Abstract: A bellows has a first portion that is formed with a hollow protrusion and can be actuated and a second portion formed with an annular wall defining an opening. The hollow protrusion fits within the opening. Actuation of the first portion causes a fluid to flow through the hollow protrusion and opening, and the fluid tends to force the protrusion against the annular wall. In another embodiment, the first and second portions are sealed along planer front end rear walls. A nut is provided having teeth for clamping the device to an air tube. The device can be used in hot tubs, saunas, on vending machines, and has many medical uses.

Abstract: In an electric discharge machining apparatus, a workpiece electrically connected to a body of the machine and a jig on which the workpiece rests are electrically isolated from each other. The body and the workpiece are selectively switched in open-circuit/short-circuit by a switch. Switching can be made on the stool or the workpiece. Further, the switch and the workpiece and the jig are connected to each other by a coaxial cable.

Abstract: The invention concerns an on-off switch (1) for high-frequency currents. This switch (1) comprises a housing (2) made of an electrically non-conducting plastic and sealed at both its upper and its lower sides by electrically conducting contact parts (3,4). A metal bellows (14) is present in the housing (2) and is connected at one end to one of the contact parts, (4) and at its other end to a contact head (25). Using compressed air, the contact head (25) can be moved to make contact with the other contact part (3) or be removed away from it.

Abstract: A pneumatic device for detecting continuously the hydrometric level of a water column, said device comprising a tubular probe dipped into the liquid column by a height greater than the distance between the two maximum and minimum levels set forth previously, a pair of pneumatic detectors of the minimum and the maximum level which are operatively associated to said probe and are put in action by changes in the air pressure occurring inside the probe itself as a function of changes in the column level, a gauge or indicator associated to the maximum level detector for signaling continuously the position of the water level, and means for starting or for stopping a motor-driven pump in correspondance to said maximum and minimum values.

Abstract: An actuator having a spring biased button abutting a first electric switch operator button and a flange spaced from an operator button of a second electric switch is driven by a pressure sensing bellows against a Belleville snap spring, the actuator moving abruptly against an intermediate stop upon breakover of the snap spring to operate the first switch, the bellows subsequently driving the actuator and intermediate stop coincidentally against a second Belleville snap spring, and the actuator moving abruptly against a second stop upon breakover of the second snap spring to actuate a second electric switch and depress the spring biased button. Adjustment means are provided for adjusting the range for each Belleville snap spring to provide distinct pressure set points and independent electric circuits, and to adjust both set points simultaneously.

Abstract: By providing pressure-responsive switch-actuation means constructed for being substantially unaffected by temperature changes, a pressure sensor is attained which is capable of monitoring pressure levels with precision, regardless of the ambient temperature to which the system is subjected. By employing temperature insensitive material to effectively compensate for temperature changes incurred by the remaining sensor components, the actuation control assembly of the sensor is capable of achieving precision monitoring of desired pressure levels regardless of changes in the ambient temperature to which the monitor assembly is exposed. In one preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor of the present invention incorporates a uniquely constructed, machined bellows which further enhances and provides precision pressure sensing capabilities.

Abstract: A device is provided, associated with the accelerator pedal of motor cars adapted to cause the lighting of the brake lights shortly before the brake pedal is applied in case of braking in an emergency. In one version of the device, it comprises a bellows mounted on the accelerator pedal. During normal driving, the bellows is pressed down to minimum volume thereof. When abruptly released, a sub-pressure is developed which is used to momentarily lift a metal flap which closes the brakelights circuit. The lights remain on until the light circuit is taken over by the brake pedal switching circuit. According to another version, the operation is based on the relative abrupt movement of a magnetic core surrounded by an induction coil. The electromotive force will generate a current effective to close the brakelights circuit.

Abstract: This pressure sensitive switch includes a bellows made of corrosion resistant material and with a hollow cylindrical body, which defines a pressure receiving surface on the outer surface of its one closed end portion, and with an open end which is fixedly secured to a fixed member in such a manner that the bellows may expand and contract in its longitudinal direction in response to small changes in the pressure difference between its interior space and the space outside it; a plunger mounted so as to reciprocate in response to the expansion and contraction of the bellows by being acted upon by the inner surface of the bottom portion of the bellows; and a switch assembly which is switched to and fro in response to the reciprocating motion of the plunger. This construction is compact and efficiently functional.

