Abstract: Energy consumption of a temperature control unit can be reduced. A flexible pipe 13 includes a bellows pipe 130 made of a metal and an inner tube 131. The inner tube 131 is provided at an inner side of the bellows pipe 130, and an inner surface of the inner tube where a fluid flows is smooth. The inner surface of the inner tube 131 where the fluid flows may be smoother than a surface of a braided body. Further, the inner tube 131 may be made of, for example, a conductive material. An inner side of the inner tube 131 where the fluid flows may be coated with a conductive film.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight lift system employing one or more lift assemblies that counters effects of staging is disclosed. The lift system includes multiple lift assemblies, wherein each assembly may be connected to a lifting device such as a hydraulic or motorized jack. A lifting device comprises moving parts which are nested such that the difference in diameters of each of the moving parts is minimized. In one aspect, the lifting device is provided with an arrangement of seals such that, the working area of a smaller diameter tube is greater than the working area of a larger diameter tube causing the smaller tube to move before the larger tube.

Abstract: A cantilever feedback mechanism includes an upper cantilever and a lower cantilever. The upper cantilever and lower cantilever have a resistance spring rate to facilitate movement of the bellows over a selected range of resistances. The upper cantilever has downwardly oriented upper cantilever stops. The lower cantilever has upwardly oriented lower cantilever stops that engage the upper cantilever stops. Mean are provided for applying a preload to maintain the lower cantilever stops and the upper cantilever stops engaged until a force urging movement exceeds the preload.

Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.

Abstract: In a fluidic drive for disposition between two components which are movable relative to each other comprising a hollow body with a duct for supplying fluid to, and discharging it from, the hollow body wherein the hollow body consists at least partially of a bellows structure, non-resilient ring elements extend around the hollow body in each of its pleats and a connecting structure extends at least at one side of the hollow body and interconnects the non-resilient ring elements.

Abstract: An improved airspring assembly includes a collapsible support member disposed within the pressurizable chamber of an airspring having a flexible sidewall. The support member is configured such that it extends and collapses along a longitudinal axis of the chamber responsive to pressurization and depressurization of the chamber, respectively. The support member also is configured such that it retains a substantially rigid outer perimeter, thereby restricting movement of the chamber's flexible sidewall toward the longitudinal axis when the chamber is depressurized. The support member also is configured such that it does not interfere with the full stroke of the airspring.

Abstract: A hydraulic clutch actuator system having a vibration damper in the system including an elastomeric diaphragm and a steel diaphragm. One face of the elastomeric diaphragm is in communication with fluid in the system so that the diaphragm may deflect in response to low frequency system vibrations to effect damping of these vibrations. The steel diaphragm is positioned generally parallel to and proximate the other face of the elastomeric diaphragm so as to form a back-up for the elastomeric diaphragm so that the elastomeric diaphragm may deform against the steel diaphragm in response to high frequency system vibrations to cause deflection of the steel diaphragm to effect damping of the high frequency vibrations. An apertured stop structure above the elastomeric diaphragm functions to limit upward excursions of the elastomeric diaphragm and further functions to maintain communication between the chamber above the elastomeric diaphragm and the damper port to the system.

Abstract: Both ends of a bellows-type outer cylinder [31] capable of axial expansion and contraction are connected in a leakproof manner to a pair of connection passage ends [20], thereby constituting an expansion passage [30]. A cylindrical resin film [33] having no permeability to fluid is arranged in an interior of the bellows-type outer cylinder [31], and the axial ends thereof are connected in a leakproof manner to said connecting passage end regions. The cylindrical region [34] positioned in the intermediate region of the cylindrical resin film [33] covers the inner surface of said bellows-type outer cylinder [31] in a leakproof manner.

Abstract: A packless swivel joint capable of rotation without the necessity for a mechanical drive includes a hollow tubular member provided with helical corrugations of tight pitch and a corrugation pitch to corrugation with ratio of between two to one to three to one which unwinds to the application of only internal pressure. A limit stop may be provided to limit the amount of unwinding. Annular-shaped bellows of a circular cross section can be utilized to absorb lengthening of the swivel joint in applications where lengthening is to be prevented. In one preferred embodiment, the helical corrugation is preferably continuous.

Abstract: An actuator for converting fluid energy into a mechanical force comprises an inner expansion chamber and an outer power transmission envelope which surrounds the expansion chamber and comprises a flexible but non-stretchable endless filament or multifilament which is redirected with a back-and-forth motion between two tie rod members for surrounding the expansion chamber with multiple layers, the two tie rod members being connected with the two axial ends of the inner expansion chamber. By admitting a fluid into the expansion chamber for obtaining its radially outward directed expansion the two tie rod members will be approached with respect to each other by means of the power transmission envelope to thereby produce axially directed tension forces.

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: A compressible piston (40) is disclosed for use in a CPR manikin to simulate the resistance of the human chest cavity. The piston (40) has a flexible corrugated upper wall (42) to permit compression and a lower rigid wall portion (43) to act as a tactile indicator of the limit of acceptable compression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heart massage and artificial respiration device comprising a patient adapter, a compressible, elastically re-expanding bellows or the like adapted to be placed on the thorax of the patient, an air intake valve associated with the bellows, a patient valve between the bellows and the patient adapter and a normally closed pressure relief valve which, after completion of the compression step, is necessarily opened mechanically, wherein to achieve the objects of simplification, more economical manufacture, simple assembly, cleaning and maintenance, and for absolutely reliable functioning under rough usage both in and out of hospitals, the air intake valve and the pressure relief valve are combined to form a universal valve.

