Connect the balance of components as shown in the over diagram figure 3. At times I've had difficultly connecting the 5/32 dia tubing to some of the components. Here are a few tips. First if the tube refuses to go onto an adapter, place the tubing under running hot water from the facet. This softens the plastic making it easier to fit onto the components. Another trick is to use some clear plastic tubing. The plastic tubing is snug enough to fit onto the adaptor nozzles properly, see figure 11. In addition it is pliable enough to fit the 5/32" tubing inside the tubing itself, see figure 12. The soft tubing acts like an adaptor and quick release for changing air muscle devices.

To operate the device first pressurize the system using the foot pump. This only takes about 4 strokes to reach 50 psi. Your mileage may vary depending upon the size of the PET bottle you are using.

Open the three way air valve to charge the air muscle. The muscle should immediate contract. You can measure the distance it moves in proportion to the psi gauge on the pump. You should be able to operate the muscle through four or five contractions and expansions before you need to re-fill the PET bottle. The air muscle doesn't use much air.

If the muscle doesn't appear to contract, it probably wasn't stretched far enough. Remember the muscle must be stretched to operate.

Second Mechanical Device

The second device we will build is a lever (see figure 7). The lever I made is constructed out of wood and plastic. Machine screws secure the air muscle and rubber bands to the lever arm. A wood screw through the plastic arm is the pivot. A second wood screw holds both the air muscle and rubber band. Operate this device using the three way air valve as before. When activated the lever moves up.

Figure 7 Figure 7

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