Abstract: The present invention provides a diaphragm for use in pump applications in which at least a predetermined portion of such diaphragm is in contact with such outer piston which would tend to abrade such diaphragm. Such diaphragm is formed from at least one layer of a preselected flexible material. Such diaphragm comprises an outer bead like portion for securing the diaphragm to a pump housing. There is a annular flexure portion having a first end and a second end, such first end and such second end being generally flat and an arcuate shaped middle portion formed contiguously with the first end and the second end. Such first end is formed contiguously with the outer bead like portion. Such annular flexure portion has a substantially uniform first predetermined thickness. An enlarged bulbous portion is formed contiguously with the second end and extends around an inner periphery thereof. Such enlarged bulbous portion has a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diaphragm member for use in certain valve assemblies. Such diaphragm member comprises a generally circular diaphragm having a first predetermined diameter and having a first surface and a second surface. Such generally circular diaphragm is formed from at least one layer of a preselected elastomeric material. Such generally circular diaphragm includes a nonflexing center portion, a generally annular flexure portion extending around an outer periphery of such nonflexing center portion and a non flexing outer portion extending around an outer periphery of such generally annular flexure portion, such non flexing outer portion is engageable with a body portion of such valve assembly. Such diaphragm member further includes a generally circular insert member, having a second predetermined diameter, disposed within the first surface of such nonflexing center portion of such generally circular diaphragm.

Abstract: An improved diaphragm substantially resistant to abrasive wear for use in certain applications in which at least a portion of such diaphragm is in contact with another surface which would tend to abrade such diaphragm, such diaphragm comprising at least one layer of a flexible material selected from a group including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, fabric reinforced rubber, plastic and mixtures thereof and an abrasion resistant polymeric material having a predetermined thickness. This abrasion resistant polymeric material is adhered to such diaphragm at least in the portion that such diaphragm is in contact with another surface and is subject to abrasion. This type of abrasion generally occurs in the flange area of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A universal diaphragm made of elastomeric material having rigid solid compression restrainers incorporated within the diaphragm for preventing overcompression of the diaphragm during the assembly of a diaphragm valve. The compression restrainers can be designed to occupy several positions within the area of the diaphragm that is pressed between the bonnet and valve body of the diaphragm valve. The compression restrainers are bonded or vulcanized onto the surface of the elastomeric material making up the diaphragm.

Abstract: A composite flexible diaphragm for a diaphragm pump. The diaphragm has a diaphragm body with an outer perimeter, a center axis, and first and second exterior surfaces. The body has a perimeter flange portion extending around the body adjacent the outer perimeter. The body also has a disc portion extending radially outward from the center axis. The body has a convoluted flex portion disposed between the perimeter flange portion and the disc portion. The composite flexible diaphragm has a first layer of a chemically resistant material defining the first exterior surface. The diaphragm also has a second layer of flexible material which is bonded to the first layer and defines the second exterior surface of the diaphragm. The first layer of chemically resistant material has a reduced material thickness in the area of the flex portion of the diaphragm body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved diaphragm which will substantially resist detrimental abrasive wear. Such diaphragm being used in certain applications in which at least a portion of such diaphragm moves relative to and is in contact with a nonflexing surface which would tend to abrade and excessively wear such diaphragm. Such diaphragm includes at least one layer of a flexible material. Such at least one layer of such flexible material being selected from a group consisting of EPDM, nitrites, neoprene, fluoroelastomers and various mixtures thereof. This layer of such flexible material has a first predetermined thickness. Such diaphragm further has at least a portion of such at least one layer of such flexible material disposed at least adjacent such nonflexing surface. This portion of the diaphragm has a second predetermined thickness. The second predetermined thickness being greater than such first predetermined thickness.

