In exemplary implementations of this invention, a shape controller controls the shape of a bladder as the bladder inflates. The shape controller includes a first set of regions and a second set of regions. The second set of regions is more flexible than the first set of regions. The shape controller is embedded within, or adjacent to, a wall of the bladder. When the bladder is inflated, the overall shape of the bladder bends in areas adjacent to the more flexible regions of the shape controller. For example, the shape controller may comprise paper and the more flexible regions may comprise creases in the paper. Or, for example, the more flexible regions may comprise notches or indentations. In some implementations of this invention, a multi-state shape display changes shape as it inflates, with additional bumps forming as pressure in the display increases.

A brake control device adjusts a fluid pressure of a brake fluid in a wheel cylinder, and is provided with: a fluid passage which connects a master cylinder and the wheel cylinder; a first electromagnetic valve which is provided in the fluid passage; a second electromagnetic valve which is provided in the fluid passage between the first electromagnetic valve and the wheel cylinder; a fluid pump which is driven by an electric motor, suctions the brake fluid from the fluid passage at a suction part between the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve, and discharges the brake fluid to the fluid passage at a discharge part between the first electromagnetic valve UP and the second electromagnetic valve; a check valve which is provided between the fluid pump and the discharge part; and a controller which controls the first electromagnetic valve, the second electromagnetic valve, and the electric motor.

A brake control device adjusts a fluid pressure of a brake fluid in a wheel cylinder, and is provided with: a fluid passage which connects a master cylinder and the wheel cylinder; a first electromagnetic valve which is provided in the fluid passage; a second electromagnetic valve which is provided in the fluid passage between the first electromagnetic valve and the wheel cylinder; a fluid pump which is driven by an electric motor, suctions the brake fluid from the fluid passage at a suction part between the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve, and discharges the brake fluid to the fluid passage at a discharge part between the first electromagnetic valve UP and the second electromagnetic valve; a check valve which is provided between the fluid pump and the discharge part; and a controller which controls the first electromagnetic valve, the second electromagnetic valve, and the electric motor.

Apparatus and method contemplating a high pressure fluid end assembly having a body defining a body bore and defining a recess in the body intersecting the body bore. A closure is joined to the body and forms a sealing surface. A seal is mounted to the body in the recess and configured to extend from the recess beyond the body bore to seal against the sealing surface formed by the closure.

Apparatus and method contemplating a high pressure fluid end assembly having a body defining a body bore and defining a recess in the body intersecting the body bore. A closure is joined to the body and forms a sealing surface. A seal is mounted to the body in the recess and configured to extend from the recess beyond the body bore to seal against the sealing surface formed by the closure.

A mechanical transmission system that transmits motions and forces from one location to another while allowing the relative position/orientation of the two locations to change continuously is disclosed. The system can be used to actuate the joints and tooling of a robotic arm using stationary motors in the robot's base. Since the motors do not contribute any weight or inertia to the arm, this yields a lightweight and agile arm that is more human safe. The transmission includes a controller hydraulic cylinder connected to a remote cylinder by a tubing assembly, which contains hydraulic fluid, and a wire cable. The fluid transmits pushing forces between pistons of the cylinders, while the cable transmits pulling forces. The tubing assembly allows the cylinders to move in space relative to one another.

A pedal travel simulator for a hydraulic powered vehicle braking system. In order to realize a “jump-in,” a first piston spring is provided that, after a first displacement path, loads a simulator piston of the pedal travel simulator with a spring force that is higher by a multiple than that of a second piston spring that loads the simulator piston during the first displacement path.

A pedal travel simulator for a hydraulic powered vehicle braking system. In order to realize a “jump-in,” a first piston spring is provided that, after a first displacement path, loads a simulator piston of the pedal travel simulator with a spring force that is higher by a multiple than that of a second piston spring that loads the simulator piston during the first displacement path.

The invention relates to a stroke transmitter for an actuator device. The stroke transmitter comprises a first and a second conversion unit, which are mechanically connected to one another in series, wherein the first conversion unit is designed as a hydraulic conversion unit, it can be connected to an actuator on its drive side and it is connected to the drive side of the second conversion unit on its output side, wherein the second conversion unit is designed as a cable system and has an output element on its output side. The invention also relates to an actuator device comprising an actuator and a stroke transmitter mechanically connected in series with the actuator.

A fluid pressure actuator is provided with an actuator main portion whose shape is changed by the expansion or contraction of a cylindrical tube expanded and contracted by the pressure of fluid, and a detection unit for detecting the length L of the actuator main portion along the longitudinal direction of the tube.