Abstract: A variable geometry compressor having a housing, a compressor wheel and a plurality of vanes positioned between an exducer of the compressor wheel and a housing volute. The vanes are adjustable through a range of positions, but a vane actuation system is configured to actuate the vanes through three discrete positions from among the range of positions. The actuation system has an actuator that includes an actuator housing containing a diaphragm that divides a housing chamber into two portions. Through the application of a vacuum to either chamber portion, the diaphragm drives a rod to actuate the vanes between two of the discrete vane positions, while a spring returns the vanes to the third position when no vacuum is applied. The actuator is controlled by an open-loop controller.

Abstract: A heald frame for a weaving machine includes stops (15, 16) made of a material with shock-absorbing properties associated with the ends of the healds (10). A gap is provided between the heald ends and the stops, such gap ensuring that the healds can be moved along guide rails forming part of the heald frame while reducing noise and potentially damaging vibrations. The healds are held on the guide rails with play and are moved by and limited in their movements in a longitudinal direction by the stops.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator assembly (44) adapted for use with a valve member (42) is disclosed, the actuator being of the type comprising a housing assembly (50), and an axially moveable diaphragm assembly (56). A linkage member (48) is operably associated with said diaphragm assembly and extends axially through a linkage opening (70), and is connected to a valve member (42). A preload member (74) includes a generally annular preload portion (76) between a stop surface (55) and the diaphragm assembly (56), and in engagement with both. The preload portion (76) maintains the diaphragm assembly (56) in a position corresponding to a first position of said valve member (42), in opposition to the force of a biasing means (68).

Abstract: An adjustable hydraulic damper involves a piston member operating within a hydraulic cylinder where the hydraulic cylinder wall is adjustably deformed to vary the annular space between a piston head and the inside cylinder wall through which hydraulic fluid must pass. The wall of the cylinder is adjustably deformed through an annular ramp formed circumferentially about the outside of the cylinder and having an angled bearing surface. A compression nut, having an angled inside circumferential surface, threadingly engages the outside of the cylinder, wherein rotation of the compression nut causes its angled inside surface to bear on the ramp of the cylinder wall, thereby producing a local, uniform, annular deformation of the inside surface of the cylinder wall. The amount of deformation, and thus the flow of fluid through the annular space, is adjustable by rotation of the compression nut.

Abstract: Diaphragms for pumps, compressors and the like are provided with a substantially flat planar end face confronting the media being pumped or compressed and have an outer peripheral zone for clamping the circumference of the diaphragm in the pump or compressor housing, an annular intermediate flexing or bending zone adjacent the clamping area, and a central thickened work zone with the flexible bending zone increasing in thickness toward the central working zone. The bending or flexing of the annular intermediate zone is limited to one side of the flat planar end face and the bending stresses are minimized.

Abstract: A Bourdon tube apparatus is provided for monitoring the pressure of a fluid pressure source. The output of the Bourdon tube is translated into a curvilinear motion which is transmitted to a linearly movable actuator valve or indicator. To enhance the force output linear response or linear output of the Bourdon tube actuator, an abutment block is provided which contacts one or more turns of the Bourdon tube adjacent its closed end to prevent expansion movement of the Bourdon tube in a direction opposite to the desired linear output movement. The Bourdon tube is mounted for calibrational purposes by having its open end connected by a flexible pipe to a support post which is rotationally mounted for movement about its longitudinal axis and defines a fluid conduit connection between the pressure source being monitored and the open end of the Bourdon tube.

Abstract: A fluid actuated pilot assembly employing a cantilevered spring member which is mounted to apply a force to a sensing piston in opposition to the force applied by the sensed fluid pressure. Upon the occurrence of the pressure of the fluid being sensed exceeding the force of the cantilevered spring member, the sensing piston is moved to initiate a control function.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated adjusting device, particularly for throttle flap adjustment on mixture-compressing combustion engines, with a diaphragm held between a housing upper portion and a housing lower portion. This diaphragm forms a vacuum-charged working chamber with the housing upper portion. With the housing lower portion it forms a chamber open to ambient atmosphere. A guide bushing projects from the housing upper portion on the atmosphere vented side of the diaphragm and is rigidly connected to it. The diaphragm is also rigidly connected to two concentric spaced diaphragm plate pairs. The outer diaphragm plate pair is connected to a pipe moving inside the guide bushing. This pipe has one or several recesses, with a ball in every recess. Indentations in the guide bushing have diameters corresponding to the ball diameter, with the depth determining the stroke of the first adjustment stage. The inner diaphragm is rigidly connected to a control piston inside the pipe. This control piston has a recess.

Abstract: An air control valve for a vehicle emissions control system has an inlet connected to the output of the vehicle air pump, a first outlet connected to exhaust injection passages in cylinder head, and a second outlet connected downstream into the exhaust manifold. A vacuum actuated valve element is responsive to engine manifold vacuum to divert the output of the air pump from the downstream injection point to the upstream injection point during cold engine operation. However, the air supply from the air pump is diverted from the upstream injection point to the downsteam injection point for a few seconds when a sudden increase in manifold vacuum occurs, such as during engine deceleration when the engine is cold. After the engine warms up, the air supply from the air pump is continuously communicated to the downstream injection point.

Abstract: A vacuum operable unit for use in an ignition distributor of an internal combustion engine comprising a casing divided into first and second chambers by a diaphragm. A push rod is coupled to the diaphragm and extends through one wall of the first chamber, a seal engaging the wall of the chamber and the push rod so as to permit movement of the push rod with the diaphragm, while sealing the first chamber. First and second springs are positioned in the first and second chambers respectively, and either spring is operable on the diaphragm as the diaphragm moves in a direction to reduce the volume of the respective chamber. The housing supports a pair of abutments associated with the springs respectively, the springs engaging their respective abutments when the diaphragm is in a central position, so that in the central position neither spring acts on the diaphragm.