Flat Fabric type air cylinders

[blfarrar]

I have got an urgent requirement to locate a source of pneumatice air cylinders of the type that resemble a piece of "firehose" that when inflated make a shape that resembles a "sausage" (the thing that goes inside a "hot dog (weiner ??)) !!

I did use some some yerars ago that were made by a firm called REHAU (german) - are there any other companies that make them - in the USA.

The application is in a machine that need a numer of these fitted as a constant force spring.

any data would be really appreciated.
Thanks guys

 

[ApC2Kp]

blfarrar,
There are rubber fabric pneumatic bags that are used for lifting and moving heavy equipment. Try Goodyear Rubber Co. and other air pressure bag / equipment co's.

 

[blonde]

Try checking with manufacturers of air bladders for semi-tractor air shocks, or call a few garages that service semi-tractors and maybe the mechanic can give you a suppliers name. As was mentioned in the above post, there are companies that supply them for the rescue and salvage/rigging industry

 

[blfarrar]

Thanks for the data Guys
The type of flat tube cylinder I have seen & used is quitre small - say 4 0r 5 inches long & 1-1/4" wide & will inflate to a round sate if not contained in a mechanism I am looking at building these into a device to move 10mm max.

The whols idea of air cylinedrs of this type is that they give a constant force in all the 10mm movement.

The application wil use a precision pressure regulator (this has down line sensing that keps the low pressure constant regardless of supply fluctuations.

I have trawled the net on all pneumatic cylinder makers (US & abroad) with no luck

Thanks agin for the input !

Bruce L Farrar.
Works Engineering Manager
Marshalls Mono PLC.Brookfoot Works.
Halifax W.Yorks UK

 

[ApC2Kp]

blfarrar,
The 10 mm movement would suggest a rolling diaphragm. Look for Marsh Bellofram, or Pelmor Labs, DA/Pro, and other rubber diaphragm vendors. I am not sure how the 5" long by 1-1/4" wide dimensions relate to the 10 mm movement. If the 10 mm movement is perpendicular to the plane of the 1-1/4" wide dimension, then a rolling diaphragm might not be capable of the 10 mm movement. If the 10 mm movement is perpendicular to the plane of the 5" by 1-1/4" rectangle, then a rectanglular expansion bellows might be applicable to your needs. Check with Apple Rubber Products or UNAFLEX.

 

[blfarrar]

What I am looking for is very much like a length of "firehose" with both ends closed off with a small tume installed to allow the entry of compressed air.
I have found a comany a few mile where I am based that uses these for closing doors (Rolladoor) they have given me some help - but it would be good to get a source of the ready made cylinders.

They reckon the 10mm movement (expansion) is very viable.

Bruce L Farrar.
Works Engineering Manager
Marshalls Mono PLC.Brookfoot Works.
Halifax W.Yorks UK