Abstract: A filter bypass switch for detecting a clogged or restricted flow condition in a filter such as an oil filter, the bypass switch including a housing having a passage extending therein, a plunger slidably positioned in the passage for movement therein, a wall in the housing closing the passage adjacent one end of the plunger, and a biasing member for urging the plunger to move in a predetermined direction relative to the housing wall.

Abstract: Electrical switch gear which comprises a housing formed to be substantially rotationally symmetrical and consisting of an upper housing part and a lower housing part. Inside the housing is disposed an actuating member formed as a push rod, provided in a housing chamber and provided with a permanently magnetized component, and a switching component which can be influenced by the permanently magnetized component and is provided in one housing chamber hermetically separated from the other housing chamber. To create switching gear able to make possible a larger number of switching functions, at least one permanently magnetized component is provided which is disposed on one longitudinal side of the actuating member and extends with its region of action close to one of the separating wall sides extending in the displacement direction of the actuating member.

Abstract: A double differential pressure indicator has a housing containing two pistons arranged in contiguous bores and biased by a single spring extending between opposed ends of the pistons. The differential pressure is applied across both pistons and as the pressure differential increases to a first predetermined difference one piston moves to operate a first indicator which may, for example, be a reed switch. As the differential pressure further increases, the second piston moves to operate a second indicating device which may be a button. In an alternative arrangement, both indicating devices operate at the same differential pressure.

Abstract: A differential pressure switch particularly suitable for monitoring dirt accumulation on a filter element of an oil-separating air filter comprising a piston which is movable in response to a relative change in pressure between two pressure zones and is biased in one direction by a restoring spring, and a rolling membrane which separates the pressure zones.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a grease flow sensor switch assembly device for monitoring and determining movement of grease charges, e.g. a Number One (1) and Number Two (2) type grease. The device involves a dry reed switch, a magnet and a spring the magnet, being moved into position by grease flow, puts out a magnetic field that brings the dry reed switch together, completing an electrical circuit. This circuit is then connected to a fault circuit which shuts off the machine in the event the desired grease charge was not received. An alarm source, viz., a light, sound or light/sound combination alarm indicating that the grease charge (desired amount of grease) was not distributed to that bearing or slide or whatever mechanism is being greased can also be present. The grease volume ban be monitored by adjustments to the dry reed switch.

Abstract: A gas-flow sensor features delayed-action response to physical changes in gases as they flow through the sensor, thus avoiding transient flow-metering displacements in response to such change. The delayed-action response is attributable to blind hole and blind-bore configurations within which cylindrical plunger elements must displace in the course of changing gas flow, and the delayed-action response is controlled by provision of predetermined clearances between parts that telescope in the course of sensor operation.

Abstract: A pressure indication device comprises a housing including a bore in which is received a slidable piston. The piston has two end faces, one of which is for connection to a source of fluid at higher pressure and the other of which is for connection to a source of fluid at lower pressure. The device produces an indication when the pressure differential reaches a predetermined value. In an inoperative position of the piston, a portion of the upstream face co-operates with the bore to provide a face seal which reduces leakage between the bore and the piston and which also reduces the effective area of the upstream face. In addition, a labyrinth seal is provided between the bore and the piston. When the predetermined pressure is reached, the piston moves, and as it does so, the effective area of the upstream face is increased.

Abstract: A combination differential and static pressure switch utilized in a test system for detecting the occurrence of a differential pressure condition within the test system. The test system includes a valve assembly in flow communication with the pressure switch for determining the working pressure applied to a workpiece being tested. The pressure switch includes a first tubular-shaped member and a second tubular-shaped member axially aligned therewith and adapted for removable securement to the first tubular-shaped member. A differential piston is disposed for slidable reciprocal movement within the first tubular-shaped member and a preset piston is disposed within the second tubular-shaped member and is adapted for slidable reciprocal movement therein. Both pistons are axially aligned to each other, and the differential piston has a magnet mounted to the face end thereof.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow switching device for alternately conveying refrigerant from a high pressure and a low pressure evaporator to a compressor of a refrigeration system, and a refrigerator using such a refrigeration system, includes a refrigerant flow switching valve for alternately conveying refrigerant from the high and low pressure evaporators to the compressor. Said switching valve is controlled by a pressure switch that utilizes the pressure difference between the refrigerant from the high pressure evaporator and that from the low pressure evaporator to cyclically open or close a switch assembly, moving the switch between low and high pressure positions.

