Abstract: A fuel injector having a needle valve and an injector body employs at least one movable needle-guide which having a plurality of movable members disposed between the needle valve assembly and the injector body. The movable members can be insulating members which are substantially entirely composed of insulating material such as ceramics. In applications which do not require electrical isolation, the movable members could be formed of conductive material. The movable members are preferably spherical elements which are partially cradled within an annular trough formed in the needle valve such that the movable members ensure that the needle valve is held in spaced relation to the injector body. While the movable members are preferably formed as solid ceramic spheres, other insulating materials and/or shapes could be utilized.

Abstract: A combined compressor pressure sensor and excess pressure relief valve (12) uses a formed disk (22) that snaps down and back up at a pair of predetermined pressures. The disk (22), when it snaps down, opens a plug (34) to in turn allow excess pressure from the compressor (10) to escape. When up, the plug (34) remains sealed, the outside vents (42) remain blocked, and compressor gas flow only through the center of the plug (34) and disk (22) to a sensing chamber (46).

Abstract: A housing member (100, 100', 100", 100'") used to interface with a coupling of a fluid pressure source and to house a pressure sensing assembly is shown having a metallic tubular sidewall with a cylindrical first portion (102), a non-cylindrical second portion (108, 108') and intermediate third portion (112, 112',112") with a plastic body member (114, 114', 114") disposed, as by insert molding, within the tubular sidewall. The plastic body member has a base wall portion (116) extending across the sidewall at the intermediate, third portion (112) and has an elongated portion (120, 120') with a threaded bore. The second portion of the sidewall extends along a longitudinal axis at least as far as the elongated portion of the plastic body member. In one embodiment a metallic insert (152) forms a continuation of the molded plastic thread and in another embodiment inwardly extending groove (160) of second portion (108') of the tubular sidewall reinforces the molded plastic thread.

Abstract: The problem of providing plurality of different models of pressure switches to suit the requirements of a plurality of differing manufacturers may be minimized or eliminated in a pressure switch, including a frame (20), a diaphragm (50) secured to the frame (20) and adapted to be exposed to a mechanical source of fluid under pressure, such as a compressor, and electrical contacts (64), (66), (70) mounted on the frame (20) for relative movement toward and away from each other between open and closed positions. A lever system (72), (80) is mechanically interposed between the diaphragm (50) and the contacts (64), (66), (70) for effecting the previously mentioned relative movement and an unloader valve (110) is mounted on the frame (20) and adapted to be connected to the source of pressure fluid and operable when the contacts (64), (66), (70) are in an open position to vent fluid under pressure from the source.

Abstract: A combination high pressure relief valve/high pressure cut-off device includes a housing for mounting in a pressure control installation. A high pressure switch, biased to a closed position, is mounted in this housing. A force transmitting mechanism is also mounted in the housing. The force transmitting mechanism includes a pressure sensing diaphragm adapted to be exposed to the pressure to be sensed. The force transmitting mechanism is responsive to pressure above a predetermined lower threshold pressure value to open the high pressure switch. The device also provides for rupturing the pressure sensing diaphragm so as to provide extreme high pressure relief in the event pressures build above a predetermined upper threshold high pressure value substantially higher. Additionally, the device may be electrically connected by means of a blow-off connector. The blow-off connector includes a resilient latch adapted to remain locked and retain the connector in position under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A fluid switch for measuring throughput in a fluid line, the fluid switch having an electrical switch and an associated membrane subjected to the pressure of the fluid introduced into a working chamber of the fluid switch. The fluid pressure causes simultaneous opening of a fluid outlet of the fluid switch and of contacts of the electrical switch. Thereby, the number of openings and closings of the switch will be representative of the number of openings of the fluid outlet and the throughput of the fluid. The membrane carries a projection serving as a valve which cooperates with a valve seat on the fluid outlet and the valve is coupled through a tappet to the electrical switch to open the switch when the valve is lifted off the valve seat.

Abstract: An air supply and control apparatus has an air pump to supply air under pressure to air mattresses of an air bed. A hand control having a pair of valves functions to control the operation of the air pump to supply air to the air mattresses and vent air from the air mattresses. A second embodiment of the air supply and control apparatus has a motor driven impeller for supplying air under pressure to air mattresses. Solenoids having two coils operate valves to allow air to flow to the air mattress or vent air from the air mattress to adjust the firmness of the mattress. A normally closed switch is opened when the solenoid opens the valve. The switch turns off one coil of the solenoid. The other coil remains energized to hold the valve open. Hand controls having switches are electrically coupled to the motor and solenoids to control the operation thereof.

Abstract: An air supply and control apparatus has an air pump to supply air under pressure to air mattresses of an air bed. A hand control having a pair of valves functions to control the operation of the air pump to supply air to the air mattresses and vent air from the air mattresses. A second embodiment of the air supply and control apparatus has a motor driven impeller for supplying air under pressure to air mattresses. Solenoids having two coils operate valves to allow air to flow to the air mattress or vent air from the air mattress to adjust the firmness of the mattresses. A normally closed switch is opened when the solenoid opens the valve. The switch turns off one coil of the solenoid. The other coil remains energized to hold the valve open. Hand controls having switches are electrically coupled to the motor and solenoids to control the operation thereof.

Abstract: A pressure switch including a housing 10, electrical contacts 16, 24 within the housing and a lever 26 movably mounted within the housing and operable to effect relative movement between the contacts. A biasing spring 70 biases the lever in a first direction and is settable through elements 74, 76, 78, 80 to determine the pressure level at which the switch will operate. An over center device 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 is located within the housing and is connected to the lever to provide snap action movement of the contact. A pressure port 96 is located in the housing and a fluid motor including a rolling diaphragm 116 is in fluid communication with the pressure port and acts in opposition to the biasing spring 70.

Abstract: A differential pressure responsive switch utilizes an operating diaphragm which has a position controlled by a pressure being monitored with the diaphragm acting through a transmission member upon an electrical switch and includes a first chamber divided by a control diaphragm and having an inlet for the pressure to be monitored to one side of the control diaphragm while the other side of the control diaphragm carries a closure member for an adjacent bleed valve seat. An inlet for the bleed valve is connected via a throttle to a source of a pressurized gas and to a second chamber defined by the operating diaphragm and a spring is engaged through the transmission member to urge the operating diaphragm against the pressure in the second chamber.

Abstract: A switch and valve assembly for inflating or deflating a pair of bladders mounted in the back and seat regions of a vehicle seat. The assembly houses two normally-closed valve assemblies and two normally-open electrical switch assemblies, with two pushbutton-actuated stems adapted to selectively either partially open the valve assemblies by partial depression of the pushbuttons to thereby bleed-off fluid under pressure from respective bladders, or to fully open the valve assemblies while closing the switch assemblies by full depression of the pushbuttons to thereby actuate the pump to provide fluid under pressure to fill the respective bladders as desired for operator riding comfort or support. Pressures in the two bladders may be changed individually or concurrently.

Abstract: A snap-action diaphragm having an electrically conducting central portion is electrically insulated inside a case to separate it into two parts each of which is ported to a fluid, and is biased by an electrically conducting spring towards one port which serves as an electrical contact to form a switch with the diaphragm when connected to an external circuit. The snap-action characteristic of the diaphragm between two stable states when coacting with the biasing force of the spring provides a hysteresis force that can be predetermined to avoid hunting of the switch in response to anticipated alterations in pressure difference across the diaphragm. In another embodiment, the diaphragm also acts to open or shut a valve to control fluid flow, again with the benefit of hysteresis to prevent hunting during operation.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system having a pressure switch installed in a rim, which pressure switch, as part of a tuned circuit, damps, across an air gap, an HF transmitter, installed in a wheel web and having downstream analysis electronics, the pressure switch having a diaphragm pressure cell with a reference pressure, the diaphragm of which reference cell is subjected on one side to the reference pressure and on the other side to the tire pressure. A valve installed in the pressure switch makes it possible to adjust the reference pressure so that, when filling the tire, the desired tire pressure is simultaneously retained as the new reference pressure in the diaphragm pressure cell for the tire pressure control system.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve with an electrical terminal signalling when the injection opens includes a second switch which is serially connected, electrically, with the needle valve so that the needle valve (15) can break an electrical circuit upon first lifting off the valve seat (16,17), full movement of the needle valve even upon engagement with the housing (10,11,12) still leaving an open circuit condition of an electrical terminal (49), although the needle valve body (15) re-engages the housing, by including a second switch (40,42; 51,52) serially with the switch formed by the valve cone and valve seat (17,16), the second switch including a movable second element (40,51) slidable with respect to a first fixed element (42,52) and moved by a push sleeve (28) or a push rod (70) with a dead or lost motion upon movement of the valve element (15) for a portion (h.sub.2) of its full stroke (h.sub.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated electrical switch has a piston element subject to an operating fluid pressure on its acting end face for actuating an electrical switch. The switch employs a limiting member for limiting motion of the piston element to a predetermined extent in order to prevent the switch from being damaged due to overstroke of the piston element. The limiting member includes a flange at the rearmost end of the piston element and an annular shoulder in a bushing which is closely fitted within a port of a switch body for the operating fluid pressure. The piston element is loosely fit in the bushing with the flange in engagement within the shoulder of the bushing such that the flange and shoulder cooperate to provide limitation of the stroke of the piston element.

Abstract: A combination high pressure switch-low pressure switch and high pressure relief valve control device is disclosed having series connected high and low pressure switches which are held closed to complete a control circuit in a normal pressure operating range and are respectively responsive to pressures above and below this range to open the control circuit. A high pressure relief valve is also integrated into the control device and operates to provide high pressure relief to atmosphere at pressures substantially above the high pressure switch actuating pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated device responsive to a signal pressure applied thereto from a source of negative pressure for controlling the atmospheric air applied to a control device and for controlling an electric signal applied to an electric control circuit. The pneumatically operated device includes a diaphragm assembly assembled within a housing to subdivide the interior of the housing into first and second chambers respectively in open communication with the negative pressure source and the atmospheric air, and valve and switch mechanisms arranged within the housing to be operated in response to movement of the diaphragm assembly caused by the pressure difference between the first and second chambers.

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 fluid flow sensing switch device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and an outlet separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by the pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof actuated by the pressure differential. The switch contacts of the switch construction are disposed in the fluid flow passage so as to be exposed to fluid flow therethrough and have a part thereof carried by the valve member.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and outlet separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by a pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet acting on a flexible diaphragm carried by the housing, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof disposed in the fluid flow passage so as to be exposed to fluid therethrough and being actuated by the pressure differential acting on the flexible diaphragm. The switch contacts comprise a pair of spaced apart contacts carried by the flexible diaphragm and a bridging contact member carried by the valve member and being adapted to make contact with the pair of contacts and thereby bridge the pair of contacts to close the switch construction to operate electronic switching, the electronic switching being disposed inside the housing.

Abstract: A water supplying system has a pneumatic tank storing water and confining compressed air therein. The pneumatic tank is adapted to be charged with water by a pump. The supply of compressed air into the pneumatic tank is controlled in such a manner as to maintain a constant amount of compressed air in the pneumatic tank. A pressure-responsive device is attached to a water service pipe through which the water is discharged from the pneumatic tank and delivered to faucets or the like. The pressure-responsive device has a pressure-responsive valve adapted to break the communication between the pneumatic tank and the water service pipe when the water level in the pneumatic tank has come down near the port of the tank connected to the water service pipe, and a pressure switch adapted to control the operation of the motor for driving the pump in relation to the operation of said pressure-responsive valve.

Abstract: A small-sized differential piston unit is disclosed. The piston unit has a cylinder filled with liquid medium and a piston slideably mounted in the cylinder. An operation rod is operatively connected to said piston. An improved sealing member consisting of a membrane is used to completely seal the liquid medium in the cylinder. Control means is provided for imparting fluid resistance caused by the liquid medium to the piston differently between its forward movement and backward movement in the cylinder.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical switch, which is part of an electrical current circuit, is disposed in a fuel injection nozzle for internal combustion engines. The first switch contact is secured via an insulating body of a pressure bolt of the nozzle needle; the second switch contact is held pressed against the first switch contact by a contact spring supported on the pressure bolt, so that the portion of the electrical current circuit comprising the nozzle is closed. At the beginning of the opening stroke of the nozzle needle, the second switch contact, because of its inertia of mass, briefly fails to follow the first contact so that the electrical current circuit is interrupted; it is closed by the followup of the first switch contact caused by the contact spring. The switch can be inserted inside a normal injection nozzle without great expense.

Abstract: A pressure actuated switch is provided in which one face of a diaphragm engages a metal contact plate which has a pair of integral contact areas thereon or a pair of contacts fused thereto for engagement with contacts on the ends of a pair of terminal posts molded in a plastic housing part. The contact plate also has a central deformation disposed between the contacts thereon and engaged with a spring metal strip of arcuate cross-sectional configuration, one or more additional strips being optionally provided.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing switch device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and an outlet disposed in spaced coaxially aligned relation in the housing and separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by the pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof actuated by the pressure differential. A pressure regulator is disposed in the housing for regulating the pressure of the fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet of the housing, the pressure regulator being disposed downstream from the main valve seat so as to act on the fluid after the same passes through the main valve seat from the inlet.

Abstract: A flow detector including an orifice for forming a vena contracta to activate a connected pressure detector so as to trigger an alarm mechanism upon the occurrence of disconnect of the patient exhalation valve in a mechanical ventilator system. A configuration of the flow detector makes erroneous hookup of the ventilator and pressure detector hoses all but impossible.

Abstract: A diaphragm type actuator with a breakage condition detecting function which comprises a diaphragm member partitioning a casing into a first chamber filled with a high pressure and a second chamber exposed to air, and a breakage detecting switch supported by a displaceable partitioning member, such as, bellows, provided on the inner wall of the first chamber so as to define a third chamber filled with a high pressure, whereby if there occurs breakage in the diaphragm, the breakage detecting switch mounted on the bellows moves towards the diaphragm member to become in contact with an actuating rod supported by the diaphragm member to detect the breakage in the diaphragm member.

Abstract: A pneumatic central locking mechanism for doors and/or hinged covers of automotive vehicles wherein one pneumatic operating member is provided at the doors or hinged covers to be locked by the central locking operation for locking and unlocking locking devices associated with such doors and covers. A pump, drivable by an electric motor, produces excess pressure and vacuum with a reversing valve being provided for selectively delivering the excess pressure and vacuum to the pneumatic operating members. The reversing valve is operated by a pneumatic operating member which is pneumatically connected in parallel, by way of a throttle, to the operating members associated with the doors and hinged covers. Two double throw switch arrangements are provided with one of the double throw switch arrangements being actuated by the further operating member.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing switch device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and an outlet disposed in spaced coaxially aligned relation in the housing and separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by the pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof actuated by the pressure differential. A pressure regulator is disposed in the housing for regulating the pressure of the fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet of the housing, the pressure regulator being disposed downstream from the main valve seat so as to act on the fluid after the same passes through the main valve seat from the inlet.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and outlet separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by a pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet acting on a flexible diaphragm carried by the housing, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof disposed in the fluid flow passage so as to be exposed to fluid therethrough and being actuated by the pressure differential acting on the flexible diaphragm. The switch contacts comprise a pair of spaced apart contacts carried by the flexible diaphragm and a bridging contact member carried by the valve member and being adapted to make contact with the pair of contacts and thereby bridge the pair of contacts to close the switch construction to operate electronic switching, the electronic switching being disposed inside the housing.

Abstract: A pressure change responsive sensor and related vacuum operable switch assembly capable of operation from the manifold of an internal combustion engine to activate a signal in anticipation of the application of the brakes of an automobile. The vacuum operable switch assembly is an improvement on the applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 3,639,898 for Differential Pressure Control System And Switch Means Therefor, and is capable of adjustment to function with internal combustion engines having different manifold vacuum characteristics.

Abstract: A pressure switch comprising a housing, a first contact mounted in the housing and a support mounted in the housing in spaced relationship to the first contact. A pressure responsive member is mounted in the housing for moving a second contact into and out of engagement with the first contact and with the support. A first spring urges the pressure responsive member in opposition to the fluid pressure acting on the pressure responsive member. The pressure responsive member includes a bistable spring which carries the second contact. The bistable spring augments the first spring as the pressure responsive member moves from a low pressure position toward a high pressure position and opposes the first spring as the pressure responsive member moves from the high pressure position toward the low pressure position.

Abstract: A valve seatis mounted within a housing. An actuating shaft movable in the axial direction is rigidly fixed to center portions of an elastic valve and snap-action plate. The elastic valve has an outer resilient peripheral portion press-fitted to the valve seat by it's elasticity and separates the interior of the housing into a low and a high pressure chamber. The snap-action plate responds to the movement of the actuating shaft and rapidly changes a pair of contacts responsive to the movement of the actuating shaft from one position to the other position. The low pressure chamber is connected to an intake manifold of a combustion engine and high pressure chamber is opened to the atmosphere. When the overpressure is produced in the low pressure chamber, the peripheral portion of the elastic valve separates from the valve seat and performs protection.

Abstract: A vacuum actuated switch has a pair of snap action contacts which are actuated in response to the operation of two vacuum motors. One vacuum motor controls the opening and closing of the contacts in a first predetermined range of vacuum. The other vacuum motor extends the range of operation to a second and larger predetermined range of vacuum wherein one limit of the second range is the same as the first range.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring and controlling the above-ambient pressure in a system by comparing a net pressure force, produced by the system pressure on a pair of diaphragms having unequal areas, with a net spring force produced by a pair of opposed springs which clamp together a valve member and a valve seat in a pressure-relief member. The valve seat is connected by a passage to a port which is connected to the system pressure. While thus clamped together, the valve member and the pressure-relief member travel together through most of the total stroke created by movement of the pair of diaphragms and activate a microswitch for admitting additional fluid to the system when the system pressure is insufficient. If the net pressure force is sufficiently greater than the net spring force because of excessive system pressure, a port is opened when the valve strikes a stop and the pressure-relief member continues to move.

Abstract: A pressure switch comprising a housing and a movable pressure responsive diaphragm in the housing cooperating therewith to define a sensing chamber. The housing has an inlet passage leading to the sensing chamber and a vent passage leading from the sensing chamber. A check valve allows fluid to flow through the inlet passage into the sensing chamber and prevents flow through the inlet passage in the reverse direction. A pressure relief valve at least partially vents the sensing chamber through the outlet passage in response to the differential pressure across the pressure relief valve reaching about a predetermined magnitude. At least a portion of the diaphragm is movable along a path in response to pressure changes in the sensing chamber and an actuator is carried by the movable portion of the diaphragm. A switch is mounted on the housing in a position to be actuated by the movement of the actuator.

Abstract: Low-cost fluid-operated electric relay type logic elements are provided with an elastomeric conductive diaphragm flexed out of a stable taut intermediate position by means of differential pressures of fluid signals directed into respective chambers on opposite sides to provide thereby break or make connections with cooperating conductive contacts. Thus fluid logic, switching circuit logic or hybrid logic operations may be effected directly with attendant advantages of reliability and more powerful logic capabilities. Alternatively the elements may serve as interfacing members to produce electrical signals from fluid systems. The elements have further advantages as servicing monitor means where access is provided to conductive circuits displaying more servicing information relating to operational characteristics of the fluid logic devices than possible with fluid indicators.

Abstract: An automatic control system for regulating the temperature of the passenger compartment in an automotive vehicle is simplified and improved by the use of a power servomotor having a vacuum motor, an electrical programmer, and a diverter valve as component parts thereof. The servomotor controls the position of a plenum mounted air blend door regulating the passage of cold, tempered, or heated air into the passenger compartment. The servomotor also controls the position of the electrical programmer which in turn controls desired blower speeds and certain other system functions. The servomotor further controls the position of the linear diverter valve which ports vacuum in accordance with predetermined conditions to other vacuum actuated motors employed in the system.

Abstract: A valve which produces an electrical signal upon pressure changes in which a diaphragm having an aperture contacts a leaf spring having a projection thereon. The valve provides for both controlled leakage of air, and intake of air in semi-closed static air signal system, particularly useful in vehicle driving instruction and scoring devices.