Abstract: In a freeze protection-valve, a wax actuator is situated in a heat-conductive housing to which heat is conducted from the liquid system being protected. The housing prevents the actuator from triggering the valve to its opened condition while the liquid system is hot, but permits a rapid response when the liquid system is cool. In a snap-action freeze protection valve, the actuator is carried by the valve stem, and heat is conducted from the valve body to the valve stem through a sleeve through which the valve stem slides. The actuator moves a cam within the valve stem which operates a ball-type latch. The latch holds the valve in the closed position until the actuator releases the latch. Also disclosed is a remote-controlled valve operating mechanism which uses an electrically heated wax actuator to effect valve closure.

Abstract: A fuel gauge for locomotives comprises a block adapted for attachment to the locomotive fuel tank near the bottom thereof, preferably by connection with a tank drain plug. First and second chambers in the block are joined by a passage connecting the lower ends thereof and serve as a reservoir for an indicator liquid having a density greater than that of the fuel to be gauged and being immiscible with respect thereto. Valve-controlled passage means connects the interior of the tank with the upper end of the first of said chambers, permitting fuel to enter the first chamber and form an interface with said indicator liquid. A gauge glass connected with the upper end of the second of said chambers in conjunction with a gauge scale provides a visual indication of the quantity of fuel in the tank.

Abstract: A snap-acting drain valve for draining a fluid system upon the occurrence of a predetermined temperature condition of the fluid. A spring-loaded valve is held closed against the spring force by a latching mechanism comprising a spring loaded latching lever engaging a shoulder on the valve stem, and a temperature sensitive actuator controlling movement of the latching lever. Upon occurrence of the predetermined fluid temperature, the actuator permits the latching lever to disengage from the valve stem shoulder, thereby releasing the valve which opens under spring force. The valve is non-modulating and will not close until manually reset even if the fluid temperature should increase to a level above the predetermined level.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve plug and seat assembly for use within a valve chamber comprises a seat member extending into the chamber and having an inwardly converging frustconical seating surface thereon. A cylindrical skirt portion extending inwardly coaxially from the seating surface includes ports therein connecting with a fluid passage extending axially through the seat member. A valve plug includes a cylindrical bore extending partway thereinto and adapting the plug for sliding movement over the seat member skirt portion. The plug includes a surface intersecting the bore at an actute angle to provide a circular cutting edge at the open end of the bore. Means are provided for moving the plug axially toward and away from the seat member so that the plug is disposed clear of the seat member ports in the open valve position and covers the ports in the closed valve position with the plug cutting edge engaging the seating surface of the seat member in fluid-tight sealing relation.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive actuator is operatively connected to a valve by means of a spring-loaded linkage. The actuator causes a tensioned spring in the linkage to pass over center upon the occurrence of a predetermined temperature, thereby fully opening or closing the valve. The invention may be embodied in several forms including an automatic drain for water systems and a fire extinguishing system sprinkler control.

Abstract: A fluid temperature actuated valve for trapping fluids in a system, having particular utility as a steam trap. The valve is closed by the expansion of a wax pellet type thermal actuator working against the valve opening force of an operating spring. The valve may be provided with an ambient sensing on-off control in the form of an air temperature responsive actuator which is coupled to the fluid sensing actuator by a suitable insulator. The air sensing actuator upon the occurrence of a predetermined ambient temperature condition will displace the fluid sensing actuator a sufficient degree to prevent the opening of the valve. The valve with the ambient sensing control may be employed as the only control on a steam tracer line, serving the dual function of a steam trap as well as an on-off control response to the ambient temperature.