Abstract: A temperature responsive switch includes a housing(1) which can be secured to the engine block of a motor vehicle and a temperature sensitive element (4) which is in contact with the cooling medium of the motor. In order to guarantee switching dependent on the temperature (T) and the pressure (P) of the cooling medium, in the housing (1) a hermetically sealed bellows-capillary-unit (4) is disposed which responds to temperature (T) and pressure (P) of the cooling medium and around which the cooling medium circulates, being sealed against the housing portion through which the cooling medium flows, a movable switching contact (6) mounted on the bellows-capillary-unit (4) is disposed in a room (7) open towards the atmosphere and covered by a cover (8) and a fixed switching contact is disposed in said cover (8), and the bellows-capillary-unit (4) is filled with a liquid having a vapor pressure curve of between about 1,2 bar at 96.degree. C. and 1,8 bar at 110.degree. C.

Abstract: A solid state switch connected across a pair of separable contacts for eliminating arcing across the contacts allows the contacts and the contact driver to be enclosed within an evacuated envelope. The vacuum environment allows the use of an inexpensive, highly conductive contact material, such as copper, without fear of chemical reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure switch which comprises a body, a metal support with a part thereof embedded in the body, the support having an attachment portion outside the body to be attached to an external portion, a fixed contact portion formed on the support and disposed at the inside of the body, diaphragm provided at the inside of the body for receiving a pressure from a pressure source and for being displaced in response to the pressure received, and a movable contact responsive to the displacement of the diaphragm to thereby constitute a switch in cooperation with the fixed contact portion.

Abstract: A continuous-current switch for shorting at least one superconducting magnet winding is provided with at least two contacts, each of which comprises several superconducting conductor sections which are arranged parallel to one another. The superconducting conductor sections are connected to support elements and are cooled by a cryogenic coolant. An actuating device is provided for joining the superconducting conductor sections together with a predetermined contact pressure. In order to ensure contact resistances are as low as possible for large superconducting magnets, the invention provides that the superconducting sections are arranged at the surfaces of the contacts facing each other in at least substantially parallel planes whereby the superconducting conductor sections of the first contact cross the superconducting conductor sections of the other contact.

Abstract: A snap-action diaphragm having an electrically conducting central portion is electrically insulated inside a case to separate it into two parts each of which is ported to a fluid, and is biased by an electrically conducting spring towards one port which serves as an electrical contact to form a switch with the diaphragm when connected to an external circuit. The snap-action characteristic of the diaphragm between two stable states when coacting with the biasing force of the spring provides a hysteresis force that can be predetermined to avoid hunting of the switch in response to anticipated alterations in pressure difference across the diaphragm. In another embodiment, the diaphragm also acts to open or shut a valve to control fluid flow, again with the benefit of hysteresis to prevent hunting during operation.

Abstract: A pressure change sensor includes a flexible hollow body to receive pressure changes, an inner body in said flexible hollow body, the inner body being of a size less than and a shape different from the hollow of said hollow body to prevent total occlusion of the hollow body interior under pressure, and a fluid operated switch in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow body responsive to pressure changes applied to the hollow body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for sensing high and low liquid level for the purpose of controlling a circuit. As liquid rises, gas within a first communicating line to a differential pressure switch is relieved through a check valve to atmosphere. When the liquid rises sufficiently, the pressure within a second communicating line causes closure of the switch and the circuit. As the level of liquid recedes, the check valve closes and a vacuum develops in the first connecting line so that the switch and circuit remain closed until the liquid level is below the entry to the first communicating line. At that time, the liquid within the communicating line exits and the pressures are equalized to the switch which then opens thereby opening the circuit.

Abstract: A microminiature switch for digitizing different-valued external conditions, such as pressure, temperature of acceleration, is disclosed. The switch includes a silicon wafer having a deflectable, reduced-thickness membrane adapted to move from a relaxed position toward increasingly flexed or bulged positions in response to greater-value changes in such external condition. Movement of the membrane from its relaxed position to more strained positions establishes electrical contact between a common terminal and first one and then progressively more switch-state terminals in the switch, wherein the number of switch states which are closed corresponds to the external condition acting on the switch.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive electrical switch is provided with a diaphragm which can be displaced against the action of a spring and which defines together with a supporting housing a pressure chamber. There is at least one outwardly projecting connection contact in the form of a contact pin. For mechanically mounting the housing of the switch there is provided at least one latching element comprising a latch for engagement in a receiving opening of a supporting board or print board or the like, the electric contact with the conductor paths of the printed circuit board being established by an electrically conductive pressure spring superimposed upon the pin-like outwardly projecting connection contact which spring in the latched position of the at least one latching element is urged into contact with the associated electric conductor path.

Abstract: A pressure switch for detecting and controlling small pressure gradients in fluid circulation systems includes a containing body having first and second channels formed therein, and an elastically deformable diaphragm. The diaphragm is supported at its edges by the body and separates the first and second channels from each other. A small disc formed of an electrically conductive material cooperatingly engages a portion of one of the faces of the diaphragm. Electrical contacts are supported by the body and disposed adjacent the small disc. The diaphragm is provided with a working portion that is disposed outwardly from the periphery of the small disc and is relatively thin. The pressure switch further includes an annular supporting plug projecting from the containing body and engaging the diaphragm close to the edge of the disc.

Abstract: In a diaphragm apparatus, such as a switch having a diaphragm to be driven by a pressure difference between two spaces, an iron disk is fixed to the center of the diaphragm and a ring-shaped permanent magnet is fixed to an inside wall of a case to magnetically attract the iron disk. This provides hysteresis in the force-motion characteristic of the diaphragm to reduce hunting.

Abstract: In an arrangement for converting the pressure of a pressure medium into an electrical signal, there is provided an electrical sensor 1, which is presently positionable into one of two fixed positions by a reciprocable adjusting element 3 through the alternating pressure of the pressure medium, under the concurrent electrical connection and disconnection of its contacts 4, 5. In order to maintain the constructional volume of the arrangement as well as the requirement of components as small as possible, the contacts 4, 5 of the sensor 1 are directly electrically connectible in one of the two fixed positions of the adjusting element 3.

Abstract: A device for use in monitoring cervical dilatation during labor. The device comprises an elongated member having a longitudinal axis, the member being adapted to be positioned between a fetal presenting part and a cervix; and means for measuring the recession of the cervix with cervical dilatation from the elongated member and along the longitudinal axis thereof. Also provided are systems and methods of monitoring cervical dilatation during labor. An elongated member having a longitudinal axis is positioned between a fetal presenting part and a cervix. The elongated member is anchored against longitudinal movement with respect to a maternal reference point. The recession of the cervix with cervical dilatation from the elongated member and along the longitudinal axis is measured.

Abstract: An apparatus to continuously monitor a preset altitude for a pilot of an aircraft. It senses a change in altitude and an audible as well as a visible alarm tells the pilot that he has deviated from his preset altitude by a given height. Increase in altitude is signaled by a high pitch tone and by a yellow light while a decrease in altitude is signaled by a low pitch tone and a red light. The invention can also be used to warn a small boat operator of a pressure drop.

Abstract: An improved construction is provided for fluid pressure responsive electrical switching apparatus, which achieves physical miniaturization, quick response time, sensitivity to relatively low levels of change or differential in fluid pressures, adaptability for employment in corrosive environments and under a very wide range of temperature conditions, simplicity and economy of fabrication and assembly, reliability of operation and general versatility for utilization in diverse applications. The improved apparatus involves, besides suitable housing structure that may provide for installation accommodating to various pressure and other conditions dictated by the application, a thin, wafer-like laminated switch assembly peripherally sealed in the housing structure and disposed for direct fluid communication with the fluid whose pressure is to be monitored for the purpose of controlling actuation of the switch assembly.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp includes arc extinguishing means functional when the outer envelope of the lamp fails. The extinguishing means comprises a pressure sensing diaphragm and a terminal which will melt back when an arc is drawn therebetween. The extinguishing means operates within a time interval of several milli-seconds.

