Showing papers on "Bellows published in 2012"

Development of a 3D bellows tracheal graft: mechanical behavior analysis, fabrication and an in vivo feasibility study

Abstract: Artificial tracheal grafts should have not only enough compressive strength to maintain an open tracheal lumen, but also sufficient flexibility for stable mechanical behavior, similar to the native trachea at the implant site. In this study, we developed a new 3D artificial tracheal graft using a bellows design for considering its mechanical behavior. To investigate the mechanical behavior of the bellows structure, finite element method (FEM) analysis in terms of longitudinal tension/compression, bending and radial compression was conducted. The bellows structure was then compared with the cylinder structure generally used for artificial tracheal grafts. The FEM analysis showed that the bellows had outstanding flexibility in longitudinal tension/compression and bending. Moreover, the bellows kept the lumen open without severe luminal deformation in comparison with the cylinder structure. A three-dimensional artificial tracheal graft with a bellows design was fabricated using indirect solid freeform fabrication technology, and the actual mechanical test was conducted to investigate the actual mechanical behavior of the bellows graft. The fabricated bellows graft was then applied to segmental tracheal reconstruction in a rabbit model to assess its applicability. The bellows graft was completely incorporated into newly regenerated connective tissue and no obstruction at the implanted site was observed for up to 8 weeks after implantation. The data suggested that the developed bellows tracheal graft could be a promising alternative for tracheal reconstruction.

Fasteners with shape changing bellows and methods using same

Abstract: A fastening device having a bellows made of a material that changes shape when activated by a catalyst, and having a pleated structure that contracts from an extended state to a contracted state upon activation. The shape changing material may be a shape memory metal alloy, shape memory polymer or elastic memory composite. A method of using this fastener provides apposition and compression of abutment surfaces to join together two pieces of material, and is suitable for joining apposing bone surfaces together to heal fractures via the use of orthopedic hardware.

Thermostat and housing for thermostat

Abstract: A thermostat is provided that includes a housing, a temperature sensor assembly, a switching arrangement and an adjustment shaft is provided. The housing includes a generally L-shaped main body attached to a generally U-shaped cover. The temperature sensor assembly includes a bellows operably fluidly attached to a capillary tube. The bellows and capillary tube define a sealed cavity storing a working fluid. The switching arrangement is operably actuated by the temperature sensor assembly to open and close a circuit as a result of changes in temperature of the working fluid. The adjustment shaft is configured to adjust a temperature set point at which the temperature sensor assembly actuates the switching arrangement. The adjustment shaft extends through the housing. Methods of assembly of the thermostat are also provided.

Well pump with seal section having a labyrinth flow path in a metal bellows

Abstract: A submersible well pump assembly has a rotary pump, a motor, and a seal section coupled between the motor and the pump. The seal section has a cylindrical housing having upper and lower adapter and a shaft extending axially through the housing. A guide tube surrounds the shaft and a bellows surrounds the guide tube. A well fluid passage communicates well fluid to a well fluid chamber between the bellows and the housing. A guide tube passage extends axially within the guide tube between an interior and an exterior of the guide tube from an upper portion to a lower portion of the guide tube for communicating lubricant in the motor with lubricant within the bellows.

Cushion for patient interface with localized region of reduced stiffness

Abstract: An improved resilient cushion of a patient interface is structured to engage the face of a patient and includes a deformable bellows portion having a pair of deformable elements. One of the deformable elements has an indentation formed therein that provides a localized region of reduced stiffness and which results in an improved fit on the face of the patient.

Pumping-type cosmetic container

Abstract: A pumping-type cosmetic container is characterized by an elastic discharging portion being formed on the top of a pumping member and opened by the pressure of contents of the container, and a sealing shaft being coupled to the elastic discharging portion such that sealing is enabled without the use of a separate check valve and air is prevented from entering into a bellows.

Design of RF power coupler for superconducting cavities

Abstract: A new power coupler has been designed and is being prototyped by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) for use with any of the ANL proposed superconducting (SC) half- or quarter-wave cavities for SARAF [1] and Project-X [2]. The 50 Ohm coaxial capacitive coupler is required to operate in the CW regime with up to 15 kW of forward power and under any condition for the reflected power. A key feature is a moveable copper plated stainless steel bellows which will permit up to 3 cm of axial stroke and adjustment of the external quality factor by roughly one order of magnitude in the range of 105 to 106. The mechanical and vacuum design includes two ceramic windows, one operating at room temperature and another at 70 Kelvin. The two window design allows the portion of the coupler assembled onto the SC cavity in the clean room to be compact and readily cleanable. Other design features include thermal intercepts to provide a large margin for RF heating and a mechanical guide assembly to operate cold and under vacuum with high reliability.

