Importance

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Abstract

An assembly (100) for adjusting the size of a spacesuit and/or for relieving tension applied to the spacesuit is provided in which first and second members (102,104) slide relative to one another along a longitudinal axis (106) to vary the assembly's length. The members (102,104) define a first region (116) which is internal to both members and which changes in volume as the length of the assembly is varied and a second region (118) which is external to the first member (102) and internal to the second member (104) and which also changes in volume as the length of the assembly is varied. The first and second regions (116,118) are connected to one another by a gas conducting path (120). These regions (116,118) have sealed cross-sectional areas which are substantially equal to one another. In this way, pressurization of the spacesuit produces no net sliding motion of the first and second members (102,104) along the longitudinal axis (106). In addition, the members (102,104) can move relative to one another without changing the sealed internal volume of the spacesuit. Preferably, the first and second members (102,104) can rotate relative to one another about the longitudinal axis (106), whereby the assembly (100) can serve as a bearing for the spacesuit.

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First Claim