Abstract: An airspring with plastic rigid components having a specialized coupling adapted for push-in engagement of the pneumatic tubing into the airspring is disclosed. The coupling requires no threading in the plastic structural component of the airspring and is composed of an outer ring through which a coaxial annular sleeve with jaws for tubing engagement slides axially. An O-ring seals the tubing against air leaks. The airspring may be used for vibration isolation or load suspension.

Abstract: A pressure transducer for in particular the measurement of relatively high pressures in the range of 10,000-50,000 psi and including an elongated frame having a capillary tube extending therethrough and employing a coupler at one end of the frame for sensing input pressure. A sensing member is provided disposed about the capillary tube at the other end of the frame and has, defined with the capillary tube, a sensing chamber in communication with the capillary tube. A recess is provided in the sensing member defining a relatively thin wall adjacent the annular sensing chamber. This wall has a pressure responsive sensing surface that extends substantially parallel to the capillary tube length and upon which strain gages are secured. A method as described for securing the capillary tube with the sensing member in a liquid tight manner.

Abstract: A pressure-measuring transducer device for transforming a change of tested pressure into a change of output signal frequency. Variable reluctance sensing elements and an FM IC block are assembled together in a base. The transducer device can have a variety of configurations and external forms and is sturdy and reliable, tightly sealed, interference resistant, and adapted for use in measuring dynamic and static pressures of different mediums. The pressure transducer has a piston type double film, and the base is made of aluminum alloy and is "honeycombed". The specific gravity is approximately equal to that of soil. It is adapted for measuring soil pressure or boundary soil pressure of reinforced concrete structure and pressure of loose solid substances. An alternate embodiment is used for measuring pore pressure in soil. Several forms of filtering devices are provided.

Abstract: A bourdon tube for gas and liquid-filled thermometers and pressure gauges constructed by edge welding two strips of isoelastic nickel alloy to form a wall to wall low volume bourdon tube that exhibits a low ambient temperature effect and improved rangeability over all existing bourdon tubes used for temperature and pressure measurement and control.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed, creep acting pressure switch has a sensor assembly comprising a bulged metallic membrane welded between a port fitting and a support. A switch assembly, attached to the sensor assembly, includes a housing which has a switch chamber in which, in one embodiment, a pair of stationary contacts are mounted. A piston having a force receiving surface at one end is biased into engagement with the membrane with an adjustable calibrated force. An electrically conductive contact bridge is mounted on and is movable with the piston. The switch can be normally open or normally closed depending on which side of the contact bridge the stationary contacts are mounted. In an alternate embodiment a miniature switch is mounted in the switch chamber and is adapted to be actuated by the piston.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor uses two silicon wafers hermetically sealed to each other by recrystallized silicon formed by the migration of a ring of silicon-aluminum eutectic material from the wafer interface to the surface of one wafer. Within the ring of the eutectic a cavity with opposing conductive plates forms a capacitor. Another high conductivity path through the wafer can be formed simultaneously with the ring of eutectic material by placing an aluminum dot on the interior side of one silicon wafer. Thus, a high conductivity path is available through a silicon wafer for each of the two capacitor plates.

Abstract: A fluid pressure transmitting diaphragm assembly is disclosed in which a diaphragm support plate (14) and a force transmitting disk (16) are attached respectively to the outer flange (46) and inner flange (48) of an annular diaphragm (44) having a concave portion (50) between the flanges, the concave portion having been formed by fluid pressure acting on the diaphragm to freely deform it following hermetic welding of the flanges. A method of manufacturing such an assembly also is disclosed.

Abstract: A transducer diaphragm overload protection system provides a core of insulating material for supporting a sensor and being movable relative to a deflectable diaphragm portion, and establishes a mechanical interconnection between that deflectable portion of the diaphragm and that movable core, while that core is in a movable condition. The movable core is rendered stationary relative to the diaphragm, and the mechanical interconnection is removed by establishing between the deflectable diaphragm portion and the core a gap corresponding to a predetermined diaphragm deflection, while maintaining the core stationary relative to the diaphragm. Advantageously, in pressure transducers having a ceramic core for supporting the transducer sensor, the desired gap may then be established by locating a dissolvable shim between the core and the diaphragm, while such core is movable, and by thereafter dissolving such shim after the core has become set in the transducer.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing an accumulator device including a shell portion having an open mouth and a cap member affixed over the open mouth after a bladder assembly has been secured within the shell portion of the pressure vessel. The method comprises in the provision of an exterior annular weld connecting the cap member to the outer wall portion of the vessel as well as an interior weld connection between the interior wall portion of the cap member and the upwardly directed end edge of the mouth of the pressure vessel. By locating the metallic skirt member which functions to support the bladder such that the top of the skirt forms a dam for containing the weld which secures the cap member interior to the uppermost edge of the pressure vessel, the possibility of weld fragments falling into the bladder causing damage to the latter is minimized.

