Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for reducing pulsations in peristaltic pumps. In some examples, a cassette comprises a cassette body and a flexible sheet joined to the cassette body, wherein a transition region of the flexible sheet comprises at least one ridge that has a maximum height at a position that is offset from a center line of a cassette body transition channel. In some examples, a cassette body transition channel comprises side walls that taper toward an active region of the fluid path and/or toward a bottom of the transition channel. An example method of operating a peristaltic pump comprises operating rollers at a higher speed during portions of a revolution that otherwise would result in a lower than average flow rate and at a lower speed during portions of the revolution that otherwise would result in a higher than average flow rate.

Abstract: A fluid motor and a control system that includes an electronic controller and a mechanical servo to position a fluid motor. The electronic controller is combined with a non-electronic self storing position feedback device. The electronic controller is capable of providing accurate positioning and the positioning is maintained with a mechanical servo mechanism. The fluid motor can be either hydraulically or pneumatically operated.

Abstract: In a chemical liquid supplying apparatus, discharge accuracy of chemical liquid is enhanced, and durability of a flexible tube is enhanced. By the flexible tube incorporated into a pump housing, an interior of the pump housing is partitioned into a pump chamber, which communicates with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and a drive chamber in which an incompressible, indirect medium is enclosed. Outer surfaces of end portions of the flexible tube are sealed by outer seal members, and their inner surfaces are sealed by inner seal members. Fastening cylindrical bodies disposed in the end portions of the flexible tube are radially expanded by wedge sleeves, whereby the outer and inner seal members are caused to closely contact with the flexible tube.

Abstract: A device for dispensing at least one fluid comprises pumping means comprising an elastic deformable membrane (2) having a wavy annular wall (16) for producing a desired stiffness or pliability for said membrane (2). A pumping element (1) comprises a base (4) and said elastic deformable membrane (2).

Abstract: A diaphragm pump (1) is provided with an annular working chamber (6) and an annular diaphragm (3), which is fixed on its outer peripheral region (12) and on its inner edge region (13). The inner and the outer diaphragm fixing points are stationary relative to each other, and a drive element (8) connected to a pump drive for deflection of the annular diaphragm (3) contacts between the outer and inner fixing points. The drive element (8) is formed facing the diaphragm with a sleeve or ring shape with a diameter corresponding approximately to the annular working chamber (6) and contacts with one of its annular ends perpendicular to the diaphragm plane on the side of the annular diaphragm (3) facing the pump drive for deflection and for transmission of a back-and-forth movement to the annular diaphragm (3).

Abstract: Methods and devices for pumping fluid are disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a pump is provided having a first member with a passageway formed therethrough, and a plurality of electrically expandable actuators in communication with the first member and adapted to change shape upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the activators can create a pumping action to move fluid through the first member.

Abstract: A fluid-powered mechanical actuator having a proximal end and a distal end and having a plurality of hollow tubular elements hingedly connected in end-to-end linked relationship to form a variable angle therebetween, each such link having one degree of freedom; provision to bias the elements in a direction to minimize the angle between them; a flexible elongated chamber enclosing a space within it, the chamber situated within the linked elements and within the link therebetween, substantially contained thereby, the chamber having a flexible but non-expansible wall; and apparatus to provide to the space within said chamber a pressurized working fluid; whereby the pressure of the working fluid causes said chamber to straighten within said elements, especially at said links, thereby moving the relative position of the elements in a manner to act against the biasing means, thereby to cause an increase of the angle between them by providing an increase in working fluid pressure.

Abstract: A heald frame for a weaving machine includes stops (15, 16) made of a material with shock-absorbing properties associated with the ends of the healds (10). A gap is provided between the heald ends and the stops, such gap ensuring that the healds can be moved along guide rails forming part of the heald frame while reducing noise and potentially damaging vibrations. The healds are held on the guide rails with play and are moved by and limited in their movements in a longitudinal direction by the stops.

