Foam-based pneumatic actuators can be formed in a state of mechanical compression prior to actuation. An actuator includes an elastomeric foam; a coating disposed on the elastomeric foam; and an elastomer seal disposed on the coating. The coating constrains the elastomeric foam and can be configured to break or fracture when the elastomeric foam inflates. The elastomer seal can be configured to be impermeable to the actuating fluid. Such a foam actuator can be used in a cardiac compression device. These foam actuators possess increased actuation deformation and an actuation exerted force for a given inflation pressure. A large deformation can be provided from materials having low ultimate strains.

Foam-based pneumatic actuators can be formed in a state of mechanical compression prior to actuation. An actuator includes an elastomeric foam; a coating disposed on the elastomeric foam; and an elastomer seal disposed on the coating. The coating constrains the elastomeric foam and can be configured to break or fracture when the elastomeric foam inflates. The elastomer seal can be configured to be impermeable to the actuating fluid. Such a foam actuator can be used in a cardiac compression device. These foam actuators possess increased actuation deformation and an actuation exerted force for a given inflation pressure. A large deformation can be provided from materials having low ultimate strains.

A vehicle height adjustment device includes: a pressure tank capable of storing air in a compression state; a plurality of vehicle height adjustment units that are provided in correspondence with wheels of a vehicle and individually adjust vehicle heights at the respective wheels by supplying the air from the pressure tank or returning the air to the pressure tank; an information acquisition unit that acquires turn route information during travel of the vehicle; and a control unit that raises the vehicle height at the vehicle height adjustment unit on a turn outer side more than the vehicle height at the vehicle height adjustment unit on a turn inner side such that the vehicle takes a tilt posture on the basis of the turn route information when the vehicle turns.

A linear actuator for an active engine mount of a vehicle has a stator with a coil that can be fed with electric current for generating an electromagnetic field and an actuating element that is mounted in axially movable fashion with reference to the stator. The actuating element comprises an armature and a ram extending in axial direction and is so mounted in the stator by means of at least one spring element that it can be moved axially in frictionless fashion when the coil is fed with current. The actuating element comprises a support element of a non-magnetic light-weight construction material extending in radial direction between the armature and the ram. Advantageously, the armature is provided only in such regions where there run magnetically relevant field lines of the electromagnetic field of the coil.

The spring includes an elastic member having a liquid accommodating chamber. The sealing member includes a base plate, a pressure plate, and a pressure elastic membrane provided in the liquid accommodating chamber. The pressure elastic membrane has a lip portion radially extending from an end portion of the pressure elastic membrane. The lip portion is provided with a projection. The pressure plate and the base plate define a clamping recess together. The lip portion is pressed in the clamping recess to seal the liquid accommodating chamber.

The spring includes an elastic member having a liquid accommodating chamber. The sealing member includes a base plate, a pressure plate, and a pressure elastic membrane provided in the liquid accommodating chamber. The pressure elastic membrane has a lip portion radially extending from an end portion of the pressure elastic membrane. The lip portion is provided with a projection. The pressure plate and the base plate define a clamping recess together. The lip portion is pressed in the clamping recess to seal the liquid accommodating chamber.

A shock absorbing system for impact energy dissipation employs removable unitary cells of compressible members in communication with a reservoir and containing a first working fluid. Resilient structural members may be placed intermediate the compressible members to deform responsive to compression to provide both energy dissipation and resilient recovery of the compression cylinders to their uncompressed state.

A phase variable control is prohibited in the case that a rotational speed NE of the engine is less than a first predetermined rotational speed NE_th1.

An autonomous hydraulic expansion and contraction apparatus comprises a fixing unit, a cylinder unit, a support unit, a piston unit, a valve unit and oil supply parts. By controlling the expansion and contraction length of the support part by a simple manipulation of the valve part by moving the lever, the autonomous hydraulic expansion and contraction apparatus can be easily expanded and contracted to the combined length of the expansion and contraction equipment, and additionally, the convenience of use can be enhanced.

An autonomous hydraulic expansion and contraction apparatus comprises a fixing unit, a cylinder unit, a support unit, a piston unit, a valve unit and oil supply parts. By controlling the expansion and contraction length of the support part by a simple manipulation of the valve part by moving the lever, the autonomous hydraulic expansion and contraction apparatus can be easily expanded and contracted to the combined length of the expansion and contraction equipment, and additionally, the convenience of use can be enhanced.