Abstract: A flow control valve for regulating the flow across an orifice to eliminate the effects of viscosity changes throughout a range of temperatures for the hydraulic fluid. The valve includes a base with an orifice and a slide valve element that registers with the orifice and that is movable by a double, helix-wound, bimetallic spring. The bimetallic spring extends linearly in the direction of motion of the slide valve element so that its effective length will change a predictable amount for a given temperature change, thereby progressively changing the size of the orifice as the spring moves the slide valve element to which it is connected.

Abstract: A flow regulating valve (100) for an air conditioning system is shown in which a body member (104) is provided with a fixed passageway (104a) and a variable passageway (104b) which results in regulating flow of refrigerant into the evaporator of the air conditioning system. Under high ambient and low or idle speeds, the system refrigerant pressure rises. This increases pressure in the evaporator and an increase in the saturation temperature of refrigerant in the evaporator. This increase in temperature is sensed by a helical thermostatic metal element (110) which moves to rotate an inlet sleeve (112) having a web (104c) formed between first and second windows (112a, 112b) to move into alignment with the inlet port (104c) of passageway (104b) to increase restriction to the flow of the refrigerant fluid through the valve thereby decreasing pressure of the refrigerant entering the evaporator.

Abstract: A bi-metal control flap for a wood stove is biased to close by gravity and is controlled to open an air inlet when the temperature rises which is opposite to the traditional bi-metal control systems which close when the temperature rises. The valve is a free pivoted L-shaped flap with a first portion and a second portion extending from a pivot position and supported by a casing. The first portion is positioned over an air supply inlet and retained over the inlet by gravity. A crank arm supported by the casing rotates to push against the second portion of the flap to open the flap a predetermined amount, and a bi-metal strip coil having an outer end attached to the casing and a floating inner end attached to the crank arm such that a change in temperature causes the crank to rotate to open the flap or allow the flap to close by gravity.

Abstract: Temperature responsive valves for regulating fluid flow in a supply line such as to a showerhead or faucet wherein the valves include a slide valve assembly which is movably positioned within a bore extending in transverse communication with respect to a primary fluid passageway extending through the body of the valve between a fluid inlet and an outlet. Each valve further includes a pressure chamber in which the slide valve assembly is mounted which communicates with the fluid inlet. Temperature responsive force generators are used to control flow into the pressure chamber such that when the fluid temperature is above a predetermined temperature, the pressure within the pressure chamber increases, thereby forcing the slide valve assembly from an open to a closed position to thereby substantially terminate flow through the primary fluid passageway.

Abstract: A temperature-actuated valve device which comprises a body 5 provided with a fluid inlet opening 6b and a fluid outlet opening 5a, a vale seat 5b formed on the peripheral edge of the outlet opening 5a, a main valve body 8 which is disposed movably within the body 5 in the flow direction of fluid and which is brought into and out of an abutting engagement with the outlet opening 5a to perform the opening and closing operation, a pilot valve body 7 which is disposed movably within the body 5 in the same direction as the direction of movement of the main valve body 8 and which is of a tubular shape causing a change in the fluid pressure acting on the upstream side or the downstream side of the main valve body 8, and a temperature-actuated spring 11 which is linked to the pilot valve body 7 and which deforms when it reaches a predetermined temperature and above.

Abstract: Controllers for regulating fluid flow, and especially flow of liquid in supply lines, each of which include a valve assembly which is slidably positioned in a bore extending transverse to a fluid passageway extending through the body of the controller. Each controller includes a shaped memory alloy spring which is mounted so as to be in heat exchange relationship with fluid flowing therethrough. Each spring is mounted adjacent a stem of a valve and is operable when heated to a predetermined activation temperature to shift the valve assembly to at least partially close the fluid passageway. In some embodiments, the valve assembly is manually operable at temperatures below the activation temperature to regulate flow through the controllers. In other embodiments, the valve assembly is automatically shifted to open the fluid passageway through the body of the controller when temperatures decrease below the activation temperature.

Abstract: In a combination faucet device (10) according to the invention, a movable valve member (160) slidingly moves relative to a main casing (30) to change a mixing ratio of high-temperature water supplied from a hot water port (116) to low-temperature water supplied from a cold water port (106). The movable valve member (160) is pressed by a temperature sensitive spring (130) in a first direction while being pressed by a bias spring (150) in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The temperature sensitive spring (130) is exposed to water mixture and varies its spring constant according to the temperature of the water mixture. The temperature sensitive spring (130) accordingly moves the movable valve member (160) in a direction for decreasing the ratio of the high-temperature water to a certain position where the spring force of the temperature sensitive spring (130) balances with the spring force of the bias spring (150), thus allowing water mixture adjusted to a target.