Abstract: An actuator for fluid control valves with a reversible power module having a stationary inner member and a coaxially aligned movable outer member coupled to the valve flow control element and slidably movable on the inner member. A chamber formed between respective ends of the members includes a preformed bladder. Pneumatic pressure applied to the bladder drives the movable member to actuate the valve in a first direction. A spring returns the movable member in the second direction. The preformed bladder is formed with two pieces including an interconnecting perimeter portion. During bladder actuation the bladder perimeter portion is displaced from the bladder inner diameter to the bladder outer diameter with the bladder material in tension to thereby prolong bladder life.

Abstract: A flexible diaphragm for an air driven diaphragm pump having a circular configuration with an inner attachment portion, an outer attachment portion and an annular flexure portion bounded by transition portions to the inner and outer attachment portions. The annular flexure portion is configured with a constant radius of curvature concave on the air chamber side. The curvature is such that the center of curvature lies substantially within a plane also including the transition portion between the annular flexure portion and the inner attachment portion. The diaphragm is molded in this shape to avoid the creation of internal stress and permanent strain resulting from use of the diaphragm. Fabric is positioned across the diaphragm closest to the air chamber side and being about one-third of the total thickness of the diaphragm from the air chamber side of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly has a center disk in which use of a metal member is not required. The center disk comprises first and second center disk members, made of resin, embracing a resin diaphragm between them. The first center disk member has an inwardly directed inner flange on an inner peripheral wall defining a resin charging space, and the second center disk member comprises a resin-molded body, formed by charging a resin, and has an outwardly directed outer flange. A portion of the diaphragm is clamped between the inner flange and the outer flange.

Abstract: An insert member for use in a flexible diaphragm portion of a pump which enables such flexible diaphragm portion of such pump to be provided with a substantially uniform non-obtrusive surface area that will be positioned in such pump for intimate contact with a material to be pumped. Such insert member includes a first disc-like portion having both a first predetermined size and a first predetermined configuration. There is also a second disc-like portion having both a second predetermined size and a second predetermined configuration. The second disc-like portion is secured adjacent one surface thereof to a first surface of the first disc-like portion and such second disc-like portion extends from the first surface of such first disc-like portion for a predetermined distance. This second disc-like portion is disposed substantially in a center portion of the first surface of such first disc-like portion.

Abstract: A rolling head diaphragm and dome-shaped piston configuration where the geometry of the diaphragm and piston, and the length of stroke, are modified to enable the commonly known rolling wall action of rolling wall diaphragms to be extended into the center section of the diaphragm up over the piston head when it is at the lower end of it's stroke, thus eliminating the right angle of the head/wall juncture of common pistons and the tight radius of the head/wall shoulder molded into other diaphragms, thereby extending the maximum available stroke and improving diaphragm reliability and longevity.

Abstract: Inert plastic coated flexible diaphragm for sanitary pump applications includes a first body portion, disposed in center of diaphragm, which is relatively thick and exhibits a first degree of flexibility. A second body portion is formed contiguously with the first body portion and extends around periphery thereof. The second body portion is relatively thin, compared to the first body portion, and exhibits a second degree of flexibility greater than the first degree of flexibility. A sealing bead-like member is formed contiguously with such second body portion and extends around periphery thereof for sealing the flexible diaphragm in an operating position within a housing portion of such pump. A flexible plastic layer is adhered to each surface of the first body portion, the second body portion and such sealing bead-like member which will come into intimate contact with a material to be pumped. Such plastic layer having a substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: A diaphragm for flush valves has a plurality of concentric reinforcing rings spaced closer together at the smaller diameters of the diaphragm than at the larger diameters. The reinforcing rings have a geometrically progressive spacing from the inside to the outside of the diaphragm so as to provide maximum hoop stress reduction with a minimum amount of material.

Abstract: A flexible pump diaphragm for pumping fluids is described in which the diaphragm has a number of ribs or troughs located radially across its circumferential flexure portion.

