Abstract: A fluid operated control valve for controlling fluid flow of a system which includes a first and a second fluid channels therein, the control valve includes: a hollow casing with closed first and second ends; a piston member slidably disposed within the casing and defining thereby within the casing a first chamber adjacent to the first end of the casing and a second chamber adjacent to the second end of the casing; a first magnet disposed adjacent the first chamber of the casing for attracting the piston member to a first terminal position; a second magnet disposed adjacent the second chamber of the casing for attracting the piston member to a second terminal position.

Abstract: An encasement is provided for improving the acoustic characteristics of fluid pumps. The encasement is substantially formed from a material selected from the group consisting of glasses, ceramics, thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins. Further, the encasement forms a chamber open to one side for receiving and containing a fluid pump. The open side of the encasement includes a lip for mating with a base. The encasement is designed in modular fashion for relatively quick assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: An improved fluid pump provided with a ceramic encasement that substantially reduces noise and vibration, resulting in improved acoustic characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric air pump assembly and a sub-assembly for use therein which speeds assembly and assures proper alignment of the operative pump parts to facilitate proper pump operation while minimizing fatigue failures due to misalignment.The electric air pump assembly (10) is of the type comprising a housing (20) enclosing at least one diaphragm pump (30) having a base (31) and a reciprocable diaphragm (32), an actuator arm (40) affixed to the diaphragm at a location between the two ends of the arm, pivot means (61) for supporting one end (43) of the arm, and electromagnet means (50) operable to reciprocate the unsupported end (41) of the arm and thereby cause the arm to reciprocate about the pivot means and effect reciprocating movement of the diaphragm which in turn creates an air flow from the pump.