Abstract: A prepackaged pressure responsive diaphragm sub-assembly of the flange type for isolating a pressure sensitive instrument from the source of fluid pressure at a connection with which the instrument is to be utilized. Comprising the sub-assembly unit is an annular diaphragm retained prepackaged in operative relation sandwiched between a housing and an open ended sleeve having an end face adapted for gasket sealed installation with a match-up sleeve provided by the end user. Securing the assembly are L-shaped fasteners supported in an annular flange mounted about the housing and gripping a shoulder formed on the sleeve. Displaced in the flange from the fasteners are bolt holes enabling installation to a flange on the user's pressure source connection while maintaining the prepackaged operative relation of the sub-assembly.

Abstract: A gasoline dispenser control and data system comprising a central office and a plurality of local stations, each station having dispenser control functions, data storage functions and communication functions. The station has a dispenser control mode and data entry mode. In the dispenser control mode a dispenser may be set to dispense gasoline, such dispensing of gasoline resulting in the production of pulses which are accumulated in a counter. The dispenser may then be reset for the next sale. Upon reset the counter is returned to zero, and the previous sale is stored in a temporary memory for recall and display, also being stored in two separate permanent memories, one of which is accessible to the station operator and the other of which is not accessible to the station operator. In the data entry mode the station operator can enter data into some but not all permanent memories. The station data system may be telephoned by the central office and each memory interrogated.

Abstract: The transparent crystal of a liquid filled pressure gauge casing is physically characterized by a controlled stiffness correlated to the volumetric temperature expansion coefficient of the fill liquid. By virtue of temperature induced expansion of the fluid being accommodated through crystal displacement, affected changes in fluid pressure are substantially minimized in maintaining accuracy of the gauge instrument.

Abstract: A gas service connector for connecting a plastic underground gas service line to an aboveground meter installation. Comprising the connector is a continuous length of gas carryable plastic tubing concentrically spaced within a tubular elbow-shaped gas-free steel pipe jacket. The spacing at each end of the sleeve and tubing is gasket sealed against leakage with their common end aboveground being interlocked to resist axial displacement therebetween. In one embodiment the spacing between sleeve and tubing in at least the aboveground portion defines an air space rendering the unit capable of withstanding aboveground temperatures of up to about 100.degree. F. For withstanding higher aboveground temperatures to 150.degree. F. the spacing between tubing and sleeve in a second embodiment is filled with a reinforced epoxy from at least just belowground level.

Abstract: A muffler for reducing the noise level of the air exhaust from a governed pneumatic tool. Exhaust ports in the tool housing communicate with the interior cavity of a muffler body having selectively located port holes for discharging exhaust from the cavity to atmosphere. Contained in the muffler cavity is a foraminous baffle plate centrally supported in the path of discharge between the exhaust ports of the housing and the discharge ports of the muffler body. Extending about the baffle periphery are a plurality of bypass passages defining a flow path parallel to the baffle and sized to accommodate total air flow at maximum capacity.

Abstract: A pipe coupling affording electrical continuity between all coupling components despite dielectric pre-coating of the individual components. For rendering the coupling components electrically conductive as where required for cathodic protection in a buried underground installation, conductive elements extending through and about the gasket effect electrical continuity between the follower, middle ring and contained pipe. At the same time, selectively located protuberances on each bolt are bared and reliably penetrate the coating on one follower while the bolt nut on makeup penetrates the bolt thread coating and the opposite follower to respectively insure their conductive continuity in the assembly.

