Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: A fluid pump and expandable energy storage device includes a substantially igid circular band, a substantially rigid central hub, a membrane fixed to the band and to the hub, the membrane being enlargeable by a fluid introduced into the device, and a plurality of rods interconnecting the band and the hub. The enlargeable membrane is adjacent the rods, such that enlargement of the membrane causes movement of the hub and portions of the rods away from a plane of the band. The movement causes twisting and bending of the rods, biasing the rods to return to their original positions upon release of the fluid. Upon such release, the membrane and the rods immediately return to their non-enlarged states, forcing the fluid out of the device at a high velocity.

Abstract: In a hydraulic pump, an elastic sealing member for performing sealing between a cylinder and a slide piston reciprocating in the cylinder is provided in the front end side of the slide piston and along the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder so that the elastic sealing member receives a compression force from a front end surface of the slide piston in a compression stroke of the slide piston and swells into a pump chamber because of elastic deformation due to the compression force to thereby reduce the volume of the pump chamber. Accordingly, the elastic deformation of the elastic sealing member in the compression stroke is used to increase the discharge quantity.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator with movable actuator linkage maintained in a constant "pull-pull" tension, includes a sliding canister, rotatable lever, and a return spring substantially aligned in-line with each other. The linear motion of the canister in response to an expanding and contracting pressurized bladder is converted through chain linkage into rotary lever motion. The return spring is connected through respective chain linkage to the lever so the pulling tension of the spring/lever linkage rotates the lever and maintains tension on both chain linkages. Adjustable travel stops are provided. In an alternate embodiment the return spring chain linkage is configured at right angles to the linear movement of the canister. A double acting rotary valve actuator with pressurized bladders on opposite sides of a rotatable lever. One bladder is oval shaped.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy water gun for containment and ejection of water which includes a main housing, an ejection nozzle, a bladder housing, a bladder and an outlet connection which runs from the bladder to the nozzle. The expandable bladder is located in the bladder housing and has a first end connected to the outlet connection and has a carriage attachment located at the second end. The bladder carriage attachment is moveable in the bladder housing as the bladder is expanded. In one embodiment, the bladder has a variable diameter, larger at it's front end and smaller at it's back end. In another embodiment, the bladder has a constant diameter with a wall thickness gradient. Combined variable diameters and wall thickness may be used.

Abstract: A toy water pistol for discharging a volume of liquid temporarily stored under pressure in an expandable bladder. The water pistol includes a reservoir containing liquid which is initially supplied from the reservoir to a charge cavity upon manipulation of a piston. The liquid in the charge cavity is then provided to the bladder, in a pressurized state, through further manipulation of the piston. A trigger is provided for selectively controlling the flow of liquid in an output conduit, which is connected to the bladder, to regulate the liquid expelled from the bladder and output from the water pistol upon user activation of the trigger.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator (10) for generating high regulating forces and large regulating distances with a web (12) for the transmission of regulating forces, which actuates an internal pressure, which may be purposefully influenced, in an actuator cavity (14), sealed at least in an indirectly pressure-tight manner, wherein a tubular cavity profile (13) forms the active actuator cavity (14), the shell surface of which is heavily indented in linear form in the effective direction (11) of the regulating forces and in the longitudinal direction of the cavity profile (13) to receive and operate the web (12), and the cavity profile (13) is divided into two mirror-symmetric partial cross-sectional faces (15).

Abstract: The present invention is an expandable bladder toy water gun. It includes a main housing having a barrel and water ejection nozzle, a handle and a trigger, as well as an inflatable bladder connected to the main housing, the bladder having an inlet and an outlet. There is also a storage tank for supplying water thereto, as well as a hand pump connected to both the storage tank and the bladder. The pump is physically connected to the housing and functionally connected to the storage tank and the bladder inlet. There is a bladder release valve having an upstream side and a downstream side, and it is connected to the bladder outlet at the valve's upstream side, and is connected to the trigger for opening and closing thereof, and is connected to the nozzle at the valve's downstream side for subsequent water ejection when the trigger is pulled.

Abstract: A bladder for liquid containment and injection, utilizing the elasticity of the bladder for the motive force for liquid ejection, is made of a hollow, tubular member which has a section of weakened elastic strength relative to the remainder of the tubular member. It also has a strength gradient created by a modified shape. In one embodiment, it has a variable diameter, larger at it's front end and smaller at it's back end. In another embodiment, it has a constant diameter with a wall thickness gradient. Combined variable diameters and wall thickness may be used.