Abstract: A pneumatic system (10) is shown in its most preferred use in a spray gun (12) to remotely control a pressure washer. The system (10) generally includes an integrally formed, homogeneous squeeze box (40) including a location ear (52), a nose tube (46), a bellows (44) and a discharge tube (48). Bellows (44) is generally rectangular in cross section and includes a flat top (62) and bottom (63) and accordion sides (64) having generally longitudinal fold lines (72, 74, 76, 78, 80) which are generally parallel to the mold part line (93) and the tubes (46, 48) but include a 2.degree. draft for ease in mold removal. A valve and spring tube (42) is loosely received on the nose tube (46) for sealing a vent hole (60) provided therein when the bellows (44) is compressed by a trigger (30) of gun (12) and for biasing the trigger (30) to an uncompressed bellows condition.

Abstract: A pressure-biased, temperature sensor means utilizing a cooperating pair of aligned bellows operators in a chamber communicating with a fluid to a reference pressure. One of the bellows is responsive to an elevated temperature of a fluid coolant system and the second bellows, which communicates with the fluid coolant system, is responsive to a decrease in fluid pressure. The aligned bellows cooperate to move a switch actuation means to close a switch thereby completing a signal circuit and energizing a signal means.

Abstract: A pressure-biased, temperature sensor means utilizing a cooperating pair of aligned bellows operators in a chamber communicating with a fluid system. One of the bellows expanding in response to an elevated temperature of said fluid and the second bellows expanding in response to a decrease in fluid pressure. Both of the bellows operate to move a diaphragm operator to close a switch means in a signal circuit thereby completing the circuit and energizing a signal means.

Abstract: A pressure-temperature sensor for monitoring a fluid system for an over-temperature, an under-pressure or an over-pressure condition. The sensor includes a bellows operator enclosed in a fluid-filled housing with a normally-closed, first switch means and a normally-open second switch means. A diaphragm operator and a bellows are responsive to changes in temperature and pressure to, respectively, operate the first and second switches to indicate an over-temperature, an under-pressure or an over-pressure condition.

Abstract: A pressure-biased, temperature sensor for monitoring a fluid system for either an over-temperature or under-pressure condition. The sensor includes a bellows operator immersed in the fluid of a coolant system. The bellows operator expands in response to changes above a predetermined temperature or below a predetermined pressure to complete a signal circuit and energize a signal means.

Abstract: A pressure responsive switch in which a bellows abuts against a leaf spring at substantially the same point where a switch actuating rod abuts against the leaf spring. Within the casing, the bellows is attached to a first inner end and a switch section is provided at a second inner section. The actuating rod extends in a direction of the bellows expansion between said bellows and the switch section. A first end of the rod is positioned opposite the bellows. The leaf spring is interposed therebetween to counteract the bellows expansion and exert balanced force to the actuating rod.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch with a pair of switch contacts opened and closed by a first pivotably mounted lever urged in one direction by a spring and in the other by a bellows to alternately open and close the switch to operate a compressor. A manual switch can be rotated to vary the spring force through a cam follower and is also movable in and out of the housing. When moved into the housing a second lever is pivoted to engage the first lever and the cam follower so the force required by the bellows to pivot the first lever is such that defrosting occurs.

Abstract: A pressure switch having a movable bellows (14) in a pressure chamber (12), a first electrical contact (16) movable with the bellows, a three-dimensional cam (18) and a second electrical contact (20) resiliently biased to follow the cam. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cam has a radius that linearly increases with the angular position of the cam, and is tapered toward one end for all regions about its periphery except at a point of maximum radius. Calibration at low pressure is effected by rotating the cam to its maximum-radius point, applying a standard low pressure to the chamber (12) and rotating the chamber about a threaded coupling (26) until the contacts (16) and (20) are at the point of closing. Calibration at high pressure is effected by rotating the cam to its minimum-radius point, applying a standard high pressure to the chamber, and adjusting the axial position of the cam until the contacts are at the point of closing.

