Abstract: The present invention concerns a snap switch comprising:a snap spring, which is fastened on a spring mount and carries at least one switching contact spaced therefrom,at least one contact stationary with respect to the spring mount, on which the switching contact lies in one switching position of the snap spring,a guide rod, which is pivotally mounted near the spring mount and is connected with said snap spring at a distance from its mounting as well as from the stationary contact and exhibits a point of application for an actuating force.a prestress spring, which acts on the guide rod and strives to keep this in a stop position with prestress,and an adjusting member for adjusting the prestress of said prestress spring.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive switch unit forming part of a resonator assembly for use in a tire pressure drop detecting apparatus of the electromagnetic induction type, wherein an atmospheric chamber, formed in a casing structure and hermetically isolated by a diaphragm from a pressure-acting chamber communicating with the tire chamber in a tire-and-wheel assembly, communicates with the atmosphere through contact surfaces of two or three of the component parts of the casing structure and further through a body of a gas-permeable synthetic rubber in part exposed to the atmosphere so that an atmospheric pressure is at all times introduced into the atmosphere atmospheric chamber and an ingress of water and dust into the atmospheric chamber is precluded by the body of the gas-permeable synthetic rubber.

Abstract: A compact, low cost, pressure responsive electrical switch of improved reliability has simple and easily assembled contacts movable on a base between open and closed circuit positions. A dished metal disc is operably connected with a diaphragm to move with snap action between original and inverted dished configurations for moving the contacts sharply between such circuit positions when selected pressures are applied to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A control device has a snap-action member so as to effect the operation of a switch device from one conductive mode of a conductive mode pair to the other thereof, an actuator between the snap-action member and the switch device, and spring means engaged with the actuator for biasing it into engagement with the snap-action member.Methods of assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A condition responsive electrical switch has relatively movable contacts and contact arms and the like secured in precisely predetermined locations relative to each other on a molded dielectric base by sensing the relative positions of the switch components to each other on the base and by fusing portions of the base to the switch components while they are held in the desired spaced relation to each other.

Abstract: A pressure actuated switch is provided in which one face of a diaphragm engages a metal contact plate which has a pair of integral contact areas thereon or a pair of contacts fused thereto for engagement with contacts on the ends of a pair of terminal posts molded in a plastic housing part. The contact plate also has a central deformation disposed between the contacts thereon and engaged with a spring metal strip of arcuate cross-sectional configuration, one or more additional strips being optionally provided.

Abstract: A vacuum switch in which the diaphragm movement with increasing vacuum is opposed by two springs which determine the vacuum required to actuate the switch. As the vacuum subsequently decreases one of the springs is rendered inoperative before the switch resets so the reset vacuum is determined by the one spring remaining effective. The spring which is rendered inoperative is compressed between the actuator and an eyelet which can seat on the actuator (spring ineffective) or the housing (spring effective) and which also functions to limit motion of the actuator relative to the eyelet so the switch operated by the actuator cannot be overstressed.

Abstract: An electric switch actuated in response to a condition, such as the occurrence of a particular pressure level, is shown to comprise a base having a switch receiving chamber and having an open end closed by a snap-acting diaphragm assembly. A motion transfer pin is slidably mounted between the diaphragm and a movable contact arm to transfer motion from the diaphragm to the arm. The diaphragm is supported on an annular plate used to prevent over pressures from deleteriously effecting the diaphragm and may be used in forming and calibrating the diaphragm for snapping in one direction. An adjustable spring is disposed on the other side of the diaphragm to permit calibration adjustment of the diaphragm for snapping in the opposite direction. The spring is mounted in a housing adapted to be connected to a pressure source. The switch is weatherproofed by providing a skirt which depends from the housing and extends toward and beyond the base.

Abstract: A snap-action member of a metallic material having a predetermined grain orientation and having at least one projection for locating the snap-action member in a preselected assembly position on seating means therefor in a control device thereby to align the predetermined grain orientation with respect to the seating means.

Abstract: A tire puncture detecting device having a pressure chamber defined by a flexible diaphragm and held in communication with the interior of the tire, an atmospheric chamber communicating with the atmosphere, and a spring plate member disposed in the pressure chamber and supporting on the front face thereof a magnet and on the rear face thereof a central portion of the flexible diaphragm. The spring plate member is normally maintained in a retracted position under the air pressure in the pressure chamber against the bias of a resilient member disposed rearwardly of the spring plate member. When a reduction in the air pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds a predetermined degree, the spring plate member buckles so as to quickly project forwardly under the force of the resilient member. In this manner, the magnet supported on the spring plate member is moved closer to an alarm circuit switch located in front of the device and energizable by magnetic force, thereby actuating the switch.

