Compound Lever Patents (Class 236/101E)
  • Patent number: 6039262
    Abstract: The invention is a bimetallic actuator for heat-transfer applications where the source of energy is provided by a temperature difference between two eservoirs or the temperature change of the ambient. The actuator requires no external source of power for actuation. The actuator can be made with a separate heating resistor and connected to an external power source for operation in the active mode. The actuator could be a flap, a gate, a valve, or a cooling tunnel used to regulate flow anytime there is temperature difference between two environments or a change in the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Russell DeAnna
  • Patent number: 6003778
    Abstract: An oil level control valve (10) has a molded base (12) having an oil receiving aperture (12d) formed through a bottom wall (12e) with a circumscribing generally rectangular cover plate seat in which a cover plate (14) is removably received. A thermostatic element (16) in the form of a generally rectangular sheet is fastened to posts (12f) extending upwardly from sidewalls of the base by means of peg portions (12g, 12h) received through holes in the sheet and heat staked to the posts. The thermostatic element allows the cover plate to move away from the seat for optimum oil flow at low temperature conditions and restricts the valve opening as temperature of the oil increases to accommodate an increase in oil volume due to expansion in order to maintain the fluid level in the main sump of a transmission housing by allowing an increase in the fluid level of an auxiliary sump in accordance with target values for different flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph M. Gondusky, Alfred J. White
  • Patent number: 5909843
    Abstract: An exhaust valve for threading into a street elbow threaded into an exhaust port of a conventional steam radiator that includes a base portion, a cap portion supported by the base portion, and a bimetallic arm contained in the cap portion. The base portion has a ledge that provides a broad surface onto which condensate in exhaust steam from the conventional steam radiator is attracted and deposited as it passes through the base portion so as to prevent the steam condensate from interfering with the exhaust steam from the conventional steam radiator. The base portion further has only one central throughbore that is coaxial with the bimetallic arm so as to provide a direct path for the exhaust steam from the conventional radiator without any bends that can produce obstructive eddy currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Henry Ramo
  • Patent number: 5553636
    Abstract: For use with a watering trough fill control valve having float structure located to rise as water is filled into the trough via the valve, and to effect closing of the valve when the trough is filled to predetermined extent, the float structure located to fall as water level lowers in the trough, the float structure controlling a water inlet subject to freezing in closed position in winter, comprising an apparatus operatively connectible with the float structure for biasing the structure, so that it cannot completely close off ingress of water at the inlet as ambient temperature drops below water freezing level; the apparatus including a bimetallic control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Herbert W. Hoeptner, III
    Inventors: Herbert W. Hoeptner, III, Herbert W. Hoeptner, Jr., Rahl E. Hoeptner
  • Patent number: 5209399
    Abstract: A fluid level control valve has a base with a precisely controlled aperture formed therein which mounts on a transmission oil reservoir. A cover is pivotably disposed over the aperture and is biased by a thermostatic element in a direction tending to close the aperture. The thermostatic element is an elongated flat strip having each end captured by a bracket formed in each end of the base. A calibration post is precisely positioned on the cover to work with the brackets to place the thermostatic element in the desired position to provide a preselected force on the cover. The base has legs extending from the periphery of the controlled aperture for precisely attaching the valve to the housing of the transmission oil reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph M. Gondusky, Eric J. Giasson, Alfred J. White
  • Patent number: 5195678
    Abstract: A fluid level control valve has a base with an aperture formed therethrough. A cover is movably disposed over the aperture and is biased by a thermostatic element in a direction tending to close the aperture. The thermostatic element is a generally U-shaped strip having one end mounted on the base with its opposite end biased against the cover. The cover is adapted to pivot about one hinge at temperatures below a selected temperature value and pivot about a second hinge at temperatures above the selected value. A second embodiment particularly adapted to accommodate different flow rates employs a movable first hinge location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric J. Giasson, Alfred J. White, Narendra R. Zaveri, Joseph M. Gondusky, Phillip J. Leipf
  • Patent number: 4998878
    Abstract: A burner assembly includes a burner housing having a combustion chamber defined therein and a fuel injection nozzle secured to the burner housing and communicating with the combustion chamber. A fuel control device is provided for controlling the amount of fuel flowing through the nozzle. The fuel control device includes a valve chamber including a bore and a valve seat and a needle valve adapted to reciprocate in the valve chamber. An adjusting device is provided for adjusting a range of motion of the needle valve in the valve chamber. The adjusting device includes a control rod secured at one end to the needle valve and a bimetallic assembly for regulating the motion of the control rod. The bimetallic assembly includes a pair of legs which are operably connected to the control rod and are exposed to the heat produced by the burner assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Hunter Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gruber