Abstract: A control device for an electrical circuit has switch means adapted for movement between circuit making and breaking positions including means for stiffening the switch means having a force receiving end spaced therefrom. Fulcrum means is disposed for pivoting engagement with the switch means. Means is operable for applying a control force onto the force receiving end of the stiffening means so as to yield the switch means in its circuit making position into pivotal engagement with the fulcrum means and thereafter pivotally move a part of the switch means about the fulcrum means toward the circuit breaking position.A method of operating a control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure limiting switch is provided for limiting the upper and lower limit values of the air pressure in a circuit feeding pneumatic controls. The switch has a switching arm which is pivotable at one end around a fixed axis in the switch body and adapted to actuate with its other end a microswitch closing a valve in the circuit if necessary. The air pressure is sensed by a movable element which engages the switching arm between the pivot axis and the microswitch. The switching arm is spring biased for compensating the microswitch spring. The air pressure range is adjustable through adjusting discs serving as abutments for movement of the switching arm.

Abstract: A sensor responsive to a differential pressure between a fluid in a reservoir and the surrounding environment for operating a switch to activate and deactivate a pump and maintain the pressure of the fluid in the reservoir within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A diaphragm type actuator with a breakage condition detecting function which comprises a diaphragm member partitioning a casing into a first chamber filled with a high pressure and a second chamber exposed to air, and a breakage detecting switch supported by a displaceable partitioning member, such as, bellows, provided on the inner wall of the first chamber so as to define a third chamber filled with a high pressure, whereby if there occurs breakage in the diaphragm, the breakage detecting switch mounted on the bellows moves towards the diaphragm member to become in contact with an actuating rod supported by the diaphragm member to detect the breakage in the diaphragm member.

Abstract: In a container of the kind having a rigid impermeable base and a flexible impermeable cover which is sealed to the base, and in which air is evacuated from the region between the cover and the base so that the cover is drawn down onto goods on the base, there is provided a bellows-type vacuum sensor which senses the air pressure in the container and which operates switch contacts controlling a pump. When the container is used in an aircraft, where the ambient pressure inside the aircraft falls considerably when the aircraft is at high altitudes, the pump is actuated to ensure that the pressure in the container is maintained below the ambient pressure in the aircraft. An excess pressure difference, which might overload shock absorbing mounts for goods on the container base, is prevented by the bellows opening relief air ports.

Abstract: A control device wherein the component parts comprising a switch or switches, expandable bellows and a kinematic train for transmitting expansion or contraction of the bellows to the switch or switches for actuating the same are removably contained in separate compartments in a fully-gasketed, weathertight enclosure, but are readily accessible in their respective chambers for adjustment, removal and replacement. The switch or switches are sealed within a hermetically-sealed receptacle within the enclosure and operation of the switch or switches is effected without breach of the receptacle by displacement of a flexibly displaceable portion of the wall of the receptacle. The kinematic train includes means for effecting displacement of the flexibly displaceable wall portion and may include a Belleville washer assembly to impart snap action to the kinematic train and to hold it in its operative and inoperative positions.

Abstract: A pressure switch unit capable of withstanding high pressures without losing its low pressure sensitivity or calibration includes a magnetically actuated switch responsive to the magnetic field of a permanent magnet mounted on a hermetically sealed bellows which contains on its interior a substantially incompressible liquid. The amount of liquid hermetically sealed within the bellows is selected to be sufficient to prevent any portion of the bellows from exceeding its elastic limit when the bellows is compressed by exposure to excessively high pressures.

Abstract: A high-quality pressure switch comprising a member moving according to pressure applied and a moving contact piece to act as a switch. The member has an end portion contained in a switch case to engage with said moving contact piece and remain in touch with a spring bearing and further a flanged portion contacting a stopper built in said switch case when a spring incorporated in said spring bearing is compressed by the end portion actuated by the travel of the member moving in a direction of a switch chamber when subjected to pressure. The moving contact is fitted with a moving contact on one end thereof and has the other end secured to a terminal elastically and in a freely movable condition to swing and move the moving contact piece pivoting on the end against the resilient force of spring according to the travel of said member, whereby said moving contact is separated from a fixed contact to switch off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure responsive electric switch assembly of a type used as evaporator thermostats for refrigerators. In this unit an actuating element for operating a switch is held in equilibrium by two springs acting in opposition to a bellows which is connected to a temperature sensor capsule containing a liquid-vapor filling. An abutment arrangement is provided for the springs so that, despite a constantly rising pressure in the bellows, the actuating element operated by the bellows has a zero or null displacement range which corresponds to a substantial intermediate pressure range to which the bellows is subjected by the temperature sensor. As there is no movement by the actuating element in this intermediate range, there is an avoidance of wear which would otherwise be caused by this movement.