Abstract: A device for welding thin metallic diaphragms which can be combined to form a bellows arrangement and method for using same is disclosed. The device uses a pair of weld spools (22), in a spaced apart relationship, each having a circumferential groove (26) formed therein to receive the surfaces defining the inside diameters of the diaphragms. A pressure roller (20) is provided and has a plurality of circumferential grooves (28) formed therein, the axial spacing between the circumferential grooves (28) approximating the desired pitch of the resulting diaphragm convolution. Each of the circumferential grooves (28) receives a surface defining the outside diameter of a diaphragm and pressure is applied thereto by the pressure roller (20). Rotation of the pressure roller (20) and the pair of weld spools (22) by their respective drive shafts (42,32) causes the diaphragms to rotate about their axes permitting a welding torch (50) to weld the surfaces defining the inside diameters of the diaphragms.

Abstract: A scheme for accurately and quickly axially positioning a rotatable member such as the axles of a differential or a shaft supported impeller of a centrifugal pump within a housing or similar support for rotation therein with predetermined axial bearing clearance which is independent of the dimensional variations of the member and support is disclosed wherein a deformable spacing element is associated with each thrust carrying bearing with the adjacent bearing and spacing element being held axially captive between the shaft and a corresponding disc which is slidable relative to the housing and with one disc axially aligned and limited in sliding movement on one common direction opposite the direction from which the rotatable member is positioned by engagement with the housing. Typically there are two discs, one limited in movement toward the interior of the housing and the other limited in movement by the means of encapturing the rotating assembly.

Abstract: A reverse buckling rupture disk apparatus, adapted to be clamped between inlet and outlet companion bolted flanges, the operation of which is unaffected by the torque applied to the bolts of the companion flanges. The apparatus is comprised of a reverse buckling rupture disk which is welded at its periphery to an annular support ring. The annular support ring is in turn welded to an annular support member. Methods of manufacturing the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Flexible welded metal bellows comprising a plurality of diaphragms comprising flexible metal annuli free plates or rings having similar inner and outer diameters, alternate pairs of said plates having their outer and inner peripheries, respectively, welded to each other to form a fluid-tight connection therebetween. The invention comprises interposing and welding a metal annuli spacer plate or ring between at least one adjacent pair of said flexible free plates to space the free plates from each other and to prevent or reduce the pressure contact between the adjacent welds when the bellows is retracted.

Abstract: A inexpensive pressure vessel which can be disposed of rather than being repaired once it fails, which includes a cylindrical housing having two chambers separated by a resilient bladder. One chamber is for housing a gas while the second is for housing a fluid such as hydraulic oil. The cylindrical housing contains a port at one end and is open at the opposite end. The end cap which contains a through port and a gas valve is insertable into the open end of the cylindrical housing and is welded thereto. This weld joint in conjunction with a seal formed by attaching the resilient bladder to the end cap, will positively seal the pressure vessel. The unique seal between the end cap, bladder and housing is such that it will not be thermally damaged by the welding process which seals the end cap to the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: During assembly of a brake booster employed in a hydraulic brake system of an automotive vehicle, the two casing shells of the booster are moved relative to each other by compressing the elastic seal disposed between the two casing shells an amount until a predetermined distance is achieved between the surface at one casing shell used to mount a master cylinder on the booster and the force-transmitting end of the push rod of the booster. In this position, the two casing shells are then operatively connected to each other to maintain the predetermined distance. This method of assembly and the arrangement for implementing the method simplifies the manufacturing of a brake booster.

Abstract: An actuator means for a remote temperature control unit includes a base member onto which an edge of a diaphragm is crimped, a ring of solder is placed on the base member adjacent the crimped edge of the diaphragm. This assembly is placed in an oven in an inert environment with the temperature at about 575.degree.-585.degree. F. for about three hours. The temperature is then raised to 615.degree.-625.degree. F. for about twenty minutes to melt the solder to sealingly solder the diaphragm to the base member. The oven is cooled to about 250.degree. F. while it is in an inert condition and the finished assembly is removed from the oven.