Abstract: A carburetor priming system for an internal combustion engine including a flexible bulb which is actuable in a first manner to permit displacement of a one volume of fluid and in a second manner to permit displacement of a second and lesser volume of fluid. Actuation of the bulb in the first manner provides a high volume prime for providing fuel enrichment to a carburetor that has been run dry of fuel. Actuation of the bulb in a second manner provides a normal volume prime.

Abstract: A control system for a pneumatic actuator uses pressurized gases, such as air, as the actuating medium. Such gases and particularly air commonly contain moisture which condenses to form a liquid, such as water, which collects in a closed chamber of an expandable chamber assembly in the pneumatic actuator. In cold climates, the water freezes, preventing proper control of the pneumatic actuator. By providing a control system having a valve positioned elevationally higher or in close proximity to a pneumatic actuator and a tube which extends into the closed chamber of the expandable chamber assembly, water which is contained in the closed chamber is expelled from the elevationally lowest portion of the assembly when the valve is shifted to exhaust the air from the control system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydropneumatic spring suspension or shock absorber device, in particular for heavy motor vehicles, which a spring element comprising a housing for a spring bellows filled with a hydraulic medium which is in flow connection with a chamber filled with hydraulic fluid and in which a pneumatic spring is disposed which is deformable under hydraulic pressure, one end of the bellows being supported in the housing and medium being admitted at the other end via an abutment connected with one of the parts. In accordance with the invention, a compact low wear-and-tear spring suspension device is obtained in that the bellows is bent into a substantially circular arc shape and the abutment is movable along the circular arc.

Abstract: A bellows pump with the improvement of an adjustable index for uniformly controlling the amount of fluid displaced in each expansion and compression cycle.

Abstract: An improved pressure actuator particularly suited to loading of rolls in the calender stack is disclosed. The actuator is formed by a pair of spaced arms interconnected by a link. A pressure absorbing locking bar is interposed between a pair of adjacent ends of the arm and a pressure actuator is interposed between the arms of the opposite side of the link. The link itself is pivoted to the frame so that movement of the link around its pivot point on the frame causes the arms to move so that one arm moves into an active position and the other into a reactive or pressure applying position and vice versa. In the reactive position, a locking member on a pressure plate that engages the locking bar locks the arm in reactive position in position so that pressure applied by the actuator between the opposite ends forces the other arm to pivot around its pivotal connection to the link, thereby applying pressure to a load in one direction.

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 device consisting of an adjustable volume bellows made of inexpensive materials to be used as a visual indicator and volume measurement to encourage a patient to breath deeply as an exercise is provided. Means for adding calibrated weight to vary resistance is also provided.

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 volume type lung exerciser consisting of a light bellows made of a stack of flat sheets of plastic film welded together and having an inner support skeleton of semi-rigid sheets. The bellows is hung from a collapsible leg stand which slides into a movable platform to limit the bellows extension. The platform is in the form of a shallow box which can accept the folded assembly for storage.

Abstract: A product and method of making a bellows from thermoplastic sheet material including forming a plurality of substantially U-shaped gussets having inside and outside edges, heat-sealing the inside edges of the gussets in pairs, heat-sealing the outside edges of adjacent pairs in an accordion-like stack, and then heat-sealing the stack of sealed gussets between a folded cover member of thermoplastic sheet material having an air passage through the cover member for communication with an expansible air chamber formed by the cover member and the gussets.

Abstract: A pressure limiting switch is provided for limiting the upper and lower limit values of the air pressure in a circuit feeding pneumatic controls. The switch has a switching arm which is pivotable at one end around a fixed axis in the switch body and adapted to actuate with its other end a microswitch closing a valve in the circuit if necessary. The air pressure is sensed by a movable element which engages the switching arm between the pivot axis and the microswitch. The switching arm is spring biased for compensating the microswitch spring. The air pressure range is adjustable through adjusting discs serving as abutments for movement of the switching arm.

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 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 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: Aneroid bellows assembly utilized in the emergency oxygen supply systems of aircraft includes a leaf spring mounted at its center to an adjustably positioned end fitting located on the axis of an evacuated bellows spring. The outer edges of the leaf spring are engaged with an adjustable ring threadedly mounted on the outer rim of a tubular housing member in which the bellows spring is mounted. The adjustable end fitting and ring permit elements having a substantial size tolerance to be assembled together and readily adjusted to achieve precise calibration.

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 device for providing a measurement of the value of the ratio of two pressures by sensing the position of a member that is urged in one direction by one pressure and oppositely by the other pressure with the element further having both pressures set against the same movable support of the element. A third pressure of essentially a high vacuum acts on the remainder of the element not acted on by the other pressures and minimizes the effects of temperature while enabling the device to be precise over a wide range of pressures.

Abstract: A calendar stack is provided with pneumatic actuators of the expansible bag or bellows type wherein a selected roll has the end bearings thereof carried by a pair of pivoted control arms, the position of a respective control arm being selectively controlled, for upward loading or for downward loading of the stack by a single primary actuator. The selected direction of force application by the primary actuator is determined by a force transmission linkage shiftable by a secondary actuator between a first and a second position, for roll upward loading or roll downward loading.

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