Abstract: A resilient element such as a thin flat plate or disc spring, commonly known as a "Belleville" spring, which is capable of deflecting along an axis normal to its surface is modified to include an amplifying segment disposed in a central aperture in the form of an approximately "W" shaped strip connected at its ends to opposite positions on the inner margin of the central opening. The central portion of the "W" forms an inverted "U" which is subjected, after positioning within the central aperture, to torquing stress in the plane of the material to bring the ends of the open end of the "U" slightly closer together than the inner edges of the "U" nearest its closed end. One of a pair of switch contacts is mounted on the closed end of the "U" shaped portion of the device opposite another contact carried on the switch bases.

Abstract: A method for producing a resilient element such as a thin flat plate or disc spring, commonly known as a "Belleville" spring is disclosed. The spring is capable of deflecting along an axis normal to its surface is modified in the process to include an amplifying segment disposed in a central aperture in the form of an approximately "W" shaped strip connected at its ends to opposite positions on the inner margin of the central opening. The central portion of the "W" forms an inverted "U" which is subjected in the process, after positioning within the central aperture, to torquing stress in the plane of the material to bring the ends of the open end of the "U" slightly closer together than the inner edges of the "U" nearest its closed end. One of a pair of switch contacts is affixed to the closed end of the "U" shaped portion of the device in position to be opposite another contact carried on the switch bases.

Abstract: A resilient element such as a thin flat plate or disc spring, commonly known as a "Belleville" spring, which is capable of deflection along an axis normal to its surface is modified to include an amplifying segment disposed in a central aperture in the form of an approximately "W" shaped strip connected at its ends to opposite positions on the inner margin of the central opening. The central portion of the "W" forms an inverted "U" which is subjected, after positioning within the central aperture, to torquing stress in the plane of the material to bring the ends of the open end of the "U" slightly closer together than the inner edges of the "U" nearest its closed end. One of a pair of Switch contacts is mounted on the closed end of the "U" shaped portion of the device opposite another contact carried on the switch base.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for producing pin operators for pressure switches in which the pin operator is adjusted in length while in a pressure environment with an associated diaphragm when subjected to proof pressure for the finished switch assembly. The pressure housing is preferably the actual switch housing. A die with a recess is aligned with the diaphragm and pin. The pin blank has an opening and tapered wall thickness. When proof pressure is applied to the opposite face of the diaphragm, the diaphragm forces the pin into the die recess to form the end of the pin and shorten its length. Thereafter the pin and diaphragm combination in the pressure housing will provide a prescribed travel when the diaphragm is subjected to proof pressure. An alternative device is disclosed for forming the ends of pins where proof pressure for the particular device is less than the required forming pressure for the pin. Semi-cylindrical, truncated conical and outwardly flared pin forms are disclosed.

Abstract: A valve body has a chamber in which a ball is located, the chamber portion occupied by the ball being exposed to a working port that is to be switched between a high pressure inlet port and an exhaust port. The ball is located between valve seats, and a diaphragm at the end of the chamber portion to which one port is connected is movable with the ball via an internal pin and external strap arrangement to move the ball against one or the other of the valve seats. In an arrangement wherein the one chamber is exposed to the high pressure inlet port, in the closed position of the valve the area of the diaphragm is only slightly greater than that of the ball circumscribed by the adjacent valve seat. In the open position, the area of the diaphragm is only slightly less than that of the ball circumscribed by the other valve seat.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pressure responsive device incorporating a snap action disc spring having arms for actuating an indicator plate with indicia thereon. In one arrangement the arms extend from the inner peripheral edge of the disc spring, and in other arrangements the arms extend from the outer peripheral edge of the spring. The indicator plate is adapted for rotational movement with lateral movements of the arms when the spring snaps, as by direct connection to the ends of the arms or by means of gearing or other provision of converting linear motion to rotary motion of a pin or shaft of the indicator plate. The plate is below a cover that has openings in which the indicia are aligned upon its rotation to the position caused by the snap action of the disc spring in response to predetermined level of pressure of fluid applied to the pressure responsive device.

Abstract: There is shown a pressure responsive device for operating an electric switch plunger, the device having a port to receive fluid under pressure for application to a slidable piston that engages a pressure plate arranged to actuate a snap action disc spring, and thereby actuate the switch plunger via a combination motion doubler and pressure level setting mechanism. Such mechanism includes a yoke member extending from the snap spring to the switch plunger, and a helical spring surrounding the yoke and which at one end engages the pressure plate and at its other end is coupled to an adjustment member that is threaded on a housing that surrounds the helical spring and yoke member.

Abstract: A cylinder with cross inlet and exhaust ports contains a combination piston and rod having on its piston end a piston head or face and slidably attached sealing sleeve, and its other end is rotatable via a rod bearing attached to a crankshaft. The rotational motion of the rod with the crankshaft imparts an undulating movement to the piston head during its stroke motion and, in unison with the slidably attached sealing sleeve, effects a sequence wherein the exhaust ports open ahead of the inlet and close before the inlet closes.

Abstract: A pressure responsive device is shown for actuating an electric switch, such device having a port for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, the port being spanned by a diaphragm overlayed by a pressure plate that is adapted directly to actuate a snap action disc spring and a yoke member. An exteriorly adjustable threaded rod extends through the yoke member, and a helical spring has turns at one end threadedly engaging the yoke member, and turns at its other end engaging a shoe element that is threaded onto the rod. As the rod is turned in one direction, the shoe moves towards the inner end of the rod and thereby elongates the spring, i.e., places it in tension. Turning the rod in the opposite direction causes the shoe to move towards the external end of the rod and thereby place the coils of the spring in compression.