US2371669A - Switch - Google Patents

Description

swrrcn Filed April 6, 1942 2 sheets-sheet ZIT Zfl.

INVENTOR. A11/aart" B aait...

Patented Mar. 20, 1945 SWITCH Albert E. Baak, Minneapolis, Minn., assignor to Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company, Minneapolis, Minn., a corporation of Delaware Application April 6, 1942, Serial No. 437,863

29 Claims. `(Cl. 175-375) The purpose of this invention is to provide a compact and simple switching device operable by various condition responsive means and readily adjustable for operation over a wide .range of conditions for adaptation to a variety of uses.

It is a further purpose of the invention to promay be further employed for a control purpose, or for the same purpose, in a circuit of relatively large power and load requirements by the selection of a housing section that includes therein a relay and the main switching means for operation by the relay under the control of the switch contacts of the main housing section.

Another object of the invention is the provision of condition responsive switching units that may obviously be adapted for operation in response to one or more of a plurality of conditions which, for example, may include pressures and temperatures. Thus, the pressure responsive switches illustrated and described belov might obviously be operated directly by temperature responsive means of the hydraulic type employing a, volatile fill, and it will be noted that the controlled by separate switching means located l inthe device.

A particular object of the invention is the provision of a switch having separate housing sections that are adjustable with respect to each other for the ready and accurate adjustment of the switch for operation at a selected and prefor locking the housing sections in the selected position of adjustment to insure the proper functioning of the switch when subjected to considerable vibration.

One purpose of the invention is the provision of a switch for use with aircraft and motor operated devices wherein va main switch housing section for a portion of the switch structure cooperates with a plurality of interchangeable switch housing sections which maybe employed t0 vary the operating characteristics of the switch and adapt'the switch to a variety of uses with circuits havingwidely varying power arid load requirements. v In accordance with my invention a switch is provided which, for example,4 may be employed to operate a signal and the switch contactsof the main housing section of the switch are readily adapted to function directly for this purpose. 'I'he switch adapted to be connected in a circuit for this purpose is provided with one of the interchangeable upper housing sections of the type required by the particular circuit and this housing section cooperates'with the main housing section with which it is adjustable -for controlling the operation of the switch. The switch 4of pressure and temperature. vbe obvious that my differential pressure type of differential type of switch illustrated may further be actuated in response to a combination It will likewise switch may be employed for direct response to a condition by the use of a plug for the passage means communicating with one of the two diaphragm separated pressure chambers of the 4 switch.'

Other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the illustrated examples disclosed in the drawings and from a consideration of the aping the switch housing locking means,

Figure 3 is'a vertical View partly schematic and partly in section of a switch employing an upper housing section which includes a relayvand a modiiication of my switch embodying a pressure actuated reverse acting switch unit, and

Figure 6 is a vertical view partly in section of a modification of my switch embodying s. pressure actuated direct acting switch unit.

'In Figure 1 of the drawings, I have illustrated vmy differential pressure reverse acting type of switch having a base portion 5 with a passageway 6 extending therethrough for connecting iiuid pressure.

with a rst source of duid pressure and a second passageway 'F extending into the threaded passageway 8 for connection with a second source of The base member 5 is provided with an externally threaded position t for readily mounting the switch with respect to a duid pressure line. A threaded plug member, not shown, may be threadedly inserted in the passageway 8 if operation of this switch in direct response to the pressure admitted to the passageway 6 is desired. The base member 5 has formed therein a chamber Il@ of relatively large transverse cross-sectional area and shallow longitudinal depth, and the passageway@ communicates with the lower portion of this chamber ifi.' A housing member l 2 is separated from the housing member 5 by a diaphragm i3. The housing member i2 has formed therein a chamber il of relatively smaller* transverse cross-section which is separated from the chamber l by the diaphragm i3. The passageway i' in the base me1nber communicates through an opening i9 in the diaphragm i3 with passage means d and H Y extending through the housing member l2 for communication with the upper sidaof the chainber iii. An insulating plunger member l5 of substantially the same size as the chamber id is supported upon the diaphragm and mounted Within the chamber it for slidable axial movement in response to change in the diierlence between the pressure which is exerted directly on the plunger from the chamber id and the pressure transmitted from chamber iii by operation oi` the diaphragm i3. It will be noted that the chambers il! and l, respectively, limit the movement of both the plunger ib and the diaphragm i3. Because of the limited movement` to which the plunger and diaphragm may be subjected it is impossible to rupture or injure the diaphragm by reason of the occurrence of excessive pressures in either the passageway S or the passagemeans 8.