Abstract: Holding device for a piston position detector, contained in a casing and being displaceably mounted on the outside of a fluid pressure cylinder. The holding device consists essentially of a U-shaped yoke being displaceable along two mutually parallel guides and being lockable in a desired axial position. The yoke is locked by means of a first fastening screw, whereas the casing is insertable between the shanks of the yoke and is lockable in inserted position by means of a second fastening screw. The casing is protected by the yoke and is detachable from the latter, also when the yoke is located to the guides.

Abstract: Cylinder position sensor apparatuses are useful for monitoring the location of a piston within a hydraulic cylinder. The present position sensor mounting apparatus includes a resilient tubular electrical insulator positioned in a bore of a housing and has a leg of a sensor element extending therethrough. The sensor element is fixedly retained relative to the housing in one embodiment by a bolt which squeezes the insulator radially inwardly to clamp against the leg of the sensor element. In another embodiment, an insert slidably engages a tapered portion of a bore and is urged radially inwardly to squeeze the insulator inwardly to clamp against the sensor element. Thus, the insulator serves the dual purpose of electrically insulating the sensor element from the housing and the hydraulic cylinder while being utilized to clamp against the sensor element for retaining the sensor element within the housing.

Abstract: The invention comprises a differential pressure switch including a housing which defines a cavity. A diaphragm with a pair of magnets mounted thereon is attached within the housing and vertically disposed across the cavity. This divides the cavity into a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber. A high pressure port and ducts in the housing place the medium to be detected in communication with the high pressure chamber. A low pressure port and ducts in the housing place the medium to be detected in communication with the low pressure chamber. The ducts also allow the chambers to drain. A reed switch is attached to the housing proximate the first magnet for maintaining the reed switch in an open state. A third magnet is positioned on the side of the diaphragm opposite the reed switch and in opposition to the second magnet for setting the switch. The third magnet may also be used to adjust the pressure differential required to actuate the reed switch.

Abstract: A fluid flow rate responsive signal generator includes moveable members which, in part, define a pair of paths for the flow of fluid. A first of the moveable members is a shuttle which supports a magnetic field generator, the shuttle being displaced toward a proximity switch in response to fluid flow. The second moveable member functions as a valve which, when in the open condition, allows flow to bypass the flow path in which the shuttle is disposed. The bypass flow path control valve member will be automatically positioned as a function of the dynamic flow conditions and may be either normally closed or prepositioned to define a minimum bypass flow path area.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fluid flow sensing and switching device installed in an air-conditioning system, particularly in a heat exchanger, which has a hollow body or housing to accommodate a metallic sensing member with a pair of conductive terminals extending out thereof, while it is further sealed by resin. A ring member is slidably mounted with a pair of legs extending downwardly from the hollow body, which is positioned facing the fluid flow, so as to activate the metallic sensing means and further to control a compressor connected with the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leakage in a liquid transporting line using a line leak detector connected to the liquid line within a manway containing a pumphead of a submersible pump. The line leak detector contains a piston moving within a cylinder to detect changes in the liquid volume to determine a leak. The movement of the piston is converted to an electrical signal by a core, affixed to the piston, moving within a coil. Retrofit installation of the line leak detector in a fuel service station is facilitated by the use of the existing electrical power wiring between the pumphead and remote pump controller.

