In Fluid Controlled Patents (Class 236/93R)
  • Patent number: 6079441
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing indication of valve position of a manual valve is disclosed for a valve having a rotary, operating assembly journaled in a housing, the operating assembly comprising a handwheel, a bushing fastened to the handwheel, and a spindle threadedly engaged to the bushing to cause translation of the spindle in response to rotation of the handwheel and the bushing, the apparatus for enclosure in the housing comprising a hub coupled to the bushing for transmitting rotary motion in response to rotation of the bushing; translation means for translating the rotary motion into an electrical signal; and circuitry means responsive to the electrical signal for indicating position of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy D. Miller, Wayne R. Houck, Ronald G. Butler, John R. Lehman
  • Patent number: 6079628
    Abstract: The present invention shows a self-contained, thermostatic temperature and pressure operated pinch valve in which the path of fluid flow through the valve may be automatically and directly controlled by the temperature and pressure of a flow material. Various conventional sensing mechanisms may be employed in the pinch valve of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas M. Kenny
  • Patent number: 6058730
    Abstract: A flow regulating valve (100) for an air conditioning system is shown in which a body member (104) is provided with a fixed passageway (104a) and a variable passageway (104b) which results in regulating flow of refrigerant into the evaporator of the air conditioning system. Under high ambient and low or idle speeds, the system refrigerant pressure rises. This increases pressure in the evaporator and an increase in the saturation temperature of refrigerant in the evaporator. This increase in temperature is sensed by a helical thermostatic metal element (110) which moves to rotate an inlet sleeve (112) having a web (104c) formed between first and second windows (112a, 112b) to move into alignment with the inlet port (104c) of passageway (104b) to increase restriction to the flow of the refrigerant fluid through the valve thereby decreasing pressure of the refrigerant entering the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric J. Giasson, George Verras
  • 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: 6019171
    Abstract: A down flow, two tank, two pass radiator includes a flow division baffle in the center of the upper tank that automatically vents any air trapped behind the baffle as the engine operates. When the engine starts, colder coolant has contracted a thermo wax operated baffle slide to an open position, allowing any trapped air to vent through. As the engine and coolant warm to normal operating temperature, the wax expands, pushes the slide closed, and the baffle operates as a solid piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Colin Van Tuyl Johnson
  • 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: 5984195
    Abstract: Controllers for regulating fluid flow, and especially flow of liquid in supply lines, each of which include a valve assembly which is slidably positioned in a bore extending transverse to a fluid passageway extending through the body of the controller. Each controller includes a shaped memory alloy spring which is mounted so as to be in heat exchange relationship with fluid flowing therethrough. Each spring is mounted adjacent a stem of a valve and is operable when heated to a predetermined activation temperature to shift the valve assembly to at least partially close the fluid passageway. In some embodiments, the valve assembly is manually operable at temperatures below the activation temperature to regulate flow through the controllers. In other embodiments, the valve assembly is automatically shifted to open the fluid passageway through the body of the controller when temperatures decrease below the activation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Whirl Massage Showerhead, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Benedict
  • Patent number: 5967409
    Abstract: Temperature responsive valves for regulating fluid flow in a supply line such as to a showerhead or faucet wherein the valves include a slide valve assembly which is movably positioned within a bore extending in transverse communication with respect to a primary fluid passageway extending through the body of the valve between a fluid inlet and an outlet. Each valve further includes a pressure chamber in which the slide valve assembly is mounted which communicates with the fluid inlet. Temperature responsive force generators are used to control flow into the pressure chamber such that when the fluid temperature is above a predetermined temperature, the pressure within the pressure chamber increases, thereby forcing the slide valve assembly from an open to a closed position to thereby substantially terminate flow through the primary fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Benedict Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Benedict
  • Patent number: 5967410
