Abstract: A diaphragm pump for pumping a fluid includes a housing, a pump chamber defined in the housing, a first diaphragm for sealing the pump chamber, a pressure control chamber defined in the housing adjacent to the pump chamber via the first diaphragm, a second diaphragm for sealing the pressure control chamber, a drive mechanism operable to deform the first and second diaphragms, an introduction passage for introducing into the pressure control chamber a part of the fluid that is discharged from the pump chamber, and a pressure regulating valve disposed in the introduction passage for adjusting a pressure in the pressure control chamber to a medium pressure between a suction pressure and a discharge pressure.

Abstract: An aspirator cassette includes a housing having first and second ends sealed off by first and second end caps, respectively. A partition mechanism is enclosed within the housing for dividing its internal volume into first and second regions. First and second fluid flow ports are mounted on the first and second end caps, respectively, to provide fluid flow paths into and from the first and second regions, respectively. When the first region is filled with liquid, its associated first port is connected to a vacuum source for sucking the liquid out of the region, whereby as the liquid is removed, the partition mechanism responds by decreasing the volume of the first region, and increasing the volume of the second region causing its second port to draw a vacuum for sucking fluid from an aspiration device connected to the second port.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a liner for a first pump housing in a fluid pump assembly. The fluid pump assembly includes a first pump housing, a second pump housing and a flexible diaphragm disposed between the first and second pump housings. The first pump housing includes a fluid access port for providing fluid communication between an inside housing chamber of the first pump housing and an outside of the first pump housing. The second pump housing is securely mated to the first pump housing. The second pump housing includes a biasing mechanism for selectively displacing a portion of the diaphragm toward the first pump housing. The liner of the invention includes a flexible member removeably secured inside the first pump housing. The liner also includes a first portion of the member being shaped to substantially conform to the interior dimensions of the inside housing chamber and a second portion of the member shaped to substantially conform to the fluid access port.

Abstract: A delivery pump for a delivery fluid comprises at least one valve plate (4), at least one actuatable pumping diaphragm (3) attached to the at least one valve plate (4) in a fluid-tight manner for delivering the delivery fluid, said pumping diaphragm (3) defining at least one pumping chamber (2) together with the at least one valve plate (4) and having at least one free fold (16), extending over at least one circumferential area of the at least one pumping diaphragm (3), for changing the volume of the at least one pumping chamber (2), at least one inlet opening (7) disposed in the at least one valve plate (4) for guiding the delivery fluid into the at least one pumping chamber (2), and at least one outlet opening (8) disposed in the at least one valve plate (4) for guiding the delivery fluid out of the at least one pumping chamber (2).

Abstract: An actuator assembly comprises a first diaphragm (422) and a second diaphragm (424) connected to the first diaphragm for forming a chamber (426) between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. An actuator shaft (427) is connected to first diaphragm (422) and is oriented to extend through the chamber (426) and to extend through an aperture formed in the second diaphragm (424). The second diaphragm (424) can be connected to an actuator body (450) wherein the actuator shaft (427) performs an actuation operation. Alternatively, one or more actuator amplification assemblies (400(B)) can be interposed between the second diaphragm and the actuator body.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump which overcomes the problem of diaphragm failure due to overfill of the oil transfer chamber. An overfill preventive element in the form of a mechanical stop, a fully closed coil spring, or a valve system, or alternatives are provided.

Abstract: A heald frame for a weaving machine includes stops (15, 16) made of a material with shock-absorbing properties associated with the ends of the healds (10). A gap is provided between the heald ends and the stops, such gap ensuring that the healds can be moved along guide rails forming part of the heald frame while reducing noise and potentially damaging vibrations. The healds are held on the guide rails with play and are moved by and limited in their movements in a longitudinal direction by the stops.

