Abstract: A temperature responsive valve assembly comprises a valve for controlling the fluid communication between fluid inlet and outlet passages containing therein a fluid to be controlled, a valve operating member operatively connected to the valve for operating the same in response to the temperature of a control fluid for controlling the valve assembly. The valve operating member is thermally separated from the fluid in the inlet and outlet passages so that it may sense only the temperature of the control fluid for controlling the valve assembly and the fluid to be controlled.

Abstract: Pressurized control signal apparatus is disclosed, which being supplied with air from a source of variable pressure, is operative to produce a control signal essentially independent of variations in the supply pressure. In one aspect of the invention, the control signal is amplified in volume of flow; in another, it is generated in response to temperature. The apparatus is specifically adapted to effect regulation of air flow in a variable air volume (VAV) temperature conditioning system in response to temperature in a conditioned zone, wherein the supply air for the apparatus is derived from a temperature conditioned air distribution duct of the VAV system.

Abstract: An improved thermostat having two modes of operation selected by a pressure signal from a central source, which includes a separate set point for each mode of operation. Each set point has a scale which is clearly visible without removal of any parts of the thermostat. Each set point is also adjustable either by an adjuster that can be operated by occupants or only by authorized personnel having a tool fitting the opening in the set point adjustor. Adjustors can be provided with restrictors which limit set point adjustment to a predetermined range of temperatures and which can be adjustable by authorized personnel, or can be factory set.

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 pneumatic control system for controlling a pneumatically operated device in relation to the operation of a pneumatic signal sending thermostat and a pneumatic signal sending set point adjuster, the set point adjuster being adapted to direct its pneumatic signal to pneumatically operated temperature setting means of the thermostat to set the thermostat to a particular temperature thereof whereby the thermostat is adapted to direct its pneumatic signal to the device to control the device in relation to the differential between the temperature sensed by the thermostat and the temperature setting thereof. The thermostat has an output chamber for directing its pneumatic signal and is disposed remote from the pneumatically operated temperature setting means thereof. The set point adjuster has a temperature sensor for changing its setting in relation to sensed temperature thereof.

Abstract: A thermostat construction for producing a pneumatic signal in relation to sensed temperature and having a housing provided with a pneumatically operated set point adjustment diaphragm operatively interconnected to a temperature sensor and a pneumatically operated feedback diaphragm to control a valve unit for producing the pneumatic signal in an output chamber of the housing that is defined in part by the feedback diaphragm, a balancing diaphragm being carried by the housing and also defining in part the output chamber thereof.

Abstract: A two-temperature pneumatic thermostat control system having an output device, a two-level source of pneumatic pressure, a first temperature sensor for controlling the flow of pneumatic fluid from the source to the device when the source is at a first level thereof, a second temperature sensor for controlling the flow of pneumatic fluid from the source to the device when the source is at a second level thereof, a switching unit for automatically switching the device to be controlled by the first sensor when the source is at the first level thereof and by the second sensor when the source is at the second level thereof, and a manual reset member for causing the switching unit to switch the device to be controlled by the first sensor even though the source is at the second level thereof when the reset member is moved to a reset position thereof.

Abstract: A pressure transducer is disclosed which produces a variable fluid pressure level in correspondence with the level of a varying electrical signal. The particular application of the pressure transducer disclosed is for a vacuum modulator for producing a variable level vacuum pressure for operating an actuator utilized to position a blend air door in an automatic temperature control system for automotive passenger compartments. The pressure variation is accomplished by controlled communication of either a low pressure or a high pressure source with an interior chamber of the transducer housing, such controlled communication being produced by a pair of heated bimetal actuator devices, each including a bimetal arm which is normally biased to seal the respective inlet port associated with each of the low pressure and high pressure sources.

Abstract: A pneumatically and temperature controlled valve construction adapted for interconnecting a pneumatic source to a pneumatically operating device when said construction senses one of a pair of certain values of vacuum and a certain temperature regardless of whether the others being sensed or not being sensed. The construction includes a single housing, a pair of vacuum operated valve means nested in the housing and a temperature operating valve means nested in the housing.

Abstract: A differential vacuum regulator having a housing provided with an inlet for being interconnected to a vacuum source and an outlet for being interconnected to a vacuum operated device, valve means being carried by the housing for interconnecting the inlet and the outlet together to provide a certain vacuum level at the outlet when the regulator senses a temperature below a certain temperature and for interconnecting the inlet and the outlet together to produce a different vacuum level at the outlet when the regulator is sensing the certain temperature.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulating device for use in fluid handling systems which is capable of maintaining substantially constant flow rates over a wide range of variations in system pressure. The device includes a housing having disposed therein a conduit whose lateral wall includes one or more apertures of a predetermined configuration. A piston is disposed within the conduit and is axially displaceable, in response to pressure differentials, throughout the portion of the conduit wherein the apertures are located. A spring mechanism having a specified non-linear coefficient of stiffness is employed to yieldably resist downstream displacement of the piston. The piston and aperture together form a variable area flow passageway through which substantially all the fluid must pass. A pneumatic, thermometric mechanism may also be employed to displace the piston within the conduit in response to changes in temperature and independent of pressure variations.