Abstract: A hose piston is disposed inside a flexible hose which is filled with fluid and movable in any direction upon hydraulic pressure. The rollers of an external device are engaged on the exterior surface of the flexible hose and are located adjacent to the midsection of the hose piston. The fluid pressure inside the flexible hose forces the hose piston to move along a given direction within the flexible hose, which in turn forces the rollers to travel in the same direction. This mechanism can transport the external device along the flexible hose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston assembly for use in a fluid delivery system. The piston assembly is comprised of two elements: a splined-piston having generally a convex shape and a ribbed-base, that receives the piston, which has a complementary concave shape. The interposition of the splines and ribs and the complementary shaping of the two elements permit: a constant supporting surface area to be realized throughout a pumping cycle; the establishment of a constant supporting surface that readily and fully supports a thin, flexible material such that the material cannot not likely become stretched, unsupported or bound within the pumping mechanism throughout the pumping cycle; and the establishment of a relationship between the piston and its associated pumping chamber that enables a precise volumetric quantity to be delivered consistently and accurately.

Abstract: A belt tensioner for safety belt arrangements in motor vehicles has a holder (11) on which are provided a belt winding reel (12) with a safety belt (13) coiled thereon, a blocking arrangement and an additional drive (15) connected via clutch (20) to the belt winding reel (12). The additional drive (15) contains a pressure source (16) which abruptly builds up a high pressure in a pressure chamber on being triggered and also contains a torque generating device (18) acted on by the pressure in the pressure chamber (17) and a drive shaft (19) connected to the latter. The drive shaft (19) is rotationally fixedly connectable to the belt winding reel (12) via the clutch (20).

Abstract: A lift bag includes a plurality of independently inflatable chambers for controlling lifting of objects. Each chamber is defined by an upper surface sheet and a lower surface sheet, the upper surface sheet of one chamber positioned below an adjacent chamber being securely attached to the lower surface sheet of an adjacent chamber. The lift bag can be operated at pressures of about 15 psig at specified heights which allows greater flexibility compared to conventional, single-chambered lift bag which operate at pressures of about 7 psig. Preferably, all seams, reinforcements, and fittings are vulcanized in place using uncured rubber coated fabric. Grommets or other securing means may provide further stability to the lift bag.

Abstract: An inflation mechanism which comprises an inflation head and a sidewall connected by a living hinge or weakened area which permits the inflation head to invert within the interior chamber of the sidewall during compression of the inflation mechanism thereby permitting a high volume of fluid displacement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique force generating mechanism which is easily adapted for use in a compact lightweight tool requiring high work forces. The mechanism includes a force generating member disposed within an actuation chamber where either pneumatic or hydraulic fluid pressure is allowed to bear against a relatively large ram surface causing a deflection of the ram in a first direction and translation of the ends of the ram in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A working force, larger than the force of the fluid bearing on the ram surface, is thereby generated along this direction of translation.

Abstract: A pneumatic rotary drive includes a housing and at least one cover sealingly closing the housing. A rotatable shaft extends out of the housing through the at least one cover. At least one guide member is mounted in the housing. A belt mounted in the housing is in engagement with the shaft. A pressing member presses two portions of the belt together so that two expandable pressure chambers are formed. When pressure is admitted to one of the pressure chambers, the pressure chamber expands and the shaft is rotated. The belt has two ends which are located adjacent each other in a common plane and form one of the belt portions which are pressed together. The housing has an internal wall with a toothing which is in engagement with an external toothing of the belt.

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 bellows actuator has at least one bellows chamber comprising at least three chamber segments arranged around an axis. Each of the chamber segments forms a radially outwardly extending protrusion comprising four chamber wall portions, which merge with one another along fold lines which extend peripherally and radially of the bellows chamber and converge radially outwardly to meet at radially outermost apexes of the chamber segments. The bellows actuator is expansible and contractible along the axis by flexure of the wall portions relative to one another about the fold lines in response to pressure changes within the bellows chamber.