Abstract: A control valve pressure actuator of the pressure-to-close type is provided with a housing in which an upper diaphragm casing thereof includes one or more air passage channels. Each of the air passage channels facilitates circulation of air above a diaphragm within the pressure actuator at all times, including when the diaphragm is in a fully open position. By permitting the circulation of air above the diaphragm even when in a fully open position, adjacent an inside surface of the top of the upper diaphragm casing, there is not a tendency for the diaphragm, biased toward the open position by springs, to stick to the inside surface of the top of the upper diaphragm casing.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator comprises a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion. A spring disposed in the housing exerts a biasing force tending to separate the first housing portion from the second housing portion. A band clamp connects the first housing portion with the second housing portion. The band clamp comprises at least one band segment engaging the first and second housing portions, at least one fastener securing the band segment in a tamper-resistant manner, and a cover at least partially enclosing the fastener in a tamper-resistant manner.

Abstract: The actuator has an outer housing, and a fluid muscle, normally pneumatic, mounted within the outer housing, defining an annulus between the fluid muscle and the outer housing. Fluid ports, i.e. normally air ports, are connected for separately pressurizing the fluid muscle and the annulus to a pressure above ambient pressure, whereby the fluid muscle can be caused to contract to produce actuation movement by releasing pressure from the annulus. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator can be mounted to open and close a collet, but may have a wide variety of other uses.

Abstract: A load bearing apparatus includes a first container having enclosed ends and at least one expansion segment. The expansion segment includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder of diameter smaller than the first cylinder disposed along a longitudinal axis of the first cylinder. An elastomer seal is connected between the first and second cylinders to form a fluid tight seal between the cylinders. The elastomer seal further permits translation of the first cylinder with respect to the second cylinder in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the first cylinder.

Abstract: The propulsion device (10) includes a housing (12) having an incoming end cap (14) and an outflowing end cap (16). A tubular bladder (20) within the housing is interconnected to each end cap, thereby varying the volume of both a chamber (22) within the bladder and a chamber (24) between the bladder and the housing during attractive or repulsive movement between end caps (14,16). Check valves control the flowthrough the end caps. The propulsion device is highly efficient and is able to move the vessel through water with little or no cavitation.

Abstract: A flexible actuator assembly (20) including a flexible bladder device (22) having an expandable sealed chamber (23) adapted to substantially directionally displace between a deflated condition and an inflated condition, displacing a proximal portion (25) of the bladder device (22) away from a distal portion (26) thereof. An elongated tendon member (27) includes a distal portion (28) oriented outside the chamber (23), while an anchor portion (30) extends into the chamber (23) through a distal opening (31) in the bladder device (22).

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

Abstract: A selectively bonded two-ply diaphragm for a diaphragm pump having adjacent first and second layers of the diaphragm which are selectively bonded at the interface between the layers in at least one attachment portion, which is adapted for attachment to a pump. A working portion is provided in which the first and second layers are free to move relative to one another at the interface. The attachment portion may include a central portion which is adapted for attachment to a diaphragm rod of a pump and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion which is adapted for stationary attachment to a pump housing. The working portion joins the peripheral portion and the central portion. Selective bonding of the diaphragm is by at least partially bonding or substantially bonding the first and second layers at the interface in the peripheral portion, the central portion, or both.

Abstract: A flexible actuator assembly (20) including a flexible bladder device (22) having an expandable sealed chamber (23) adapted to substantially directionally displace between a deflated condition and an inflated condition, displacing a proximal portion (25) of the bladder device (22) away from a distal portion (26) thereof. An elongated tendon member (27) includes a distal portion (28) oriented outside the chamber (23), while an anchor portion (30) extends into the chamber (23) through a distal opening (31) in the bladder device (22).

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 sealed piston pump having in an open cavity of the pump body, a circular single-piece set formed by a central cylindrical piston. The piston is coupled by a rod to a driving member while the piston in an alternating motion along its longitudinal axis. A ring is placed on the pump body which is hollowed out with an annular channel and a deformable thinned part connecting the piston to the ring. The single-piece set and the pump body are fixedly joined to each other in an imperviously sealed way. The single-block set is made of a synthetic material that is flexible and mechanically and chemically resistant. The pump can be advantageously used in ink-jet printers.

Abstract: A membrane supporting plate (10) includes on its outer rim (20) an axially directed ring groove (30), into which an annular membrane (22) is inserted, free from distortion, by its clamping boss (28) disposed on its inner rim. A beaded rim (32) disposed next to the ring groove (30) on the membrane supporting plate (10) is deformed radially outwards by a beading process. As a result of the effected sealing of the ring groove (30), the membrane (22), which is made from highly elastic material, is anchored pressure-tight and free from distortion to the membrane supporting plate (10).

