F - Mech Eng,Light,Heat,Weapons – 16 – L
Patent
F - Mech Eng,Light,Heat,Weapons
16
L
285/26
F16L 51/00 (2006.01) B63C 11/10 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 1153781
FLEXIBLE TUBULAR JOINT ABSTRACT The joint may be used in a diving suit. It includes a plurality of annular members connected by respective piston and cylinder portions which together define an oil chamber. Oil flows from a pressurized make-up system into one end of the serial chain of chambers, the flow between adjacent chambers being controlled by respective valves. Respective valves open on axial compression of the joint, due to hydro- static pressure, when the volume of oil in any of the chambers is below a design value Respective valves are closed when their associated chambers contain the predetermined volume. This accommodates for any shortage of oil due to inadequate filling or compression of air bubbles, or loss due to lubrication. The coupl- ing between adjacent connecting members may include a spherical surface to enable relative tilting in any direction, as well as relative rotation. A gimbal mounting is provided for each valve in a respective one of the connecting members, the gimbal mounting being slidably anchored in an adjacent connecting member. The gimbal mounting preserves the flexibility of the joint without impeding the valve action. It also prevents pull-out of adjacent piston and cylinder portions when there is a tendency for the joint to expand axially, as in the case where a diving suit is brought to the surface. In order to facilitate the fitting of the piston portion to the cylinder portion having spherical surfaces, respective leading circular rims of annular walls of the piston and cylinder portions are stepped or staggered with respect to one another. An arrangement is also disclosed to ensure that the furthest oil chambers in the serial chain receive an adequate supply of oil. According to this arrangement, the joint is structured so that the oil pressure is progressively slightly different in the serial chain of oil chambers, the oil pressure being highest in the chamber at the body end (i.e. of the divers body) and lowest in the chamber at the outer end of a limb.
369314
G. Ronald Bell & Associates
Underwater And Marine Equipment Limited
LandOfFree
Flexible tubular joint does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Flexible tubular joint, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Flexible tubular joint will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFCA-PAI-O-437423