Abstract: A fluid pump for infusing medical fluids to a patient includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The housing further includes a substantially hemispherically shaped surface which is circumscribed by a periphery. An elastomeric membrane is attached to the periphery of the surface and is stretched over the surface to place the membrane in its region of nonlinear elasticity. With this combination, a potential fluid chamber is established between the surface of the housing and the stretched membrane.In operation, fluid is injected through the inlet port and into the potential chamber between the housing and the elastomeric membrane to fill the chamber with the desired medical fluid. A fluid line is connected to the outlet port of the pump and a flow restrictor is coupled with the fluid line to control the flow of fluid from the chamber. Fluid flows from the chamber as a result of the nonlinear contraction of the elastomer membrane.

Abstract: An actuator includes an elastic member extensible in axial directions when a pressurized fluid is supplied into the elastic member, and guiding device arranged outwardly of the elastic member and permitting the elastic member to move in the axial directions, but restraining the elastic member from moving in directions intersecting the axial directions. As the actuator is of an air-bag type so that energy of the pressurized fluid can be converted into mechanical movement with high efficiency. The actuator moves only in axial directions without expanding in radial directions, so that the actuator takes up little space in operation.

Abstract: A mechanical transducer is disclosed which includes a converter having a plurality of elongate flexible elements, which are joined together at their opposite ends and spaced at intervals around a longitudinal axis of the transducer. The opposite ends of the converter are displaceable toward and away from each other along the axis, which displacement is accompanied by a bowing or straightening of the elongate elements. Thus, an axial force applied to the converter will be converted to a radial force exerted by the elongate elements, or a radial force applied to the elongate elements will be converted to an axial force.

Abstract: An air-seal, air-cell rotary-ring-type log debarker which is capable of operating in two different operating modes. In one operating mode, the air seal is nonpressurized, and debarking tools in the debarker are under the actuation control solely of pressure-isolated charged air cells which are carried on the rotary ring in the debarker. In another operating mode, the seal between the rotor and stator is pressurized to allow fluid communication between the two, and tool actuation is under the combined control of the ring-carried air cells and of an external source of selectively variable fluid pressure.

Abstract: In a method for displacing forces, particularly loads (P), either a force (P) acting on a guide surface (23) is reduced by an opposing force and simultaneously displaced, or a pressing force (P) is caused to act on a guide surface (23) in order to produce a displacing force (P2). In order to reduce the frictional resistance of the force (P) on the base (A, B) on which it acts, this force can be reduced by an opposing force and the force then displaced. The opposing force is produced, for example, by a known self-guided membrane cell (20) or a piston. Part of the force is supported displaceably on a wedge surface (23). This method permits advantageous displacement of forces, particularly loads, in opposition to friction forces.

Abstract: An improved diaphragm, which operates and has the structure of a short-thick beam, is comprised of a plug having a channel, a tire cord reinforcement is bonded to the plug, an elastomer cured to the reinforcement means, and a sleeve bonded to the elastomer. This diaphragm is capable of being used in many applications, particularly, fluid-handling devices.

Abstract: An actuator, which directly converts fluid pressure to rotary movement, has generally cylindrical and helically fluted circumferential wall, an end wall bearing an output member, and a fixed opposite end wall. The actuator may be a one-shot device providing substantial torque and driving the output member through a relatively wide angle by having a pyrotechnic gas generating charge mounted inwardly of the fixed end wall and by exceeding the elastic limit of the circumferential wall which is metallic to so as to withstand pyrotechnically generated gas.

Abstract: A terminator for a hydraulic or pneumatic muscle seals the end of the internal elastomeric bladder and provides direct transfer of force between the external braid and a mechanical device to which the terminator is connected. The terminator is provided with an annular land or step at the end that is inserted into the corresponding end of the muscle, a first valley or recess after the first annular land, a second annular land or step adjacent the first recess, a second annular valley or recess adjacent the second land and axially separated from the first recess, and an anchor or attachment portion beyond the second valley or recess which provides a point of attachment for the end of a cable or for a tubular sheath or the like. The bladder is attached to the first recess to form a fluid-tight seal, and the end of the braid continues over this and over the second land, and is attached to the second valley or recess. The attachments can be made using coils or wraps of fishline or equivalent.

