Float Or Piston Operation Patents (Class 236/100)
  • Patent number: 5676309
    Abstract: A flow control valve comprises a valve body with a central flow passage containing a poppet releasably engagable with an annular valve seat, the poppet comprising a poppet head engageable with the valve seat and a central bore filled with an expansion member formed of silicone rubber or other substance having a coefficient of thermal expansion different from the material of the valve body and the poppet bore being closed by a stop member fixed in position relative to the valve seat, whereby the expansion or contraction of the expansion member causes the poppet head to move toward or away from the valve seat, increasing or decreasing flow through the valve. A spring adjustably pre-compresses the expansion member and balances the force created by the expansion of the expansion member, the axial position of the stop member being adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: The Lee Company
    Inventors: Leighton Lee, II, Philip James Morgan
  • Patent number: 5642859
    Abstract: A temperature sensitive safety valve assembly includes a housing for mounting at a faucet outlet and a safety valve element consisting of a rigid cap and an elastic bellows containing a body of temperature sensitive material. Below a predetermined temperature, the bellows has a first condition permitting flow of water towards the faucet outlet. Above the predetermined temperature, the bellows has a second condition restricting flow of water. The bellows also has a third condition, actuated by loss of at least a portion of the body of temperature sensitive material, in which a seal surface of the cap engages with an opposed seat surface of the housing to restrict flow of water towards the faucet outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Watts Investment Company
    Inventor: Rand H. Ackroyd
  • Patent number: 5641119
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal relief valve that includes a main body with an inner annular surface that includes a shoulder proximal to one end of the main body. The relief valve also includes a spring that rests on the shoulder of the inner annular surface of the main body. The relief valve additionally includes a thermal actuator component with a cup section and a piston section attached to the cup section. The cup section is separated from the piston section by a shoulder. The shoulder rests upon the spring. The relief valve also includes an O-ring that rests upon the shoulder of the thermal actuator and a cap that rests upon an O-ring within the main body of the relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: GP Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dallas Simonette
  • Patent number: 5593088
    Abstract: A heating device is provided for motor vehicles with a water-cooled internal combustion engine, which heating device has a heat exchanger which is acted on by the cooling water circuit of the internal combustion engine on the one hand and by an auxiliary heating unit which is independent of the internal combustion engine on the other hand. A thermostatically activated switching element causes the hot water to flow via the heat exchanger below a temperature prescribed by the thermostat, when the auxiliary heating unit is switched on, and to flow additionally via the internal combustion engine above this temperature, and causes the engine cooling water to flow via the heat exchanger when the auxiliary heating unit is switched off. In order to achieve low production costs and a large degree of robustness of the switching element it is equipped with a non-return valve whose blocking direction is directed from an outflow chamber to an inflow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Werner Hennrich, Clemens Bentele
  • Patent number: 5560541
    Abstract: A hot water shut off valve for use for domestic household water shower use which shuts off excessively hot water. The valve generally includes an water inlet source opening to an inner chamber. The inner chamber has an outlet source at the base of said chamber, a sealing means communicating with said outlet sources for alternately turning on or off the flow of water from said inlet sources through said outlet sources. The sealing means is urged against the base of said mixing chamber by means of a paraffin power element communicating with a spring. In the preferred embodiment, a reset member is provided to reset the flow of warm water from the inlet source to the outlet source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: I.W. Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Warshawsky, Frank Antoniello, Alexandru Maxim
  • Patent number: 5516042
    Abstract: A two-way thermally activated valve is configured within a valve body having a bore therethrough which communicates with an inlet port, an outlet port and an exhaust port. A valve spool is disposed within the bore. The valve spool has a relieved portion which permits continual communication between the inlet port and outlet port regardless of the position of the valve spool. When the valve spool is in a first mode, the exhaust port is in communication with the bore and, when the valve spool is a second mode, the exhaust port is blocked. Since the inlet and outlet ports are never blocked, pressure builds at the outlet port as the exhaust port closes. The valve is shifted from the first position to the second position as a thermally expandable wax element pushes the spool axially against the bias of a coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald Gerstengerger
  • Patent number: 5419488
    Abstract: In the case of a thermostatic valve for a cooling system of an internal-combustion engine comprising a thermostatic working element, it is provided that the housing of the working element is held in a stationary manner, in that the working piston is provided with the main valve disk which surrounds the housing of the working element in a pot-type manner and is provided with openings in the area of its side walls, and with the short-circuit valve disk, and in that on the side of the main valve disk facing away from the working piston, the housing of the working element is situated to be at least partially free in the coolant flowing in from the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Behr-Thomson-Dehnstoffregler GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Roland Saur, Manfred Kurz
