Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
A pressure sensor for fluids, comprising: A. first and second cantilever springs having different lengths and spring rates, the first spring being longer than the second spring said springs having similarly-curved formations and being maintained in spaced relation, the second spring being disposed within the first spring, said springs having opposing inner surfaces to define a curved pressure region therebetween, B. a common head interconnecting free ends of the first and second springs, C. a fixed fluid input socket anchoring the other ends of the springs, D. a flexible bladder occupying said curved pressure region and having an internal chamber, external surfaces of said bladder engaging the opposing inner surfaces of said springs, said internal chamber communicating with said fluid input socket to be filled with pressurized fluid causing said bladder to change curvature and impose a load on said springs whereby fluid introduced therein causes deflection of said springs to shift said common head to an extent depending on the level of fluid pressure; and E. means coupled to said head to indicate said level of pressure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
A pressure sensor for fluids, comprising: A. first and second cantilever springs having different lengths and spring rates, the first spring being longer than the second spring said springs having similarly-curved formations and being maintained in spaced relation, the second spring being disposed within the first spring, said springs having opposing inner surfaces to define a curved pressure region therebetween, B. a common head interconnecting free ends of the first and second springs, C. a fixed fluid input socket anchoring the other ends of the springs, D. a flexible bladder occupying said curved pressure region and having an internal chamber, external surfaces of said bladder engaging the opposing inner surfaces of said springs, said internal chamber communicating with said fluid input socket to be filled with pressurized fluid causing said bladder to change curvature and impose a load on said springs whereby fluid introduced therein causes deflection of said springs to shift said common head to an extent depending on the level of fluid pressure; and E. means coupled to said head to indicate said level of pressure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A sensor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said springs have a C-formation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A sensor as set forth in claim 2, wherein said indicating means is a pointer whose stem is attached to said common head and is movable along an arcuate scale.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A sensor as set forth in claim 3, wherein said scale is disposed on the front end of a rectangular casing whose rear wall supports said socket.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A sensor as set forth in claim 4, further including a hose connector projecting from the rear wall of the casing and coupled to said socket.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A sensor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said bladder is formed by a reinforced rubber enveloPe.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A sensor as set forth in claim 6, wherein said reinforced rubber envelope is defined by a woven fabric sleeve impregnated with silicone rubber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A sensor as set forth in claim 6, wherein said envelope has a layer of minute glass balls bonded to the external surfaces thereof to reduce friction with the surfaces of the springs engaged thereby.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A sensor as set forth in claim 8, wherein the surfaces of the springs engaged by the balls are coated with a high-slippage substance.