Sealed Joints for Hard Suits or Robots

Abstract

Shoulder-to-arm joint allows wearer to move with considerable freedom while sealing wearer from outside environment. Inner wall is set of bellows, compressed at inner arm and expanded at outer arm, but degree of compression or expansion changes continuously as arm moves. Joint also used on diving suits and on manipulation sleeves for autoclaves and high-vacuum boxes, and as protective cover for articulated torque drives in hostile environments.