Abstract: Apparatus, positioned at an inlet port to a pump, for shielding the pump from a process chamber of a semiconductor wafer processing system, where the apparatus has a controllably variable effective throughput area, and method for electrically controlling the size of the effective throughput area. Specifically, the apparatus is a controllable restrictor shield supported by an actuator, having a first effective throughput area and a second effective throughput area, where the first effective throughput area is typically less than the second effective throughput area. The size of the effective throughput area is directly responsive to an electric signal that controls the actuator.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulating valve using a thermal expansion material. The valve includes a body provided with inlet and outlet ports; a displacement control part in the body, the displacement control part containing the thermal expansion material and displaced toward the outlet port when the thermal expansion material expands, thereby regulating a degree of opening of the outlet port; and a heater for heating the thermal expansion material within the displacement control part. The displacement control part includes a container containing the thermal expansion material, the container being coupled to the body and an expansion plate for regulating the degree of opening of the outlet port by being expanded in accordance with an expansion of the thermal expansion material, the expansion plate being hermetically coupled to the container.

Abstract: A simple, low-cost, reliable thermoactuator device is described, being capable of taking a plurality of stable working position besides its rest position. One and the same body is associated with at least two thermoactuators whose arrangement is such as to make a movable actuation element capable of taking at least three stable working positions, which are obtained as a function of an electric signal to the supply terminals of either one or the other or both of the thermoactuators.

Abstract: A thermally expansible composition is provided as well as method of making the composition and actuators and other devices employing the composition. The composition comprises a mixture of silicone elastomer and a thermostatic wax, polymer, alloy or alloy mixture that melts below 400.degree. F. The composition is moldable by any common technique, may be handled at room temperature without heating or refrigeration and can be easily contained in an actuating device without seals other than an anti-extrusion closure seal. This composition can be used in actuators without seals or return springs or other reconsolidating means.

Abstract: A passively temperature actuated valve has a shape memory alloy (SMA) mechanism connected to a lever arm which engages the valve stem to actuate the valve against the biasing force of a valve stem biasing spring when the ambient temperature rises above the transition temperature of the SMA. The SMA mechanism can include an SMA rod, but preferably has a tube of shape memory alloy supported in couplings which allow ambient fluid to freely pass through the tube. A stack of Bellville springs concentrically mounted over the tube biases the tribe to the elongated condition when below the transition temperature. An optional latch latches the valve in the actuated position if it is required that the valve remain actuated when the ambient temperature falls below the transition temperature and the Bellville springs again elongate the SMA member.

Abstract: An anti-scald valve including a housing including a fluid flow inlet end and a fluid flow outlet end. A first valve component and a second valve component positioned in the housing between the inlet end and the outlet end. At least one of the first valve component and the second valve component allow fluid flow therethrough, wherein the first valve component includes a first surface for sealably mating with a second surface of the second valve component for cutting off fluid flow at a fluid temperature falling within a predetermined fluid temperature range.

Abstract: A combination faucet compensates for a temperature deviation between a target temperature and actual temperature of a water mixture by utilizing a temperature-sensitive coil spring (80) to press a movable cylinder or axially elongated valve disc (70) that controls a mixing ratio of hot water to cold water. The temperature-sensitive coil spring (80) is constructed of a material that varies the spring constant of spring (80) according to a temperature change. When the temperature-sensitive coil spring (80) by itself cannot provide sufficient correction to compensate for the temperature deviation, feed-back control is utilized for completely eliminating the temperature deviation. To prevent hunting, control gain K of the feed-back control is determined according to variation in the spring constant of coil spring (80).

Abstract: An outdoor cooking unit comprises a hollow, hemispherical base that increases in diameter from top to bottom. Detachably secured to the hemispherical base is a hollow, hemispherical firebox that decreases in diameter from top to bottom. Supported by the firebox is a hollow, hemispherical cover that increases in diameter from top to bottom. Disposed within the firebox is an adjustable fuel element holder, which is contractable and expandable to regulate the concentration and diffusion of heat provided by the fuel elements. A heat sensitive device controls the expansion of the fuel element holder in accordance with the intensity of the heat in the firebox.

Abstract: A structural frame assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes an annular inner hub, an annular outer casing and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced and radially extending hollow struts connected to the inner hub and outer casing. Hot gases are extracted from the engine primary flowpath, using a scoop attached to each strut, and are directed through the struts to the inner hub interior for the purpose of reducing a bulk temperature differential between the outer casing and the inner hub and for providing a uniform temperature distribution within the inner hub. A first portion of the hot gases entering the inner hub flows continuously through passages extending through the inner hub forward wall and scrubs an exterior of the forward wall, using an annular shield attached to the inner hub, before re-entering the engine flowpath.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive controlling device comprises a casing inside which powders of at least two shape memory alloys are disposed with a shaft movably received therein. The mix of different shape memory alloy powder provides a characteristic curve more desired than its component shape memory alloys and by adjusting the ratio between the component powders, the curve can be adjusted as one expects so that when the powders are subject to temperature variation, the shaft is moved as desired. A method for manufacturing such a temperature sensitive controlling device is also provided.

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, and a shape memory unit 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 unit sensing a temperature above a first temperature and to move the valve member to the other of the positions thereof by the unit sensing a temperature below a second temperature, the shape memory unit comprising a shape memory wire having opposed ends interconnected to the housing and having an intermediate portion thereof operatively interconnected to said valve member.

Abstract: A hot water dispenser is provided for dispensing a selected volume of water at a predetermined water temperature. The dispenser has a body defining a predetermined sized cavity having an inlet for receiving cold water and an outlet for dispensing hot water. A heating mechanism is disposed within the body for heating the water contained within the cavity. A manually operable timer switch is operated to energize the heating mechanism and to select a time period for maintaining the heating mechanism energized. This selected time period determines the selected volume of heated water dispensed. A thermally responsive mechanism enables dispensing water from the outlet responsive to the predetermined water temperature of the heated water.

Abstract: Thermal expansion from the heating up of a pressure vessel in the form of elongated cylinder for containing a nuclear reaction is used to produce motion, beginning at a certain limit temperature, which is used to actuate a lever mechanism to open a safety valve which serves also for relief against overpressure. The thermal expansion of the pressure vessel itself may be used as the actuating force or an elongated rod-in-tube differential expansion device located between the pressure vessel and a nearby adjacent wall may be used to actuate the lever mechanism.

Abstract: A self-regulated Joule-Thomson expansion valve and cryostat useful in miniaturized cryogenic gas liquefaction systems include a substantially frustroconical valve member having a base portion supported at the end of first means such as an elongate shaft and a tapered valve seat generally complementary to the valve member and supported circumferentially adjacent a lengthwise portion of the valve member by second means such as a sheath slidably received upon the shaft. The valve member and valve seat taper down toward a free extremity of the valve member, whereby opposing peripheral surfaces of the valve member and valve seat define a converging annular passageway terminating at an annular expansion opening.

Abstract: A temperature compensator mounted on a gas pressure regulator having a spring loaded valve in which the amount of compression in the spring is changed by moving an adjusting member of the compensator in response to changes in temperature. The temperature compensator may include a piston and cylinder assembly containing a plug made of vulcanized polymer which contracts in response to a reduction in temperature. The piston is in engagement with the spring and is moved to change the amount of compression in the spring in response to the change in temperature.

Abstract: A drain valve has a construction such that ascent and descent of a drain valve head for opening and closing a discharge port are effected by a combination of two coiled springs, one of which is made of a shape memory effect alloy. The drain valve head is supported so that it is capable of ascending and descending by an inside and outside dual structure of attachment of the two springs alone. Thus, it is made possible to simplify a drain valve construction and to miniaturize a drain valve per se.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature regulating/pressure relief valve employing a shaped memory alloy wire positioned under tension within the housing of the valve. The wire contracts upon an increase in temperature in the fluid passing through the valve thereby initially either closing or opening the valve, and subsequently loading a spring which maintains the valve closed or opened under a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A damper operator for use with a damper having a frame and a damper blade pivotally associated with the frame, which damper operator comprises a drive rod; a pair of lever arms which are pivotally associated with each and which extend between the drive rod and a pivoting mechanism associated with the blade of the damper; and a latching mechanism which extends between portions of each of the lever arms, and which permits selective engagement and disengagement between those portions of the lever arms, and accordingly, selective respective rotation of the lever arms, so that the blade of the damper can be urged toward a predetermined orientation; and biasing means to urge the damper closed when the arms are disengaged; and means to prevent the blade from opening when the arms are disengaged and the blade has been biased shut.

Abstract: A thermal sensing element containing a heat responsive material having a very high negative coefficient of thermal expansion. The heat responsive material contained therein is a methanol saturated copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride. This thermal sensing element can detect minute temperature changes and can be packaged in a compact container for use in applications where space is limited.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manual reset type bimetal thermostat where a reversible plate is affixed to a disc type bimetal which can reverse in response to temperature change, characterized in that at least either of the reversible plate and the bimetal is provided with an air passage hole.

Abstract: A flexible disk damper which is capable of providing tight seals for a large diameter opening over a wide range of temperatures. Disks are made sufficiently flexible to compensate for inherent warpage in the damper seat by using a steel with a higher yield strength. Additionally, a varying cross-sectional thickness of the flexible disk is provided to ensure that unit stress is not exceeded along any point of the radius of the flexible disk for the deformation required to provide a tight seal. A pneumatic cylinder is utilized to provide a constant pressure to the flexible disks. A damper seat is fabricated from a cut plate or flat bar which is formed in an annulus. A deflection cone is utilized to deflect flue gases. The flexible disk is coupled together by bolts which are disposed in holes sufficiently large to allow independent movement of the disks to maximize deflection.

Abstract: A damper operator for use with a damper having a frame and a damper blade pivotally associated with the frame, which damper operator comprises a drive rod; a pair of lever arms which are pivotally associated with each and which extend between the drive rod and a pivoting mechanism associated with the blade of the damper; and a latching mechanism which extends between portions of each of the lever arms, and which permits selective engagement and disengagement between those portions of the lever arms, and accordingly, selective respective rotation of the lever arms, so that the blade of the damper can be urged toward a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: Device comprising an inlet duct for a gaseous refrigerating fluid under pressure connected to a choke opening into a fluid expansion and liquefaction chamber connecting with a refrigerating fluid discharge passage which exchanges heat with the said inlet duct, characterized in that, for the pressure range involved, the minimum opening (15) of the choke (10) and the heat exchange relationships with the inlet duct (7, 8) are such that in the minimum opening operating phase a liquefaction phase arises in the inlet duct upstream of the choke, so producing self-regulation producing the fluid flow just necessary to maintain liquefaction in the expansion and liquefaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature responsive control assembly which uses the volumetric expansion of a substance having a high coefficient of expansion, to expel a piston from a cylinder, such movements of the piston relative to the cylinder being used to control relative movements between first and second load elements, such as for example a window and a window frame, with the cylinder being connected to the first load element and the piston being connected by way of a high leverage operating linkage with the second load element, and wherein the thermally expansive substance is located in the cylinder between end plugs and the piston passes through one of the end plugs there being shaft seal means carried by the end plug and sealing around the piston passing through it, the piston having its inboard end immersed in the thermally expansive substance.

Abstract: The temperature actuated valve comprises a thermally more sensitive valve stem than the valve housing. The stem expands at a faster rate and causes vapor entering the valve to be gradually vented through an orifice of gradually increasing area as the temperature of the gas increases. It has application as a cryogenic phase separator valve which allows any cryogen vaporized in a cryogen delivery system to be automatically vented from the valve and to allow for an even flow of liquid to the spray nozzles and onto products of cryogenic freezing tunnels.

Abstract: A refrigerant expansion device for use in a vapor compression refrigeration system is disclosed. The device has a body portion with a bore extending therethrough. At least that portion of the body portion which forms the bore walls is made of a shape memory alloy which undergoes a metallurgical transformation at a predetermined transformation temperature to change the bore size of the device in response to the temperature of refrigerant flowing through the device. In this manner, the bore size of the device is adjusted in response to different operating conditions of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: Device for regulating a Joule-Thomson effect refrigerator comprising an inlet duct for a refrigerating fluid under pressure to which a choke is connected which opens into an expansion and refrigeration chamber connecting with a passage for heat exchange with the said inlet duct, this choke being regulated to provide a decreasing flow as the refrigeration temperature drops by applying differences in the coefficients of expansion of the components making up the device, characterized in that the said choke, for this purpose, consists in a tubular body (8) connected to the said inlet duct (4) and in which an inner body is held (9, 9a), providing a passage cross-section in it which is regulated by the difference in the coefficients of expansion of the materials making up these two bodies.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber includes a split ring surrounding the piston head and being mounted thereon so as to maintain a slight radial play between the ring and the shock absorber casing, and to maintain a slight longitudinal play between the ring and the piston head. Radially extending flanges on the piston head support the ring in place in a longitudinal direction. A longitudinal channel defining a flow passage for the hydraulic oil between opposite sides of the piston head is defined by a space between opposed free ends of the ring and between the inner wall of the casing and the periphery of the piston head. The ring is capable of expanding under elevated temperatures to an extent causing the space between the free ends thereof to vary so as to change the size of the passage and to control the dampening effect.

Abstract: A thermal actuator includes a housing containing a stack of deformable discs. A spring maintains a movable follower in engagement with the disc at the end of the stack. At least some of the discs are active snap-acting thermostatic bimetallic discs with first and second structural states wherein those discs are concave in first and second directions at different temperatures. The stack includes a first kind of bimetallic disc which snaps between its structural states at lower transition temperature and a second kind bimetallic disc which snaps between its structural states at a higher transition temperature. The first and second kinds of discs are alternately arranged in the stack. In one embodiment, passive discs which remain in a single structural state are disposed between adjacent pairs of the active discs.

Abstract: A thermally responsive valve composed of a first fluid passage whose inlet is connected to a carburetor advance port and whose outlet communicates with a chamber; a second fluid passage whose inlet communicates with the chamber and whose outlet is connected to an airtight chamber of a control valve; a bimetal in the chamber cooperating with a sealing member to close the outlet of the first passage when the temperature of the bimetal exceeds a predetermined value; and a one-way check valve disposed in second fluid passage to permit fluid flow from the first passage to the second passage. When the valve temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the bimetal will snap over to communicate the first and second passages so that the vacuum from the carburetor advance port can act upon the control valve.

Abstract: A fluid valve for a beverage-making appliance such as a coffee brewer, for example, which valve comprises a housing which contains a valve actuating means and which is closed at its inlet end by a filter, the filter being dome-shaped and having a small central aperture whereby air bubbles in a fluid within the valve may escape upwardly and out so that the valve may be used in appliances subject to microwave radiation.

Abstract: A bimetal valve is disclosed which is adapted to open and close a fluid flow conduit, or change flow paths from one to another due to the snapping action of bimetal discs in response to ambient temperature changes of the valve. In a first embodiment, there is used a combination of two bimetal discs and a valve seat cooperative therewith, thereby opening and closing flow of fluid between two ports. In a second embodiment, there is used a combination of two bimetal discs and a hold-down plate having a valve body thereon, thereby opening and closing flow of fluid between the two ports. In a third embodiment, there is used a combination of three bimetal discs, a hold-down portion, a stem portion and a valve body, thereby changing flow paths from one to another. In a fourth embodiment, there is used a combination of three bimetal discs, a partition plate, a stem portion secured to a valve body, thereby also changing fluid paths.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of a foamed molded article or part from pre-expanded polystyrene comprising a hollow mold compartment which communicates with a vapor chamber or compartment at least at the region of one of its walls by means of passageways or openings provided therein. Each passageway or opening is controlled by a valve arrangement responsive to the vapor temperature and which closes such passageway when the vapor temperature exceeds a temperature range contemplated for a limited foaming.

Abstract: When exhaust gases reach an abnormally high temperature, a bimetal valve opens and the muffler operates abnormally to produce a loud noise.

Abstract: A shroud closely surrounding a high thermal inertia rotor is provided with a support structure having low thermal inertia characteristics. The support structure is selectively exposed to different temperature mediums during transient operation by way of a thermal actuated valve so as to cause a rapid growth thereof during periods of engine acceleration and a slow shrinkage thereof during periods of deceleration of the engine. In this manner the clearance relationship between the shroud and enclosed rotor is maintained at a minimum during periods of steady-state and transitional operation to thereby increase the efficiency of the combination.

Abstract: A resistive element for a fluidic system having a load and a supply of wong fluid at a supply pressure which is a constant independent of temperature. The resistive element comprises a housing, of a relatively low temperature coefficient of expansion material such as a steel, enclosing a pair of coplanar plates of predetermined dimensions and fabricated from a relatively high temperature coefficient of expansion material, such as a magnesium alloy. The adjacent walls of the plates define the sidewalls of a channel for fluid flow. The plates are slidably mounted inside the housing so as to vary the width of the rectangular channel at a constant rate in response to incremental variations in the fluid temperature. The constant variation in channel width keeps the Reynolds number of the fluid passing through the channel at a substantially constant value despite small increments in the fluid temperature about its operating temperature.

Abstract: A temperature responsive fluid flow regulator having a body piece with fluid inlet and outlet passageways and an intermediate fluid chamber. An elastomeric member is disposed within the body piece and is confined therein and has an orifice aligned with the outlet. The member is responsive to temperature changes, and a restraining member confines it such that an increase in temperature causes a reduction in the size of the orifice to thus control the flow of fluid through the regulator. An adjustable needle is also utilized for further controlling the flow through the regulator.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic shock absorber for use with a motor vehicle or the like has disposed therein a valve, which is movable in the normal course of operation relative to a fluid passage. A heat sensitive element sensitive to the temperature of a damping fluid, such as oil, of the shock absorber is connected to the valve whereby the valve is urged from flow-preventing engagement with the passage after a predetermined damping fluid temperature is reached. Thus the provided valve permits increased damping fluid movement through the passage with temperatures in excess of the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A plant protector having an elongated housing side wall opening over which is movably mounted a closure panel, the panel being pivoted on the housing at one end of the opening and being connected at the other end of the opening to a heat sensitive expansible coil mounted within the housing so that a change in air temperature within the housing effects opening movement of the panel.