  • Patent number: 5176317
    Abstract: A thermally responsive valve for detecting the temperature of an engine of motor vehicles includes: an upper housing having an inlet port, and outlet port, and a cylindrical chamber; a lower housing including thermal expansion member in a thermal transmitting cover; and a movable shaft piston movably disposed within an elongated aperture in the lower housing. The movable shaft piston is operatively connected at one end to the cylindrical chamber for operatively closing or opening the inlet port, and at the other end to the thermal expansion member through a diaphragm for moving the movable shaft piston upward or downward responsive to engine temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Co., Konghwa Metal Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae K. Park, Uk S. Shin
  • Patent number: 5135163
    Abstract: A thermostatically controlled three-way valve is provided with a valve actuating assembly containing a wax-type thermally responsive acutator that is mechanically separate from a valve assembly containing a valve poppet supported by a valve stem so as to facilitate the replacement of a dysfunctioning wax-type thermally responsive actuator. In the event such a problem occurs with the wax-type thermally responsive actuator due to the operation of the valve, a manual override mechanism employing a hollow threaded nut arrangement can be used to engage the valve stem and manually position the valve poppet to control fluid flow through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Nakwon Cho
  • Patent number: 5119061
    Abstract: A guide member is slidably mounted on a rod, a resilient seal bag is provided around a first end portion of the rod and secured to the guide member, and a tubular sealing member is slidably mounted on a second end portion of the rod. The rod is inserted in a heat conductive cylinder secured to the guide member, and wax is provided in the heat conductive cylinder. The seal bag has a base portion and a bag portion, and is engaged with the rod only at the base portion to form a gap between the bag portion and the rod. The gap is charged with lubricating oil. The sealing member has a tubular body, a skirt portion, a closed head portion, and a plurality of annular grooves formed in an inner wall of the body. The base portion is secured to the guide member, and the head portion is engaged with an end of the second end portion of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Kuze
  • Patent number: 5024378
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for the prevention of scalding in showers and other such installations. The assembly includes a valve assembly within a mixed water supply line and a temperature sensitive element for controlling the operation of the valve assembly. The valve assembly is preferably designed to allow some leakage when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Konrad Bergmann, Josef Ems, Hans Nikolayczik
  • Patent number: 5022583
    Abstract: An actuator mechanism for automatically changing and adjusting the orientation of air discharged from the register of an air distribution system solely under the variation of the supply air temperature. The actuator mechanism includes a ram exposed to the supply air and including a cylinder filled with a mixture of alkane waxes and an operating rod. The solid to liquid phase transition of the waxes with temperature increase will push the rod outwardly while a return spring will return the rod as the temperature decreases. The operating rod is connected to the register slats through a transverse arm, a common link and spring clips releasably fitted to the slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Bruens
  • Patent number: 5018665
    Abstract: A thermal relief valve is constructed and arranged to sense the fluid temperature of a pump and to open when this fluid temperature becomes too high to discharge pump fluid to prevent the occurrence of an excessive temperature conditon of the pump fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Hale Fire Pump Company
    Inventor: Michael Sulmone
  • Patent number: 4961530
    Abstract: An engine cooling system, structure therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the system comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a thermostat construction disposed in the housing between the inlet and the outlet for controlling the degree of fluid flow therebetween, the thermostat construction comprising a valve seat unit, a valve closure unit for opening and closing the valve seat unit, a spring operatively interconnected to the valve closure unit to tend to close the same against the valve seat unit, and a temperature responsive device comprising a piston member and a cylinder member that are adapted to provide relative movement therebetween when the device senses certain temperatures, one of the members being interconnected to the valve closure unit to move the same in unison therewith in opposition to the force of the spring when the other of the members is fixed from movement relative to the housing, and a movable stop carried by the housing and having a plurality of different
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Robert Shaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Joseph P. Wagner
  • Patent number: 4948043
    Abstract: A wax-pellet thermostat having a valve seat, a piston secured to the valve, a guide member slidably mounted on the piston, a valve secured to the guide member, a disphragm secured to the guide member, and a wax provided in the cylinder. A gap is provided in the guide member around the piston so as to accumulate coolant which has entered along the piston. The gap is provided to discharge the coolant from the guide member when the wax expands to cause a part of the diaphragm to enter into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Kuze
