Abstract: A hands-free kayak steering system is a system that enables users to maneuver small watercrafts without requiring physical steering by the user. The system may include a bridging base, a first maneuvering mechanism, a second maneuvering mechanism, a user controller, and a portable power source. The bridging base supports the user controller for the user to steer the watercraft using the feet. The first maneuvering mechanism and the second maneuvering mechanism enable the system to adjust to fit on the watercraft. In addition, the first maneuvering mechanism and the second maneuvering mechanism generate thrust to propel the watercraft in the desired direction. The user controller enables the user to selectively engage the first maneuvering mechanism and the second maneuvering mechanism to steer the watercraft in the desired direction. Finally, the portable power source provides the voltage necessary to power both the first maneuvering mechanism and the second maneuvering mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable electro-pneumatic converter or transducer based on the nozzle/baffle plate principle is proposed. A defined roughness (Rz) of the baffle plate surface can prevent the occurrence of Bernoulli forces at output pressures close to the initial pressure, i.e. when the exhaust nozzle (140) is almost completely closed by the baffle plate (100). The system thus becomes more dynamically controllable under these conditions. Such a converter can be used to control any consumer system, e.g. air power amplifiers for electro-pneumatic positioners.

Abstract: A thermal interface is provided. The thermal interface includes a shape memory material and a thermally-conductive material. The thermal interface is configured to be formed as a compressed thermal interface and as an expanded thermal interface. The compressed thermal interface is configured to partially fill a thermal gap between a first component and a second component. The expanded thermal interface is configured to substantially fill the thermal gap between the first and second components.

Abstract: A valve may include a housing forming one inlet and at least one outlet, an operating unit mounted in the housing, and performing expansion or contraction in accordance with a temperature of a flowing working fluid to selectively connect the at least outlet with the one inlet for exhausting the flowing working fluid outside of the housing, wherein the operating unit includes a sliding member slidably inserted into the interior of the housing, a flange member forming a penetration hole and fixedly mounted inside of the sliding member, a rod movably inserted into the penetration hole of the flange member, and a deformable member fixed at the penetration hole of the flange member and expanded or contracted in accordance with a temperature of the flowing working fluid.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device has an annular fixed body with at least one aperture in an annular surface thereof. When in use, fluid is arranged to flow through the at least one aperture. A thermally responsive annular valve element is mounted concentrically with respect to the fixed body. The configuration of the annular valve element is changeable with temperature so as to control the flow of fluid through the at least one aperture.

Abstract: The hot and cold water mixing valve having a cylindrical casing is provided with a control valve member which adjusts a ratio between hot and cold water inlets by balancing loads applied by a biasing member and an actuator, and cylindrical temperature adjuster which adjusts a position of the control valve member when rotated. In the temperature adjuster, an upper surface is formed at one end, a knob is provided in the center of the upper surface, and a ring-shaped recess is formed around the knob at the upper surface. The temperature adjuster is arranged inside the casing and the knob is inserted, coaxially with the casing, into the hole which opens at one end of the casing. A spacer which covers the recess is interposed and held between the upper surface of the temperature adjuster and one end of the casing.

Abstract: A hot and cold water mixing valve including a temperature adjusting dial, and a cylindrical casing having formed therein a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet is provided with a control valve member in which one end thereof is subjected to a load from a biasing member and the other end is subjected to a load from an actuator. By balancing between the loads applied by the biasing member and the actuator, a mixture ratio between the hot water which flows in through the hot water inlet and the cold water which flows in through the cold water inlet is adjusted. A temperature adjuster adjusts a position of the control valve member through the biasing member and includes a tapered skirt portion, which spreads in a radial direction, at an end on the control valve member side thereof.

Abstract: The gate arrangement 11 is provided in order to regulate coolant airflow in a path typically in a turbine blade 1 of a jet engine. The gate arrangement 11 includes a gate component 12 having an opening end 15 which at low temperature is closed by a gate member 14. Due to different coefficients of expansion between the gate component 12 and the gate member 14 when the arrangement 11 increases in temperature there is a divergence between a seal end 21 of the gate member 14 in order to open the opening end 15 of the gate component 12 and to allow coolant airflow through the arrangement 11. Thus, coolant airflow is allowed for high temperatures but as the gate component 12 and gate member 14 converge at sustained typically lower temperatures coolant airflow is stopped in order to prevent unnecessary cooling and so provide greater thermal efficiency.