Abstract: An object such as an automobile part, an image forming apparatus part, a bicycle part, other machine parts, a sport article or its part, a toy or its part, or a rain article or its part has a portion to be in contact with a contact object. The contact portion is made of at least one kind of material selected from a group including polymer material such as resin or rubber as well as glass, and the contact portion has a surface entirely or partially coated with a carbon film (typically, a DLC film) having a wear resistance as well as at least one of a lubricity, a water repellency and a gas barrier property. The carbon film is formed on the object with a good adhesion.

Abstract: A pump that has a flexible liner located adjacent to a diaphragm. The liner provides structural support for the diaphragm. The flexible liner can slide relative to the diaphragm. This relative movement reduces the stiffness of the diaphragm/liner assembly. The diaphragm/liner assembly is therefore both flexible and strong. Additionally, the liner provides a thermal insulator for the diaphragm. The flexible liner may be constructed from a low friction material to lower the friction between the liner and a wobble plate of the pump. Lowering the friction reduces the heat generated within the pump. The structural reinforcement, thermal insulation and lower friction features of the liner increase the life of the diaphragm and the pump.

Abstract: A pressure sensor having a radially tensioned diaphragm for measuring fluid pressure. The pressure sensor includes a first generally concave metal body member and a second generally concave metal body member, and a radially tensioned flexible metal diaphragm located therebetween that is tensioned by heating the sensor. The first and second body members are formed from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of approximately 0.0000056 inch/inch/° F. to 0.0000064 inch/inch/° F. The diaphragm is formed from a precipitation hardening metal material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of approximately 0.0000060 inch/inch/° F. The first body member and the second body member are formed from a ferromagnetic metal material such that the first and second body members shield the diaphragm from magnetic fields which may otherwise cause movement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A membrane pump (104) with an operating membrane (1) delimiting a conveying space (2), and a supplemental membrane (3) arranged on the side of the operating membrane (1) facing away from the conveying space (2), with a membrane interspace (4) provided between the operating membrane (1) and the supplemental membrane (3) as well as with a pump drive for oscillating movement of the operating and the supplemental membranes (1, 3) in the same direction. The membrane interspace (3) is joined with at least one suction channel (7) for relieving pressure of the membrane interspace (4). The membrane interspace (4) is pneumatically joined through the at least one suction channel (7) with the suction side of this membrane pump (104). The membrane pump of the invention (104) has a high suction capacity without the problem of buckling of the elastic operating membrane (1) in the intake phase.

Abstract: Fluid cooled diaphragms for diaphragm compressors are provided which utilize a multi-layer diaphragm with an upper or gas contacting later, and a bottom or lower layer, which has cooling grooves through which cooling fluid is circulated to reduce the diaphragm temperature. Additionally the upper surface of the diaphragm may be subjected to high loading to indent the surface and produce grooves for gas escape passageways. The gas contacting and grooved layer can be joined over part of the entire surface, or the grooved layer not connected to the other layer. Two or more layers may be used as required.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a highly durable positive displacement pump capable of dry-priming and pumping of a liquid containing abrasive non-soluble material. The pump assembly comprises an internally pressurized diaphragm assembly secured to a pump bowl and a pump bowl tube. A suction inlet and discharge outlet are located at opposite ends of the pump bowl tube, the inlet and outlet are each configured to receive a valve that limits flow of the liquid to a single direction. The internally pressurized diaphragm assembly comprises an upper diaphragm positioned atop a lower diaphragm wherein a cavity is formed between the diaphragms that is pressurized thereby reducing fatigue failure inducing stresses. Reciprocating axial movement of the internally pressurized diaphragm assembly, produced by a drive means, suctions the liquid in through the suction inlet and then discharges the liquid through the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A centering support for a piston in a piston-type pump having a diaphragm extending between the piston and the cylinder to define a product end of the pump and a driven end of the pump includes at least three equally radially spaced, centering elements extending radially outwardly from the piston for contacting the cylinder wall. The centering elements define a gap between the piston and the cylinder wall. The centering elements are disposed on the piston spaced from the diaphragm at the product end of the pump.

