Abstract: A bellows has a first portion that is formed with a hollow protrusion and can be actuated by pressing on it and a second portion formed with an annular wall defining an opening. The hollow protrusion fits within the opening. Actuation of the first portion causes a fluid to flow through the hollow protrusion and opening, and the fluid tends to force the protrusion against the annular wall. In another embodiment, the first and second portions are sealed along planer front and rear walls. A nut us provided having teeth for clamping the device to an air tube. The bellows can be used to control any device, including a pressure switch, valve or gauge, that is controlled by a change in fluid pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: A bellows has a first portion that is formed with a hollow protrusion and can be actuated and a second portion formed with an annular wall defining an opening. The hollow protrusion fits within the opening. Actuation of the first portion causes a fluid to flow through the hollow protrusion and opening, and the fluid tends to force the protrusion against the annular wall. In another embodiment, the first and second portions are sealed along planer front end rear walls. A nut is provided having teeth for clamping the device to an air tube. The device can be used in hot tubs, saunas, on vending machines, and has many medical uses.

Abstract: A switch assembly which has a mount (12), an elongate member (14), a switch (16) and a fulcrum (18). Pressing on elongate member (14) provides a force to actuate switch (16). Elongate member (14) is resilient or, alternatively, is resiliently biased to return to an unactuated position. Fulcrum (18) is movable along a length of elongate member (14). Positions of fulcrum (18) along the length enables variation of the force to actuate switch (16). As a result of this variation, different tactile feel of the switch assembly can be provided depending on position of fulcrum (18) relative to switch (16). Fulcrum (18) can also be positioned along elongate member (14) to provide a locking position that prevents switch (16) from being actuated.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated switching device is disclosed for forming a momentary electrical signal circuit with a receptacle of a patient call system utilizing a conductive plunger which slides in response to a pulse of pressurized air delivered to an internal chamber through a housing connection which provides for optional assembly orientations. A spring is used to maintain separation between a conductive plunger and the electrical components when the pneumatic switching device is not activated by a patient.

Abstract: A garbage disposal switch assembly having a unique dishwasher air gap body having a vertically oriented upper tubular portion, a first lower tubular portion and a second lower tubular portion. An air tube extends upwardly through, the upper tubular portion and is connected to the bottom end of a bellows mounted in a tubular sleeve supported on the upper tubular portion. The bottom end of the air tube is connected to an air switch positioned electrically in series between a garbage disposal and the source of electrical power for operating the garbage disposal. The air switch is mounted in an electrical box housing in the interior of a cabinet beneath the kitchen sink. An outer cap telescopes over the bellows and the upper tubular portion. The outer cap can be rotated to a selected position that allows it to be depressed thereby causing the bellows to be depressed which in turn actuates the air switch and results in the garbage disposal being operated.

Abstract: An electrical kitchen appliance, such as a garbage disposal unit, is operated by providing a pneumatically actuated switch which prevents the user from being shocked due to the presence of water in the area. The pneumatic switch can be moved between an on and an off position so that electrical current is supplied or cut off from the appliance. A non-electrically conductive air conduit is connected to the switch and leads to a remote location from the appliance. A bellows is supplied at the remote location and forces air through the conduit to the pneumatic switch, switching the appliance on or off. Because the bellows is not electrically connected to the switch and is located at remote distance, electrical shock due to the presence of water is eliminated.

Abstract: A hand held actuator comprises a truncated conical housing wherein the volume of air is pressurized by flexure of a diaphragm. A rib protruding from an outer peripheral margin of the diaphragm is received in a groove of a support plate unwanted flexure of the peripheral margin is obtained by supporting the edges of the diaphragm and the plate in spaced apart grooves formed in the interior wall of the housing. The volume of air pressurized by the operation of the diaphragm is communicated by a duct to a signal switch. In one embodiment the duct is connected in a fluid type manner to the interior of the housing by the tapered sleeve. In another embodiment, the duct is joined to a tube forming an extension in an opening in the support plate forming a diaphragm.

Abstract: The safety switch assembly is designed to provide a switch assembly to a tool, such as a meat slicer, in order to prevent the operation of the tool without manually holding the secondary switch and the depression of a button. The assembly contains a control box having a ground fault interrupter/on-off switch, signal device a pneumatic switch power receptacle and a control circuit. A safety handle is installed on the tool and the handle has an actuation button and a safety button, which functions as a four way valve, installed in series, and connected to an air tube that connects the safety handle to the control box pneumatic air switch. The operation of the tool requires that power be supplied to the control box. When the individual depresses the safety and squeezes the button on the handle, the control box provides power to the tool itself.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated switching device comprises a pneumatic bulb including a base plate for anchoring the bulb by frictional contact with surfaces in contact therewith. The base plate further having pneumatic seal about an outer periphery thereof, and an actuator dome having a convexly extended pneumatic activation wall supported by an outer peripheral annular rim engaged with the base plate for pneumatic sealing with the seal to define a pneumatic pump chamber. The bulb further including a conduct for conducting a quantity of air pressurized by operation of the dome and, electrically conductive switch responsive to the discharge of a volume of air pressurized by the pneumatic bulb for producing a corresponding electrical signal.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic actuator for an electrical switch having a flexible diaphragm operating through a rigid disk member actuates an electrical contact when air pressure is applied to the diaphragm. A cylindrical ring acts as a guide for the rigid disk member. The rigid disk member serves to flatten the membrane and resist permanent deformation when air pressure is released from the membrane.