  • Patent number: 4883082
    Abstract: A temperature-responsive valve comprises a pair of wax-filled thermal actuators connected in series and set to expand at different temperatures respectively at the high and low limits of a temperature range. In one version, a valve element is movable by the actuators through an orifice form one side thereof to the other, closing the orifice when in an intermediate position, and opening the orifice when one actuator expands and when the other actuator contracts. The actuators are both in contact with the fluid controlled by the valve in the first version. In a second version, one of the actuators is isolated from the controlled fluid and responsive to the ambient temperature. In a third version, the valve is a snap-action valve, in which the series actuators operate a cam which normally holds latching balls in a projecting condition in which they engage a detent to hold the valve element closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Fred L. Pirkle
  • Patent number: 4828167
    Abstract: A wax-pellet thermostat having a valve seat, a piston secured to the valve, a guide member slidably mounted on the piston, a valve secured to the guide member, a diaphragm secured to the guide member, and a wax provided in the cylinder. A gap is provided in the guide member around the piston so as to accumulate coolant which has entered along the piston. The gap is provided to discharge the coolant from the guide member when the wax expands to cause a part of the diaphragm to enter into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Kuze
  • Patent number: 4815491
    Abstract: For freeze protection of a water line, a T fitting in the line is provided with a removable threaded bushing having a plug with radially projecting balls which engage J-shaped slots in the bushing to provide a bayonet joint. The plug is released when freezing conditions threaten by retraction of the balls in response to movement of a cam inside the plug by a thermal actuator also inside the plug. A check valve in the T fitting is closed automatically when the threaded bushing is removed. Modified versions include a plug having dual actuators in series, a plug combined with a flanged bushing for use in freeze protection of a compressor head, a plug combined with a valve to provide a snap-action drain valve with a more easily replaceable actuator assembly, and a plug using a water-filled glass vial as an actuator. A building protection system and a locomotive coolant system, both use freeze protection devices in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Fred L. Prikle
  • Patent number: 4804141
    Abstract: A three-port vacuum valve (10) having a thermally responsive actuator (38)n and a moveable valve member (62) with a single seal ring (66) thereon. A vacuum signal output port (24) is disposed between spaced primary (26) and secondary (22) vacuum source ports. A first (74) and a second (68) annular tapered valve seats are disposed in opposing relationship closely spaced adjacent said output port with said seal ring disposed therebetween. The valve seats are spaced such that upon said actuator experiencing a preselected temperature the seal ring is unseated from the second valve seat and is between the valve seats. Upon the actuator experiencing a given temperature differential from said preselected temperature, said seal ring seats against said first valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel C. Stahly
  • Patent number: 4638828
    Abstract: An automatically operated valve to prevent freezing of water lines. The valve is elongated, having threads on one end to be received in a conventional plumbing tee or the like, or in a threaded opening in a faucet. The opposite end discharges water during dripping, and has a nipple to receive a hose to divert the waste water. A temperature sensitive device is in contact with the water, and includes a tip that projects at high temperatures and retracts at near-freezing temperatures. A plunger in the elongate valve is moved to close a valve when the tip is projected, and a spring within the drip valve urges the plunger to open the valve when the tip is retractable. The temperature sensitive device is carried by the drip valve by mating threads so the position of the temperature sensitive device can be varied through the threaded engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Inventors: Wyman L. Barrineau, Sr., Julius P. Barrineau
  • Patent number: 4595046
    Abstract: A control apparatus used for a heat exchanger having a casing through which a first fluid flows and a tube disposed within the casing for a second fluid to flow therethrough, thereby allowing a heat exchange to occur between the first and second fluids, the control apparatus being so arranged as to change the flow rate of the second fluid in accordance with a change in temperature of the first fluid so as to maintain the temperature of the first fluid at a constant level, comprises a valve housing having a valve seat and communicating with an inlet port of the tube, a valve body disposed in the valve housing and movable between a closing position where the valve body is placed on the valve seat to prevent the second fluid from flowing into the tube and an opening position where the valve body is separated from the valve seat to allow the second fluid to flow into the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Taisei Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Iino
  • Patent number: 4548354