Abstract: A vacuum operated electric switch designed for automotive applications having a vacuum responsive diaphragm that releases the switch mechanism for movement from one of its two stable conditions. The switch assembly has a spring biased pivotal overcenter contact blade movable between two stationary contacts to give the switch a snap action characteristic. Stationary contact wiring is eliminated by bending the ends of the terminals, which are insert molded in a switch base, to directly support the contacts. Movable contact wiring is eliminated by staking a bracket for the movable contact blade directly to one of the terminals so that the bracket provides the conductive path between the movable contact and its terminal. The switch assembly is designed as a complete integral subassembly that may be manufactured separately from the main switch housing having a vacuum chamber and diaphragm therein.

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: A snap disc operator pressure switch is disclosed in which a thin flexible diaphragm is positioned adjacent to the disc to isolate the pressure chamber from the disc chamber and to transmit the pressure forces directly to the surface of the disc. The disc is positioned in a disc seat and is held therein by the diaphragm. The calibration of the disc is not adversely affected because it is not necessary to provide a seal directly with the disc. The disc seat member is shaped to support the disc against overpressure and to provide a guide for the switch bumper. When higher operating pressures are required, two discs are positioned in the disc seat at face-to-face adjacency and the device operates at a pressure substantially equal to the sum of the calibration pressures of the discs. In another embodiment, the movable arm of the switch is biased closed and is moved to an open position by a spring-biased operator.

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 control unit is disclosed comprising a pressure transducer assembly and an attached output switch assembly. The transducer includes rigid body members clamped together and defining a chamber between them, a snap acting diaphragm extending through the chamber, and high and low pressure event controlling mechanisms for adjusting the pressure levels at which the diaphragm snap moves. A motion transfer pin extends from the transducer to the switch assembly to operate a control switch in response to diaphragm motion.

Abstract: A pressure switch comprising a housing, a first contact mounted in the housing and a support mounted in the housing in spaced relationship to the first contact. A pressure responsive member is mounted in the housing for moving a second contact into and out of engagement with the first contact and with the support. A first spring urges the pressure responsive member in opposition to the fluid pressure acting on the pressure responsive member. The pressure responsive member includes a bistable spring which carries the second contact. The bistable spring augments the first spring as the pressure responsive member moves from a low pressure position toward a high pressure position and opposes the first spring as the pressure responsive member moves from the high pressure position toward the low pressure position.

Abstract: A control device has a housing with an opening therein, and at least a pair of opposite spaced apart stopping abutments in the housing are arranged within the opening so as to intersect with a chord thereof. A snap-action member formed from a metallic material having directed grain orientation extending generally across the snap-action member is seated on the housing in a predetermined assembly position at least in part about the opening and in spaced relation with the at least stopping abutment pair so that the direction of the grain orientation in the metallic material of the snap-action member extends generally across the chord of the opening which intersects with said at least stopping abutment pair.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring device is disclosed which is adapted to couple a source of fluid with a tripping device. The tripping device includes a tripping switch movable between a first position in which a tripping signal is generated and a second position in which a tripping signal is not generated, and biasing means for biasing the tripping switch into the first position. The pressure monitoring device comprises pressure transmission means which is operable in a first mode and in a second mode, and coupling means having a first position and a second position. The pressure transmission means when operating in the first mode is responsive to the pressure of the fluid being monitored and when operating in the second mode is independent of the pressure of the fluid. The coupling means is operatively associated with the pressure transmission means and the tripping device for coupling the pressure transmission means to the tripping device.

Abstract: A double throw electrical switch construction having a housing carrying a movable actuator unit for moving a snap switch blade of the housing over center to snap a contact portion of the blade between a pair of spaced contact stops carried by the housing, the actuator unit comprising an actuator plunger and an actuator spring. The actuator spring is movable relative to the housing and has one of the opposed ends thereof operatively interconnected to the blade to move the blade as the spring is moved. The plunger has a lost motion arrangement for acting against an intermediate portion of the actuator spring to cause movement thereof as the actuator plunger is moved whereby the actuator spring can move relative to the actuator plunger through the lost motion arrangement thereof.

Abstract: A valve seatis mounted within a housing. An actuating shaft movable in the axial direction is rigidly fixed to center portions of an elastic valve and snap-action plate. The elastic valve has an outer resilient peripheral portion press-fitted to the valve seat by it's elasticity and separates the interior of the housing into a low and a high pressure chamber. The snap-action plate responds to the movement of the actuating shaft and rapidly changes a pair of contacts responsive to the movement of the actuating shaft from one position to the other position. The low pressure chamber is connected to an intake manifold of a combustion engine and high pressure chamber is opened to the atmosphere. When the overpressure is produced in the low pressure chamber, the peripheral portion of the elastic valve separates from the valve seat and performs protection.

