Abstract: A damper for use with a hydraulic actuator of the type including a master cylinder and a slave cylinder with a conduit interconnecting the outlet of the master cylinder and the inlet of the slave cylinder. The damper is positioned in the conduit between the master cylinder and the slave cylinder and includes a housing member defining a chamber opening in one face of the housing member and a mounting bracket plate. The mounting bracket plate includes a housing portion corresponding in size and configuration to the one face of the housing member and is positioned against the one face of the housing member to coact with the housing member to seal the chamber. The bracket plate further includes a bracket portion extending outwardly from the housing portion in the form of mounting arms which are utilized to facilitate mounting of the damper to a fixed vehicle structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing central aluminum or steel adaptors for air brake actuators to existing steel service brake housings, existing steel emergency brake housings, or both without major modification to either housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder is provided in the steel brake housing, and the aluminum adaptor is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is sandwiched between the shoulder of the steel brake and the annular lip of the adaptor. One or more C-shaped retaining pieces are then placed around the sandwiched shoulder, diaphragm and lip. A weld is then applied to connect the C-shaped steel piece to the steel-housing, thereby holding the aluminum or steel adaptor and diaphragm securely in place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing conventional central adaptors for air brake actuators to service brake housings, emergency brake housings, or both, that are made from a metal that is dissimilar to that of the adaptor without major modification to either the housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder with an elongated annular flange above it is provided on the steel part, and the aluminum part is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is first placed directly on the shoulder of the selected steel part. The aluminum part is then placed on top of the diaphragm such that the annular lip of the aluminum part fits inside the annular flange of the steel part. A slightly deformable annular steel piece is placed around the aluminum part so that it comes to rest against the annular aluminum lip while also touching the annular steel flange of the steel part.

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: The present invention provides a diaphragm having a generally truncated conical body for use in diaphragm actuating piston assemblies, such diaphragm comprising at least one layer of an elastomeric material selected from a group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, fabric reinforced rubber and mixtures thereof. There is further a first central opening, having a first predetermined diameter, disposed at a first edge of such diaphragm for mounting on a diaphragm actuating piston, such first central opening being formed by a bead like portion having a second predetermined diameter. There is further included a second central opening, having a third predetermined diameter, disposed at a second edge of such diaphragm for mounting on a body portion of such diaphragm actuating piston assembly, such second central opening being formed by a bead like portion having a fourth predetermined diameter.

Abstract: A pneumatic booster for use in association with heavy duty truck brakes including an emergency mechanism whereby the brakes are automatically applied in the event of a pneumatic system failure. An intermediate housing portion of the booster, typically provided as a heavy and complicated casting, is provided as a composite stamping comprising front and rear stampings held together by a series of clinch joints.

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 method of manufacturing a remote seal of the type used in the process control industry includes welding a circular metal sheet of a material fusible to a housing. The sheet has a hole formed therein with an inner diameter. The method further including attaching a diaphragm made of a metal to the sheet along the inner diameter of the hole in the sheet. A remote seal includes a flange face and a disc attached to the flange. The disc includes an inner diameter. The remote seal further includes a diaphragm attached to the disc along the inner diameter of the disc.

Abstract: A fluid-operated combination diaphragm spring brake has a tamper-resistant connection between a head and a flange case which together form a spring chamber housing a power spring. The head has an annular flange and an axial rim, and the flange case has an annular flange and an axial rim, The flanges of the head and the flange case and at least one of the rims of the head and the flange case define an annular recess. A diaphragm is sandwiched between the flanges and substantially fills the annular recess, removing substantially all the air within the annular recess. A welded connection radially adjacent the diaphragm secures head rim to the flange case rim.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brake actuator assembly including a housing having a generally radial annular flange portion and a cover having a generally radial annular flange portion generally co-axially aligned with the generally radial annular flange portion of the housing. A cup-shaped flexible diaphragm having an outer radial annular rim portion is disposed between the generally radial annular flange portions of the housing and the cover. A retaining element generally surrounds and compresses the generally radial annular flange portions of the housing and the cover against the rim portion of the flexible diaphragm. The rim portion of the diaphragm includes a wedge-shaped edge portion and co-axially aligned flats on opposite sides of the rim portion adjacent to the wedge-shaped edge portion aligning the flange portions of the housing and the cover. In another embodiment, a flexible brake diaphragm includes a cup-shaped flexible diaphragm having an outer radial annular rim portion.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator with movable actuator linkage maintained in a constant "pull-pull" tension, includes a sliding canister, rotatable lever, and a return spring substantially aligned in-line with each other. The linear motion of the canister in response to an expanding and contracting pressurized bladder is converted through chain linkage into rotary lever motion. The return spring is connected through respective chain linkage to the lever so the pulling tension of the spring/lever linkage rotates the lever and maintains tension on both chain linkages. Adjustable travel stops are provided. In an alternate embodiment the return spring chain linkage is configured at right angles to the linear movement of the canister. A double acting rotary valve actuator with pressurized bladders on opposite sides of a rotatable lever. One bladder is oval shaped.

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: 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 pump 1 comprises a chamber 2 having a inlet opening 22 and an outlet opening 21. The chamber 2 extends between a first main wall 30 and a second main wall 40. The first main wall 30 is a triangular bottom wall of a body 3. The second main wall 40 is a part of a triangular bottom wall of a tub 4. The body 3 is tiltable relative to the tub 4 so that the volume of the chamber 2 is variable. The pump 1 comprises an outlet valve for blocking the outlet opening 21 when the volume of the chamber 2 is increased and an inlet valve for blocking the inlet opening when the volume of the chamber 2 is reduced. The outlet valve is formed by a first portion 31 of the body 3. This first portion 31 of the body blocks the outlet opening when the body is urged against the outlet opening 21. The inlet valve is formed by a second portion 32 of the body 3. This second portion 32 of the body blocks the inlet opening when the body is urged against the outlet opening 21.

Abstract: A pneumatic booster utilizing first and second sources of air pressure and having a rigid casing (1) divided by a leaktight moving partition (2) into at least first and second working chambers (T1,T2). The moving partition (2) being urged by a pressure difference between the pressures supplied to the first and second working chambers (T1,T2) brought about by actuation of a three-way valve (5). The three-way valve (5) being retained in a pneumatic piston (4) carried by the moving partition (2). The moving partition (2) having a rigid skirt (3) including first and second walls (31,32) to define a fixed volume (V). The fixed volume being split into first and second reaction chambers (R1,R2) by a divider (11). The divider (11) constituting, within the booster, a reaction member intended to oppose an input force for actuating the three-way (5) to actuate the booster and develop an output force for the booster.

Abstract: A brake actuator includes an inelastically deformed separate clamp band holding the brake actuator housing portions together. The actuator is formed by cutting the clamp band from a roll of thin stainless steel. The cut portions are formed to have an L shaped section. The short L end is then placed on one of the flanges of the brake actuator housing members. The other end of the clamp band is then deformed inwardly to secure the brake actuator housings together. The invention results in a relatively low cost clamp band. The clamp band has particular application on the service side of the spring brake actuator, although it would also be useful on the emergency side.

Abstract: Brake actuators are provided with self-centering diaphragms. In one embodiment, the diaphragm is provided with a centering bead radially outwardly of a sealing bead. The centering bead ensures the diaphragm is properly centered prior to the brake actuator housings being secured together. In a second embodiment, the self-centering structure includes structure fit into mating structure in one of the brake actuator housings to ensure the diaphragm is properly centered. The self-centering structure ensures the brake actuator diaphragms are properly centered before connection of the two brake actuator housings. This invention is particularly useful in the type of brake actuator housings having deformed housing portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing central aluminum or steel adaptors for air brake actuators to existing steel service brake housings, existing steel emergency brake housings, or both without major modification to either housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder with an elongated annular flange above it is provided in the steel brake housing, and the aluminum adaptor is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is first placed directly on the shoulder of the steel brake housing. The aluminum or steel adaptor is then placed on top of the diaphragm such that the annular lip of the adaptor fits inside the annular flange of the housing. A slightly deformable annular steel piece is then placed around the aluminum adaptor so that it comes to rest against the annular lip while also touching the annular steel flange of the housing. One or more breaks may be provided in the annular steel piece to facilitate placing it over the aluminum adaptor.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump (1) has a shaped diaphragm (2) of elastic material. The central zone (3) of the diaphragm (2) is thickened in the direction of stroke and is surrounded by a flexible annular zone (5) held on the pump case by an external clamping edge (6). The central zone (3) of the diaphragm (2) is engaged by a connecting rod (11) with which the shaped diaphragm (2) is displaceable from a top to a bottom dead-centre position and vice versa. Radial ribs (19) as well as stabilizing ribs (19) extending in the circumferential direction are arranged on the underside (17) of the annular zone (5). Therefore a shaped diaphragm (2) is obtained which in the annular zone (5) is flexible about a circumferential line, but which nevertheless exhibits comparatively high flexural strength about a diametral line. Deformation of the shaped diaphragm (2) under vacuum is thereby reduced.