Flexible pneumatic snake-shaped robot joint module

Abstract: The utility model relates to the technical field of robot researching and engineering, in particular to a flexible pneumatic snake-shaped robot joint module. The flexible pneumatic snake-shaped robot joint module comprises a bellows type shell, a pneumatic artificial muscle, a through hole end cover, a closed cover, a cable, a wire wheel, and a spring type gas pipe. The through hole end cover and the closed cover are respectively arranged on the two ends of the bellows type shell, and fastened by yokes and sealed; two fixation brackets and a middle bracket are symmetrically arranged in the bellows type shell along the axle direction, three pneumatic artificial muscles are uniformly arranged along the circumferential direction; two ends of the pneumatic artificial muscles are respectively connected with the wire wheel; one end of the cable is fixed on the through hole end cover, the other end of the cable bypasses the wire wheel to be fixed on the fixation bracket, one end of the other cable is fixed on the closed cover, the other end bypasses the wire wheel and fixed on the other fixation bracket; one end of the spring type gas pipe is connected with a vent hole on the through hole end cover, and the other end of the spring type gas pipe is connected with a vent hole of the pneumatic artificial muscle. The utility model has features of three degrees of freedom, high flexibility, and simple structure.

High-Reynolds Number Active Blowing Semi-Span Force Measurement System Development

Abstract: Recent wind-tunnel tests at the NASA Langley Research Center National Transonic Facility utilized high-pressure bellows to route air to the model for evaluating aircraft circulation control. The introduction of these bellows within the Sidewall Model Support System significantly impacted the performance of the external sidewall mounted semi-span balance. As a result of this impact on the semi-span balance measurement performance, it became apparent that a new capability needed to be built into the National Transonic Facility s infrastructure to allow for performing pressure tare calibrations on the balance in order to properly characterize its performance under the influence of static bellows pressure tare loads and bellows thermal effects. The objective of this study was to design both mechanical calibration hardware and an experimental calibration design that can be employed at the facility in order to efficiently and precisely perform the necessary loadings in order to characterize the semi-span balance under the influence of multiple calibration factors (balance forces/moments and bellows pressure/temperature). Using statistical design of experiments, an experimental design was developed allowing for strategically characterizing the behavior of the semi-span balance for use in circulation control and propulsion-type flow control testing at the National Transonic Facility.

Bottom-expanded pre-stress anti-floating anchor rod

Abstract: The utility model discloses a bottom-expanded pre-stress anti-floating anchor rod, comprising a metal bellows passing through a waterproof bottom plate; wherein, the metal bellows stretches to a lower end part of an anchor rod hole at a lower part of the waterproof bottom plate, the lower end part of the anchor rod hole is a rod end expanded head; a steel sleeve is pre-embedded outside of the metal bellows in the waterproof bottom plate; a steel strand penetrates the metal bellows, an upper end of the steel strand is fixed to an anchorage device, a lower end of the steel strand is anchored to an anchor plate in the rod end expanded head, the anchor plate is arranged on an anchor head; and a secondary slip-casting conduit is arranged between the metal bellows and the steel sleeve. The bottom-expanded pre-stress anti-floating anchor rod of the utility model has the beneficial effects that: the anchor rod adopts the steel strand which has a high tensile strength, so that the steel strand has less consumption than common steel bar for providing the same upright resistance and bearing capacity, thereby reducing construction cost; by applying a pre-stress, concrete of a rod body can be in a pressed or zero pressure stress state, thereby ensuring that crack will not occur on the rod body, and ensuring endurance of the anchor rod; the anchor rod can be constructed in the same period of a superstructure after construction of an engineering waterproof bottom plate is completed, thereby shortening construction period.

Vibration isolator assemblies and methods for the manufacture thereof

Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly includes a bellows component, a piston component, a shaft component, and a housing component, wherein at least one of the bellows component, the piston component, the shaft component, and the housing component is formed using additive manufacturing techniques.

Pneumatic suspension system of a motor vehicle and method

Abstract: A suspension system includes spring bellows that are associated with pneumatic springs of vehicle axles, connectable by lines having level control valves to a main pressure line, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The main line is connectable by valves alternately to a compressed air source and a sink, and can be shut of with respect thereto. To set different air mass flow rates when air is supplied to/removed from the bellows, the bellows of the springs at least on a vehicle axle or side can be connected to the main line in parallel with the connecting lines, at least by further connecting lines having further level control valves, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The further valves have nozzle cross-sectional surfaces the same size as the other level control valves. Chokes are connected-downstream of the further valves in the ventilation direction, the cross-sectional surfaces thereof being smaller than the nozzle cross-sectional surfaces of the further valves.