Abstract: A vacuum actuated switch has a pair of snap action contacts which are actuated in response to the operation of two vacuum motors. One vacuum motor controls the opening and closing of the contacts in a first predetermined range of vacuum. The other vacuum motor extends the range of operation to a second and larger predetermined range of vacuum wherein one limit of the second range is the same as the first range.

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 pressure control assembly having a snap-acting Belleville washer responsive to fluid pressure, and a switch actuating mechanism movable therewith, includes an adjusting mechanism for the snap-acting Belleville washer. The adjusting mechanism includes at least one pin which can be moved along the surface of the Belleville washer to change the Belleville washer's pivot point by increasing or decreasing its lever arm, thus varying its snap pressure. In the preferred embodiment, there are three pins which extend through aligned slots in an upper and lower plate and the pins can be moved radially inwardly and outwardly by rotating the lower plate relative to the upper plate.

Abstract: Movement of the diaphragm pad occasioned by change in pressure within the diaphragm in response to a change in sensed temperature causes the bowed actuating spring to increase or decrease the degree of flexure to actuate the switch. In order to accommodate the pressure variations induced by a wide range of ambient temperature conditions the diaphragm is preloaded by a second bowed spring. A cam mechanism can be provided to vary the flexure of the preloading spring to thereby adjust the temperature at which the switch will be actuated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in pneumatic or hydraulic pressure sensors with several thresholds of response.There often is a need for pressure sensors with several thresholds of response to predetermined pressure values. One such case exists with washing machines wherein loads at predetermined levels are required. The pressure sensor must therefore signal on the basis of the hydrostatic pressure the level of leading of the washing tub for the closing of, for example, an electric valve.According to the present invention, the pressure sensor provides for a "lung" comprising an elastic membrane exposed to pressure, which acts on an element that operates a group of electromechanical switching elements, each of which is sensitive to a preestablished actuating force corresponding in turn to a given response pressure of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A control switch unit adaptable for a number of different purposes has a fluid-filled flexible-walled capsule acting within a housing on a pivoted operating lever arranged to operate a switch located in the housing on the other side of the pivot axis of the lever from the capsule, the lever being biased by a cam-adjustable tensioning spring acting on the opposite side of the operating lever from the capsule and the switch. Further components such as a manual switch-off control, a pilot lamp operable by an auxiliary switch, or a capsule heater, can be added without rearrangement of the basic unit.

Abstract: There is shown a pressure responsive device for operating an electric switch plunger, the device having a port to receive fluid under pressure for application to a slidable piston that engages a pressure plate arranged to actuate a snap action disc spring, and thereby actuate the switch plunger via a combination motion doubler and pressure level setting mechanism. Such mechanism includes a yoke member extending from the snap spring to the switch plunger, and a helical spring surrounding the yoke and which at one end engages the pressure plate and at its other end is coupled to an adjustment member that is threaded on a housing that surrounds the helical spring and yoke member.

Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction having a base carrying a pressure operated diaphragm and an electrical switch unit controlled by the diaphragm and an adjustable compression spring controlled by a cam operated actuator leaf pivotally carried by the base. The base has integral bracket members extending therefrom, each bracket member having an integral snap-in arrangement. A cam shaft unit is snapped into the snap-in arrangement of the bracket members to be rotatably carried thereby, the cam shaft unit having a cam for operating on the actuator leaf to position the same.

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: A pressure responsive device is shown for actuating an electric switch, such device having a port for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, the port being spanned by a diaphragm overlayed by a pressure plate that is adapted directly to actuate a snap action disc spring and a yoke member. An exteriorly adjustable threaded rod extends through the yoke member, and a helical spring has turns at one end threadedly engaging the yoke member, and turns at its other end engaging a shoe element that is threaded onto the rod. As the rod is turned in one direction, the shoe moves towards the inner end of the rod and thereby elongates the spring, i.e., places it in tension. Turning the rod in the opposite direction causes the shoe to move towards the external end of the rod and thereby place the coils of the spring in compression.

Abstract: An electrical switch actuatable upon the occurrence of a preselected level, includes a generally cup shaped, open ended housing which mounts therein a spaced pair of stationary contacts. The housing has two pairs of upwardly extending channels in its side walls, the two channels of the first pair aligned with the stationary contacts and the two channels of the second pair aligned with platform surfaces. An electrically conductive, flexible cruciform element is disposed in the housing with the distal end portions of two legs of the cruciform received respectively in the two channels of the first pair, and the distal end portions of the other two legs of the cruciform received respectively in the two channels of the second pair and resting on the platform surfaces. The stationary contacts may be disposed above or beneath the cruciform element for a normally open or normally closed switch as desired.