  • Patent number: 4921165
    Abstract: A fluid level control valve has a base with an aperture formed therein. A cover is slidingly disposed over the aperture and is biased by a thermostatic element in a direction tending to close the aperture. In one embodiment the thermostatic element is an elongated strip having one end captured by tabs projecting from the base, and an opposite end is captured by a bracket formed on the base. The thermostatic element is formed with a V-shaped formed imparing portion which is aligned with the cover and the position of the bracket is adjustable to place a selected force on the cover through the thermostatic element. The calibrated valve is then fixedly attached to a housing with the aperture aligned with an aperture in the housing. In another embodiment a U-shaped thermostatic strip has one end mounted on the base with its opposite end biased against the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Henry Ty, Narendra R. Zaveri, Alfred J. White
  • Patent number: 4865250
    Abstract: A fluid level control valve has a base with an aperture formed therein. A cover is slidingly disposed over the aperture and is biased by a thermostatic element in a direction tending to close the aperture. The thermostatic element is an elongated strip having one end captured by tabs projecting from the base, and an opposite end is captured by a bracket formed on the base. The thermostatic element is formed with a V-shaped force imparting portion which is aligned with the cover and the position of the bracket is adjustable to place a selected force on the cover through the thermostatic element. The calibrated valve is then fixedly attached to a housing with the aperture aligned with an aperture in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Narendra R. Zaveri, Henry Ty, Alfred J. White
  • Patent number: 4838481
    Abstract: In a bimetal-actuated damper a loop-shaped bimetal element engages a damper element. One end of the loop is fixedly fastened while the other end of the loop is movably connected with the damper element. This improves temperature-dependent response and sensitivity of the damper and prevents damage from overheating or permanent change of operating characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventors: Werner Diermayer, Luitpold Kutzner
  • Patent number: 4828169
    Abstract: An adjustable air valve for steam radiators, comprising a cylindrical valve body of seamless brass having a predetermined outer diameter; an upper circular disc cap closing off the top end of said valve body; a lower circular disc cap closing off the lower end of said valve body; a frusto-conical vent wall portion defining a vent orifice of fixed diameter formed integrally within said valve body proximate to said upper cap; said orifice lying in a vertical plane disposed radially inwardly of the outer cylindrical envelope of said valve body; a U-shaped bi-metallic spring cantilevered from inner portions of said valve body opposite said vent orifice; an elastomeric sealing member having a flat circular sealing surface of diameter in excess of the diameter of said vent orifice; said spring being adapted to expand and to contract in response to temperature variations to move said sealing surface selectively into and out of seal contact with said orifice; a cylindrical band having a series of apertures of graduat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Daniel J. Smith
  • Patent number: 4809947
    Abstract: The regulating valve has a heat responsive extension element which is prestressed and which extends crosswise of the gas line. The extension element biases the valve body into sealing engagement with the valve seat to maintain the valve in a normally closed position. Due to the slight deflection of the extension element, the thermal length variation of the extension element is transformed into an approximately 100-fold stroke of the valve body relative to the valve seat. The control accuracy of the valve is considerably increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Plasma-Invent AG
    Inventor: Peter Muntwyler
  • Patent number: 4770823
    Abstract: A diaphragm carburetor for internal combustion engines with a special choke valve to regulate the fuel and air mixture especially during hot restart of the engine. The disk choke valve has openings and a temperature responsive alloy member is positioned to overlie these openings to close them when the engine is cold and to open them when the engine is hot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Walbro Far East, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshimi Sejimo
  • Patent number: 4651968
    Abstract: A valve construction and method of making the same are provided, the valve construction comprising a housing, a valve seat carried by the housing, a movable lever carried by the housing and having an opening passing through opposed sides thereof, a valve member for opening and closing the valve seat and having a stem projecting through the opening of the lever whereby the valve member is carried by the lever, and a tubular member disposed in the opening of the lever and telescopically receiving the stem of the valve member therein whereby the tubular member spaces the stem from the lever at the opening thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Harvey J. Shopsky
  • Patent number: 4646965
    Abstract: A thermostatic trap for a heating system having a feed pipe connected to a source of steam and a discharge pipe for discharge of condensate. Included in the trap is a housing defining a volume and comprising a bowl shaped body, a removable cover therefor, a housing inlet pipe portion projecting from a side wall portion of the body and adapted for connection to the discharge pipe, a housing outlet pipe portion projecting from a bottom wall portion of the body, and an outlet orifice defined by the bottom wall portion and extending between the volume and the outlet pipe portion. Retained within the volume is a valve body means comprising an end wall, a side wall and a retaining ring portion that together define a valve chamber, the end wall defining a valve inlet opening communicating with the chamber and an annular valve seat within the chamber and encircling the valve inlet opening. The valve body means defines a valve outlet pipe opening into the chamber and retained in the outlet orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Bimax Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur H. Anderson, Allan E. MacNicol
  • Patent number: 4557419
    Abstract: A temperature-actuated flow control device has a fluid inlet connected to an exhaust line with a control chamber located therebetween. The control chamber has a free-floating bi-metallic circular element which is flexed in response to temperature changes between a first position stopping flow between the inlet and the exhaust line and a second position opening the flow therebetween. This flow control device, when adapted to a gas sampling system, allows the bi-metallic element remain in a first position at normal operating temperatures to permit the continuous sampling of the sample gas. Whenever the temperature falls below the dew point of the sample gas, the bi-metallic element returns to its second position to stop the sampling of sample gas by the system to prevent condensation in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: George R. Hall, II
  • Patent number: 4502627
    Abstract: A fluid flow control for an automotive automatic transmission system is shown in which a flag, attached to a free end of a thermostat element is caused to slide over a control orifice to provide a minimum fluid flow at a high reference temperature of the fluid and above and a maximum fluid flow at a low reference temperature of the fluid and below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Henry Ty
  • Patent number: 4497437
    Abstract: A control device is proposed having a bimetallic element, one end of which is pressed into a holding groove provided on a metallic holder disposed in a housing. Fixed placement of bimetallic element over the lifetime of the control device is thus ensured. A method of making such a device is also proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Fehrenbach, Kurt Herbst, Eberhard Utz
  • Patent number: 4494692
    Abstract: Steam trap structure including a bi-metal strip for actuating valve means to control passage of steam through the steam trap in accordance with the temperature within the steam trap. The bi-metal strip may be straight or may have an arcuate portion on one end thereof and is constructed of alternate layers of steel and brass adjacent pairs of which may be connected together. In a modification all of the steel and brass layers may be connected together. An additional biasing steel layer may be included in the bi-metal strip. The steam trap of the invention further includes multiple coarse and fine strainers adjacent to the outlet valve and unique outlet valve structure including a flanged valve seat and cooperable conical valve member adapted to be self mounting in an opening in the steam trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: John J. Dobias
  • Patent number: 4456169
    Abstract: A steady state thermostat is disclosed which employs a magnetic flux coupling technique to obtain a greater stability in its operation, resulting in a significant reduction in fuel costs. The thermostat includes a temperature sensor operated arm and a temperature setting arm pivotally mounted on a common base pivot. A first magnetic field source is mounted on the first end of the sensor arm coincident with a first axis and a second magnetic field source is mounted on the second end of the sensor arm coincident with a second axis. A first magnetic field sensor is mounted on the first end of the setting arm coincident with the first axis and adapted for proximate positioning with respect to the first magnetic field source when the selected orientation of the setting arm corresponds to the desired ambient temperature being higher in magnitude than the existing ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Inventor: Clifford M. Martin
  • Patent number: 4412650
    Abstract: A snap acting heat motor operated gas valve having a valve member carried by a spring blade that is secured to one end of an electrically heated control bimetal strip. Magnetic means associated with the spring blade normally bias the valve member to a closed position to permit opening of the valve member upon a predetermined heating of the control bimetal member and to effect a snap action opening and closing of the valve member. An ambient temperature compensating bimetal member has a cantilever portion in spaced relation to the control bimetal strip and acting on the spring blade to offset the effects of ambient temperature changes upon the control bimetal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Young, Jesse H. Turner
  • Patent number: 4331292
    Abstract: An instant hot water supply system comprising a connection between the hot water and cold water lines incorporating a thermostatic control so that as the water in the hot water line cools off, cold water is allowed to escape and hot water is drawn from the hot water supply to take its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Inventor: Eric H. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4272013
    Abstract: Thermally actuated damper for vents or flues of gas-fired heating appliances having bimetallic slotted blades each of which performs both the sensing and the closing function. In the present invention the slots, which are necessary to enable the bimetal blade to flex in the desired direction, are covered, or eliminated, or substantially reduced for a more complete closure of the damper in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Inventors: Werner Diermayer, Luitpold Kutzner
  • Patent number: 4262844
    Abstract: A temperature-responsive valve for controlling the flow of fluid substantially without being affected by the pressure of or the turbulence generated by said fluid, comprises a housing having a chamber therein, an inlet port communicating with said outlet port communicating with said chamber, a temperature deflectable partition having an aperture and a tube. The tube extends from said inlet port past said aperture when the deflectable partition is in the position permitting a full flow of fluid. When the temperature of the fluid transmitted to said partition reaches a first predetermined value, the deflectable partition snaps to restrict with its surface the flow of fluid into said outlet port and remains in that position until the temperature of said fluid transmitted to said partition reaches a second predetermined value. The deflectable partition then snaps to permit the full flow of fluid into said outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Mark Controls Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Sekiya
  • Patent number: 4249694
    Abstract: A draft control arrangement for use with a gas-fired heating apparatus. The flow of waste gas through a draft hood of the apparatus is throttled by bimetal element means which responds to temperature change for reducing or enlarging the throttle area. Control means is provided for causing the rate of throttle area change during a certain phase of operation to vary from the rate of throttle area change during other phases of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Inventors: Werner Diermayer, Luitpold Kutzner, Erwin Postenreider
  • Patent number: 4245783
    Abstract: The condensation steam trap device includes a housing having a passage through the wall, which provides for fluid flow between the interior and exterior of the housing. The passage has a valve seat and carries a valve for engagement with the seat. A valve-actuating, temperature-sensitive element is disposed within the housing and has a connection with the valve for controlling the opening and closing thereof in response to changes in temperature of the element. The element is a bimetallic band or strip of curved or part-cylindrical shape. A nozzle or inlet pipe projects through another portion of the housing wall as well as through a clearance opening in the strip, the axis of the pipe and the discharge end thereof being directed against the inner surface of the strip substantially tagentially thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Inventor: Hans Richter
  • Patent number: 4241872
    Abstract: A thermostat construction having a valve unit for directing a pneumatic signal to a pneumatically operated control device in relation to the force differential between the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing unit thereof and the temperature setting of a temperature setting unit thereof, the construction having a lever pivotally mounted thereto and being operatively interconnected to the valve unit at a first portion of the lever and to the temperature setting unit and the temperature sensing unit at a second portion of the lever by a post-like member. The post-like member has a pivot section thereof pivotally interconnected to the lever at the second portion thereof to operatively interconnect the temperature setting unit and the temperature sensing unit to the second portion of the lever to compensate for any misalignment between the operating parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Alfred A. Frankenberg
  • Patent number: 4235219
    Abstract: Control method and apparatus, particularly for the damping of flues. A control device employing a latch mechanism operated by a bimetallic strip is used, for example, to operate a damper through a linkage. After being engaged, the latch is set automatically when the level of heating rises above a first prescribed threshold. Thereafter, when the level of heating falls below a second prescribed threshold, the latch acts automatically, for example, through the linkage to close the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Inventor: Peter DeFoe
  • Patent number: 4191326
    Abstract: A draft control arrangement having bimetallic damper elements mounted in a draft hood and adapted to change shape in response to temperature change to open and close the flow passage for vent gases from a combustion apparatus. The damper elements are positioned in the hood relatively close to the source of hot flue gases to provide faster opening and less tendency for vent gas spillage. When open the damper elements cooperate with stationary walls of the draft hood so that the resulting streamlined passage prevents minimum flow resistance. In certain embodiments the damper elements are arranged to undergo a spreading action during opening movement to achieve a disproportionately large passage for the vent gases during the initial phase of opening. In another embodiment a damper unit is mounted separate from the draft hood and provides the same operating results as the other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Inventors: Werner Diermayer, Luitpold Kutzner
  • Patent number: 4175678
    Abstract: An explosion proof device for a pressure accumulator, such as an aerosol container, having a valve portion comprising an action segment fixed in the vicinity of the valve portion, a part of such action segment being set in the state wherein engagement with a valve of the valve portion occurs, whereby the action segment can open the valve of the valve portion intermittently or permanently by displacement of the valve portion and/or of the action segment itself, being caused by the temperature of the atmosphere in which the aerosol container is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Inventor: Motoo Fukuda
  • Patent number: 4159078
    Abstract: A draft control arrangement having bimetallic damper elements mounted in a draft hood and adapted to change shape in response to temperature change to open and close the flow passage for vent gases from a combustion apparatus. The damper elements are positioned in the hood relatively close to the source of hot flue gases to provide faster opening and less tendency for vent gas spillage. When open the damper elements cooperate with stationary walls of the draft hood so that the resulting streamlined passage presents minimum flow resistance. In certain embodiments the damper elements are arranged to undergo a spreading action during opening movement to achieve a disproportionately large passage for the vent gases during the initial phase of opening. In another embodiment a damper unit is mounted separate from the draft hood and provides the same operating results as the other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1979
    Inventors: Werner Diermayer, Luitpold Kutzner
  • Patent number: 4156518
    Abstract: An electric vacuum valve comprising a body including a chamber having a first passage adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum, a valve seat in the chamber, a bi-metallic disc associated with the valve seat and operable to close the first passage and a second passage to the exterior of said body. A PTC disc is positioned in the chamber adjacent the bi-metallic disc and includes a first terminal connected to one side thereof and extending exteriorly of the body and a second terminal connected to the other side thereof and extending externally of the body such that heat from the PTC disc functions to radiate toward the bi-metallic disc when power is applied to said terminals to cause the bi-metallic disc to seat against the valve seat and when power is terminated, the bi-metallic disc cools and moves away from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1979
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4144998
    Abstract: An improved thermally actuated valve assembly having a double throw feature comprises three ports in which two passages are provided among these three ports; one passage connecting ports one and two and the other passage connecting ports two and three. At a predetermined temperature a snap-acting bimetallic member causes a change in communication from one of the passages to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Makoto Wakabayashi, John Doherty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4143812
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for a thermosensitive safety valve to restrict a supply of fluid in a fluid delivery system when the temperature of the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature. A bimetal reed is utilized in which its unattached portion flexes outward from its normal, non-flexed position when the fluid temperature reaches a predetermined value into a flexed intermediate position with the mainstream of the fluid flow subsequently providing the pressing force for placing the unattached portion in a fluid restricting position. Furthermore, the reed may be reinstated in at least its flexed intermediate position so as to allow for subsequent fluid flow when the temperature of the same has been adjusted to a value less than the predetermined value of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Fortune
  • Patent number: 4142677
    Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve comprising a plastic body including a base wall and a peripheral wall and a plastic cap including a base wall and a peripheral wall surrounding the peripheral wall of the plastic body. The peripheral wall of the base has a radially outwardly extending annular rib and the peripheral wall of the cap has a radially inwardly extending rib. The ribs are adapted to pass over one another to provide a snap fit during assembly. The base wall of the body has integral O-ring retaining means for retaining an O-ring. A bi-metallic disc is positioned in said body within the confines of the peripheral wall of the body and normally engages said O-ring. Integral stop means on the cap are adapted to be engaged by the bi-metal disc when the disc is caused to move to a position out of engagement with the O-ring upon increase of the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4140275
