Abstract: A miniature pneumatic switch apparatus has a diameter of three-eights inches and a height of five sixteenths inches and operates from minimal pressure to 100 psi. A pressure responsive unit includes outer spaced guide walls extending from a pressure movable wall. A switch unit is secured to the guide walls in spaced aligned relation to the movable wall and forms an operating chamber. A spring carrier is mounted within the chamber. The carrier includes a plate having a lateral opening with a beam spring extending therethrough, with the spring ends supported in openings aligned with the plate. An elastic band encircles the support walls and holds the beam spring in place. The opening in the plate facing the switch unit is a flat face, and the opposite face facing the movable wall is curved for line contact with the spring.

Abstract: A multi-stage pneumatic pressure regulator establishes a constant output pressure with a change in the output flow. The regulator includes a poppet valve connecting the input and output. A relief valve mounted on the poppet valve includes a first positioning diaphragm subjected to output chamber pressure and a vent hole to atmosphere. A pilot valve is mounted on the relief valve and includes a pressure chamber with a positioning diaphragm of a lesser area than the first diaphragm, coupled to the relief valve and opposing the first position diaphragm. A precision bleed orifice connects the pressure chamber to the input chamber and establishes a precise bleed. A presettable spring load orifice unit in the pilot valve couples the pressure chamber to the output chamber and passes the bleed flow to the output chamber and venting atmosphere. The pilot chamber pressure is greater than the output pressure and prevents feedback of the bleed. The poppet valve and pilot orifice have novel constructions.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator includes a diaphragm operated leakport controlling low liquid or fluid flow rates. A precisely formed leakage unit spaced from the leakport establishes continuous flow from the input to the output. The leakage unit includes a separate orifice unit having an integral molded body and internal precision orifice establishing the continuous flow. A multiple mold core unit for molding an integral body and orifice including a pair of aligned mold cores have opposed planar surfaces located at the orifice plane. A small gap is held between the opposed end surfaces. The orifice unit is molded as a single plastic element without flash at the orifice. The orifice has a diameter in the range of about 0.001 to 0.030 inches, and may be used in various applications requiring precise low flows. The orifice unit may include an elongated tubular body with an internal orifice molded as single integral members.

Abstract: A fluid signal comparator includes a flexible diaphragm clamped within a housing and defining a signal input chamber coupled to a signal source and an input/output chamber connected to an air supply and to a load. A leakport orifice unit includes a centrally located nozzle having a planar outer edge seat located in spaced parallel relation to the diaphragm. The diaphragm moves to create a pressure in the input/output chamber which balances the input signal force on the diaphragm. An output port is connected to the input/output chamber and to the load in the illustrated embodiment to transmit the pressure and/or flow to the load. The pressure of the input signal and of the stream acts on opposite sides of the diaphragm and positions the diaphragm relative to the orifice seat to create a restricted flow passageway having the necessary pressure drop to create a balanced pressure condition in the output chamber.