Abstract: A fast-acting reliable electrically operated normally opened or normally closed valve includes a piston which is spring-biased open and which is actuable by pressurized actuating fluid to drive a plug against a valve seat to terminate working fluid flow. Operating current is passed through stainless steel and copper tubes which are connected in series and contain actuating fluid. The stainless steel tube is heated by the current and vaporizes the actuating fluid-generating pressure which forces the cooler fluid from the copper tube into driving relation with the piston. When current is turned off, the stainless steel tube cools decreasing the vapor pressure. The cooler fluid from the copper tube is forced into the stainless tube by the biasing spring and accelerates condensation in the stainless steel tube to lower the pressure and quickly re-open the valve.

Abstract: A damper assembly constructed to close a flue pipe for a burner during non-use of the burner and to automatically open prior to burner ignition. An actuator operated by a thermo-statically controlled heater and an expansible fluid, rotates a baffle of the damper assembly to open the flue pipe. A safety interlock requires the baffle to be opened before the burner is ignited. When the burner is turned off, the actuator delays closing of the baffle for a time to allow exhausting of residual combustion products. In one embodiment, two baffles are operated to close a flue pipe above and below a draft diverter.

Abstract: A thermal actuator has means for containing a vaporizable liquid and means for vaporizing the liquid. Means is provided for supplying only a portion of the liquid to the vaporizing means to affect vaporization thereof and for subjecting the remaining liquid in the containing means to the vapor established upon vaporization of the liquid portion by the vaporizing means. A method of driving a thermal actuator and an actuating system including a thermal actuator are also disclosed.