Abstract: A thermally activated vent damper assembly for occluding passage of gases in a passageway such as a flue. The assembly includes first and second damper members which are pivotable about a common axis. Coaxial first and second support members which are spaced apart along the common axis support thermally activated biasing members which are attached to the damper members to thereby suspend the damper members within the flue. When heated, the biasing members pivot the first and second damper members about their common axis from a flue closing orientation to a flue opening orientation. The assembly may include a housing mountable to the flue and to which the first and second support members are attached.

Abstract: The apparatus consisting of a rotating shield mounted in front of the shower head with a pattern of holes that, when aligned with a corresponding pattern of holes in the shower nozzle, allow the water to pass through to the bather. The shield is turned into or out of alignment by a bi-metal thermally sensitive spring which, sensing too hot or too cold water, rotates clockwise or counter clockwise. The water is then blocked by the shield and, its momentum now diminished, pours out of an opening in the bottom of the shower head where it can be hand tested and adjusted by the bather. When the proper temperature is achieved, the bi-metal spring turns the guard plate holes into alignment with the shower nozzle outlet holes and water is allowed to spray onto the bather. A water mixing/buffer chamber located between the thermal element and the outlet nozzle affords the unit time to respond to incoming water appropriately by taking a measure of time to fill up.

Abstract: In a combination faucet device (10) according to the invention, a movable valve member (160) slidingly moves relative to a main casing (30) to change a mixing ratio of high-temperature water supplied from a hot water port (116) to low-temperature water supplied from a cold water port (106). The movable valve member (160) is pressed by a temperature sensitive spring (130) in a first direction while being pressed by a bias spring (150) in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The temperature sensitive spring (130) is exposed to water mixture and varies its spring constant according to the temperature of the water mixture. The temperature sensitive spring (130) accordingly moves the movable valve member (160) in a direction for decreasing the ratio of the high-temperature water to a certain position where the spring force of the temperature sensitive spring (130) balances with the spring force of the bias spring (150), thus allowing water mixture adjusted to a target.

Abstract: The present device is a movable-louver heating and cooling register. The register is designed to have the same overall dimensions of commercial registers available today. The heating and cooling register has movable louvers installed on pivots that are formed in the register body. Two control arms are used to pivot the groups of louvers. The control arms are mounted on diagonals from each other. Both control arms are attached to a central control shaft, which is designed to rotate about its central axis. Because the control arms are mounted on opposite sides on the diagonal, as the control shaft is rotated, it pulls the two control arms in opposite directions. This causes each set of louvers to move in opposite directions. The advantage of movable louvers is that they can be used with both heating and cooling cycles. To operate the louvers, the control shaft can be turned by hand.

Abstract: A thermally actuated deflector structure for automatically varying the air discharge pattern of a ceiling diffuser in response to a sensed change in the temperature of air being delivered to the diffuser includes a multi-bladed damper assembly positioned over a central outlet portion of the diffuser and having a frame portion secured to the diffuser. The blades in the damper assembly are drivable between a cooling orientation in which they block the central diffuser portion and preclude supply air flow downwardly therethrough, and a heating orientation in which they uncover the central diffuser portion and permit supply air flow downwardly therethrough. A coiled bimetallic actuating strip is positioned above the damper assembly and has an inner end anchored to the damper frame, and an outer end secured to a drive member linked to the damper blades.

Abstract: Device for controlling the opening of a blanking off flap of a pipe, wherein the blanking off flap of the pipe is controlled in a first direction by a device using a spring made of a shape memory alloy as soon as the temperature rises and a return spring which activates the flap in a direction opposite the first direction as soon as the temperature drops.

Abstract: An electromechanically controlled thermostatic mixing valve (10) comprises a movable mixing valve member (114) resiliently held between a temperature responsive coiled spring (132) and a bias spring (134). The temperature responsive spring is made of a material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a modulus of elasticity that varies with temperature. The bias spring is supported by an electric drive (46) controlled by an electric control circuit (32) to adjust the preload on the bias spring. In contrast to the bias spring which is subjected to deformation from its free state to its fully compressed state, the SMA spring is held in such a manner that it is subjected to a limited strain throughout the stroke of the valve member. As a result, premature fatigue of the SMA spring is avoided. Transient fluctuation in water temperature is primarily compensated for by a mechanical feedback control performed by the SMA spring.

