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Fluid actuated limb

  • US 4,792,173 A
  • Filed: 10/30/1987
  • Issued: 12/20/1988
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A fluid actuated limb comprising:

  • an elongate flexible core member adapted to be secured at one end to a support;

    a first plurality of flexible elongate tubes extending substantially parallel to said core member and being radially spaced therefrom around substantially the entire circumference of said core member, said first plurality of tubes being adapted for longitudinal extension and contraction in response to increases and decreases, respectively, in fluid pressure applied thereto;

    a second plurality of flexible elongate tubes being radially spaced from said core member and helically wrapped around substantially the entire length thereof in a first helical direction, said second plurality of tubes being adapted for longitudinal extension and contraction in response to increases and decreases, respectively, in fluid pressure applied thereto; and

    a third plurality of flexible elongate tubes being radially spaced from said core member and helically wrapped around substantially the entire length thereof in a second helical direction opposite to said first helical direction, said third plurality of tubes being adapted for longitudinal extension and contraction in response to increases and decreases, respectively, in fluid pressure applied thereto;

    whereby said limb may be selectively actuated to effect movement including extension and contraction, bending, right hand and left hand twisting, and desired combinations thereof.

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