Abstract: The conical tip of a load applying member (42) acts against one side (136) of a movable plate (120). A spring (84) urges the conical tip of a biasing member (88) against the other side (138). In response to a relatively small movement of member (42) against plate (120), plate (120) pivots about a first axis a.sub.1 to depress the operator (102) of a first snap-action switch (98). In response to a relatively large movement of member (42), plate (120) pivots away from contact with operator (102), first about auxiliary axis a.sub.4 and then about third axis a.sub.3. In response to an intermediate movement, plate (120) pivots to depress the operator (103) of a second snap-action switch (99), first about second axis a.sub.2 and then about auxiliary axis a.sub.4. Axis a.sub.4 is defined by first and second fulcrums (71, 134). Axis a.sub.2 is defined by second fulcrum (134 ) and operator (102); axis a.sub.3 is defined by first fulcrum (71) and operator (103). Axis a.sub.

Abstract: A pressure responsive switch having an atmospheric pressure chamber including electrical contacts which are sealed hermetically by a flexible pleated cover whereby the flexible pleated cover deforms in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the atmosphere in the atmospheric pressure chamber. The alteration of the temperature surrounding the atmospheric chamber provides for the expansion and contraction of the atmosphere with the atmospheric pressure chamber and the pleated cover maintains the atmospheric pressure constant within the pressure chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a control assembly, a well pumping system, the system including an electric motor driven pump and a storage tank that receives liquid from the pump. The control assembly includes a mounting plate, a pressure switch that responds to the pressure of the liquid in the tank, the pressure switch being mounted on the plate, a terminal board and a printed circuit board. The terminal board is mounted on the plate adjacent the pressure switch, and power leads are secured to connectors on the pressure switch and on the terminal board. The printed circuit board includes a start winding control switch for the electric motor, and mating quick connect terminals on the terminal and printed circuit boards connect the start winding control switch with the motor. When the motor is a capacitor-start type, a capacitor is connected in the control switch by quick connect terminals, these terminals further serving to support the capacitor on the two boards and the mounting plate.

Abstract: A miniaturized differential pressure switch comprising a pair of matched square housing sections with a square diaphragm supporting a flat square diaphragm plate which bears against a compression spring that is flexed to open an electrical contact in dependence upon the pressure differential. The compression spring is removably mounted for exchange of springs to vary the range of operation of the switch. The housing section that defines the low pressure chamber provides means for mounting a heat sink that is used for the support of components required for an electronic relay. The switch is suitable for actuation by extreme low pressure, such as 0.01 inch water column.

Abstract: A pressure detector for particular use in a system for administering parenteral fluid to a human patient. The pressure detector includes a conventional pressure diaphragm having a flexible membrane that is movable in accordance with the pressure of the fluid being administered. The pressure detector further includes a special receptacle for retaining the pressure diaphragm, and a special follower assembly that is moved in a prescribed fashion by installation of the diaphragm in the receptacle and by movement of the diaphragm membrane due to variations in fluid pressure. A pair of electrical contacts are controllably moved together and apart by the follower assembly, to provide an electrical signal whenever the diaphragm is not installed or, if it is installed, whenever the fluid pressure exceeds a prescribed threshold.

Abstract: A vacuum operable differential servo-motor adapted for use on motor vehicles to operate, for example, an anti-skid brake control system, a brake booster and the like, including a housing, a power piston movable therein and dividing the interior of the housing into two chambers one on each side of the power piston, a conduit member fluidly connecting one of the chambers to an engine intake manifold, a solenoid valve for controlling a pressure differential between the chambers in response to an input signal and a failure sensing switch member having a casing outside of the housing and a plunger operatively connected to the power piston and a diaphragm seal member with its peripheral bead clamped between the casing and the housing with a central portion being sealed to the plunger.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is shown as having a housing carrying three electrical terminals with first and second of such terminals respectively terminating in first and second fixed electrical contacts and the third of such terminals being electrically connected to a conductive spring; a further third fixed electrical contact, spaced from the first and second fixed contacts of the first and second terminals, has an aperture formed therein permitting the extension therethrough of an actuator which in turn carries a movable contact which is situated generally between the third fixed contact and the first and second fixed contacts with the spring engaging and urging the movable contact and actuator in a direction whereby the movable contact is moved toward the third fixed contact; a pressure responsive diaphragm situated generally at a side of the third fixed contact operatively engages the actuator and upon sensing sufficient pressure is effective to move the actuator and movable contact against the spring

Abstract: A switch responsive to changes in fluid pressure includes a conductive body member with a passage therethrough and flexible diaphragm sealingly mounted thereon. One surface of the diaphragm is in contact with the fluid and the other surface has a deformable protrusion which bears against a resilient contact member causing it to break contact with the body member when fluid attains a sufficient pressure. The contact member has a spade terminal which is mounted through a cap fixed to the end of the passage. Only five parts are utilized. An alternative normally open switch is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a body having one open end exposed for adaptation of a pyrotechnic cartridge and the other end sealed by the base of a pin type connector assembly having short conductive pins and elongated conductive pins with relief areas containing insulative material. The pins are inserted into the body cavity. A conductive grounding plate or plates have tabs which bite into the pins and connect selected pins in a first operational state. A plunger having fracturable bosses is located adjacent the contact plate. Upon activation of a pyrotechnic cartridge, pressure is applied to the plunger, causing fracture of the bosses and resulting in the displacement of the plunger to move the contact plate to a different position thereby changing the number of closed circuits.

Abstract: A protection column is employed about a sump pump to exclude liquid and foreign matter in the sump from entering the pump interior until a time just prior to priming and activation of the pump. The column has a closed bottom portion serving as a vessel and permitting the column to float as the liquid level rises in the sump. The upper part of the column fits about the pump to act as a guide and has a series of vertical slots. The column floats until the bottom of the column strikes the bottom of the sump pump, which prevents the column from rising further. As the water level continues to rise in the sump, water enters the column through the slots, causing the column to sink to the bottom of the sump and permitting the liquid to rise to a level in the pump commensurate with the level elsewhere in the sump, thereby priming the pump.

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 multi-layered flexible switch wherein the electrical contacts are transversely remote from the area of the switch to be depressed.

Abstract: A self-contained, electrically-isolated patient call device is provided which permits use by quadriplegic or partially paralyzed patients which includes an extremely sensitive, adjustable, non-sealed, pneumatic, pressure transducer activated by the patient which in turn produces a simultaneous movement of an actuation transducer which actuates an electronic circuit. The switch and electronic circuit can produce both an audible alarm signal and activation of electrical contacts to simultaneously operate a nurse call system. The transducer activated by the patient can be actuated by a minor flexation of a muscle or skin area or can be the result of air pressure created by the breath or blowing against the transducer. This device permits electrical isolation of the patient to prevent shock and allows pneumatic activation of the system mounted directly on or close to the patient to eliminate the necessity for extended movement or positional adjustments which are usually impossible for the patient.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated electrical switch assembly is disclosed which includes a member for dampening the vibration experienced by the contact arm of the switch to prevent undesirable fatigue and breakage. The electrical switch is housed within a dome-like container having an entry port that is connected to a hydraulic circuit. The container is divided interiorly by a diaphragm assembly into upper and lower sealed chambers, the upper chamber having the electrical contacts for the switch and the lower chamber receiving fluid pressure through the entry port. A button actuator is fixed to the diaphragm, and it is movable vertically upward in response to fluid pressure in the lower chamber against the underside of the diaphragm which deflects the diaphragm thereby causing the button actuator to engage the cantilevered electrical contact arm which is mounted in the upper chamber.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is shown as having a housing carrying three electrical terminals with first and second of such terminals respectively terminating in first and second fixed electrical contacts and the third of such terminals being electrically connected to a conductive spring; a further third fixed electrical contact, spaced from the first and second fixed contacts of the first and second terminals, has an aperture formed therein permitting the extension therethrough of an actuator which in turn carries a movable contact which is situated generally between the third fixed contact and the first and second fixed contacts with the spring engaging and urging the movable contact and actuator in a direction whereby the movable contact is moved toward the third fixed contact; a pressure responsive diaphragm situated generally at a side of the third fixed contact operatively engages the actuator and upon sensing sufficient pressure is effective to move the actuator and movable contact against the spring