    Abstract: A temperature responsive valve construction comprises a housing member having an inlet and an outlet formed therein and carrying a resilient valve seat that is adapted to interconnect the inlet with the outlet when the valve seat is open, and a one piece magnetic bimetallic snap disc closing the valve seat by snapping directly against the valve seat when sensing a certain temperature and opening the valve seat by snapping away from the valve seat when sensing another temperature. The bimetallic snap disc is held by an adjacent magnet member so that the bimetallic snap disc is held so as to be able to operate surely and completely and the valve construction can be assembled in easy manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masami Inada
  • Patent number: 4121763
    Abstract: A fluid temperature transducer comprises a housing having two housing members, one of which defines a passageway controlled by a valve therein and the other is provided with a bimetallic disc subject on both faces to a fluid whose temperature is to be sensed, and arranged to engage actuating means for actuation of the valve when the temperature of the fluid sensed by the bimetallic disc changes between the crack point and set point temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: The Garrett Corporation
    Inventor: Frank L. Roberge
  • Patent number: 4111289
    Abstract: A shear liquid fan drive assembly for the radiator cooling system of an internal combustion engine of the type wherein a temperature responsive valve controls the degree of rotary coupling between the engine and a radiator cooling fan by controlling the quantity of shear liquid between a driving disc and a driven housing carrying the fan. The specific improvement relates to a bi-metal strip for the temperature controlled fluid coupling, the strip being so configured that its improper placement on the fluid coupling results in maximum fluid coupling and hence maximum cooling of the engine by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: Wallace Murray Corporation
    Inventor: Earl Ray Brummett
  • Patent number: 4103824
    Abstract: This invention relates to the thermostat for coolants to switch coolant flow from a first passage to either a second or third passage. The thermostat comprises a bimetallic spring disc which in one position directs the flow to the second passage and when heated to a predetermined temperature by the coolant switches the flow to the third passage. The thermostat is adjustably mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Inventor: Gerd W. Seifert
  • Patent number: 4102496
    Abstract: An electro-thermal gas valve uses a mechanical energy storage device, preferably a C-spring or a coil spring, to effect a snap opening and closing of a poppet in response to the position of a heat warpable bimetal member and, therefore, is relatively insensitive to gas pressure in the valve enclosure. Application of heat to the bimetal member causes relative movement of the opposite ends of the energy storage device to effect over-center travel of one end relative to the other end, whereupon the stored potential energy in the energy storage device is released as kinetic energy to snap the poppet open or closed. The valve is adjustable and due to its relative insensitivity to pressure in fact may be calibrated before the valve container and cover are assembled. A stop mechanism may be provided to assume affirmative support of the energy storage device whether the valve is open or closed, and a light bias spring may be utilized to help maintain the poppet closed until snapped open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1978
    Assignee: The Tappan Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Perl
  • Patent number: 4067539
    Abstract: A gas valve has a thermally responsive actuator and an electric heater for heating the actuator normally to produce a displacement output that moves a constrained spring to an over-center position in order to snap open the valve poppet.Portions of the actuator and the poppet holder are aligned such that the actuator portion will interferingly engage the poppet holder portion to move the poppet to its closed position when the heater receives an excessive electric power input causing an excessive mechanical displacement output of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Assignee: The Tappan Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Perl
  • Patent number: 4053136
    Abstract: A control circuit for a gas appliance includes ignition and hold circuits, the former providing for series energization of the heater of a thermal fuel valve and an electric igniter positioned proximate the appliance burner port area for ignition of the gas fuel and air mixture exiting the same and the latter providing for direct energization of only the igniter to hold or to maintain the appliance at a warm temperature. Moreover, the fuel valve includes an exterior selector mechanism for facile calibration and/or other adjustment for effective valve operation with either of two different gases at respectively different pressures, such as, for example, natural gas and bottled gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1977
    Assignee: The Tappan Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Perl
  • Patent number: 4038034
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensing device for an air-fuel ratio control system of an internal combustion engine, which device includes a sensing element exposed to exhaust gases passing through an exhaust gas passageway. A housing surrounding the sensing element has a plurality of openings to admit the exhaust gases into the housing, and a plurality of temperature responsive valves associated with the openings, respectively, which are closed when the exhaust gases exceed an excessively high temperature to prevent the sensing element from being deteriorated due to excessively high temperature of the exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Nakajima, Kenji Yoneda
