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US 7,744,062 B2Granted
Apparatus to vary effective spring rate for use in diaphragm actuators
AssigneeFisher Controls International LLC
InventorPaul Russell Dalluge
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus to vary the effective spring rate of diaphragm actuators are described. An example spring assembly for use in a diaphragm actuator includes a first spring operatively coupled to a diaphragm plate and an actuator stem, and a second spring operatively coupled to the actuator stem and configured to be serially operative with the first spring. Additionally, a movable spring seat is disposed between the first and second springs.
Claims21
A spring assembly for use in a diaphragm actuator, comprising:
- a first spring operatively coupled to a diaphragm plate, a diaphragm and an actuator stem;
- a second spring operatively coupled to the actuator stem and configured to be serially operative with the first spring;
- and
- a spring seat disposed between the first and second springs and configured to move with the second spring, wherein the first and second springs are configured so that for a first distance of movement of the actuator stem, a force provided by the first spring changes in proportion to a change in length of the first spring and a force provided by the second spring is substantially constant and opposes the force provided by the first spring while the second spring remains stationary.
1 more element
A spring assembly for use with a diaphragm actuator, comprising:
- a diaphragm coupled to an actuator stem;
- a first spring operatively coupled to a movable spring seat and the actuator stem;
- and
- a second spring operatively coupled to the movable spring seat and configured to be serially operative with the first spring so that for a first distance of movement of the first spring, a force provided by the first spring changes in proportion to a change in length of the first spring and a force provided by the second spring is substantially constant and opposes the force provided by the first spring while the second spring remains stationary.
1 more element
A diaphragm actuator comprising:
- a first spring operatively coupled to a diaphragm and an actuator stem;
- a second spring operatively coupled the actuator stem such that for a first distance of movement of the actuator stem, a force provided by the first spring changes in proportion to a change in length of the first spring and a force provided by the second spring is substantially constant and opposes the force provided by the first spring while the second spring remains stationary;
- and
- a movable spring seat disposed between the first and second springs.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.