Abstract: A linear pull actuator converts working fluid such as halogenated hydrocarbons into vapor by electrical heating element housed inside a shell, generating a vapor pressure against a rolling membrane secured inside actuator so as to respond to the vapor pressure linearly delivering an end force to an integral first piston and tube assembly which is adaptable to axially move inside the housing proper against spring biasing means along with an externally mounted second piston of a piston and rod assembly secured thereto by a spring so as to have rod end passing centrally through the tube protrude a distance out of the shell end for a position change from a first rod end protruded when electrical heater is not energized electrically to a second rod end retracted position with work when pulled away by the pistons due to the vapor pressure of the working fluid when the electrical heater is energized electrically, de-energization of the electrical heating element electrically returns the rod end to the first protrude

Abstract: Contactor comprising at least two fixed studs, at least one movable stud capable of making or breaking an electric contact between the two fixed studs, and at least one membrane which can deform under the action of a fluid. The movable stud is fastened to the membrane in such a manner that the movable stud is isolated from the two fixed studs in position of rest. The contactor is characterized by the fact that the membrane comprises the following two parts:(a) at least one substantially nondeformable base to which the movable stud is fastened; and(b) flanks which are elastic with respect to the base and firmly attached to the base, the deformation of the membrane being obtained substantially solely by stretching of the flanks, this deformation causing a displacement of the base and therefore a displacement of the movable stud.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device indicating a state due to the pressure modification, in particular an overpressure or a vacuum pressure switch for the indication of the fullness of the dust bags in household or industrial vacuum cleaners with a diaphragm exposed on one side to the variable pressure and with a contacting action between two contact elements as caused by the diaphragm's movement.

Abstract: A pressure fitting formed of fire resistant material, preferably stainless steel, contains a chamber communicating through an opening with a pressure responsive switch or other assembly formed at least in part of a less fire resistant material, such as aluminum, with a movable seal member being provided for transmitting force to a movable part of the assembly, and with a valve member which is also high temperature resistant being provided to automatically close off fluid flow from the chamber through the opening in the event of fire. The temperature response may be obtained by release of the valve resulting from melting down of part of the pressure responsive assembly, or by melting of a fusible element retaining the valve in open condition, or by both of these effects.

Abstract: A pressure responsive switch for changing electrical state in response to a fluid pressure which equals or exceeds a desired pressure threshold level includes a cylindrical conductive casing. The casing defines a central, generally cylindrical cavity and at least one upper fluid inlet orifice. The casing further defines a lower opening communicating with the cavity. A non-conductive elastic membrane extends across the upper portion of the cavity beneath the fluid inlet orifice and is sealingly attached at its periphery to the interior of the casing. A conductive, pressure actuatable plunger in the upper portion of the cavity includes a pressure receiving surface directly beneath the membrane. An electrical connector is mounted by a bushing means centrally in the cavity. The connector is held out of electrical contact with a casing and has a first end extending out of the cavity through the lower opening in the conductive casing and a second end which is positioned in the cavity.

Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction having a base carrying a pressure operated diaphragm and an electrical switch unit controlled by the diaphragm and an adjustable compression spring controlled by a cam operated actuator leaf pivotally carried by the base. The base has integral bracket members extending therefrom, each bracket member having an integral snap-in arrangement. A cam shaft unit is snapped into the snap-in arrangement of the bracket members to be rotatably carried thereby, the cam shaft unit having a cam for operating on the actuator leaf to position the same.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter with a frangible conductor which breaks to interrupt a circuit in response to an increase of fluid pressure above a predetermined level. In one version, the conductor is on a frangible member exposed to the pressure on one side and sealed by a cover and container on the side. In another version, a spring urged piston tensions a wire conductor and fluid pressure on the piston above the predetermined pressure breaks the wire. In another variation a diaphragm exposed to the pressure moves an element which ruptures the conductor when the pressure on the diaphragm exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicle tire gas mass sensor having a sealed cylinder containing a non-toxic and inert gas. The cylinder is sealed at one end with a diaphragm and contains a sealable plug at an opposite end for admitting the inert gas. Sealing is permanent after the introduction of gas. The diaphragm moves freely in response to pressure differential between the inside predetermined pressure of the inert gas and pressure existing in the environment in which sensor is installed. The sensor is defined by a first, second and third contacts which are responsive to diaphragm movement caused by pressure differentials in the cylinder. In turn opening and closing of the contacts actuates alarms for indicating such pressure differential. Equilibrium conditions as between the interior and environment of the sensor are reflected by the movement of diaphragm to compensate for temperature variation occurring at these locations.

Abstract: A mounting device for a pivotally movable member. The mounting device has means for pivotally mounting the member, means for supporting the mounting means, and a pair of means for abutment with the mounting means so as to generally constrain its movement therebetween. Means for displacement preventing engagement with the mounting means includes means disposed generally in overlaying relation with the mounting means for retaining it against displacement from the supporting means between the abutment means, and means extending through the supporting means into engagement with a portion thereof for maintaining the overlaying relation of the retaining means with respect to the mounting means.

Abstract: An air pressure instrument embodying a base receptacle adapted to be mounted to an instrument panel and to be connected to air and electric lines at the panel and a plug-in receptacle containing a pressure-responsive element and switch operable thereby adapted by plugging into the base receptacle to automatically connect the pressure-responsive element to the pressure line and the switch to the electric line.

Abstract: A vacuum controlled timing system for an electrical accessory circuit of an internal combustion system having a variable vacuum source provides a uniform residual vacuum condition for maintaining a closed circuit for a selected time interval after the engine is rendered inoperative.

Abstract: Fitting of a fluid temperature switch unit of the kind including an enclosure having an end face at one end and a bimetal disc at the other end, in a chamber containing a fluid and having a wall comprising a recess having a bottom-face formed with an opening leading into the chamber. The bottom-face is covered by a metal plate, and the opening is sealed by urging the metal plate toward the recess wall, while the end of the unit containing the bimetal disc is pressed against the metal plate.

Abstract: A switching device responsive to pressure at one or two inputs with pressure responsive members each of which moves an actuating member in response to pressure variations. First and second electrical switches are positioned to be operated by the respective actuating members and a third switch is mounted for movement with one of the members and actuated by the other member. In one embodiment, a first compression spring acts between a housing and an actuating member which is moved in response to pressure variations. A second spring extends in parallel with the first spring and acts between the housing and a pivotably mounted lever which is lifted by the first actuating member above a desired pressure level.

Abstract: A pressure switch incorporates a pressure gauge in which the indicator actuator is operatively connected to an element movable in response to pressure variations in the system being monitored, which element is also part of the switch operating mechanism.

Abstract: A temperature sensing transformer primary switch for a distribution transformer, the switch being mounted within the distribution transformer below the level of the dielectric fluid and being manually operable externally of the transformer for opening the primary circuit and deenergizing the transformer, the switch including a temperature sensing device mounted on the internal end of the transformer below the level of the dielectric fluid to open the primary switch in response to overload temperatures produced on the transformer's secondary circuit. The temperature sensing device includes a compression spring and a wax motor for releasing the energy stored in the compression spring as the temperature of the dielectric fluid reaches a predetermined maximum temperature. The spring is preloaded sufficiently by a manual operation to actuate the switch at the maximum temperature. A pressure responsive switch assembly is provided for opening the primary switch.