Abstract: A detachable balloon catheter apparatus and method. The apparatus includes an introducer catheter which is attached at its trailing end to a source of pressurized fluid. The leading end of the catheter is attached to an inflatable balloon which may be inflated as the pressurized fluid is injected through the introducer catheter. A valve mechanism is positioned inside the assembled introducer catheter and balloon and the leading end of the valve mechanism is bonded to the interior of the balloon. As the balloon is inflated by the pressurized fluid, a forwardly directed lateral force is exerted on the valve mechanism so that it is pulled forward into fluid-tight engagement with the valve seat placed at the opening of the balloon. Once the valve mechanism is pulled into fluid-tight engagement so as to close off the opening of the balloon, further injection of the pressurized fluid serves to detach the inflated balloon from the introducer catheter.

Abstract: The inner surface of a hollow article of special shape such as a pipe elbow or bellows is lined with a tightly fitted protective lining material by the steps of emplacing the lining material within the hollow article to confront the inner surface thereof, causing the temperature of the hollow article to be higher than that of the lining material, applying an expanding force to the lining material thereby to cause it to undergo plastic expansion together with the hollow article, removing the expanding force, and causing the temperature of the hollow structure to become lower than that of the lining material thereby to produce a tight fit therebetween due to interference.

Abstract: A method of fastening a first shell to a second shell to form a housing. The first shell which has a radial wall with a projection adjacent its peripheral surface is positioned in a fixture. A bead on a diaphragm assembly is located in a groove in the projection. The opened end of an annular wall on the second shell is placed around the bead and peripheral surface. The second shell is moved toward the first shell until the peripheral surface contacts a stop on the second shell. Thereafter, the opened end of the second shell is crimped into engagement with the radial wall to hold the peripheral surface in engagement with the stop. The fixture is rotated while a tool is brought into contact with the annular wall. The tool deforms the wall by creating a rib that radially compresses the bead into the groove and seals the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the method of making a dependable, low cost, low pressure accumulator characterized by the provision of a bladder support sub-assembly secured to an end cap member by an annular weld line, the connection between the noted components being effected prior to insertion of the assembly and end cap into a cylindrical pressure vessel component, whereby the opposed surfaces in registry with the weld are exposed to ambient temperatures, eliminating the danger of damage to the bladder in the course of welding. The bladder sub-assembly and end cap are thereafter inserted into and weldingly connected to a pressure vessel, the open mouth portion of which is inwardly deformed to overlie the end cap and retainer portion of the bladder sub-assembly, dependably to secure the components together and to effect the desired seals between adjacent components.

Abstract: A method for making an axially extendable and contractable bellows is provided for use in monolayer photographic lithographic cameras and enlargers. The method includes the initial step of passing a single web of synthetic resin sheet material past at least one die having die edges arranged in a predetermined pattern for producing a separable bellows blank having fold lines formed therein for forming of multiplicity of pleats. Then the bellows blank is die formed and following its separation from the web it is folded onto itself to produce a seam which is then bonded. Finally, the hollow body thus formed is compressed along its longitudinal axis and along the fold lines so as to produce a pleated bellows configuration.

Abstract: A detachable balloon catheter apparatus and method. The apparatus includes an introducer catheter which is attached at its trailing end to a source of pressurized fluid. The leading end of the catheter is attached to an inflatable balloon which may be inflated as the pressurized fluid is injected through the introducer catheter. A valve mechanism is positioned inside the assembled introducer catheter and balloon and the leading end of the valve mechanism is bonded to the interior of the balloon. As the balloon is inflated by the pressurized fluid, a forwardly directed lateral force is exerted on the valve mechanism so that it is pulled forward into fluid-tight engagement with the valve seat placed at the opening of the balloon. Once the valve mechanism is pulled into fluid-tight engagement so as to close off the opening of the balloon, further injection of the pressurized fluid serves to detach the inflated balloon from the introducer catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method of manufacturing a pressure vessel for use as a hydraulic accumulator, pulse dampener or like apparatus employing an elastomeric bladder member, from a cylindrical member which includes the steps of deforming a first end of the member to provide an essentially hemispherical portion having an oil port, installing the elastomeric bladder assembly within said cylindrical member while the other end of said member remains in its essentially cylindrical configuration, and thereafter inwardly deforming the second end of said member while heating the same, said last mentioned heating and deforming steps being carried out while injecting through the last mentioned end a stream of cooling fluid which follows the internal wall portions of the bladder to minimize the possibility of heat damage to the bladder.