Abstract: A flow-sensing configuration embodies straight-through geometry between inlet and outlet ports, all on a single central axis, using reed-switch and magnet technology to produce a logic output. Virtually all parts are of molded plastic, and the inlet and outlet port connections avoid thread formations by providing for sealed insertional reception of standard tubing at these port connections. When thus incorporated into a hydraulic system, the inlet and outlet tubing insertions at the respective ends of the flow sensor inherently retain integrity of flow-sensor assembly into the system. Flexibility of serving specific interface needs of the customer is achieved by using snap-in modular parts at the port connections.

Abstract: In order to check the operation of high-voltage electric circuit-breakers, proximity detectors are housed in through-bores pierced in the wall of the hydraulic jack cylinder, the through-bores being disposed in spaced relation over a distance corresponding to the range of travel of the jack piston. Since no provision is made for any piston ring or packing seal, the jack piston is not damaged as it passes against the outlets of the through-bores on the internal surface of the cylinder. The output signals of the proximity detectors are applied to a unit for measuring and controlling the position of the piston within the cylinder.

Abstract: A flow switch includes a movable shuttle enclosed within a bore having narrower and wider bore sections. The shuttle has a solid cylindrical portion and a vaned portion. When there is no fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, the shuttle rests on a part-conical portion of the bore. When fluid pressure is applied at the inlet, the shuttle is raised until the vaned portion is partly within the wider bore section. Fluid can then flow through the spaces between the vanes in the vaned portion, and fluid flow is detected by the change in position of the shuttle. The shuttle can be made magnetic, whereupon a magnetic sensing means such as a magnetic reed switch can be used to detect fluid flow. This arrangement has the advantage that resistance to flow and pressure drop are minimal compared to previous designs.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a flow-switch construction of the straight flow-through variety wherein a magnet-bearing piston is displaced in response to a hydraulic-flow condition and in the displacement is caused to operate a magnetic-reed switch. The piston has piloted guidance in a first longitudinal portion of an elongate bore but is characterized by one or more straight channels in its periphery, whereby the piston per se constitutes relatively little restriction to flow; the downstream end of the piston carries a metering disc which substantially resists channel flow as long as the metering disc has predetermined close-clearance relation with the first longitudinal portion of the bore.

Abstract: A fluid operated actuator includes a housing having a longitudinally extending aperture with open ends. First and second end caps are attached to opposite ends of the housing forming a chamber within the housing. A longitudinally reciprocal piston and attached rod are disposed within the chamber with the rod extending externally of the chamber through one of the end caps. The piston is adapted for reciprocal movement from one end limit of travel adjacent the first end cap to a second end limit of travel adjacent the second end cap. At least one of the first and second end caps includes a longitudinal aperture in communication with the chamber and a transverse aperture communicating between the longitudinal aperture and an exterior of the end cap. A sleeve is connected to the rod adjacent the piston and is engageable within the longitudinal aperture of the end cap when the piston is in the end limit of travel.

Abstract: Fires caused by the leakage of lubricating oil spraying under pressure from lubricating oil conduits feeding bearings are controlled by stopping the flow of the lubricating oil in response to greater than normal flow of the oil through the conduit and simultaneously shutting down the machine having the bearing to which the oil is fed. A valve mounted in each conduit includes a valve element movable in response to the greater than normal flow through the conduit from a first position, to which it is biased and in which it is spaced from a valve seat, to a second position in which it engages the valve seat. A magnet mounted on the valve element actuates a magnetically operated switch connected in a circuit for shutting down the machine when the valve element moves at least part way from the first position to the second position. An alarm is activated as the machine is being shut down.

