| 摘要 |
An elongate, flexible line (16, Fig 1) has an elongate tubular sheath (18, Fig 4) of braided material. The sheath is able to change reversibly and repeatedly in length and its braided structure is such that an increase in length of the sheath is accompanied by a decrease in its lateral dimension. An impervious flexible bladder 28 within the sheath defines a fluid-containing internal chamber (36, Fig 4) acted on by the sheath so that the volume of the chamber varies with the length of the sheath. A pressure source 42 is arranged to pressurise the chamber. A passage 40 communicates with the chamber and incorporates a restriction 44. In operation the pressurised bladder urges the sheath to expand laterally and so to contract in length. An increase in extension of the sheath causes fluid to be exhausted from the chamber through the restriction, increasing chamber pressure and providing a damping force opposed to the sheath's extension. A method of tethering first and second structures and a submersible linear actuator are also disclosed. |