Abstract: An actuator including a pneumatically distended elastomer membrane that is pressurized and depressurized using electrostatically actuated flap valves laminated onto a printed circuit board. The flap valves close only at zero pressure gradients and flows so that elevated closing and hold-off pressures are achieved. Fluid expelled from the elastomer membranes during collapse are vented through a wall of the actuator. An air jet object mover utilizes an array of the pneumatic actuators as valves to open and close air jet vents. A fiber optic micro-switch utilizes pneumatic actuators to position a mirror.

Abstract: A safety diaphragm for a diaphragm pump, which makes it possible to detect a rupture of the diaphragm during operation or when at a standstill. The diaphragm has at least two diaphragm layers (1, 2) arranged lying one on top of the other, and preferably has an essentially circular periphery. The at least two diaphragm layers (1, 2) each has opposing inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge and are arranged so that the inner surfaces of the diaphragm layers are adjacent each other. The diaphragm has a clamping region (E), from the peripheral edge towards a center, running in a peripheral direction for fixing the diaphragm in a pump and has an adjacent operational region (A) from the clamping region (E) toward the center. The diaphragm layers (1, 2) are connected to each other so that they are sealed against penetration of liquid and/or gas between the diaphragm layers and so that there is atmospheric or subatmospheric pressure between the diaphragm layers (1, 2).

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator adapted for placement between a pair of spaced members for controlling relative movement between said members is formed of two different hardness plastic materials and includes a rigid base and a flexible top member forming an internal air chamber therebetween. The top member is movable between collapsed and expanded positions by pressurized air introduced into the internal chamber for relative movement of the spaced members. The base has a sidewall terminating in a peripheral edge on which the top member is sealingly secured by a hot welded joint. A central portion of the top member has a raised thickened portion which engages one of the spaced members. A stop is located within the internal chamber to maintain the central portion of the top member above the peripheral edge of the base to prevent contact of the spaced member with the sealed joint when the top member is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for pumping fluids at desired average flow rates by applying a predetermined force to a pump chamber and pulsing an outlet valve of the pump chamber to deliver a fluid therefrom. In some embodiments, pump chambers are provided within removable pumping cartridges that are constructed and configured to be coupled to a reusable pump drive component. In other embodiments, the pumping cartridges include multiple pump chambers, which pump chambers are operated so that a pump flow rate of one pump chamber is a predetermined fraction of the pump flow rate of another pump chamber within the pumping cartridge.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump with hydraulically powered diaphragm that is so chucked on a circulating rim between a pump lid and a pump housing in a predetermined radial chucking area and with a predetermined press-on force between the pump lid and the pump housing that the press-on force will be below a flow limit of the diaphragm material. At least one elastic part is provided additionally in the chucking area. That part is so designed that it will elastically compensate for any reductions occurring during the operation of the diaphragm pump in the press-on pressure in the chucking area of the diaphragm between the pump lid and the pump housing.

Abstract: The pump of the present invention preferably includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port and a chamber located in fluid communication with the inlet port and the outlet port. A diaphragm is sealingly secured in the chamber and, together with the housing, define a fluid passageway from the inlet port to the outlet port. An electromagnetic assembly or other driving device is preferably secured to the housing and is positioned to move the diaphragm in order to pump fluid through the pump. In some preferred embodiments, the electromagnetic assembly includes a plunger positioned and adapted to move the diaphragm against the biasing force of a spring. Improved diaphragms and diaphragm features are also disclosed, including a two-part diaphragm structure, diaphragm sealing portions for sealing the fluid chamber from driving and biasing assemblies of the pump, and inherently biased diaphragms.

Abstract: A device used for pneumatic control, includes a control piston carried in a cylinder. The control piston is mounted so as to be movable in the direction of a longitudinal piston axis, and a primary flow path that can be closed by the control pressure passes through the cylinder. The control piston is provided with a control surface that faces a control chamber of the cylinder and that is designed to transmit a control force to the control piston. The control piston includes a piston shank whose cross-sectional area is dimensioned so as to be essentially equal to a cross-sectional area of a flow orifice of the primary flow path that can be closed by the control piston and that faces an interior cylinder chamber.

