Abstract: A filtration device for use in filtering air used to purge a vapor storage canister used in connection with a fuel vapor recovery system of an automobile. The device includes a housing. In some instances, the housing may be integral to another component. The housing has a chamber having an arcuate inner surface. Air flowing into the chamber through an inlet port strikes the arcuate interior surface and is redirected such that the air rotates in said chamber. The centrifugal force of the rotating air filters out any contaminants of sufficient mass contained therein. The filtered air is removed via an outlet port positioned near the longitudinal-axis of the chamber. Contaminants removed from the air fall due to gravity or a secondary air flow pattern into a collection portion of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a solenoid valve wherein the flow rate of the valve relative to a specific percent duty cycle may be varied. The controller is such that after the desired flow of the solenoid valve is determined, the frequency and percent duty cycle of an output signal controlling the solenoid valve is varied. Such a controller utilizes varying frequencies to provide multiple slope flow rates with a single passage solenoid valve.

Abstract: A thermal sensor assembly is shown as having first and second body sections with the first being a probe-like portion for introduction into a medium the temperature of which is to be monitored; first and second thermistors, electrically isolated from each other are situated within the probe-like portion; the first thermistor is in series with and between two terminals which are connectable to associated circuitry external of the sensor assembly; the second thermistor electrically connected to a third terminal is effective to complete a circuit to ground potential through the probe-like portion.

Abstract: A condition responsive switching device has a cup-shaped case, a body secured in abutting assembled relationship to the case, the body and case defining a chamber, a switch mounted on the body in the chamber providing a fixed electrical contact and a cantilever mounted leaf spring, the free end of the leaf spring overlying the fixed contact and providing a mobile contact movable into and out of engagement with the fixed contact, a snap disc in the chamber on the side of the leaf spring remote from the body, the snap disc being movable between two positions of stability in response to two different predetermined environmental conditions, the central portion of the snap disc moving from each position of stability to the other position of stability first with a predetermined amount of creep movement followed by snap movement, the disc and spring arm being operably connected so that the switch is closed when the disc is in one position of stability and is open when the disc is in the other position of stability,

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is shown as having a housing carrying three electrical terminals with first and second of such terminals respectively terminating in first and second fixed electrical contacts and the third of such terminals being electrically connected to a conductive spring; a further third fixed electrical contact, spaced from the first and second fixed contacts of the first and second terminals, has an aperture formed therein permitting the extension therethrough of an actuator which in turn carries a movable contact which is situated generally between the third fixed contact and the first and second fixed contacts with the spring engaging and urging the movable contact and actuator in a direction whereby the movable contact is moved toward the third fixed contact; a pressure responsive diaphragm situated generally at a side of the third fixed contact operatively engages the actuator and upon sensing sufficient pressure is effective to move the actuator and movable contact against the spring

Abstract: A pressure switch is shown as having two terminals extending externally of a switch housing within which are two stationary adjustably prepositioned fixed contacts respectively electrically connected to the two terminals; two movable contacts are also situated within the housing and, in response to sensed pressure, move toward (or away from) the fixed contacts in a manner causing sequential closing of electrical circuit portions as between respective movable contacts and fixed contacts; related electrical circuit means electrically connected to such contacts serves to energize and/or de-energize related output means as, for example, electrically operated clutch means.

Abstract: A pressure switch is shown as having two terminals extending externally of a switch housing within which are two stationary adjustably prepositioned fixed contacts respectively electrically connected to the two terminals; two movable contacts are also situated within the housing and, in response to sensed pressure, move toward (or away from) the fixed contacts in a manner causing sequential closing of electrical circuit portions as between respective movable contacts and fixed contacts; related electrical circuit means electrically connected to such contacts serves to energize and/or de-energize related output means as, for example, electrically operated clutch means.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is shown as having a housing carrying three electrical terminals with first and second of such terminals respectively terminating in first and second fixed electrical contacts and the third of such terminals being electrically connected to a conductive spring; a further third fixed electrical contact, spaced from the first and second fixed contacts of the first and second terminals, has an aperture formed therein permitting the extension therethrough of an actuator which in turn carries a movable contact which is situated generally between the third fixed contact and the first and second fixed contacts with the spring engaging and urging the movable contact and actuator in a direction whereby the movable contact is moved toward the third fixed contact; a pressure responsive diaphragm situated generally at a side of the third fixed contact operatively engages the actuator and upon sensing sufficient pressure is effective to move the actuator and movable contact against the spring