Showing papers on "Bellows published in 2003"

Rotatable and reversibly expandable spinal hydraulic prosthetic device

Abstract: An improved spinal intervertebral prosthetic device that offers all degrees of motion afforded by the anatomic spinal intervertebral disc, and by virtue of the incorporation of a dashpot assembly mechanism within reversibly displaceable bellows, provides hydraulic load bearing capability as well as limiting the maximum pressure that can be exerted on the bellows assembly by limiting the compression stroke of the device. The dashpot assembly also increases resistance to lateral shear loading in excess of the bellows convolutions acting alone. The spinal intervertebral prosthetic device absorbs varying axial loads via hydraulic pressure transfer to the bellows convolutions which can flex in a spring-like fashion. Rotational coupling of the upper crown plate and center bearings plate permits normal twisting movements, and spinal flexural freedom is provided by the bellows that are interposed between the center bearings plate and the lower crown plate.

Apparatus and method for energy generation within a tire

Abstract: Energy for in-tire use is generated from the load induced reciprocating deflection of the tire inner walls above the tire-to-road contact patch adjacent to the shoulder of the tire. This energy is used to power in-tire monitoring electronics. For pulsatile energy generation with capacitive capture, the capacitor is optimally selected in real-time as a function of pulse width to maximize energy capture, or as a function of the pulse-captured energy. The resulting energy pulses are also used to measure the time duration of the contact patch from which the contact patch length is determined thus providing real-time tire geometry and, with tire pressure, real time tire load and, with temperature, tire air molar content. The loads on all tires provide real time vehicle mass and mass distribution. For electrical energy generation, magnet-coil, piezo-electric, and other power conversions are applicable. For non-electric energy generation, fluid bellows, rotary pump, and other power conversions are applicable. Further, run flat tires are designed with a cutout to accommodate and protect electronic devices mounted on an inner surface when running flat.

Pneumatic suspension system for a vehicle

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic suspension system for a vehicle, comprising a compressed air accumulator (9), a compressed air transport device (1), at least one pneumatic bellow (64, 65, 66, 67) and an electrically controllable reversing valve (3) used to connect the compressed air accumulator (9) to a suction connection (105) of the compressed air transport device (1), in order to increase the amount of air in at least one pneumatic bellow (64, 65, 66, 67) in a first switching position, and to connect an outlet connection (106) of the compressed air transport device (1) to the at least one pneumatic bellow (64, 65, 66, 67), also used to connect the at least one pneumatic bellow(64, 65, 66, 67) to the suction connection (105) of the compressed air transport device (1) and outlet connection (106) of the compressed air transport device (1) to the pressure accumulator (9) in a second switching position in order to reduce the amount of air in the at least one pneumatic bellow (64, 65, 66, 67). The inventive pneumatic suspension system enables the pneumatic bellows to be filled and emptied at low cost in a compact structure by virtue of the fact that the reversing valve (3) can be pre-controlled with the compressed air of the pneumatic suspension system. Preferably, the invention can be used in passenger cars with pneumatic suspensions.

Vibration-attenuation devices and methods using pressurized bellows exhibiting substantially zero lateral stiffness

Abstract: Vibration-attenuation devices and methods are disclosed that utilize a bellows situated between a first and second mass and pressurized with a fluid to an internal fluid pressure substantially equal to a zero-stiffness pressure such that the bellows exhibits a substantially zero lateral stiffness The devices may include various components configured to measure, regulate, and control the internal pressure of the bellows in order to maintain a desired pressure The devices may include an active support, such as a secondary bellows or linear actuator, that provides a secondary support force The active support may be connected to various components configured to measure and control the secondary support force The vibration-attenuation devices disclosed may be used in a lithography exposure apparatus to attenuate vibrations between: (1) a support frame and a support surface; (2) a base and a stage-supporting platform; and (3) a supporting stage and a wafer stage