Abstract: Reusable pump drive systems are disclosed that utilize pressurized fluids for creating a force on a flexible or moveable surface of a pump chamber of a pumping cartridge. One such system includes a variable sized orifice valve included as part of a fluid supply system, which valve is able to selectively control a fluid pressure applied to the surface of a pump chamber. Other such systems include a switch valve, which is configured to select a first or second fluid supply source within the system for applying a desired pressure to the surface of a pump chamber.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump with a pump lid, a pump housing and a hydraulically powered diaphragm that is arranged between the former, that delimits a hydraulic chamber from a delivery chamber and that is clamped in a circulating rim. There is provided between the pump lid and the pump housing an insert part, which is located on the side of the pump lid and which limits the delivery chamber and/or an insert part that is located on the side of the pump housing and that delimits the hydraulic chamber, while the diaphragm at its circulating rim is clamped between the insert part and the pump housing or the pump lid or between insert parts.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for detecting the presence of a gas in a pump chamber of a pumping system. The methods, and systems employing the methods, involve isolating a pump chamber from its surroundings, for example by closing an inlet and outlet valve on lines to and from the chamber, and determining the volume of the pump chamber with a force applied to a moveable or flexible surface of the pump chamber. The volume of the pump chamber is then redetermined in a similar fashion but with a second, different level of force applied to the surface of the pump chamber. The volumes thus determined can then be compared to detect the presence of a gas in the pump chamber.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump for pumping a fluid, such as paint, includes a diaphragm separating a first chamber for accommodating and dispensing the paint from a second chamber for accommodating a drive fluid, and a piston that reciprocates to drive the drive fluid within the second chamber in order to flex the diaphragm to provide the pumping action within the first chamber. The diaphragm pump also includes a backing ring mounted adjacent the diaphragm that is configured to distribute the drive fluid across the diaphragm to cause a flexible region of the diaphragm to flex toward the first chamber from the outer perimeter inward toward a central pumping surface in a rolling manner. This diaphragm movement results in substantially all of the paint adjacent the diaphragm within the first chamber to move out of the first chamber when the diaphragm reaches its travel limit, and thus improves the efficiency of the diaphragm pump.

Abstract: A spray gun configured with a roiling wall diaphragm piston and vented piston cylinder connecting the needle to the needle actuator and isolating the liquid chamber of the nozzle body from the actuator section. The flange of the rolling wall diaphragm is sealed between the mating faces of the nozzle body housing and the actuator housing. The actuator is a double action air operated piston and cylinder. Sanitary, non-threaded quick disconnect couplings are used between the several components of the spray gun for easy cleaning and servicing of the nozzle body, tip and needle, and easy replacement of the rolling wall diaphragm.

Abstract: A metal diaphragm is provided which acts as a spring while defining a flow path. A restraint limits upward movement of the diaphragm during transient motion. Downward movement is resisted by a Belleville spring.

Abstract: A diaphragm-sealed valve having stops, mechanical means placed between a top and bottom plate to control assembled thickness and/or the amount of compression applied to the diaphragm which is placed between the top and bottom plate when the diaphragm-sealed valve is assembled together. The stops allow adequate compression to assure sealing while preventing overcompression because the stops prevent any further movement of the plates towards each other. Overcompression can result in reduced diaphragm life, diaphragm damage, areas of entrapment for contaminates and increases the force required to seal between the valve inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A selectively bonded two-ply diaphragm for a diaphragm pump having adjacent first and second layers of the diaphragm which are selectively bonded at the interface between the layers in at least one attachment portion, which is adapted for attachment to a pump. A working portion is provided in which the first and second layers are free to move relative to one another at the interface. The attachment portion may include a central portion which is adapted for attachment to a diaphragm rod of a pump and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion which is adapted for stationary attachment to a pump housing. The working portion joins the peripheral portion and the central portion. Selective bonding of the diaphragm is by at least partially bonding or substantially bonding the first and second layers at the interface in the peripheral portion, the central portion, or both.