Abstract: The valve includes a cylindrical wall, adjacent and distinct hot and cold fluid inlet ports passing through a first wall portion, each port having a plurality of slotted inlet orifices at the inner surface of the wall. A rigid, coiled metal ribbon member is fixedly supported at one end by the base, and has a free end adjacent the body wall. A gate member is affixed to the free end of the ribbon member and is supported against the first wall portion for circumferential movement along the first wall portion in response to expansion and contraction of the ribbon member The gate member includes a plurality of slotted orifices arranged as a hot set alignable with the hot inlet orifices and a cold set alignable with the cold inlet orifices. Once set for a desired temperature, the gate orifices passively move with the expansion or contraction of the ribbon member to maintain the temperature corresponding to the initial setting.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-contained automatic temperature-responsive three-way line valve. A tubular valve member is axially slidable between first and second limit positions for selectively directing fluid from an inlet port to a first outlet port or a second outlet port. The valve member is disposed between a pair of opposed compression springs, one being a conventional spring biasing the valve member to the first limit position and the other being an SME spring which overcomes the bias of the first-mentioned spring when the fluid exceeds a given temperature.

Abstract: A thermally activated vent damper assembly for a flue is adapted to be situated in relation to the flue for occluding the passage of gas through the flue. A support member traverses the flue and suspends the damper member across the flue for movement between an open and a closed position. A thermally activated biasing member is operatively coupled between the support member and the damper member to bias the damper member in the open position in the presence of heat and to bias the damper member in the closed position in the absence of heat. The coupling of the biasing member between the support member and the damper member is such that potential sites for frictional inhibition of damper member movement are eliminated. Upon breakage or other failure of the biasing member to apply bias, the damper member defaults to or remains in an open position under the force of gravity, providing for a unique fail-safe feature.

Abstract: A pivotal electrical connector for connecting a shape memory alloy element in the form of a coil spring to a fixed member, the connector including a strip of electrically conductive material having a clip or a pair of legs for securing the connector to one of the coils of the element. A pair of holes may be provided in the strip through which the coil is threaded. A rotational connector is provided in the strip for engaging the fixed member.

Abstract: A water temperature sensing/flow control mixing valve has a valve body with hot and cold water inlets and at least one outlet. A mixing valve member is positioned within the valve body and controls the proportion of hot and cold water that flows from the outlet. A water flow restrictor is positioned within the valve body and movable from a normal flow position in which outlet flow is unobstructed to a position in which the restrictor partially closes the outlet to limit flow therefrom. There is a shaped memory metal actuator positioned within the valve body to move the restrictor from the normal flow position to the flow limiting position when the water within the valve body exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel manually overrideable heat sensitive valve. In a particular embodiment, this invention is directed to a novel faucet aerator which contains the valve. The faucet aerator, when affixed to a water faucet, can stop the flow of water when harmful temperatures are reached. The invention incorporates an external bypass means enabling the user to access higher temperatures when needed or to restart the flow of water. The Anti-Scald Aerator comprises (a) a thermal actuated valving means for automatically restricting the flow of water; (b) air and water mixing means (Aerator Component) for producing a foam-like flow of water; (c) Manually operated reset or bypass means for overriding the thermal valve; and (d) connecting housing means for securing the aerator to a water supply.

Abstract: A fluid flow control for an automative transmission system is shown in which a gate, attached to a free end of a thermostatic coil, is caused to slide on a control plate having first and second orifices dependent upon changes in sensed temperature between a position in which one orifice is covered and the other is uncovered and a position in which the one orifice is uncovered and the other is covered and an intermediate position in which one orifice opens as the other closes.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a thermostat is mounted within a sleeve, with the sleeve positionable as a junction between a plurality of hoses, or alternatively, the sleeve formed with a sealing boss, with the sealing boss extending radially beyond the sleeve, and including an "O" ring to effect sealing of the organization within a single unitary fluid conducting hose.

Abstract: A adaptive flow-control regulator is disclosed for use in controlling the circulation of cooling fluid through in a cooled laser mirror. The adaptive flow-control regulator utilizes a temperature-sensitive spring to control the movement of a plunger with respect to an orifice through which cooling fluid flows. Elongation of the spring is controlled by the temperature of the cooling fluid circulating around the spring. As the temperature of the coolant fluid increases from heating of the laser mirror, the spring contracts moving the plunger away from the orifice and allowing a greater volume of coolant to circulate through the mirror, thereby absorbing a greater amount of heat from the mirror structure. As the mirror is cooled by the circulating cooling fluid, the spring moves the plunger toward the orifice, thereby reducing the volume of cooling fluid circulating through the mirror's structure.

Abstract: A thermally activated vent damper assembly for a flue is adapted to be situated in relation to the flue for occluding the passage of gas through the flue. A support member transverses the flue and suspends the damper member across the flue for movement between an open and a closed position. A thermally activated biasing member is operatively coupled between the support member and the damper member to bias the damper member in the open position in the presence of heat and to bias the damper member in the closed position in the absence of heat. The coupling of the biasing member between the support member and the damper member is such that potential sites for frictional inhibition of damper member movement are eliminated. Upon breakage or other failure of the biasing member to apply bias, the damper member defaults to or remains in an open position under the force of gravity, providing for a unique fail-safe feature.

Abstract: A pivotal electrical connector for connecting a shape memory alloy element in the form of a coil spring to a fixed member, the connector including a strip of electrically conductive material having a clip or a pair of legs for securing the connector to one of the coils of the element. A pair of holes may be provided in the strip through which the coil is threaded. A rotational connector is provided in the strip for engaging the fixed member.

Abstract: A control device, refrigerator system utilizing the control device and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having a valve seat and having an inlet and an outlet interconnected together by the valve seat, a movable valve member carried by the housing and being adapted to open and close the valve seat by being respectively moved to an open position thereof and a closed position thereof, a coiled compression shape memory spring carried by the housing and being operatively interconnected to the valve member to move the valve member to one of the positions thereof by the spring axially expanding from a closed coil bound condition thereof upon the spring sensing a temperature above a first temperature and to move the valve member to the other of the positions thereof by the spring axially contracting into the closed coil bound condition thereof upon the spring sensing a temperature below a second temperature, and an electrically operated heater having at least a portion

Abstract: A shape memory actuator for controlling the position of a control member, such as a damper plate in a duct, the actuator including first and second shape memory elements each having an austenite phase transition temperature above which each element assumes a predetermined memory shape and a lower phase which forms when said element is stretched from the predetermined memory shape, the first and second elements being connected to move the control member in different directions when one or the other of the elements are heated to a temperature above its austenite phase transition temperature and an electrical circuit for selectively raising the temperature of one or the other of the elements. The control member may be held in a position between full open and full closed by holding mechanisms which connect the actuator to the control member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a screw stopper including an anti-freeze device used for water pipe valve and fitted to the lower end portion of an open/close movable valve of said water pipe valve comprises: a small perforation penetrated centrally on the lower portion of the said screw stopper; a water-through recess formed on a countersink portion of the said screw stopper; a small movable member including a small valve for opening and closing an aperture of the said small perforation, and said small movable member partially defining an water-through passage; a pair of springs for holding said small movable member, at least of which is made of shape-memory alloy; an outer cylinder for holding said pair of springs screwed and fitted to the said screw stopper; and a packing for sealing up water by a valve seat.

Abstract: An improved actuator for the damper of a ridge vent. The actuator includes coil springs constructed from a shape-memory alloy. The springs are contracted below a selected temperature at which the damper is to open, and the contracted springs maintain the damper closed on its seat. Above the transformation temperature of the springs, they expand and raise the damper off of its seat to an open position for venting of air through the ridge vent.

Abstract: A temperature responsive valve particularly adapted for use in a manual valve of a vehicular automatic transmission control is shown in which the temperature responsive valve has a generally cylindrical housing with a reduced diameter section and a cylindrical valve element rotatably received in the reduced diameter section. A thermostatic coil is coupled to the valve element to control the angular position of the valve element. Apertures are provided in both the housing and the valve element forming a variable orifice for pneumatic fluid which flows into an open end of the housing and out of a minimum fixed orifice in the reduced diameter section and, depending on the temperature, may also flow through the variable orifice.

Abstract: Line valve apparatus for shower anti-scald and other uses comprising a housing (10) valving member (14) and a coil spring pilot valve (20) formed of a shape memory effect alloy and arranged for a first closed loop fluid blocking configuration to prevent, and second open spiral loop configuration(s) to enable, coil expanding valving member movement under the combined force of line back pressure and the coil expanding forces per se as a rising fluid temperature puts the alloy through a martensitic to austentitic transformation.