  • Patent number: 4032071
    Abstract: A thermally responsive valve having dual operating temperatures comprises a main body having two openings which are connected through passages in the body to an internal operating space in the body, two dish-shaped bimetal elements disposed in spaced relation to each other within the internal operating space to divide the operating space into three sections, the bimetal elements being movable in response to variations in temperature to engage and disengage respective valve seats to close and open passages between the internal operating space and the openings, and an annular wave-shaped spring arranged between the two bimetal elements holding the elements in said spaced relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1977
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Kazuo Imoto
  • Patent number: 4027848
    Abstract: A fluid flow regulating or shut-off valve of the kind having a bimetallic element which regulates or opens and closes a flow passage through the valve in dependence upon temperature is provided with at least one electrically heatable PTC-element which is in thermal contact with the bimetallic element. Heating of the PTC-element by control of the supply of electricity to it thus controls the operation of the valve. The bimetallic element is preferably in the form of a snap-acting bending bimetallic plate which is heated by radiation from the PTC-element and which itself forms the valve closure member. With the bimetallic plate snapped in one direction, a passage through the valve is opened, but when the plate snaps in the other direction, it bears against a sealing ring surrounding a valve opening within the valve to close and seal the opening and thus shut the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Assignee: Deutsche Vergaser GmbH & Co Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventor: Waldemar Dietmar Mundil
  • Patent number: 4016853
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine control system having a source of vacuum and a vacuum operated control device. A vacuum operated temperature controlled valve construction is provided for interconnecting the source to the device when the construction senses a certain temperature, the construction having means for only disconnecting the source from the device when the value of the source falls below a certain level thereof regardless of the temperature being sensed. The valve construction has a temperature operated pilot valve arrangement for actuating the valve construction to an open condition thereof when the certain temperature is sensed, the pilot valve arrangement including a snap acting bimetal disc for opening and closing a pilot valve seat thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1977
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Harley V. Bible
  • Patent number: 4005821
    Abstract: A thermomechanical vacuum regulator adapted for use in automatic temperature control systems includes a bimetal strip which flexes in accordance with the temperature of air stream whose temperature is to be controlled. The bimetal strip positions a whiffle tree beam which carries a vacuum valve for communicating a source of vacuum with a chamber within which vacuum is regulated, and a vent valve for communicating the chamber with a source of ambient air. The vent valve seat is located on a floating diaphragm which forms one wall of the chamber. In alternative embodiments, one of the valves is replaced by an orifice and column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1977
    Assignee: The Bendix Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Slavin, George T. Bata, Raymen F. Emery, George C. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 3965222
    Abstract: A carburetion system wherein the choke opening is modulated in accordance with the ambient temperatures. A choke modulator mounted in the carburetion system's air cleaner employs a temperature sensitive provision to vary air flow to the choke thermostat and accordingly, varies the temperature at which the choke operates.The invention relates to improvements in carburetion systems.Carburetion systems wherein the choke opens too soon results in engine stalling. On the other hand if the choke remains closed or partially closed too long, the air-fuel mixture is too rich resulting in excessive undesired emissions, greater fuel consumption and even engine flooding.With the foregoing in mind, a new and different carburetion system is provided wherein the carburetor choke opening is modulated in accordance with ambient temperatures to obtain improved engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1976
    Assignee: Schmelzer Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Benjamin
  • Patent number: RE30552
    Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve comprising a plastic body including a base wall and a peripheral wall and a plastic cap including a base wall and a peripheral wall surrounding the peripheral wall of the plastic body. The peripheral wall of the base has a radially outwardly extending annular rib and the peripheral wall of the cap has a radially inwardly extending rib. The ribs are adapted to pass over one another to provide a snap fit during assembly. The base wall of the body has integral O-ring retaining means for retaining an O-ring. A bimetallic disc is positioned in said body within the confines of the peripheral wall of the body and normally engages said O-ring. Integral stop means on the cap are adapted to be engaged by the bi-metal disc when the disc is caused to move to a position out of engagement with the O-ring upon increase of the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig