Patent ID: 6223648
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: F15B

Abstract:
A flexible actuator assembly comprising:a flexible bladder device defining an expandable chamber, between a proximal portion and an opposite distal portion thereof, adapted to substantially directionally displace between a deflated condition and an inflated condition, displacing said proximal portion away from said distal portion;an elongated tendon member having a distal portion, positioned outside the chamber, and an anchor portion, spaced-apart from the tendon distal portion, extending into said chamber through a distal opening in said bladder device positioned proximate the bladder distal portion thereof, the anchor portion being coupled proximate to the bladder proximal portion in a manner adapted to selectively displace the tendon member distal portion away from the bladder device distal portion when the bladder device is displaced toward the deflated condition to position the anchor portion and the bladder proximal portion relatively closer to the bladder distal portion, and selectively displace the tendon member distal portion toward the bladder device distal portion when the bladder device is displaced toward the inflated condition to position the anchor portion and the bladder proximal portion relatively farther away from the bladder distal portion for selective movement of the tendon member between an extended condition and a retracted condition, respectively; anda sliding seal formed in the bladder distal opening between the bladder device and said tendon member to sufficiently seal said chamber during reciprocating movement between the retracted condition and the extended condition.