Abstract: The diaphragm has an outer flange and an inner portion which is deflectable relative thereto, with the inner portion having a lone, primary annular corrugation connecting a center of the inner portion to the outer flange and which, when viewed in cross section, has the general shape of one full cosine wave. A plurality of radially disposed waves present ridges to the high pressure side of the diaphragm, with each fairing in amplitude from a maximum generally midway of the diaphragm radius to zero generally at the center and at the outer flange. Each of the radial waves is arithmetically added to the primary wave so as to be integral therewith and has the general shape of one full cosine wave when viewed in cross-section both along and normal to the length of the ridge. In one embodiment, similarly shaped annular corrugations are added onto the primary corrugation as secondary annular waveforms so as to provide the diaphragm with greater sensitivity and longer deflection (stroke) capabilities.

Abstract: A method of making and the product of the method in a diaphragm for use in a pressure regulator, or other similar uses, where leakage around the confined edges of the diaphragm must be avoided. The structure confining the edges of the diaphragm consists of a main housing body having a groove for receiving a rib or the outer periphery of the diaphragm and a secondary housing to clamp the periphery. The central portion of the diaphragm carries a top plate with a bottom groove to receive a rib on the central periphery of the diaphragm and a bottom disc to clamp the inner periphery. Diaphragms are made with a fabric sandwiched between flexible layers of material. This results in a flash edge which may cause wicking and prevents a proper seal in the grooves receiving the ribs. An angled trim on the peripheries allows a proper filling of the grooves and a leak proof seal.

Abstract: A synthetic composite flexible diaphragm of a fabric of warp-knitted polyester fibers and an elastomeric polymer coating applied only to one side of the fabric and disposed in interstices between the fibers to provide when cured a barrier at least substantially impervious to liquid fuel.

Abstract: A fabric reinforced molded conical diaphragm and method of making in which the parting line of the diaphragm mold is arranged such that the flashing and reinforcing fabric of the molded diaphragm are on the sidewall of the outer clamping bead at a location displaced from the juncture of the sidewall and the bottom surface thereof, so that upon inverting the diaphragm member, the fabric free bottom surface of the clamping bead is transposed to the sidewall of the diaphragm clamping bead, thereby providing a smooth, accurately sized outer periphery of the diaphragm to facilitate its assembly.

Abstract: A composite diaphragm containing a flexible composite of a flexible polymer and an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fabric on which is adhered to one surface a solid polytetrafluoroethylene layer. Additionally a composite diaphragm is disclosed which has a concentrically arranged ribbed elastomeric layer attached to a solid polytetrafluoroethylene layer.

Abstract: A rolling piston comprises a substantially cylindrical piston slidably supported within a chamber. One end of the chamber is sealed by a first sealing cap including a circular base portion having a fluid inlet therethrough and opposite ends of a substantially tubular flexible diaphragm are sealingly anchored around a first end of the piston and around an inside periphery of the first sealing cap, respectively. The diaphragm comprises a cylindrical thin-walled outer sleeve having high axial tensile strength and a cylindrical, thin-walled inner sleeve inside the outer sleeve and contiguous therewith having high elasticity both longitudinally and radially.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compliant molded diaphragm which includes an operable surface area for forming a flexiblle barrier to prevent fluid flow between opposing sides of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is formed as a sandwich structure having first and second elastomeric layers and a third gas impermeable layer located between the first and second layers. The third layer may be provided as a thin layer of metal which is vapor deposited between the two elastomeric layers or may be a thin gas impermeable polymer film. The impermeable layer is preferably formed as a grid pattern in the operable surface area of the diaphragm such that portions of the first and second layers are exposed to each other whereby the first and second layers may be bonded to each other to prevent separation of the layers of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An improved diaphragm, which operates and has the structure of a short-thick beam, is comprised of a plug having a channel, a tire cord reinforcement is bonded to the plug, an elastomer cured to the reinforcement means, and a sleeve bonded to the elastomer. This diaphragm is capable of being used in many applications, particularly, fluid-handling devices.