Abstract: A safety valve for a fluid delivery system having a duct in which the safety valve is housed. The safety valve comprises a temperature sensitive means through which fluid passes, this temperature sensitive means being connected to a retaining means which retains a valve member in the cocked position. The associated valve seat is located downstream of the valve member and allows passage of fluid therethrough when the valve member is cocked. When a predetermined temperature is reached by the fluid the retaining means disengages the valve member which is biassed towards the valve seat and subsequently seals the passage through the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve activating system is provided, which is intended for association with a valve assembly including a valve housing defining a conduit therein which includes a fluid inlet opening and a fluid outlet opening, and a valve which is normally biased in a closed position in the conduit to control the flow of fluids therethrough. In order to activate the valve an opening is provided into the conduit for insertion of a valve activating element, such as a simple lever which is positioned at a location at which it can activate the valve. In the embodiment shown, the opening into the conduit has a circular cross-section and is fitted with a sealing O-ring. The lever is sized and shaped so that its insertion through the O-ring will complete a fluid tight closure of the opening so that fluid present in or flowing through the conduit cannot exit through the opening provided for the lever. Therefore the valve activating system remains dry.

Abstract: A disk type steam trap having a valve disk adapted to engage a valve seat with a double-coiled bimetallic member being provided operatively interposed between the valve disk and the valve seat on one side of the valve seat to lift and lower the valve disc relative to the valve seat in response to temperature change. The bimetallic member comprises a double-coiled body expanding at lower temperatures and contracting at higher temperatures.

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 of shape memory alloy 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.

Abstract: A valve is provided for installation in the auxillary duct of a furnace stack pipe. The valve prevents flow of air through the damper plate in the auxillary duct when the furnace is switched off. The valve is controlled by a temperature responsive bimetallic strip which is impinged upon by flue gases to move the valve to an open position upon the furnace being ignited and producing combustion gases.

Abstract: A freeze preventing valve which comprises a valve cage body longitudinally provided with a cylindrical guide at the upper part thereof in a valve housing connected to a steam feed pipe, a valve element having a shaft disposed through the guide of the valve body to be able to open an exhaust port opened at the lower end of the housing and to be elevationally guided in the guide of the housing, a spring of shape memory alloy interposed between the lower surface of the valve body and the valve element for urging the valve element to close the valve element, a bias spring mounted between the upper surface of the valve body and the shaft protruding from the guide of the valve element upwardly for urging the valve element to open the valve element. Thus, the valve element of the freeze preventing valve is effectively supported and guided in the housing via the guide of the valve body.

Abstract: A freeze preventing valve which comprises a valve body longitudinally provided with an inserting hole at the upper part thereof in a hollow valve housing connected to a steam feed pipe, a valve element having a shaft disposed movably through the inserting hole of the valve body to be able to open an exhaust port at the lower end of the housing and to be vertically guided through the inserting hole of the housing. A collar is secured at an intermediate position on the shaft and a spring of shape memory alloy is interposed between the upper surface of a valve seat of the valve housing and the lower surface of the collar for urging the valve element to close the valve, by moving the valve element upwardly. A bias spring is mounted between the lower surface of the upper part of the valve body and the upper surface of the collar for urging the valve element to open the valve.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent flow regulator for a combustion exhaust flue comprises a vent pipe connected to the flue by a first end, the opposite end having a movable valve member disposed therein, and thermostatic expansion means sensing the temperature of the flue, the expansion means being directly connected to the valve member via a linkage. The expansion means directly drives the valve member, independently of suction created by draft in the flue.

Abstract: An automatic stove damper having a temperature responsive element which activates a damper plate, the temperature responsive element being oriented by a movable adjustment means. The device allows for easy adjustment of the relative amount of damping provided by the device by shifting the adjustment means, but if the damper plate reaches and is stopped at a fully closed position the adjustment means is allowed to shift, preventing further temperature increases from permanently deforming the temperature responsive element. The adjustment means can release the temperature responsive element to quickly shift the damper plate to a fully damped position. In other aspects of the application a metal ring is attached to a stove pipe, with a magnet being positioned thereupon for orienting the temperature responsive element to provide the desired amount of relative damping. A counterweight urges the damper plate to a fully closed position when the magnet releases the temperature responsive element.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling including a drive shaft drivably connected to the engine, a casing member rotatably mounted on the drive shaft and provided with a fluid working chamber and a fluid reservoir, a rotor fixed to the drive shaft and located in the fluid working chamber and rotatable relative to the casing member, a valve shaft rotatably and sealingly mounted on the casing member, a valve plate fixed to an inner end of the valve shaft and operable to control fluid communication between the fluid working chamber and the reservoir, a helically wound bimetal element located on an exterior portion of the casing member, the bimetal element having an inner end portion connected to an outer end of the valve shaft and an outer end portion being connected to a suitable portion of the casing member, and a resilient member located between the outer end portion and the casing member.

