Abstract: A force transmitting fluid actuator for use with a control device wherein an actuator member, movable within an actuator housing, actuates the control device due to the urging force of a plurality of pistons which can be selectively pressurized in unitary increments. The plurality of pistons are disposed within pressure chambers formed in the actuator housing in a symmetrical ring-shaped arrangement concentric to a single pressure chamber disposed on the vertical axis of the housing. A number of passageways interconnect the plurality of pressure chambers to form groupings of pressure chambers which act simultaneously in response to operation of a solenoid valve associated with each passageway. In addition to the symmetrical arrangement of the pressure chambers, the valve and passageway arrangement provide for a symmetric pressurization of the pressure chambers thereby resulting in a balanced force being exerted on the actuator.

Abstract: A multiway slide valve having a housing provided with a graduated cylindrical guide bore, a pressure inlet port, and a pair of pressure outlets ports. A preassembled valve seat unit including a plurality of annular spacers which carry sealing rings having respective diameters corresponding to the graduations of the guide bore so that damage to the sealing rings is prevented when inserted into the graduated cylindrical guide bore. A slide spool and jacket inserted into the guide bore. A cover attached to the housing for depressing the jacket which causes deformation of the sealing rings to provide a tight seal between the graduations of the guide bore and the slide spool.

Abstract: A multiway valve device in which a handle-operated ball member is operatively disposed in a spherical cavity to which a plurality of passages is connected. The ball member is arranged with a single seal ring that encloses a recessed area at one end of the ball that is sized to establish fluid pressure communication between a supply passage and one or the other of a pair of delivery passages depending upon the handle being located in an extreme right- or left-hand position. A vent passage opens into the spherical cavity in the area of the ball opposite the recessed area enclosed by the seal ring to exhaust pressure from whichever delivery passage is cut off from the supply passage. The spherical cavity lies partly in the body of the valve device and partly in a cover portion, which when secured to the body, rotatably supports the ball member.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated pneumatic valve in which the air vent tube has a nut threaded onto the one end thereof. A first sealing portion of the nut engages the solenoid valve body and a second sealing portion engages the air vent tube to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture into the area of the magnetic coil. The nut is further formed with an undercut portion over which a protective cover is snapped into position. The inside of the cover is provided with a conical portion to deflect the exhaust air for sound damping.

Abstract: A three-way valve device or the like having valving that is operably disposed within a bushing contained in the housing of the valve device, and a permanent magnet that is disposed in surrounding relationship with the bushing so as to be operable along the axial dimension thereof from an inactive position that is magnetically remote from a movable member of the valving to an active position that is in magnetic proximity with the movable valve member, to thereby shift the valve member and accordingly control fluid pressure communication between the valve porting with snap action. In one embodiment of the invention, the permanent magnet is operated by a push-button against the action of a spring, and in a second embodiment, the permanent magnet is encapsulated within a fluid-pressure-operated member subject to fluid pressure on it opposite sides.

Abstract: An arrangement wherein fluid pressure passageways opening into inner chambers of a cylindrical housing of a valve device, are formed between abutting faces of two axially aligned cylindrical portions comprising the housing. The opening or passageway between the abutting faces is formed by complementarily engaging saw-like teeth formed around the annular abutting faces of the two housing portions. This arrangement provides a smoother surface over which the sealing gasket on a valve member must ride, thus resulting in less wear and tear on the gasket.

Abstract: A three-way valve device or the like having valving that is operably disposed within a bushing contained in the housing of the valve device, and a permanent magnet that is disposed in surrounding relationship with the bushing so as to be operable along the axial dimension thereof from an inactive position that is magnetically remote from a movable member of the valving to an active position that is in magnetic proximity with the movable valve member, to thereby shift the valve member and accordingly control fluid pressure communication between the valve porting with snap action. In one embodiment of the invention, the permanent magnet is operated by a push-button against the action of a spring, and in a second embodiment, the permanent magnet is encapsulated within a fluid-pressure-operated member subject to fluid pressure on its opposite sides.

Abstract: A valve battery device including mounting plates on which valves may be mounted, and of which a preselected number, each having passageways therein, may be assembled in serial relation to form a valve battery of any desired number. Each mounting plate is provided with one hooked projection and one recess for accommodating the hooked projection of an adjacent mounting plate, and all mounting plates are identical in structure and so constructed that they may be turned end-for-end and top-for-bottom so they may universally assemble. Identically structured terminating plates are provided at each end of the valve battery.