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Borescope or endoscope with fluid dynamic muscle

  • US 4,794,912 A
  • Filed: 08/17/1987
  • Issued: 01/03/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/17/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A fluid dynamic muscle which contracts when a fluid pressure is applied thereto for pulling against an object, and which relaxes when the pressure is relieved from it;

  • comprising;

    an elongated elastomeric bladder;

    conduit means supplying said fluid pressure to said bladder;

    a tubular braid with proximal and distal ends and disposed over said bladder and formed of a plurality of flexible yet substantially inextensible filaments, the tubular braid permitting said bladder therewithin to expand laterally when said fluid pressure is applied thereto, but restraining the bladder such that as said tubular braid increases in diameter the braid contracts axially;

    a semi-rigid tubular sheath over said braid and bladder;

    anchor means for anchoring the proximal end of said braid to a proximal end of the sheath;

    a termination closing the distal end of said tubular braid;

    tendon means connected to said termination for carrying a tensive force from said braid to pull said object when said fluid pressure causes said bladder and said braid to expand; and

    an incompressible cable sheath over said tendon means and extending between said object and a distal end of said tubular sheath for carrying compressive reaction forces to the said semi-rigid tubular sheath.

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