Abstract: A pressure switch assembly comprising a bellows expansible in response to a working pressure, an L-shaped actuating plate pivotably responsive to the expansion of the bellows and actuating a microswitch, an adjustable compression spring arranged against the bellows, an adjustable tension spring connected against the compression spring through the actuating plate and a stopper of the tension spring. The arrangement of the tension spring, the actuating plate and the stopper is simplified by making the spring directly connect with the actuating plate to eliminate a connection member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure responsive electric switching device of the type in which a switch actuating element is oppositely loaded by pressure influenced operating element and an adjustable spring. The switch actuating element is mounted in a sheet metal carrier and the switch to be actuated is mounted in an insulated housing. The connection between the carrier and the housing involves the cutting of the carrier sidewalls in a manner to form lugs and the providing of grooves in the insulated housing for receiving the lugs. The carrier sidewalls also have cut-outs formed in a manner to economically provide knife-bearings for pivotally mounted elements of the switching device.

Abstract: A fluid operated diaphragm assembly having a pair of diaphragm members each provided with annular inner and outer peripheral portions separated from each other by an annular fluted portion. A ring member is disposed between the outer peripheral portions of the diaphragm members and is secured respectively thereto whereby a chamber is defined between the diaphragm members inboard of the ring member. The diaphragm members each has a natural tendency to maintain its respective inner and outer peripheral portions coplanar with each other whereby the inner peripheral portions are normally spaced from each other a distance that is approximately the same dimension as the thickness of the ring member.

Abstract: A low tire pressure detector and magnetic signal sending unit includes a bellows charged to a reference pressure for moving a magnet from a shielded position to a signal emitting position when tire pressure operating outside the bellows decreases to a predetermined value. A latching force is established by the magnet to operate against the bellows force to help maintain the magnet in the shielded or non-signalling position. The magnitude of the latching force is controlled by a polepiece of thin cross section which saturates under the influence of the magnet to limit the latching force to a fixed value. The spring force of the bellows is sufficient in the absence of a pressure differential to overcome the latching force and move the magnet to signalling position. A ferrous slug mounted on the movable end of the bellows is magnetically coupled to the magnet assembly to form a releasable connection between the magnet assembly and the bellows.

Abstract: A pressure responsive control device including a housing, a control switch unit and switch operating actuator, and a controller unit is disclosed for controlling operation of a refrigeration defrosting device. The actuator includes a bladder formed of thin film material which changes volume when a differential fluid pressure exists across the bladder. The bladder and switch unit are such that bladder volume changes are accompanied by minimal losses thus enabling the controller unit to be enabled in response to extremely slight differential pressures.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric switch assembly of the type operated by a thermostatic bellows, for use on refrigerators. The operating bellows is part of a system having a liquid/vapor filling and the movement of the bellows operates a microswitch. A hinged arm which operates the microswitch is biased in a switch closing direction by the bellows and in a switch opening direction by a spring system which includes a main spring and a differential spring in series. The force displacement line of the spring system approximates the force displacement line of the bellows and has two segments with different slopes. The two segments are formed by arresting the movement of the differential spring to make it ineffective at an intermediate point in the displacement of the bellows. The first segment with a lesser slope represents the action of both springs in series while the other segment, of greater slope, represents only the main spring.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell circuit has vacuum interrupter cell by-pass switches provided in order to prevent the impurities in the environment, caused by leakage from the electrochemical cells, from interfering with the switch operation.

Abstract: A pressure differential sensing device comprises a sealed housing having mounted therein a gas-filled flexible capsule and a switch operated by expansion of the capsule. The pressure differential sensing device is mounted to a pressurized chamber with the pressure of the chamber communicating with the interior of the housing and surrounding the capsule and monitors the chamber for gas leaks. The gas in the pressurized chamber and in the capsule both respond to variations in temperature in a like manner, and a relatively constant pressure differential is thereby maintained between the interior pressure of the capsule and the pressure of the housing. If gas leaks from the pressurized chamber, the pressure of the chamber decreases relative to the interior pressure of the capsule, and the capsule expands to operate the switch. Thus, the device is temperature compensated.The pressure differential sensing device is calibrated by adjusting the position of the switch relative to the capsule.

