Abstract: A coded wireless sensor unit has a slot sized to receive a key card. When a key card is inserted into the slot, the act of insertion generates a energy-harvested power pulse, which powers circuitry that reads electrical device control information coded on the key card and creates a first information packet signal that is transmitted by an on-board transmitter. The signal can be read by a receiver and relayed to a control unit which controls certain electrical devices which consume line power in response to received information packet signals. The control unit decodes received information packet signals and either turns on or activates the electrical devices in accordance with the decoded device control information. Removal of a key card can also be used to generate a power pulse, which creates a second information packet signal that is used to turn off or deactivate the electrical devices.

Abstract: Tamper-resistant, longer-lasting energy-harvesting switch assemblies that can accommodate longer antennas required for operation in the 315 MHz radio frequency band are provided. In order to accommodate longer antenna that will not fit within the energy-harvesting module, the front major face of the back plate is equipped with a perimetric channel or trough into which a wire antenna can be installed. The problem of rocker wear in prior-art devices caused by abrasive action of the bows is rectified by a redesign of the rocker and the manufacture of a wear-resistant insert that snaps into place at the rear of the rocker. The potential theft problem associated with prior-art devices has been resolved by redesigning the back plate and the retainer clip that engages latches on the redesigned back plate. Non-destructive removal of the retainer clip can be effected only with a special tool.

Abstract: Tamper-resistant, longer-lasting energy-harvesting switch assemblies that can accommodate longer antennas required for operation in the 315 MHz radio frequency band are provided. In order to accommodate longer antenna that will not fit within the energy-harvesting module, the front major face of the back plate is equipped with a perimetric channel or trough into which a wire antenna can be installed. The problem of rocker wear in prior-art devices caused by abrasive action of the bows is rectified by a redesign of the rocker and the manufacture of a wear-resistant insert that snaps into place at the rear of the rocker. The potential theft problem associated with prior-art devices has been resolved by redesigning the back plate and the retainer clip that engages latches on the redesigned back plate. Non-destructive removal of the retainer clip can be effected only with a special tool.

Abstract: A coded wireless sensor unit has a slot sized to receive a key card. When a key card is inserted into the slot, the act of insertion generates a energy-harvested power pulse, which powers circuitry that reads electrical device control information coded on the key card and creates a first information packet signal that is transmitted by an on-board transmitter. The signal can be read by a receiver and relayed to a control unit which controls certain electrical devices which consume line power in response to received information packet signals. The control unit decodes received information packet signals and either turns on or activates the electrical devices in accordance with the decoded device control information. Removal of a key card can also be used to generate a power pulse, which creates a second information packet signal that is used to turn off or deactivate the electrical devices.

Abstract: A coupling for use in a rotary ball valve having a spherical ball with a passageway therethrough for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. The coupling is particularly suited for use with non-metallic, for example, ceramic, spherical balls which are rotated by torque applied to a metallic actuator shaft. The coupling includes a plurality of depressions and protrusions formed at the interface of the non-metallic and metallic components. The depressions and protrusions are positioned away from the central axis of the spherical ball. A cushion can be interposed between the metallic and non-metallic components to further disperse the force applied to the non-metallic component. The depression and protrusions can be tapered and oriented at an angle with respect to the central axis so that as torque is applied to the shaft the non-metallic component is rotated without breakage thereof.

Abstract: A coupling for use in a rotary Ball valve having a spherical ball with a passageway therethrough controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. The coupling is particularly suited for use with non-metallic, for example, ceramic, spherical balls which are rotated by torque applied to a metallic actuator shaft extending from the valve body. The coupling includes a plurality of depressions and protrusions formed at the interface of the non-metallic and metallic components. The depressions and protrusions are positioned away from the central axis of the spherical ball. A cushion is interposed between the metallic and non-metallic components to further disperse the force applied to the non-metallic component so that as torque is applied to the shaft the non-metallic component is rotated without breakage thereof.

Abstract: A pressure modulator includes an electromagnetic coil wire wound about a hollow axle for developing a magnetic field when electrical current is applied to the wire, the hollow of the axle having an entrance port for receiving a fluid and a discharge port for discharging the fluid. The modulator serves to control the pressure of fluid flowing through a conduit under pressure and further includes a bleed-off tap connecting the conduit to the entrance port. A diaphragm plate is disposed above the coil of wire and axle and adjacent to the discharge port of the hollow to modulate the rate of fluid flow from the discharge port. The diaphragm plate includes a central void, a central section of magnetically attractable material disposed in the void above the coil of wire for attraction toward the coil when electrical current is applied to the coil to thereby limit the amount of fluid which is allowed to escape from the discharge port.

Abstract: An integrated process control valve includes a fluid valve body having an inlet for receiving fluid, an outlet for discharging fluid, a fluid flow passage connecting the inlet and outlet, and a controllable throttling element which is moveable to selectively vary the flow rate of fluid through the fluid flow passage.

Abstract: In a bi-directional valve control system, a differential, bi-directional valve seating member for operation at a seating surface wherein the seating member comprises a multi-membered disk formed of at least first and second contiguous disk elements. The first disk element is formed of flexible material which is capable of primary deformation in response to fluid flow along a flow line direction corresponding to second-to-first disk orientation. This first disk element is configured in size and shape to increase seating contact at the seating surface by flow-pressure assist principles which cause the primary deformation response. The second disk element is formed of flexible material which when combined with the first disk element is less capable of deforming than the independent deformation first disk element. This second disk element resists the primary deformation response with respect to fluid flow along the opposing flow line from first-to-second disk element orientation.