Extending through a passage in the housing member ,l2 is a stem 2d of insulating material which is associated with the plunger member I6 and axially slidable thereby. A stationary switch contact member 2! is also associated with the base member .i2 and forms a grounded connection therewith. An insulating member 21 serves to support a snap disk element 28 with which is associated a movable contact member 3U. It will be noted that upon one sideof the snap disk the movable contact member is actuated by the plunger stem 20. A current carrying spring member 32 and a current carrying spring guide disk 33 cooperate with the f movable contact member 30 on the other side of the snap diskiand serve to bias the movable contact in opposition to the operation oi the movable contact by the plunger operated stem 20. A mounting member 35 is supported by the insulating member '21 and an insulating member 36 for sealingly engaging the open end of Aa bellows member 3B which houses the movable switch contact biasing spring means.

A lower casing member I2 is threadedly mounted by the cooperating thread members Il upon an intermediate casing member I3 and serves to support the lower housing member 5 and the diaphragm 'I3 on the base member I2. An upper casing member I5 is threadedly secured by the cooperating thread members II to vthe intermediate casing member I3. Various tations to which the switching unit may be employed, as is more fully explained below. The upper casing member I5 is at least in part formed by an insulating plate 45 which serves as the support for a connector'pin 47. The connector pin il extends from a contact carrying base portion fit through the insulating plate and into an outwardly threaded hub formed by the casing member d5. Base portion i8 is removably received in and makes electrical contact with a depression 49 in lthe closed end 5G of bellows 3a.

The single connector element of the upper casing member illustrated in Figure 1 is incorported in a circuit which includes the connector element lli, the closed end of bellows 3B, the current carrying biasing spring 32, and the spring guide disk to the movable contact Sil. When the diierential in pressure exerted upon the'plunger is such as to permit the stem 2@ to recede to a position adjacent the stationary switch contact, the snap disk will operate to rapidly close the movable switch contact upon the stationarycontact which is grounded to the housing member i2 'for completion of the circuit. Upon an increase in diierential pressure in the :duid pressure chambers i@ and ill a force is exerted by the plunger and stem 2B upon the biased movable switch contact and this force actuates the snap disk to rapidly open the switch contacts.

It will be noted that this switch unit of my invention .may be constructed for use with a circuit of a type requiring two separate connector elements 17. Thus the second connector may be 40 justment of either the differential pressures or creasing or decreasing the tension in spring member 32. In this manner the diierential pressure or the direct pressures required for actuation of the switch contacts may be varied to provide a wide range of voperation for the switch.

The lower and'upper casing members d2 and I5, respectively, have milled or formed on the outer side surfaces thereof teeth 52 which extend axially of the switch. A sleeve member 5I is provided having teeth members 55 internally formed thereon and extending axially of the sleeve for cooperation with the teeth 52 on the switch housing members. This sleeve member 5I serves to lock and maintain the members in the positions to which they are adjusted to insure proper operation of the switch.

A passageway 51 is drilled, or otherwise formed, as best illustrated in Figure 2, through the sleeve vmember 5I and a passageway 58 is formed in the mediate casing member. A split ring wire member B0 is mounted in the slot 58 and is bent at one end thereof-'to provide a pin member 6I and housing members'and to prevent the sleeve Y member 54 from being axially displaced from the switch as a result of vibration. To remove the sleeve it is merely necessary to iirst move the pin against the force of thering biasing means passageway 58 prior to the engagement ofthe cooperating 'teeth 52 and 55 of the housing and sleeve members. The pin is then depressed and the sleeve guided thereover until the pin engages the passageway 51 for locking the housing members in the selected position of adjustment.

Figure 3 discloses the actuating mechanism illustrated in Figure 1 adapted for use in a switch when two connector elements are necessary and where the main switch contacts are required to operate at power and load requirements that would prove prohibitive for the switch unit illustrated in Figure l. To adapt vthe mechanism of Figure l for this use an upper casing ,member isprovided that houses a relay 12, a set of main switch contacts including movable contacts 13 together with stationary contacts 14 and 15 and two circuit connector elements. Upper casing -member 18 is interchangeable with member- 45 of Figure 1, and accordingly a description of the member v18 will suffice for an understanding of the construction of the switch.

The upper casing member 18 has molded therein two insulating plate members 11 and 18 through which two connector members 80 and 8| are mounted and supported. The connector members are at one end .secured to spaced and insulated conducting'plates or strap members 82 and 83, respectively, rst ends of which are mounted between the insulating plates 11 and 18, the other ends of the connectors extending into the threaded external receptacle portion of the switch cover. The strap members 82 and 83 are connected at their rst ends to the stationary 1 switch contacts 14 and 15 respectively. v