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 new and improved liquid metering pump for use in pumping sterile fluids and foodstuffs includes a separable autoclavable pump head assembly. The diaphragm-containing pump head may be preassembled as a unit and sterilized to provide a pump head having sterile product contact surfaces. The pre-sterilized pump head may be mounted and connected to an electronic solenoid metering pump and used for delivering fluids in food preparation, medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A small envelope is achieved for an inelastically deformed connection between a spring cover and a central housing in a spring brake actuator. The connection is deformed radially inwardly and then extends radially outwardly from the radially inwardly extending portion. This eliminates the radially outwardly extending portion and flanges as are typically utilized in the prior art. Thus, a much smaller envelope is provided. In preferred embodiments of this invention, a seal groove is positioned axially adjacent a securement groove in the central housing. A seal is positioned in the seal groove to ensure an air-tight seal. In addition, a unique diaphragm guiding structure is incorporated into one embodiment of this invention.

Abstract: A new and improved diaphragm metering pump is provided with a modular removable drive assembly. The removable drive assembly provides rotation to an eccentric shaft within the pump and is disposed outside rotary bearings for the eccentric shaft and outside sealing elements containing hydraulic fluid in the pump housing. In a preferred embodiment, a readily accessible mechanically activated hydraulic refill valve cartridge is provided to hydraulically balance the diaphragm. In a preferred embodiment, a push to prime air bleeder valve is provided permitting automatic priming of the hydraulic system without requiring disconnection of any valves. The pump is designed to interchangeably receive a number of diaphragm assemblies including an improved leak detection diaphragm and a double-sided leak detection diaphragm. In a preferred embodiment, a diagnostics window is provided permitting visual inspection of the operating condition of various valves connected to the hydraulic system.

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: The present invention is a wobble plate pump typically used in a reverse osmosis water purification system. The pump has a piston that is coupled to a wobble plate by a rocker arm. The piston has a stem which snaps into a corresponding sleeve of a diaphragm. The diaphragm is attached to the rocker arm and extends across the inner diameter of the pump to provide an inner pump seal. The piston stem and diaphragm sleeve extend through an access opening in a diaphragm support plate. The access opening of the wobble plate has an inner lip defined by a first relatively small radius near the center of the pump and a second relatively larger radius at the outer portion of the pump. The dual radiuses allow the piston to symmetrically reciprocate about a surface of the diaphragm support plate without inducing excessive stresses in the diaphragm. The symmetrical reciprocating motion maximizes the compression ratio of the pump.

Abstract: A vacuum booster assembly having first and second walls defining a vacuum chamber and a diaphragm disposed within said vacuum chamber. The diaphragm includes a beaded peripheral portion which is sealingly engaged between the walls and the beaded portion is adhesively secured to at least one of the walls to prevent movement during assembly.

Abstract: A device for repressurizing an inflated ball container which includes a diaphragm dimensioned to fit snugly into an end of said container, a core slidably positioned inside the diaphragm and an actuator movable so as to cause the core to engage an interior surface of the diaphragm and seal it against an interior surface of the container. Upon pressing in on the diaphragm, air is forced into the container.

Abstract: An improved spring brake actuator includes a dome extending into the service chamber from the center housing. The spring chamber push rod is formed with a plate having a cross-section corresponding to the dome. The service chamber diaphragm as well as the service chamber piston are also formed with surfaces that correspond to the shape of the dome. The surfaces "stack up" to ensure alignment between the spring chamber push rod and the service chamber push rod. The use of the dome also provides additional stroke to the spring chamber push rod without requiring additional axial length for the overall brake actuator.

Abstract: Pneumatic jack of the type comprising a rigid body (1) joined to the outer edge of a deformable membrane (2) so as to delimit with the latter a chamber of variable volume capable of being subjected to either atmospheric pressure of a negative pressure, via an air inlet located in the chamber. The body (1) and the membrane (2) each have, substantially in the center, an opening (15, 14) that can be closed, at least partially, by a disc (4, 3). Application in multiple position jacks.

Abstract: The head, rolling diaphragm, intake and discharge ports form a single module, separate and easily removable from the principle cylinder of a rolling diaphragm filling unit. The rolling diaphragm may be fixed or removably attached to the head. Intake and discharge valves of various types may be mounted directly in the head, or may be mounted remote to the head module and fluidly connected directly to the head by tubing. Flanges of the rolling diaphragm provide an air and liquid tight seal between the head and base and removably attached to the head so as to facilitate visual inspection of the product contact surfaces of the head cavity prior to clamping the head module to the base.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve has a diaphragm for sealing against a valve seat. The diaphragm has an enlarged resilient annular rim portion which is clamped between mating portions of the valve to seal and support the diaphragm within the valve. The annular rim portion comprises an annular bead that extends substantially completely around a peripheral edge of the diaphragm and is integrally molded with the diaphragm. In addition, a separate flexible ring member having a radially inwardly facing cavity for receiving the bead is separably attached to the bead such that the annular rim portion is formed both by the bead and the ring member.