Abstract: A reactor tube for a high temperature chemical reactor having a precisely controllable porosity comprises a plurality of layers of a fabric of a fibrous refractory material such as carbon or graphite cloth. Difficulties connected with the handling of carbon cloth, which has an extremely high coefficient of friction, are substantially eliminated by winding the cloth on a mandrel to form the reactor tube. After winding, the mandrel is contracted, allowing its removal without damaging the inside surface of the tube. Heating elements for the high temperature chemical reactor are also formed by winding carbon cloth on a mandrel. A preferred embodiment of the reactor contemplates that a plurality of such heating elements be positioned radially outwardly of the reactor tube.

Abstract: A diaphragm stack for a control device and having at least two flexible diaphragms separated by a rigid spacer and a pair of rigid outboard members with the pair of outboard members being secured together by a fastening means passing through the center of the stack. The outboard members and the spacer have interlocking means disposed inboard of the inner peripheral portions of the diaphragms and serially interlocking together in the stack to prevent rotation of the spacer and the outboard members relative to each other in their assembled relation in the stack.

Abstract: A spirometer comprises an upright, hollow frame structure having opposite end portions with an expansible and contractible bellows therein responsive to exhalation and inhalation. The bellows includes a hollow, resilient helical structure with a plurality of coils respectively having relatively broad upper and lower surfaces and relatively thin outer edges. Opposite end members close the helical structure, one of the closing end members being connected to one of the frame structure end portions for suspending the bellows inside the frame structure. A sheet of thin, fluid-impervious film extends the length of the helical structure when the helical structure is expanded and is heat shrunk onto the coils for forming convolutions engaging the upper and lower surfaces and outer edges. The sheath joins the opposite closed end members and defines an impervious outer wall structure for the bellows.

Abstract: A method of making a non-corrosive plastic bellows by ultrasonic welding inner and outer flanges of discs with cylindrical and half-cylindrical horns, respectively. The half-cylindrical horn and a fixture used therewith have lips to fit on opposite sides of a pair of contacting outer flanges and in between two pairs of flanges. The inner flanges are thus welded first.

Abstract: The bellows sections welder according to the invention comprises a bed carrying a stationary support and a movable support with a driver chuck and a driven chuck, respectively, which chucks are kinematically interconnected. The bed further carries a welding torch and a yoke disposed between the chucks and intended for centering the ends of bellows sections being welded. The movable support is driven by at least two pneumatic cylinders symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis of the welder. Viewed in the direction of the work movement, the movable support is preceded by adjustable stops and followed by a means to receive welded bellows sections.

Abstract: A plastic deformation is imparted to each of a sequence of load determining elements with the amount of deformation matching each element to a corresponding one of a sequence of element receiving workpieces to compensate for dimensional variation between the workpieces. A first fixture portion is abutted to a first workpiece portion and a second fixture portion is abutted to a second workpiece portion to provide a dimension defining separation between the fixture portions which is a function of a variable dimension of the abutted workpiece. The load determining or spacing element is then deformed the amount required for the particular abutted workpiece and the sequence of steps repeated to provide a plurality of matched elements and workpieces.

Abstract: An improved isolation diaphragm assembly for use in pressure transducers includes an open plenum containing an inert transmission fluid such as silicone oil. The plenum opening is bridged by a corrugated, circular diaphragm which has been tack welded at spaced locations on its periphery and then deformed into an underlying circular groove in the transducer housing, thereby providing a smooth sealing surface between the tack welds and the deformed portion. A domed cover having an O-ring seal contacting the smooth sealing surface is attached to the transducer housing so that a fluid whose pressure is to be measured may be introduced on the other side of the diaphragm from the inert transmission fluid. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary rock bit is provided having a lubrication system with an expansion space within the lubricant reservoir to accommodate changes in lubricant volume. A flexible diaphragm is located within the lubricant reservoir. The lubricant reservoir is filled with lubricant thereby moving the flexible diaphragm to a substantially completely filled position. A predetermined volume of lubricant is displaced from the lubricant reservoir by forcing a fluid through passage means in the reservoir cap, moving the flexible diaphragm and displacing a predetermined volume of lubricant thereby providing an expansion space within the lubricant reservoir.

Abstract: A valve device for an exhaust gas recirculation system of an internal combustion engine, which device has a diaphragm mechanism having a diaphragm to form at least one chamber which is connected to an engine port and has a valve member connected to said diaphragm via a rod to open the valve member against a force caused by a spring acting on the diaphragm, when a vacuum signal of a predetermined level is transmitted from the engine port. The device includes means for allowing adjustment of the position of the diaphragm with respect to the rod and means for securing the diaphragm to the rod after said adjustment of the position of the rod is perfected. Therefore, the EGR valve which is opened at the constant vacuum level can be obtained, with a minimum number of parts requiring high accuracy.