Abstract: An alcohol still having a boiler with a valve for maintaining the amount of liquor constant. The boiler mounts a distilling column having a temperature controlled inlet for liquor to be distilled which assists in maintaining the operation at a constant optimum operating temperature.

Abstract: A thermally responsive damper for operation in a rectangular ventilation duct.

Abstract: A bladder, suitably formed of silicone rubber and molded into a cylindrical shape, is provided internally with a deforming spring. The resultant unit serves as a delivery stabilizer for a ventilation shaft without loss of elasticity of the bladder.

Abstract: An improved temperature-responsive wall ventilator construction comprising a housing having side walls defining an air flow passageway, a plurality of louvers disposed in said passageway and operatively attached to opposed side walls of the housing for pivotal movement to control the flow of air through the passageway. A temperature-responsive bimetallic coil spring located in the passageway and in an opening through one of the louvers controls pivotal movement of the louvers in the passageway to regulate the flow of air therethrough. One end of the coil spring is mounted directly to a face of one of the louvers, and the other end portion of the coil spring extends into an opening in a side wall of the housing to serve as sole pivotal support for one end of the louver. Temperature changes cause expansion and contraction of the spring which causes corresponding pivotal movement of the louver.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for automatically regulating a choke valve mounted in a carburetor. The device comprises a housing fixed to the body of a carburetor, a bimetal coil provided in the housing and connected to a choke valve shaft urging the choke valve to a closed or open position, an electric heater device located adjacent to the bimetal coil, and a heat conductive member interposed between the bimetal coil and the heater device. Each surface of the heat conductive member is kept in contact with both the heater device and the bimetal coil. Particularly, the bimetal coil is formed in a conical shape and mounted on a retainer, thus being operable to press the heat conductive member with its compressive spring force so as to receive the heat output from the heater device efficiently and quickly by direct heat conduction.

Abstract: A temperature actuated foundation ventilator comprises a rectangular housing with top, bottom and side walls, air permeable screens on the front and rear walls, a plurality of louvers extending between the side walls and a bi-metallic element for actuating the louvers into closed position in cold weather and into open position in hot weather. The bi-metallic element is exposed to the ambient temperature exteriorly of the housing and at the same time enclosed within a protective cover which includes means for positively supporting the bi-metallic element in operative position. Movement of the bi-metallic element responsive to changes in temperature causes corresponding movement of a control link connected to the bi-metallic element exteriorly of the housing and extending into the housing and into pivotal engagement with each of a plurality of louvers journaled in opposed side walls of the housing.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling for connecting a cooling fan to an engine radiator including a rotatable casing having a fluid operating chamber and a fluid reservoir chamber therein, the chambers being in fluid communication one with the other; a rotor located in the fluid operating chamber and being rotatable relative to the casing; valve means operable to control fluid communication between the chambers; and a bimetal coil on the exterior of the casing, the inner end of the coil being operatively connected to the valve means and the outer end of the coil being pivotally connected to the casing.

Abstract: A low cost control regulates air flow between the freezer and food compartments of a side-by-side refrigerator and cooperates with a freezer thermostat to form a system which regulates operation of the refrigerator compressor in an energy efficient manner. A spiral coil spring of thermostat metal material has its inner end secured to a damper shaft to bias damper movement between positions opening and closing a control housing orifice in response to changes in temperature. A cylinder fitted around and secured to the outer end of the spring coil rotates to adjust the spring bias for selectively changing the temperature setting of the control. A control arm has a split sleeve at one end releasably clamped to the cylinder at a selected angle for initially calibrating the control and system, the opposite arm end being slidable on the control housing to rotate the arm for selectively varying the spring bias.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device of the type including a rotatable coupling body defining a fluid operating chamber and a coupling member rotatable relative to the coupling body. A cover is associated with the coupling body and coupling member to define a fluid reservoir chamber, and a valve is operable to control fluid communication between the operating chamber and the reservoir chamber. The valve is mounted on a shaft which is rotatable relative to the cover and the rotational position of the shaft is controlled by a bimetallic coil having one end connected to the shaft and a second end which must be fixed relative to the cover. A bracket is fixedly attached to the cover and a clip member, in movable engagement with the bracket, receives the second end of the bimetal coil to prevent substantial rotational movement of the second end relative to the bracket.