Abstract: Systems and techniques are directed to a Swappable Retractable Tool Tip (SRTT), which is designed as a next generation of friction stir welding tools and retractable tool tips. The disclosed SRTT may be “swappable,” having different types of retractable tool tips that can be assembled and employed as a part of the SRTT. A SRTT system can include at least: a blank tool holder, a piston, and a retractable tool tip. In operation, the blank tool holder allows air to flow to cause movement of the piston and the retractable tool tip. For example, compressed air can push up on the piston and the retractable tool tip, retracting it into a “home” position inside of the blank tool holder. Also, the SRTT can include springs that push down on the piston and the retractable tool tip, extending the tip into an “extended” position outside of the blank tool holder.

Abstract: A fluid working system such as a pump for displacing a working fluid such as hydraulic fluid or a motor using a working fluid is provided. The system may have a positive displacement machine which includes one or more working chamber with displacement means such as a cylinder with a reciprocating piston. There are also two or more fluid ports to allow the working fluid to flow into and out of the working chamber. The working fluid flows from one fluid port means to another either being forced to do so when pumped or moving the piston when functioning as an engine. The fluid working system has associated therewith a non-dead compliance volume of a material such as syntactic foam. This compliance volume acts to smooth any pressure fluctuations within the working fluid system.

Abstract: A reinforced high-volume elastomeric pump diaphragm features several concentric circumferential reinforcing ribs (areas of increased thickness) integrally formed in the angled wall. Two ribs extend from the exterior to the interior. One rib, nearest the rim of the diaphragm, extends only to the exterior. This particular arrangement of ribs reduces rolling and appreciably improves performance by prolonging the useful life of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator is operable between an extended condition and a collapsed condition, and is capable of displacing a workpiece during movement between the extended and collapsed conditions. The pneumatic actuator can include a flex member (202) and a mounting base (204). The flex member can include a flexible wall (208) with a mounting bead (222). The mounting base can include a base portion (266) and a bead portion (268), and can be operatively connected along the flex member such the mounting bead is at least partially captured between the bead portion and the base portion. In this manner, a substantially fluid-tight seal can be formed and an actuator chamber can be at least partially defined between the flex member and the mounting base. An actuator support pad can receive and abuttingly engage at least a portion of the pneumatic actuator. A method of assembly is also included.

Abstract: A spring-type brake actuator for a pneumatically-operated vehicle brake is provided, in which the parking brake release piston is formed from at least one stamped actuator piston plate, preferably a stamped aluminum plate. Preferably the biasing force of the power spring of the spring brake actuator bears on a stamped spring seat cap element which is interposed between the power spring and the stamped actuator piston plate. In addition, the parking brake release piston flexible diaphragm may be captured between the stamped actuator piston plate and a stamped backing plate by affixing the backing plate to a joining member, where the joining member includes a threaded insert to receive a manually-actuated parking brake release actuation tool.

Abstract: A ball valve and a valve shaft are in a valve chamber. The ball valve opens and closes a valve port. A coil spring arranged in a spring chamber pushes the valve shaft against a diaphragm via a spring bracket of the valve shaft. A cone portion and a flat portion (or a concave portion) inside the cone portion are on the diaphragm. A diaphragm-side end face of the valve shaft is larger in diameter than the flat portion of the diaphragm. When the diaphragm is initially deformed, a boundary portion interposed between the cone portion and the flat portion abuts on the diaphragm-side end face.

Abstract: An air-operated diaphragm brake, more particularly a brake actuator assembly containing a diaphragm with a rib or ring design for centering and maintaining the location of a piston or push plate and for reducing debris build up in the brake actuator assembly. The diaphragm includes a projecting rim for engaging a housing containing a piston, a bottom wall having an interior surface for engaging the piston, a sidewall connecting the projecting rim with the bottom wall; and a plurality of ribs or a ring disposed on the interior surface of the bottom wall. The ribs or ring structure extends in a direction away from the intersection between the sidewall and the bottom wall, toward the center of the interior surface, and revolving around the center point of the interior surface.

Abstract: A pump is provided including a housing and a plurality of diaphragm assemblies radially disposed within the housing, each diaphragm assembly of the plurality of diaphragm assemblies including a diaphragm. A drive element is configured to be eccentrically coupled to a rotating shaft motor to actuate the diaphragm for each of the plurality of diaphragm assemblies to draw fluid into or expel fluid from the diaphragm assembly. The drive element includes a first member and a plurality of second members, each second member of the plurality of second members being movably secured to the first member and disposed between the first member and the diaphragm of each of the plurality of diaphragm assemblies. During actuation of each diaphragm of the plurality of diaphragm assemblies, the corresponding first member and second member provide a continuously rigid radial coupling with the diaphragm.

Abstract: An air-operated diaphragm brake, more particularly a brake actuator assembly containing a diaphragm with a rib or ring design for centering and maintaining the location of a piston or push plate and for reducing debris build up in the brake actuator assembly. The diaphragm includes a projecting rim for engaging a housing containing a piston, a bottom wall having an interior surface for engaging the piston, a sidewall connecting the projecting rim with the bottom wall; and a plurality of ribs or a ring disposed on the interior surface of the bottom wall. The ribs or ring structure extends in a direction away from the intersection between the sidewall and the bottom wall, toward the center of the interior surface, and revolving around the center point of the interior surface.

Abstract: Apparatus to seal a shaft to a diaphragm in a diaphragm actuator are disclosed. An example apparatus for use in a diaphragm actuator has a central aperture and an integral sealing protrusion disposed about a circumference of the central aperture. The sealing protrusion is configured to sealingly engage a shaft of the diaphragm actuator.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump (1) is provided with an annular working chamber (6) and an annular diaphragm (3), which is fixed on its outer peripheral region (12) and on its inner edge region (13). The inner and the outer diaphragm fixing points are stationary relative to each other, and a drive element (8) connected to a pump drive for deflection of the annular diaphragm (3) contacts between the outer and inner fixing points. The drive element (8) is formed facing the diaphragm with a sleeve or ring shape with a diameter corresponding approximately to the annular working chamber (6) and contacts with one of its annular ends perpendicular to the diaphragm plane on the side of the annular diaphragm (3) facing the pump drive for deflection and for transmission of a back-and-forth movement to the annular diaphragm (3).

Abstract: An actuator is provided to generate an ultrafine stroke according to a fluid input pressure such as air pressure or the like. A throughhole 12 is formed in a center part of a body 10 so as to traverse a body 10 having plural notches 21–24 formed vertically on the body, a depression 13 is formed at the end of the body 10, and a rod 17 connected with a pressure plate 16 housed and held in the depression 13 is disposed in this throughhole 20. When an input pressure is applied to the pressure plate 16 via a diaphragm 19, an output point P generates a stroke due to the elastic deformation of a join part at the end of the notches 21–24.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump which overcomes the problem of diaphragm failure due to overfill of the oil transfer chamber. An overfill preventive element in the form of a mechanical stop, a fully closed coil spring, or a valve system, or alternatives are provided.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a pump for a dialysis system is provided. The pump includes a first chamber wall including a first aperture, a second chamber wall including a second aperture, a piston, at least a portion of which can move through the second aperture, the piston including a third aperture, and first and second membranes disposed between the first and second chambers walls. A vacuum can be applied through the first aperture to pull the first membrane towards the first chamber wall and can be applied through the third aperture to pull the second membrane towards the piston. The piston can thereafter move the second membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety device for spring brakes comprising a C-clamp, the opening of which is just fit to accommodate the edges of the two chambers and the diaphragm of an air brake; and a body plate, which is being cast with the C-clamp as one integral body and is welded onto an outer surface of the first chamber of the air brake. The safety device can securely engage the two chambers to prevent the spring, the diaphragm and the second chamber from bursting out of the first chamber, causing damage to properties and/or injuries to anybody in the surrounding area.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator canister body employs a press fit cup received over an end portion of the canister to engage mounting studs extending through apertures in the end wall of the body and an end plate internally engaging the end wall. Heads of the studs are constrained between the end plate and a piston plate for the internal actuator spring.

Abstract: A fabric reinforced, resilient brake diaphragm for use in a fluid pressure operated braking system is provided. The diaphragm comprises an annular outer flange for engaging the housing of the braking system, a bottom planar wall having an interior surface for engaging the piston of the braking system, an annular sidewall connecting the outer flange and the bottom planar wall and a plurality of spaced planar tabs disposed on the interior surface of the bottom planar wall extending radially from the intersection between the annular sidewall and the bottom planar wall toward the center of the interior surface. The diaphragm has a thin-walled construction with the bottom planar wall and annular sidewall having a thickness of between approximately 0.06 inches and approximately 0.10 inches.

Abstract: A vehicle brake actuator including an improved piston assembly having a piston plate including an upstanding annular rim portion and a piston rod including a shank portion having a generally cylindrical head portion and an annular rim portion on a free end of the piston rod head portion which is deformed radially into a cylindrical internal surface of the piston plate upstanding rim portion, permanently attaching the piston plate and rod. The method includes piercing and extruding the upstanding rim portion of the piston plate and forming radially projecting teeth on an external surface of the head portion of the piston rod, driving the head portion of the piston rod into the upstanding rim portion of the piston plate, preventing relative rotation of the piston rod and head. The improved piston assembly of this invention eliminates welding, permitting finishing of the piston rod and plate prior to assembly and reduces cost.

Abstract: A multiple diaphragm actuator for exerting linear forces of precise and repeatable amounts in opposite directions with no friction and no fluid leakage.

Abstract: A fabric reinforced, resilient brake diaphragm for use in a fluid pressure operated braking system is provided. The diaphragm comprises an annular outer flange for engaging the housing of the braking system, a bottom planar wall having an interior surface for engaging the piston of the braking system, an annular sidewall connecting the outer flange and the bottom planar wall and a plurality of spaced planar tabs disposed on the interior surface of the bottom planar wall extending radially from the intersection between the annular sidewall and the bottom planar wall toward the center of the interior surface. The diaphragm has a thin-walled construction with the bottom planar wall and annular sidewall having a thickness of between approximately 0.06 inches and approximately 0.10 inches.

Abstract: A fabric reinforced, resilient brake diaphragm for use in a fluid pressure operated braking system is provided. The diaphragm comprises an annular outer flange for engaging the housing of the braking system, a bottom planar wall having an interior surface for engaging the piston of the braking system, an annular sidewall connecting the outer flange and the bottom planar wall and a plurality of spaced planar tabs disposed on the interior surface of the bottom planar wall extending radially from the intersection between the annular sidewall and the bottom planar wall toward the center of the interior surface. The diaphragm has a thin-walled construction with the bottom planar wall and annular sidewall having a thickness of between approximately 0.06 inches and approximately 0.10 inches.

Abstract: A deployable flow control device for a flow surface over which fluid having a fluid boundary layer flows which fluid boundary layer exhibits certain dynamics is disclosed. The deployable flow control device comprises a flow effector which is movably attached to a housing which is attachable, either initially or retrofitably, to a flow surface. The flow effector can position in a modular sub-housing removably attachable to the housing. The flow effector is deployed into and retracted out of the boundary layer on the flow surface and thereby controls the boundary layer dynamics. Devices (including devices utilizing a sealable, flexible element) operably connect to the flow effector and deploy and retract it. The sealable, flexible element has two elastic states defined as quiescent and deformed such that, when the sealable, flexible element is utilized, the flow effector is deployed into and retracted out of the fluid boundary layer based upon the elastic state of the sealable, flexible element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston assembly for use in a fluid delivery system. The piston assembly is comprised of two elements: a splined-piston having generally a convex shape and a ribbed-base, that receives the piston, which has a complementary concave shape. The interposition of the splines and ribs and the complementary shaping of the two elements permit: a constant supporting surface area to be realized throughout a pumping cycle; the establishment of a constant supporting surface that readily and fully supports a thin, flexible material such that the material cannot not likely become stretched, unsupported or bound within the pumping mechanism throughout the pumping cycle; and the establishment of a relationship between the piston and its associated pumping chamber that enables a precise volumetric quantity to be delivered consistently and accurately.

Abstract: Power transmission device for linear movement, comprising a principal member (2), which is movable along a displacement path, and a housing (1) which presents bearing means (10) for the movement of the member along the displacement path. A guide member (3) is arranged to guide the principal member in its displacement path, and a power member (4) is arranged to be able to be activated to apply a force to the principal member so that it moves while being guided by the guide member. A portion of the principal member is arranged to drive a connected device. The principal member (2) and the housing (1) and suitably also the power member (4) are each formed from longitudinally extending sections or profiles with essentially constant cross-sections along their lengths. In this manner the power transmission device can be produced in various lengths from a basic embodiment by cutting said profiles from raw material profiles having the cross-section referred to.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated servomotor having a housing shell containing a flexible diaphragm forming a fluid pressure chamber with a port through the housing connectable for receiving a fluid pressure signal. The diaphragm has a rigid insert extending therethrough and sealed thereabout with a cup shape on the interior of the chamber and having a rod pivot surface formed on the exterior side of the diaphragm. A spring inside the chamber has one end registered in the cupped shape to bias the diaphragm insert in one direction. In one embodiment, the insert is shaped to have a rod pivot surface nested in the coils spring such that the rod pivot load resists lateral buckling of the spring; and, in another embodiment, a shroud is formed on the insert about the rod pivot surface for limiting rotation of the insert with respect to the rod end.