Abstract: An anticorrosive bellows made of stainless steel containing 0.10% by weight or less of C, 2.5-5% by weight of Si, 2% by weight or less of Mn, 15-20% by weight of Cr, 10-22% by weight of Ni, 10 times or more as much as the C content but at most 2.5% by weight of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ta and Zr, and the remainder consisiting substantially of Fe shows excellent corrosion resistance even under strongly corrosive circumstances, e.g. fuming or concentrated nitric acid. Said stainless steel has improved workability, weldability and endurance and the produced bellows can be used as a bellows valve, a bellows joint, and the like.

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: The method of forming a pressure vessel which comprises the steps of molding the mouth of the deformable separator or bladder of the pressure vessel to one end of a cylindrical member or sleeve; thereupon inserting the end portion of the cylindrical sleeve to which the bladder is molded into the open mouth of a second cylindrical member defining the body of the accumulator, the second cylindrical member having one end conformed as a hemisphere having an axial passageway; securing together adjacent end portions of the two cylindrical members as by welding and thereupon closing the open end of the first cylindrical member to form the end closure of the gas member of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A pressure transducer and method of manufacture is disclosed wherein a tantalum diaphragm is held in position in a pressure transducer by sandwiching the tantalum diaphragm between a stainless steel weld ring and the stainless steel body of the pressure transducer. The stainless steel weld ring is welded to the stainless steel body at a temperature above the melting point of the stainless steel but below the melting point of the tantalum whereby simultaneous to the welding of the weld ring to the body, a braze is created between the tantalum diaphragm and both the stainless steel weld ring and stainless steel body. This braze creates the required hermetic seal between the tantalum diaphragm and the stainless steel body. Additionally, an inert seal is provided between the pressure body of the transducer and the tantalum diaphragm disposed interior of the inner circumference of the stainless steel weld ring whereby process fluids which would otherwise erode the weld ring are isolated therefrom.

Abstract: The method of forming a pressure accumulator which comprises the steps of molding the mouth of the deformable separator or bladder of the pressure accumulator to one end of the cylindrical portion of an annular supporting member, inserting the annular supporting member and bladder into the open end of a cylindrical casing with the cylindrical portion of the supporting member in juxtaposition with the inner surface of said casing, said casing having the other end thereof deformed inwardly and having an axial port, fusing the other end of the cylindrical portion to the inner surface of the casing and then deforming inwardly the open end of the casing to close the latter and forming an axial port in such closed end to receive a gas charging valve.

Abstract: A method of producing a corrugated flexible tube wherein a corrugated profiled strip having multiple corrugations is wound in a helical path such that its edges overlap and then the overlapped edges are tight welded together, preferably by electrical resistance welding, such that every welded corrugation of the resultant corrugated flexible tube is followed by at least one unwelded corrugation.

Abstract: A method of producing continuous lengths of coilable corrugated wave guide of rectangular cross-section which comprises forming a smooth-wall metal tube with a uniform wall thickness along the entire length and around the entire periphery, and transversely corrugating the walls of the tube along crest and root lines that form a substantially constant perimeter length around any cross-section of the corrugated tube taken perpendicular to the axis of the tube at any point along the length of the tube. In one embodiment, the corrugations of intersecting walls are offset at their intersection so that the crests of the corrugations of each wall meet the roots of the corrugations of the adjacent wall at each corner, with zigzag crests along the corners providing rigidity.

Abstract: A plural range pressure regulator construction having a housing provided with an inlet and an outlet separated by a valve seat that is controlled by a valve member that is interconnected to a flexible wall carried by the housing. Biasing means are carried by the housing for acting on one side of the wall to tend to move the wall in one direction relative to the housing, the biasing means comprising a plurality of separate spring means each acting on the wall to provide one pressure range for the pressure regulator construction. The housing has a storage space for storing one of the spring means so that the same will not act on the wall whereby the remaining spring means acting on the wall will provide another pressure range for the pressure regulator construction.

Abstract: A plural range pressure regulator construction having a housing provided with an inlet and an outlet separated by a valve seat that is controlled by a valve member that is interconnected to a flexible wall carried by the housing. Biasing means are carried by the housing for acting on one side of the wall to tend to move the wall in one direction relative to the housing, the biasing means comprising a plurality of separate spring means each acting on the wall to provide one pressure range for the pressure regulator construction. The housing has a storage space for storing one of the spring means so that the same will not act on the wall whereby the remaining spring means acting on the wall will provide another pressure range for the pressure regulator construction.