Abstract: A solenoid valve of the type having a molded one-piece plastic valve body including a housing for a flow rate control member, a guide tube for the solenoid armature and a valve seat. A molded plastic insert is provided which functions to retain the flow rate control member and limit the armature stroke to prevent chattering when the solenoid is energized with no liquid present.

Abstract: An adjustable pressure responsive switch assembly includes a unitary slide cam and button with projections extending outwardly from the slide cam. The support bracket mounted on the pressure switch includes an elongated slot having an enlarged opening at one end. The slide cam projections are adapted to be inserted in the enlarged opening and then be slidingly received in the elongated slot. The slide cam cannot be removed from the bracket unless it is moved all the way to one extreme so that the projections can be removed from the enlarged opening. This movement is prevented by stops formed as part of the cam.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a program timer of the type having a rotating member advanced in a step-by-step manner by a drive pawl includes a drive cam having a camming surface defining the drive stroke of the drive pawl. In order to shorten the switching time, the drive cam is intermittently rotated by an angle sufficient to drive the pawl to advance the rotating member during a single intermittent movement of the drive cam. Sub-interval switching is accomplished by the cooperation between a pivotable sub-interval switching lever and a sub-interval camming surface on the drive cam, with the lever actuated by the camming surface to control the movement of a sub-interval switch blade.

Abstract: An inline solenoid operated fluid flow control valve includes a plunger housing and a plunger movable against a valve seat and pole piece within the flow line when the solenoid coil is energized. The plunger and plunger housing are axially coupled via a spring which absorbs impact when the plunger strikes the valve seat. A piston within the valve seat member provides a pressure balancing feature and the clearance around the piston provides for a minimum flow when the solenoid coil is energized, with full flow occurring when the solenoid coil is not energized.

Abstract: A switch assembly to provide snap action switching on a cam rise in a program timer includes a follower assembly on the free end of a first blade to engage the program member to reference the first blade relative to the program member. A cam follower for actuating a second blade has a relatively high coefficient of friction between it and the follower assembly so that when a steep cam rise is encountered the horizontal force from the cam rise forces the cam follower tightly against the follower assembly, to lock the cam follower to the follower assembly. At the end of the cam rise, the horizontal force is released and the snap action occurs.

Abstract: A pressure switch and transducer arrangement combines into a single unit both a power contact switch for providing power to an automobile fuel pump in response to a predetermined minimum oil pressure and a magnet/Hall effect sensor for providing an analog signal indicative of the oil pressure for use by the automobile on-board microcomputer. The arrangement includes an actuator rod movable by a diaphragm in response to oil pressure. The end of the rod remote from the diaphragm is coupled to a contact washer for providing the power switching function and also to a magnet which cooperates with a fixed Hall effect sensor, which sensor provides an output corresponding to the air gap between the magnet and the sensor. The magnet and the washer are coupled to the actuator rod in such a manner that even after the washer makes contact with the power switching terminals, the actuator rod and magnet are free to continue moving as the oil pressure continues to increase.

Abstract: A flow rate sensor including a diaphragm having a first side in fluid communication with a Venturi and a flow conduit. With flow through the conduit, the diaphragm travels downwardly, the extent of travel being determined by the flow rate. A permanent magnet assembly is coupled to the second side of the diaphragm for movement therewith and a Hall effect sensor assembly is fixed on the housing along a line which is an extension of the line of travel of the permanent magnet. Accordingly, the output from the Hall effect sensor is related to the distance between the magnet and the sensor and, thus, to the flow rate through the conduit. In order to prevent fluid from backing up into the vacuum area under the diaphragm when fluid flow is stopped, a check valve is interposed between the Venturi and the diaphragm. The check valve includes a ball having a lower density than the fluid which cooperates with a valve seat in the passageway leading to the diaphragm.

Abstract: The interior of the bellows is sealed at atmospheric pressure so the pressure on the outside of the bellows is resisted by the atmospheric pressure within the bellows as well as by the spring. When the pressure on the outside of the bellows (which is evaporator pressure in a refrigeration system) exceeds a predetermined amount, the bellows tends to collapse and the head of the bellows pulls away from the actuating pin and allows the spring acting on the pilot valve to open the pilot valve whereupon the pressure to the right of the head of the piston is reduced, allowing the piston to move to the right against the return spring force and thus open the outlet by moving the end of the piston wall past the slot in the stationary sleeve. When the pressure falls below the desired amount, the bellows expands and moves the head of the bellows against the actuating pin to close the pilot valve.