STUDY AND DEVELOPMENT OF MUSCLE SUBSTITUTES.

Abstract : A two phase membrane forms the basic element of a device whose operation may be described by the same mechanical analog which describes skeletal muscle. The contractive device utilizes low pressure air to lift a weight or to move an eccentric shaft of a rotary force transducer (muscle engine). A mathematical model of the contractive device is developed and methods of control of the unit discussed. The fluid amplifier / sphincter valve device demonstrates an analogy to the sphincter action of muscles. When it is incorporated into an hydraulic system, it has characteristics similar to the electronic vacum tube amplifier. The perliminary quiescent and dynamic characteristics of this device are presented. (Author)