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: The pressure pick-up is of the type comprising an elastic metal diaphragm deformable between a first and a second state according as the pressure in the tire is lower or higher than a predetermined value, and an electrical switch controlled by the diaphragm. In accordance with the invention the metal diaphragm has the form of a spherical dome mounted to bear with its edge free at the periphery of its concave face against a seating, its convex face being subjected to the pressure in the tire.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing switch device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and an outlet separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by the pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof actuated by the pressure differential. The switch contacts of the switch construction are disposed in the fluid flow passage so as to be exposed to fluid flow therethrough and have a part thereof carried by the valve member.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and outlet separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by a pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet acting on a flexible diaphragm carried by the housing, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof disposed in the fluid flow passage so as to be exposed to fluid therethrough and being actuated by the pressure differential acting on the flexible diaphragm. The switch contacts comprise a pair of spaced apart contacts carried by the flexible diaphragm and a bridging contact member carried by the valve member and being adapted to make contact with the pair of contacts and thereby bridge the pair of contacts to close the switch construction to operate electronic switching, the electronic switching being disposed inside the housing.

Abstract: A method and electro-mechanical device, for use on motor vehicles, which signals the driver to ease up on the gas pedal whenever he is applying excessive pedal pressure which causes fuel waste. The device utilizes a vacuum-operated electric switch that detects any drop in engine intake-manifold-vacuum below a pre-selected level, caused by excess foot-pressure on the gas pedal, and applies voltage to an electric vibrator which is coupled to the gas pedal. On feeling the gas pedal vibrating, the driver reduces his pedal pressure sufficiently to allow engine vacuum to rise above the pre-selected level, thereby causing the vacuum-switch to cut off electric current to the pedal vibrator. This cessation of vibration serves as a feed-back signal to the driver that his pedal pressure, and hence vehicle performance, is restored to an economical level.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing switch device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and an outlet disposed in spaced coaxially aligned relation in the housing and separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by the pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof actuated by the pressure differential. A pressure regulator is disposed in the housing for regulating the pressure of the fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet of the housing, the pressure regulator being disposed downstream from the main valve seat so as to act on the fluid after the same passes through the main valve seat from the inlet.

Abstract: A multi-layered flexible switch wherein the electrical contacts are transversely remote from the area of the switch to be depressed.

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 fluid flow sensing switch device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and an outlet disposed in spaced coaxially aligned relation in the housing and separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by the pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof actuated by the pressure differential. A pressure regulator is disposed in the housing for regulating the pressure of the fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet of the housing, the pressure regulator being disposed downstream from the main valve seat so as to act on the fluid after the same passes through the main valve seat from the inlet.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing switch device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and an outlet separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by the pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof actuated by the pressure differential. The switch contacts of the switch construction are disposed in the fluid flow passage so as to be exposed to fluid flow therethrough and have a part thereof carried by the valve member.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and outlet separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by a pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet acting on a flexible diaphragm carried by the housing, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof disposed in the fluid flow passage so as to be exposed to fluid therethrough and being actuated by the pressure differential acting on the flexible diaphragm. The switch contacts comprise a pair of spaced apart contacts carried by the flexible diaphragm and a bridging contact member carried by the valve member and being adapted to make contact with the pair of contacts and thereby bridge the pair of contacts to close the switch construction to operate electronic switching, the electronic switching being disposed inside the housing.

Abstract: Contactor comprising at least two fixed studs, at least one movable stud capable of making or breaking an electric contact between the two fixed studs, and at least one membrane which can deform under the action of a fluid. The movable stud is fastened to the membrane in such a manner that the movable stud is isolated from the two fixed studs in position of rest. The contactor is characterized by the fact that the membrane comprises the following two parts:(a) at least one substantially nondeformable base to which the movable stud is fastened; and(b) flanks which are elastic with respect to the base and firmly attached to the base, the deformation of the membrane being obtained substantially solely by stretching of the flanks, this deformation causing a displacement of the base and therefore a displacement of the movable stud.

Abstract: A snap action fluid pressure actuated switch, including a switch housing within which is mounted a metallic dome-shaped disc which is dimpled in its center by a predetermined pressure differential to provide a snap action, while being biased to eliminate the deformation and return the switch after the pressure differential declines. The disc is secured to a spool contact movably by the snap action of the disc into and out of electrical contact with either of a pair of contact plates to create an electrical connection between a terminal electrically connected to the metallic disc and either of a pair of terminals connected to a respective contact plate. The free end of the spool contact is piloted at its free end and adjustable fixed stops are provided to position the spool contact in the connected metallic disc at either end point of the snap action movement, while enabling adjustability in the end positions of the spool contact and the pressure conditions causing the snap action to occur.

Abstract: A pressure sensing switch for transducing the change of pneumatic pressure to an electrical signal comprises a diaphragm made of a material having a Young's modulus E of 1.0.times.10.sup.4 -2.1.times.10.sup.4 kg/mm.sup.2, a Poisson's ratio V of 0.3, a thickness t of 0.02-0.2mm, a diameter d measured at a radially inner edge of a side wall portion being 5-10mm, a ratio of a radius or curvature R measured at a deflectable portion to a diameter d measured at the radially inner edge of the side wall portion being 2.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive switch for indicating when a fluid pressure reaches a predetermined limit includes a housing having a top wall and a dielectric substrate within the housing spaced from the top wall. A metal diaphragm is hermetically bonded to the substrate to form a cavity between the top wall and the diaphragm. The diaphragm includes a major resilient portion which deforms responsive to varying fluid pressures within the cavity. A first contact is fixedly mounted relative to the substrate and a second contact, arranged for movement with the deformable diaphragm, is spaced from the first contact in juxtaposition thereto. When the fluid pressure within the cavity reaches a predetermined limit, the second contact engages the first contact to close the switch. When the fluid pressure is below the predetermined limit, the second contact moves with the diaphragm away from the first contact to open the switch.

Abstract: The patient breathing monitoring apparatus is used for monitoring the airway of a patient which has a respirator connected thereto and which is connected to a source of gas. The respirator is of a type which during the inhalation phase supplies inspiratory gases to the airway of the patient and during exhalation phase permits the discharge of gases from the airway of the patient. The monitoring apparatus includes first and second pressure switches each of which has an inlet connected to the airway of the patient. One of the pressure switches is adjustable to sense a decrease in pressure in the airway below a predetermined value whereas the other of the switches is adjustable to sense an increase in pressure in the airway above a predetermined value. An alarm devices is coupled to the pressure switches for giving an alarm when the one switch senses a decrease in pressure below the predetermined value and when the other of the switches senses an increase in pressure above a predetermined value.

Abstract: A pressure responsive electrical switch uses precalibrated snap acting monometallic or bimetallic discs freely disposed in a disc seat formed on a base member. Over pressure protection in the form of a surface spaced just beyond the normal snapped position may be provided to avoid calibration changes. A flexible thin gasket is positioned over the disc and is sealed to the base by trapping between the base and a cap which is clamped to the base. Several seal variations are shown to provide varying degrees and types of seals. A rocker member having a specially curved surface rests on a movable contact arm and transfers motion from the disc to the movable arm. A support for the movable arm has a portion which is formed with a complementary curved portion which cooperates with the rocker member and a stationary contact to limit the amount of stress imparted to the movable contact arm.

Abstract: Pumping apparatus which incorporates connected piston type positive displacement, slip free pumps is disclosed. They provide pumped outputs at a common displacement rate. They run out of phase to one another so that while one is pumping, the other is able to refill. A three way valve under control of a pressure responsive switch delivers pumped fluid to the down stream outlet when a pressure match is achieved. The apparatus finds application as a constant rate continuous fluid injection pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for an invalid of at least one electrical control circuit of an apparatus comprising a source of a fluid with a constant flow which is feeding at least a pipe with an open end and a branch, said branch feeding a pressure detector which controls, when said open end is closed, the switching on or switching off of an utilization circuit.

