Showing papers on "Bellows published in 2005"

Piezo electrically driven bellows infuser for hydraulically controlling an adjustable gastric band

Abstract: A remotely controlled gastric band system that is practically immune to external magnetic fields, such as from a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, incorporates a bi-directional pump and fluid reservoir to adjust fluid volume in a gastric band. A piezoelectrically driven (e.g., rotary actuator, linear actuator) selectively compresses and expands a metal bellows hermetically sealed within a biocompatible and nonferromagnetic case such as titanium.

Metal bellows position feedback for hydraulic control of an adjustable gastric band

Abstract: A remotely controlled gastric band system that is practically immune to external magnetic fields, such as from a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, incorporates a bi-directional pump and fluid reservoir to adjust fluid volume for hydraulic control of a gastric band. A piezoelectric driver (e.g., rotary actuator, linear actuator) selectively compresses and expands a metal bellows hermetically sealed within a biocompatible and nonferromagnetic enclosure or case such as titanium. Directly sensing a position of the metal bellows yields an accurate reading of volume contained therein, allowing for closed-loop control of the gastric band.

Collapsible, rotatable, and tiltable hydraulic spinal disc prosthesis system with selectable modular components

Abstract: A modular hydraulic spinal intervertebral prosthetic device offering individualized optimization of an implantable disc prosthesis by having selectable crown plates modules with differing lordosis angles and differing cross-sectional profiles, and selectable bellows cartridges having differing load-bearing capabilities. The device offers substantially full physiological degrees of motion, and by the incorporation of both a dashpot mechanism and a biasing element within reversibly displaceable and tiltable bellows provides hydraulic load bearing capability. The bellows assembly is advantageously pre-loaded to sub-atmospheric pressure. The dashpot assembly further increases resistance to lateral shear loading beyond the bellows convolutions acting alone. Rotational coupling of the upper crown plate and center bearings plate permits normal twisting movements, and spinal flexural freedom is provided by the bellows interposed between the center bearings plate and the lower end plate. The bellows also provides a hermetic seal which prevents any wear debris from migrating to the surrounding body tissue.

Bi-directional infuser pump with volume braking for hydraulically controlling an adjustable gastric band

Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter system provides long-term adjustment via transcutaneous energy transfer (TET), minimizing invasive adjustment through adding or removing fluid via a syringe. An infuser device provides bi-directional fluid transfer via a flexible conduit to a sphincter band, such as a gastric band, by a combination of thermodynamic actuation and a piezo-electrically disengaged drum brake assembly that thereby achieves a desirable small volume device. A propellant within a propellant cavity surrounds a metal bellows accumulator biased at body temperature to either expand or collapse the bellows accumulator with the opposite direction of movement effected by a thermal element that heats in combination with a negatively-biased propellant or cools in combination with a positively-biased propellant. A drum brake assembly locks the metal bellows accumulator in place between adjustments by thermodynamic actuation by activating piezo-electric stack actuators that disengage calipers from a brake drum attached to the bellows accumulator.

Flexible hermetic enclosure for implantable medical devices

Abstract: A flexible, hermetically sealed enclosure device allows for the controlled insertion of an implantable device into the body of a patient. A series of bellows can be used to interconnect a number of rigid containers, each containing electronic or other components necessary for the implantable device. The bellows provide flexibility, columnar strength, and torqueability (for steering), while protecting the internal components. The bellows also can be welded to the containers to form a hermetic seal that can be electrically continous, whereby standard wiring and components can be used without fear of corrosion or contamination. Such an enclosure can be used with systems such as an intravascular implantable pacing, drug delivery, or defibrillation system.

Multiple position air mattress system

Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. A pump unit is adapted to be fluidly connected to and for providing pressurized air to the first mattress, the second mattress and the bellows unit. The multiple position air mattress can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated, a recessed lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated and atop the second mattress, an adjustable lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress, and a chair position with the first mattress under the second mattress, and the mattresses and bellows unit inflated.

Isolator using externally pressurized sealing bellows

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for a damping system. The system includes a housing having an inner surface defining a passage therethrough, a first bellows disposed within the passage, the first bellows having an outer surface and spaced apart from the housing inner surface to define a first chamber having a volume, a second bellows disposed within the passage, the second bellows having an outer surface and spaced apart from the housing inner surface to define a second chamber having a volume, a restrictive flow passage in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, fluid disposed within the first chamber, the second chamber, and the restrictive flow passage, and a piston coupled to the second bellows and disposed at least partially within the restrictive flow passage, the piston configured to selectively receive a force to thereby move the piston through the housing passage.

