Abstract: A thermally responsive fluid control valve device which is particularly adapted to be mounted in the coolant system of an automotive type engine. The thermally responsive fluid control valve device includes a frame member which consists of two sheet metal members attached together. One of the sheet metal members comprises a single-piece sheet metal member which includes a plurality of leg portions and a plurality of foot portions connected by a single ring portion, all of the portions being integral. The foot portions are adapted to engage a surface within the coolant system. The frame member also has another engagement surface, which with the foot portions, position the fluid control valve device within the coolant system.

Abstract: A thermally responsive actuator device which includes an extending tubular coil temperature sensing portion. The tubular coil contains a thermally responsive expansible-contractible material which operates upon an actuator member. Thus, the thermally responsive material accurately and rapidly senses ambient or air mass flow temperature conditions for operation of the actuator member.

Abstract: A thermally responsive valve device having non-linear flow characteristics. The valve device is particularly adapted to control fluid flow in an automotive coolant system. The thermally responsive valve device includes movable and stationary valve structure. A movable valve member is movable to create a flow passage and to adjust the open area thereof, but movement of the movable valve member provides a non-linear relationship between the area of the flow passage created and the distance of travel of the movable valve member. The stationary valve member is provided with a valve seat having a sloping encompassng wall so that with slight opening movement of the movable closure member a very limited volume of fluid flow is permitted. As the movable valve member continues to move in an opening direction, the non-linear relationship between the distance of movement of the movable valve member and the flow area created continues. The fluid flow gradually increases until a specific maximum flow rate is achieved.

Abstract: An automotive thermostatic valve which comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion. The stationary portion comprises a rigid frame member which includes a central portion and an outer annular portion. The outer annular portion is joined to the central portion by radially extending spokes. The outer annular portion of the rigid frame member is covered with a body of elastomeric material which is shaped to provide a valve seat surface for engagement by the movable portion of the valve and is also shaped to provide a securing region which is clamped within a fluid conduit within which the valve is positioned. The outer annular portion of the rigid frame member has a radial portion adjacent the valve seat surface of the body of elastomeric material for support thereof and a cylindrical portion adjacent the securing region of the body of elastomeric material for support and reinformcement thereof during clamping thereof within a fluid conduit within which the valve is positioned.

Abstract: A thermally responsive valve device having non-linear flow characteristics. The thermally responsive valve device includes movable and stationary valve structure. A movable valve member is movable to adjust the open area of a flow passage, but movement of the movable valve member provides non-linear relationship between the area of the flow passage created and the distance of travel of the movable valve member. The movable and/or the stationary valve member is provided with an irregularly shaped portion so that with slight opening movement of the movable closure member less fluid flow than normal is permitted. As the movable valve member continues to move in an opening direction, the fluid flow increases at a predetermined non-linear rate until a specific flow rate is achieved. This operating characteristic eliminates or dramatically reduces temperature fluctuations in the system.

Abstract: A thermally responsive valve device having non-linear flow characteristics. The thermally responsive valve device includes movable and stationary valve structure. A movable valve member is movable to adjust the open area of a flow passage, but movement of the movable valve member provides a non-linear relationship between the area of the flow passage created and the distance of travel of the movable valve member. The movable and/or the stationary valve member is provided with an irregularly shaped portion so that with slight opening movement of the movable closure member less fluid flow than normal is permitted. As the movable valve member continues to move in an opening direction, the fluid flow increases at a predetermined non-linear rate until a specific flow rate is achieved. This operating characteristic eliminates or dramatically reduces temperature fluctuations in the system.

Abstract: A thermally responsive fluid control valve device which is particularly adapted for control of an air operable clutch. The valve device includes a housing which is adapted to be positioned adjacent a conduit which is a part of a system through which coolant fluid flows in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine. The valve device includes a thermally responsive actuator member which is adapted to be positioned within a conduit within which coolant fluid flows. The thermally responsive actuator member has a portion operable upon a movable valve element which is within the housing and which controls flow of air through the housing. The movable valve element is also operable by air at suitable pressures within the housing.