Abstract: A temperature responsive valve assembly includes a body having an inlet port and first and second outlet ports, a thermostatic bimetal disk disposed within the body and responsive to a variation in temperature to change the curvature thereof from a first position to a second position, a first seat portion disposed within a first passage between the inlet port and the first outlet port, a second seat portion disposed within a second passage between the inlet port and the second outlet port, a valve member arranged between the first and second seat portions and engageable with both seat portions, a connecting means following the movement of the bimetal disk to thereby actuate the valve members between a first position wherein the valve member engages with the first seat portion to control the first passage and a second positon wherein the valve member engages with the second seat portion to control the second passage, a seat member having the second seat portion thereon and being adjustably threaded with the bo

Abstract: A thermopneumatic actuator of the invention is used to control an automobile heater and/or air conditioner to maintain a desired temperature in the automobile passenger compartment through a mechanical output member of the actuator. The output member is connected to and moved by a diaphragm which is positioned by vacuum introduced from the automobile intake manifold and works against a diaphragm spring. A valve is controlled by a bimetal spring exposed to air from the passenger compartment to modulate the vacuum applied to the diaphragm. A feedback spring connected between the diaphragm and the valve works against the bimetal spring. An aspirator comprising a venturi tube causes air flow from the passenger compartment around the bimetal spring.

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.

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: 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.

Abstract: An electric-thermal switch valve has a body with a first port and at least one second port with a temperature operated valve means including a valve seat and a bimetal element, responsive to temperature, positioned to cooperate with the valve seat to control flow between the first port and the second port. An electrical heating means, including a semi-conductor, having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, positioned in the body, is used to heat the bimetal element when energized whereby switching of the bimetal element at a predetermined temperature, will occur as the combined effect of heat sensed by the body and the heat generated by the electrical heating means.

Abstract: An output member of the present actuator is connected to control a temperature door in an air conditioning duct leading into an automobile passenger compartment and thereby the temperature in the compartment. The output member is connected to and moved by a diaphragm which is positioned by opposing forces of a diaphragm spring and modulated intake manifold vacuum. A valve is controlled by first and second bimetal springs which act in parallel against a feedback spring connected between the valve and the diaphragm. The first bimetal spring is responsive to air temperature in the compartment. The second bimetal spring is responsive to air temperature in the duct and compensates for variations in the operation of the air conditioning system caused by variations in load and the like.

Abstract: A temperature responsive valve is disclosed including a pair of body members which are snapped together and when assembled define a valve chamber. Located within the valve chamber is a bimetal snap disc which seats at its periphery against an O-ring type valve seat when in one position of stability and is spaced from the valve seat in its other position of stability. A spider type spring extends between the cover member and the center of the disc to urge the disc in a direction toward the valve seat. The spring is provided with depending tabs which are positioned adjacent to the side wall of the cavity and function to insure proper location of the spring during assembly of the cover member. The tabs also function to insure proper position of the disc during the operation of the valve.

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.

Abstract: An improved multi-function, thermal valve assembly has four ports with two passages sealingly separated one from another; the first passage connecting the first two ports and the second passage connecting the second two ports. Each of the passages has a valve seat contained therein. The valve assembly employs at least one thermally responsive actuating member which is actuable to move a valve switching means in each of the two passages simultaneously to either open or close one or both of the valve seats contained in the two passages thereby changing communication between the first two ports and between the second two ports.

Abstract: A pneumatic device is responsive to changes in temperature to vary a controlled pressure. Means are provided to vary the temperature response characteristics in accordance with changes in altitude or other variations in ambient pressure.

Abstract: A double diaphragm, two stage vacuum break device in which the vacuum break plunger operates in a first stage in response to movement of one diaphragm assembly and in a second stage in response to movement of a pair of diaphragm assemblies. Metering valves are employed to cause delay of movement of the vacuum break devices in each of its ranges and delay can be eliminated from a selected one or both of the stages of movement by omitting a valve member. The stages of movement are under the control of separate sources of vacuum, a selected one of which may be under control of a temperature responsive valve. The range of movement of the plunger in its two stages of operation may be adjusted by mechanical means or a member responsive to temperature.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing reset action in a controller, having an averaging circuit for supplying a pilot signal which is the average of an input signal and a feedback signal, a relay having an input connected to receive the pilot signal for providing an output signal which bears a predetermined relationship with the pilot signal, the output signal being connected in a feedback circuit to supply the feedback signal to the averaging circuit, and a capacity which is either connected to the feedback circuit to delay only the feedback signal or connected between the averaging circuit and the relay to delay both the output signal and the feedback signal. The input signal may be a controller output such as a control variable and the output signal may be used to control a control element such as a condition affecting the control variable.