Wound dressing vacuum system and vacuum regulator

Abstract: A wound dressing vacuum system has a mechanical vacuum generator 80, which may be one or more bellows 82, 84 either naturally biased towards an extended position or separately biased for example by a spring or springs. The bellows 82, 84 are connected to a manifold 86 and the manifold is connected to an adjustable vacuum regulating element 100 . The bellows produce a vacuum, directed to a dressing via tube 12, due to their extension bias which is controlled by the regulator 100 . Any exudates sucked up tube 12 passes into the chamber or chambers of the bellows 82,84 and the unit may be disposed of after use. The vacuum regulator 100 may have a valve element 112 biased to a closed configuration by the force of the vacuum generated and an actuator 102 loads a spring bias member 136 which acts to open the regulator valve 112 against the vacuum force.

Exhaust gas bellows expansion joint

Abstract: An exhaust gas bellows expansion joint for joining a first section and a second section of an exhaust pipe. The exhaust gas bellows expansion joint including a first corrugated pipe for conveying exhaust gas through the joint, a protective sleeve, which is inserted in the first corrugated pipe, a second corrugated pipe, which coaxially surrounds the first corrugated pipe, and an annular space between the first corrugated pipe and the second corrugated pipe for the passage of liquid through the joint.

Load-lifting device for handling items

Abstract: The invention relates to a load-lifting device for handling items, comprising two spaced-apart, mutually opposite gripper arms which are equipped on the mutually facing sides with flexibly inflatable gas chambers that can be filled and emptied and between which the item is held when the gas chambers are in the inflated state. In order to be able to quickly, reliably and securely grip items, including cartons and loads with irregular contours or nonplanar gripping faces and/or those with significantly different dimensions, the gas chambers are constructed as collapsible cushions or bellows whose inflated thickness, measured in the direction of action, corresponds in each case to a multiple of the thickness of the bellows or cushions in the deflated state.

Electromagnetic valve and vapor fuel treating system applying the same

Abstract: A first connecting pipe of an electromagnetic valve connects with the fuel tank, and a second connecting pipe connects with a canister. A spring urges a moving core and a first valve body in a closing direction of a electromagnetic valve. A shaft of the first valve body includes a fluid-amount controlling portion on the top. The fluid-amount controlling portion is inserted to the communicating passage while a contact member of bellows seats on a convex of a rubber member, and is tapered in an inserted direction. When a coil is energized, the first valve body is lifted in the direction in which the fluid-amount controlling portion retracts from the communicating passage.

Flexible tube for an exhaust pipe of an automobile

Abstract: A flexible tube for an exhaust pipe for an automobile includes a bellows member ( 10 ) corrugated to have alternate ridges ( 11 ) and furrows ( 12 ) along its outer periphery; outer braids ( 20 ) provided to enclose the bellows member ( 10 ); fixing caps ( 30 ) fitted onto both side ends of the outer braids ( 20 ) respectively; and a spring member ( 40 ) provided on a circumferential surface of the outer braids ( 20 ). The bellows member ( 10 ) has lower ridges ( 13 ) in its center as well as regular ridges ( 11 ) on both sides thereof to more effectively absorb over-vibration of an exhaust system of an automobile and to enhance durability of the bellows member ( 10 ).

End-stop damper

Abstract: The invention relates to an end-stop damper comprising a damper body in the form of a cylinder (11), wherein a piston (43) is guided in such a way that it is displaceable in the cylinder receiving chamber (11,1), an air pressure which is formed in the receiving chamber produces a braking force acting on the piston during the displacement thereof, the receiving chamber comprises at least one pressure reducing opening (16) and the piston comprises a bellows section (44) which is actively connected to the cylinder according to pressure conditions in the receiving chamber. The aim of said invention is to substantially simplify the structural design of the end-stop damper by ensuring that the piston and the bellows section are connected to each other in such a way that they are formed in one piece.

Damper and Vacuum Pump

Abstract: A damper in which vibration in a specific frequency band can be reduced while keeping the degree of freedom of the fixing posture of a vacuum pump. A bellows (44) and an elastic member (45) are arranged at an interval large enough to prevent mutual contact. The elastic member (45) is provided with a spring element (K) and a damping element (C), and the bellows (44) is provided with a spring element (k) and a mass element (m). Thus, a notch filter type vibration isolator is constituted. The constant of each element of the bellows (44) and the elastic member (45) is so set that the center frequency fc of the notch band is close to the rotational frequency of a rotor (8). The material and amount of expansion of the member are regulated so as to match the constant of each element. The vibration at a specific frequency, i.e. the vibration in the rotational frequency band of the rotor (8), can be reduced appropriately by the notch filter type vibration isolator constituted of the bellows (44) and the elastic member (45).

