US3820567A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pneumatic memory relay
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-08-17
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Granted: 1974-06-28
•
Expires: 1992-08-17
Abstract
Abstract A memory relay has a poppet movable between two positions in a space of a relay housing. The poppet surfaces are arranged to sealingly engage a seat in each position, each seat bounding an input conduit arranged to receive a fluid under pressure. An output conduit is in communication with the space and the exterior of the housing. Means are provided for moving the poppet from one position to the other in response to the application of a set or reset signal to the relay whereby the pressure in one or the other input conduit is caused to appear at the output conduit. Bistable mechanical biassing means are provided for retaining the poppet in at least one position independently of the presence or absence of pressures in the input conduits.
Inventors
- 👤 D Bouteille
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:48
CPC Classifications
F; F15; F15C; F15C3/00; F15C3/04; F15C3/06; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/86493; Y10T137/86574; Y10T137/86622; Y10T137/8663
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
278 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having other ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; means for establishing in at least one of said input conduits a predetermined fluid pressure different from atmospheric pressure; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and retaining means for retaining said poppet means in at least one of said positions absent the application of the respective signal; wherein said first and second means are spaced from each other, said first seat means having an effective area through which said predetermined pressure can act on said poppet means when the latter is in said first position, said effective area being so selected that the force resulting on said poppet means by the action of said predetermined pressure is insufficient to overcome the retaining force exerted on said poppet means by said retaining means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
278 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having other ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; means for establishing in at least one of said input conduits a predetermined fluid pressure different from atmospheric pressure; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and retaining means for retaining said poppet means in at least one of said positions absent the application of the respective signal; wherein said first and second means are spaced from each other, said first seat means having an effective area through which said predetermined pressure can act on said poppet means when the latter is in said first position, said effective area being so selected that the force resulting on said poppet means by the action of said predetermined pressure is insufficient to overcome the retaining force exerted on said poppet means by said retaining means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
The relay defined in claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprises means operative after said poppet means has been moved to at least a predetermined one of said positions for maintaining said poppet means in said predetermined position even in the absence of the respective one of said set and reset signals and even in the absence of said predetermined fluid pressure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A pneumatic relay as defined in claim 1, wherein said first seat means comprises resilient means defining an opening substantially free of obstructions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
251 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and retaining means for retaining said poppet means in at least one of said positions absent the application of the respective signal; wherein said first and second input conduits are arranged to be connected to stronger first and weaker second sources of pressure respectively, and wherein said first and second seat means respectively bound said inner ends of said first and second input conduits, the inner end of said second input conduit having a cross sectional area greater than that of the inner end of said first input conduit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
251 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and retaining means for retaining said poppet means in at least one of said positions absent the application of the respective signal; wherein said first and second input conduits are arranged to be connected to stronger first and weaker second sources of pressure respectively, and wherein said first and second seat means respectively bound said inner ends of said first and second input conduits, the inner end of said second input conduit having a cross sectional area greater than that of the inner end of said first input conduit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
85 words
The relay defined in claim 4; and further including means for establishing in at least one of said input conduits a predetermined fluid pressure different from atmospheric pressure, and wherein said retaining means comprises means operative after said poppet means has been moved to at least a predetermined one of said positions for maintaining said poppet means in said predetermined position even in the absence of the respective one of said set and reset signals and even in the absence of said predetermined fluid pressure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
A pneumatic relay as defined in claim 4, wherein said second actuating means comprises movable piston means arranged to at least partially extend through said second seat means on the application of a reset signal to thereby move said poppet means from said second to said first positions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
234 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and rEtaining means for retaining said poppet means in at least one of said positions absent the application of the respective signal; wherein said poppet means comprises a substantially flat member having one free portion and having another portion connected to said housing, said flat member being reversibly movable between said first and second positions in response to movement of said free portion respectively from said first toward said second seat means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
234 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and rEtaining means for retaining said poppet means in at least one of said positions absent the application of the respective signal; wherein said poppet means comprises a substantially flat member having one free portion and having another portion connected to said housing, said flat member being reversibly movable between said first and second positions in response to movement of said free portion respectively from said first toward said second seat means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
85 words