Abstract: An improved diaphragm substantially resistant to abrasive wear for use in certain applications in which at least a portion of such diaphragm is in contact with another surface which would tend to abrade such diaphragm, such diaphragm comprising at least one layer of a flexible material selected from a group including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, fabric reinforced rubber, plastic and mixtures thereof and an abrasion resistant polymeric material having a predetermined thickness. This abrasion resistant polymeric material is adhered to such diaphragm at least in the portion that such diaphragm is in contact with another surface and is subject to abrasion. This type of abrasion generally occurs in the flange area of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diaphragm having a generally truncated conical body for use in diaphragm actuating piston assemblies, such diaphragm comprising at least one layer of an elastomeric material selected from a group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, fabric reinforced rubber and mixtures thereof. There is further a first central opening, having a first predetermined diameter, disposed at a first edge of such diaphragm for mounting on a diaphragm actuating piston, such first central opening being formed by a bead like portion having a second predetermined diameter. There is further included a second central opening, having a third predetermined diameter, disposed at a second edge of such diaphragm for mounting on a body portion of such diaphragm actuating piston assembly, such second central opening being formed by a bead like portion having a fourth predetermined diameter.

Abstract: A fluid control assembly that includes fluid valving, fluid regulation, automatic safety shut-off valving and manual shut-off valving in one assembly, a novel fluid control unit that integrates the above functions in one unit, and a novel ignitor and a novel seal and diaphragm for use in the assembly.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve having a diaphragm functioning as a valve body. Unlike the conventional valve of this type, the retainer for pressing the sealing section of the diaphragm against the valve seat is provided with a predetermined number of rectangular apertures or concave portions at specified positions thereon so that when the valve is operated in a low temperature atmosphere or a high temperature atmosphere, the diaphragm is prevented from sticking firmly to the valve sheet due to freezing or heating thereby allowing the valve to perform an accurate valve opening operation without changing its pressure and flow rate characteristics.

Abstract: In a diaphragm pump apparatus having a first chamber and a second chamber divided from the first by a movable diaphragm, the diaphragm comprises on both sides annular surfaces, whereby the annular surface is rounded out and goes over into a conically tapering thickened area and the other annular surface is provided with a concavely curved rounded-out portion incorporated into the thickened area of the diaphragm. By means of this design it is achieved that even highly viscous media can be pumped with the diaphragm pump apparatus, that the diaphragm has a long lifespan and that trouble-free operation of the diaphragm pump apparatus is ensured.

Abstract: A pump diaphragm that is composed of two different shore-hardness materials of the same base polymer. The diaphragm includes a strong layer that will withstand hydraulic pressures and one or more soft layers that can be shaped into desirable sealing configurations. The diaphragm is constructed by first injecting a first thermoplastic material, with a relatively lower percentage of rubber filler, into a mold cavity and allowing the first material to cure. The hardened first material is then placed into a second mold cavity. A second thermoplastic material which contains the same base polymer but a relatively higher percentage of rubber filler is then injected into the second cavity. The first and second material utilize the same base polymer and thus will have the same melt temperature, as well as a strong propensity to bond to each other when molten. The second material is introduced to the cavity at a temperature that melts the interface of the first material.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump (1) has a shaped diaphragm (2) of elastic material. The central zone (3) of the diaphragm (2) is thickened in the direction of stroke and is surrounded by a flexible annular zone (5) held on the pump case by an external clamping edge (6). The central zone (3) of the diaphragm (2) is engaged by a connecting rod (11) with which the shaped diaphragm (2) is displaceable from a top to a bottom dead-centre position and vice versa. Radial ribs (19) as well as stabilizing ribs (19) extending in the circumferential direction are arranged on the underside (17) of the annular zone (5). Therefore a shaped diaphragm (2) is obtained which in the annular zone (5) is flexible about a circumferential line, but which nevertheless exhibits comparatively high flexural strength about a diametral line. Deformation of the shaped diaphragm (2) under vacuum is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump 1 has a reciprocating piston 2 operated with the aid of a connecting rod 5 and by this means moves an attached diaphragm 4 fixed in the pump housing 3. The connecting rod 5, in turn, is acted upon and driven at the end facing away from the reciprocating piston 2 by an eccentric 6 or a cranked portion of the drive shaft 11. The rotating masses and at least part of the oscillating masses of the pump are balanced by at least one fixedly mounted counterweight 7 moving in synchronism therewith. For the automatic correction of varying out-of-balance conditions due to variable gas forces or medium forces, a self-regulating system of rolling elements 12 is provided in an annular, empty cavity 9 that is arranged concentrically to the axis of shaft rotation and is situated within a co-rotating housing 10.

Abstract: A pump diaphragm that is composed of two different shore-hardness materials of the same base polymer. The diaphragm includes a strong layer that will withstand hydraulic pressures and one or more soft layers that can be shaped into desirable sealing configurations. The diaphragm is constructed by first injecting a first thermoplastic material, with a relatively lower percentage of rubber filler, into a mold cavity and allowing the first material to cure. The hardened first material is then placed into a second mold cavity. A second thermoplastic material which contains the same base polymer but a relatively higher percentage of rubber filler is then injected into the second cavity. The first and second material utilize the same base polymer and thus will have the same melt temperature, as well as a strong propensity to bond to each other when molten. The second material is introduced to the cavity at a temperature that melts the interface of the first material.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster having a piston which slides in a casing with a portion that extends outside of the casing. A tubular protective bellows has a first end connected to the casing and a second end that engages an input rod through which an operational signal is communicated to a valve retained the valve. The bellows is made of a porous and deformable material such that air communicated to the valve in response an input force applied to the control rod is directly passes through the porous bellows. The porous bellows has a pore size such that any contamination in the air is removed or filtered before being presented to the valve.

Abstract: A multi-thickness diaphragm member including clamping sections that are sized for assembly of the diaphragm in standard air brake valve devices and a flexure portion intermediate the clamping sections that forms a convolution during assembly. The thickness of the flexure portion is less than that of the clamping sections to facilitate formation of the diaphragm convolution without wrinkling, in order to alleviate progressive fatigue failure. The thin flexure portion of the diaphragm is joined with the respective clamping sections through a tapered area, which lies entirely outside of the annular space in which the diaphragm convolution forms during assembly, to thereby maximize the radius of curvature of the convolution for optimum utilization of the flexure portion in forming the convolution.

Abstract: A fluid-operated brake actuator having a hollow actuator rod between a spring chamber of a spring brake housing and a spring chamber of a service brake housing incorporates a valve within the actuator rod. The valve isolates the two spring chambers from each other in normal operation and releases a vacuum in the spring brake housing spring chamber when the spring brake is activated. A separate one-way check valve mounted in a well of the spring brake housing permits fluid to exhaust from the spring chamber to atmosphere and prevents contaminants in the atmosphere from entering the spring chamber.

Abstract: A tandem brake booster ( 12 ) having a flow path ( 145 ) between a control valve (118) and a solenoid valve (180) connected to a source of vacuum and the surrounding environment. The flow path (145) is created by first (140) and second (150) telescoping sleeves that are resiliently urged into sealing engagement with a front shell (58) and hub member (92) by a return spring (164).

Abstract: A spring brake actuator, formed by a housing having an elastomeric diaphragm dividing the interior into two chambers, comprises a pressure plate adjacent the diaphragm in one of the chambers with a large force compression spring between the pressure plate and the housing. A hollow actuator rod is mounted within the chamber for reciprocal movement with the diaphragm and the pressure plate and receives a permanently installed caging tool extending through a housing aperture, a pressure plate aperture and into the hollow actuator rod. The pressure plate includes a bearing in the pressure plate aperture to facilitate reciprocal movement of the pressure plate over the caging tool.