Abstract: A shorting element for closing a superconducting current path using contacts of a stabilized superconductor material with the contacts being brought together through the use of a mechanical actuating device, in which the contact surfaces of the contact elements are brought into contact using a pneumatic and/or hydraulic means operated by a pressure medium fed into the interior of at least one spring bellows. The shorting element, which is particularly useful in shorting superconducting magnets, is of a simple design, operationally reliable, and results in small coolant losses from the addition of heat through the shorting element.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a pressure sensing transducer employing an evacuated bellows wherein sliding electric contacts are mounted upon the bellows' movable portion. The sliding contacts traverse over a printed circuit board having conducting portions defined thereon connected to electrical resistances whereby pressure variations imposed upon the bellows position the contacts upon the conducting portions to produce an electric signal. A variety of adjusting means are utilized to adjust the position of the printed circuit board to the bellows, and the "span" of the conducting portions in the direction of contact movement is selectively varied by forming the conducting portions of a wedge shape and laterally adjusting the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A vacuum contactor for motor control applications and method of making the same that produces a switch of minimum size and extremely long mechanical life. This method comprises the step of heating the vacuum assembly to not over 450.degree. C during the evacuation process thereby allowing use of welded diaphragm bellows having the attendant advantages of much smaller size and longer life for a given length of stroke as compared to formed bellows. Because the operating conditions for motor control applications do not require as high voltage and current breakdown levels and thus the residual gas level inside the vacuum contactor enclosure need not be as low as in the case of circuit breaker (interrupter) applications, limiting the heating to not over 450.degree. C allows use of AM-350 stainless steel welded diaphragm bellows without sacrificing its required mechanical life.

Abstract: A pneumatic switch located within a tire emits a pulse of air from the tire when the tire pressure drops a preset amount below the normal operating pressure. A bellows in the switch is charged to normal operating pressure and when tire pressure drops, the bellows extends to open a valve to emit the air pulse to actuate a warning system. A valve in the bellows is opened manually to establish the pressure charge within the bellows at the level of the tire pressure when the tire is inflated. The same valve in the bellows is automatically opened during tire deflation after the air pulse is emitted to equalize the bellows charge with the lower tire pressure in order to avoid a pressure differential across the bellows sufficient to damage the bellows.

Abstract: A device for indicating the specific gravity and/or the level of the electrolyte in a wet storage battery with the device having a magnetically actuated switch which is energized by a magnet on a floatation member which senses both specific gravity and the electrolyte level. An adjustable bias magnet is provided to modify the magnetic force applied by the first magnet on the switch to accommodate for manufacturing tolerances in the device and also to accommodate for dimensional differences in battery construction.

Abstract: A high current shorting switch wherein relatively movable contacts are surrounded by a flexible bellows which forms a hermetically sealed chamber, within which the contacts are disposed. The contacts are supported on heavy current carrying supports which terminate in two large end plates. Insulated holes are formed in one of the end plates which engage rods extending from the other plate to provide guidance for relative movement of the two end plates. An annular ring is disposed within the flexible bellows to prevent or limit current flow through the flexible bellows. The flexible bellows are coated with a protective coating which substantially increase the life of the bellows. The contact surfaces are preferably formed from a material having good weld break characteristics, such as copper bismuth while the contact supports and the end plates are formed from a material which is a good electrical conductor, such as copper.

Abstract: A temperature compensated pressure indicator adapted to be mounted within a pressure container includes a reservoir housing and housing member welded together to form a secondary pressure chamber. A bellows member is hermetically mounted within the secondary pressure chamber and communicates with the exterior pressure of the container. Mounted on the bellows member is a movable magnetic member adapted to slide on a hollow guide post as a result of any pressure differentials. A reed switch assembly is held stationary in the guide post by a pair of band springs. The switch assembly is electrically connected to a source of power and an external indicator such as a light. When the bellows member moves the magnetic member close to the switch assembly due to a pressure differential, the magnetic field closes the switch assembly to activate the light. The indicator is substantially non-responsive to wide variations in the ambient temperature.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a positive and negative pressure operated control device for use as a breath control device. The device includes a plurality of micro switches which can be sequentially actuated or rendered responsive to a person blowing or sucking on an expandible chamber whereby the change in pressure effected thereby will actuate the respective switches accordingly.