Abstract: A floating seal fluidic device is disclosed comprised of a housing, a connector which has a nozzle extending through the housing and which forms a clearance with the housing, a diaphragm stretched around the circumference of the connector and having a bead which lies within the clearance wherein the connector, the housing and the bead are so dimensioned that, without fluid being supplied to the nozzle, the bead within the clearance is floating and that, with fluid being supplied to the nozzle, the bead is forced into the clearance between the connector and the housing to provide the seal.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for servo motors has been provided wherein a pair of backing elements have opposed portions acting on opposite sides of a diaphragm assembly and are held in fixed relationship to each other through the means of a sonic weld located at a point remote from the diaphragm to provide a leak-proof diaphragm assembly which lends itself to ready modification to accept valves or diaphragms to change the operating characteristics for different applications.

Abstract: The actuator piston has a generally cylindrical central projection about the exterior of which a similarly formed rolling diaphragm is closely fitted. The piston rod can turn freely, to avoid any twisting of the piston and diaphragm, and can also be axially withdrawn from its engagement with the piston. Return spring means extends into the diaphragm enclosed part of the piston.

Abstract: A pin is integral with a diaphragm and extends from one side of the diaphragm. The other side of the diaphragm is subjected to a pressure or vacuum to create a pressure differential across the diaphragm to move the pin into or out of engagement with an article within a controlled environment. The diaphragm isolates a fluid, which produces the pressure differential across the diaphragm, from the controlled environment. In one embodiment, the pin is formed at the center of the diaphragm and moves only in a straight line. In another embodiment, the pin is formed eccentric to the center of the diaphragm so as to have a combination movement of angular and straight. The pin can be employed to stop an article such as a semiconductor wafer, for example, or to raise or to lower the wafer without the actuating fluid contaminating the controlled environment in which the semiconductor wafer is disposed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a rigid wall having a curved surface which forms part of the combustion chamber. The remaining part of the combustion chamber is formed by a flexible curtain whose outer edge is attached and sealed to the rigid wall. The wall and the curtain together form a closed space whose geometry and volume depend on their relative position. When the curtain moves toward the wall, the two approaching surfaces displace gas toward the center of the combustion chamber, thereby compressing it or expelling it from the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pilot controlled, magnetic type of valve having a diaphragm with the outer edge floatably attached to the housing. Excessive deformation of the diaphragm is prevented by providing a supporting ring which is axially movable in relation to the body of the valve and has a conical surface which is engaged by the diaphragm and to which the diaphragm conforms when the valve is in an open position.

Abstract: A sensor particularly well suited for use in the monitoring of hydraulic pressure. The sensor includes a deformable membrane mechanically coupled to an electrical switch. The membrane is mounted within a chamber in a manner which permits free radial displacement of the edge of the membrane and which also permits the axial position and shape of the membrane to be varied during assembly of the device.