The relay unit 12 is mounted upon an insulating plate member 84 and the entire unit is supported in the casing' 18 by a press t. A conducting plate member 85 is riveted to the insulating plate member 84 andsecured to this conducting plate is a contact base member 86-which corresponds to the base member 48 of the switch cover unit 45 illustrated in Figure 1. The conducting plate 85 is connected by a lead 81 to a terminal of the relay windings 88. A second terminal of the relay windings. is connected by a lead 88 to the strap83 which is secured to the stationary switch contact 14 and the circuit connector 8|. The relay armature member 88 is biased to the position illustrated in Figure 3 by the spring biasing means 3| and rapidly assumes this position when the relay is deenergized. The connected movable contacts 13 of the main switch are secured by a bracket member 82 to the armature 90 for the rapid operation thereof by the relay when the switch contacts 2| and 38 located in the Ymain housing section of the switch unit are closed by operation 'of the relay in response to the occurrence of a predetermined pressure dierential, or of a predetermined pressure, for which the switch has been adjusted. 1

Upon closure of the switch contacts 2| .and 38, located in the main housing section of the switch, a circuit is established from the switch lconnector element 8| through the strap member 83, lead 88, relay winding 88, lead 81, conducting plate 85, conducting base member 86, the bellows and the current carrying spring biasing means 32, movable switch contact 30 and stationary contact 2| located in the main housing unit to the ground connection established thereby within the switch casing. Upon energization of the relay winding 88 the 'armature 88 is actuated in a manner to rapidly close the main switch con-A tacts 13.' 'I'he closure of the main switch contacts 13 establishes a parallel circuit which in- `cludes the switch connector element 8|, strap member 83, stationary switch contact 14, m'ovable contacts 13 and stationary contact 15 of the main switch, strap member 82, and the associated switch connecting member. 88.

Figure 4 relates to a modiication of the switch illustrated in Figure l, and has particular reference to the provision of a switching unit that is directly responsive to pressure and of a modified switch base and unit supporting means. In this embodiment of the invention a base member |00 is substituted for the base member 5 illustrated in Figure l. A pipe member |8| having the externally threaded end portions |82 is threadedly mounted in the base member |88. 'I'his connecting line for the admission of the fluid the pressure of which is employed to actuate the switch communicates with the passage |86 and the iiuid pressure chamber ||0. The upper base member ||2 having the chamber ||4' formed therein and .the diaphragm member ||3 are clamped to the ber by the screw and lock washer members |||iy and I1, respectively. The bracket member ||5 engages with a flange or ring member |8 secured in the lower switch housing member for the purpose of mounting the switch in the proper position with respect to the lower base member |00. The entire unit may be secured to a desired mounting bracket member by the screws or through bolt members I.

The plunger, H6 mounted in the chamber ||4 is directly actuated by the pressure transmitted thereto from the pressure chamber ||0. In this embodiment of the invention the bellows member |38 has openings |39 formed in its end portion to bring about equilibrium between the pressure in the bellows and the varying ambient pressures resulting from changes in altitude to which the unit is subjected. It is apparent that this switch otherwise embodies the feature of construction described in Figure 1 of the drawings and accordingly further description thereof is not necessary.

The switch unit illustrated in Figure 5 is of the direct pressure responsive and reverse acting type and is a modification of the switch unit illustratyed in Figure 1. The reference characters applied readily serve to identify the corresponding elements of the unit illustrated in Figure 1 and described above.

a chamber 2|0v of relatively large transversev cross-section and shallow longitudinal depth which is bored or formed in the upper surface n of the base member. A housing member 2|2 has bored in the lower surface thereof an annular member, or chamber, 2|4 which is of smaller transverse cross sectional area than the chamber 2| 0. A diaphragm 2|3 supported between the lower and intermediate base members separates the chambers 2||l and 2|4. A plunger member `2||S of substantially the same size as the chamber 2|4 and of insulating material is supported upon the diaphragm 2|3 for a slidable axial movement within the chamber 2|4 as a result of the force transmitted thereto by the diaphragm upon variation of the fiuid pressure in the chamber 21u.

A passageway 2|5 extends from the chamber Zld of the base member 2|2 to the upper surface thereof and secured to the chamber within this passageway as by a roller projection, are a tubular insulating member 2|? and a conducting sleeve member 2|8. A stem 226 associated with plunger Zl for movement thereby is slidably movable within the insulating member 2| l. A stationary switch Contact 22| is mounted on the upper end of the conducting sleeve member 2|8 and the stem 22|! is associated with a switch contact 230 that is movable in alignment for cooperation with the stationary contact. The nievable switch contact is associated on the upper side thereof with a current carrying spring guide disk 233 which transmits pressure to the movable contact from -a current carrying spring biasing element 232.

A lower casing member 242 cooperates with the housing member 2|2 by operation of the cooperating thread members 24| for clamping the base member 205 and the diaphragm 2|3 against; the lower surface of the housing member 2|2. The

upper casing member 245 likewise cooperates l with the housing member 2|2 to which it is adjustably secured by the screw threads 244. The upper casing member has formed therein a plate of insulating material 246 through which a circuit connector element is mounted for support.

vOne end of the connector 241 supports a conducting plate and spring guide member 248 against the insulating plate 246; The other end of the connector is centrally disposed Within the circuit receptacle' formed by the outer portion of 'the-upper casing member 245 and this receptacle has the threads 249 formed on the outer surface thereof.