Abstract: When pumping chambers were provided between tapered discs of axial compressibility and expandability, the discs worked perfect in the subcritical pressure range. But in the supercritical pressure range the high pressure in fluid would depart the discs away from each other and open a gap between the discs because the force of pressure in fluid in the chamber between the tapered discs was higher than the internal strength of the material of which the respective coned element was made. The invention now discovers that it is possible to provide a means which prevents the departure of a coned ring from a neighbored ring. The invention obtains this by providing a means which presses under actions of pressure in surrounding fluid the neighboring coned ring elements at all times together for a close and perfect sealing between them.

Abstract: An axially contractable actuator which includes an elongated hollow enclosure (14) formed by a fluid impermeable substantially non-elastic material and having a plurality of protrusions each with respective bases having more than three sides. Each base side (48) of a protrusion is attached to a base side (48) of an adjacent protrusion by a flexible seam of continuous fold (55). Each protrusion is foldable about a plane dividing the protrusion into two parts from an axially-extended condition in which the base sides are substantially parallel, to an axially-contracted condition in which the protrusion encloses a volume larger than that enclosed in the axially-extended condition. A pair of axially-aligned end terminations (18) are formed at each end of the enclosure with one of the end terminations being hollow.

Abstract: A downhole bladder pump for pumping ligher-than-water liquids. The pump includes an outer tube closed at its bottom and top, but having slots adjacent its upper end to admit the liquid to be pumped. Positioned concentrically within the outer tube is a cylindrical bladder chamber. A cylindrical bladder is mounted within the bladder chamber and registers with the internal surface of such chamber. A cyclically-operated pneumatic control system periodically delivers pressurized air to the space between the bladder and the bladder chamber to collapse the bladder and pump liquid which has flowed into the bladder. At other times during the cycle, the control system draws the bladder outwardly against the internal surface of the bladder housing by the application of vacuum. The liquid to be pumped is then forced into the bladder through a check valve subassembly positioned in the lower end of the bladder housing.

Abstract: A pump comprising a casing (1) having interior space in which there is provided a flexible hose (2) mounted for reciprocations having one end (5) thereof which is turned inside out and secured along the perimeter to the inner wall of the casing (1), and the other end thereof which is closed so as to sealingly divide the interior space of the casing (1) into two chambers (6,7) of which one chamber (7) communicates with a source (12) of fluid being pumped and with a delivery line. In order to move the flexible hose (2) in one direction, its closed end is secured to a drum (3) operatively connected to a motor and installed in one of the chambers (6,7), and movement in the opposite direction is effected under the action of working fluid pressure built-up in one of the chambers (6,7).

Abstract: The device comprises on the one hand at least one substantially tightly-sealable chamber, which is bounded partly at least by a wall from an approximately resiliently distortable material, and on the other hand flexible, approximately unstretchable spiral-wound filaments which extend substantially next to one another at least about said wall, whereby part of said filaments are wound rightwards and another part thereof leftwards, and this in such a way that two arbitrary crossing filaments may undergo some angular displacement relative to one another, and the one end each said filaments on the one side of said chamber is fixed relative to a working point, and the other end thereof on the opposite side of said chamber is fixed relative to another working point, and whereby further at least one feed opening is provided in said chamber, wherethrough a pressurized gas or liquid may be fed and said wall is distortable at least along one direction cross-wise to the line joining both said working points, in such a wa

Abstract: A pressure fluid actuator having an elongated tubular chamber, a slot extending longitudinally along the wall of the chamber, a flexible hose member within the chamber and an improved reciprocally movable bracket having an upper portion extended through said slot and connected to a workpiece, which is slidable along the exterior of said chamber, and a lower portion having a rotatably mounted shaft with a pair of rollers for engagement with said flexible hose member to create a reciprocal movement of the bracket.

Abstract: An actuator including a housing having an internal cavity, a flexible but inextensible belt mounted so as to form an open-ended loop within the cavity, and a seal/port assembly closing the open end of the loop and providing for fluid flow into the loop. One end of the loop is fixed. Fluid flow into the loop moves the belt and causes the area enclosed by (and in preferred embodiments the length of the periphery of) the loop to increase.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated assembly includes a casing made of a flexible resilient material, such as rubber or polyurethane, a coiled tension spring sleeved on the casing for biasing the casing to move toward a retracted position, and a coiled spacing spring interposed between the tension spring and the casing for preventing any wall of the casing from being clamped between any two adjacent turns of the tension spring. When a compressed fluid is applied to the interior of the casing, the casing extends.

