Showing papers on "Bellows published in 1991"

Penile implant with lengthening cylinder

Abstract: A penile prosthesis with a two piece inflatable cylinder that provides significant lengthwise expansion of a male penis. The cylinder has an inflatable bellows attached to an inflatable member and a sheath that extends from a base member. The bellows is attached to the base member and the sheath is connected to the inflatable member, such that the sheath will stretch when the bellows is inflated. The sheath surrounds the bellows. The sheath is constructed from an elastic material that can expand up to 100% of its original length. The inflatable member and bellows are connected to a pump which transfers fluid between a reservoir and the cylinder. When fluid is pumped into the cylinder, the bellows and inflatable member are inflated and the sheath is expanded, allowing the inflatable member to move into an elongated position. When the cylinder is inflated the sheath is in tension, wherein the sheath will pull the inflatable member back into a compact position when the bellows is deflated.

Multimodal displacement pump and dissolution system using same

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatically-driven volume controlled bellows pump apparatus for oscillating liquid into a localized area of the human body, preferably methyl-tertiary butyl ether or another solvent, into the gallbladder. The pump includes a fluid reservoir (17) in the form of an inverted syringe attached via a stopcock (14) to the bellows (7). The bellows is attached via a second stopcock (11) to a catheter (3) also attached to a priming syringe (10). An inlet pinch valve (13) is disposed between the bellows (7) and the fluid reservoir (17) and an outlet pinch valve (12) between the bellows (7) and the fluid receiver (4). To use the pump, a pigtail catheter (3) with outlets in the pigtail is inserted into the desired area of the body, preferably a receptacle such as the gallbladder (4), to introduce a selected volume of liquid for gallstone dissolution. Liquid is infused into the receptacle by decompression of the bellows (7) with the inlet (13) but not the outlet (12) valve open and then by compression of the bellows with the outlet (12) but not the inlet (13) valve open. Repeated infusion and aspiration is automatically accomplished by decompression and compression of the bellows with the inlet valve closed and the outlet valve open, or by compression and decompression of the bellows while the inlet valve is open and the outlet valve is closed alternated with compression and decompression while the inlet valve is closed and the outlet valve is open. Complete aspiration is accomplished by the use of a vacuum pump attached to the fluid reservoir. Also disclosed are syringe units and a transfer cap for use with the pump, together with a method for dissolving gallstones.

Ink supply container and system

Abstract: An ink supply for an ink jet printer, preferably comprises a bellows filled with liquid ink. The bellows has first and second opposite end walls and a bellowed side wall attached to and extending between the first and second end walls to define a variable volume ink chamber. The bellows is movable between an extended position and a contracted position and is biased toward the contracted position. The first end wall includes an outlet which, when opened, permits the ink to be expelled from the bellows at a low pressure. A rigid frangible shell is provided to support the bellows and to retain the bellows in an extended position during storage and prior to use. The bellows may include a magnet which, when used in combination with a printer and a sensing device, can detect and signal a near empty or empty ink supply condition.

Air-operated high-temperature corrosive liquid pump

Abstract: A liquid pump is disclosed having a center block containing inlets and outlets for liquid to be pumped and air to operate the pump with associated valves for liquid and air. A pair of opposed cylinders are provided on opposite sides of the center block and each containing a collapsible bellows connected to a sleeve forming a piston with the liquid being pumped in the chamber within the bellows. Push rodes extend from one piston to the other so that the piston pumping liquid out pushes the other piston to fill with liquid. The bellows have conbolutions of selectively varying wall thickness, and tapered single or dual compression seals are provided where the bellows are joined to the center block. An inflow conical valve and an outflow shuttle valve are provided for each cylinder, and vent tubes are provided to cool the bellows and to actuate the air valve at the end of the piston stroke. An encapsulated sheet member is provided in each cylinder.

Multi-chip-module

Abstract: A multi-channel module with a plurality of chips is mounted on a multilayer circuit board and has a simple and highly reliable structure cooling system for cooling the heat generated by the chips consuming a large amount of electric power. The cooling system uses in the horizontal direction a coolant supply pipe having straight tube sections and flexible bellows sections alternately disposed in the axial direction of the pipe. The straight tube sections of the aforesaid coolant supply pipe are brought into contact with the upper faces of the chips by a spring force so as to cool continuously the plurality of chips with the coolant flowing in one coolant supply pipe thereby providing a simply structured cooling system for chips. Such a structured cooling system enables the collective assembly of cooling parts for a plurality of chips with only a small number of parts and produces highly reliable effects thereby being able to implement the miniaturization of a main frame computer.