Abstract: A force-balance transmitter for producing a pressure signal proportional to the enthalpy of air has a flapper associated with a nozzle and employs a control force acting on the flapper in opposition to a feedback force applied to the flapper by the controlled fluid pressure acting over the area of the nozzle, the control force being produced by the combination of forces exerted on the flapper by two resilient beams subjected to individual bending moments responsive to sensed temperature and sensed humidity respectively.

Abstract: In an engine having a pump for delivering air to the exhaust system to support oxidation of exhaust gases, a valve opens when air delivered by the pump exceeds a selected temperature to bleed air from the pump into the vacuum chamber of a diaphragm operated valve. In one embodiment the valve diverts air from the exhaust system to relieve the backpressure on the pump, while in another embodiment the valve closes an exhaust gas recirculation passage to improve efficiency of operation.

Abstract: A temperature responsive valve assembly including a body having an inlet port and first and second outlet ports, a thermostatic bimetal disk disposed within the body and responsive to a variation in temperature to change the curvature thereof from a first position to a second position, a valve spool following the movement of the bimetal disk and having first and second valve portions, an adjusting member secured to the valve spool at a proper position and arranged to be engageable with the bimetal disk, a first seat member disposed within a first passage between the inlet port and the first outlet port, the first seat member engageable with the first valve portion of the valve spool to thereby control the first passage, and a second seat member disposed within a second passage between the inlet port and the second outlet port, the second seat member engageable with the second valve portion of the valve spool to thereby control the second passage, and the second seat member being adjustably threaded with the b

Abstract: An adjustable bimetal construction adapted to provide an adjustable throttling range and having a first bimetal member and a second bimetal member, one opposed end of the first bimetal member being operatively interconnected to the frame while the other end thereof is movable relative to the frame and one opposed end of the second bimetal member also being operatively interconnected to the frame while the other end thereof is movable relative to the frame. A device operatively interconnects the other ends of the bimetal members together to provide a combined bimetal action at the other ends thereof which can be adjusted through different positions of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus to override the primary pneumatic circuitry of an air distribution system during warm up cycles. Means are provided for nullifying the pressure signal, indicative of ambient temperature, to which the flow controller responds. In the preferred embodiment, the override means comprises a bimetallic helical element which operates to bleed the pneumatic thermostat's air supply, thereby reducing the temperature indicative signal to zero.

Abstract: A thermally responsive valve assembly comprising a two-portion valve body, one portion of which includes two nipples each having a passage therein. One of the nipples extends generally axially of the valve body and the other nipple extends generally perpendicularly to the first nipple with the passage in one of the nipples constituting an inlet passage and with the passage in the other nipple constituting an outlet passage with communication between the passages within the first portion of the valve body, and with one of the passages having a valve seat. Valve means are provided in the valve body for movement into and out of engagement with the valve seat, thereby selectively to block communication between the passages. The valve means comprises a dish-shaped thermostatic disk which is responsive to variations in temperature and changes in curvature from a first position in which the disk is bowed away from the valve seat and a second position in which the disk is bowed toward the valve seat.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic temperature control system for automobiles and improved components thereof. The control system operates on the proportional stroke principle and comprises an in-car air sensing tube biased with ambient air; a sensor in an aspirator at the end of the tube; a moving pivot operated directly by the output of the sensor; and a feedback control valve operated by the moving pivot for driving a vacuum-assist motor, the output stroke of which operates the various electrical and vacuum functions of the heater-air conditioning system.

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.

Abstract: An improved, dual function, thermal valve assembly has three ports and two passages connecting these three ports to a common chamber. The assembly employs two thermally responsive actuating members which are actuable to move a valve plug in the chamber at different temperatures to provide a first temperature region wherein the plug seals port one so that only ports two and three are in communication, a second temperature region wherein the plug does not seal any of the ports so that ports one, two, and three are in mutual communication, and a third temperature region wherein the plug seals port three so that only ports one and two are in communication.

Abstract: A thermally actuated valve assembly comprising a housing having a passage extending therethrough with the passage having an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat therebetween. A thermostatic dish-shaped bimetallic disk constituting a valve member is positioned in the passage and is abruptly movable over center from a first curvature position in which the outer periphery of the disk is in engagement with the valve seat thereby to block communication through the passage and a second curvature position in which the disk is clear of the valve seat to permit the flow of fluid therepast. The disk is movable from its first to its second curvature position upon being subjected to a first temperature and is returnable from its second to its first curvature position upon being subjected to a second temperature. A spring member biases the disk toward the valve seat and holds the disk in sealing engagement therewith when the disk is in its first curvature position.