Abstract: A diaphragm (10) suitable for extreme temperature usage, such as encountered in critical aerospace applications, is fabricated by a unique method, and of a unique combination of materials, which include multi-layered lay-ups of diaphragm materials (20a, 22, 20b) sandwiched between layers of bleeder fabric (29, 36), which, after being formed in the desired shape on a mold (26), are vacuum sealed (38) and then cured under pressure, in a heated autoclave, to produce a bond capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a diaphragm-type piston characterized by an S-shaped or ogee-like profile approximating a theoretical model that is substantially free of distortion in a selected position of the piston assembly in which a convolution is formed in the annular space between the diaphragm piston and the body in which the piston operates. Being molded without a convolution, the diaphragm lends itself well to maintaining a reinforcing fabric centrally embedded within the diaphragm proper, while at the same time being substantially distortion-free in a selected position of the piston assembly.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a diaphragm-actuated fluid-transfer control device, which comprises a flexible, substantially non-stretchable diaphragm body of a substantially circular outline surrounded and delimited by a beaded rim, the body having a substantially dish-like, bi-stable shape invertible from the first stable state, in which a first body surface is convex and a second body surface, concave, to the second stable state, in which the first body surface is rendered concave and the second body surface, convex. The device further comprises at least one substantially rigid, elongated arm fixedly embedded in the diaphragm to a depth exceeding the radial width of the beaded rim, the free end of which arm projects beyond the beaded rim. There is also described a diaphragm-actuated fluid transfer control device including the diaphragm.

Abstract: The device comprises on the one hand at least one substantially tightly-sealable chamber, which is bounded partly at least by a wall from an approximately resiliently distortable material, and on the other hand flexible, approximately unstretchable spiral-wound filaments which extend substantially next to one another at least about said wall, whereby part of said filaments are wound rightwards and another part thereof leftwards, and this in such a way that two arbitrary crossing filaments may undergo some angular displacement relative to one another, and the one end each said filaments on the one side of said chamber is fixed relative to a working point, and the other end thereof on the opposite side of said chamber is fixed relative to another working point, and whereby further at least one feed opening is provided in said chamber, wherethrough a pressurized gas or liquid may be fed and said wall is distortable at least along one direction cross-wise to the line joining both said working points, in such a wa

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible diaphragm assembly for use in a flush valve having a hollow body, an inlet, an outlet, a valve seat formed in the body between the inlet and outlet, and an operating handle assembly. The diaphragm assembly includes a diaphragm adapted to be peripherally attached to the flush valve body and a barrel integral with the diaphragm. The barrel has a seat member on its exterior positioned for sealing engagement with the body valve seat. There is an annular valve seat on the interior of the barrel and a relief valve is positioned within the barrel and has a seat portion positioned to close upon the barrel valve seat. The relief valve has an annular flexible lip in contact with the interior of the barrel and spaced from the relief valve seat portion. The relief valve further has a stem extending outwardly from the barrel and positioned for contact by the flush valve handle assembly.

Abstract: A gas meter includes a housing made of thermoplastic material having an inside wall defining two measuring chambers and a deformable membrane disposed between the two measuring chambers. The deformable membrane is formed from a film of thermoplastic elastomer material bonded to a synthetic fiber sheet. The periphery of the membrane is hot-welded to the wall between the two measuring chambers to form a gas-tight seal between the chambers. A mechanical drive train includes at least one lever having a hinged portion made from a thermoplastic material which is hot-welded to the middle of the membrane. The train drives a mechanical distributor disposed outside the housing.

Abstract: Hydraulic-exchange pumping device comprising two containers or tanks, inside each of which there are defined: a chamber for the product to be pumped, which is respectively connected, through a delivery valve and a suction valve, to the lines of delivery and of intake of the product to be pumped, as well as a chamber for the hydraulic drive fluid, which is connected to a pump through a four-way, three-position distribution box. This partitioning is accomplished by means of an internal elastic membrane having a decreasing thickness from the its peripheral edge towards its central zone, which can be also equipped with a strengthening cloth embedded inside it, as well as with a set of metal rings having a cross-section surface area decreasing towards the center of the same membrane.

