Bernoulli effect fluid pressure convertor, switch, amplifier and the like

Claim 2

A fluid pressure device comprising fluid conducting means for transmitting a fluid output signal, fluid venting means communicating with said conducting means, valve means associated with sd venting means for affecting the pressure of said output signal, said valve means being operable in any intermediate position between fully open and fully closed, and at least one air bearing operatively associated with said valve means for affecting said output signal pressure in response to the pressure of a fluid input signal applied to said bearing.

Claim 3

The device according to claim 1 wherein said venting means comprises an apertured portion of said conducting means.

Claim 4

The device according to claim 1 wherein said valve means comprises a movable plunger adapted to present maximum obstruction to the venting of said fluid from said venting means when the pressure of said input signal is at least equal to a predetermined value, and plunger biasing means opposing said input signal for maintaining said plunger in a predetermined position relative to said venting means when the pressure of said input signal is less than said predetermined value.

Claim 5

The device according to claim 1 wherein said venting means comprises a linearly tapered passage communicating with said conducting means, said valve means including a movable plunger having a portion of one end tapered in conformity with said passage for seating therein in close fitting relationship when said plunger is in a fully advanced position, the other end of said plunger having a flat surface oppositely disposed from the nozzled end of said bearing, the position of said plunger along a centerline with said tapered passage being a function of the pressure of said input signal, said plunger being spring biased in opposition to said input signal in order to maintain said plunger in a predetermined position along said centerline when the pressure of said input signal is less than a predetermined value.

Claim 6

The device according to claim 1 wherein said valve means comprises a switch arm, a spacer block associated with said conducting means, said switch arm being pivotally attached at one end thereof to said spacer block, said venting means including a fluid passage communicating with said conducting means and extending outward therefrom, said switch arm extending from said spacer block across and adjacent the outward end of said passage and spaced therefrom when the pressure of said input signal is less than a predetermined value, said bearing being operatively associated with said arm so as to at least partially block said outward end with said arm when the pressure of said input signal is at least equal to a second predetermined value.

Claim 7

A fluid pressure switch comprising fluid-conducting means for transmitting a fluid output signal, a fluid passage communicating with said conducting means and extending outwardly therefrom, a switch arm pivotally mounted at one end in such a manner as to maintain a fixed position of said one end relative to said conducting means, said arm being adapted to at least partially block the flow of a fluid through the outward end of said passage when said arm is pivoted about said fixed position to any intermediate position through a maximum angle of advance, and a pair of air bearings disposed on opposite sides of said arm, one of said bearings being operatively associated with said arm to at least partially block said outwArd end of said passage with said arm under conditions of negative fluid pressure between said one of said bearings and arm, the other of said bearings being operatively associated with said arm to at least partially block said outward end of said passage with said arm under conditions of positive fluid pressure between said other of said bearings and arm.

Claim 8

A fluid pressure switch comprising fluid-conducting means for transmitting a fluid output signal, a fluid passage communicating with said conducting means and extending outwardly therefrom, a switch arm pivotally mounted at one end in such a manner as to maintain a fixed position of said one end relative to said conducting means, said arm being adapted to at least partially block the flow of a fluid through the outward end of said passage when said arm is pivoted about said fixed position to any intermediate position through a maximum angle of advance, and a pair of air bearings disposed on opposite sides of said arm, one of said bearings being operatively associated with said arm to at least partially block said outwArd end of said passage with said arm under conditions of negative fluid pressure between said one of said bearings and arm, the other of said bearings being operatively associated with said arm to at least partially block said outward end of said passage with said arm under conditions of positive fluid pressure between said other of said bearings and arm.

Claim 9

A fluid pressure device comprising fluid-conducting means for transmitting a fluid output signal, said conducting means containing an aperture for venting at least a portion of a fluid from said conducting means, a movable valve adjacent said aperture, said valve being operable in any intermediate position between fully open and fully closed, for controlling the amount of said fluid vented through said aperture, at least one air bearing adapted to receive a fluid input signal, said bearing being operatively associated with said valve when the pressure of said input signal is at least equal to a predetermined value, and biasing means for maintaining said valve in a predetermined position in relation to said aperture when the pressure of said input signal is less than said predetermined value.

Claim 10

A fluid pressure device comprising fluid-conducting means for transmitting a fluid output signal, said conducting means containing an aperture for venting at least a portion of a fluid from said conducting means, a movable valve adjacent said aperture, said valve being operable in any intermediate position between fully open and fully closed, for controlling the amount of said fluid vented through said aperture, at least one air bearing adapted to receive a fluid input signal, said bearing being operatively associated with said valve when the pressure of said input signal is at least equal to a predetermined value, and biasing means for maintaining said valve in a predetermined position in relation to said aperture when the pressure of said input signal is less than said predetermined value.