Dispenser with compressible piston assembly for expelling product from a collapsible reservoir

Abstract: A spray dispenser comprises a container in which a product-containing bellows is situated above an energy storing bellows. A piston is disposed within the container below the energy storing bellows. A sleeve surrounds the container and is threadedly connected with the piston whereby rotation of the sleeve relative to the container causes the piston to rise and compress the energy storing bellows. The energy storing bellows thus pressurizes the product-containing bellows to expel the product when the valve is opened. The outer diameter of the bellows is of progressively reduced diameter to enable the bellows segments to become more snugly nested within one another when collapsing.

Manually actuated trigger sprayer

Abstract: A dispensing device for the discharge of liquids, particularly for the spraying of the liquids employs a trigger operated bellows acting as the pump chamber. A nozzle carries the valve body of a discharge check valve for the pump chamber. The intake check valve for the pump chamber is formed as a one piece component with the pump chamber for reducing the number of parts of the trigger sprayer.

Fuel dispensing nozzle improvement

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle (10) has a body (12) in which a fuel passage is formed. A spout assembly (18) is attachable to the body in fluid communication therewith for fuel to flow from the body through the spout and into a tank (T). A valve (20) is interposed in the passage and controls fuel flow through the body. A flexible bellows (80) fits over the spout with the outer end (72) thereof sealingly engaging an inlet (I) of the tank to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. A control apparatus is responsive to movement of the bellows when the spout is inserted into the tank to open the valve, and to removal of the spout from the tank to close the valve. An apparatus (176) is responsive to the vapor pressure within the tank to effect closing of the valve when an overpressure condition occurs thereby to prevent vapor from escaping into the atmosphere. The apparatus includes first and second pivotally connected levers (132, 136) one of which moves in response to movement of the bellows and the other of which moves in response to the vapor pressure reaching a predetermined level indicative of the tank being substantially full to close the valve and prevent vapors from escaping.

Fuel dispensing nozzle

Abstract: The fuel dispensing nozzle (10) has a body (12) in which a fuel passage is formed. A spout assembly (18) is attachable to the body in fluid communication therewith for fuel to flow from the body through the spout and into a tank (T). A valve (20) is interposed in the passage and controls fuel flow through the body. A flexible bellows (80) fits over the spout with the outer end (72) thereof sealingly engaging an inlet (I) of the tank to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. A control apparatus is responsive to movement of the bellows when the spout is inserted into the tank to open the valve, and to removal of the spout from the tank to close the valve. An apparatus (176) is responsive to the vapor pressure within the tank to effect closing of the valve when an overpressure condition occurs thereby to prevent vapor from escaping into the atmosphere. The apparatus includes first and second pivotally connected levers (132, 136) one of which moves in response to movement of the bellows and the other of which moves in response to the vapor pressure reaching a predetermined level indicative of the tank being substantially full to close the valve and prevent vapors from escaping.

High accuracy mass sensor for monitoring fluid quantity in storage tanks

Abstract: A mass sensoring system for monitoring the amount of fluid in a storage tank with an accuracy high enough to determine both the quantity present and the potential loss of fluid at a loss rate of 0.05 gal/hr or at least 0.1 gal/hr. The system utilizes a pressure sensor positioned at the bottom of the tank and in contact with the fluid. This device includes a bellows unit whose displacement is correlated to changes in the mass of fluid in which it is immersed, and a transducer for monitoring the position of the bellows, wherein the interior of the bellows unit is in the same atmosphere as the sensor, and the sensor is in communication with the vapor pressure immediately above the fluid in the tank. The outside of the bellows is subjected to the stored fluid. A multiple-capsule bellows assembly is coupled to an LDVT transducer in a thermal-expansion-cancelling configuration of the invention.

Flexible and extendible pipe section

Abstract: A flexible and extendible pipe fitting for plastic pipe comprises a tubular bellows capable of being axially expanded and contracted and an inner lining for laminar fluid flow, where the lining is completely sealed in a fluid impervious manner to the interior ends of the fitting. Rigid hollow conduit end members are attached to opposite axial ends of the tubular bellows for sealably joining with two other pipe sections. An outer sleeve which generally conforms to the manipulation of the bellows is filled with settable material to permanently fix the pipe section in place once the desired configuration has been achieved.

Spill containment devices

Abstract: of the Disclosure A containment device for minimizing soil contamination in filling underground storage tanks, comprises a bucket member, a bottom member and a bellows connection between the bottom member and a riser pipe extension. These elements comprise an upwardly open spillage container. A lower bellows connects the bottom member and the riser pipe extension, comprising a lower chamber. The containment device is mounted on the riser pipe of an under-ground tank by threading the lower end of the riser pipe extension thereon. A valve controlled passage, through the bottom member, permits spilled fuel to be drained from the spillage container into the lower chamber and then through openings in the riser pipe extension into the storage tank. The bottom member is releasably secured to the bucket member and the bellows are releasably clamped to the riser pipe extension, to permit these items to be removed from the bucket member for repair and replacement. In an alternate embodiment there is no lower chamber and the upper bellows is releasable clamped directly to a storage tank riser pipe. In another embodiment the upper and lower bellows are formed as portions of an elastomeric separating member. In order to control the installed orientation of the bucket, adjustable mechanism is provided for establishing a desired position of the upper end of the bucket member relative to the riser pipe extension. Also described is a bayonet connection between the bucket member and a mounting rim; a dam arrangement from preventing ground water from entering the spillage container; and wire anchors for insuring a firm connection between the containment device rim and a concrete apron which overlies the storage tank.

In-vacuum conveyance robot

Abstract: In a robot for conveying a workpiece or the like 21 in vacuum chambers (16, 24); a conveyance robot for use in a high vacuum, in which magnetic floatation and magnetic drive are applied to a rectilinear movement axis (R-axis) (1, 20) for conveying the workpiece 21, a magnetic seal 9 for shutting off a vacuum side A from an atmospheric air side B is applied to a rotation axis (θ-axis) 25 for rotating the R-axis (1, 20), and a vacuum bellows 14 for shutting off the vacuum side A from the atmospheric air side B is applied to a vertical movement axis (Z-axis) 17 for vertically moving the R-axis (1, 20) and the θ-axis 25, whereby sliding or rolling is avoided in the vacuum.

Self-realigning vacuum pickup arrangement

Abstract: A vacuum pickup arrangement (10), particularly for a pick and place system for automated testing of integrated circuits, employs a resilient, bellows-like retractable device (15) for making a secure vacuum-tight engagement with the integrated circuit specimen (21). The creation of the vacuum-tight engagement causes axial collapse of the bellows-like arrangement whereby the specimen (21) is brought into communication with one or more protuberances or edges which define a predetermined angular orientation of the integrated circuit specimen desired to be achieved. Laterally disposed alignment jaws (18) are employed to align the integrated circuit specimen (21) with a test socket (22) at a remote location. However, when the specimen is returned, the resilient nature of the bellows (15) automatically realigns the integrated circuit specimen (21) with the location at which it was originally picked up.

Improvements to hydraulic anti-vibration devices

Abstract: A light alloy casting (3), chassis-mounted, provides adjacent chambers (A,B), with an electrical equipment compartment below. The working chamber (A) is sealed to a thick rubber cap (5) fixed by a metal stud (1,2) to the engine. A flexible bellows (6) closes the second chamber. Filled with liquid, the chambers communicate through a narrow channel (9), encircling the working chamber. The piston (12) is connected by a hollow (27) rod (13), through a seal (19) to an actuating plate (15), mounted, with narrow air-gaps (e), between magnets (18) excited (35,16) electronically (17), and operates under a flat air-pocket trapped below a transverse plate (20), its underside contacting the liquid. A position sensor reports (36) the actuator position to the electronic controller.

Self-adjusting pneumatic load elevator

Abstract: A self-adjusting load elevator has a base, a horizontal load platform, a vertically expandable scissors linkage coupled between the load platform and the base, and an air actuator chamber. The air actuator chamber is formed of a compressible bellows and a fixed volume reservoir. The bellows is compressible between specified maximum and minimum bellows heights which correspondingly determine substantially different maximum and minimum bellows volumes and coupled between the scissors linkage and the load platform. The air reservoir is coupled to the bellows and has a fixed volume that is substantial compared to the difference between the maximum and minimum bellows volumes. A normally closed air inlet/outlet valve is coupled to the air actuator.

