Importance

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Abstract

A diaphragm (10) for a fluid pump, accumulator, pressure regulator, or similar device comprises two major components: (1) a central body portion (12) having a first degree of flexibility; and (2) a peripheral portion (14) having a second degree of flexibility that is less than that of the central body portion. In one embodiment, this lesser degree of flexibility is effected by forming the peripheral portion (14) of the diaphragm into a material thickness that is greater than that of the central body portion (12). In another embodiment, the lesser degree of flexibility of the peripheral portion (14) is effected by forming the peripheral portion from a material that is dissimilar to that of the central body portion (12), the peripheral portion material having a degree of flexibility that is less than that of the central body portion. In each of the embodiments, the peripheral portion (14) extends into the interior of the fluid device housing (20, 22) a prescribed amount beyond the lateral inside surfaces of the two mating fluid device housing sections that combine to mount the suspended diaphragm (10). Because of the fact that the peripheral portion (14) extends a certain distance into the interior of the fluid device housing, the point of flexure (actually a circle of flexure) (24) of the diaphragm is located interiorly of the fluid device housing such that the circle of flexure does not contact the inside surface of the fluid device housing during operation.

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First Claim