Optical differential pressure transducer utilizing a bellows and flexure system

Abstract: A pressure transducer that uses a rhomboidal flexure to provide displacement amplification to an optical sensing element is disclosed The transducer includes an optical sensor disposed between sides of the flexure The top portion of the flexure connects to a displacement device, such as a bellows A first pressure port provides a first pressure to the bellows A second pressure, preferably greater than the first pressure, is ported into a housing containing the flexure, which tends to compress the bellows and pull apart or expand the flexure Such expansion pinches or compresses the optical sensing element between the sides of the flexure, and in particular stresses an optical sensing element containing a fiber Bragg grating Assessing the Bragg reflection wavelength of the grating allows the differential pressure to be determined, although the transducer can also be used to sense an absolute pressure A temperature compensation scheme, including the use of additional fiber Bragg gratings and thermal compensators axially positioned to counteract thermal effects of the optical sensing element, is also disclosed

Vehicle suspension system

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system has a combination air spring/damper mounted between spaced first and second components of a vehicle. The damper has a fluid cylinder attached to the first vehicle component and a piston rod connected to the second vehicle component. The air spring has a piston and an end plate with an intervening flexible bellows forming an air chamber. The air spring piston is mounted on and surrounds the damper cylinder and the end plate is secured to the second vehicle component, but at a separate location from the attachment of the piston rod to distribute the loading forces at the points of attachment. A flexible sealing sleeve extends between the piston rod and an end plate opening of the air spring through which the piston rod extends. A rigid canister is mounted on the end plate of the air spring and extends about the flexible bellows and has a sealing skirt at a lower end which engages the damper cylinder.

Absorber pipe for solar heating applications

Abstract: The absorber pipe ( 1 ), especially for a parabolic collector for a solar heat collecting apparatus, is described. The absorber pipe ( 1 ) includes central metal pipe ( 3 ), a glass sleeve tube ( 2 ) surrounding the nine so that an annular space ( 4 ) is formed between them and an expansion compensating device connecting the central metal nine and a glass-metal transitional element ( 5 ) on a free end of the sleeve tube ( 2 ). The expansion compensation device ( 10 ) connects the metal pipe and sleeve tube, so that they can slide relative to each other, and includes folding bellows ( 11 ) for that purpose. Furthermore it also includes a connecting element ( 15 ), which has either a cylindrical or a conical section ( 17,18,18″ ) and which connects an interior end of the folding bellows with the metal pipe.

Gas lift valve

Abstract: A gas lift valve that is usable with a subterranean well includes a housing, a valve stem and at least one bellows. The housing has a port that is in communication with a first fluid, and the valve stem is responsive to the first fluid to establish a predefined threshold to open the valve. The bellow(s) form a seal between the valve stem and the housing. The bellow(s) are subject to a force that is exerted by the first fluid; and a second fluid contained in the bellow(s) opposes the force that is exerted by the first fluid.

Dual-mode nozzle assembly with passive tip cooling

Abstract: A flame-holding nozzle for a combustion turbine engine is disclosed. The nozzle includes several elongated sleeves in a substantially concentric arrangement. The sleeves cooperatively provide distinct passageways for fluids to move through the nozzle. The nozzle includes conduits that advantageously direct fluids to designated regions of the nozzle, allowing fuel and cooling fluid to move within the nozzle without becoming commingled. Portions of the nozzle sleeves are also strategically arranged to transmit fluids in a manner that provides substantially-uniform thermal expansion, thereby reducing the need for sliding joints or bellows arrangements.

Implantable infusion pump with level measurement

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable infusion pump comprising a housing, a base plate, a propellant chamber, a bellows having an internal volume for receiving a medicament to be administered to a patient, a constriction segment leading to a catheter placed in the body of the patient and communicating with the bellows internal volume, a resonant circuit formed by a coil, and a capacitor detecting the distance between a bottom surface of the bellows and the base plate. The coil is mounted on or in a bottom surface of the base plate and pointing towards the bellows bottom surface such that an inductance of the coil and a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit is a function of the distance between the bellows bottom surface the base plate.

In line lift axle suspension system

Abstract: A parallelogram lift axle suspension system includes an in-line lift bellows located between and vertically aligned with a pair of upper and lower control arms so as to provide bi-directional expansion and contraction of the lift bellows for raising and lowering the suspension while increasing the space available between the longitudinal frame rails enabling use of the suspension in certain vehicles by avoiding interference with other vehicle components of the vehicle located in this space.