Abstract: A device and system for detecting the existance of fluid flow from a fluid source to a pipeline includes a cylinder with an inlet at a first end and a lateral outlet. A piston in the cylinder is moveable from a no-flow position abutting the first end in which it is maintained by a spring, to a flow position in which the piston at least partly opens the lateral outlet, by fluid flowing from the inlet to the lateral outlet. A magnetic switch detects the no-flow position of the piston, and actuates a radio transmitter to send a no-flow condition alarm. The device is used to detect interruptions in the supply of additives to oil and gas pipelines.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with switch devices and more particularly with devices to be fitted to piston and cylinder actuators to monitor the position of the piston therein. The device comprises a switch which has two connection or terminal contacts arranged at its axially opposite ends. These terminal contacts are respectively connected with signal conductors which may for instance be in the form of flexible cable wire. The switch is accommodated in a sleeve surrounding it. The two signal conductors are extended as far as a common axial terminal or connection end of the switch. For producing an electrical connection of the one signal conductor with the second terminal contact the current is caused to flow through the sleeve.

Abstract: The electric and/or electrical sensor or detector device is intended to cooperate with a movable element surrounded by a shell, it comprises an annular clamping collar adapted to be clamped in position on a shell and connected to at least one connecting conductor, the collar carrying at least one mechanical and electrical removable member for connection to a removable detector element and the device is applied to a position detector to be quickly and removably secured onto a fluid cylinder body.

Abstract: In a computer controlled automatic plotting device, an ink level detector is provided in a plotter pen cartridge. An ink-following object is provided in the plotter pin cartridge and is supported by the writing fluid. The ink-following object carries a magnet. As the ink-following object traverses down the inside of the plotter pen cartridge, the position of the magnet triggers a sensor at a predetermined level. The sensor then effects a visual or audible signal to alert an operator that the cartridge is running out of writing fluid. Alternatively, the sensor activates a control system to shut down the plotting device to permit replacement of the plotter pen cartridge with one having a new ink supply.

Abstract: The mounting plate for a proximity switch for sensing the position of a piston within a fluid operated, expansible chamber cylinder. The mounting plate comprises a flat portion with two notches formed therein adjacent opposite sides thereof and an arcuate flange adjoining the flat portion having means forming an aperture therein. The proximity switch is mounted onto the tie rod of the expansible chamber cylinder, with the mounting plate interposed therebetween with the arcuate flange thereof positioned to be concentric with and spaced apart from the surface of the expansible chamber cylinder. A threaded fastening device is inserted through the aperture and turned until the proximity switch is correctly positioned.

Abstract: A pressure sensor probe has a first port connectable to a relatively low pressure source in a compressor crankcase and a second port connectable to a relatively high pressure source at the output of an oil pump. A shuttle is slidably disposed in a bore and has a first end which closes the first port when the difference in pressure between the two ports indicative of normal operation exceeds a selected value determined by the relative areas of the shuttle exposed to the respective pressures and by a coil spring which biases the shuttle away from the first port. A passage is formed between the shuttle and the bore leading from the second port to a force receiving surface on the high pressure side of the shuttle. The length and cross sectional area of the passage is selected to provide a desired dampening or time delay between the high pressure source and the force receiving surface.

Abstract: A pressure differential bypass sensor switch with thermal lockout that utilizes change in position of a permanent magnet carried by a reciprocable piston responsive to pressure differential in a fluid system to actuate a magnetically actuatable electrical switch. Opposite sides of the reciprocable piston are exposed, respectively, to high pressure and low pressure sides of a filter located in a fluid circulating system. The reciprocable piston is normally positioned at the high pressure side of a passage in which it reciprocates, due to biasing by a spring acting on it from the low pressure side of the passage. As the filter becomes clogged, the pressure differential across it and, therefore, across the reciprocable piston will increase. The bypass sensor is calibrated so that a maximum allowable pressure differential in the fluid system will drive the reciprocable piston to the low pressure side of the passage.

Abstract: A self-contained electric fuel pump includes a pair of coaxially spaced inlet and outlet end caps joined by a case to form a pump housing. A d.c. motor includes an armature journaled for rotation within the housing and coupled to a pump mechanism for feeding fuel through the housing from the inlet to the outlet, fuel within the housing surrounding the armature being at substantially outlet pressure. A pressure sensor comprises a magnetic piston slideable against adjustable spring force within a bore in the outlet end cap as a function of fuel pressure within the pump housing. A Hall sensor is responsive to varying magnetic field as a function of piston position for applying electrical power to the pump armature as a function of pump outlet pressure.

Abstract: A gas flow indicator comprises a housing defining a cylindrical flow passage having axially spaced first and second ends. A cylindrical piston member having first and second terminal ends and an exterior diameter which is substantially less than the diameter of the passage is axially positioned in the passage with its first terminal end facing the first end of the passage. The piston is mounted for sliding movement from a first position adjacent the first end of the passage to a second position adjacent the second end of the passage when gas flow through the passage exceeds a predetermined level. A flow passageway extends through the piston member from an inlet adjacent the first terminal end to a flow control outlet orifice spaced axially from the first terminal end.

Abstract: A piston position detecting device including a cylinder tube, a cap cover and a head cover closing both ends of the cylinder tube, a piston slidably provided within the cylinder tube, a piston rod connected to the piston on its axis and passing through the head cover, a ring-shaped permanent magnet provided on one end of the piston and at least one reed switch provided in at least one cover and extending into the interior of the cylinder tube with the reed switch being displaced axially from the center of the piston and provided transversely to the axis of the piston.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a proximity switch for sensing the position of a piston within a fluid operated, expandable chamber cylinder. The mounting device comprises a block shaped member with at least a first depressed, arcuate surface, the degree of curvature of which is adapted to fit the surface of the cylinder. By first attaching the mounting apparatus to the proximity switch and then positioning the proximity switch with respect to the fluid cylinder, tightening down of fastening devices provided for the proximity switch will cause the arcuate surface to firmly engage the surface of the cylinder, thereby providing a secure, vibration resistant mounting of the proximity switch to the cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-position sensitive, non-memory condition sensitive, automatic reset flow sensor having a solid housing having an inlet port and an outlet port connected by an axial bore through the center of the sensor housing. An armature is free to move axially within the bore within a range of motion defined by two pairs of detents, the detents extending radially toward the center axis of the bore. The magnetic axis of the compensating magnet is such as to normally oppose the magnetic axis of the armature and, thereby, to apply a magnetic repulsion against the armature to bias the armature toward the inlet port of the sensor housing.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus is provided with a separate ring of rubberized magnetic material with means for positioning the magnetic ring upon the piston which is of integral construction for actuating external signaling means.

Abstract: A cushioned clamp cylinder with proximity switches includes a cap of square shape defining a plurality of right angularly related end faces with a cushion chamber in the cap and a sensing port in each end face communicating with the cushion chamber. A normally open proximity switch is selectively positioned in one of the sensing ports adjacent the chamber; one sensing port is connected to a pressure conduit and the other two sensing ports are plugged. A piston rod mounting a piston is positioned within the cylinder and mounts an inductive sleeve movable into the cushion chamber to activate the proximity switch. A flexible annular insert ring is positioned within the cap and has a wiping bead which extends into the cushion chamber and seals over the sleeve sealing the cushion chamber providing a pressure build-up and bringing the piston to a smooth stop as it bottoms out within the cylinder. A bleed screw is adjustably threaded into the cap and communicates with the cushion chamber.

Abstract: A contactless proximity switch and mounting arrangement for determining the position of a movable member within a cylinder which has two end covers secured on the cylinder by means of a plurality of tie rods, includes a switch housing which secures to one of the tie rods. A contact opening formed in the switch housing has disposed therein, a switch having a pair of contacts and a permanent magnet disposed in a fixed manner. One pole of the permanent magnet is connected to a first contact, while the second pole is disposed in a contacting relation to the cylinder. A second contact is electrically coupled to the cylinder at a position a predetermined distance from where the second pole is disposed. As the movable member, which is constructed of a ferromagnetic material, nears the switch housing, the air gap between the second contact and second pole is bridged and the contacts close indicating the proximity of the movable member to the switch element.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly for signalling the location of a movable member at either of opposite end limits of movement relative to a stationary frame includes a compact elongate housing adapted to be mounted on the frame to extend along the path of movement of a power driven member, such as a piston rod, which shifts the movable member between its end limits. A proximity switch is fixedly mounted in the housing and a switch actuating member is mounted for sliding movement over a relatively short distance sufficient to move an actuating tab into and out of actuating proximity to the switch.

Abstract: A pressure differential bypass sensor switch that utilizes the change in piston of a permanent magnet that is carried by a reciprocable position to actuate the switching element of an axial travel switch by the change in magnetic forces that act on the switching element as a result of the change in position of the reciprocable piston and the permanent magnet. Opposite sides of the piston are exposed, respectively, to the high pressure and low pressure sides of a filter in a liquid circulating system, and the piston is normally positioned at the high pressure side of a passage in which it travels by a spring that acts on it from the low pressure side. As the filter becomes clogged the pressure drop across it and, therefore, across the piston will increase, and the piston is calibrated so that an excessive pressure drop will drive it to the low pressure side.

Abstract: A location detecting apparatus for use with a fluid conducting conduit in which a movable member moves includes an internally mounted magnet attached to the movable member and an external portion attached to the conduit for magnetically interacting with the internal magnet when the movable member is moved to a predetermined location. In the preferred embodiment there are two magnets, one extending from each end of the movable member. In this embodiment, the external portion includes two similar assemblies, each attached to a respective end of the conduit and each including suitable magnetically responsive switches, a reducing flange attached to the conduit, a manifold pipe extending through the reducing flange, and a clamping mechanism for releasably attaching the switches to the manifold pipe.

Abstract: A pressure fluid reservoir comprising a cylinder with a reservoir connection, a piston displaceable in the cylinder and non-contact switch means for indicating piston positions. Between the reservoir connection and the piston, the cylinder encloses a pressure fluid chamber, which is intended for storing a pressure fluid such as hydraulic oil, brake pressure fluid or the like. Opposite the pressure fluid chamber, the piston defines a gas chamber. The non-contact switch indicating means comprise Reed contacts, for example, and are disposed outside the cylinder such that they are longitudinally adjustable along the cylinder. Adjustment is effected by a temperature-dependent adjusting means, embodied for instance as an expansion element. Permanent-magnet actuating means, for actuating the Reed contacts in a non-contacting manner are fixed in recesses in one side of the piston.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for supporting a proximity sensing means such as a reed type proximity switch contiguous the outer peripheral surface of a fluid power cylinder, in which said fluid power cylinder is of the type comprising a cylinder body and a piston axially movable in said cylinder body, and in which said fluid power cylinder includes a pair of oppositely disposed end closure members respectively positioned at each of the respective opposite ends of said cylinder body and tie rod means connecting said oppositely disposed end closure members. The mounting arrangement comprises a sensing means support device adapted to be detachably mounted on the fluid power cylinder.

Abstract: A flow switch is disclosed comprising a body member having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet defined therein. An outer core tube is disposed within the body member and has a first and a second end. An inner core tube is disposed coaxial to and within the outer core tube and has a first and a second end with the first ends of the inner and outer core tubes being disposed adjacent the fluid inlet. One of the inner and outer core tubes being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The body member defines a body flow path between the outer core tube and the body member and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. A first aperture is defined by the inner core tube and a second aperture is defined by the outer core tube. Securing means secures one of the core tubes to be non-rotatable relative to the body member.