Abstract: A switch actuator for use with an electrical switch sensitive to changes in air pressure includes a bellows formed of a flexible material. The bellows is attached to a nipple having a passageway for operatively connecting the actuator to the electrical switch. A sleeve is shrink fitted over the outer surface of the nipple, causing the bellows to be lodged between the sleeve and the nipple. The sleeve includes a tubular sidewall with an inwardly-extending flange defining a central opening. A button is slidable relative to the sleeve and includes a projection extending through the central opening to engage the bellows. Pressing the button deforms the bellows, thereby decreasing the volume of a cavity formed between the bellows and the nipple.

Abstract: A positionally neutral, liquid tight signaling device includes an electrical contact switch remotely actuated by a pneumatic squeeze bulb. A gas permeable, flexible diaphragm divides the internal chamber of the signaling device into a switching portion and an isolated actuating portion. First and second electrical contacts within the switching portion are biased into an open circuit position by a compression spring. The selective collapsing of the squeeze bulb creates an overpressure in the actuating portion of the internal chamber, collapsing the diaphragm and shifting the two electrical contacts into abutting, electrically conducting relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a plurality of electric switches, pneumatic actuators for the switches, assemblies for preventing inadvertent actuation of one or more switches and supports for the elements of the assemblies in coactive relation to each other, in such a way as to prevent eventual binding of the spring arm retainer. This apparatus further eliminates the need for molding of the retainer plate or the separate molding of the supports leading to a reduction in cost and assembly time.

Abstract: A warning device for generating a warning signal when the driver of an over the road tractor-trailer vacates the cab without setting the parking brake. A pressure sensor is used to sense the pressure on the air ride seat and to close an electric switch element whenever the seat is unoccupied. Another switch element is closed when the parking brake is in its release position. The two switch elements are arranged in series with a warning buzzer in a battery powered electric circuit to energize the buzzer if the seat is vacated without the parking brake having been set.

Abstract: A device for automatically disabling operation of a pneumatic device, such as an air-actuated pump switch. The device includes a diaphragm exposed to atmospheric pressure on one side and to water pressure on the other. So long as the water pressure is high enough, the diaphragm is held in a position in which it seals a pneumatic port and ensures continuing operation of an air-actuated switch. If the water pressure falls below a preselected level, the port is vented to atmosphere and the air-actuated switch is effectively disabled until the water pressure increases again.

Abstract: A remotely operable switching arrangement comprises a master and slave providing variable volume chambers in air communication with each other. A switch is operably connected to the slave so that variation in the volume of the master chamber causes switching of the switch between two states. The arrangement is such that the switch is stable in only one of the states. Preferably the master, or alternatively the slave, includes a means to provide a snap-action upon switching from one of the states to the other.

Abstract: A relative translation of a first cam with respect to an electrical switch is established between first and second relative positions, whereby the electrical switch is established in a selected one of first and second states. A second cam has first and second detent positions respectively corresponding to the first and second relative positions. A pivot pivotally mounts the second cam, and a pneumatic impulse is generated for establishing the relative translation of the first cam with respect to the electrical switch. A fixed cam follower engages the second cam, whereby, in response to the impulses, the relative translation is established, a relative movement is established between the second cam and the fixed cam follower, the second cam effects a pivotal movement about the pivot, and the second cam is detained by the cam follower in one of the detent positions. Thus successive ones of the impulses control movement of the electrical switch alternately between the first and second states.

Abstract: A remote actuator means for a pressure-switch operated device such as a conventional latching relay acting as as on-off switch for an electric motor is provided which comprises a remote spring-loaded actuator cap connected to the device to be actuated via an air actuator conduit. The air actuator conduit communicates with the atmosphere through a vent provided only in the actuator cap. When the operator manually depresses the actuator cap, he or she will automatically cover the vent opening, causing the heretofore open system to be temporarily closed. As the actuator cap is depressed, it compresses air within the now temporarily closed system, causing the latching relay to be "pulsed", which, in turn, activates or deactivates whatever the relay is electrically connected to, e.g., an electric motor driving a water pump in a whirlpool bath system.

Abstract: A pressure change sensor includes a flexible hollow body to receive pressure changes, an inner body in said flexible hollow body, the inner body being of a size less than and a shape different from the hollow of said hollow body to prevent total occlusion of the hollow body interior under pressure, and a fluid operated switch in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow body responsive to pressure changes applied to the hollow body.