Abstract: An adjustment and control unit for gas burner valves provided with a bimetal rod-and-tube thermostat which is arranged on a rocker supporting the flow control element of a valve. A translational motion actuator is arranged so as to push on the rocker, on the opposite side with respect to the thermostat, and is kinematically connected to a knob by way of coupling elements which convert rotary motion into a translational motion. The coupling elements provide two distinct transmission ratios, each at specific rotation positions.

Abstract: A thermal expansion valve comprises a metal tube for flowing a fluid therethrough, and a metal rod fixed only at a first end in the tube and disposed wholly within the tube, the metal tube having a greater coefficient of expansion than the metal rod. A plug having an orifice therethrough is disposed in the tube proximate a free end of the rod. Lengthwise thermal expansion and contraction of the tube and the rod caused by the temperature of the fluid in the tube and around the rod causes the free end of the rod to retreat from the plug to increase flow of the fluid therethrough, and causes the free end of the rod to approach the plug to restrict flow of the fluid therethrough, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally self-regulating nozzle for a snowmaking machine. The invention also relates to a system including the nozzle and method of snowmaking using the nozzle. The nozzle includes an outer housing made of a first material and a thermally separated inner housing, and a nozzle assembly attached to the outer housing by a member made of a second material having a thermal coefficient of expansion lower than the first material. The size of the nozzle outlet being dependent upon the expansion/contraction of the outer housing to accommodate more efficient snowmaking over a range of temperatures.

Abstract: A thermal expansion valve comprises a metal tube for flowing a fluid therethrough, and a metal rod fixed only at a first end in the tube and disposed wholly within the tube, the metal tube having a greater coefficient of expansion than the metal rod. A plug having an orifice therethrough is disposed in the tube proximate a free end of the rod. Lengthwise thermal expansion and contraction of the tube and the rod caused by the temperature of the fluid in the tube and around the rod causes the free end of the rod to retreat from the plug to increase flow of the fluid therethrough, and causes the free end of the rod to approach the plug to restrict flow of the fluid therethrough, respectively.

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: A compensation device receives an inlet fluid flow and adjusts the pressure at an outlet so as to maintain a constant Reynolds number throughout the operating temperature range of the fluid. This is accomplished by a metering valve device in the nature of a fluted pin which becomes displaced in response to fluid temperature variations. This displacement varies the exposed cross-sectional area of a fluted end of the pin as it becomes seated to a greater or lesser extent in response to temperature variations. This results in corresponding changes in pressure between the inlet and outlet of the device while maintaining a constant Reynolds number. An additional embodiment includes an unfluted pin which becomes seated in a fluted bore located in a removable knurled knob. This allows one to insert various knurled knobs with fluted bores which have geometric configurations particularly adapted for particular fluids. Such a modular approach avoids the necessity of dismantling the device.

Abstract: A tap assembly includes a body with a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and a seat therebetween. A clapper is disposed for movement relative to the seat between a first position engaged upon the seat for resisting flow of fluid toward the outlet, and a second position of for permitting flow. The tap assembly also includes a reciprocal positioning assembly with a rod mounted for axial movement between a first position for allowing the clapper to engage upon the seat and a second position for precluding the clapper from engaging upon the seat; a cylindrical housing; and an elastically deformable elongated element which forms a split ring positioning unit for the rod. The positioning unit has an inner ring and an outer ring.

Abstract: A cryogenic pilot valve comprising a thermal sensing element of two disparate thermal expansion materials on an actuator body joined to a control fixture having an integral valve wherein the actuator body and the control fixture are rigidly joined by loaded threads which simultaneously serve as the calibration set point device.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting the weight flow of fluid passing through a fuel control is shown. A bimetallic probe is placed within a metering spool to sense temperature variation of the fuel passing therethrough. A feedback mechanism senses changes in the probe and nulls the spool. The spool cooperates with specially shaped windows in a sleeve so that a percentage change in temperature allows a corresponding percentage change in fuel flow thereby offsetting changes in fuel density (and weight flow) caused by temperature changes. The probe is comprised of a rod and a perforated shell.

Abstract: A self-actuating drip valve for attachment to a standard outdoor faucet for the prevention of freezing of such exposed faucets and water pipes leading to the faucet. A tube includes a collar at one end for securing to the end of the faucet. A stem extends within the tube so as to be adjacent the faucet. One or more ports extend between the faucet and the interior of the tube. The distal end of the stem mates with an orifice through the distal end of the tube. The tube and stem have different coefficients of expansion, one being plastic and the other being metal. In practice, the tube is attached to the faucet, which is open, and is filled with water. When the outside ambient temperature drops, the tube and stem contract at different rates and the relative movement opens the orifice in the distal end of the tube so as to permit water to drip therethrough.

Abstract: A thermal modulating control valve for providing bleed air for aircraft anti-icing purposes includes a valve chamber with an inlet for high temperature bleed air and an outlet for temperature modulated bleed air for aircraft systems. A modular valve mechanism is mounted in a chamber for regulating the flow of hot bleed air to the outlet in response to the temperature of the supply. The valve includes a first wall section having a plurality of spaced apart flow orifices or openings in one face and fixedly secured adjacent the inlet end of the chamber, and a second confronting wall section having a plurality of spaced apart flow orifices or openings provided to directly confront the orifices in the first wall section. The wall sections are movable relative to one another in response to the temperature of the bleed air at the inlet end so as to displace the respective sets of flow orifices in and out of registry for controlling the flow of bleed air supplied to the outlet of the valve.

Abstract: A temperature compensated carburetor having a fuel metering system including a variable restriction needle gate valve for varying the effective flow cross-sectional area of the main and/or idle fuel supply duct to modulate the flow rate of fuel to the carburetor venturi mixing passage. The needle gate valve is made of plastic material having a much greater coefficient of expansion than the aluminum carburetor body in which it is adjustably mounted such that differential linear expansion and contraction of the needle valve relative to the carburetor body in response to ambient temperature changes varies the flow-controlling cross-sectional area of the fuel duct inversely relative to ambient temperature changes. The needle valve is a rod-like body with a threaded cylindrical mounting portion at one end threadably secured in a threaded bore in the carburetor body.

Abstract: A device for regulating or respectively limiting the temperature provided an electric heating element in cooking apparatus. At least one temperature sensor is provided for regulating or respectively limiting the temperature, the sensor having a rod of high thermal expansion which is disposed in a tube of low thermal expansion, the tube being held between holding elements. A support member adjoins each end of the tube and surrounds the rod. The holding elements are alongside each of the support members. The support member has a coefficient of thermal expansion .alpha..sub.1 which is smaller than a coefficient of thermal expansion .alpha..sub.2 of the adjoining holding element and larger than the coefficient of thermal expansion .alpha..sub.3 of the tube.

Abstract: To eliminate the effect of variables such as pressure and temperature on the operation of a pilot operated, pressure regulating valve, a poppet (30) is disposed between two ports (20), (34) in a valve body (14) and is biased towards a seat (26) by a pair of bellows (50), (58) which in turn are selectively compressed by an elongated rod (68). The bellows (50), (58) are disposed in opposing relation and have their interiors vented to eliminate the effect of ambient pressure while the body (14) and the rod (68) are made of materials having differing coefficients of thermal expansion to provide for temperature compensation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-regulating hydrant which is characterized by a mechanism which automatically alters the flow of fluid through a valve seat in response to changes in ambient temperature. A temperature-responsive member, operatively coupled to a valve plug, is used to control the position of the plug relative to a valve seat. As the temperature of such member changes, its dimensions change. Such dimensional changes are preferably amplified and used to move the plug relative to the valve seat to control the rate of fluid flow through the valve seat.

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 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: 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 carburetion system for an internal combustion engine having improved fuel metering is disclosed and includes a fuel supply conduit which is formed in a portion of the body of the carburetor extending from a fuel source to the carburetor bore with that carburetor body portion having a first linear temperature coefficient of expansion. A mixture control member formed of a material having a second linear temperature coefficient of expansion engages the body in a first region and defines relative to the carburetor body in a second remote region a fuel metering orifice for controlling fuel flow through the fuel supply conduit. The mixture control member may be moved relative to the first and second regions to change the fuel to air ratio supplied to the engine. Employing a fuel metering orifice in the adjustable fuel metering arrangement, the minimum flow area of which has a simply connected convex cross sectional configuration, minimizes the adverse effects of ambient temperature changes.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive actuator particularly for varying the pitch of blades spaced around a cooling fan hub. The actuator, as applied to a fan, includes at least first and second circular or part-circular elongate members within the hub, restraining means on the hub for one end of the first elongate member, support means for the first elongate member having a coefficient of expansion different from that of the first elongate member, and which inhibits radial deformation of the first elongate member during thermal expansion or contraction whereby the free end of the first elongate member moves circumferentially, means for transmitting movement of the first elongate member to the second elongate member, and further means between the second elongate member and the blades to vary the pitch of the blades in response to the combined thermal expansion or contraction of the elongate members.

Abstract: A fuel control system for a main burner having a dual rate pilot burner and a control device for providing a standby flame flow of fuel to the pilot burner when the output temperature effect of the main burner is above the temperature setting of the control device and for providing a large heater flame flow of fuel to the pilot burner when the output temperature effect of the main burner is below the temperature setting of the control device so that only the heater flame will cause a main flow of fuel to the main burner for a heating operation thereof. A diverter valve is provided for diverting the heater flame flow of fuel from the dual rate pilot burner to another pilot burner so that the main flow of fuel to the main burner will cease even though the output temperature effect of the main burner is below the temperature setting of the control device, the diverter valve being controlled by a timer or the like to provide a "cook and hold" feature of the system.

Abstract: An orifice assembly includes a cylindrical orifice unit formed of synthetic resin material and having at one end thereof an end wall with an orifice therethrough. A metallic needle is mounted for reciprocation in the orifice. The needle has an oblique surface which defines with the surface of the orifice a gap which is variable with reciprocation of the needle. A holder element, preferably of metal, surrounds and supports the orifice unit. An annular recess is provided, preferably in the outer surface of the orifice, radially outwardly of the orifice to allow expansion and contraction of the resin material, due to temperature variations, without constraint.

Abstract: A differential expansion rod and tube thermostat wherein the material of the inner rod has a much lower coefficient of thermal expansion than does the material of the outer tube. The thermostat is adapted to be mounted through an opening in the wall of an oven cooking cavity. A certain amount of the tube remains outside the oven cooking cavity. The inner rod is adapted to lie within the oven cooking cavity. Joined to the inner rod is an extension strap of a material having a high linear coefficient of thermal expansion substantially the same as that of the outer tube. The longitudinal motion created by the difference in the rates of expansion between the outer tube and the combined inner rod and extension strap is transferred by a hinged amplifier lever to a switch mechanism which is calibrated to operate at a predetermined oven temperature.

Abstract: In a cryogenic cooler, wherein a fluid under pressure is transmitted through an expansion orifice in a nozzle into an expansion chamber at a rate which is controlled by the movement of a needle valve in the expansion chamber, an expander member extends from the nozzle and carries the needle valve. The expander member expands and contracts in response to the temperature in the expansion chamber at a different rate than the needle valve to automatically regulate the flow of fluid into the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A check valve having a piston with a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the body which closes a bleeder port at running temperatures and opens the bleeder port when flow stops or when the valve cools. A body of brass and a piston of filled TFE is a preferred combination.

Abstract: A condition responsive valve construction having a housing provided with a valve seat. A pair of metallic balls are secured together in abutting relation and are movable toward and away from the valve seat so that one of the balls acts to open and close the valve seat. A lever is movably mounted in the housing and acts between the balls to cause movement thereof upon certain movement of the lever caused by a condition responsive means sensing different conditions. Spring means are provided for tending to hold the balls in the valve seat closed position thereof and in a certain valve seat open position thereof so that the lever can have lost motion travel between the balls for creating a differential in the conditions required to open and close the valve seat.