Abstract: A mechanically packed gasket is supported circularly concentric on the operator shaft of a butterfly valve in a wedged interfit with an inwardly chamfered end of the shaft journal. With gasket pressure of magnitudes greater than line pressure, leakage of gas from the valve passage past the actuator is prevented. At the same time, gasket pressure against the operator shaft prevents leakage to atmosphere of any gas content inadvertently obtaining access to the shaft surface either by leakage into the vane cavity through porosity of the vane or through functional failure of other shaft seals. Located outward of the shaft journal in a leakage path parallel to that of the gasket is a lubricant packing construction enabling in-service maintenance to be performed against the journal in the event line content leakage should be encountered there.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant Bourdon tube for pressure gauges and the like formed of a vacuum purified ferritic stainless steel containing by weight about 26 percent chromium, about 1 percent molybdenum and ultra-low carbon and nitrogen content on the order of about 0.002 and 0.008 percent, respectively. By virtue of the metallurgical structure of this composition affording good weldability and ductility, a Bourdon tube fabricated therefrom is characterized by substantial immunity to chloride stress cracking, and high resistance to both sulfide damage and pitting corrosion.

Abstract: A quick-acting isolating valve including a valve body having a fixed seat defining an opening through which fluid may flow and co-acting therewith a movable head carried on a stem which is provided with a piston reciprocable in a piston chamber formed in the valve body, there being a fluid outlet from the chamber permitting discharge of fluid from the chamber upon movement of the piston within the chamber when the movable head moves toward or away from its fixed seat and means for effecting progressive restriction of fluid flow through the outlet as the movable head approaches the position of abutment with the fixed seat.

Abstract: A valve, such as a butterfly valve, having an offset closure vane supported on stub shafts for operating the vane in the flow passage of the body, has all exposed and/or potentially vulnerable metal surfaces encapsulated in a corrosion resistant polymeric plastic coating. Annular seals of resilient composition bonded to a steel insert are formed with an annular radial recess at an axially intermediate location and are positioned on the vane shafts axially squeezed between vane and body bosses thereat. In this arrangement, controlled deflection is provided by the seals in effecting a positive sealing pressure whereby the shafts are protected against exposure to line content. At the same time, the seals are rendered self-packing in response to pressure of line content while also functioning to assure concentric centering of the vane in the body passage.

Abstract: A valve, such as a butterfly valve having an offset closure vane and a thru shaft for operating the vane in the flow passage of the body, has all exposed and/or potentially vulnerable metal surfaces encapsulated in a corrosion resistant polymeric plastic coating. By extending the coating uninterrupted from the flow passage through the shaft bore and sizing the bore coating to within controlled tolerances, overall corrosion protection of the valve is substantially enhanced while enabling the coating per se to function as a bearing surface for the operator shaft.

Abstract: A pressure gauge of small size and type suitable for fire extinguisher use. Comprising the gauge is a dial plate secured in keyed registration onto the front face of the casing. A tubular stem extending laterally from the inside face of the viewing crystal is axially slotted to embrace a radial portion of a wound Bourdon tube supporting a pointer opposite the dial plate. Rotating the crystal prior to securing it to the casing enables the tube slot to zero position the pointer at the zero graduation on the dial plate. When secured to the casing the distal end of the crystal stem compresses an O-ring washer for effecting an internal pressure seal between the casing and Bourdon tube thereat.

Abstract: Discharge velocity of the air-fuel mixture being supplied through a variable venturi flow passage device to an internal combustion engine at idle to near idle operation of the engine is optimized by controllably varying the area ratio between the throat and exit planes of the device. Opposite jaw faces of the device define the flow passage that is gradually opened and closed in correlation to demand imposed on the engine between idle and full throttle operation. Area ratio control in one form is achieved by apparatus operative to selectively vary the diffuser angle between the opposing jaw faces. Area ratio control in another form is achieved by apparatus operative to effect a localized passage opening at idle of selectively different aspect ratio than the aspect ratio defined over the full longitudinal extent of the jaw faces.

Abstract: A differential pressure module is secured in switching relation to the actuating plunger of an electrical switching mechanism. Comprising the differential pressure module are two piston/cylinder assemblies connected together in back-to-back configuration by secured cross members forming a floating yoke. Each of the assemblies includes a diaphragm in communication with a separate oppositely directed fluid inlet and through which a force differential effective from the separate forces acting in opposition to each other is applied via the yoke against the switch actuator. A cast body intervening between the assemblies defines the fluid inlets while maintaining the pressure of each isolated from the other.