Abstract: The diaphragm has an outer flange and an inner portion which is deflectable relative thereto, with the inner portion having a lone, primary annular corrugation connecting a center of the inner portion to the outer flange and which, when viewed in cross section, has the general shape of one full cosine wave. A plurality of radially disposed waves present ridges to the high pressure side of the diaphragm, with each fairing in amplitude from a maximum generally midway of the diaphragm radius to zero generally at the center and at the outer flange. Each of the radial waves is arithmetically added to the primary wave so as to be integral therewith and has the general shape of one full cosine wave when viewed in cross-section both along and normal to the length of the ridge. In one embodiment, similarly shaped annular corrugations are added onto the primary corrugation as secondary annular waveforms so as to provide the diaphragm with greater sensitivity and longer deflection (stroke) capabilities.

Abstract: A brake booster, and more particularly, an improvement of a coiled spring which is disposed within a valve body to return an input shaft to its inoperative position is disclosed. The coiled spring of the invention is generally cylindrical, and is disposed between a retainer secured to a tubular portion of the valve body and a step on the input shaft. The coiled spring includes a seat section which is disposed in abutment against the step on the input shaft and which has an inner diameter chosen to be less than the adjacent coil. Such arrangement enables an arcuate space 20d to be maintained radially between the seat section and its adjacent coil. The arcuate space is utilized as a pressure passage which allows the passage of the atmosphere. If the coiled spring is rapidly compressed upon operation of the booster, the described space is maintained, allowing an unhindered passage of the atmosphere through the space. This improves the response upon operation of the booster.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved spring brake assembly, and a method for making same, which is particularly resistant to unauthorized disassembly and its consequent hazards. A diaphragm is locked between two opposing portions of a housing. The two opposing portions of the housing are both made of steel and are welded rather than clamped to one another. The weld is performed in such a way that the diaphragm is not burnt or otherwise damaged by the welding process. The opposing portions are configured as a cylindrical coupling between a male member having an inwardly extending lip, and a female member preferably having an inner circumferential ledge, which cooperate to trap the periphery of the diaphragm at an end of the coupling remote from the weld.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a diaphragm pressure switch used to sense paint pressure in an airless, piston-type paint spray gun includes a disc-shaped, deflectable, chemically-inert primary member and a washer-shaped, secondary, resilient member located behind the primary member. The switch includes a hollow body which connects to the spray gun to form a sensing zone therebetween. The switch body houses a spring-biased, linearly displaceable piston with a head which extends through an opening in the body. The primary member of the diaphragm has a first surface exposed to paint in the sensing zone and a second surface with a central region which contacts the piston head. High pressure in the sensing zone deflects the primary member, and deflection of the primary member displaces the piston. The chemically inert primary member withstands the chemically-corrosive effects of solvents in the paint.

Abstract: A valving arrangement as provided for a vehicle brake booster wherein an inlet valve has two ring members. The inlet valve, by providing the two ring members, one ring member inserted within another member, is less vulnerable to leaks due to a lack of parallelism.

Abstract: A pneumatic booster for use, for example, in a brake system of a vehicle, and designed so that the overall axial length is reduced without interfering with the operation thereof. The booster comprises a valve body which is movable back and forth between first and second positions in a housing that is divided by a diaphragm with a power piston into front and rear chambers communicated with respective pressure sources, a valve which allows at least one of the front and rear chambers to selectively communicate with the pressure sources which differ from each other in the level of pressure, and a guide which slidably fits on the outer periphery of the valve body. The valve body has a passage one end of which opens on the outer periphery thereof to connect one of the front and rear chambers to the associated pressure source, the opening of the passage being positioned in the axial direction of the valve body so that the guide overlaps the opening when the valve body is at either the first or second position.

Abstract: A fluid-operated brake actuator having a hollow actuator rod between a spring chamber of a spring brake housing and a spring chamber of a service brake housing incorporates a valve within the actuator rod. The valve isolates the two spring chambers from each other in normal operation and releases a vacuum in the spring brake housing spring chamber when the spring brake is activated. A separate one-way check valve mounted in a well of the spring brake housing permits fluid to exhaust from the spring chamber to atmosphere and prevents contaminants in the atmosphere from entering the spring chamber.