    Abstract: A single valve vehicle-type thermostat construction and method of making the same are provided, the thermostat construction comprising a temperature responsive device having a piston member and a cylinder member that are adapted to provide relative movement therebetween when the device senses certain temperatures, a single valve seat unit being operatively interconnected to one of the members, a single valve closure unit being operatively interconnected to the other of the members and being adapted to control fluid flow through the valve seat in relation to the position of the valve closure unit relative to the valve seat unit as determined by the temperature being sensed by the device, a first spring operatively interconnected to one of the members and to one of the units to always tend to hold the units against each other in a closed condition so as to prevent any fluid flow through the valve seat unit and, thus, through the thermostat construction, and a second spring operatively interconnected to the memb
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Joseph P. Wagner, Boyd P. Sliger
  • Patent number: 4535932
    Abstract: A diffuser is provided with three discharges. Two of the discharges are directed in one direction and, when installed, would be directed towards the outside wall of the conditioned space. The other discharge is directed in the opposite direction and would discharge into the interior of the conditioned space. Responsive to the temperature of the conditioned air being supplied, a thermally responsive actuator is in either one of two positions whereby either one of the two discharges in the one direction or the discharge in the opposite direction is blocked. This results in two discharges in one direction or one in each direction with the discharge area being the same in both instances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Carl C. Herb
  • Patent number: 4524907
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Standard-Thomson Corporation
    Inventor: Backman Wong
  • Patent number: 4507922
    Abstract: An assembly having a heat expansible fluid therein and capable of expanding and contracting in response to temperature changes between predetermined limits with a first member having a front surface and a rear surface, with the surfaces terminating in a free end. A second member having a rear front surface and a rear surface is also provided with the surfaces terminating in a free end. The first member may include an inner section, with an outer section, and a central section extending intermediate the inner and outer section. The central section has a curved wall extending outwardly from the rear surface. The inner section is adapted to expand outwardly upon the assembly being elevated in temperature which results in the expansion of the heat expansible fluid contained therein. The assembly can be designed to be fully expanded at approximately 85.degree. F. and contracted at approximately 65.degree. F. in an unloaded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Leonard W. Suroff
    Inventor: Stanley Kolt
  • Patent number: 4494693
    Abstract: An adjustable liquid thermal compensator mechanism which provides both an actuation end attached to an expandible volume portion of a liquid chamber and a manually controlled adjustable volume portion that is used to calibrate the stroke of the compensator by allowing the addition or release of fluid from the chamber. A supply reservoir is interconnected to the compensation chamber through a valve which provides the increased or decreased amount of fluid during chamber adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Wilfred H. Bachle
  • Patent number: 4492219
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Actrol Industries Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Marcus F. Schoenheimer, Lionel A. Gaskell, Keith A. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 4488680
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermally responsive valve device including a body with an inlet port and first and second outlet ports. A spool valve is slidably mounted within the body and includes a valve portion for selectively connecting the inlet port with one of the first and second outlet ports. A temperature responsive element causes the spool valve to move in response to changes in temperature. A valve is provided for controlling fluid communication through the first outlet port. The valve is mounted on the spool valve such that the valve moves with movement of the spool valve until the valve closes the first outlet port and such that subsequent movement of the spool valve is independent of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouichi Itoh
  • Patent number: 4475684
    Abstract: A water mixing valve which provides for controlled admission of cold water into a hot water stream and which also provides for cold water to be bled into the hot water stream in the event that the mixing valve should fail to operate in the intended manner, so that water flowing from the mixing valve will always have a temperature lower than that of the hot water admitted to the mixing valve. The mixing valve includes a first passage which is connectable in a hot water supply line, a thermostat element located in the first passage, and second and third passages which are connectable to a supply of cold water. A piston-type regulator valve element is located within a cylindrical chamber of the mixing valve and is actuated by the thermostat element to regulate flow of cold water from the second passage to the first passage, and, in the event of failure of the thermostat element, the regulator valve element is biased to a position such that water is admitted to the first passage by way of the third passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls (Australia) Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Ronald G. Garlick, Roman Golman
  • Patent number: 4476067
    Abstract: A device for controlling the operation of a carburetor comprising a wax valve fitted into a bore formed in the device housing. A wax valve holder is fitted into the bore so as to surround the temperature sensitive portion of the wax valve. A cooling water passage is formed in the bore so as to surround the wax valve holder. A heat insulating space is formed between the outer wall of the temperature sensitive portion and the inner wall of the wax valve holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisan Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Katou, Masaharu Hayakawa, Hidenori Hirosawa
  • Patent number: 4469275
    Abstract: A device in a fluid flow path moves to perform a fluid flow control operation at a predetermined high fluid temperature. A mechanism normally locked out of participation in the movements of the device is released at a selected fluid temperature higher than the predetermined fluid temperature and compells the device to a performance of the control operation. The thermostatic device and the locking and release mechanism are incorporated in a unitary structure insuring the carrying out of a control function even when elements of the device having primary responsibility therefor fail or respond inadequately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: United Aircraft Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis W. DeSalve
  • Patent number: 4460006
    Abstract: The freeze protection valve includes a valve housing (A) which has a bore (20) through a lower wall portion (22) thereof to define a freeze drain outlet (B). A valve assembly (C) including a valve cup (50), a valving element (54), and a valve element biasing spring (56) is biased away from the valve housing lower wall portion by a valve cup spring (60). A thermal sensing assembly (D) including a thermal sensing element (82) which is disposed closely adjacent the valving element urges the valve assembly toward the lower wall portion as the temperature of fluid around the thermal element increases and allows the valve cup biasing spring to move the valving element away from the lower wall portion as the fluid around the thermal sensing element cools below a preselected temperature. In this manner, the valve assembly opens the freeze drain outlet in response to the fluid at the bottom of the valve housing adjacent the valve assembly dropping below a preselected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Kolze
  • Patent number: 4456167
    Abstract: A thermostatically controlled valve in the cooling medium circulation of liquid-cooled internal combustion engines with two coaxially arranged interconnected valves which are actuatable by a temperature-dependent working element disposed therebetween and which control a radiator return line and a bypass line; the valve controlling the bypass line includes a valve disk arranged at the temperature-dependent working element and is provided with through-flow openings controlled as a function of temperature so that a partial quantity of the cooling medium can circumcirculate the temperature-dependent working element; the through-flow openings are thereby arranged in the valve disk of the valve and abut sealingly on the valve seat of this valve when the bypass line is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hermann Buter
  • Patent number: 4453668
    Abstract: A fail-safe thermostatically operated valve includes a temperature-responsive actuator for moving a valve element between a retracted position and an extended position. The valve includes a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member which are releasably connected to one another by a temperature-responsive release device which is responsive to a second predetermined temperature above the normal operating temperature of the valve. A spring arrangement provides return capability for the valve element and overtravel capability for the valve in the normal temperature operating range, and biasing force to move the valve element from the retracted to the extended position when the temperature-responsive release device operates. In one embodiment, the temperature-responsive release device includes a miniature wax-filled actuator in engagement with a mechanical linkage. In an alternate embodiment, the temperature-responsive release device comprises a heat fusible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: Caltherm Corporation
    Inventor: Martin L. Abel
  • Patent number: 4445637
    Abstract: An air register for distributing air to a room has a thermally responsive actuator element in direct contact with a pivotably mounted closure slat for controlling the flow of air through the register. The air is distributed upwardly along the wall of a room and a venturi, mounted in the air flow path, draws air in through an opening in the front of the register and over the actuator so that the actuator senses room temperature of the treated air passing through the register. The slats which control the flow of air through the register are biased in an open position and the actuator tends to close the slats through a direct linear force on the slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Interpace Corporation
    Inventor: Warren R. Hedrick
  • Patent number: 4441652
    Abstract: A steam trap includes a casing having an inlet and an outlet, a cover secured to the casing to enclose a condensate reservoir in the casing and a trap unit having a valve closing and opening by thermal expansion and contraction of a thermoelement such as thermowax in response to temperature in the reservoir and a counter spring whose spring force acts against the thermal expansion of the thermoelement. The disclosed steam trap comprises connection means for connecting the cover and the trap unit only by relative movement therebetween and a support spring arranged between the cover and the thermoelement. The steam trap is therefore, conveniently adaptable to change in used conditions by suitable selection of trap units having various temperature characteristics previously prepared and is capable of effectively replacing its trap unit with a new one for repairing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Miyawaki Steam Trap Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahumi Minami
  • Patent number: 4410133