Abstract: Disclosed is control apparatus for a machine such as crane which includes a remote control assembly fluid-coupled to the machine by a substantially electrically non-conducting tube assembly. The machine can be operated remotely from the remote control assembly or from an electrical control assembly disposed at the machine. Apparatus is provided for automatically shutting down all or selected machine functions in response to a blockage in one or more of the fluid lines extending between the remote control apparatus and the machine. In a preferred embodiment, the remote control assembly includes pneumatic switches coupled by the fluid lines to electric pressure switches disposed at the machine. The pressure switches are in turn coupled to electro-mechanical devices for controlling the machine functions.

Abstract: A speed controlling arrangement for an electric motor is provided with a pneumatic foot controller which includes a bulb that is opened to the atmosphere between operative periods to equalize pressure in both the bulb and a transducer, but is closed when foot pressure is applied to the bulb to actuate the transducer.

Abstract: A touch type tuner of television is equipped with a touch control mechanism which has a plurality of touch fingers, each thereof having one end abutting against touch buttons of the tuner respectively. The touch control mechanism is communicating with a remote control box by a plurality of flexible tubes connecting therebetween. As one of the push buttons of the remote control box is depressed, an air pressure is transmitted through the tube to blow a bellows which subsequently biases a movable body forwards and actuates a potential conducting line to contact with the other end of the corresponding touch finger, whereby the remote control of selection is achieved.

Abstract: A remote controlled sound muting device for operating an audio jack switch including cam means for inserting in and operating an audio jack switch; means for driving the cam means to alternate between a first position to open the audio jack switch and a second position to close the audio jack switch; and remote actuator means for operating the cam means.

Abstract: A pneumatic or hydraulic pressure sensitive safety switch circuit which transmits an impulse from a sensor to a distant electrical switch, via an operating fluid, to activate the electrical switch. The electrical switch may be a disabling switch for a dangerous machine from which sensed objects are to be protected. Check valves located in the conduits communicating between the sensors and the actuators for the electric switch allow the disabling switch to be quickly actuated, but prevent re-entry of the operating fluid into the sensor means to deactuate the disabling switch until a short time interval has elapsed. The safety switch thus is quickly actuated and slowly deactuated.

Abstract: A remote-control assembly for controlling a crane or the like which completely insulates the operator of the remote-control assembly from electric shock. The remote-control assembly includes a remote-control box having a plurality of fluid valves, a converter box including a plurality of pressure switches, and a plurality of fluid lines connecting the fluid valves to the pressure switches. The pressure switches are electrically connected to an electric plug which is adapted to be connected to the electrical control box on the chassis of the crane for operating the crane.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive electric switch assembly provided with an elongated pneumatic tube of elastomeric foam material impermeable to air, one end of the tube being plugged and the other having a sleeve therein whose inner end is covered by a membrane to thereby seal the tube. The tube has a relatively thick, deformable wall whereby a slight manual pressure applied thereto gives rise to a substantial change in the internal volume of the sealed tube to dilate the membrane. A microswitch disposed within the sleeve has an actuating element operatively coupled to the membrane such that when manual pressure is applied to the tube, the switch is actuated.

Abstract: An improved control system for hand-held appliances, in particular but not exclusively dental instruments is disclosed. The basic features of the improved control system are a closed or sealed enclosure or container to be mounted on a part of the appliance, preferably on the exterior surface of a handle portion thereof. The enclosure contains a deformable working medium body such as a fluid body which is adapted to effect actuation, operation or control of an actuatable device associated with the appliance. The actuatable device may be a regulator, a transducer or a motor. The control system is an indirectly acting type in which the working medium is displaced by locally compressing the enclosure. This displacement is used to move or operate a movable wall part of the enclosure which, in turn, operates a transducer or regulator unit in response to the degree of compression of the enclosure.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring device is disclosed which is adapted to couple a source of fluid with a tripping device. The tripping device includes a tripping switch movable between a first position in which a tripping signal is generated and a second position in which a tripping signal is not generated, and biasing means for biasing the tripping switch into the first position. The pressure monitoring device comprises pressure transmission means which is operable in a first mode and in a second mode, and coupling means having a first position and a second position. The pressure transmission means when operating in the first mode is responsive to the pressure of the fluid being monitored and when operating in the second mode is independent of the pressure of the fluid. The coupling means is operatively associated with the pressure transmission means and the tripping device for coupling the pressure transmission means to the tripping device.

Abstract: A remotely controlled pneumatically operated switch consisting of a pneumatic actuator and a mechanical switch assembly and interconnecting pneumatic tubing. The switch assembly has extending contact blades for insertion into an electrical receptacle, and also has slot recesses for receiving the contact blades of an electrical plug. The switch is opened or closed by the action of a rotatable cam on an electrically conductive spring arm. The assembly provides for convenience in switching and also provides a safety factor to the user.

Abstract: A remote-control assembly for controlling a crane or the like which completely insulates the operator of the remote-control assembly from electric shock. The remote-control assembly includes a remote-control box having a plurality of fluid valves, a converter box including a plurality of pressure switches, and a plurality of fluid lines connecting the fluid valves to the pressure switches. The pressure switches are electrically connected to an electric plug which is adapted to be connected to the electrical control box on the chassis of the crane for operating the crane.