Abstract:
This invention relates to electroviscous (EV) fluids consisting of solid hydrophilic particles (e.g. of a monosaccharide polymer or a lithium methacrylate polymer) dispersed in hydrophobic liquids, where the liquid contains a diaryl derivative component of general formula I in which R is CY2, O, S, SO, SO2, SiF2, or O-SiY2-O, X and X are halogens, (m+n) is between 1 and 3 on average, and (p+q) is between 0 and 1 on average. EV fluids containing these liquid components possess generally improved properties in terms of lower viscosities, electrical conductivities, toxicities and freezing points. In a preferred embodiment, the component is a mixture of brominated diphenyl methanes in which R is CH2 n=0, X =Br, (m+n) is approximately one, and (p+q)=0.
Abstract:
A pressure-operated linear actuator uses Electro-Rheological (ER) fluid as the working liquid, with a single flow path between the inlet and outlet of the pump (5) and the pressures generated within two or more ER valves (11, 12, 13, 14) connected in series within this flow path are applied to two or more pistons (9, 10) acting in opposition. 00000
Abstract:
A flexible envelope, of fabric, plastic sheet or similar material, is made buoyant by being filled with water of lower salinity than the surrounding medium, and used to lift loads underwater. The lift can be generated in situ by pumping water into the envelope after it has been attached to the load through a hose from the surface, and reduced by either releasing the water from within the envelope or pumping it back to the surface again. By combining these two operations, the lift can be exactly controlled. Several envelopes can be used to lift a single load, and the load itself can be made up of small objects placed in a suitable container by other means. The envelopes may be towed into position, or may be provided with their own means of propulsion.
Abstract:
A decompression table presents the depth of the present dive, the "Repetitive Group", representing the amount of nitrogen retained in the diver's body from previous dives, and the corresponding safe duration of the present dive as a single Table. This information is arranged in such a way that a cursor, e.g. an elastic band stretched across the Table between notches, can be used to indicate the Repetitive Group at the end of a dive and moved progressively as nitrogen is lost between dives; the cursor then is in the proper position to indicate the correct part of the table to be used in a later drive.