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: Improved actuating mechanisms are provided in pressure switches controlling water tub fill levels in domestic appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, etc. The mechanisms include a snap blade construction which improves contact point wear characteristics; an orifice molded into the switch's plastic body which averages transient surges in water tub levels during operation; a simplified plunger arrangement utilizing an especially configured actuator for establishing trip and reset levels of the switch; and a snap blade configuration which minimizes "contact bounce" after the contact moves from one stationary contact to the other.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive electrical switch has a monostable snap disc which is deformed in response to the application of sufficient force. A pressure reducer transmits a force proportional to the pressure of a fluid. The reducer has an annular force transmitting ring which applies force to the snap disc along a circle which is substantially concentric with the disc. By changing the force reducer in a switch to one having a different diameter ring, the operating characteristics of the switch may be changed.

Abstract: To provide positive on-off switching when a pneumatic pressure threshold is passed, a movable switching element is magnetically attracted by a moving magnet, movable under force of a pressure diaphragm subjected to the pneumatic pressure. The movable switch element itself is biassed away from the magnet by a spring which is weaker than the restoring spring counteracting the pneumatic pressure. The non-linear displacement-force characteristics of the magnet cause snap action of the movable switch element, thus providing positive switching at accurately predeterminable pressure positions.

Abstract: A pressure switch incorporates a pressure gauge in which the indicator actuator is operatively connected to an element movable in response to pressure variations in the system being monitored, which element is also part of the switch operating mechanism.

Abstract: A snap-action pressure switch has an adjustable trip point for controlling the switching pressure. A flexible bracket has a bearing portion pivotally mounting a lever between the ends thereof. Contact means are actuated by one end of the lever. A toggle spring is biased between the other end of the lever and a pressure-responsive actuator for causing snap-action pivoting of the lever when the toggle spring passes through an overcenter force-reversing toggle point as the actuator moves in response to pressure. The bearing portion of the flexible bracket is adjustably movable with respect to the actuator, thus moving the pivot point of the lever to change the toggle point of the spring with respect to movement of the actuator, whereby to afford an adjustable switching pressure. The trip point is further controlled by an adjustble range spring biasing the actuator against pressure-induced movement.

Abstract: A pressure switch for use within a pressure chamber containing a gas having a pressure of P.sub.2, said switch including a pressure vessel containing gas having a pressure of P.sub.1, said vessel circumscribed by an end wall at one end thereof, side walls and closed at the second end by a flexible diaphragm, said diaphragm biased in a first position and subjected to P.sub.2 on one surface thereof and to P.sub.1 on the other surface thereof, said diaphragm assuming said first position when P.sub.2 does not exceed P.sub.1 by a predetermined amount and assuming a second position under P.sub.2 when P.sub.2 does exceed P.sub.1 by said amount, and switch means operatively associated with movement of said diaphragm.

Abstract: A toggle device has a fixed support with a pair of fixed abutments thereon, and a toggle arm pivotally mounted in the device is adapted for pivotal movement in response to a variable motive force between the abutments into motion limiting engagement therewith, respectively. A toggle spring engaged with the toggle arm is adapted to be compressed for transmitting a force applied thereto onto the toggle arm generally in opposition to the motive force. Means is mounted to the support and engaged with the toggle spring so as to compress it for establishing the applied force. Means is mounted to the support and engaged with the establishing means for positioning it and the toggle spring so as to angularly direct the applied force through the toggle spring onto the toggle arm.An electric switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire pressure responsive switch wherein the pressure responsive switch is mounted to the tire rim by a snap ring means in a peripheral groove formed around a casing of the pressure responsive switch. The switch actuator is secured to a diaphragm having one side exposed to the inside of a pneumatic tire.

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: A fluid operated electrical switch construction having a first housing provided with an electrical switch therein and a second housing having an expandible and contractible fluid operated power element therein, the housings being secured together in a predetermined assembled relationship so that a motion transmitting arrangement is disposed in both of the housings and extends between the power element and the switch to transmit movement of the element to the switch to operate the same. The motion transmitting arrangement has a length adjustment unit therein that is adapted to be adjusted by first causing relative movement between the housings while the housings are assembled together but before the same are secured together so that once the adjustment unit has been adjusted to provide the proper length, the housings are secured together in such assembled relation.

Abstract: A pressure responsive switch performing switching operation for converting pressure variations into electric variations is disclosed in which the actuating pressure of a snap switching member is adjusted by changing the contact pressure between a pressure applied member and the snap switching member which is in contact with the pressure-applied member. The gap between the break contact of the pressure responsive switch is adjusted thereby to adjust the difference between the pressure between the make contact of the switch when it is closed and the pressure between the break contact of the same when it is closed.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a plurality of means adapted to be movable generally sequentially for switching power through the electrical switch. A plurality of means are adapted to be conjointly and relatively movable disposed in cascaded articulated relation between the switching means at least some of the movable means being conjointly movable relative to at least some of the others thereof for effecting the sequential operation of the switching means. Methods and a system for generally effecting sequential operation of the switching means are also disclosed.