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Folded bladder for fluid dynamic muscle

  • US 5,018,436 A
  • Filed: 07/31/1990
  • Issued: 05/28/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/31/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A fluid dynamic muscle for applying a tensile force onto an object, which comprises an elongated elastomeric bladder;

  • fluid conduit means coupled to a proximal end of the bladder for communicating fluid pressure to an interior of the bladder;

    a tubular braid formed of a plurality of substantially inextensible filaments and covering said bladder therewithin to expand laterally when fluid pressure is applied to it, but restraining the bladder such that as the braid increases in diameter it contracts axially; and

    distal terminator means attached to a distal end of the bladder and braid for sealing the distal end of the bladder and providing a mechanical attachment to said object for transmitting tensile force between said braid and said object;

    wherein said bladder is in the form of an elastomeric tube having a longitudinal fold extending along it so that said bladder has a generally U-shaped cross section when fluid pressure is not applied to the interior of the bladder so that the interior of the bladder has its cross-sectional area reduced to a minimum when evacuated of fluid.

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