Bellows

About: Bellows is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 15312 publications have been published within this topic receiving 73914 citations.

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.

A Parylene Bellows Electrochemical Actuator

Abstract: We present the first electrochemical actuator with Parylene bellows for large-deflection operation. The bellows diaphragm was fabricated using a polyethylene-glycol-based sacrificial molding technique followed by coating in Parylene C. Bellows were mechanically characterized and integrated with a pair of interdigitated electrodes to form an electrochemical actuator that is suitable for low-power pumping of fluids. Pump performance (gas generation rate and pump efficiency) was optimized through a careful examination of geometrical factors. Overall, a maximum pump efficiency of 90% was achieved in the case of electroplated electrodes, and a deflection of over 1.5 mm was demonstrated. Real-time wireless operation was achieved. The complete fabrication process and the materials used in this actuator are biocompatible, which makes it suitable for biological and medical applications.

Shoe sole having compressible shock absorbers

Abstract: This is a sole with compressible shock absorbers which not only provides an improved shock absorbing function but also provides more comfort for the wearer. The shock absorbers consist of a polygonal replaceable air bellows placed in a polygonal recess on the forefoot section of the shoe and a cylindrical replaceable air cylinder placed in a circular recess on the heel section of the shoe. The air cylinder and air bellows are made of an integrally resilient air-tight material such that, during exercise, the shock absorbers absorb and then return the energy in a controlled upward direction, by way of the bellows-type body and the friction caused between the inside wall of the recess and the bellows itself. Moreover, since the shock absorbers can be placed easily by hand, the wearer can adjust the shoes in line with his weight and type of sport performed. The uses of the shoe are therefore maximized because the air cylinder and air bellows will continue to function even after the outer sole has experienced considerable wear and tear.

Safety helmet with bellows cushioning device

Abstract: A safety helmet includes an outer shell juxtapositionally secured with an inner shell defining an air chamber between the two shells, a plurality of cushioning bellows retained between the two shells, an air-penetrable layer adhered on an inside surface of the inner shell disposed around a wearer's head, and a cap frame sealably combining the two shells and the air-penetrable layer to form a complete safety helmet having a great dampening effect for reducing an external impact force acting upon the helmet by the plurality of cushioning bellows between the two shells for enhancing safety of a wearer of the helmet.

Collapsible hollow articles with improved latching and dispensing configurations

Abstract: Hollow articles such as plastic bottles and tubes having a portion of the sidewall (20, 22) including collapsible bellows, are formed with modified inner and outer fold rings to reduce the angular flexure between unfolded and folded (latched) bellow walls. The bellow walls are modified by reducing the slope of the walls as they approach the inner fold rings (14) to thereby reduce the unfolded (unflexed) angle (28) between the walls at the inner fold rings. The modified geometry permits better utilization of high density linear polymer plastics by lessening or preventing the ''crystalline'' fracturing and lamination at the inner fold ring with the first collapse of the bellows. The bottle material is therefore no longer weakened at the inner fold ring. The modified geometry also permits use of low density polymer plastics and rubber for latching bellows with thicknesses and geometries that otherwise would tend to eventually spring back rather than latch. Also disclosed are dispensers incorporating combinations of latching and non-latching bellows with a raised base.