    Abstract: A valve controls mutual communication between first, second, and third spaces, and includes a first valve seat controlled by a first valve element communicating between the first space and the second space, and a second valve seat controlled by a second valve element communicating between the first space and the third space. The first valve member is biased towards the first valve seat, and the second valve member is biased away from the second valve seat with less biasing force. A temperature sensitive actuator includes first and second actuator members and is supported between the first actuator member bearing on the first valve element and the second actuator member bearing on the second valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsumi Furukubo
  • Patent number: 4375873
    Abstract: A temperature responsive valve comprising a hollow housing having three ports, a cylinder mounted in and to the housing assembly in the vicinity of one of the ports, the cylinder having a gas escape space through which said one of the ports communicates with the hollow portion of the housing assembly, a thermal expansive member which changes in its cubical volume in response to an external temperature; and a valve body which is connected to the thermal expansive member and which is movably arranged in the cylinder via a single seal member so as to engage with or disengage from the cylinder in accordance with the cubical change of the thermal expansive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1983
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Enomoto, Tomomitsu Muramatsu, Shiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 4346558
    Abstract: A thermally responsive force generating device 10 is disclosed for use in operating fire extinguishing sprinkler valves. The device includes a temperature sensitive locking subassembly 18 mounted in an adapter member 14 which has a threaded portion for connection to a sprinkler valve. A thermal actuator 12 of the expansible wax type is connected to the adapter by a thin walled tubular member 16 which allows the thermal actuator to break away from the adapter if excessive force is generated thereby as a result of experiencing extremely high environmental temperatures. The locking assembly includes a spring biased locking pin 56 mounted in an opening in the adapter and held in an inoperative position by a fusible temperature sensitive insert 54. The insert will remain solid at temperatures below a predetermined value thus permitting an actuator output rod 38 to be moved to a retracted position under certain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas B. Bernett
  • Patent number: 4346837
    Abstract: A thermostat comprising a valve and a wax container connected to the valve. A drive rod projects from the end face of the wax container and is connected to the casing of the thermostat. The drive rod is actuated by the expanding operation of the wax contained in the wax container. A hollow cylindrical sealing sleeve is arranged on the end face of the wax container and has a hole through which the drive rod passes. A plurality of triangular shaped projections is formed on the inner wall of the hole of the sealing sleeve. A spring cap is fitted onto the sealing sleeve for pressing the triangular shaped projections onto the drive rod due to the spring force of the spring cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha K.K., Fuji-Thomson Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Inagaki, Shigeru Sato
  • Patent number: 4337621
    Abstract: A power element assembly is disclosed for use in a liquid environment to operate devices such as valves, switches and the like wherein such assembly is provided with an elastomeric diaphragm having an integral sealing neck with internal seal beads that are sealingly retained in engagement with a piston by prescribed compression of the sealing neck at assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest Lane, Jr., Raymond E. Seekins
  • Patent number: 4296770
    Abstract: A temperature responsive drain valve (10) is disclosed for draining fluid lines (12) to prevent freeze up damage. The valve includes a housing (14) having a fluid passageway (15) therethrough. A temperature responsive thermal actuator (20) is mounted to the housing adjacent fluid inlet passageways (34). The actuator includes a temperature sensitive portion (22,23), which extends exteriorly of the valve housing and an output member which extends into the fluid passageway. A poppet valve member (42) has a self-aligning valve surface (46) and is mounted in the fluid passageway and biased toward a valve seat by a conical spring (47) which extends over a cylindrical portion (43) of the valve member. Cylindrical portion (43) is also guided by and extends through an opening (49) in a reaction plate (48). An outer biasing spring (51) reacts against the output member through a cage arrangement (54, 58, 67).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Rice
  • Patent number: 4288033
    Abstract: A control valve assembly incorporates direct metal-to-metal engagement between a casing of a temperature-responsive valve actuator and a piston guide to promote ease and accuracy of calibration. In addition, a substantially frictionless override feature is incorporated in the assembly to effect pressure relief and to accommodate thermal excursion of the valve actuator beyond the travel required to effect the desired valve movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Century Brass Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Wisyanski
  • Patent number: 4285465
    Abstract: A thermoscopic unit such as for use in a thermostat of a fluid mixing valve comprising a hollow body in which a cylindrical convoluted bellows unit is located and sealed to the body to define an expansion chamber in which a thermally responsive material, such as wax, is contained. Temperature changes resulting in a change of volume of the material in the expansion chamber apply an external pressure to change the axial length of the bellows unit, and this may be operably connected to an actuator for a valve assembly. Preferably, there is a reservoir of the material constituted by a tubular coil encircling the hollow body, or a hollow cone extending therefrom. Such reservoir is filled with the material and is in communication with the expansion chamber and provides additional heat transfer surfaces to give fast response to temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Assignee: Walker Crosweller & Company Limited