System of bellows and co-acting part

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of bellows and co-acting part, comprising a co-acting part which comprises a stiff outer wall, and a bellows co-acting therewith which comprises a flexible wall of a predetermined shape and thickness, wherein the flexible wall of the bellows is movable along the stiff outer wall of the co-acting part, wherein the bellows comprises at least two separately deformable flexible wall parts' which each co-act with a different part of the stiff outer wall of the co-acting part.

Flexible protective tube for harness, and wire harness with protective tube

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flexible protective tube for harness which is less likely to damage an internal wire harness due to bending, and to provide a wire harness with a protective tube that uses this flexible protective tube for harness. SOLUTION: In the flexible protective tube 1 for harness, having a substantially rectangular or elliptical internal cross-section for passing wires and is provided with a plurality of ridges 8 and valleys 9, arranged in bellows shape, the flexible protective tube 1 is provided, at a part in the longitudinal direction thereof, with a portion 10 for regulating the bending, where flexibility is reduced as compared with other parts. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Grip strength device

Abstract: The grip strength device is configured to gauge the grip strength of contracted muscles or aid in exercising particular muscles by providing resistance against the contracted muscles. The grip strength device is inserted into a user's vagina or held in a user's hand. The user either contracts the pubococcygeal or hand muscles depending on the casing used. The grip strength device has a removable casing containing a first fluid, a first bellows, a second bellows and a pressure gauge. The first bellows has a closed end and a first valve in communication with the casing. The second bellows has a second fluid. The second bellows has a second valve connected to the pressure gauge, and a closed end abutting the closed end of the first bellows. Pressure applied to the removable casing is communicated from the first bellows to the second bellows and measured by the pressure gauge.

Method and device for the construction of a radial tire

Abstract: A method for building a radial tire on a tire-building machine that has an expandable carcass drum with a cylindrical external circumference and two bellows supports with inflatable bellows. A tire inner liner and a carcass ply have projections and project beyond the edges of the carcass drum are laid and spliced on the carcass drum. The bead cores with core profiles are positioned and the projections of the carcass ply are turned up around the outsides of the bead cores by the inflation of the bellows. Expandable bellows supports are provided that are expanded for the placing and splicing of tire components so that the external surfaces of the bellows together with the external surface of the expanded carcass drum form at least essentially a uniform cylindrical load-bearing surface.

Cooling devices for various applications

Abstract: The figure displays the diagram of a laminar flow water cooler ( 110 ) for a microprocessor comprising an integral radiator ( 112 ) provided with thin-walled and hollow fins which are produced by controlled compression of double convex bellows of a polymer or glass hot-blown blank. In order to form a closed circuit filled with water at the atmospheric pressure, the manifolds ( 113, 114, 115 ) of the radiator ( 112 ) are connected to the manifolds of an original component ( 114 ) formed by a mini heater ( 116 ) provided with a copper heating plate with internal grooved face and a mini pump ( 118 ) provided with a brushless electric motor devoid of a centrifugal turbine, wherein said mini heater and mini pump are disposed in a rigid small-sized moulded polymer hose. The total thermal resistance of said cooler can be equal to 0.15°/W that is of interest, in particular for high performance microprocessors for dissipating more than 200 W through the very hot central area of 1.5 cm 2 of the heat dissipating surface thereof. The concept of the production of the inventive cooler makes it possible to design efficient and low-cost cooling devices which are usable for microprocessors, high-power electronic devices, thermal engines or fuel cells, in particular mounted in a motor vehicle. Said invention can be used for cooling any component dissipating a given thermal flux within the determined power and temperature limits.

Fine stage z support apparatus

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an object is disclosed. The apparatus includes an air bearing coupled to an air bellows. When used in a vacuum environment, the apparatus preferably includes an air bearing housing with vacuum to remove the pressurized fluid used in the air bearing.

Bellows actuated stunt device for toy vehicle trackset

Abstract: A plurality of stunt devices are used within a toy vehicle trackset. Each of the devices includes a movable portion within the toy vehicle travel path. Each movable portion is moved by a pneumatic actuator. A manually operated air bellows is coupled to each pneumatic actuator by a hollow tube. When a particular air bellows is compressed, the corresponding actuator moves the movable portion diverting the toy vehicle on the stunt device.

Variable position turbine nozzle

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for permitting free rotation of turbine nozzle vanes, while minimizing or eliminating leakage on the vane side-walls. The device incorporates a plurality of nozzle vanes arranged around the circumference of a radial or mixed inflow turbine. Each of the nozzles is individually attached to a rod positioned perpendicular to the flow direction. The nozzle rods in the circumferential array protrude through a movable annular back-wall, and are rotated by a linkage or gear. Between discrete movements of the vane mechanism, a bellows device is used to provide pressure-actuated force in the movable back-wall, thereby clamping the nozzle between the two surfaces. Prior to rotating the nozzles, pressure within the bellows interior is decreased via venting to cause a retraction of the back wall.