Method and apparatus for fabricating bonded substrate

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating bonded substrates with fewer production defects. A press machine includes a vacuum process chamber formed by an upper container and a lower container, two holding plates for holding two substrates, and a pressing mechanism for moving upper holding plate downward. The upper container is connected to the pressing mechanism via upper bellows. The lower container is connected to a positioning stage via lower bellows. The upper and lower bellows prevent deformation of the vacuum process chamber from being transmitted to the two holding plates.

Tuned mass damper with translational axisdamping

Abstract: A tuned mass damper (10) includes a container (14) having inner wall portions, and a proof mass (50) disposed within the container (14). Multiple pairs of oppositely directed cup-shaped members (22) and bellows (24) connected between the inner wall portions and the proof mass (50) define together with the proof mass (50) fluid chambers containing a dampling fluid and permit motion of the proof mass (50) along the primary axes. A spring (26) is connected in series with each pair of cup-shaped members (22) and bellows (24). The spring (26) has an outside diameter less than an inside diameter of the cup-shaped members (22).

Method of making a metallic bellows

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a bellows by bulge forming, an annealing step is carried out during the bulge forming process of the bellows so that the capability of the material to elongate is recovered, and the workability of the bellows is improved in effect. In particular, the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter can be made greater than a value that can be achieved by a single forming step. Therefore, the deflection (stroke) of each annular bulge or pleat can be increased for a given stress or the number of annular bulges and the length of the bellows can be decreased for a given stroke of the bellows.

Self adjusting hydrocephalus valve

Abstract: A self adjusting hydrocephalus valve that continuously drains cerebrospinal fluid at a rate which is proportional to the average pressure difference across the valve. The valve employs a ball-in-cone mechanism having an associated biasing element that is insensitive to high frequency pressure variations for regulating the opening of the valve mechanism. The biasing element includes flexible bellows having a preset tension.

Fluid discharge pump for discharging fluid stored inside fluid storing portion

Abstract: A liquid discharge pump possesses a resinous bellows material 6 , a resinous inflow valve mechanism 4 , a resinous outflow valve mechanism 5 , a first pressing portion 11 which moves a valve portion in the outflow valve mechanism 5 to open the inflow valve mechanism when a nozzle head 2 is pressed, and a second pressing portion 12 which presses the bellows material 6 from a stretched position to a folded-up position when the nozzle head 2 is pressed.

The vacuum system of KEKB

Abstract: For the KEK B-factory, two rings with a circumference of 3016 m , mainly made of copper, were constructed. A gap between the flanges is filled using Helicoflex as a vacuum seal. The contact force of an RF finger in a bellows is assured by using a spring finger. Pumping slots are backed by crossing bars to prevent the penetration of beam-induced fields. To obtain a pressure of 10 −9 Torr with the beam when the photo-desorption coefficient reaches 10−6, the design of pump layout is aimed to realize 100 l s −1 m −1 . NEG strips are used as the main pump. Chemical polishing is applied to clean the extruded surface of a copper chamber. Almost all chambers were baked before installation. Only ion pumps were baked in situ. The photo-desorption coefficient at the start of commissioning was slightly higher than expected, but a decrease of the coefficient is as expected on the whole. At high currents, some bellows were found to be warmed by the TE mode of beam induced fields. The effect of the electron cloud became evident, especially in the LER. Direct damage by the beam is seen at the surface of the movable mask.

Pump unit and container

Abstract: A pump unit and a container capable of preventing liquid from flowing out when not in use during transportation and also preventing an operability from being lowered by the contraction of a bellows over a long period of time, the pump unit inserted into a container body (Y) to suck the liquid in the container body (Y) to the outside thereof comprising a suction pipe (63) inserted into the container body (Y), the bellows-like bellows (64) connected to the upper part of the suction pipe (63) and returnable in the direction of extension, and a piston part connected to the upper part of the bellows (64) to extend and retract the bellows (64) and sucking the liquid in the container body (Y) from a piston head (P) to the outside of the container body (Y) through the suction pipe (63), wherein the piston part is formed extendable so that the piston head (P) can be stored in the container body (Y) without retracting the bellows (64).

Face mask for breathing gear has cover fitting over part of face and nose of user, connected to air hose at top with fastening device engaging patient's forehead and flexible bellows

Abstract: The face mask (5) for the breathing gear has cushion (4) and a cover (1) fitting over part of the face and nose of the user. A flexible bellows (17) is connected to an exhale valve (12) and an air hose (3) at the top. The valve has a fastening device (14) with flexible cushions (15) engaging the patient's forehead. A flexible joint (11) connects the air valve to the mask.

Reversed, double-helical bellows seal

Abstract: A double bellows seal comprising a plurality of rings including first and second end rings, a middle ring, a first bellows, and a second bellows. The first bellows is formed from a flexible material that is sealingly connected between the first end ring and the middle ring, and it has a twist bias in a first rotational direction relative to an axis of the rings. The second bellows is formed from a flexible material that is sealingly connected between the second end ring and the middle ring. The second bellows has a twist bias in a second rotational direction relative to an axis of the rings that is opposite that of the first rotational direction.

System of bellows and co-acting part, pump and method for the use thereof

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly of bellows part and a part against which unrolling takes place (the unrolling part), comprising a bellows part with a flexible wall of a predetermined shape and thickness variation which co-operates with an unrolling part with a stiff outer wall along which the flexible wall is movable, wherein the unrolling part has a predetermined diameter variation and/or the flexible wall has a predetermined thickness variation so as to cause a desired development of force.

Reduced noise valve stack connection

Abstract: Disclosed is a silencer system configured to allow for thermal growth thereof while attenuating noise created by expansion of high-pressure fluid flowing therethrough. The silencer system comprises a tubular inner sleeve, a tubular flexible bellows, a tubular vent stack and a muffler disc. The inner sleeve has a sleeve inlet and a sleeve outlet. The inner sleeve is concentrically disposed in spaced relation within the bellows which is concentrically disposed in spaced relation within the vent stack. The bellows is configured to allow for axial and lateral movement of the inner sleeve relative to the vent stack when fluid passes through the silencer system to minimize excessive deflective forces and bending moments on the silencer system. The muffler disc is oriented relative to the sleeve outlet such that the high-pressure fluid impinges the muffler disc prior to creating shockwaves which may otherwise result in the production of high noise levels.

Variable turbine cooling flow system

Abstract: Cooling air to the blades and disks of a gas turbine may be modulated to provide a variable turbine cooling flow. A bellows may be extended by providing a high pressure compressor discharge flow to an interior of the bellows. The bellows may be compressed when the interior of the bellows communicates with ambient pressure air. The extension/compression of the bellows moves an arm over orifices in a cooling air flow path. The pressure inside of the bellows is metered to move the arm over at least one orifice, thereby restricting cooling air flow when the engine is running at low power. The pressure inside of the bellows is metered to move the arm to uncover all of the slots to provide maximum cooling flow when the engine is running at high power. The resulting variable cooling flow system results in less need for cooling air at low powers, thus reducing engine fuel consumption.

Metal bellows tube, method of producing the same, and flexible tube for high-pressure fluid

Abstract: Cross sections of both a mountain (2) and a valley (3) of a bellows-like tube wall (1) of a metal bellows tube are made to a letter-V shape. This enables to provide a metal bellows tube with a much better bending fatigue resistance property than that available in conventional products. A flexible tube for a high-pressure fluid is structured from the metal bellows tube and a tube-like metal knitted body covering the outer side of the bellows tube. This makes it possible that a high-pressure fluid with a pressure exceeding 20 MPa can be, and particularly, even a very high-pressure fluid with a pressure of 70 MPa can be safely transported without allowing molecules of the fluid to permeate the tube.

Vibration absorbing pipe

Abstract: A vibration absorbing pipe of high durability and long life excelling in vibration absorptivity which can be fitted to the middle of high-pressure fluid piping, such as CO2 refrigerant circuit, even in form curved with a certain degree of R. In particular, vibration absorbing pipe (1) comprising bellows (2) of a thin metal formed into concertinas and, covering the bellows (2), fiber reinforcement layer (4), wherein the peripheral surface of bellows (2) is coated (filled) with rubber (3) as a cushion to a height corresponding to 0.5 to 2.0 times the height (H) of bellows crest measured from the bottom of cone-shaped hollow of the bellows (2) and wherein the braiding angle of the fiber reinforcement layer (4) is set for 30 to 50°, preferably 35 to 45°. The fiber reinforcement layer (4) may be impregnated with a resin or rubber and solidified.

Heat exchanger and reactor and radiation heater using the heat exchanger

Abstract: An autothermal-type heat exchanger where larger heat transmission area is achievable in spite of a limited capacity, relatively easy to produce, and provides vast improvement in heat exchange efficiency. A heat exchanger having a partition wall-type heat transmission body (BF) for partitioning a high temperature fluid (1) and a low temperature fluid (2) is characterized as follows. The heat transmission body (BF) has a bellows shape and formed such that both fluids (1, 2) flow in gaps in the bellows portion of the heat transmission body (BF) in the directions opposed to each other along ridge lines or valley lines of the bellows portion. At one end or both ends of the heat transmission body (BF) at which one end or both ends the ridge lines of the bellows portion intersect, there is provided a flow-around space portion(s) (F) for causing one of the fluids to flow around into the gaps of the bellows portion on the opposite side. Heat is exchanged such that one of the fluids that flow around into the opposite side through the flow-around portion(s) (F) becomes the other fluid whose heat is to be exchanged.

Pneumatic-spring wheel-suspension leg

Abstract: A pneumatic-spring wheel-suspension leg for motor vehicles. The leg comprises a bellows ( 1 ) that can be rolled up over a jacket ( 3 ) and accommodates a pneumatics chamber ( 9 ), a hydraulic dashpot inside the bellows or jacket, and a piston rod ( 5 ) that travels into and out of the dashpot and is attached axially and resiliently directly or indirectly at one end to the vehicle's chassis. The object is to relieve the dashpot of difficult attenuation tasks when a hard wheel suspension is necessary. The leg accordingly includes another pneumatics chamber ( 10 ) and the communication between the two pneumatics chambers can be partly or entirely blocked by a valve.

Regenerator‐based thermoacoustic refrigerator for ice cream storage applications

Abstract: A regenerator‐based chiller has been built in the ‘‘bellows bounce’’ style [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 112, 15 (2002)] to replace the vapor compression system in an ice cream sales cabinet. It utilizes a 6‐in.‐diam metal bellows to form a compliant cavity that contains the dynamic pressure oscillation (>50 kPa). The stiffness of the gas trapped in the bellows is resonated against the mass of the bellows‐cap and the mass of a moving‐magnet linear motor which is capable of high (>85%) electro‐acoustic efficiency. A second resonator, operated well below its natural frequency, uses the gas stiffness of a 1‐l volume nested within the bellows and the inertia of an ordinary loudspeaker cone to create the pressure difference across the regenerator that drives gas flow that is in‐phase with pressure. The mass of the cone can be adjusted to vary the multiplication factor that is typically 5%–10% greater than the dynamic pressure within the bellows. The loudspeaker cone suffers none of the hydrodynamic losses associated with an acoustic inertance and eliminates problems with dc gas flow in the energy feedback path. The cold heat exchanger forms one surface of the pressure vessel permitting direct contact with any thermal load. [Work supported by Ben and Jerry’s Homemade.]

Thermal and vibrational break for high-temperature gas tubes in a solid-oxide fuel cell

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly or system (13) including flexible metal bellows elements (46) in one or more tubes intended for carrying hot gases during operation of the assembly (13). The bellows elements (46) include a tubing element (58) having plurality of annular corrugated folds (52). Thermal expansion and contraction of rigid tubes and of the non-tubular elements of the assembly can lead to buckling, cracking, and failure of the tubes and failure of the assembly or system. The flexible bellows elements (46), having relatively low axial and radial spring rates thus are able to absorb thermal and vibrational dimensional changes in the assembly. In addition, the corrugations (52) provide significant resistance to axial heat flow and large radiant surface area, thus increasing thermal isolation where desired between relatively hot and relatively cold regions of the assembly (13).