Abstract: A temperature responsive valve having a primary inlet, secondary inlet and an outlet, in which the two inlets communicate with one another through a chamber within the valve body and communicate with the outlet through an orifice controlled by a valve member. A temperature responsive device is mounted within the primary inlet and is connected to the valve member so as to move that member into an orifice closing position when the temperature of fluid entering the primary inlet exceeds a predetermined temperature. A deflector located within the valve body functions to influence the flow of fluid entering the valve through the secondary inlet so that it is directed away from the outlet and towards the primary inlet. The invention is also concerned with a solar heating system incorporating such a valve in which a storage tank outlet is connected to the primary inlet, a cold water supply is connected to the secondary inlet and the inlet side of the solar heating panel is connected to the valve outlet.

Abstract: A Solar Heater system including an absorber panel having an inlet and an outlet connected to a water supply tank. A valve is located in both the inlet and outlet connections and at least the inlet valve is temperature responsive so as to close when the temperature of the panel contents falls below a first predetermined temperature. The outlet valve may be temperature or flow responsive so as to close under the temperature or flow conditions prevailing when the inlet valve closes and thereby isolate the panel from the tank. A temperature responsive dump valve is connected to the panel and opens when the temperature of the panel contents falls below a second predetermined temperature which is lower than the first predetermined temperature and thereby empties the panel contents. The inlet and dump valves are preferably formed by a single combination valve having a temperature responsive element which controls both a primary valve member and a secondary valve member.