Abstract: A thermal control valve provides more accurate control of the valve outlet temperature for a high flow rate valve in a low flow rate environment. The valve utilizes a thermal motor to close the valve during high temperature operation and includes flow-directing element that restricts the flow of water through the valve at low pressures and directs the flow of water toward the thermal motor. The flow-directing encircles the thermal motor and is formed from a flexible material so that it expands under pressure of water flowing through the valve.

Abstract: A metering valve assembly for use in sanitary applications and method of use is disclosed. The metering valve assembly has a relief valve hydraulically controlling a pilot valve covering a water supply inlet. The relief valve is controllably closed by a damping mechanism substantially independently of typical variations in water supply temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A pressure balancing valve and method of assembly is disclosed. The valve includes a pressure balancer cartridge having a poppet assembly made up of releasably connectable poppet valves movably mounted on opposite sides of a diaphragm. The pressure balancer cartridge utilizes compliant members mounted on water flow controlling orifices to form a sealable opening in cooperation with the closure surface of a respective poppet. Each poppet has a reduced diameter end that fits within a damping chamber and uses a sealing member mounted on each poppet valve to increase tolerances and improve manufacturing yield. The method includes the step of aligning poppet halves and connecting the interlocking connectors of the two halves through a diaphragm.

Abstract: A non-planar flexible graphite sealing ring is used to control leakage in a fluid handling device where a shaft extends through the wall of the device. The flexible graphite sealing ring comprises a chevron-shaped cross section having approximately complementary inner and outer end faces that are made by laminating sheets of flexible graphite foil in layers transverse to the ring's axis. A plurality of flexible graphite rings are inserted over the shaft and into the stuffing box, occupying the space between the shaft and the stuffing box. The flexible graphite sealing rings are oriented so that each ring's inner end face adjoins the outer end face of another ring. Upon application of a compressive force the interaction between the dissimilar end faces causes an enhanced interference fit between the shaft and the stuffing box forming a seal. An asymmetrical chevron cross section of a sealing ring, and W- and V-shaped end rings are used in additional embodiments.

Abstract: A flexible non-planar graphite sealing ring is used to control leakage in a fluid handling device that is caused by a shaft extending through the wall of the device. The flexible graphite sealing ring comprises a chevron-shaped non-planar cross section having approximately complementary inner and outer end faces that are made from laminating sheets of graphite foil in layers transverse to the ring's axis. A plurality of flexible graphite rings are inserted over the shaft and into the stuffing box, occupying the space area between the shaft and the stuffing box. The flexible graphite sealing rings are oriented so that each ring's inner end face adjoins the outer end face of another ring. Upon application of a compressive force, either by internal pressure or by externally applied mechanical loading, the interaction between the dissimilar end faces cause an enhanced interference fit between the shaft and the stuffing box forming a seal.

Abstract: A gate valve includes a body which includes first and second valve seats. First and second gates are mounted for movement adjacent to the valve seats, and each of the gates has an outer face adapted to seal against the respective valve seat and an inner face which defines a thrust pad. A wedge is interposed between the first and second gates, and the wedge defines first and second converging wedge faces rigidly positioned with respect to one another to bear against the respective thrust pads. At least one of the thrust pads and the wedge faces defines a convex surface. A hand wheel axially moves the wedge with respect to the body and the wedge is coupled to the gates such that movement of the wedge away from the valve seats moves the gates away from the valve seats. The convex surface allows the respective gate to articulate with respect to the wedge as necessary to align with the valve seat.

Abstract: A fluid flow pressure control valve includes a valve body having a chamber divided by a dashpot plate into an inlet chamber and a dampened flow region chamber. A diaphragm senses the fluid pressure forces in the chamber with an adjustable spring force acting to balance the fluid pressure forces exerted on the other side of the diaphragm. By varying the spring force with a follower piece, which moves axially along a stationary threaded shaft, the amount of fluid pressure necessary to balance the spring force can be selectively varied. The follower can be blocked from travel beyond selected locations by stops positioned on the valve housing and thus a plurality of desired pressure values can be reliably chosen. Fluid flow induced oscillations of the compact, easily installed valve are attenuated by a dashpot means which includes the dashpot plate with an aperture therethrough providing communication between the inlet chamber and the dampened flow region chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow variables of a control system by sensing selected pneumatic parameters while operating the control system within maximum power consumption constraints. The control system includes a processor for selecting a first flow valve for movement during one duty cycle in one selected direction. The processor then selects for operation additional numbers of flow valves less than the maximum number of valves, drives the valves in the same direction as the first valve for the remainder of the duty cycle. The number of additional flow valves operated in any given duty cycle is determined by maximum power constraints. Calibration of each of the flow valves is accomplished driving each valve to an end point using less than the normal number of power phases to reduce the torque applied to the valve mechanism.

