Abstract: A bellows pump having a pump body including a suction path and a discharge path for a fluid and a bellows which is placed in a state where a basal end flange is airtightly fixed to the pump body to form a pump chamber with respect to the pump body. The bellows pump further comprises an actuation plate which is attached to a head portion of the bellows so as to cause the bellows to expand and contract with respect to the pump body. The bellows is further configured so that an airtight space is formed with between the actuation plate and a cup shape section formed in the head portion, such that a pressure rise can be absorbed and relaxed by contraction of the space portion caused by elastic film deformation of the thin head portion which faces the space portion.

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: 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: An actuation device uses, for the active element, a flexible bellows operated by a pressurized fluid (usually, but not necessarily, at a pressure higher than the ambient one). The bellows is housed, for the most part of its length, inside a cylindrical cavity having the inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bellows, so that the bellows is free to vary its length, but is restrained to bend sideways and therefore can be operated by high pressure.

Abstract: An air is evacuated from a chamber of a bellows by a vacuum pressure supply source connected to a vacuum port of an attachment plate. The vacuum pressure in a vacuum chamber is thus balanced with the vacuum pressure in the chamber of the bellows. Consequently, the bellows is prevented from expanding by balancing the respective vacuum pressures in the chamber of the bellows and in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A spring water pump comprising: a housing sealably connected to a water container and having a sealing member for sealing the connected portion between the water container and the housing; a pressure member of bellows type located inside the housing, the pressure member being compressed by an user's pressing action and expanded by its restitutive force; a push cap having an upper portion exposed over the housing and a lower portion positioned on the pressure member, the push cap pressed down by the user's pressing action; a connecting pipe for drawing up spring water from the water container; a discharging pipe for discharging spring water pumped upwardly through the connecting pipe; and guiding means for guiding vertically smooth sliding of the push cap in the housing. By the guiding means, the push cap can smoothly slide in the housing under any pressure condition, and the user can easily push the push cap by small power.

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: 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 low contamination double bellows pump suitable for providing relatively constant pressure and delivery. The illustrated pump includes two pumping chambers with bellows arranged in opposed relationship on opposite sides of a central section. The central section acts as a valve body for inlet and outlet valves. The bellows are provided with interior bellows tubes which connect to the free ends of the bellows and slide upon stationary support pistons mounted within each tube. Bellows tube head pieces slide upon piston rods which support the pistons. Pneumatic pressure is controllably supplied to opposing sides of the pistons within the bellows tubes to power the bellows and effect pumping.

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 double acting, self-priming bellows-type pump has a pair of bellows that work as displacement elements arranged each in a cylinder chamber mutually and synchronously interlocked by piston rod, so that at the same time as one bellows draws in, the other bellows delivers. One side of each bellows receives the medium to be delivered and the other side receives a medium under pressure. In at least the lower cylinder the bellows is connected to the top wall of the cylinder chamber so that the space around the outside of the bellows may be used for pumping fluid. A guide element is mounted in the lower chamber for supporting the bellows of the lower chamber and preventing the same from buckling during the alternating pressurizing and venting thereof during a pumping cycle.

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 microprocessor controlled bellows-type pump system for the precise and accurate pumping and dispensing of fluids. The pump comprises a longitudinally contracting bellows which is supported from warping under fluid pressure by a support bushing in contact with the inside folds of the bellows. A stepper motor drives the bellows position via a lead screw. A system of four valves: a dispense valve, shut-off valve, vent valve, and suck-back valve, control fluid routing within a manifold. One or two pressure transducers allow the microprocessor to control valve positions and stepper motor turning for well behaved dispensing operations.

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 bicycle brake system with at least one master cylinder that is connected to a hand lever, and at least one wheel cylinder that is connected thereto by a hydraulic brake line is to be improved in that a hollow body (38) that is of elastic material and closed at one end is installed in a master cylinder (12); in that interior space (39) accommodates a pushrod (44) that is adjacent to the hand lever (13) and its closed face end (37) rests against a piston (34) that is supported against the accumulator within the reducible pressure chamber (30) of the master cylinder.

Abstract: An artificial skeletal mechanism having a central rigid inverted T-shaped link and a pair of elastic tubular actuators on either side of the link, each actuator having an inner chamber for receiving a pressure fluid serving to pretension it. Each actuator has one end articulated to one end of the cross bar of the T so that they are antagonistically pretensioned. The artificial skeletal mechanism is intended to transform the contraction of one actuator, following extension of the other, into rotation of the link which is articulated at the free end of its long bar.

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 working head is adapted to impart reciprocal motion under a predetermined amount of force to a plunger through a working and return cycle and at a controllable rate of speed. A fluid circuit includes delivery and return lines extending between a source of fluid under pressure and the working head, and pilot control means associated with the fluid pressure source is operative to regulate the working and return cycle. The working head has a plurality of annular flexible casings of toroidal configuration with opposite sidewalls terminating in mutually opposed, inner bead-like edges and interconnecting means extending between the edges of adjacent casings serve to interconnect the casings in sealed, coaxially spaced relation to one another. Closures at opposite ends of the plurality of casings define a common sealed chamber therebetween. A support member fixes one end of the chamber against movement and permits axial expansion and contraction of the opposite end of the chamber with respect to the fixed end.

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: In a servo booster for a vehicle braking system, of the kind having a tie rod for relieving the booster housing of braking reaction forces which extends through the movable wall(s) of the booster, the movable wall is sealingly connected to a wall of the housing by a bellows located substantially coaxially about the tie rod. The bellows has at least one integral reinforcing rib which completely encircles the tie rod. The rib resists ballooning of the bellows and also guides the bellows along the tie rod. In the case of a tandem booster having a stationary partition wall between a pair of movable walls, the interior of a bellows connecting the rear movable wall to the partition wall provides fluid communication between the chambers bounded by the rears of the movable walls. Fluid communication between the other two chambers is provided via a tubular member integral with the front movable wall and extending sealingly through the partition wall.

Abstract: A differential pressure unit having overrange valves loosely mounted on a valve stem connected between the ends of a respective pair of movable bellows ends. A pair of spiral range springs bias both valves toward open positions. The valves include annular elastomers bonded to the edges of the apertured discs. The apertures in the discs act to allow the elastomers to seat and to unseat without causing lock-up. The discs are retained between plates and snap rings.

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 valve housing is adapted to be built into a pipeline, and a valve plate is movable into a valve-closing position in the housing. A displaceable sealing member provides a seal between the valve plate and the housing. At least one spring tends to displace the member into sealing position, and at least one pressure-medium actuated bellows is arranged, upon receiving the pressure medium, to displace the member away from sealing position.

Abstract: Means and method are provided for utilizing a piston and cylinder combination eliminating the usual sealing and oil rings and their accompanying friction and replacing them with ball bearings which in the principal embodiment are captured in splitring cages which are snapped into the existing grooves of the piston. Having thus lost the sealing ability of the piston, an accordion-type diaphram is utilized in the top of the cylinder to define the compression or combustion chamber.

Abstract: An engine other than an internal combustion engine, and preferably one incorporating the underlying philosophy of the Stirling hot gas engine, is physically arranged to both significantly reduce its size and weight relative to earlier designs as well as reduce fluid leakage into or out of the engine's gas enclosure. Size and weight reduction are achieved in several ways including that of moving this disclosure's counterpart to the Stirling crankshaft from outside the working-gas enclosure to inside the working-gas enclosure, or at least closer thereto than in existing designs. In several embodiments of the invention, this rearrangement simultaneously eliminates a major source of fluid leakage. In some designs of this disclosure, the Stirling working-gas enclosure, which consists of a power piston and cylinder, are replaced by a somewhat different appearing and thoroughly sealed working-gas enclosure that includes a bellows, this also assisting in reducing weight.

Abstract: Air motor having a crankcase about which a plurality of expansible chambers are arranged so that a crankshaft journaled within the crankcase can be connected to a bellows of the expansible chamber by a rod assembly. The crankshaft moves a cam means which in turn moves a valve assembly for controlling flow of compressed air into and out of the expansible chambers. Each expansible chamber is formed by a bellows concentrically aligned and placed within a cylinder to form an annular chamber therebetween. The rod assembly is received through a guide and seal means which maintains the rod axially aligned with respect to the expansible chamber, and seals the interior of the crankcase from the expansible chamber assembly. An intermediate chamber is formed between the crankcase and expansible chamber which greatly increases the efficiency of the motor.

Abstract: The application discloses a foot actuated air or liquid dispensing means connected to a cylinder and piston rod for lifting the seat, so that the user will not have to soil his hands lifting the seat.

Abstract: A radial-flow scrubber in which a gas is passed downwardly through an annular gap after having been treated with a liquid in which the gap is adjusted by a ring disposed below the orifice for the gas/liquid mixture and shiftable toward and away from the latter on one end of a fluid-containing diaphragm, especially a metal bellows. The fluid pressure in the bellows may be maintained at atmospheric levels or may be adjusted by sealing the bellows or feeding fluid under pressure thereto. Advantageously the pressure within the bellows, to control the expansion or contraction thereof is a function of the pressure of the liquid/gas mixture or its flow velocity.

Abstract: A pump for pumping insulating oil for oil-filled electric cables in which a driven piston is within and spaced from a tubular bellows which is surrounded by an enclosure. The bellows forms a chamber with the enclosure which contains the cable oil, and the bellows prevents contact of the mechanical parts of the pump, other than an intake valve and a delivery valve, with the cable oil. Preferably, the space between the piston and the bellows is filled with oil to transmit motion of the piston to the bellows. The delivery valve is urged closed by a spring, and the intake valve has an element made of lightweight materials and is held closed by gravity and the cable oil pressure but opens by reason of cable oil pressure reduction and the static pressure of the cable oil fed to the intake valve. Also, a plurality of such pumps operable by a single drive mechanism and a method for evacuating gas from the pump and pump lines in which the delivery valve is operated by a magnetic field external to the valve.

Abstract: A driving assembly for moving one unit with respect to another, for instance, a working unit with respect to a frame unit. Preferred practical applications for the driving assembly are lifting platforms or presses. The driving assembly includes a flat, enclosed, flexible container or bladder disposed between the two units. End wall portions of the container comprise the major surface area thereof. When pressure is introduced into the container, the walls thereof bear entirely against opposed bearing portions of the respective units and against a limiting wall. The invention allows for use of a very thin walled container for lifting large loads.

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: 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