Abstract: A mixing valve wherein a body provides plural inlets and a common outlet, with a valve settable to control flow from the inlet to a mixing chamber communicating with the outlet. A fluid pressure operated piston means adjusts the valve in its control positions. A temperature responsive device orients in the path of flow from the outlet and effectively controls the positioning of the piston means.

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.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic thermostat is provided which is capable of generating from a variable pressure air supply a pressurized air signal indicative of ambient temperature. The thermostat is used in conjunction with an air flow regulator in an air distribution system and utilizes as an air supply a portion of the air flow being distributed. The thermostat utilizes a pressure reducing valve which is referenced to pressure downstream from the air flow regulator, a flapper and nozzle pneumatic mechanism activated by a bi-metallic lever, and a self-aspirating arrangement which insures the bi-metallic lever is continuously sensing the true ambient temperature.

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.

Abstract: An aspirator for a pneumatic thermostat including a slit restriction which provides a relatively thin and wide jet of air. The large surface area of the flat jet entrains a substantial volume of ambient air and results in a large ambient air flow past the thermostat. The slit restriction is formed either of a shallow channel in a portion of the aspirator housing or of a cutaway portion in a relatively thin sheet of material interposed between two housing halves of the aspirator.

Abstract: An automatic control system for regulating the temperature of the passenger compartment in an automotive vehicle is simplified and improved by the use of a power servomotor having a vacuum motor, an electrical programmer, and a diverter valve as component parts thereof. The servomotor controls the position of a plenum mounted air blend door regulating the passage of cold, tempered, or heated air into the passenger compartment. The servomotor also controls the position of the electrical programmer which in turn controls desired blower speeds and certain other system functions. The servomotor further controls the position of the linear diverter valve which ports vacuum in accordance with predetermined conditions to other vacuum actuated motors employed in the system.

Abstract: A thermostatically responsive valve is provided which comprises a thermal element assembled with a housing to sense the ambient temperature, a plurality of responsive valves arranged around the power member of the thermal element within an interior of the housing to control the vacuum applied to pneumatically operated devices, and a spring-loaded movable member separably engaged with the power member within the interior of the housing to operate the responsive valves in response to the movement of the power member.

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.

Abstract: Three embodiments of an air distributor apparatus are shown which utilizes a balanced type air flow control valve of cylindrical configuration co-operatively associated with a cylindrical sleeve having circumferentially spaced openings closed by the valve. A diaphragm powered valve actuator is disposed within the sleeve which is installed at the air inlet of an air distributor plenum. Several control schemes are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermally responsive valve assembly comprises a plurality of fluid ports in which typically two are connected to vacuum sources, one to vent and another two to control functions. The switching of the control functions from vacuum to vent and back again is controlled by a bimetallic coil which rotates and, in turn, causes a switch disc to rotate thereby changing the passage route between the ports from vacuum to vent or visa versa.

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.

Abstract: A motor cooling arrangement and device for a vacuum cleaner which is provided with a temperature sensitive means that communicates with a valve and acts on a valve diaphragm when the motor temperature exceeds a predetermined level. When the valve is opened, atmospheric air is permitted to pass into both the dust collecting space and the space housing the motor. In the latter space the motor is subject to an increased air flow that functions to improve the cooling of the working motor.

Abstract: A thermally sensitive check valve is disclosed in which a bimetallic snap disc functions in one position as the check valve element and in another position to either maintain the valve open as in one illustrated embodiment, or to maintain the valve closed as illustrated in another embodiment. By combining the check valve function and the valving function in a single bimetallic snap disc, a simple and reliable device is provided.

Abstract: In a conditioning apparatus unit to be used in relation with conditioning systems of the type having four pipes for the secondary water, wherein the temperature is controlled by varying the secondary air flow passing through two heat-exchangers and a by-pass section by means of valve assemblies, the valve assemblies are actuated by the primary air feeding the same apparatus at a pressure value comprised in the range between 15 and 100Kg/m.sup.2. Each valve assembly relating to a heat-exchanger is operated by an expansion lung fed by the inlet primary air through a valve controlled by a thermostatic device. A linkage mechanically connects the valve assembly of the by-pass section with the valve assemblies of the heat-exchangers in such a manner that when one of the valve assemblies relating to the heat-exchanger is at least partially open, the other valve assembly is locked in the "close" position and only the by-pass valve assembly can be operated by the said one valve assembly.