    Inventor: Royston J. North
  • Patent number: 4285467
    Abstract: A three-port thermally responsive valve for alternately valving an intermediate fluid port with adjacent upper and lower fluid ports. A single valve member is movably contained within a housing fluid passageway and spring-biased in a first position so that a sealing surface at each end of the valve member is respectively engageable with and spaced from corresponding valve sealing surfaces in the fluid passageway. The sealing surfaces on the valve member are spaced with respect to the valve sealing surfaces in the housing fluid passageway to maintain isolation of the upper and lower fluid ports until valving of the intermediate fluid port with either the upper or lower fluid port is completed. When predetermined temperatures are encountered, a thermally responsive actuator connected to the valve member by a rod overcomes the biasing force generated by the spring and moves the valve member to the second valved position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 4283009
    Abstract: A control valve is provided for a fluid-operated clutch. Specifically, the control valve controls fluid to the fluid-operated clutch of a vehicle cooling fan. The control valve disengages the clutch to disconnect the fan from an internal combustion engine of the vehicle when coolant temperature is low and engages the clutch to operate the fan when the coolant temperature rises to a predetermined value. The control valve has a central passage with three bores and a valve spool with three sealing members associated with the bores. Fluid is supplied under pressure to the valve and always acts in opposite directions on two of the sealing members to provide a balanced condition for the valve spool even with fluctuations in the inlet pressure of the fluid. The control valve utilizes a temperature-responsive device to move the valve spool, with the device being readily adjustable to achieve operation at desired coolant temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Assignee: The Bendix Corporation
    Inventor: Brian C. Deem
  • Patent number: 4258795
    Abstract: An on-off sprinkler head for fire extinguishing systems comprises a housing having a central cavity with an inlet aperture and a discharge orifice disposed at opposing ends thereof in an aligned orientation. A reciprocating valve having a valve head, a mating seat, and a stem is mounted axially in the central cavity, and controls the flow of fire extinguishing fluid therethrough. A temperature responsive, on-off drive motor is connected with the free end of the valve stem, and reciprocates the valve head with respect to the valve seat in response to selected temperature changes. The drive motor is mounted in the housing in a position axially offset from the aligned inlet aperture and discharge orifice, whereby during a discharge condition, the fire extinguishing fluid flows substantially unimpeded through the valve, and a solid, uninterrupted stream of fluid is emitted from the discharge orifice. The valve includes a deflector plate on which the fluid stream impinges and is dispersed into a spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: Central Sprinkler Corporation
    Inventor: Arne H. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4212346
    Abstract: A thermal switch having relatively high gain for stabilizing the temperature of a heat source or a heat sink, especially useful in vacuum applications. A strip of heat conducting material is disposed to conduct heat from one heat station to another heat station. The contact made between the strip of heat conducting material and a heat station is subjected to a variable contact pressure. This contact pressure varies in response to changes in the temperature of a quantity of a heat expandable fluid material confined to a chamber thermally connected to whichever heat station is to be subjected to temperature control. This fluid preferably has a high bulk modulus. The fluid actuates a piston disposed to bear against the strip of heat conducting material whereby the pressure at the interface between the strip and the contacted heat station is varied. The heat conducting materials in contact with each other at this interface preferably have a low yield strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Edward S. Boyd
  • Patent number: 4196847
    Abstract: A thermostatic control valve for maintaining an essentially constant set value of an operating temperature of a liquid coolant which is conductible through a cooling jacket of an internal combustion engine. The thermostatic control valve includes a warm-up valve for suppressing a coolant flow at least in a partial area of the cooling jacket, a radiator valve for supplying coolant emerging from a coolant outlet of the cooling jacket to a radiator, and a bypass valve for returning the liquid coolant emerging from the cooling jacket bypassing the radiator to a coolant inlet of the cooling jacket. A single thermostatic regulating element, responsive to temperature changes and adapted to execute regulating movements is provided for actuating the radiator valve, bypass valve, and additionally actuating the warm-up valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ernst Gobien
  • Patent number: 4189095
    Abstract: A temperature and pressure responsive fluid flow control valve, particularly useful for controlling the operation of a fluid fan drive. This valve regulates operation of the fluid fan drive by controlling the fluid flow from the fluid fan drive, in response to both engine coolant temperature and fluid pressure of the fan drive oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Assignee: Kysor Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Larry E. Monigold, Ronald G. Cadwell