Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam trap for draining off condensate from a collecting chamber in which condensate resulting in a pressure gas system is collected, the collecting chamber being pressurized by a gas pressure which, depending upon the operating state of the pressure gas system, may be a negative pressure below the atmospheric pressure, an overpressure above the atmospheric pressure or an atmospheric pressure itself. The steam trap may be separated via an interface into an integral first assembly unit and an integral maintenance assembly unit which comprises the essential wear and tear parts.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the level of steam condensate in a steam retort wherein sealed cans of food are exposed to incoming steam. The apparatus comprises a pneumatically actuated condensate drain valve which is controlled by a solenoid valve and opens to drain condensate if it reaches a dangerously high level, an alarm to indicate when the high level is reached, a recorder to provide a continuous permanent record of condensate level and drain valve status, and an electric control system for sensing condensate level and operating the solenoid valve, the alarm and the recorder in accordance therewith. The electric control system includes a condensate level sensor in the form of a one or more float-operated magnetically-responsive reed switches mounted in the retort. The sensor comprises a hollow stem in which a reed switch is potted in elastomeric non-displaceable material.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a float and thermostatic steam trap with an improved mechanism less subject to failure than previous designs. In this design the venting and trapping functions are served by the same valve and a thermostatic actuator acts on the float or float linkage when temperature is below a predetermined value. In normal operation the float controls the discharge of condensate and the thermostatic actuator is out of contact with the float assembly and therefore is free to move. When the temperature within the trap housing drops below the predetermined value, the thermostatic actuator engages the float assembly, forces the valve opening and raises the float above the condensate level. This allows the removal of condensate and of the noncondensible gasses from the trap. This design eliminates the stressing of the thermostatic actuator by static or vibration loads at high temperatures and thereby reduces the fatigue failure of the actuator.

Abstract: A steam trap valve assembly designed to be connected to a steam piping system to trap and remove water of condensation, air and other gasses from the steam piping system while preventing the escape of steam therethrough. The assembly comprises a housing having an upper inlet and a lower outlet, a buoyant float element within the housing and movable between raised, outlet-open position and lowered, outlet-closed position in which it seals the outlet in the absence of sufficient condensate in the housing to float the buoyant element. The float element is connected to the housing by means of a thermostatic member which maintains the float element in a raised, outlet-open position when cool but which releases the float element into lowered position, when heated, to seal the outlet in the absence of sufficient condensate in the housing to float the buoyant element.

Abstract: Heater apparatus is disclosed having a metal firebox in which fuel is burned and an outer ceramic enclosure having ceramic mass walls which absorb excess heat when the heater produces more heat than is required and distributes the heat gradually by radiation after the heater output becomes less than the heat stored in the ceramic mass. The ceramic mass walls are spaced from the metal firebox walls to provide air passages through which air may be circulated by means of a blower so that rapid heating may be had of the interior space when the firebox is initially fired by transferring the heat radiated from the metal walls directly into the room by forced convection. After the interior space is heated to a desired temperature, the blower may be cut off and the room may be heated more slowly at a more even temperature by radiation from the ceramic mass.

Abstract: Steam trap unit for a steam system including a casing having an inlet for receiving steam and condensate and an outlet for discharging condensate, a valve at the outlet, an actuator within the casing connected to the valve to open the valve for discharging of condensate and to close the valve for preventing the discharge of steam, and a diverter at the inlet diverting the incoming flow of steam and condensate from direct impingement on the actuator thereby preventing noisy rapid and premature valve closing action.