Abstract: This invention provides a pressurizable zero-headspace extractor vessel useful in preparing mixtures of solid- and liquid-phase material for constituent analysis, for example for preparing environmental samples for analysis of toxic contaminants. The inventive extractor vessel has a sample chamber pressurizable either by gas or mechanically. The sample chamber is constructed with a removable liner of polytetrafluorethylene to be resistant to both organic an metallic contaminants and has a more robust pressure-resistant support housing, in which the liner is a snug fit, formed of a structural material such as high-density polyethylene. The invention also provides a rotary agitation apparatus for rotating such extractors or bottles end-over-end, in which apparatus the bottles are mounted in a manner which automatically centers them on the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A fluid-operated brake actuator having a check valve in the spring chamber to equalize the pressure on opposite sides of an operating movable diaphragm. The brake actuator comprises a service brake housing divided into first and second service chambers by a diaphragm or piston, and a spring brake housing arranged in tandem with and attached to the service brake housing, also divided into a first and second spring chambers by a diaphragm or piston. The check valve connecting the first and second spring chambers blocks flow between the first and second chambers when the second spring brake chamber is pressurized and opens up flow between the two chambers when the second spring chamber is depressurized.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a pump, in particular a double diaphragm pump for conveying high-purity products, having peripheral radially offset annular beads, such that one of the annular beads is a grooved bead having a groove along its interior surface, and a clamping ring inserted in the groove formed therein, and wherein the groove is in communication with a pressure medium.

Abstract: A multi-thickness diaphragm member including clamping sections that are sized for assembly of the diaphragm in standard air brake valve devices and a flexure portion intermediate the clamping sections that forms a convolution during assembly. The thickness of the flexure portion is less than that of the clamping sections to facilitate formation of the diaphragm convolution without wrinkling, in order to alleviate progressive fatigue failure. The thin flexure portion of the diaphragm is joined with the respective clamping sections through a tapered area, which lies entirely outside of the annular space in which the diaphragm convolution forms during assembly, to thereby maximize the radius of curvature of the convolution for optimum utilization of the flexure portion in forming the convolution.

Abstract: A fill valve assembly for a toilet tank or the like includes a riser and a head portion that can be vertically adjusted without removal or disassembly of the valve in order to select a precise tank liquid level. Telescoping conduits in the riser are secured in adjusted position by a bayonet latch system including detents assisted by the force applied by pressurized liquid at the inlet to the assembly. A main valve disk is held against a valve seat by pressure in a control chamber in a standby position and is moved to an open position by venting of the control chamber. The valve includes an axial peripheral flange having an enlarged bead portion captured in an annular channel to provide an O-ring type seal against positive and negative pressure while maximizing flexibility of the disk. A lever for controlling a pilot seat for venting the chamber is pivoted between fulcrum flanges and is held by shoulders abutting one of the flanges. The lever is pivoted by a float in a float chamber.

Abstract: A membrane supporting plate (10) includes on its outer rim (20) an axially directed ring groove (30), into which an annular membrane (22) is inserted, free from distortion, by its clamping boss (28) disposed on its inner rim. A beaded rim (32) disposed next to the ring groove (30) on the membrane supporting plate (10) is deformed radially outwards by a beading process. As a result of the effected sealing of the ring groove (30), the membrane (22), which is made from highly elastic material, is anchored pressure-tight and free from distortion to the membrane supporting plate (10).

Abstract: A pressure control accumulator for hydraulic brake systems includes a housing having a brake fluid port and a cavity communicating with the port. A staged series of resilient membranes is disposed within the cavity for nullifying hydraulic brake fluid pulsations over a wide range of pressures. The staged series preferably includes a resilient diaphragm disposed adjacent the port for nullifying hydraulic brake fluid pulsations at low and normal pressures by itself and maintaining the brake fluid on one side of the diaphragm, and a resilient membrane disposed remote from the port and normally spaced from the diaphragm, the diaphragm and the remotely-disposed membrane cooperatively nullifying hydraulic brake fluid pulsations at high pressures by providing a plurality of resilient resistances in series. The remotely disposed membrane may be a second diaphragm.