Cooling system used with an electronic circuit device for cooling circuit components included therein having a thermally conductive compound layer and method for forming the layer

Abstract: A cooling system used with a printed circuit board has at least a solid circuit component thereon. The cooling system comprises a cooling header and cooling modules connected to the cooling header. Each of the cooling modules engage to each of the components. The cooling module has a heat transfer plate connected to one end of a bellows which is connected to the cooling header at the other end. A layer of thermally conductive compound, such as a layer of thermal grease, is interposed between the heat transfer plate and the corresponding circuit component. The thermally conductive layer is initially pressed with a pressure higher than a critical pressure, and thereafter, the pressure is reduced to a working pressure exerted on the circuit component provided by the resilient force of the bellows and the hydraulic pressure of the coolant. The critical pressure is predetermined experimentally or practically. As the result, the thermal contact resistance between the heat transfer plate and the circuit component is favorably reduced and stabilized.

Air spring with variable stiffness for motor vehicle - has rigid-walled auxiliary air chamber surrounding main air chamber adjusted by level of liq. filling

Abstract: The main arm chamber (3) within a bellows (2) is surrounded by an auxiliary air chamber (5) having fixed walls (6-8). The inner wall (6) has suitable guidance and support properties for the bellows (2). The effective dia. is only insignificantly dependent on the bellows pressure. Pref. rigidity is adjusted by means of liq. filling the main air chamber (3) to a level (9, 10 or 11) detected by a depth instrument (22). The chambers (3, 5) are interconnected by a two/two-way magnetic valve (14). ADVANTAGE - Compact flat structure is achieved with auxiliary air chamber overlapping bellows, whose rigidity can be reduced.

Flexible protective bellows optionally including serrated attachment groove

Abstract: A flexible protective bellows for enclosing a universal joint of a vehicle transmission is designed so that alternate folds are of different shape from the intervening ones. This reduces wear between the peaks of adjacent folds when the bellows is compressed. The troughs are formed with loops to reduce wear when the bellows is stretched. Various means for securing the bellows in its fixing groove in the housing of the universal joint are also disclosed as are means for incorporating a toothed ring for use in speed measurement for the vehicle's ABS system.

Gas-insulated switchgear including a vacuum switch, operating mechanism and plural bellows

Abstract: A gas-insulated switchgear in which a vacuum switch main contact assembly constituted by a fixed contact element and a movable contact element is enclosed in a vacuum tank The vacuum switch has a movable terminal fixed at its one end to the movable contact element and is led out from the vacuum tank through a bellows The vacuum switch is enclosed in a gas tank filled with an insulating gas having gas pressure not less than the atmospheric pressure The main contact assembly of the vacuum switch is operated so as to perform electrical connection and disconnection functions, through a transmission mechanism, by a driver provided outside of the gas tank A driving rod transmits an operating force of the driver to the movable terminal of the vacuum switch The driving rod is led out from the gas tank through another bellows mounted to the gas tank

Flexible joint with non-diffusive barrier

Abstract: A flexible joint 13 is employed to sealingly connect a pair of tubular members 16, 18 while still permitting limited articulated movement therebetween. The flexible joint 13 includes a housing 26 with upper and lower ring-like plates 32, 34 coaxially arranged about the tubular members 16, 18. A pair of annular elastomeric bearings 40, 42 are positioned within the housing 26 and act against shoulders 44, 46 of the tubular members 16, 18 to flexibly retain the tubular members 16, 18 within the housing 26. A bellows 20 sealingly couples the tubular members 16, 18 together while permitting movement therebetween. An annular chamber 56 formed between the bellows 20 and housing 26 is filled with a fluid, such as silicon or oil. Means is provided for adjusting the volume of the chamber 56 or volume of fluid in the chamber 56 to maintain an approximately zero pressure differential across the bellows 20.

Fluid fill cap

Abstract: A fluid fill cap is provided including an intermediate, flexible extensible and retractable bellows housing mounting a cap therein, wherein the cap receives a plurality of spring clip members to maintain the bellows in a compressed configuration. A bottom cap of the organization is formed with a cylindrical conduit adapted for securement to an associated structural component of an automotive internal combustion engine.