The' conducting plate 248 mounted in the upper casing member serves as a base for supporting the current carrying spring which serves to bias the movable switch contact to the contact closing position. The biasing spring ythus opposes the operation of the plunger and stem in the actuation of the movable switch contact in response to the pressure of the uid in chamber the pin cooperates with the passages 251 and 258 drilled through the sleeve and housing members for locking the sleeve 254 and casing members in any desired position of adjustment.

Upon av decrease in the pressure of the uid in the chamber 2| the plunger and stem are actuated downwardly under the bias o f the current carrying spring and the movable switch contact 23|) is seated upon the stationary contact 22 I. A circuit is then established which includes the connector 247, plate 243, biasing spring 232, movable switch contact 23|l, stationary switch contact 22| and the sleeve member 2|8 which is grounded to the switch base member 2 I 2. When the iiuid pressure in chamber 2|@ increases sufficiently the plunger and stem actuate the movable switch contact to open the circuit.

TheJdiaphragm will withstand the actiony of very large pressures without rupture as a result of support received from the plunger when the plunger is actuatedto the position in which it is seated in and against the chamber 2|il.

The modineanon of my switch .unit illustrated in Figure 6 of the drawing relates to a unit of the type illustrated in Figure except that the switch is actuated upon a rise in pressure to a predetermined and selected value. 3|3 is subjected to the pressure exerted by uid admitted to the chamber 3H) for actuating th 2| (l.4 The upper casing member 245 is longitudinally adjustable with respect to the housing member 2|2I by provision of the cooperating The adjustment of the thread members 244. covering and housing member provides for varying the pressure exerted bythe switch contact spring biasing means to selectively vary the actuation of the switch throughout a wide'operat-v ing range.

The switch is maintained in a selected pqsition of adjustment by cooperation o f the sleeve mem'- ber 254 with the casing members 245 and 242. Thus, the casing members have external teeth 252 formed thereon and these 'teeth extending longitudinally of the switch for cooperation with similar teeth 255 formed internally on the sleeve member as described with respect to .the switch illustrated in Figure 1. Similarly, a split ring wire biasing'\member and 'pin 26| is mounted ina. slot 258 formed in the base member 2l|2 and plunger 3|6. The plunger 3|6 of insulating material has mounted therein the stem 32d. The stem is formed of conducting material and is slidably movable within the insulating sleeve member 3|'| for contact with the conducting cup member 333 which guides and is acted upon by the current carrying spring vbiasing means. A stationary switch contact 32| is supported by and grounded to the base member 2| 2` at the inner surface of the chamber 3|4 in which the plunger is mounted. A movable switch contact 330 is mounted on the stem 320 and is also movable within the chamber 3|4. Upon a suiiicient. increase in pressure in the chamber 3||l the diaphragm actuates the plunger and stem member to the elevated position in which the movable contact 330 is closed with the grounded station- Vary contact 32|. A circuit through the switch unit is then completed which includes the unit connector element, current carrying biasing spring, bias spring guide member 333, stem 320, movablecontact 330 andthe stationary switch Contact 32| which is in the switch base.

It will be obvious that the switching units of my invention may be designed for use with base' supporting and mounting members of variousshapes for cooperation with the variet/y ofmembers, such as aircraft engines and mounting panels, with which the units may be associated.

From the above description it is apparent that in accordance with my' invention both the related and interchangeable members o f the switching units involve relatively -few parts which are of simple construction and that by 'reason of the wide and selective range of adjustment provided thereby these switching units may be readily manufactured and assembled for application in awide range of operating services. The compact switch units 'are particularly adapted foruse.

with aircraft in the operation of. alarm, indicatving or control circuits which,.for example, may

. be directly responsive to fuel and oil pressures or may be responsive to a diiference between carburetor air pressure, which is maintained constant Thus the diaphragm grounded contact with the switch contact controlling plunger for actua- 4 tion of the switch.

vention is to be dened .bythe scope of the appended claims. i

I claim as my invention:

1. A switch in combination comprising, a rst member having a passageway extending through the member for communication with a rst pressure chamber of relatively large cross-section and shallow depth formed in one end thereof, a second member having a second pressure chamber formed in one end thereof and of smaller cross-section than the rst chamber, a plunger `of substantially the size of said second chamber and having a stem mounted for movement within the second member, passage means through said second member for communication with the second pressure chamber and including an open- .ing adjacent theinner side lof said chamber, a diaphragm separating said'first and second pressure chambers, the depth of the chambers being.

such as to limit the movement of the plunger and diaphragm, stationary contact'means associated with said second member, movable switch contact means, means including a snap disk, current carrying biasingY means and said plunger stem for actuating the movable Contact means, a bellows enclosing the said biasing and switch contact means, a switch casing member and an insulating member therein, electrical switch connecting means supported by the insulating member for connection with the current carrying biasing means and the said movable contact, and means including said passage means for connecting each of said chambers with separate sources of fluid pressure for operation of the switch member in response to the difference between the two separfate pressures.

V 2. A switch in combination comprising, a firstv member having a passageway extending through the member for communication with a first pressure chamber of relatively large cross-section formed in'one end thereof, a second member having ar second pressure chamber formed in one end thereof and of smaller, cross-section than the lirst chamber, a; plunger of substantially the size of said second chamber and having a stem mounted forV movement within the second memb er, passage means through said second member for communication with the second pressure chamber and including an opening adjacent the inner side of said plunger, a diaphragm separating the two-said pressure chambers, the depth of the chambers being such as to limit the move'- ment of the plunger and diaphragm, stationary contact means, movable switch contact means and means including a snap disk, current carrying biasing means and said plunger stem for actuating the movable contact means, a bellows enclosing said biasing and switch contact means, a switch casing member and an insulating member therein, electrical switch connecting means supported by the insulating member and cong nected to the bellows for connection with the current carrying biasing means and the said movable contact, and means for associating the pas-l 3. A switch in combination comprising, a first member having a passageway extending through the member for communication with a rst pressure chamber of relatively large Vcross-section formed in one end thereof, a second member having a chamber formed in one end thereof of smaller cross-section than the said rst chamber, a plunger of substantially the size of Vsaid second chamber and having a stem mounted for movement within the chamber and second member, a

' diaphragm separating the two said pressure chambers, the depth of the chambers being such as to limit the movement of the plunger and diaphragm regardless of the pressure applied thereto, stationary contact means, movable switch contact means and snap acting means for the actuation thereof, current carrying biasing means associated with the snap acting means for opposing the operation of the movable switch contactv by the said plunger stem, a bellows insulated from and cooperating with said second member for enclosing said biasing and switch contact means,

' a switch casing member having an insulating vmember therein, and electrical switch connecting means supported by said housing insulating member for switch actuated connection with the bellows, the current carrying biasing means and the said stationary and movable switch contact means.

4. In combination comprising, a portion hav,

y exerted on one side thereof by the diaphragm and on the other side-by pressure from the second chamber, a stationary switch contact associated with said portion, a movable switch contact, a

member actuated by the plunger and extending through said portion for operation of the said movable contact, means opposing the operation Y of the movable switch by the plunger including a sage means communicating with the first and snap acting means, and current carrying spring biasing means, a housing means for the spring biasing means, a casing including an insulated portion, switch connector means supported by and extending through the insulated portion of the casing for connection with said current carrying spring biasing means and means for the selective adjustment of the housing means and said casingV relative to each other for adjustment of the pressure, required for operation of the switch contacts. 5. In combination comprising, a portion having a diaphragm separatingtwo relatively shallow chambers formed therein and in which one chamber has a larger cross-section than the second chamber, separate passage means communieating with said chambers, a plunger of substantially the same size as the second chamber and mountedfor movement therein in 'response to pressure exerted on one side thereof by the diabiasing means, means for associating the spring biasing means with the snap acting means, the

extending through the insulated portion of the casing for connection with said current carrying spring biasing means, an intermediate casing member by which said portion is aligned and supported and upon which the said casing is threadedly secured for adjustment of the pressure required for operation of the switch contacts, said portion and said casing having external teeth extending axially of the switch, a sleeve member having internal teeth extending axially thereof for rigidly securing the sleeve member to said portion and casing to insure operation of the switch in accordance with the selected adjustment thereof.

6. A combination comprising, a switch controlling unit including main switching means, a relay for actuating the main switching means, a second switching means for controlling the 'operation of the relay, means for actuating the second switching means for the actuation of the relay and main switching means, means for adjusting the second switching means with respect to the actuating means therefor to selectively vary the operation of the relay and main switching means in response to the operation of the said actuating means and terminal connector means for connection with the main switching means.

7. The combination comprising, a switch con- 'y trolling device including a iirst switching means,l

a relay, device main switch controllingmeans actuated by the said relay, a casing for the said device and connector means extending through the said casing for connection with the said first switching means, the relay and the device main switch controlling means, condition responsive means for operating the said first switching means to actuate the relay for control of the device main switch controlling means, the said casing including at least two sections threadedly secured with respect to each other, and means for adjusting the operation of the first switching means by the selective positioning of the said sections of the casing.

8. The combination comprising, a switch controlling device including stationary and movable switch contact means, a relay, device main switch controlling means actuatedv by the said relay, a casing for the said device and connector means extending through the said casing for connection the pin to extend through the said passageway of the casing and sleeve.