Abstract: High pressure, fluid-driven tension actuators, axially contractible upon inflation by a suitable fluid such as compressed air to convert fluid pressure energy into linear contraction displacement, employ nearly spherical shell surfaces when inflated constrained by meridian and parallel elements. The inflatable shells are formed of elastomeric resilient material, and the constraining elements in certain embodiments of the invention comprise a reinforcing, tubular, knitted, fabric sleeve that axially encompasses, conforms to, and is bonded to a resilient, hollow bladder which defines a fluid chamber having at least one conduit connected at a polar location to bladder and sleeve for inflating and deflating the chamber. The parallel and meridian elements for constraining the elastomeric resilient shell include a generally square constraining pattern extending in an equatorial band around the shell upon inflation of the nearly spherical shell.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rolling lobe fluid spring (10) having a rigid end cap (12) and a piston (14) with a generally tubular air impervious flexible membrane (18) sealingly attached thereto to form the air spring. A fabric restraining cylinder (40) is provided circumferentially around the outer periphery of the flexible membrane. The cylinder is composed of at least two layers of fabric (41, 42) having primary cord reinforcements oriented at opposite bias angles such that the cylinder (40) is radially extensible and supports the rolling lobe (32) of the air spring. It also radially supports the flexible membrane (18) over the axial working stroke (WA).

Abstract: A valve (10) comprising a plurality of passages (22,24), and an annular sealing area (30) in communication with one of the passages. The valve also includes a diaphragm (50), movably supported relative to the sealing area (30) in response to a force differential applied thereacross; including a thin, planar, flexible, non-metallic membrane (92) for sealably engaging against the sealing area.

Abstract: A pilot-operated diaphragm valve in which the diaphragm seats on a valve seat having an unconstricted flow annulus therearound, and support regions are provided on the valve seat and on the valve body for support of the diaphragm when in closed position. The support region on the valve seat further performs important sealing functions, as does a sealing lip disposed radially-inwardly of the sealing and support region of the valve seat. To stabilize the diaphragm at various partially and fully open positions, and to augment sealing action when the valve is closed, a spring-pressed poppet is disposed above the diaphragm and is guided by a valve stem and bearing. A peripheral region of the poppet bears a certain relationship to the sealing portions of the valve seat.

Abstract: An oleoelastic energy accumulator includes a rigid casing, at least one membrane of a polymeric material having a high deformability, and a liquid. The membrane has a curvilinear form, e.g., convex, toward the inside of the casing to the borders of which the membrane is tightly sealed for delimiting or defining a closed space occupied by the liquid. In correspondence with the pressure variations in the liquid, the membrane acts like a piston and passes from an at-rest, curvilinear configuration, to a final substantially flat configuration as a result of gradual and successive compression of the membrane which, in this manner, accumulates energy.

Abstract: A rolling diaphragm regulator valve is affixed in a globe type valve body and includes a nonstretchable fabric reinforced elastomer diaphragm for covering and uncovering, by rolling action in response to changes in pressure in a control chamber, a plurality of apertures in a baffle positioned between the valve body inlet and outlet. An axially movable spring-biased nose piece, mounted behind the diaphragm, provides a surface over which the diaphragm is draped for controlling substantially all movement of the diaphragm. A travel indicator is operable by movement of the nose piece to provide a visual indication of the position of the valve. In one embodiment the baffle is notched adjacent to a peripheral mounting surface of the diaphragm, whereat the ends of the fabric reinforcement are exposed to permit entrained gases to escape. Other embodiments include areas of the diaphragm, exposed to the apertures, that have pinholes in the elastomer surface and that have the fabric surface exposed.

Abstract: In a drive device operated by pressure fluid a progressive linear or swinging or rotary movement of a driven element is produced by means of at least one lifting element. Between the lifting element and the driven element there is arranged at least one wedge which carries out a stepwise reciprocating movement under the influence of the lifting element. In this way the driven element is pushed forward step by step in the loaded direction via a force locking. This drive device permits a force-locked connection to the object to be moved.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the imminent failure of a diaphragm due to the attack by a corrosive or a solvent or mechanical fatigue is predicted through the use of a diaphragm pump having a housing, a first chamber within the housing, a second chamber within the housing and a diaphragm mounted in the housing between the first chamber and the second chamber. The diaphragm is of a chemically inert, electrically non-conductive material which contains an interconnected, electrically conductive material extending within the diaphragm less than the full radial dimension of the diaphragm. The conductive material is approximately equally spaced from the two opposing surfaces of the diaphragm. The electrically conductive material is advantageously, an electrically conductive graphite and takes the form of a mesh, screen or web of conductive fibers, filaments or strands.

Abstract: A material handling device such as a pump, including a first housing part 12 having an internal surface 12A surrounded by a peripheral surface 12B, 12C facing in generally the same direction as the internal surface. A substantially longitudinally inextensible flexible diaphragm has its periphery clamped on the first clamping surface by a cooperating second clamping surface 16B, 16C, the second housing part 16 which carries a rotary member 17 on which are mounted three rollers 18. A chamber 10 is formed between the diaphragm and the internal surface.Upon rotation of the rotary member, the rollers sequentially urge the diaphragm onto the internal surface to form a constriction which traverses the chamber and moves the constriction from one port 13 to another port 14 formed in the first housing part.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated pilot-actuated valve is provided of the diaphragm type which has particular utility for irrigation purposes. The valve also finds industrial utility where it is desirable to control large amounts of flow energy with a small control signal. The valve includes a diaphragm chamber into which fluid is introduced to establish a fluid pressure which normally forces the diaphragm against an annular seat in the valve to maintain the valve in a closed condition. A stationary bleed tube is provided which extends through the diaphragm into the diaphragm chamber. A solenoid plunger normally closes off the upper end of the bleed tube. However, when the solenoid is energized, the plunger is withdrawn and opens the bleed tube, the diaphragm chamber is drained sufficiently to reduce the pressure therein to a point at which the diaphragm is forced off its seat by the upstream fluid pressure, and the valve is opened.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a bladder which is to be disposed on each of axially opposite end portions of a tire building machine having a tire building drum, respectively, and is employed for turning back a ply cord bound on the tire building drum of the tire building machine, comprising of the steps of binding a bladder material on a cylindrical member, the bladder material being reinforced with cords and unvulcanized, the cylindrical member having two annular grooves formed in the outer peripheral portion thereof, binding a cloth belt containing water around the outer peripheral surface of the bladder material so that the bladder material is shaped conformingly to the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical member and the two annular grooves, vulcanizing in a vulcanizing vessel the bladder material to form two annular ridges on the bladder material conformingly to the shape of the annular groove, and taking out the bladder material from the vulcanizing vessel and turning back the bladder material around

Abstract: An improved removable condensate collector for elevated water storage facilities includes a membrane attached to the walls of such elevated water storage facility and positioned to prevent condensate from falling onto structures located at or near the bottom of the facility from a water storage container located at or near the top of the facility. The membrane can be frusto-conical in shape with the apex thereof located above or below the base, or can be horizontally disposed within the facility. The membrane is strengthened to support collected water thereon, until evaporation and ventilation remove that water from the storage facility.