Fiber Bragg Grating Pressure Sensor with Adjustable Sensitivity

Abstract: A new type of optical pressure sensor with adjustable sensitivity is proposed based on the fiber Bragg grating (FBG). In this technique, the pressure changes the length of a metal bellows which is placed behind a spring. The fiber grating is fixed over the bellows between a fixed position and the connection point of bellows and spring. The wavelength change of FBG is caused by the change in the bellows length; however, the spring controls the total length expansion of the bellows. It will bring two benefits: first it is easy to change the pressure sensing range by changing the spring rate; and secondly the spring improves the linearity of the wavelength sift due to the pressure. The FBG is installed outside of the bellows and is not in contact with the material in which the pressure should be measured (gas or liquid) in contrast with other pressure sensors where the FBG is inside the bellows. This is an important issue because some materials could damage or change the characteristics of the fiber over the time. The pressure range and the sensitivity of the proposed pressure sensor can be adjusted over a wide range simply and only by tuning two calibration screws, while all components of sensor remain the same.

Vehicle seat for a motor vehicle

Abstract: A vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle, is provided. The vehicle seat includes a sitting part with a sitting surface, at least one air bellows arranged in the sitting part for altering the extent of the sitting surface in longitudinal direction of the vehicle seat and a back part. At least one guide element is arranged on the air bellows and is connected with the air bellows, and the guide element is movably mounted on at least one bearing part.

Pipe machining device and method

Abstract: The disclosed pipe machining device (10) is provided with: a heating coil (13) that heats a heated section (S) of a bellows pipe (B); conveyance mechanisms (14, 15) that convey the bellows pipe (B); and a control unit (16) that controls the conveyance mechanisms (14, 15). The conveyance mechanisms (14, 15) also function as a compressive-force-applying means that applies compressive force in the axial direction of the bellows pipe (B). The control unit (16) controls the conveyance mechanisms (14, 15) in a manner so that the pipe (P) is conveyed by a distance each time that is twice the pitch of a wave-shaped corrugation that is continuously formed to the bellows pipe (B).

Insert for bellows with non-linear compression / expansion in a vacuum powered tool

Abstract: A bellows insert (25) is shown, mountable inside a bellows for a vacuum powered tool and, in the mounted position, effective to locally limit the capacity of the bellows of compression in its longitudinal direction caused by a negative pressure introduced into the bellows. The bellows insert comprises an engagement part (26) that has a shape complementary to the inside of the bellows and that, in the mounted position of the bellows insert, fills up some or all of the pleats of the bellows within a limited area of the circumference of the bellows.

Rapid fabrication and characterization of MEMS Parylene C bellows for large deflection applications

Abstract: We present a rapid, high-yield fabrication process for Parylene C microbellows for large deflection applications and their characterization. Bellows having different convolution number, wall thickness, inner diameter and outer diameter and layer height were fabricated using a lost wax-like process. The effect of design parameters on overall bellows performance was evaluated through load?deflection testing and finite element modeling (FEM) simulations. Large deflection (?mm) was achieved under relatively low applied pressure (?kPa). The onset of bellows hysteresis (4.19 kPa or 0.60 psi) was determined in mechanical testing and approximated by FEM. For the bellows tested, convolution number, wall thickness and outer diameter had the greatest impact on load?deflection (axial extension) performance. Demonstration of bellows for fluid pumping was achieved through integration with electrochemical actuators operated under low power (?3 mW). Combined with the biocompatibility, chemical inertness and low permeability of Parylene C, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) bellows have the potential to enable novel applications in MEMS actuators and microfluidic systems.

Low volume precision bellows

Abstract: A bellows is provided for fluid storage and displacement used in precise fluid indication in a capillary tube. The bellows is made of a housing made of flexible, watertight material. The housing is made up of an upper portion, a lower portion, and an outer accordion formed portion. The accordion formed portion has a length / and is sealingly connected along a periphery between the upper and lower portions. At least one entry/exit port is formed on at least one of the portions thereof. At least one of the upper and lower portions extends from a periphery of the accordion formed portion substantially within the housing so as to reduce the storage volume.

Air suspension system of a motor vehicle and method for controlling same

Abstract: The invention relates to an air suspension system of a motor vehicle, having at least one bellows (23, 24) assigned to an air spring of at least one vehicle axle, which can be connected to a main pressure line (22) and can be blocked off with respect to the latter via a connecting line (29, 30) provided with a level control valve (25, 26), wherein the main pressure line (22) can be supplied with air via a supply line (9) provided with a compressor (5) and an air dryer (7), and can be vented via a vent line (11) that branches off between the compressor (1) and the air dryer (7) and is provided with a discharge valve (10), and wherein a pressure reservoir (33) is optionally provided, which can be connected to the main pressure line (22) and can be blocked off with respect to the latter via a connecting line (35) provided with a storage valve (34). In order to set different flow velocities of the mass flow in a simple and cost-effective way when supplying air to and venting the least one bellows (23, 24), according to the invention the at least one bellows (23; 24) of the air spring arranged on at least one vehicle axle or on at least one vehicle side is connected to the main pressure line (22) and blocked off with respect to the latter via at least two parallel connecting lines (29, 31; 30, 32) each provided with a level control valve (25, 27; 26, 28).

Wave power generating apparatus and method

Abstract: Provided is a wave power generating apparatus and method. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wave power generating apparatus comprising: a housing; a bellows shaped like a corrugated hose having an open end, disposed in the housing, and extended or contracted by an external force; a weight disposed on the bellows; a rotor disposed on the weight and moving according to the extension or contraction of the bellows and the movement of the weight; and a generator converting kinetic energy of the rotor into electric energy.

Bellows driven air floatation abrading workholder

Abstract: Flat-surfaced workpieces such as semiconductor wafers are attached to a rotatable floating workpiece holder carrier rotor that is supported by and rotationally driven by a bellows. The wafer carrier rotor is contained by a set of idlers that are attached to a stationary rotor housing to provide support against abrading forces that are imposed on the wafer by the moving abrasive coating on a rotary platen. The idlers allow low-friction operation of the abrading system to be provided at the very high abrading speeds used in high speed flat lapping with raised-island abrasive disks. The system is also well suited for lapping optical devices and rotary seals and for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) polishing of wafers using resilient pads. Pressurized air is injected into the bellows device to provide uniform abrading pressure across the full surface of the wafer. Wafers can be attached to the workpiece carrier with vacuum.

Wall paper foaming oven

Abstract: The utility model discloses a wall paper foaming oven, which comprises an oven which is horizontally arranged along a longitudinal direction. Heat insulation layers are arranged on the four sides of the oven. A material film outlet and a material film inlet are respectively arranged at the front end and the rear end of the oven along the longitudinal direction. An upper group of air bellows and a lower group of air bellows which face to each other are installed in the oven along the moving direction of material films. Evenly arranged air outlet nozzles which face towards the material films are arranged on each group of air bellows. The two groups of air bellows are communicated with the outlet of a fan through a common air inlet pipe. A radiator is installed at an opening on the upper surface of one end of the oven. One outlet of the radiator is communicated with the inlet of the fan. A waste exhaust pipe is installed at an opening on the upper surface of the other end of the oven. The wall paper foaming oven has the advantages that the structure is more reasonable, the evenness of temperature on two sides of the oven is further improved by using the single fan for air supply, the heat loss is reduced because a hot air circulating system is not provided with a cooling air inlet, the temperature of the oven is increased rapidly and the oven is energy-saving and environmental-friendly.

Air spring cover with switch-based air volume

Abstract: The invention relates to an air spring (100) for vehicle undercarriages, comprising an air spring cover (103) and a rolling piston (109), wherein the air spring cover (103) and the rolling piston (109) are connected by an air spring bellows (105a), wherein the air spring cover (103) accommodates a first (104) and a second clamping ring (106) for clamping the air spring bellows (105a) in order to fix the air spring bellows (105a) to the air spring cover (103), wherein the rolling piston (109) and the air spring bellows (105a) have a common first air volume (111) in the inner space thereof, wherein the end of the rolling piston (109) closest to the undercarriage accommodates a third clamping ring (108) in order to seal the first air volume (111) off from the external environment, wherein the air spring cover (103) has a second air volume (112), wherein the air spring bellows (105a) forms an outer wall of the first air volume (111) and the second air volume (112) so that the first air volume and the second air volume (112) are sealed off from the external environment, wherein the second clamping ring (106) is arranged in such manner that the first air volume (111) is spatially separated from the second air volume (112), wherein the air spring cover (103) is designed to accommodate a switch valve (101) that is designed to enable a first air path (115) between the first (111) and the second air volume (112) in a switched state, so that the second air volume (112) can be linked to the first air volume (111).

Thermo-element and thermostat

Abstract: A thermo-element having an excellent response and durability is provided. The thermo-element comprises a casing having a bottom, a thermally expandable material filled in the casing and capable of expanding and contracting due to temperature changes, a piston movable in an axial direction thereof, a guide member for slidably holding the piston, and a liquid chamber defined between the thermally expandable material and the piston to receive therein a deformable, incompressible fluid. A bellows is fixed between an upper portion of the piston and an upper portion of the guide member to define a liquid space between an outer periphery of the upper portion of the piston and the bellows. The fluid in the liquid chamber can flow in and out of the liquid space via a through-hole and a radial hole.

Motion platform having decoupled two axes

Abstract: A motion platform having decoupled two axes adopts four modularized pneumatic bellows configured in an orthogonal arrangement. The pneumatic bellows can be independently controlled to cause the motion platform to be operated in one rotational degree of freedom with a frontward-and-backward swinging or a leftward-and-rightward swinging; or the pneumatic bellows can be synchronously controlled to cause the motion platform operated in two rotational degrees of freedom without being interfered with each other. Thus, the motion platform of the present disclosure is characterized with advantages of simplified mechanism, fewer components, convenient maintenance and reduced cost.

X-ray irradiation device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray irradiation device, which is operable to stably apply X rays to an object to be irradiated while suppressing the change of the distance between a focal point of the X rays and the object to be irradiated.SOLUTION: An X-ray irradiation device 1 includes: an electron-emission part 2; a target part T including a base plate 21 and a target body 23 buried in the base plate 21 and made of a material which generates X rays in response to incidence of electrons; a bellows BE; a top plate 20; and a holding part 30. The electron-emission part 2 has an electron gun 3, and a cylindrical part 5 which houses the electron gun 3 and includes an electron path 11, the inside of which is to be kept in a vacuum condition in operation. The bellows BE connects between the target part T and the electron-emission part 2, has elasticity, and defines a space which communicates with the electron path 11 and is to be kept in a vacuum condition. In the bellows, at least a part facing the space has electrical conductivity. The holding part 30 serves to hold an object to be irradiated with X rays generated by the target body. The top plate 20 has a reference plane on which the target part T and the holding part 30 are provided.

Diaphragm foam pump for foam dispensers and refill units

Abstract: A refill unit for a foam dispenser including a liquid container and a diaphragm foam pump connected to the liquid container and diaphragm foam pumps. The diaphragm foam pump includes an elastomeric diaphragm having an air piston bore and a bellows. The air piston bore forms at least a portion of an air chamber. A reservoir is located at least partially within the bellows that includes a liquid inlet. The diaphragm foam pump includes a piston that forms a portion of the air chamber wherein the piston bore may be moved relative to the piston. Movement in a first direction causes air in an air chamber to be compressed and draws liquid into the reservoir and further movement in the same direction causes compressed air to flow into the reservoir where it mixes with the liquid and is expelled as a foam.

Bellows type joint using function safety and alarm

Abstract: PURPOSE: A bellows-type joint with an alarm and safety function is provided to safely manage a dangerous or expensive liquid by preventing the liquid from being discharged to outside even when one of first and second bellows is cracked or damaged by a change of temperature or a change in the ground. CONSTITUTION: A bellows-type joint with an alarm and safety function comprises a first bellows(2), a second bellows(3), a hollow body(4), a pressure sensor(5), an alarm(6), and support combining pieces(7,7a). The hollow body is formed in between the first and second bellows and forms a constant atmospheric pressure. The pressure sensor is joined to the hollow body, thereby sensing a change of an internal atmospheric pressure. The alarm informs of the change of the internal atmospheric pressure. The support combining pieces combines the first and second bellows with two end pipes(1,1a). [Reference numerals] (5) Pressure sensor; (6) Alarm

Explosion-proof type semi-automatic defrosting temperature controller

Abstract: The present utility model relates to an explosion-proof type semi-automatic defrosting temperature controller. The controller is composed of a shell, a capillary tube, a pedestal, and a bellows, a lever, a temperature adjusting extension spring, an adjusting nut, an adjusting screw, a push rod, a kick switch, a temperature adjusting mechanism and a semi-automatic defrosting mechanism arranged inside the pedestal. The kick switch is composed of a switch box, a movable contact, a fixed contact, a spring sheet, an arc spring, an L pin, a C pin, a gap screw, a conical spring and a separating plate, the fixed contact is riveted with the L pin, and the push rod is a stepped cylindrical rod. The controller is provided with the dual isolation effect of isolating inflammable and explosive gases and explosion waves; and without influencing the temperature stability of the prior temperature controller, the technology problems of the technology interchangeability, the maintenance interchangeability, and process flow consistency of explosion-proof products and non explosion-proof products can be solved.