Adjustable automotive air spring - is adjusted by varying effective working surface area using tapered supporting cylinder and rolling bellows

Abstract: The air spring is particularly for automative use, its spring effort being adjustable independently of the amount of spring movement. Adjustment is by varying the effective working surface area of the spring (1). This can be done by a supporting cylinder(10) tapering where it encloses a rolling bellows (9). The cylinder is moved axially in relation to the spring mounting, causing radial movement of the bellows in relation to the lengthwise axis of the spring. There is also a contoured piston (14) against which the inside of bellows rolls, and which is movable in the axial direction. ADVANTAGE - Rapid adjustment, low power consumption, and low production and installation costs.

Mounting arrangement and method for gangway bellows for gangways of articulated vehicles

Abstract: A gangway bellows for fastening to the end of a vehicle, the bellows having a clamping cable along its peripheral edge which cooperates with a channel carried by the end of the vehicle for attaching the end of the bellows to the vehicle. A connecting strip of elastic material, such as rubber, extends along the peripheral edge of the bellows and embraces the clamping cable. The connecting strip is located between the clamping cable and the channel on the vehicle and serves to resiliently clamp the cable to retain the latter within the channel.

Vacuum clamping system

Abstract: A vacuum clamping system for trimming a flat or gently curved part from a sheet of material includes a template and a plurality of hold-down members, or pods, that sandwich the template between the pods and the workpiece. The template has a plurality of circular openings through its thickness. Each pod has an expandable bellows with an open suction end that extends downwardly through one of such openings, and comes into contact with and is closed by the workpiece. Subsequent evacuation of the bellows causes it to contract, thus pulling the workpiece tightly against one side of the template, and further pulling a clamping portion of the pod tightly down against the template's other side. This fixes the template in position between the pod and workpiece. Preferably, a number of pods are used in combinatiton with any given template to improve the clamping action.

Variable geometry duct seal

Abstract: A variable-geometry duct having at least one moveable side wall, and a bellows interposed between the side wall and a back-up structure. The bellows creates a sealed cavity between the moveable side wall of the duct and the back-up structure. Pressurized fluid in the cavity is controlled so as to maintain a desired pressure differential between it and the pressure of the fluid carried by the conduit for all positions of the moveable side wall.

Hydride operated reversible temperature responsive actuator and device

Abstract: An actuator for performing a function at a predetermined temperature includes an actuator assembly with a resiliently expandable element and a device for liberating hydrogen gas into a sealed system formed in part by the element. When the hydrogen gas pressure in the system becomes sufficiently high, the element expands to perform the function. The resiliently expandable element is a piston or a bellows and the device for liberating hydrogen gas is a hydride sensor assembly.

Flexible protective bellows.

Abstract: A flexible protective bellows (16) for enclosing a universal joint (12) of a vehicle transmission is designed so that alternate folds (16A,16C,16E) are of different shape from the intervening ones (16B,16C,16E) are of different shape from the intervening ones (16B,16D,16F). This reduces wear between the peaks (22) of adjacent folds when the bellows is compressed. The troughs (24) are formed with loops (34) to reduce wear when the bellows is stretched. Various means for securing the bellows in its fixing groove (18) in the housing (14) of the universal joint are also disclosed as are means for incorporating a toothed ring for use in speed measurement for the vehicle's ABS system.

Method and apparatus for use in applying elastomeric coverings to body

Abstract: The apparatus includes a bellows member formed by a pleated wall. An interior cavity is located inside of the bellows member. The wall has first and second openings that communicate with the interior cavity. A lip surrounds the first opening. To use the apparatus, the elastomeric covering is inserted, closed end first, into the interior cavity. The open end of the covering is folded onto the lip at the first opening so as to form a seal. The bellows member is contracted to expel air through the second opening. Then, the second opening is closed and the bellows member is expanded, causing the covering to expand. The body member is inserted into the interior of the covering. The second opening is then opened, allowing the covering to contract onto the body member.

Variable displacement refrigerant compressor passive destroker

Abstract: The bellows in the stroke control valve of a variable stroke axial piston wobble plate refrigerant compressor is partially filled with an anti-freeze solution and continuously exposed to both suction pressure and crankcase pressure. This has the effect of reducing the piston stroke at high compressor speeds while increasing suction pressure to maintain some air conditioning performance.