9. In a unitary switch controlling device inl combination comprising, housing means for said device including a main portion, switching means and condition responsive means for controlling the switching means in the said main housing portion, a plurality of interchangeable covering units each including connector means insulatingly supported therein connected to said main portion of the housing means, the said covering units being adapted to include therein a relay and a main circuit switching means, and the said main housing switching means being operable by the condition responsive `means for actuating the relay.

10. A condition responsive switch controlling device in combination comprising, a housing for said-device including a main portion, biasing means, snap acting switching means and condition responsive means for actuating a rst switching means located in said main housing portion, a plurality of interchangeable covering units, said covering units having at least one switch connecting element supported therein and said covering units being adjustably mounted with respect to the main housing to cooperate with the said biasing means for adjustment of the operation of the device by the condition responsive means, said covering units being adaptedto include therein relay means and second switching means, and the first switching means is adapted to control the energization of the relay means whereby the relay means operates the second switching means.

11. In a unitary switch controlling device in `combination comprising, a housing for said device including a main portion, biasing means,

snap acting switching means and condition responsive means for actuating first switching means located in said main housing portion, a plurality of interchangeable covering units,- said covering units having at least one switch connecting element supported therein and said covering units being adjustably mounted with respect to the main housing to cooperate with the with the switch contact means, the relay and the I device switch controlling means, condition responsive means for operating the vswitch contact means to control the operation of the device switch controlling means, the said casing including an intermediate and end portions threadedly 'secured with respect to each other, means for adjusting the operation of the device by these,-

lective positioning of the said end portions of the casing,'the said parts of the casing having teeth on the outside thereof that extendv axially of the device, 'a casing sleeve member having teeth thereinand extending axially thereof for cooperation with the said casing teeth to prevent relative movement between parts of the casing .and to maintain the selected adjustmentv of the said device, a passageway extending through the intermediate-portion of the casing and the said sleeve, and a locking pin with means forbiasing said biasing means for -adjustment of the operation of the device by the condition responsive means, said covering units including therein mo- 4tor means and second switch means operated by y the said rst switching means, the motor means actuating the second switch means, the said main portion of the housing and the said covering units being threaded axially on outer portions thereof, and an .internally ,threaded sleeve member for cooperation with-the said threaded housing and covering units for locking them to a se'- lected position of adjustment for control by -the said condition responsive means. l l

12. A pressure actuated switching device in combination comprising, a first portion including a base member having formed in a surface thereof a shallow chamber of relatively large cross-section, a passageway extending through said base memberto said chamber, a housing member having formed in a vsurface' thereof a chamber of relatively small cross-section, a diaphragm supported between the members and separating the said chambers, a plunger member of substantially the size of said second chamber and guided for slidable movement therein in respense to movement of the said diaphragm, a

movable switch contact and stem means slidably actuated by the plunger member for actuation of the movable switch contact, astationary switch contact in grounded contact with the said housing, a current carrying spring and movable contact biasing member, a spring guideand current lin the insulated portion of the casing member fo connection with the said current carrying movable contact switch biasing means. y

13. A pressure 'actuated switching device in combination comprising, a portion including a base member having formed in a surface thereof a shallow chamber of relatively large cross-section, a passageway extending through said base member to said chamber, a housing member having formed in a surface thereof a chamber of relatively small ,cross-section, a diaphragm supported betweenl the members and separating the said chambers, a plunger member of substan-= tially the size of said second chamber and guided for slidable movement therein in response to movement of the said diaphragm, a movable switch contact, stem means slidably actuated by the plunger member for actuation of the movable switch contact, a stationary switch contact in grounded contact with the said-housing, a current carrying spring for biasing the movable contact member, a biasing spring guide and current carrying movable contact actuating member, an upper casing member including an insulating portion, switch connector means mounted in the insulated position of the casing member for connection with said movable contact switch biasing means, a lowercasing member associated with said first portion, and an intermediate casing member, said member being threaded for extending axially thereof for cooperation with the casing members to maintain the switch in the position of adjustment for operation at a selected pressure.

15. A pressure actuated switching device in combination comprising, a portion including a base member having formed in a surface thereof a shallow chamber of relatively large cross-section, a passageway extending through said base member to said chamber, a housing member having formed in a surface thereof a chamber of reltact, a stationary switch contact in grounded contact with said housing, a current carrying spring the assembly of at least two of said casing members with respect to each other to provide for adjustment of the operation of the spring biasing means and the actuation of the switch con- Y tacts by the diaphragm at a selected pressure.

\ 14. A pressure actuated switching device in combination comprising, a portion including; a

base member having formed in a surface thereof and movable contact biasing member, a spring guide and current carryingmovable contact actuating member, an rupper casing member including an insulating portion, switch connector means mounted in the insulated portion of the upper casing member for connection with said movable contact switch biasing means, a lower casing member associated with said first portion and an intermediate casing member, said member being threaded for the assembly of at least two of said casing members with respect to each other to provide for adjustment of the operation of the spring biasing means and the actuation of the switch contacts by the diaphragm at a selected pressure, at least two of the casing members having axially Vand outwardly extending teeth, a sleeve member having internal teeth extending axially thereof for cooperation with the casing members to main- 40 tain the switch at the position of adjustment for the lsizeof( said second chamber vand guided `vfor slidable movement therein in response to movement ofthe said diaphragm, a movable switch Y contact, stem means slidably actuated by the plunger member' for actuation of the movable switch contact, a stationary switch contact in grounded contact with the said housing, a current carrying spring and movable contact biasing member, a spring guide and current carrying movable contact actuating member, an upper casing member including an insulating portion, switch connector` means mounted in the insulated portion of the casing member for connection with saidmovable contact switch biasing means, a

lower casing member associated with said por-l tion, and an intermediate casing member, said member being threaded for the assembly` of at leastv two-of saidcasing members with-respect to each other to provide for adjustment of the operation of the spring biasing means and the actu.- ation of the switch contacts by the diaphragm at a selected pressure, at least two of the casing members having axially and outwardly extending teeth, and a sleeve member having internal teeth operation at a selected pressure, a passageway extending through the said sleeve member and the said housing, and a pin member biased to extend into the sleeve and housing passageway for locking the switch 'in the position of adjustment.

16. A switch` in combination comprising, casing means including separate casing members, switching means, condition responsive means for actuating the switching means in a first manner, biasing means for opposing the operation of the switching meansjin-the nrst manner by the said condition responsive means, means for positioning said casing members to adjustl the biasing means ing members-and by said locking means for radialv to control the operation of the switch by the condition responsive means, a locking member, and axiallyl extendingmeans carried by both said cascooperation to lock said casing members against relative rotation, whereby to maintain the switch in the selected position of adjustment for control lby the condition responsive means.

whereby to maintain the selected position of adjustment for operation of the switch.

18. A pressure switch in combination comprising, a base including a passage therethrough for the transmission of a uid pressure to a chamber formed in said member, a diaphragm for transmitting said fluid pressure, a plunger mounted for limited movement by said diaphragm in a chamber formed in a second member, a movable switch contact, a stationary contact, means including said plunger for actuating the movable switch contact, current carrying spring means for biasing the movable switch contact actuating means in a manner to oppose the actuation of the movable switch contact actuating means by the transfer of pressure from said diaphragm, a casing including at least one casing member adjustably secured to a second casing member, the said adjustable casing members providing means for adjusting the said biasing means to operate the said switch at a predetermined'pressuie and having A switch connector means for connection with the rotatable members, said rotatable members being in screw-threaded relation, whereby said rotation causes axial movement betweensaid members, a locking member, axially extending means carried by said members for radial cooperation to lock said members against relative rotation, whereby locking of said'rnenibers against rotation is eiective to fix the axial relationship between said'members, condition responsive apparatus associatedwth said members, the response of said apparatus being adjustable by varying the axial brelationship between. said members, and releasable means positively maintaining said locking member in a selected axial position.

20. A plurality of axially adjacent relatively rotatable members, said rotatable members being in screw-threaded relation, whereby said rotation causes axial movements between said members, a locking member, external axially extending means carried by said rotatable members, internal axially extending means carried by said locking member for radial cooperation with said Ifirst mentioned means to lo'ck said members against relative rotation, and condition responsive apparatus associated with said members, said apparatus including adjustable biasing means` for regulation of the response of said apparatus,"

said biasing means being adjustable by varying said axial relationship between lvsaid members,

wherebyJ locking of said in eqx'nbers against rotation is electiveto fix the axial distance between sabers, a locking member; internal axially extending teeth in said locking member for cooperation with said teeth in said rotatable members to `lock said members against relative rotation, and

releasable means positively maintaining said locking member in a selected axial position, said last mentioned means comprising a groove in one of said members, alignable radial holes in said locking member and one of said rotatable members, and a spring carried in said groove and retractably passing through said holes.

22. In a control instrument, a plurality of axially adjacent relatively' rotatable members, said members being in screw-threaded relation, whereby said rotation causes axial movement between said members, axially extending teeth in a first of said members, axially extending teeth in a second of said members, a locking member, axi- ,ally extending teeth in said locking member for cooperation with said teeth in said rst and said second members whereby to lock said members against relative rotation, locking of said members against said rotation being effective to x the axial relationships between said members,

. condition responsive apparatus associated with said members, said apparatus including adjustable biasing means for regulation of the response of said apparatus, said biasing means being adjustable by varying the axial relationships be- `v and one of said rotatable members, and a spring carried in said groove and retractably passing through said holes.

23. In a control apparatus, a plurality'of axially adjacent rotatable members, a locking member, axially extending means carried by said members for radial cooperation to lock said members against relative rotation, said rotatable members being in screw-threaded relation, whereby saidrotation causes axial movement between said members, and whereby locking of said members against rotation is eective to fix the axial relationships between said members, condition responsi've apparatus associated with said members, the response of said apparatus being adjustable by varying the axial relationship between said members, and releasable means positively maintaining said locking member in a selected axial position, said last mentioned means comprising a groove in one of said members, alignable radial holes in said locking member and one of said rotatable members, and a spring carried in said groove and retractably passing through said holes.

As an article of manufacture, aa sub-assembly for a pressure actuated switch comprising a rst member having a passagewayicommuncating with'a' first pressure chamber of relative y large cross-section formed in one end thereof, a second member having form'ed in one Y end thereof a second pressure chamber of smaller plunger, a diaphragm separating the two saidv cross-section than the rst chamber, a plunger 'of substantially the size of the said secondchamber and having a stem mounted for movement within the second member, passage 'means l through said second member for communication with the second pressure chamber and including an qopening adjacent 'the inner side of'said pressure chambers, the depths of the chambers being such as to limit the movement of the stationary contact `having a passage for the transmission of a fluid pressure to a chamber formed in said member, the said chamber, a diaphragm for transmitting said fluid pressure, a plunger mounted forlimited movement by said diaphragm in a chamber formed in a second member, a movable switch contact, a stationary contact, means including said plunger for actuating the movable swit'ch contact, electrically conducting spring means for biasing the movable switch contact actuating means in a manner to oppose the actuation of the movable switch contact actuating means by the transfer of pressure from said diaphragm, and a casing member adapted 'to be connected with one of a plurality of interchangeable switch connector means, said casing member comprising a groove, a radial hole opening into said groove, and a spring retractably projecting through said hole, said casing member further comprising axially extending teeth for cooperation with similar teeth in a locking means whereby to prevent relative rotation between said casing and said locking means.

26. A differential pressure responsive switch comprising a housing forming a pressure chamber, a high pressure bore and a low pressure bore communicating with the chamber, a plunger slidably projecting into one of said bores and hav'- ing a conical end portion .located in the chamber, a disk having a central depression rockingly engaging the conical end portion of said plunger, electrical contacts located in the chamber and insulated from the housing, and spring means viorbiasing thedisk towards the conical end of spring means for biasing the disk towards said conical end.

28. A pressure actuated switch device comprising an actuating mechanism including a base having a passage for the transmission of fluid pressure to a chamber formed in said member. the said chamber, a diaphragm for transmitting said uid pressure, a plunger mounted for limited movement by said diaphragm in a chamber formed in a second member, a movable switch contact, a stationary contact, means including said plunger for actuating the movable switch contact, electrically conducting spring means for biasing the movable switch contact actuating means in a manner to oppose the actuation of the movable switch contact actuating means by the transfer of pressure from said diaphragm, a bellows enclosing and making electrical contact with said biasing spring, a iirst casing member enclosing and supporting said actuating mechanism, said casing member comprising a groove, a radial hole opening into said groove, and a spring retractably projecting through said hole, said casing member further comprising axially extending teeth for cooperation with similar teeth in a locking means, whereby to prevent relative rotation between said casing member and said locking means, and a second casing member, including an electrical connector.element, adapted to cooperate with said first casing member, said second casing member and said bellows including coacting means telescopically making electrical contact therebetween, whereby 'to complete an electric circuit from said connector element of said second casing member to one of said con- 29. A pressure responsive switch comprising a housing having an intermediate and end axial adjustable sections connected together forming a pressure chamber, a pressure bore communicating with the said chamber, pressure responsive means operably mounted in said chamber, a stationary contact electrically connected with vsaid housing, a movable contact actuated by said pressure responsive means, means for biasing the movable contact in opposition to the actuation of the pressure responsive means, bellows means surrounding the biasing means, and at least two of the sections of the housing being axially adjusted to vary the values of the condition actuating the pressure responsive means for operat- CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,37'1,669. Marh 2o, 19m.

ALBERT E. BAAK.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, first oolimn, line 66, Claim 8, for "parts" read --end portions; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in `the Patent Office Signed and sealed this 18th day of September, A. D. 419MB.

Leslie Frazer (Seal) First Assistant Commissioner' of Patents CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION. 4 Patent No. 2,57l,669. Marh 20, 1915.

ALBERT E.' BAAK.

It is herebyeertified that error' appears in the' printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, first eolnn, line 66, lClaim 8, forI "parte" read --end por'tions--gv and that the said Letters Patent should be resa with4 this correction-*therein that the same may conform to the `record of the case in 'the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 18th day of' September, A. D.- {1.9LL5.

l l Leslie Frazer (seal) First Assistant comme;toner4 nf Patents.

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