Abstract: A valve of the type in which a movable valve member is spring loaded to a normally closed position and operated to an open position by a fluid pressure responsive actuator and wherein the valve closing spring and pressure responsive actuator are enclosed in a removable actuator casing. A spring compressing mechanism is provided which is adjustable to a first condition in which a valve closing spring and pressure responsive actuator are allowed to operate the valve member in the normal fashion and to a second condition in which the spring is compressed sufficient to relieve closing pressure on the valve member and enable safe disassembly of the actuator casing and spring.

Abstract: A brake pressure control device for a road vehicle with a hydraulic brake system has a pneumatic braking force amplifier which is provided with a switch-over device which switches ever the braking force amplifier to operation with increased amplification factor when the speed with which the driver actuates the brake pedal exceeds a threshold value .phi..sub.s. In the axial force transmission train leading from the brake pedal via a reaction piston of the control part, via a reaction element and via the actuating piston of the braking force amplifier to the main cylinder. A rigid force transmission element is in mechanical parallel connection to a flexible transmission element and associated with which there is a position engaged in the force transmission train as the basic position for the judicious braking operation, and an actuation device, which responds when the threshold value .phi..sub.s of the pedal actuation speed is exceeded and then disengages the distance piece from its supporting position.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for brake booster, in particular, of a brake booster which is provided with a mechanism for reducing a lost stroke, includes a first valve seat on which a plurality of tabs are formed, with communication areas being defined by spaces left between adjacent tabs. When the brake booster is inoperative, if the first valve seat moves close to the valve element such that the latter may be seated upon the first valve seat, the tabs abut against the valve element to assure a reliable communication between the inside and the outside of the first valve seat by means of the communication areas. When the booster is inoperative, the tabs are embedded in the valve element to block or interrupt the communication through the first valve seat. In the conventional practice, the design has been to minimize the lost stroke to the extent that the valve element cannot be seated upon the first valve seat when the booster is inoperative.

Abstract: An air-operated combination diaphragm spring brake has a tamper-resistant seal provided between a head (46) and a spring side of a flange case (18) which together form a spring chamber (16) housing a power spring (72). The head (46) has an annular rim (70), and the flange case has an annular flange (74) with a diaphragm (48) sandwiched therebetween. An annular lip (76) on annular rim (70) extends over the annular flange (74). A snap ring (82) is engaged by opposing annular grooves (80), (78) on the outside of the annular flange (74) and inside of the annular lip (76), respectively, to form the tamper-resistant seal.

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 improved apply and relief valve mechanism (111, 112, 115, 117, 119, 120, 130, 132) for a fluid power apparatus (10) comprises a valve rod (112) having at one end (114) an integral, enlarged diameter spring retainer section (119), at a second end (113) a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves or passageways (132) in the valve rod (112) and a circumferential groove (111), a generally cylindrically shaped seal/reaction piston (120, 130) attached to the second end (113) of the valve rod (112) by way of a snap ring (115) received within the circumferential groove (111), and a spring mechanism (117) disposed around the valve rod (112) to abut the spring retainer section (119) and bias the reaction piston (120, 130) into engagement with the snap ring (115). The passageways (132) in the second end (113) of the valve rod (112) provide for improved fluid flow so that the fluid power apparatus (10) will not experience self actuation.

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 brake actuator assembly for motor vehicles. A mounting plate (14) formed with a central hole (60) serves for fastening a pneumatic brake pressure booster (22) to the splashboard (10) of a motor vehicle. The brake pressure booster (22) includes a rear housing portion (50) formed with a rearwardly projecting tubular connecting piece (52) which is pushed from the front through the central hole (60) in the mounting plate (14) and through a central recess (70) presented in a stiffening plate (66) which abuts against the mounting plate (60) from the rear. In this manner the brake pressure booster (22) is centered with respect to the mounting plate (14) and the stiffening plate (66). The stiffening plate (66) is formed in one piece with support blocks (68) for a pedal arrangement (20) of the usual kind in motor vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tamper-resistant fluid-operated brake actuator having a power spring housed within a head or cap which is attached to a flange case having one or more diaphragms or pistons responsive to changes of fluid pressure within the brake actuator chambers. In one embodiment, the head is attached to the flange case by a substantially continuous curvilinear annular metal retaining member which must be inelastically deformed or destroyed in order to remove the head from the flange case, thus rendering tampering more difficult. In another embodiment, the annular metal retaining member of the present invention is integral with the actuator head and which is metal-spun or the like onto the flange case.

Abstract: A construction and fabrication process for a two piece vacuum brake power booster housing is described which eliminates the surface tensions which are caused by forming during assembly to prevent damage to a protective surface finish. Localized radially weakened zones are each formed by two opposing tongues created by circumferential and axial slots which tongues in the assembled condition of the housing engage behind an outwardly and reversely formed rim (3) of the other housing half (1).

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.