Abstract: A through-flow monitor of the type which produces a switching signal as soon as the rate of flow through a duct reaches a particular level consists of a generally tubular housing 1 which can be inserted via screw-threaded or other connections 3, 4 into the flow duct. Inside the housing 1 there is located a shallow diaphragm 5 which is biased by a coil spring 8 into a rest position against an abutment 9. The shallow diaphragm 5 is either of magnetic material or carries a magnetic element and is displaced in the downstream direction by the flow through the housing. A switch device such as a reed switch or Hall generator is located outside of the duct and is switched in as soon as the diaphragm moves to a predetermined position within the duct representative of a particular rate of flow therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid actuated switching system is disclosed which comprises a fluid actuated poppet mounted in a fluid passageway for movement from a first position in the absence of fluid flow to a second position in response to a predetermined fluid flow. An elongated permanent magnet element is mounted on the poppet for movement along the axis of movement of the poppet. A second magnet element is positioned exteriorly of the fluid passageway adjacent the first magnet element. The two elongated magnet elements are polarized so that like poles are adjacent to one another and repel the two elements when the flow actuated poppet is in the first position and attract one another when the flow actuated poppet is in the second position, thereby moving the second magnet element with a snap action from one position to the other. The second magnet element actuates an electrical or pneumatic switch.

Abstract: In the gas shortage detection device of a piston-type hydropneumatic accumulator, a control rod slidably mounted in the cylinder head on the gas side is displaced under the action of the thrust exerted by the piston when this latter comes closer to the cylinder head than a predetermined distance. A flexible motion-reversal coupling element such as an inextensible cord which works in traction and has a predetermined dead range of travel is placed between the piston and the sliding rod.Correct performance of the detection device can thus be checked by partial draining of the oil compartment, the detection device being triggered into operation when the piston comes close to the bottom end of the cylinder.

Abstract: This specification discloses a clamping apparatus having an adjustable strap, a clamping member on the strap, means for securing the strap to a first object and means for shortening the effective length of the strap to clamp the first object to another object. In particular, the clamping means is well adapted for use for securing an apparatus which has a proximity sensor to the two tie rods of a fluid cylinder. The clamping means permits easy and secure coupling and longitudinal adjustability of the apparatus with respect to the fluid cylinder.

Abstract: A valve apparatus having a poppet valve carrying a magnet and a switch responsive to movements of the magnet wherein the switch is activated and deactivated by movement of the magnet into and out of proximity with the switch. The spring biased poppet valve is movable from a closed position under the influence of a predetermined fluid flow rate in one direction to an open, switch activating position and then is returned upon a slight reduction in fluid flow in the opposite direction past the switch activating position to a switch deactivating position intermediate the latter and the valve closed position. The valve is formed with a specially configured nose portion to provide poppet valve travel at predetermined fluid flow rates to activate and deactivate the switch.

Abstract: Tire deflation warning apparatus comprising a tubular housing having a sliding piston, a port in the housing for connection to the inflation chamber of the tire whereby the pressure of air in the tire at normal operating pressure can urge the piston to move relatively to the housing, biasing means associated with the piston in opposition to the air, and magnetic means operated by movement of the piston to actuate a warning switch.

Abstract: A gas flow indicator including an open-ended cylinder, a piston constrained within the cylinder to move between the ends thereof, and a reed switch positioned on the outside of the cylinder for responding to the position of a magnet secured to the piston is disclosed. The piston is closed at its end adjacent the output aperture of the cylinder and is open at its end adjacent the input aperture of the cylinder for defining a basin within the piston. A spring is positioned between the piston and the output aperture for forcing the piston away from the output aperture. Gas flowing in through the input aperture forces the piston toward the output aperture. An indication of the state of gas flow through the cylinder is provided in accordance with whether the switch is open or closed.

Abstract: A control device includes a magnetically actuated responder and an actuator. The responder is fixed to a relatively stationary portion of an apparatus and the actuator is fixed to a portion of the apparatus which is movable relative to the fixed portion. The fixed portion includes a housing for constraining the second, movable portion to linear movement. The actuator is located so that its outer surface is recessed into the surface of the movable portion flush with the surface of the movable portion of the apparatus thus providing an actuator for the responder which does not interfere with the movement of the movable portion. An alternate embodiment contemplates the use of a plurality of flush-mounted actuators axially spaced along the movable member with each actuator occupying only a portion of the circumference of the movable portion.