Abstract: A booster device for reducing the pedal force required to release the clutch on automotive vehicles. It is capable of either replacing the conventional clutch master cylinder (FIG. 4) or acting as an additional slave and master cylinder (FIGS. 1 to 3). An overcenter mechanism acts on the piston 4 intermediate its end to assist movement in opposite directions beyond a central point. To avoid unbalanced side loads, the overcenter mechanism includes two radially opposed spring (8) biased arms (5) the inner ends of which bear in cup-shaped recesses (6A) on opposite sides of a plug (6) sliding in a transverse bore through the piston (4).

Abstract: In a driving device of the piston-flowmeter type, in particular for a proportioning pump, a distributor is mounted at one end of a piston cylinder for controlling the admission and discharge of fluid within two chambers formed respectively on each side of the piston. The distributor body is provided with circular flow passages and two pairs of valve-seats in cooperating relation with two seals of a two-position tubular valve. The valve has a central bore traversed by the piston rod and coupled to a resilient bistable mechanism for reversing the state of the valve and maintaining it in either of its two positions.

Abstract: In a steering system in which both front and rear wheels are steerable, the rear road wheels are adapted to be turned in the direction opposite to the direction of turning of the front road wheels only when a steering wheel is turned with a torque or effort larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vacuum operable, snap-action assembly utilizing a metal disc and flexible diaphragm structure to move a switch between first and second positions is disclosed. The switch and disc assembly are provided in a protective housing and are responsive to a pressure differential across the disc and diaphragm structure.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system in which both front and rear road wheels are turnable in opposite directions upon low speed running and in the same direction upon high speed running, and the angle of turning of the rear road wheels for a given steering effort on a steering wheel is varied so that a large angle of turning of the rear road wheels is obtained during low speed running and a small angle of turning of the rear road wheels is obtained during high speed running.

Abstract: A pressure responsive device suitable for high pressure hydraulic applications has a formed metal disc or diaphragm adapted to move from an original dished configuration toward an inverted dished configuration with snap action in response to the application of a selected fluid pressure. Support means of selected surface radius extend into the space defined by the original dished configuration of the diaphragm to intercept and limit such diaphragm movement to prevent damage to the diaphragm under the applied pressure and to limit stresses in the diaphragm material particularly adjacent to the periphery of the dished part of the diaphragm for improving reliability and service life of the device.

Abstract: Pneumatic diaphragm actuator having a driving rod for acting upon a push rod of a position controller through a return spring, wherein an inversion device when inserted between the diaphragm actuator and the position controller, inverts the force exerted upon the push rod by the driving rod.

Abstract: A vacuum pump having a mechanically operated plunger or piston which is so arranged as to either fully open or fully close a supply of compressed gas. The compressed gas flows through a venturi tube to create a vacuum. This vacuum in turn causes the atmospheric pressure to urge the plunger against a spring force to close the connection between the compressed gas and the venturi tube. This will maintain the vacuum pressure between two predetermined limits. As soon as the pressure in the vacuum chamber rises above a predetermined value the compressed gas supply is opened again to reduce the gas pressure in the vacuum chamber. There are also disclosed a new desoldering tool, a power cylinder, clamping fixtures and suction cups operable with the vacuum pump of the invention.