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: A composite pump diaphragm 10 includes a layer 12 fabricated from annealed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bonded to a layer 14 fabricated from an unreinforced thermoplastic elastomer including ethylene-propylene terpolymer (EPDM) and polypropylene. The diaphragm 10 is fabricated by chemically etching the PTFE layer 12, coating a surface thereof with a polyurethane adhesive, superimposing the layer 14 with layer 12 under heat and pressure, and allowing the superimposed layers to cure.

Abstract: A low friction fluid motor has a diaphragm mounted in a shell to divide the shell into first and second chambers, a port means for connecting the second chamber to a pressure or vacuum source, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is connected to the diaphragm and includes an actuator member extending out of the shell through an aperture. The actuator is free of any seal member which is interposed between the actuator member and the shell and which functions to form a seal between the actuator member and the aperture in the shell. The aperture is oversized relative to the actuator member to allow free passage of the actuator member from the actuator assembly through the first chamber and out of the fluid motor.

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 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: 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: A pump diaphragm that is composed of two different shore-hardness materials of the same base polymer. The diaphragm includes a strong layer that will withstand hydraulic pressures and one or more soft layers that can be shaped into desirable sealing configurations. The diaphragm is constructed by first injecting a first thermoplastic material, with a relatively lower percentage of rubber filler, into a mold cavity and allowing the first material to cure. The hardened first material is then placed into a second mold cavity. A second thermoplastic material which contains the same base polymer but a relatively higher percentage of rubber filler is then injected into the second cavity. The first and second material utilize the same base polymer and thus will have the same melt temperature, as well as a strong propensity to bond to each other when molten. The second material is introduced to the cavity at a temperature that melts the interface of the first material.

Abstract: A pump diaphragm that is composed of two different shore-hardness materials of the same base polymer. The diaphragm includes a strong layer that will withstand hydraulic pressures and one or more soft layers that can be shaped into desirable sealing configurations. The diaphragm is constructed by first injecting a first thermoplastic material, with a relatively lower percentage of rubber filler, into a mold cavity and allowing the first material to cure. The hardened first material is then placed into a second mold cavity. A second thermoplastic material which contains the same base polymer but a relatively higher percentage of rubber filler is then injected into the second cavity. The first and second material utilize the same base polymer and thus will have the same melt temperature, as well as a strong propensity to bond to each other when molten. The second material is introduced to the cavity at a temperature that melts the interface of the first material.

Abstract: A combined sensing and barrier element is provided. This sensing element is most useful as a flexible diaphragm which is also described herein. The flexible diaphragm has a resilient elastomeric body and a sensing element having at least one conductive component and at least two nonconductive components such that the conductive component is positioned between the nonconductive components. A change in electrical resistance is recorded by an electrical monitoring device that is electrically connected to the conductive component. By observing changes in the resistance that deviate from a predetermined norm, significant wear of a diaphragm can be determined prior to its failure.

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 formation of diaphragms by silicon wafer bonding provides for a structure having at least two such diaphragms with cavities in the wafers to which the diaphragm layer is bonded. Passageways through the wafers provide for communication of a fluid to the diaphragms. In some locations less than all of a plurality of diaphragms may be bonded to only one wafter having a cavity adjacent the diaphragm.

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 pressure sensor having a ceramic support, a first ceramic layer attached to a peripheral portion of one side of the ceramic support, and a second ceramic layer which is attached to a peripheral portion of another side of the ceramic support such that the pressure sensor is shaped as an integral assembly. The ratio of the thickness of the first ceramic layer to that of the second ceramic layer is in the range of 1:10 to 1:1. The ratio of the thicknesses of the first and second ceramic layers to thickness of the ceramic support is no more than 1:2. The pressure sensor further includes a hollow space formed between the ceramic support and at least one of the first and second ceramic layers so that, after shaping as an integral assembly, the ceramic layer or layers will work as a diaphragm that is capable of deformation under pressure.

Abstract: A pressure transducer including a rotationally symmetrical pressure sensor made of a ceramic material and having a front face configured as a membrane, further having a housing for and containing the pressure sensor, the housing having a rotationally symmetrical base part and a pot with side walls gripping around the base part, and a sealing ring is interposed between the membrane of the pressure sensor and the base part of the housing, is improved by a glass layer of about 10 .mu.m thickness having been pressure deposited by screen printed for covering at least a portion of the membrane where facing the base part of the housing and being intimately bonded to the sealing ring.

Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor comprises a diaphragm formed by anisotropic etching of silicon single crystal, characterized in that an etch-stop layer is provided at the site where etching is to be stopped, and that an etch-stop layer having insulating property is provided as the insulating layer of the pressure-sensitive portion.

Abstract: Pressure vessel components of a sensing element are formed from liquid crystal polymers. Individual LCP components may be ultrasonically adhered to one another to form a hermetic seal. In the preferred embodiment, a metal tube is hermetically sealed to a pressure vessel cup by molding an LCP resin around a cleaned and heated tube to form a hermetic seal. Also in the preferred embodiment, the sensing element includes a single convolution diaphragm formed under heat and pressure using a polyimide film.

Abstract: The pressure sensor consists of a substrate and a diaphragm joined together around the periphery so as to form a chamber. The surface of the diaphragm facing away from the substrate is exposed to a medium whose pressure is to be measured. To protect the diaphragm against corrosion or abrasion, the diaphragm surface exposed to the medium is covered with a layer of silicon carbide, preferably by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: In a diaphragm pump with mechanically driven diaphragm and a device for diaphragm rutpure signaling, wherein the diaphragm 2 is clamped at the edge between a pump body 3 and pump cover 4 and is centrally firmly connected with a support plate 5 serving to drive the diaphragm, the design is such that the diaphragm is formed as a multi-layer sandwich diaphragm 2, whose individual layers or diaphragm plies are clamped jointly in the edge region between pump body 3 and pump cover 4. The sandwich diaphragm 2 consists of a working diaphragm 18 with at least one diaphragm ply and a protective diaphragm 20 also with at least one diaphragm ply. The latter is formed so that, with the working diaphragm 18 intact, it is clearly stressed by the delivery pressure less than the working diaphragm 18. Lastly the device for diaphragm rupture signaling has at least one channel 22, 25 disposed between the diaphragms 18, 20 and brought to the outside, for signaling a rupture of the working diaphragm 18.

Abstract: A fluid pumping apparatus and system including a double acting diaphragm pumping device in which each pumping component has a pair of spaced apart diaphragms defining a containment chamber and all exposed surfaces in the pumping chamber and the containment chamber are made of an inert plastic material, a fluid sensor extending into each containment chamber for sensing the presence of unwanted fluids therein, and a pump control system for activating the pumping apparatus and responding to an output signal generated by either sensor to deactivate the pumping apparatus in the event of leakage of fluid into either containment chamber.

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 fluid pump is disclosed herein having a frame defining an internal pumping chamber in combination with a flexible diaphragm. A top ring retains the diaphragm in position on the frame and includes a central area carrying an actuation mechanism for cyclically maintaining the fluid pumping operation in the pumping chamber. Inlet and outlet valves are disposed in the frame and interconnected with the pumping chamber to complete the pump. The actuation mechanism includes a motor-driven eccentric cam coupled to the central diaphragm area with top surface attachment only.

Abstract: A solid state pressure sensor utilizes a brittle diaphragm made of a material such as silicon, which is mounted between base plates of glass, and which deflects in response to pressure. The base plates of glass can have recesses formed therein to receive the diaphragm and provide a full support across the diaphragm under overpressure conditions to prevent overstressing the diaphragm, or the diaphragm can have such contoured surfaces for forming overpressure stop surfaces against the facing base plate. The diaphragm has grooves defining a central portion that deflects, and whereby the grooves will form webs joining the central portion to an outer rim so that the diaphragm acts similarly to a "free edge" diaphragm in its deflection characteristics. The grooves defining the webs can have various configurations for achieving the results desired.

Abstract: A tandem diaphragm vacuum booster in which both diaphragm and the bead seals are made of a single rubber-like molding.

Abstract: A tandem diaphragm vacuum booster in which both diaphragm and the bead seals are made of a single rubber-like molding.

Abstract: A diaphragm for pumps or the like of a dish-shaped body of nonreinforced thermoplastic elastomer having a curvilinear flexure sidewall portion of substantially less thickness than the central and flange portions to which it connects.

Abstract: A compliant sealing material with low or no gas permeability and low spring rate is made by coating a metal such as gold, on the surface of a polymer sheet. The metal acts as a complete gas barrier on an atomic level, and the polymer provides structural integrity and mounting attributes without detrimentally increasing compliance. A small number of metal atoms injected at a moderate energy into the near surface of the polymer act as link sites for joining subsequent lower energy atoms forming an impermeable layer. The total heat delivery to the polymer is minimized thereby preserving integrity and continuity. The material is particularly useful in micromechanical devices where high flexibility is needed with complete sealing.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the diaphragm integrity in a diaphragm pump. A single continuous circuit trace is supported on a pump diaphragm. An electrical circuit is connected to the continuous circuit trace for measuring both the continuity and a potential ground fault condition between the circuit trace and pumping liquid. The circuit trace is formed in a configuration which resists the effects of strain induced by continuous flexing of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator, for controlling the pressure of fluid in accordance with the pressure of an air signal, is characterized by a housing having a chamber divided into fluid and air chambers by at least two flexible diaphragms. The fluid chamber has a valved inlet for connection with a supply of fluid at an elevated pressure, and an outlet. The air chamber has an inlet for receiving an air signal at a selected pressure. A valve is moved by flexure of the diaphragms to open and close the fluid inlet, so that the pressure of the air signal regulates the pressure of fluid in the fluid chamber and at its outlet. A space is defined between the diaphragms, and vents extend from the space to exterior of the housing. Should the diaphragm on the fluid compartment side rupture, fluid entering the space will flow through the vents and provide a visible indication of diaphragm failure, but the diaphragm on the air chamber side will prevent fluid from entering that chamber.

Abstract: An improved diaphragm pump in which the diaphragm has a majority of its area available for flexure and deformation thereby allowing for a variable stroke length on the diaphragm pump and decreased wear of the diaphragm in operation. Additionally such a flexible diaphragm is additionally deformed by the pressure of the fluid in the pumping chamber thereby forming a "piston" of the diaphragm as it is deformed over the deforming piston of the pump.

Abstract: A hinged plate diaphragm pump comprising a pumping chamber defined by an inflexible member and a flexible member opposed thereto. The flexible member has at least three inflexible plates with edges in a common plane. Each plate has at least two straight plate hinge edges, each plate hinge edge being adjacent to and aligned with a second plate hinge edge of an adjacent plate, the adjacent edges of each plate hinge edge and second plate hinge edge is attached together by a flexible hinge strip. Preferably, the plates comprise at least one array of plates positioned about an axial center of symmetry perpendicular to the common plane. The hinged plates can be hingedly connected to a surrounding support plate and an axially central plate positioned at the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A diaphragm particularly for rolling-diaphragm type fluid pressure motors. The invention provides greatly improved service life of the motor, particularly under adverse condition in which conventional diaphragms fail quickly.

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: A fluid operated pump comprising a housing including first and second cylinders. First and second pistons are rigidly fixed to each other and situated in their respective cylinders, the cylinders alternately receiving pressurized fluid for operating the pump. The pump includes novel valving means and novel seals.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a diaphragm and an overpressure stop, with a gap inbetween for displacement of the diaphragm in response to an applied pressure, the diaphragm being formed of laser-recrystallized polysilicon. Data extraction is accomplished either by depositing or forming four piezoresistors on the diaphragm and connecting them as the elements of a Wheatstone bridge circuit or by using the appropriately doped laser-recrystallized diaphragm as a piezoresistor itself.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator construction and method of making the same are provided, the method comprising the steps of forming a housing with an annular surface, securing an outer peripheral portion of a flexible diaphragm to the annular surface to define a fluid chamber with the housing whereby certain pressure differentials acting across the diaphragm cause movement thereof relative to the housing for actuation purposes or the like, and before the step of securing the diaphragm disposing a compression spring in the chamber to act between the housing and the diaphragm to tend to move the diaphragm in a direction away from the chamber, disposing a backup plate in the chamber so as to engage against the side of the diaphragm that faces the chamber, causing the spring to have one end thereof bearing against the backup plate, and forming the diaphragm to comprise a lamination having a polymeric layer defining the side thereof facing away from the chamber and a metallic layer defining the side thereof facing the c

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 diaphragm configuration is disclosed for an air-driven pump. The diaphragm includes concentric ribs on the pressure side of the flexure portion thereof. This has been found to extend the life of diaphragms made of relatively brittle materials such as synthetic resin polymers. A ridge is provided on the surface of the diaphragm where sealing is to occur as a means for increasing the sealing capability of the synthetic resin polymer material.

Abstract: A pressure regulating diaphragm comprises a central base plate section in the form of a hard disc, a peripheral sealing section having the form of a ring located concentrically with said plate section and an intermediate section located between said peripheral sealing section and said central base plate section, said intermediate section consisting of a film having a thickness of from 10 to 100 microns and made of a plastic resistant to chemicals and defining a deformable, flexible portion, whereby a desired shape can be obtained therein.

Abstract: Plastic seals for use in valves which handle chemically reactive and aggressive media are described. These seals have a base layer made from porous PTFE and a covering layer of smooth, dense PTFE. The two layers are suitably sintered together. The seal is held in a seal holder which may be injection molded around the seal and may be made from a similar material. During the production of the base layer, the PTFE material is mixed with a flushable filler material which leaves a structure of pores in the layer after removal. These pores impart to the base layer an elastic property.A method for joining the seal to the seal carrier and a method for forming annular seals are also described.

Abstract: A high pressure pump in which at least one reciprocatingly driven piston acts on a hydraulic fluid communicating with one side of a diaphragm, the other side of the diaphragm communicating with a fluid to be displaced by the pump. The diaphragm is made of elastomeric material, and is relatively thick so that it is substantially self-restoring on the return stroke of the piston even in the event of total blockage of the supply of fluid to be displaced.

Abstract: A pumping system using an air actuated bladder type member to propel liquids out and to refill the pump. Invention covers such novel pumps and an overall dispensing system. Useful in pumping and dispensing liquids generally and is especially useful in dispensing polyurethane chemicals.

Abstract: A pressure responsive control device including a housing, a control switch unit and switch operating actuator, and a controller unit is disclosed for controlling operation of a refrigeration defrosting device. The actuator includes a bladder formed of thin film material which changes volume when a differential fluid pressure exists across the bladder. The bladder and switch unit are such that bladder volume changes are accompanied by minimal losses thus enabling the controller unit to be enabled in response to extremely slight differential pressures.

Abstract: A multiway valve with a spool as a closure member is axially movable in a central bore in a valve casing and has associated with each of its axial ends diaphragms of elastic material secured by their outer circumference to the casing and operating with a snap action. Associated with each of the diaphragms is a support wall bearing on a face of the diaphragm made of rigid material and made up of a plurality of flexibly-assembled sector-shaped component parts to provide flexible support of the diaphragm.

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.