Gas spring with a protective sleeve for a rolling bellows

Abstract: Gas spring includes a cover which works together with a rolling bellows and a bottom part to form a gas-filled spring space, where at least part of the outside surface of the rolling bellows is covered by a sleeve. The sleeve provides a receptacle for at least one sensor which detects the stroke position of the gas spring.

Body armor cooling system

Abstract: A body armor cooling system for law enforcement officers having a hook-shaped nozzle attached to one end of a flexible hose member and a bellows assembly attached to the other end of the flexible hose member. The end of the hook-shaped nozzle is tucked beneath the protective armor that the law enforcement officer is wearing in order to provide a cooling effect. The bellows assembly is connected to the air conditioner vent opening on the dash of the vehicle. The bellows assembly makes an air tight seal with the dash of the vehicle and it can be easily attached and detached.

Dust collecting system for power tool has a flexible bellows housing surrounding the workpiece and connected to an extract duct

Abstract: A dust collecting system for a power tool, e.g. milling and drilling machine, has a two part surround comprising a flexible bellows (4) and a rigid housing (10) which are connected together during operation, e.g. via a magnetic coupling (7, 8). The flexible bellows is fitted with integral sprung supports to prevent it collapsing onto the tool when the extract duct is fitted to the outlet port (12).

Flexible floor and a corridor connection including the floor

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible floor designed to be suspended from an undulating flexible bellows in order to form a corridor connection module, said floor presenting undulating raised edges at its transverse ends, and, on its bottom face, transverse ribs in which metal reinforcements are embedded. According to the invention, at least some of the metal reinforcements have ends that project beyond the transverse ribs, each of which projecting ends is coupled to a fastening device for fastening the floor to the bellows, which fastening device extends alongside the outside of the corresponding undulating raised edge and presents a fastening end for fastening to the bellows that is situated above the corresponding raised edge.

Air spring and shock absorber assembly for use in suspension systems

Abstract: An air spring and shock absorber unit for use in vehicle suspension systems or cab suspension systems comprising a shock absorber mounted within an air spring. The lower end of the air spring bellows is attached to the air spring piston in such a manner which enables the lower end of the bellows to be disconnected from the air spring piston without damaging the crimp ring which connects the bellows to the piston.

Numerical Analysis on the Performance of Control Valve in Variable Displacement Wobble Plate Compressor

Abstract: The performance of control valve is analyzed in this paper in order to study characteristics of the variable displacement wobble plate compressor. The forces acting on the control valve are analyzed and the mathematical model to analyze its performance is developed. A test bench is set up to get the steady and dynamic performance of control valve. The steady-state performances predicted by the mathematical model agree well with the experimental data while the predicted dynamic performances agree with the experimental results qualitatively. With the mathematical model, the steady-state performances of the control valve with four different preset control points and three different effective areas of the evacuated bellows have been analyzed, and the dynamic behavior of one type control valve has been studied. It is shown that: (1) the suction pressure at preset control point is inversely proportional to the discharge pressure; (2) the larger the starting force of spring in control valve or the smaller the effective area of evacuated bellows, the larger the suction pressure at preset control point; and the larger the starting force of spring in control valve and the smaller the maximum opening of ball valve, the more quickly the crankcase pressure changes and the smaller mass flow rate of control valve; the slope ratio of crankcase pressure to suction pressure cannot be influenced by the starting force of spring in control valve but can be influenced by the effective area of evacuated bellows; (3) the transition time of the crankcase pressure is about 1 s and can be neglected when working condition changes.

Bellows pump mechanism

Abstract: A bellows-type pump includes a body portion with an inlet and an outlet. A bellows member is secured to the body portion and provides a dosage volume that communicates with both the inlet and outlet. Compressing the bellows member causes a sealing web thereof to contact the inlet and seal the same against the flow of product from within the dosage volume. The sealing web does not cover the outlet upon compression of the bellows member and, thus, product is dispensed through the outlet upon such compression. Expansion of the bellows member draws product in through the inlet.

Air spring for lifting a vehicle axle and vehicle provided with such an air spring

Abstract: The invention relates to an air spring for an air suspended vehicle having a plurality of axles, comprising an air bellows 3 and a hollow plunger and where the air spring comprises a lifting assembly located inside the air spring and being expansible by the effect of the pressure of a compressed air source. This enables a compact and cost-effective installation for a trailing axle on a vehicle.