The relay defined in claim 7; and further including means for establishing in at least one of said input conduits a predetermined fluid pressure different from atmospheric pressure, and wherein said retaining means comprises means operative after said poppet means has been moved to at least a predetermined one of said positions for maintaining said poppet means in said predetermined position even in the absence of the respective one of said set and reset signals and even in the absence of said predetermined fluid pressure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A pneumatic relay as defined in claim 7, wherein said other portion is pivotally connected to said housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
A pneumatic relay as defined in claim 7, wherein said flat member comprises a flexible blade whose other portion is fixedly connected to said housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
A pneumatic relay as defined in claim 10, wherein said retaining means comprises biassing means abutting against said free portion and urging said flexible blade toward said second position, and latching means for locking said flexible blade in said first position of the latter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
116 words
A pneumatic relay as defined in claim 11, wherein said latching means comprises a bell crank lever having first and second arms angularly displaced from one another by approximately ninety degrees, said lever being pivotally mounted in said housing for pivoting movement between two angular positions, said first arm including means for engaging said free portion in a first angular position when said flexible blade is in said first position in opposition to the forces imparted to said flexible blade by said biassing means, said means for engaging said free portion releasing the latter in a second angular position of said lever, whereby said biassing means urges said flexible blade to move toward said second position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
A pneumatic relay as defined in claim 12, wherein said biassing means comprises a helical spring compressed between said free portion and said second arm.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
82 words
A pneumatic relay as defined in claim 13, wherein said free portion of said flexible blade is arranged to move slightly beyond the unflexed blade position of said free portion towards said first seat means when the remainder of said flexible blade is in said first position, and wherein said latching means comprises a notch formed in said first arm, said notch having a bearing surface for abutment against said free portion once the latter has moved slightly beyond said unflexed position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
41 words
A pneumatic relay as defined in claim 12, wherein said first actuating means comprises means for pivoting said lever to said second angular position, and wherein said second actuating means comprising means for pivoting said lever to said first angular position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
271 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and retaining means for retaining said poppet means in at least one of said positions absent the application of the respective signal; wherein said first and second actuating means each comprise a movable actuating member having a portion configurated to extend respectively through said first and second seat means and arranged to abut against said poppet means when the latter is in respectively said first and second positions; and diaphragm means adjacent to each actuating member and arranged to displace the latter into abutment with said poppet means in response to set and reset signals respectively, to thereby urge said poppet means to move from one position to another.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
271 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and retaining means for retaining said poppet means in at least one of said positions absent the application of the respective signal; wherein said first and second actuating means each comprise a movable actuating member having a portion configurated to extend respectively through said first and second seat means and arranged to abut against said poppet means when the latter is in respectively said first and second positions; and diaphragm means adjacent to each actuating member and arranged to displace the latter into abutment with said poppet means in response to set and reset signals respectively, to thereby urge said poppet means to move from one position to another.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
85 words
The relay defined in claim 16; and further including means for establishing in at least one of said input conduits a predetermined fluid pressure different from atmospheric pressure, and wherein said retaining means comprises means operative after said poppet means has been moved to at least a predetermined one of said positions for maintaining said poppet means in said predetermined position even in the absence of the respective one of said set and reset signals and even in the absence of said predetermined fluid pressure.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
42 words
A pneumatic relay as defined in claim 16, further comprising first and second manual override button means slidably mounted on said housing and arranged to act respectively on said diaphragm means adjacent to each actuating member when said button means is depressed.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
266 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communiation with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and retaining means for retaining said poppet means in at least one of said positions absent the application of the respective signal; wherein one of two complementary output signals appears at said output conduit; and further comprising associated relay means cooperating with said memory relay and including conduit means communicating with said first and second input conduits and said means for receiving said set and reset signals, said conduit means including an other output conduit; and means cooperating with said conduit means for generating at said other output conduit an output signal which is complementary to that appearing at the first mentioned output conduit.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
266 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communiation with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and retaining means for retaining said poppet means in at least one of said positions absent the application of the respective signal; wherein one of two complementary output signals appears at said output conduit; and further comprising associated relay means cooperating with said memory relay and including conduit means communicating with said first and second input conduits and said means for receiving said set and reset signals, said conduit means including an other output conduit; and means cooperating with said conduit means for generating at said other output conduit an output signal which is complementary to that appearing at the first mentioned output conduit.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
85 words
The relay defined in claim 19; and further including means for establishing in at least one of said input conduits a predetermined fluid pressure different from atmospheric pressure, and wherein said retaining means comprises means operative after said poppet means has been moved to at least a predetermined one of said positions for maintaining said poppet means in said predetermined position even in the absence of the respective one of said set and reset signals and even in the absence of said predetermined fluid pressure.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