Abstract: A method of making and the product of the method in a diaphragm for use in a pressure regulator, or other similar uses, where leakage around the confined edges of the diaphragm must be avoided. The structure confining the edges of the diaphragm consists of a main housing body having a groove for receiving a rib or the outer periphery of the diaphragm and a secondary housing to clamp the periphery. The central portion of the diaphragm carries a top plate with a bottom groove to receive a rib on the central periphery of the diaphragm and a bottom disc to clamp the inner periphery. Diaphragms are made with a fabric sandwiched between flexible layers of material. This results in a flash edge which may cause wicking and prevents a proper seal in the grooves receiving the ribs. An angled trim on the peripheries allows a proper filling of the grooves and a leak proof seal.

Abstract: An actuator (1) of a diaphragm type which comprises an actuator case (2,3), a diaphragm (5) housed in the actuator case, a diaphragm plate (4) attached to the diaphragm for moving together with the diaphragm according to introduction of negative or atmospheric pressure into a negative pressure chamber (7) formed between the diaphragm and the actuator case (2) so as to actuate a device connected to the diaphragm plate. The diaphragm is formed with one or both of an annular rib (5e) having a thick-walled section and an annular expansive portion (5d) having a curved section. Therefore, the diaphragm is hard to be disengaged from the diaphragm plate even if an immoderate force is applied on the diaphragm.

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: 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: A two wheel drive/four wheel drive change over apparatus for four-wheel drive vehicles includes an actuator having a vacuum chamber. A tank storing an engine vacuum through a check valve is integrally formed in the vacuum chamber, whereby the engine vacuum stored in the tank can be used for operating the actuator.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is connected to a supercharger which is powered by exhaust energy for compressing and feeding of the air charge. The supercharger has at least one exhaust chamber and one air compression chamber both having an intake and an output. A membrane is sandwiched between the two chambers for changing the volume in the charger. The membrane is comprised of tightly fitted single elements which are movable relative to each other and are made from a heat resistant material. The membrane is driven by exhaust gases entering into the exhaust chamber from the internal combustion engine such that the movement of the membrane is synchronized with piston movement of the internal combustion engine to move charged air from the air charge chamber to a piston cylinder.

Abstract: A clamping element comprises a single-acting cylinder and a piston with strong spring return which can be cancelled out by introduction of a pressure medium into the pressure chamber of the cylinder. The spring return is brought about, at least mainly, by means of a sleeve (6a, 6b) of rubber or rubber-like material which occupies a gap (5, 5b) between the piston (3, 3a, 3b) and the cylinder wall (7, 7a, 7b) or a lining (40) arranged in the cylinder. The rubber sleeve is firmly vulcanized, firmly glued or surface-fixed in some other manner against the cylindrical exterior of the piston and against the wall of the cylinder or the said lining along an axial length which considerably exceeds the thickness of the gap.

Abstract: The invention is comprised of a hydraulically actuated diaphragm pump having a working diaphragm driven by a piston and a working fluid. The working diaphragm, in turn, actuates a tubular diaphragm through a second hydraulic coupling. Material is pumped through the tubular diaphragm as it is compressed and relaxed. The configuration of the tubular diaphragm is such that its cross section gradually transforms from a circular shape at the end portions adjacent to the suction inlet and discharge outlet of the pump to an elliptical shape at its longitudinal mid-point. Since the inner circumference and wall thickness remain constant throughout the length of the tubular diaphragm the direction of flexure is predetermined.

Abstract: A valve for automatically dumping a load of solids entrained within a fluid transport medium in response to flow interruption is disclosed. The automatic dump valve is particularly well-suited for use in combination with a module transport riser in deep ocean mining operations. The automatic dump valve system is combined with a tubular conduit defining a longitudinally extending flow passage having a sidewall opening defining a dump port. The automatic dump valve assemby includes a movable dump port cover plate and a hydraulic actuator coupled to the cover plate The hydraulic actuator is operably responsive to pressure changes within the flow passage relative to the pressure exerted by a surrounding body of water to open and close the dump port.

Abstract: A pumping system using an air actuated bladder type member to propel liquids out and to refill the pump. Invention covers such novel pumps and an overall dispensing system. Useful in pumping and dispensing liquids generally and is especially useful in dispensing polyurethane chemicals.