Mechanical span and zero adjustment apparatus for pressure transducers

Claim 2

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with a hole extending all the way therethrough, said body portion having two openings into said hole at the respective opposite ends thereof; two diaphragms each having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around a respective one of said two openings sealing both of said openings shut, said diaphragms being fixed relative to said body portion in a manner such that said annular parts lie in respective first and second parallel planes, a first side of each diaphragm facing the corresponding opening adjacent thereto, each diaphragm having a second side opposite said first side thereof; input means to supply fluid under pressure to the second side of one diaphragm, each of said diaphragms having a movable part to take a deflection in accordance with the magnitude of said fluid pressure, said movable part of said one diaphragm having a portion; connection means movable independent of said body, but holding said diaphragm portions in fixed positions relative to each other; a spring having first and second endS, said first end being fixed relative to one of said portions to bias the said one diaphragm in a direction normal to the plane thereof; span adjustment means selectively movable from a first position to a second, and vice versa, to fix said spring second end relative to and connect it to the other of said portions, and to disconnect said spring second end from said other portion, respectively, said spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force in a direction toward the first side of said one diaphragm when said span adjustment means is in said first position thereof; and output means connected from said one diaphragm portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure.

Claim 3

The invention as defined in claim 1, including utilization means connected from said output means.

Claim 4

The invention as defined in claim 2, wherein said utilization means includes a milliammeter calibrated in pounds per square inch.

Claim 5

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with a hole extending all the way therethrough, said body portion having two openings into said hole at the respective opposite ends thereof; two diaphragms each having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around a respective one of said two openings sealing both of said openings shut, said diaphragms being fixed relative to said body portion in a manner such that said annular parts lie in respective first and second parallel planes, a first side of each diaphragm facing the corresponding opening adjacent thereto, each diaphragm having a second side opposite said first side thereof; input means to supply fluid under pressure to the second side of one diaphragm, each of said diaphragms having a movable part to take a deflection in accordance with the magnitude of said fluid pressure, said movable part of said one diaphragm having a portion; connection means movable independent of said body, but holding said diaphragm portions in fixed positions relative to each other; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to the second side of said one diaphragm to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first, second third ... nth springs, each of said springs having first and second ends, one of the ends of each of said springs being fixed relative to one of said portions; first, second, third ... nth span adjustment means corresponding to and for said first, second, third ... nth springs, respectively, each said span adjustment means being movable from a first position to a second, and vice versa, to fix the said one end of a corresponding spring relative to and to connect it to the other of said portions, and to disconnect said one end of said corresponding spring from said other portion, respectively, said springs all being constructed and mounted to apply at least respective components of forces to said sensor in the same direction and in a direction toward the first side of said one diaphragm when a corresponding span adjustment means is in said first position thereof; and output means connected from said one diaphragm portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure.

Claim 6

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with a hole extending all the way therethrough, said body portion having two openings into said hole at the respective opposite ends thereof; two diaphragms each having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around a respective one of said two openings sealing both of said openings shut, said diaphragms being fixed relative to said body portion in a manner such that said annular parts lie in respective first and second parallel planes, a first side of each diaphragm facing the corresponding opening adjacent thereto, each diaphragm having a second side opposite said first side thereof; input means to supply fluid under pressure to the second side of one diaphragm, each of said diaphragms having a movable part to take a deflection in accordance with the magnitude of said fluid pressure, said movable part of said one diaphragm having a portion; connection means movable independent of said body, but holding said diaphragm portions in fixed positions relative to each other; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to the second side of said one diaphragm to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first, second third ... nth springs, each of said springs having first and second ends, one of the ends of each of said springs being fixed relative to one of said portions; first, second, third ... nth span adjustment means corresponding to and for said first, second, third ... nth springs, respectively, each said span adjustment means being movable from a first position to a second, and vice versa, to fix the said one end of a corresponding spring relative to and to connect it to the other of said portions, and to disconnect said one end of said corresponding spring from said other portion, respectively, said springs all being constructed and mounted to apply at least respective components of forces to said sensor in the same direction and in a direction toward the first side of said one diaphragm when a corresponding span adjustment means is in said first position thereof; and output means connected from said one diaphragm portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure.

Claim 7

The invention as defined in claim 4, including utilization means connected from said output means.

Claim 8

The invention as defined in claim 5, wherein said utilization means includes a milliammeter calibrated in pounds per square inch.

Claim 9

The invention as defined in claim 6, wherein said first, second, third ... nth springs have force constants 21k, 22k, 23k ... 2nk, respectively, when n is the number of said springs, and k is a constant.

Claim 10

The invention as defined in claim 7, wherein each of said springs is a helically coiled tension spring, all of said springs having parallel helical axes lying approximately normal to said first and second planes in positions therebetween, said one portion being said one diaphragm portion, said other portion being said body portion, each adjustment means including means to clamp the second end of the corresponding spring against said body portion.

Claim 11

The invention as defined in claim 4, wherein said first, second, third ... nth springs have force constants 21k, 22k, 23k ... 2nk, respectively, where n is the number of said springs, and k is a constant.

Claim 12

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having first and second sides and an annular part of said first side sealed to and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to a first predetermined one of said first and second sides of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof in accordance with said pressure; a spiral spring having inner and outer ends, said spring outer end being fixed relative to one of said sensor portions; a shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed axial position on the other of said portions, said spiral being coiled around said shaft, said spring inner end being fixed relative to said shaft; and releasable means to fix said shaft in a selected position of its rotation to the said other portion, said spiral spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward a second predetermined one of said first and second sides thereof when said shaft is fixed as aforesaid, said first and second predetermined sides not necessarily being the same side, rotation of said shaft causing the said force to vary when said shaft is not fixed; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure.

Claim 13

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having first and second sides and an annular part of said first side sealed to and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to a first predetermined one of said first and second sides of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof in accordance with said pressure; a spiral spring having inner and outer ends, said spring outer end being fixed relative to one of said sensor portions; a shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed axial position on the other of said portions, said spiral being coiled around said shaft, said spring inner end being fixed relative to said shaft; and releasable means to fix said shaft in a selected position of its rotation to the said other portion, said spiral spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward a second predetermined one of said first and second sides thereof when said shaft is fixed as aforesaid, said first and second predetermined sides not necessarily being the same side, rotation of said shaft causing the said force to vary when said shaft is not fixed; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure.

Claim 14

The invention as defined in claim 10, including utilization means connected to said output means.

Claim 15

The invention as defined in claim 11, wherein said utilization means includes a milliammeter calibrated in pounds per square inch.

Claim 16

The invention as defined in claim 12, wherein said first predetermined side is always a side opposite said second predetermined side.

Claim 17

The invention as defined in claim 10, wherein said first predetermined side is always a side opposite said second predetermined side.

Claim 18

The invention as defined in claim 11, wherein said first predetermined side is always a side opposite said second predetermined side.

Claim 19

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with a hole extending all the way therethrough, said body portion having two openings into said hole at the respective opposite ends thereof; two diaphragms each having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around a respective one of said two openings sealing both of said openings shut, said diaphragms being fixed relative to said body portion in a manner such that said annular parts lie in respective first and second parallel planes, a first side of said diaphragm facing the corresponding opening adjacent thereto, each diaphragm having a second side opposite said first side thereof; input means to supply fluid under pressure to the second side of one diaphragm, each of said diaphragms having a movable part to take a deflection in accordance with the magnitude of said fluid pressure, said movable part of said one diaphragm having a portion; connection means to hold said diaphragm parts in fixed positions relative to each other; a spiral spring having inner and outer ends, said spring outer end being fixed relative to one of said portions; a shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed axial position on the other of said diaphragm portions, said spiral spring being coiled around said shaft, saiD spring inner end being fixed relative to said shaft; and releasable means to fix said shaft in a selected position of its rotation to the said other portion, said spiral spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said one diaphragm in a direction toward said first side thereof, rotation of said shaft causing the said force to vary when said shaft is not fixed; and output means connected from said one diaphragm portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure.

Claim 20

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with a hole extending all the way therethrough, said body portion having two openings into said hole at the respective opposite ends thereof; two diaphragms each having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around a respective one of said two openings sealing both of said openings shut, said diaphragms being fixed relative to said body portion in a manner such that said annular parts lie in respective first and second parallel planes, a first side of said diaphragm facing the corresponding opening adjacent thereto, each diaphragm having a second side opposite said first side thereof; input means to supply fluid under pressure to the second side of one diaphragm, each of said diaphragms having a movable part to take a deflection in accordance with the magnitude of said fluid pressure, said movable part of said one diaphragm having a portion; connection means to hold said diaphragm parts in fixed positions relative to each other; a spiral spring having inner and outer ends, said spring outer end being fixed relative to one of said portions; a shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed axial position on the other of said diaphragm portions, said spiral spring being coiled around said shaft, saiD spring inner end being fixed relative to said shaft; and releasable means to fix said shaft in a selected position of its rotation to the said other portion, said spiral spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said one diaphragm in a direction toward said first side thereof, rotation of said shaft causing the said force to vary when said shaft is not fixed; and output means connected from said one diaphragm portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure.

Claim 21

The invention as defined in claim 16 including utilization means connected to said output means.

Claim 22

The invention as defined in claim 17, wherein said utilization means includes a milliammeter calibrated in pounds per square inch.

Claim 23

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with a hole extending all the way therethrough, said body portion having two openings into said hole at the respective opposite ends thereof; two diaphragms each having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around a respective one of said two openings sealing both of said openings shut, said diaphragms being fixed relative to said body portion in a manner such that said annular parts lie in respective first and second parallel planes, a first side of each diaphragm facing the corresponding opening adjacent thereto, each diaphragm having a second side opposite said first side thereof; input means to supply fluid under pressure to the second side of one diaphragm, each of said diaphragms having a movable part to take a deflection in accordance with the magnitude of said fluid pressure, said movable part of said one diaphragm having a portion; connection means to hold said diaphragm parts in fixed positions relative to each other; a spiral spring having inner and outer ends, said spring outer end being fixed relative to one of said portions; a shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed axial position on the other of said portions, said spiral spring being coiled around said shaft, said spring inner end being fixed relative to said shaft; and releasable means to fix said shaft in a selected position of its rotation to the said other portion, said spiral spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said one diaphragm in a direction toward said first side thereof, rotation of said shaft causing the said force to vary when said shaft is not fixed; and output means connected from said one diaphragm portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said utilization means including a milliammeter calibrated in pounds per square inch, said outer spring end being fixed relative to said connection means, said shaft being rotatably mounted on said body portion, a worm gear fixed on said shaft, a worm rotatable in a fixed axial position on said body portion in mesh with said worm gear, and a set screw threaded in said body portion to move axially normal to the axis of said worm into engagement therewith, said worm being held in a fixed position relative to said body portion when said set screw is tightened thereagainst and is rotatable when said set screw is loosened sufficiently.

Claim 24

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with a hole extending all the way therethrough, said body portion having two openings into said hole at the respective opposite ends thereof; two diaphragms each having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around a respective one of said two openings sealing both of said openings shut, said diaphragms being fixed relative to said body portion in a manner such that said annular parts lie in respective first and second parallel planes, a first side of each diaphragm facing the corresponding opening adjacent thereto, each diaphragm having a second side opposite said first side thereof; input means to supply fluid under pressure to the second side of one diaphragm, each of said diaphragms having a movable part to take a deflection in accordance with the magnitude of said fluid pressure, said movable part of said one diaphragm having a portion; connection means to hold said diaphragm parts in fixed positions relative to each other; a spiral spring having inner and outer ends, said spring outer end being fixed relative to one of said portions; a shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed axial position on the other of said portions, said spiral spring being coiled around said shaft, said spring inner end being fixed relative to said shaft; and releasable means to fix said shaft in a selected position of its rotation to the said other portion, said spiral spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said one diaphragm in a direction toward said first side thereof, rotation of said shaft causing the said force to vary when said shaft is not fixed; and output means connected from said one diaphragm portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said utilization means including a milliammeter calibrated in pounds per square inch, said outer spring end being fixed relative to said connection means, said shaft being rotatably mounted on said body portion, a worm gear fixed on said shaft, a worm rotatable in a fixed axial position on said body portion in mesh with said worm gear, and a set screw threaded in said body portion to move axially normal to the axis of said worm into engagement therewith, said worm being held in a fixed position relative to said body portion when said set screw is tightened thereagainst and is rotatable when said set screw is loosened sufficiently.

Claim 25

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectivEly, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said utilization means including a milliammeter calibrated in pounds per square inch, said first spring having a force constant at least of an order of magnitude less than that of said second spring, said first spring being also constructed and mounted to apply a force to said member in a direction toward the said other side thereof, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 26

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectivEly, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said utilization means including a milliammeter calibrated in pounds per square inch, said first spring having a force constant at least of an order of magnitude less than that of said second spring, said first spring being also constructed and mounted to apply a force to said member in a direction toward the said other side thereof, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 27

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure, said first spring having a force constant at least of an order of magnitude less than that of said second spring, said first spring being also constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the said other side thereof, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 28

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure, said first spring having a force constant at least of an order of magnitude less than that of said second spring, said first spring being also constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the said other side thereof, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 29

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions; respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a forces constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from sAid sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure, said first spring having a force constant at least of an order of magnitude less than that of said second spring, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 30

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions; respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a forces constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from sAid sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure, said first spring having a force constant at least of an order of magnitude less than that of said second spring, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 31

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure, said first spring being also constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the said other side thereof, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 32

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure, said first spring being also constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the said other side thereof, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 33

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respeCtively.

Claim 34

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respeCtively.

Claim 35

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said first spring having a force constant at least of an order of magnitude less than that of said second spring, said first spring being also constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 36

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said first spring having a force constant at least of an order of magnitude less than that of said second spring, said first spring being also constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 37

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said first spring having a force constant at least of an order of magnitude less than that of second spring, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and enagageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 38

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said first spring having a force constant at least of an order of magnitude less than that of second spring, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and enagageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 39

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said first spring being also constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the said other side thereof, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 40

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said first spring being also constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the said other side thereof, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 41

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.

Claim 42

Apparatus for producing an output in accordance with the pressure of a fluid, said apparatus comprising: a body having a portion with an opening thereinto; a sensor having an annular part sealed and fixed relative to said body portion around said opening; input means to supply fluid under pressure at least to one side of said sensor to cause deflection and movement of one portion thereof as a function of said pressure; first and second springs each having first and second ends; first means for fixing said first spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively; second means for fixing said second spring first and second ends relative to said portions, respectively, said first spring having a force constant less than that of said second spring, said second spring being constructed and mounted to apply a force to said sensor in a direction toward the other side thereof; and output means connected from said sensor portion to said body for producing an output which is a predetermined function of said fluid pressure; and utilization means connected to said output means, said first means being releasable to allow movement of said first spring first end over a continuous range relative to the portion connectible therewith by said first means to vary the force supplied by said first spring, said first means being lockable anywhere over said range to hold the same at any selected one position therein, said second means being selectively releasable and engageable to allow said second spring first end to move relative to and to be fixed relative to the portion connectible therewith, respectively.