265 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interioRly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and mechanical retaining means automatically operative after said poppet means has been moved to said first position for maintaining said poppet means in said first position even in the absence of a reset signal by applying to said poppet means a purely mechanical retaining force holding said poppet means in said first position, and automatically operative after said poppet means has been moved to said second position for maintaining said poppet means in said second position even in the absence of a set signal by applying to said poppet means a purely mechanical retaining force holding said poppet means in said second position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
265 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interioRly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and mechanical retaining means automatically operative after said poppet means has been moved to said first position for maintaining said poppet means in said first position even in the absence of a reset signal by applying to said poppet means a purely mechanical retaining force holding said poppet means in said first position, and automatically operative after said poppet means has been moved to said second position for maintaining said poppet means in said second position even in the absence of a set signal by applying to said poppet means a purely mechanical retaining force holding said poppet means in said second position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
85 words
The relay defined in claim 21; and further including means for establishing in at least one of said input conduits a predetermined fluid pressure different from atmospheric pressure, and wherein said retaining means comprises means operative after said poppet means has been moved to at least a predetermined one of said positions for maintaining said poppet means in said predetermined position even in the absence of the respective one of said set and reset signals and even in the absence of said predetermined fluid pressure.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
61 words
The relay defined in claim 21, wherein said mechanical retaining means comprises obstructing means automatically operative after said poppet has moved to a predetermined one of said two positions thereof for maintaining said poppet means in said predetermined position by obstructing the path of movement of said poppet means from said predetermined position to the other position of said poppet means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
The relay defined in claim 23, wherein said obstructing means comprises a latch mechanism arranged to detain said poppet means in said predetermined position thereof, and release means responsive to receipt of one of said set and reset signals for unlatching said latch mechanism.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
67 words
The relay defined in claim 21, wherein said obstructing means comprises an element movable to a position obstructing the path of movement of said poppet means from said predetermined position to the other position of said poppet means, and means automatically operative in response to receipt of a predetermined one of said signals for moving said element out of said path of movement of said poppet means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
112 words
The relay defined in claim 21, wherein said mechanical retaining means comprises bistable biasing spring means automatically operative after said poppet means has moved to said first position for maintaining said poppet means in said first position even in the absence of a reset signal by applying to said poppet means a spring biasing force holding said poppet means in said first position, and automatically operative after said poppet means has been moved to said second position for maintaining said poppet means in said second position even in the absence of a set signal by applying to said poppet means a spring biasing force holding said poppet means in said second position.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The relay defined in claim 26, wherein said bistable biasing spring means comprises a single bistAble biasing spring.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The relay defined in claim 27, wherein said single bistable biasing spring is composed of a single resilient element.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
229 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and mechanical retaining means automatically operative after said poppet means has been moved to a predetermined one of said two positions thereof for maintaining said poppet means in said predetermined position even in the absence of the respective one of said set and reset signals by obstructing the path of movement of said poppet means from said predetermined position to the other position of said poppet means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
229 words
A pneumatic memory relay comprising a housing having a space interiorly therein; first and second input conduits in said housing, said conduits respectively having outer ends accessible exteriorly of said housing and respectively having inner ends each communicating with said space; first and second seat means respectively provided at said inner ends; an output conduit in said housing communicating with said space and with the exterior of said housing; poppet means arranged to move in said space between a first position in which it sealingly engages said first seat means and places said output conduit in communication with said second input conduit, and a second position in which it sealingly engages said second seat means and places said output conduit into communication with said first input conduit; first and second actuating means including means for receiving set and reset signals for moving said poppet means to said second and first positions, respectively, in response to application of said set and reset signals; and mechanical retaining means automatically operative after said poppet means has been moved to a predetermined one of said two positions thereof for maintaining said poppet means in said predetermined position even in the absence of the respective one of said set and reset signals by obstructing the path of movement of said poppet means from said predetermined position to the other position of said poppet means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
85 words
The relay defined in claim 29; and further including means for establishing in at least one of said input conduits a predetermined fluid pressure different from atmospheric pressure, and wherein said retaining means comprises means operative after said poppet means has been moved to at least a predetermined one of said positions for maintaining said poppet means in said predetermined position even in the absence of the respective one of said set and reset signals and even in the absence of said predetermined fluid pressure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-27 | 1977-12-27 | 1978-06-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-27 | 1981-12-27 | 1982-06-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-27 | 1985-12-27 | 1986-06-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |