Abstract: The present invention relates to a bellows-type steam trap that comprises: a steam trap body having an inflow port formed at one side thereof, to which an inflow pipe is connected, and a discharge port formed at the other side thereof, to which a discharge pipe is connected, wherein a channel through which steam passes is formed between the inflow port and the discharge port; and a valve body which is installed in the steam trap body and can expand or contract to open or close the channel.

Abstract: A pump system is equipped with a body, a displacement body, a bellows member, an indirect medium, and a diaphragm. The pump system is further equipped with a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure of the indirect medium in a charge chamber, the charge chamber being formed to include an interior space of the bellows member in the interior of the body. A controller of the pump system determines an abnormality of the diaphragm based on detection values detected by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A conductive coating layer 2a, 2b is formed on at least one of an inner peripheral side and an outer peripheral side of a base body 2 of bellows 1 by diffusion-bonding. Regarding the diffusion-bonding, the flat conductive coating layer 2a, 2b is layered on at least one end surface side of the plate-shaped base body 2, and these base body 2 and conductive coating layer 2a, 2b are diffusion-bonded. After forming this diffusion-bonded multilayer member into a tubular body by a drawing process, a side wall of the tubular body is formed into a bellows shape. With these processes, it is possible to obtain the bellows that has the conductive coating layer having a more uniform thickness on the base body of the bellows and has extremely good characteristics (the mechanical characteristics and the electric characteristics).

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 high inertance liquid piston engine-compressor that is lightweight, portable and for use with pneumatically actuated devices that may have periods of inactivity between periods of pneumatic use. The engine-compressor provides a power generation system that is for use with mobile or portable devices which need a portable long lasting energy source.

Abstract: Method for producing at low cost bellows which show high durability even when used in a quite reactive atmosphere. The method for manufacturing bellows includes the steps of: I: forming an untreated bellows from a flat base plate, the base plate including 15 to 30 wt % of Cr, 5 to 40 wt % of Ni, 0.9 to 6 wt % of Al, less than 1 wt % of Mo, less than 0.1 wt % of Mn, less than 0.1 wt % of C, less than 0.1 wt % of S, less than 0.1 wt % of P and a balance of Fe and an unavoidable impurity (relative to 100 wt % of the base plate); and II: heating the untreated bellows at a temperature of 750 to 895° C. in an atmosphere which contains water and hydrogen and in which the volume ratio of hydrogen to water (H2/H2O) is in the range of 2×103 to 1×1012, thereby forming an Al2O3 passivation film on a surface of the untreated bellows.

Abstract: An actuator is provided for raising the front hood of a vehicle having at least one extension part, by whose extension movement the front hood of the vehicle can be raised or is raised. It is provided that the extension part is at least partially formed by a planar formation, which is deformable from a first shape (e.g., a starting shape) into a second shape (e.g., an intermediate shape or final shape) to raise the front hood. Furthermore, a motor vehicle is provided that has an actuator for raising the vehicle front hood and a pedestrian protection system for a vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a membrane pump head for a homogenizer or a high-pressure pump. The membrane pump head comprises at least one pump head enclosed in a pump housing. The membrane pump head also includes a product chamber with inlet and outlet for the product, as well as a hydraulic chamber in which a piston is disposed to operate. The product chamber and the hydraulic chamber are separated by a double membrane. The membrane is oriented at 15-75° in relation to the longitudinal direction of the piston.

Abstract: A reinforcement layer for elastomeric products is formed of hybrid cords that are arranged substantially parallel to each other within the layer. The hybrid cords are composed of a first twisted textile yarn made of a first material and a second twisted textile yarn made of a second material. The ends of the two yarns are twisted with each other. The first twisted textile yarn is a polyketone yarn and the second twisted textile yarn is a polyester yarn.

Abstract: A fluid-powered cylinder for displacing an object with respect to a support surface is disclosed. The fluid-power cylinder includes a fabric enclosure having ends fastened to two end caps and forming an expandable and contractible chamber therein. The chamber has a port for selectively disposing an incompressible fluid in the chamber. The chamber is adapted to displace the object to a first position with respect to the support surface and to displace the object to a second position with respect to the support surface.

Abstract: A fluidic artificial muscle actuator consisting of an inner elastic bladder surrounded by a braided filament sleeve and sealed off on either end with end fittings. Pressurization of the actuator produces force and/or motion through radial movement of the bladder and sleeve which forces the sleeve to move axially. Both contractile and extensile motions are possible depending on the geometry of the braided sleeve. The fluidic artificial muscle actuator is manufactured using a swaging process which plastically deforms swage tubes around the end fittings, braided sleeve, and pressure bladder, creating a strong mechanical clamping action that may be augmented with adhesive bonding of the components. The swaging system includes the swaging die and associated components which are used to plastically deform the swage tube during assembly of the actuator.

Abstract: Method for producing at low cost bellows which show high durability even when used in a quite reactive atmosphere. A method for manufacturing bellows includes the steps of: I: forming an untreated bellows from a flat base plate, the base plate including 15 to 30 wt % of Cr, 5 to 40 wt % of Ni, 0.9 to 6 wt % of Al, less than 1 wt % of Mo, less than 0.1 wt % of Mn, less than 0.1 wt % of C, less than 0.1 wt % of S, less than 0.1 wt % of P and a balance of Fe and an unavoidable impurity (relative to 100 wt % of the base plate); and II: heating the untreated bellows at a temperature of 750 to 895° C. in an atmosphere which contains water and hydrogen and in which the volume ratio of hydrogen to water (H2/H2O) is in the range of 2×103 to 1×1012, thereby forming an Al2O3 passivation film on a surface of the untreated bellows.

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: A flexure endurant composition of an elastomer reinforced with a continuous phase of microporous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) having a ratio of elastomer to PTFE of approximately 1:1 to 50:1 on a volume basis. The composite is prepared by a coating process and the final articles are prepared by molding or vulcanizing. Such materials can be used to fabricate pump tubing, pump diaphragms, gaskets, bellows and other mechanical devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a copolyether ester composition for products that show particularly good aging behaviour when exposed to dynamic deformation at elevated temperatures and in contact with greases. The copolyether ester composition comprises a mixture of at least 2 copolyether esters A and B, composed of hard segments derived from at least one alkylene diol and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid and soft segments derived from at least one polyalkylene oxide glycol and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid, in which the concentration of soft segments X in A and the concentration of soft segments Y in B lie between 30 and 65 wt. %, relative to the copolyether ester and the molecular weights of X and Y lie between 500 and 3000 and |Mx−My|≧400.

Abstract: A blend composition having improved environmental stress cracking resistance or environmental fatigue resistance, including an ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer and a polymer of ethylene with at least one selected from the group consisting of alpha olefin having at least 2 carbon atoms, and an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic ester monomer. Flexible products may be made from the blend by heating the blend above its melting point, forming the melted blend into a desired shape, and then cooling the shape below its melting point.

Abstract: A hydraulic axial pump/motor comprises a plurality of revolving as well as reciprocating pistons, operatively associated with a stationary port plate. The port plate comprises at least a first, elongated, arcuate suction port and at least a second elongated, arcuate discharge port, divided by a bringing portion extending between the downstream side of the suction port and the upstream side of the discharge port. A tortuous passage of a non-uniform cross-section is formed in the bridging portion, allowing the by-passing of the fluid first in a direction towards the downstream side of the suction port and then towards and into the upstream side of the discharge port.

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 flexible connection tube for an automotive exhaust system comprises a flexible metal bellows adapted to be connected between a run of exhaust piping for absorbing expansion or contraction of the exhaust piping, and an outer knitted metal-wire braid covering the outer periphery of the bellows for protecting the bellows from damage and for preventing the bellows from stretching to its full length. The outer knitted metal-wire braid is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape by knitting plural metal-wire bundles (each bundle being produced by a plurality of parallelly bonded metal wires) alternately with each other in spiral directions with respect to the axial direction of the bellows. Apertures are defined by many groups of four adjacent metal-wire bundles knitted alternately with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bellows, in the bellows body of which are provided supporting frames which are welded to the outer pleats of the bellows body. The connection between the outer pleats of the bellows body and the supporting frames is formed by a high-frequency welded joint. The bellows according to the invention can be produced in a particularly economical manner and, if required, the bellows body can also be coated with PVC if the supporting frames--as usual--are produced from rigid PVC.

Abstract: A bellows for connecting hoses or apparatus operating in a partial vacuum including a corrugated tube reinforced on the outside by rings at the troughs of the corrugations. The tube further includes toric reinforcing rings on the inside of the crests of the corrugations, the length of the rings being adjustable so as to adapt to the deformation of the corrugations in service.

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: 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: 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: 2H-heptafluoropropane (HFC 227) is used as filler in sensor systems of temperature-sensitive displacement pickups.

Abstract: A zero net external displacement implantable pump for the transfer of accumulated body fluids, such as transfer of ascites fluid from the peritoneum to the vasculative system. The pump includes a pair of bellows type displacement chambers which are alternately compressed and expanded by action of a pivoted rocker member. The fluid to be transferred is drawn into the chambers on the expansion strokes and expelled on the compression strokes. The rocker member may be operated manually or power driven. Single action and double action pumps are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bellows in which the multi-layer cover which forms the bellows body consists of at least one carrier layer, an outer layer and an inner reinforcing layer, and the layers forming the cover are surface welded together.

Abstract: A metal bellows core is comprised of a plurality of resilient annular metal diaphragm members which are brazed together. A method for fabricating a metal bellows core is comprised of steps including brazing the metal diaphragm members together simultaneously in a furnace. An apparatus for fabricating a metal bellows core is comprised of means for positioning, coaxially aligning and compressing the diaphragm members and brazing filler material members for brazing.

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: Air springs or other fluid pressure devices have flexible elastomeric sleeves terminating in a pair of end beads which are clamped or crimped onto a pair of spaced end members. Each of the beads is reinforced by a solid annular ring of nonreinforced thermoplastic material which is molded within the sleeve beads. The rings preferably are formed of nylon and are sufficiently flexible to move with the end members and sleeve and return to their original shape after such movement. A similar nonreinforced plastic ring may be molded in a central portion of the elastomer sleeve to provide the girdle hoop of the sleeve.

Abstract: A flexible actuator, comprising at least a pressure tube, which is axially extendable and/or contractable under influence of a pressure fluid. The object of the invention is to provide a flexible actuator, which can perform straight axial movements as well as curved movements in one or more planes and which can also operate at very high pressures. These objects have been achieved by the fact that the tube (12) with the exception of its end, connection or attachment parts (13) is corrugated and that at least the portions (10) of the corrugated tube, which are located between its outward projecting folds (9), are equipped with means (8) of a material which is unextensible as compared to the material of the tube, and arranged substantially to prevent a radial expansion and/or contraction of the tube in said portions (10).

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission device operable to translate hydraulic energy into mechanical energy and vice versa. The device has a housing 14 having a close end portion and an open end portion in the longitudinal direction. The housing supports therein a drive shaft 11, a retainer 12, and a cylinder block 13 which have an integral structure. A recess is formed at a substantially central location of the end surface of the cylinder block 13 that is on the side of an open end of the housing, and a cover 15 closing the open end of the housing has a protruding portion 15A which extends through a port plate 23 to be engaged with the recess of the cylinder block through a bearing 17. A plurality of pistons are disposed in the cylinder block and are kept in tight engagement with a swash plate fixed to the closed end portion of the housing at a constant tilt angle. The device acts as either a swash plate type axial piston pump or motor of this type as the drive shaft rotates.

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 dosaging pump which can be placed, in particular, on bottles or the like, having a pump bellows and two valves, one of which is associated with the inlet side and the other with a nozzle. The nozzle-side valve-closure member is seated in the cover of a cap which grips over the pump bellows and the side wall of which is guided on the wall of a cup which surrounds the pump bellows, the inlet-side valve-closure member being seated in the bottom of the cup which is formed with an air-inlet opening. End folds of the pump bellows are seated on separate collars of the cup and the cap, and the end folds extend into outwardly directed protruding base support rings. A cup-bottom side of the base support rings has a sealing lip extending over the air-inlet opening in the cup bottom and the lip has a free-standing lip section resting against an inner wall of the cup.

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: A two-stage actuator comprises a pair of axially aligned bellows molded from a thermoplastic material and connected at their adjacent ends by a molded link section integral with the bellows. The other end of one of the bellows is designed to be connected to a stationary machine part while the other end of the other bellows is designed to be connected to a movable machine part. Each bellows has an accordion-type convolution section pneumatically connected through a conduit and a valve to a vacuum source so that the convolution section is axially collapsed by vacuum when applied. A link member axially extends over the convolution section of the other bellows and has an end fixed relative to the one bellows. The other end of the other bellows is in the form of an axially elongated protrusion slidably extending through an opening formed in the other end of the link member.

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: An elastomeric expansion belt material includes an under layer having a heat resistant or insulating fabric, or matting, such as an asbestos fabric, carried by a polymerizable elastomer vulcanized to a heat shield including one or more layers of a metal foil, such as aluminum, and a polyester film, such as polyethylene terephthalate having the metal foil on the inner, or heat contacting surface. The heat shield substantially doubles the temperature resistance of the asbestos carried elastomer and substantially increases its resistance to chemically corrosive gases and particulate material.

Abstract: An elastomeric expansion belt material includes an under layer having a heat resistant or insulating fabric, or matting, such as an asbestos fabric, carried by a polymerizable elastomer vulcanized to a heat shield including one or more layers of a metal foil, such as aluminum, and a polyester film, such as polyethylene terephthalate having the metal foil on the inner, or heat contacting surface. The heat shield substantially doubles the temperature resistance of the asbestos carried elastomer and substantially increases its resistance to chemically corrosive gases and particulate material.

Abstract: A vacuum contactor for motor control applications and method of making the same that produces a switch of minimum size and extremely long mechanical life. This method comprises the step of heating the vacuum assembly to not over 450.degree. C during the evacuation process thereby allowing use of welded diaphragm bellows having the attendant advantages of much smaller size and longer life for a given length of stroke as compared to formed bellows. Because the operating conditions for motor control applications do not require as high voltage and current breakdown levels and thus the residual gas level inside the vacuum contactor enclosure need not be as low as in the case of circuit breaker (interrupter) applications, limiting the heating to not over 450.degree. C allows use of AM-350 stainless steel welded diaphragm bellows without sacrificing its required mechanical life.