Abstract: A vacuum brake power booster and a process is disclosed in which a precise adjustment of the power boost startup characteristic is achieved. The adjustment is carried out as a final step in the manufacture of the booster adjusting the distance between the valve piston and an elastic reaction distance. During adjustment, the vacuum brake power booster has a vacuum applied. A pre-established input force is exerted on the piston rod while simultaneously measuring the output force exerted by the push rod, and the axial length of the valve piston is modified until the measured output force is within a pre-established range. The adjustment is carried out by modifying the length of a two piece valve piston or by temporarily extending a rod within the valve piston until a correct output force is reached and thereafter removing the rod and inserting a transmission pin of a length determined by the extent of travel of the rod at the point at which the desired output force was attained.

Abstract: A vacuum brake power booster is described wherein the return movement of a valve piston actuating a control valve is limited by a U-shaped element (17) slidable into a control housing (11). In order to improve the ventilation of the working chamber of the brake power booster initiated on actuation and to shorten the booster's response time, exit areas (42, 43, 44, 45) of ventilation ducts (38, 39, 40, 41) permitting an air flow into the working chamber (3) are formed radially outwardly of an area in the control housing (11) between the arms of the U-shaped element (17), the exit areas being confined by the outside walls (34, 35, 36, 37, 46, 47, 48, 49) of air evacuation ducts (28, 29, 30, 31) interconnecting the working chamber (3) and a vacuum chamber(4).

Abstract: A vacuum booster includes a booster piston having a front surface facing a vacuum chamber, a diaphragm superposed on the rear surface of the booster piston and having a rear surface facing a working chamber adapted to be selectively put into communication with the vacuum chamber or the atmosphere, a piston boss carried on a central portion of the rear wall of the booster shell for a longitudinal reciprocal movement and provided with an annular step with which an inner peripheral bead of the diaphragm engages from the rear, and an annular stopper retained on the piston boss to abut against the inner peripheral bead from the rear. The stopper includes an annular retaining portion at an outer periphery thereof to project forwardly which has a curved front end, and the inner peripheral bead of the diaphragm is formed into a ring shape projecting rearwardly to have its outer periphery engaged with the stopper retaining portion.

Abstract: A bicycle brake system with at least one master cylinder that is connected to a hand lever, and at least one wheel cylinder that is connected thereto by a hydraulic brake line is to be improved in that a hollow body (38) that is of elastic material and closed at one end is installed in a master cylinder (12); in that interior space (39) accommodates a pushrod (44) that is adjacent to the hand lever (13) and its closed face end (37) rests against a piston (34) that is supported against the accumulator within the reducible pressure chamber (30) of the master cylinder.

Abstract: A pressure receiving member which has a diaphragm held in a pressure receiving case is manufactured independently of a main sensor body member, which has a switch accommodated in a switch case. The pressure receiving member and the main sensor body member are then assembled to provide a pressure sensor.According to the present invention, since the pressure receiving portion and the main sensor body are manufactured individually, a diaphragm inversion movement test can be carried out individually of the testing of switch turning on and off, and hence only satisfactory pressure receiving portion and main sensor body which passed the respective tests will be utilized in the operation of assembling pressure sensors.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing a liquid such as soap or hand lotion, from a fluid dispenser. A valve body for mounting in the fluid dispenser and having a valve chamber with a rolling diaphragm carried in the body dividing the chamber into a piston section and a fluid flow section. A piston is slidingly positioned in the piston section and a flow restrictor is slidingly positioned in the fluid flow section, with a spring in the fluid flow section urging the restrictor into engagement with the diaphragm for moving the piston to the out position. A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are provided in the fluid flow section so that an inward movement of the piston dispenses fluid and an outward or return motion of the piston draws a new charge of fluid into the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously pumping two or more different liquids to a spraying device has a pair of discrete diaphragm pumps for each liquid. The pumps of each pair are connected in parallel and operate alternatingly so that one pump delivers a metered quantity of liquid while the pumping chamber of the other pump receives a metered quantity of the same liquid and vice versa. The capacities of pumps of at least one pair are adjustable in a simultaneous operation, and all pumps are operated by a common prime mover.

Abstract: An automatic blanket cylinder cleaner having a cleaner fabric adapted to contact the blanket cylinder. A cleaning cloth supply roller provides cloth for the cloth take-up roll. Positioned between these rolls is a water solvent dispensing tube, a solvent dispensing tube and an inflatable and deflatable mechanical loosening means which is adapted to move the cleaning fabric into and out of contact with the blanket cylinder. An air dryer means dries the blanket cylinder after the cleaning of debris. An advancing means advances the cleaning cloth intermittently onto the take-up roller by a control means in contact with the take-up roll which provides for uniform cloth advance during the cleaning cycle. There is a control means providing automatic and manual control.

Abstract: A gas pressure reducing regulator for use with high inlet pressures is provided. The regulator includes a diaphragm plate for shielding the diaphragm from deleterious effects of flame and debris during unwanted combustion.

Abstract: An infusion pump incorporates a cassette formed by bonding of two substantially flat sheets. The fluid to be infused to the patient comes into contact only with the cassette. The cassette includes first and second flexible sheets which define a pumping chamber therebetween. The infusion pump is provided with a pumping member having a hub and a plurality of petal-shaped sections extending radially outward therefrom and pivotal relative thereto. A stepping motor can be operated to move the pumping member against the second flexible sheet to decrease the volume of the pumping chamber and pump fluid to the patient. A load cell monitors the force exerted by the stepping motor on the hub. An outlet restriction valve is electronically controlled by a second stepping motor in response to the pressure sensed by the load cell to control pumping to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A pressure responsive device suitable for high pressure hydraulic applications has a formed metal disc or diaphragm adapted to move from an original dished configuration toward an inverted dished configuration with snap action in response to the application of a selected fluid pressure. Support means of selected surface radius extend into the space defined by the original dished configuration of the diaphragm to intercept and limit such diaphragm movement to prevent damage to the diaphragm under the applied pressure and to limit stresses in the diaphragm material particularly adjacent to the periphery of the dished part of the diaphragm for improving reliability and service life of the device.

Abstract: A hydraulically operating clutch release includes a housing having a pressure chamber sealed by a roll membrane. A clutch bearing is axially displaceable in the housing. A support body abuts the roll membrane in the chamber, and resiliently engages the bottom surface of the pressure chamber in the axial direction, to prevent damage to the roll membrane.

Abstract: A pressure responsive control device having a pressure housing assembly defining a pressure chamber, an actuable control fixed to the housing assembly and, a pressure transducer module hermetically closing the pressure chamber. The module includes a snap acting pressure responsive diaphragm, a diaphragm control plate hermetically bonded to the diaphragm outer periphery, and a support member hermetically joined to and supporting the control plate and hermetically joined to the housing assembly. The control plate has a supporting region rigidly supporting the diaphragm and the diaphragm control regions are yielded and deformed relative to the supporting region to position the control regions for stressing the diaphragm to determine the chamber pressure levels at which the diaphragm moves.

Abstract: A two-stage pump for LPG having two chambers, a valve communicating with the first chamber for the admission of the liquid to be pumped; a second valve communicating with the second chamber for the delivery of the pumped liquid. A transfer duct connects the two chambers and is fitted with a check valve to prevent the return of liquid from the second chamber to the first. Each chamber comprises a wall formed by a diaphragm freely deformable in such direction as to increase the volume of the chamber under the effect of the pressure of the liquid, and operably deformable in the opposite direction under the action of actuating means acting alternately on the diaphragms of both chambers. The floating diaphragms prevent the vaporization of the liquid that would arise with a suction pump, as well as the cavitation that would ensue.

Abstract: A hydraulic release arrangement, especially for vehicle clutches, consisting of a housing (1,2,3) with a pressure space (6) sealed by a rolling bellows (7), in which the release bearing (4) is arranged to be displaceable in the housing (1,2,3) in the axial direction.In order to produce a compact hydraulic release arrangement and inhibit the bending in of the rolling bellows (7) in the low pressure range, a spacing element (27) is provided in the space defined by the rolling bellows (7) between the release bearing (4) and the housing (1,2,3), the spacing element being arranged to abut the inside of the bellows wall with axial prestress with an annular projection in at least one turned-back region (30) of the rolling bellows (7).

Abstract: A fluid flow machine has a diaphragm pump which is driven by an electromagnet and is confined in a pressure-resistant capsule together with the electromagnet as well as with the electronic control unit for the electromagnet. The constituents of the capsule are connected to each other so that they form one or more gaps each having a configuration and dimensions such as to prevent the propagation of flames and/or sparks from the interior of the capsule to the surrounding area. This renders it possible to use the machine in an explosive atmosphere, even if the pump is designed to deliver metered quantities of flammable fluids. A gap of the above outlined character is provided between two portions of the capsule where a reciprocable plunger extends toward the diaphragm.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a scuba diving regulator incorporates a contact member in the form of an axially thin spool cast or fabricated of low friction material. The contact member is installed at a central aperture of the diaphragm so that the end plates or flanges of the spool closely encompass the diaphragm on opposite sides. One of the flanges is located on the outside of the diaphragm, and the other is located on the inside, to be engaged by the actuating lever of the demand valve. No special sealing means need be provided about the spool, since the pressure difference between the ambient water and the air in the breathing chamber is always small, whatever be the depth of the diver in the water, but effective to maintain the seal.

Abstract: A brake power servo booster, in which a fluid pressure difference is generated between opposite sides of a power piston, is provided with a wedge shaped member which is forced by the power piston between the wedge shaped recess of the members of an output shaft. When the wedge shaped member is forced into the recess by the piston the distance between the members of the output shaft is enlarged.

Abstract: A stroking mechanism in accordance with the invention includes a partially buckled, hollow chamber susceptible to further buckling at preselected pressure and a plunger within the chamber. The plunger is at least partly expelled from the chamber upon further buckling of the chamber by pressure.

Abstract: A servomotor which actuates the throw-out device of a clutch, particularly in an automotive vehicle, has a piston which is reciprocable in a housing and is adapted to be coupled to a reciprocable motion transmitting rod for the throw-out device by a compensating device having cylindrical rollers which establish a motion transmitting connection between the piston and the rod as soon as the piston leaves its starting position in response to evacuation of air from the housing at one side of the piston. The rollers are automatically disengaged from the rod when the piston returns to its starting position so that the rod can be moved by the clutch in a first direction to compensate for wear upon the parts of the clutch or in a second direction to compensate for expansion of one or more friction discs in the clutch.

Abstract: A flushable manifold for diaphragm protected components of a pressure transducer for sensing a flow of fluid comprises a housing having a recess therein and a diaphragm of flexible material over and closing the recess. Inlet and outlet passages communicate with the recess adjacent to and on opposite sides of its periphery, such that fluid introduced at the inlet flows through the manifold to the outlet, with the presence of fluid pressure within the manifold being detected in response to outward deflection of the diaphragm. To facilitate cleaning the manifold of fluid of one type in preparation for receiving fluid of another, one or more channels are formed in the housing within the recess in communication with the inlet and extend toward peripheral side areas of the recess to direct flushing media introduced at the inlet across all of the surfaces of the manifold and to the outlet to thoroughly clean the same.

Abstract: A dual buoyancy device having two external dimensions, in the smaller of which, one end is closed by an elastic sheet undistended, and in the greater of which the sheet is distended from its normal position thereby increasing the external dimension of the device; the distention of the sheet is accomplished by a thruster member bearing on the sheet which thruster is impelled by a weight and lever system actuated by gravity, which causes the thruster to distend the sheet.

Abstract: A high pressure fluid pump for use such as a fuel injection pump. The pump utilizes a diaphragm for cooperation with valve controlled passage structure leading to the pump chamber to provide the desired high pressure output. The diaphragm is defined by one portion of a diaphragm element, which portion is sealingly bonded peripherally to the wall of the valve body defining the valve chamber. A second portion of the diaphragm element formed unitarily integrally with the diaphragm portion is free to move in the valve chamber and includes a portion extending into a plunger bore for transmitting forces from a reciprocating plunger having an inner end extending into the bore to the diaphragm. The plunger further is provided with a synthetic resin tip. The plunger and tip are arranged to be lubricated during reciprocation of the plunger.

Abstract: A fire-safe valve actuator which cooperates with a bolted bonnet type valve to define a bolt chamber with an exterior shroud supporting the actuator housing and providing a substantially imperfect barrier to prevent an external fire from coming into direct contact with the bolts or studs and nuts that connect the bonnet to the valve body. The bolt chamber may also be filled with an insulation material. The actuator may have a return spring connected to the actuator stem through a bearing so that the winding and unwinding of the spring does not result in any substantial torque being applied to the actuator stem. Similiarly, any diaphragm in the actuator can be connected to the actuator stem by a bearing so that rotation of the stem will not impart torque to the diaphragm.