tube is a restraining tube of woven fabric or other material which will not expand radially. The second tube is also affixed to each end disk by the clamps and has sufficient length to reach between the two disks when the disks are at their farthest distance from each other. When the disks are not fully distanced from each other, the outer tube crumples axially but not radially. Action commences when the disks are closest to each other. Controlled pneumatic pressure injected through the orifice causes expansion of the elastomer tube.

Abstract: Actuator (140) for providing intermittent movement to a member (151). The actuator (140) has actuator cushion members (150) which extend with the entry of air and which contract with the egress of air provided through air supply lines (151, 152) connected to the actuator through a valve (172). The member (161) moved by the actuator cushion members (150) is located between the actuator cushion members (150). As one actuator cushion member (150) fills with air, force is applied to the member (161) thereby to provide movement force. Simultaneously, air exits from the opposite actuator cushion member (150) allowing the movement of the member to proceed. A control system (161) provides the cycle and frequency of the air application to the actuator (140).

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: A flexible bellows connecting device which positions an output member has a pair of jacks (1,2) equipped with deformation sensors (12,13). A pair of variable capacity bellows pump reservoirs (3,4) permit predetermined motion of the jacks. An electric motor (19) drives the pump. The sensor signals provide deformation difference signal feedback to the electronic control system which may include a microprocessor (5) for closed loop position control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct acting pneumatic control system for controlling a dual diaphragm, or double acting cylinder type automatic guiding system. The control device and system is used to selectively adjust the position of one end of a roll relative to the opposite end, in order to adjust the position of an endless web traveling over a series of rolls.In order to adjust and control the guide roll position, it is necessary to alternately exhaust one diaphragm, and or cylinder end, while maintaining the flow of air to the opposite diaphragm or cylinder end. This in effect shifts the roll in a lateral position, effectively steering the web in the proper direction to effect the necessary web correction.

Abstract: A crossed-bellows controller which includes four bellows arranged in cruciform. The bellows are surrounded by a movable baffle ring which serves as a baffle plate for a nozzle. A frame-shaped cage is provided within the baffle ring, with the cage being connected through one pair of bellows with a central member. The baffle ring is connected with the cage through the other pair of bellows.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling discharge from a silo, comprising a device mounted internally of a discharge opening for flowable material and forming with that opening a flow path for material through the opening. A bellows actuator associated with the device moves the device relative to the discharge opening to close the opening or to open it to a desired extent. A vibrator carried by the device vibrates the device to assist flow of material through the discharge opening when it is open.

Abstract: A bellows apparatus consisting essentially of a bellows main body and restriction means for restricting elongation and contraction, said restriction means comprising plural annular guide metals provided integrally to said bellows main body with a predetermined spacing therebetween in the axial direction, plural guide members secured integrally to each of said guide metals and extending in the axial direction, and plural stoppers extending integrally in the circumferential direction from the edge section in the axial direction of said guide members. Said guide members displaced with respect to each other in the circumferential direction, and their respective stoppers engage with adjacent stoppers and the annular guide metals to thus restrict elongation and contraction respectively of said bellows main body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for seismic prospecting which utilizes two transducer plates that are spaced apart, with two sets of bellows placed in between and sealingly attached thereto, to transmit electrically controlled hydraulic pressure signals onto the two plates. When pressure is applied within one set of bellows, the two plates are pushed apart. When pressure is applied within the second set of bellows, the two plates are pulled together. To accomplish this pulling action of the second set of bellows, two closure plates placed between the two transducer plates are used, one attached to one transducer plate and one attached to the other transducer plate. The first closure plate is attached to the first transducer plate in such a manner that it lies between the second transducer plate and the second closure plate. By applying pressure to the second set of bellows that push apart these two closure plates, the two transducer plates are pulled towards each other.

Abstract: A bellows apparatus consisting essentially of a bellows main body and restriction means for restricting elongation and contraction, said restriction means comprising plural annular guide metals provided integrally to said bellows main body with a predetermined spacing therebetween in the axial direction, plural guide members secured integrally to each of said guide metals and extending in the axial direction, and plural stoppers extending integrally in the circumferential direction from the edge section in the axial direction of said guide members. Said guide members are disposed in the circumferential direction, engage with said stoppers provided thereto and thus restrict elongation and contraction of said bellows main body.

Abstract: A valve in which a valve member is mounted for rotary valving motion within a valve casing and an actuator in which at least one pair of expansible bellows engaging opposite sides of a vane and acting in opposition one to the other give rise to rotary motion. The bellows preferably are free from any direct fixation to the vane or the like, and have a particular configuration as described.

Abstract: A fluid pressure motor having a plurality of independent, freely distortable pressure chambers connected together in the form of a multi-lobed rosette shaped structure arranged between two rotatable supporting plates inclined at an angle to each other. The chambers are elastically deformable by the fluid pressure and there are at least two rosette shaped structures superimposed between the rotating support plates with adjacent chambers in each of the rosettes being in fluid communication with each other and with a control system for introducing a fluid pressure medium into the chambers sequentially and expelling it after the chambers have attained maximum volume.

Abstract: Method and apparatus wherein complex multiplanar surface motion of the sea or other fluid body is converted into usable energy. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a pair of flexible tubular pumping elements that pump a fluid, such as sea water, to load such as a storage means or an energy converter such as a turbine driven prime mover. The apparatus makes use of multiplanar waves and surface currents that axially flex the pumping elements to provide hydraulic or pneumatic pressure for pumping the water. Floats distributed along the pumping elements support the apparatus horizontally at the surface of the sea and act as a breakwater. Lever arm struts, attached to the floats, are coupled together with swivel connector linkage to form a flexible beam or truss structure that permits the pumping elements to flex axially as complex wave systems and currents apply natural multiplanar forces to the floats.

Abstract: A conduit with inlet and discharge ends respectively for receiving a supply of air under pressure and for delivering the air at a lower pressure has a cylindrical configuration and an eliptical butterfly type damper is disposed diagonally therein. The damper turns about an axis intermediate its diagonally opposite ends and the oncoming air stream thus impinges on the upstream face of the damper on opposite sides of the axis and creates a differential force, the said differential force tending to close the damper and constituting a first closing force. A second closing force for the damper is provided by a small bellows supplied with air through a small conduit from the downstream side of an orifice member disposed in the main conduit upstream of the damper. A second and substantially larger bellows serves to open the damper and a small conduit connects the said bellows with a controller supplied with air from an upstream side of the orifice member in the main conduit.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for moving an indicator, an operational tool or a structual component with a high degree of precision over precisely predeterminable distances to desired points of operation, which comprise a shaft, slidably mounted upon said shaft in end to end relation a sequence of interconnected actuating components of selectively variable length axially of said shaft each having limit stop means for positively and precisely predetermining its conditions of minimum and maximum length and thus its possible increment in length, said increments being arranged to differ for the individual components, means at one end of the sequence of components on said shaft for positively blocking movement of said sequence of components in one direction while leaving the opposite end free to move on said shaft in response to increases in the axial length of any one of said components, means selectively operable to actuate said components individually so that they assume either their condition of minimum length or the