Abstract: A spring loaded trip string holding bobbin is deployed when a gas pressure upply is activated. The gas pressure forces a diaphragm member to move a detented biased camming release ring from a locking position to a deploying position. The initial movement of the release ring permits detent balls to move and release a sleeve element which holds the bobbin locked to a sensor assembly and initially prevents the movement of a post holding a breakwire sensing element which is attached to the personnel extended trip string. The release ring after a short interval of time automatically returns to its initial position unlocking the bobbin post so that the breakwire and the device will be responsive to string disturbance.

Abstract: A condition responsive electrical switch is provided with a housing, and means is movable in the housing between opposite positions for controlling the flow of power through the switch. Means is pivotally movable in the housing for effecting actuation of the controlling means between its opposite positions, and means is operable generally in response to a certain condition for driving the actuation means to pivot it and conjointly move the controlling means toward one of its opposite positions. Means is selectively operable for biasing the actuation means against the driving means to also pivot the actuation means and effect conjoint movement of the controlling means toward the other of its opposite positions.A method of operating a condition responsive electrical switch and a control system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical switch construction having a housing carrying a fixed contact and a snap blade having a contact to be snapped relative to the fixed contact as the blade is moved relative to the housing to provide a switching function with the fixed contact. A generally C-shaped actuator has opposed ends disposed on opposite sides of the blade, one end of the actuator being interconnected to the blade to cause snap movement thereof upon movement of that one end of the actuator in one direction relative to the housing. A compression spring is disposed between that one end of the actuator and the housing to tend to oppose movement of that one end of the actuator in that one direction.

Abstract: A control unit having a condition selector, an actuator and a condition responsive device for actuating the actuator when the condition responsive device senses a condition selected by said selector. A lever is carried by the unit and has opposed ends respectively operatively associated with the actuator and the device. The selector has an adjustable part thereof engageable with the lever intermediate the ends thereof for providing a pivot point for the lever. The adjustable part of the selector is adapted to adjust the differential in the operation of the actuator by the device, the adjustable part providing for a positive differential or for a negative differential.

Abstract: A control device having a condition responsive movable part and an electrical switch to be operated by that part, mechanical latch means operatively interconnecting the part to the switch to latch the switch in one operating position thereof when the condition is on one side of a certain value and to unlatch the switch so as to be in another operating position when the condition is on the other side of the certain value. The mechanical latch means includes reset means for resetting and latching the switch back to the one operating position thereof only when the condition is on the one side of the certain value thereof.

Abstract: Electro-pneumatic brake apparatus for railway vehicles including a dynamic brake portion and a fluid pressure operable brake portion both of which are actuated by a common variable signal which produces a corresponding control pressure for effecting operation of said fluid pressure operable portion, such control pressure also being simultaneously converted to an electrical control pulse for effecting operation of the dynamic brake portion at the same time as, or at least not ahead of, the fluid pressure operable portion. The apparatus is further provided with a combined electro-pneumatic monitoring device for determining the sufficiency of the combined brake application.

Abstract: A sensor particularly well suited for use in the monitoring of hydraulic pressure. The sensor includes a deformable membrane mechanically coupled to an electrical switch. The membrane is mounted within a chamber in a manner which permits free radial displacement of the edge of the membrane and which also permits the axial position and shape of the membrane to be varied during assembly of the device.

Abstract: A liquid level monitoring device operable either to detect leakage from a body of liquid or to detect deviations from a controlled rate of withdrawal from a body of liquid. The device employs a pressure responsive diaphragm which, in the face of unequalized pressures applied to its opposite sides, is operable to actuate a control switch. One side of the diaphragm is exposed to a constant pressure, which may be atmospheric, while the other side of the diaphragm is connected to an open ended probe submerged in the body of liquid. When employed as a leak detector, the device is set by opening a solenoid controlled valve connected across a diaphragm to equalize pressure at opposite sides of the diaphragm while the probe is submerged in the body of liquid.