Abstract: A capsule lamp as a fishing tackle in which an electric circuit connecting a light bulb and a battery across a switching mechanism is opened or closed in response to water pressure acting on a diaphragm adapted to be deformed by the water pressure into pressing engagement with the switching mechanism.

Abstract: A pressure actuated switch including a conductive frame forming a chamber having a pressure fluid inlet connecting thereto, a flexible diaphragm extending across the chamber to separate it into a first chamber connecting to the fluid inlet and a second chamber and where the flexible diaphragm mounts a contact means thereon which is movable into engagement with the second chamber wall when a suitable pressure differential exists between the chambers. A deformable member is positioned in the second chamber and is deformable by movement of the diaphragm towards the frame to bring the contact means into engagement with the frame so that the deformable member normally prevents contact closing action. Electrical connection means are present on the flexible diaphragm and extend from the contact means to a point remote from the frame, which connection means is insulated from the frame.

Abstract: A hollow, imperforate chamber arranged to be connected to a cylinder, includes a gas pressure deformable membrane detector providing means to actuate a signal indicating pressure in the cylinder produced by a piston moving in its compression cycle. The detector is connected into the electrical system of the engine to utilize its lights or horn as an indicating signal.

Abstract: A pressure responsive switch for modifying an actuation signal generated through a solenoid valve responding to a sway control signal to limit the operation of a brake applying servomotor and thereby prevent locking of the wheel brakes in a trailer braking system.

Abstract: An oil pressure switch comprising a housing having an inlet end connectable to an oil pressure line to admit oil from the line within the housing. A flexible membrane is secured in the housing and having opposed surfaces. One of these opposed surfaces is in contact with the oil admitted to the housing while the other of the surfaces is in engagement with a spring biased electrical contact. The spring biased electrical contact is in abutting engagement with a stationary electrical contact. Connection means is provided for each of the electrical contacts. The membrane is displaced by pressure in the oil line whereby the spring biased contact is caused to be displaced against its spring biased direction to cause disengagement with the stationary electrical contact.

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: An actuator device responsive to a pressure variation in its surrounding environment comprises a wall structure forming a small chamber having a pressure activated inlet check valve that allows fluid to flow into the chamber. One wall portion of the device is movable to an extendable position when pressure within the chamber exceeds the outside pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating a clogged condition of a fluid filter or the like. The apparatus includes an electrical switch structure and a pressure-responsive element carried within the chamber to be responsive to the fluid pressure differential existing across the filter. The switch includes a threaded screw element adapted to adjustably engage the fluid pressure-responsive element in the chamber which may comprise a snap action element providing a positive instantaneous indication of the pressure across the filter reaching the preselected elevated value indicative of undesirable clogging of the filter.

Abstract: Low-cost fluid-operated electric relay type logic elements are provided with an elastomeric conductive diaphragm flexed out of a stable taut intermediate position by means of differential pressures of fluid signals directed into respective chambers on opposite sides to provide thereby break or make connections with cooperating conductive contacts. Thus fluid logic, switching circuit logic or hybrid logic operations may be effected directly with attendant advantages of reliability and more powerful logic capabilities. Alternatively the elements may serve as interfacing members to produce electrical signals from fluid systems. The elements have further advantages as servicing monitor means where access is provided to conductive circuits displaying more servicing information relating to operational characteristics of the fluid logic devices than possible with fluid indicators.

Abstract: A pressure sensing means having a housing provided with a chamber therein. A double wall fluid operated device is disposed in the chamber of the housing and is carried by the same, the walls of the device defining a chamber therebetween that is interconnected to the exterior of the housing by a passage. A charge of pressure fluid is sealed in the chamber of the housing to initially hold the walls of the device in flat abutting relation in a manner to prevent an adverse permanent set thereof. Subsequently, the chamber of the double wall fluid operated device is interconnected to the pressurized chamber of a container means for a vehicular air bag safety system whereby the pressure sensing means can subsequently detect loss or gain of pressure differential across at least one of the walls of the double wall operated device for detection purposes or the like.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 321,648, filed Jan. 8, 1973, now abandoned.