Abstract: The valve passes incoming pressurized fluid through a pair of orifices arranged in opposite side walls of a hollow tubular plug to form two fluid jets which impinge upon one another in the plug interior prior to exiting. The orifices are elongated and selectively covered by an adjustable sleeve which is positioned by manipulation of a valve stem extending outwardly of the valve housing. Further pairs of orifices are angularly arranged with respect to the first pair and the sleeve includes parts which cover the other orifices when a first pair are operative. The valve stem is selectively rotatable to position the sleeve to expose another pair of orifices to the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A guide for a poppet in a check valve includes an annular, cylindrical rim and a guide hub concentric therewith. At least one web extends radially from the guide hub to the rim. The outer periphery of the rim includes at least one projection defined at a position angularly spaced from the web. The projection is engaged by the inner periphery of the check valve such that the guide is held within the check valve, with a stem on the poppet extending through the guide hub. The guide hub includes at least one lug to engage the stem to prevent rotation of the stem relative to the check valve. The guide is formed of a smooth bearing material, and the rim thereof is capable of flexing, in the area where the projections are provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of an enclosed volume includes a pneumatic thermostat, heating means and cooling means. The thermostat has two entirely independent controls: a heating control and a cooling control. Both controls remain independently operative at all temperatures and each control has an independent set point. Whenever the temperature of the enclosed volume sensed by the thermostat raises above the cooling-control set point, the cooling control generates a first pneumatic signal which activates, adjusts and operates cooling means. Whenever the temperature of the enclosed volume sensed by the thermostat falls below the heating-control set point, the heating control generates a second pneumatic signal which activates, adjusts and operates heating means. The heating-control set point is lower than the cooling-control set point such that there is defined a range of sensed temperatures at which neither heating means nor cooling means is activated, adjusted or operated by the thermostat.

Abstract: A comparator for selecting from two air sources, air which requires less energy to condition includes a humidity and a temperature sections for comparing relative humidities and dry-bulb temperatures of air from each of the sources. Each section comprises two chambers separated from each other by a diaphram which is displaceable in the direction of the chamber having a lower pressure. A temperature post is attached to the diaphram of the temperature section and a humidity post is attached to the diaphram of the humidity section. The pressure in each of the chambers is determined by the pressure signal generated by a transmitter and it indicates the sensed condition. The post of the humidity section coacts with the post of the temperature section to give an output signal indicating which of the two air sources has a lower enthalpy except that when the humidity of the outside air is lower than that of the return air. In that instance, the temperature section alone determines the output signal.

Abstract: A temperature-responsive valve for controlling the flow of fluid comprises a housing having a chamber therein, an inlet port communicating with said outlet port communicating with said chamber and a temperature deflectable partition. When the temperature of the fluid transmitted to said partition reaches a first predetermined value, the deflectable partition snaps to restrict with its surface the flow of fluid into said outlet port and remains in that position until the temperature of said fluid transmitted to said partition reaches a second predetermined value. The deflectable partition then snaps to permit the full flow of fluid into said outlet port. The temperature-responsive valve is especially useful in showers for protecting users from discomfort or scalding in the event the temperature of the shower water rises above the desired value.

Abstract: A sealing structure capable of various uses and particularly in butterfly valves having a body with a flow passage and a movable valve disc in the flow passage and having a sealing surface. The sealing structure is mounted in the body to engage the disc in the closed position of the latter to provide a high performance (i.e. bubble-tight) seal. The sealing structure includes an annular seal retaining cavity with a slot opening to the flow passage. The structure includes a seal ring of Teflon, PFA or the like retained in the cavity and sealing one axial side of the ring from the other. It also has a tongue-like extension projecting through the slot into the passage and having a seat at its end engageable with the sealing surface of the disc. The seal and cavity structures have shoulders normally (in open position of the valve) abutting each other to seal the interior of the cavity (the abutment occurring from expansion of the seal ring into place in the cavity).

Abstract: A temperature-responsive valve for controlling the flow of fluid substantially without being affected by the pressure of or the turbulence generated by said fluid, comprises a housing having a chamber therein, an inlet port communicating with said outlet port communicating with said chamber, a temperature deflectable partition having an aperture and a tube. The tube extends from said inlet port past said aperture when the deflectable partition is in the position permitting a full flow of fluid. When the temperature of the fluid transmitted to said partition reaches a first predetermined value, the deflectable partition snaps to restrict with its surface the flow of fluid into said outlet port and remains in that position until the temperature of said fluid transmitted to said partition reaches a second predetermined value. The deflectable partition then snaps to permit the full flow of fluid into said outlet port.

Abstract: The disclosed temperature monitoring and alarm circuit includes a temperature responsive switch which opens when water temperature exceeds a predetermined point. When the switch opens, a relay is de-energized, thereby activating a latch which activates a visual alarm and closes off a solenoid operated valve on the monitored water source until the over temperature condition is corrected and the circuit is reset.

Abstract: An improved thermostat having two modes of operation selected by a pressure signal from a central source, which includes a separate set point for each mode of operation. Each set point has a scale which is clearly visible without removal of any parts of the thermostat. Each set point is also adjustable either by an adjuster that can be operated by occupants or only by authorized personnel having a tool fitting the opening in the set point adjustor. Adjustors can be provided with restrictors which limit set point adjustment to a predetermined range of temperatures and which can be adjustable by authorized personnel, or can be factory set.