Abstract: A pneumatically powerable single action fluid pump has a housing, an improved diaphragm assembly dividing the housing into fluidly discrete propellant and pumping chambers, a fluid inlet and outlet in the pumping chamber, a fluid port to the propellant chamber and a spring motor biasing the diaphragm assembly in a direction away from the pumping chamber side of the housing; the diaphragm assembly includes a perforate rigid diaphragm plate, an elongate motor stem connected to the plate, a contiguous elastomeric diaphragm having an imperforate front layer covering a front side of the plate and stem, a rear layer on a rear side of the plate, pins in the plate perforations and between and adjoining the diaphragm layers, and a bellows section to the outside of the plate. The spring motor biases the diaphragm to a position in close proximity to the fluid port of the propellant chamber in the absence of propellant therein against a plurality of spacer ribs.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a flush valve is made of molded rubber with a plastic insert for strengthening the diaphragm. The insert includes reinforcing means located at the points where the diaphragm is attached to the valve parts. There is also a plurality of spaced, rigid sections placed between the points of attachment. Connecting means are provided for connecting the reinforcing means and the rigid sections together. The connecting means is arranged to permit flexibility of the diaphragm in two planes. Thus, the diaphragm is permitted to flex both in the plane of the diaphragm and perpendicular to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a dosaging valve in which one side of the diaphragm is exposed to the surrounding environment and the other side is exposed to a respiratory or breathing gas, comprises, a central layer or insert which is coated on both sides and an outer layer overlying the insert and facing the surrounding medium which comprises a silicone elastomer and an inner layer overlying said insert and facing the interior of the housing and exposed to the breathing gas which comprises a polypropylene oxide rubber.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve with a primary diaphragm type valve member controlled in accordance with the fluid pressure on opposite sides thereof and a solenoid operated pilot valve having a fixed axially extending pilot valve outlet tube extending through a central opening in the diaphragm valve member and operable for selectively referencing the fluid pressure on one side of the diaphragm with the valve outlet pressure.

Abstract: A flexible membrane wall divides a control valve housing into two chambers, one for a control fluid and one for a fluid to be processed, the latter chamber containing a valve seat coacting with a valve body secured to the central part of the membrane wall. This wall comprises two membrane members facing said chambers, respectively, and separated by a plurality of stiff supporting elements which are movable relative to each other. Each supporting element is pivotally connected at one end to the valve housing and at the other end to the valve body, whereby axial loads on the membrane members are transferred through the support elements to the housing and valve body.

Abstract: A fluid expandable drum for building portions of tires in a tire building machine includes an annular supporting drum and an expandable annular tube element having an inner peripheral surface supported on the annular drum. The tube element includes an outer peripheral surface upon which support means is secured for movement therewith. A plurality of shoe members are connected to the support means for movement therewith with the shoe members defining an annular building surface thereon which is movable in a radial direction toward and away from the annular support drum upon contraction and expansion, respectively, of the tube element. The tube element is expanded to expand the diameter of the building surface to enable a tire portion to be built thereon and retracted to decrease the diameter of the building surface to enable a build tire portion to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A flexible diaphragm with a U-shaped surrounding fold, containing a plurality of reinforcing fabric members of cross-shaped configuration cut from an elastomer or other suitably coated sheet of material of woven fabric in which the threads are in right-angled relation, each of the cut members having outwardly tapered arms extending from a central area, the cross-shaped configuration having an orientation with respect to the threads of the fabric such that the right-angled threads will extend longitudinally and transversely of each arm, in which the cross-shaped members are stacked in superimposed axial relation with the radiating arms of adjacent cut members being successively offset and having their edges in overlapped relation, and wherein the stacked cut members are encased within a molded elastomeric or other suitable material.

Abstract: The longevity and safety of pressure-responsive, flexible diaphragms is improved by providing laminated construction of sealing and reinforcing layers that "breathe" through a portion of their cross sections. In one embodiment the flexible diaphragm comprises a laminate having a layer of perforated fabric-like reinforcing material on the low pressure side and a layer of impermeable elastomeric sealing material on the high pressure side with or without an additional layer of said fabric, with or without perforations on the high pressure side and with the areas of bond between the reinforcing material and sealing material being substantially continuous. In another embodiment the laminate comprises an inner layer of perforated fabric-like material bonded to outer layers of perforated elastomeric material on the low pressure side. The elastomeric sealing material layer on the high pressure side of this latter embodiment may be perforated.