Abstract: This invention relates to an internal combustion engine comprising: a combustion chamber having at least one rigidly fixed inner wall surface and at least two movable inner wall surfaces reciprocally mounted and adapted to reciprocate from a first position lessening the internal volume of the combustion chamber to a second position expanding the internal volume of the combustion chamber; the two movable, inner wall surfaces are adapted to remain in the first position lessening the internal volume of the combustion chamber of a crankshaft means operatively attached to each of the movable, inner wall surfaces; a spark plug secured in the combustion chamber and having the spark gap terminals thereof extending into the combustion chamber; and a pair of inlet and exhaust valves disposed in the combustion chamber and opening inwardly thereinto complete the major components of the novel engine.

Abstract: According to the invention, the device comprises a housing (1), two chambers (2, 3) interconnected through a pipeline (4) and disposed in the housing opposite to each other. Each chamber (2 or 3) has a piston made in the form of an elastic sleeve (10 and 11), whose one end is turned inside out and secured to the inner surface of the pipeline (4) at the point of its connection to the chamber (2 to 3). Each piston is kinematically connected to the working member (7) via a shaft (5 or 6) mounted in the chamber (2 to 3), one end of which is kinematically connected to the working member (7), and a drum (8 or 9) connected to the other end of the shaft (5 or 6) and provided with a reverser. Secured on the drums (8 and 9) are the other ends of the sleeves (10 and 11). The pressure space formed by the spaces of the chambers (2, 3) and the space of the pipeline (4) is communicated with a fluid medium supply system (14).

Abstract: A pumping apparatus is formed by a flexible, metal wall structure surrounding and defining a hollow interior chamber and with a mechanism to compress and expand the structure to create a pumping action through an opening to the chamber. The pumping apparatus forms part of an overall system particularly adapted for pumping abrasive liquids.

Abstract: A completely dry fluid-tight reciprocating vacuum pump comprises one or more pumping chambers defined between two rigid parts which face one another in the axial direction. One is reciprocated in a straight line relative to the other. They are connected to one another by at least one axially flexible member of appropriate radial stiffness. Each of these members comprises an outside part fixed to a first of these rigid parts. The side of the first rigid part facing the flexible member is shaped to have a profile in diametral cross-section which is substantially the same as the profile in diametral cross-section that this member tends to assume, by virtue of its stiffness, in the configuration with the aforementioned rigid parts moved towards one another. The pump can be used for pumping corrosive and radioactive gases, such as tritium, for example.

Abstract: A brake device for use in an arm of a robot or manipulator cmprises a brake drum, a lever pivotally supported at its intermediate portion, a brake shoe provided on the lever between its pivotally supported point and its one end, a pneumatic actuator axially contractible upon applying internal pressure thereinto and having a movable end connected to the one end or the other end of the lever, and a spring connected to one end of the lever not connected to the actuator so as to operate to elongate the actuator. This brake device is remarkably small-sized and of light-weight and consumes only small amount of fluid pressure to contribute economy of energy in comparison with prior art brake devices.

Abstract: In moving solar energy collectors to track the sun, there are combined:a pressurized air solar heat sensing head assembly, utilizing compressed air in adjacent and opposing chambers, each chamber having a flexible diaphragm closely contacting an actuator of a four way valve of a pressurized water drive system, with these chambers being located on opposite sides of a sunshade assembly;a pressurized water drive system having the four way valve moved by the pressurized solar heat sensing head assembly, whereby water under pressure from this valve is directed to one side or the other of an actuator utilizing compact and collapsible hoses, which in expanding to receive the pressurized volume of water, move a power take off connector, in turn attached to a cable of a pulley drive subassembly, in turn rotatably secured to solar energy collectors to adjustably position them; andsolar energy collectors selected from many types each of which is mountable about one structurally supported axis assembly, to make automatic

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively creating a vacuum or increasing pressure or for converting pressure forces into mechanical motion includes a pair of substantially cylindrical housings, each having an airtight chamber therein. A length of a flexible sheet-like material has each end spirally wound around an axle in each of the chambers and extends out through openings in the housings. The sheet-like material functions as a piston and an airtight seal is formed between the material and the opening in each housing. As the axle in one chamber is turned to draw the piston into that chamber, the pressure within the chamber increases. However, when the piston is withdrawn from the chamber, the pressure in the chamber decreases. Alternatively, pressure in one of the chambers can be changed from an outside source thereby drawing the piston into and out of the chambers. This causes the axles of the chambers to rotate. Other structural embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure gauge for use with a corrosive fluid containing a sulfide which includes a Bourdon tube made from stainless steel type 316 and having a first or outer hardened layer and a second or inner layer having a hardness equal to or less than Rc22. The Bourdon tube is welded to a socket and to a closure member using stainless steel type 316 such that the weld seals the interface between the first and second layers to isolate the hardened outer layer from the corrosive fluid.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated stacking device with a frusto-conically shaped inflatable bladder accommodated with clearance within a housing into which a stack container with stack embracing sidewall panels is insertable with the stack container panels arranged in the clearance space between the housing and the bladder.

Abstract: Attitude control mechanism for a flexible bag component of a composite pneumatic chamber including a fixed section over which an inturned portion of a flexible bag pneumatic chamber section rolls includes a cantilever bag attitude control stem having its root anchored in a mounting closing the end of the flexible bag remote from the rigid pneumatic chamber section and extends through a central guide aperture of at least one frame mounted within the rigid pneumatic chamber section for substantially linear reciprocation guidance so as to prevent appreciable buckling of the flexible bag as it is contracted axially by movement of the mounting carrying the stem toward the rigid pneumatic chamber section.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

Abstract: An expansion device for converting changes in fluid pressure to displacement of a moving machine part or converting displacement of a moving part to changes in fluid pressure, the device featuring a first flexible expansion chamber wall at least partially defining a first expansion chamber region, a first rigid member having a convex surface supporting the chamber wall, a second rigid member having a concave surface facing the convex surface and movably mounted relative to the first rigid member to cause, when the first and second rigid members move together, the wall to fold over so that a portion of the wall's inner surface changes from an expanded concave shape to a convex shape adjacent to the first member, and a displacement connector attached to one of the first and second rigid members for connection to a moving machine part.

Abstract: A device for exerting pressure comprising a piston and mating cylinder, each having a rectangular cross-section, and an elastic sleeve disposed between the end of the piston and the end of the cylinder. Means are provided to pressurize the elastic sleeve, thus exerting force on the piston, tending to move it.

Abstract: In moving solar energy collectors to track the sun, there are combined:a pressurized air solar heat sensing head assembly, utilizing compressed air in adjacent and opposing chambers, each chamber having a flexible diaphragm closely contacting an actuator of a four way valve of a pressurized water drive system, with these chambers being located on opposite sides of a sunshade assembly;a pressurized water drive system having the four way valve moved by the pressurized solar heat sensing head assembly, whereby water under pressure from this valve is directed to one side or the other of an actuator utilizing compact and collapsible hoses, which in expanding to receive the pressurized volume of water, move a power take off connector, in turn attached to a cable of a pulley drive subassembly, in turn rotatably secured to solar energy collectors to adjustably position them; andsolar energy collectors selected from many types each of which is mountable about one structurally supported axis assembly, to make automatic

Abstract: A vanishing chamber type positive displacement pump is disclosed which is applicable for use as a fluid sampling device for sampling liquid or gaseous materials from pipelines or other pressurized vessels or for pumping small measured quantities of fluid from a source such as for chemical or other fluid injection. The pump mechanism incorporates a support body structure that is adapted for connection to an isolation valve such as for pipeline or pressurized vessel sampling or is adapted for direct connection to the wall structure of a vessel if desired. An elongated probe is movable connected in sealed relation to the support body structure and is capable of being inserted into the pipeline or other vessel being sampled. The elongated probe is provided with a housing at the free extremity thereof within which is located a positive displacement pump having an inlet defined by the housing which is located at the free extremity of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus that controls movement of an arm through a gaseous or liquid fluid. The apparatus incorporates a plurality of longitudinally extensible hose members that expand and contract their respective lengths responsive to introduction and withdrawal, respectively, of hydraulic fluid thereinto and therefrom. The hose members are interconnected to one another through a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely disposed brace members that may serve as lever means so that expansion or contraction of one hose member can effect an opposite response in an opposed member. The brace members may be interconnected by a spine means that coincides with the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the apparatus. A sheath covers the apparatus. The arm has applications in the field of robotics and a special rat tail-like form of the apparatus provides a low drag substitute for conventional aircraft rudder and elevator assemblies.