    Abstract: A thermal relief valve to be mounted in a fluid flow line. The valve comprises a valve body and a valve actuator movable in a bore defined by a bore wall in the valve body from a sealing position in which the actuator sealingly engages a valve seat to block flow through the valve to a non-sealing position. The valve actuator is responsive to the temperature of the fluid exceeding a predetermined temperature to move to its non-sealing position. The relief valve has an actuator body configured to have first exterior surfaces sized for a close clearance fit with the bore wall at spaced locations around the actuator body to prevent substantial lateral shifting of the body relative to the bore wall, and second exterior surfaces which extend between the first exterior surfaces and which are spaced farther from the bore wall to define flow passages to permit the flow of fluid past the actuator when the valve actuator moves to its non-sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Control Devices, Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel A. Lammers
  • Patent number: 5961039
    Abstract: A thermostat comprises a case (1) forming an elbow through which extends a fluid passageway 2 comprising a fluid inlet region (22) and a fluid outlet region (21) and containing a thermostatic element (3). The thermostatic element (3) includes a fixed part (31), a movable part (32) which carries a closing device (4) cooperating with a seat (23), a bridge (5) in which the movable part (32) is slidable, and a spring (6) biasing the bridge (5) away from the closing device (4). The case (1) is in one piece; the fixed part (31) bears against the wall of the passageway (2); the inlet region (22) comprises inwardly extending projections (19) for blocking movement of the bridge (5) caused by the spring before mounting the thermostat on a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Vernet S.A.
    Inventors: Jean Chamot, Claude Henault
  • Patent number: 5878949
    Abstract: A temperature-actuated valve device which comprises a body 5 provided with a fluid inlet opening 6b and a fluid outlet opening 5a, a vale seat 5b formed on the peripheral edge of the outlet opening 5a, a main valve body 8 which is disposed movably within the body 5 in the flow direction of fluid and which is brought into and out of an abutting engagement with the outlet opening 5a to perform the opening and closing operation, a pilot valve body 7 which is disposed movably within the body 5 in the same direction as the direction of movement of the main valve body 8 and which is of a tubular shape causing a change in the fluid pressure acting on the upstream side or the downstream side of the main valve body 8, and a temperature-actuated spring 11 which is linked to the pilot valve body 7 and which deforms when it reaches a predetermined temperature and above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignees: Toto Ltd., Piolax, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Matsui, Masatoshi Enoki, Tsutomu Kato, Tetsuo Masatake, Toshiyuki Ooshima
  • Patent number: 5788147
    Abstract: The steam trap constitutes a miniaturized single block set, which regulator integral element are assembled inside a single part body with a ringing anchorage slot for the regulator filter and keyways for placement of the lugs of a washer acting as a wedge key, under which is located a guiding nut of the respective plug carrying spindle that forms part of the regulator. This washer has a polygonal passage inside which is located a V shaped portion of the guiding nut, preventing its turn whenever the plug carrying spindle is turned to effect the regulation, spindle which does furthermore pass through a bimetallic package and through another lower nut, which last two elements complete the regulator. The steam trap thus obtained does not have a cover, sealing joint and cover-main body joining elements, allowing the ready inspection and handling of the internal elements that make up the regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Vicente Blazquez Navarro
  • Patent number: 5695116
    Abstract: A thermally activated vent damper assembly for occluding passage of gases in a passageway such as a flue. The assembly includes first and second damper members which are pivotable about a common axis. Coaxial first and second support members which are spaced apart along the common axis support thermally activated biasing members which are attached to the damper members to thereby suspend the damper members within the flue. When heated, the biasing members pivot the first and second damper members about their common axis from a flue closing orientation to a flue opening orientation. The assembly may include a housing mountable to the flue and to which the first and second support members are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Majestic Products Company
    Inventor: Tadeusz Karabin
  • Patent number: 5690475
    Abstract: In a scroll compressor, an internal space of a sealed container is partitioned by a cylinder-shaped partition wall into a delivery chamber and a suction chamber including a driving motor, and a pressure relief valve is provided with the cylinder-shaped partition wall, and a thermal switch is disposed at the position to receive heat of the high-pressure coolant relieved from the pressure relief valve into the suction chamber, thereby, the pressure relief valve reduces pressure of coolant of the delivery chamber, and thermal switch is operated by the coolant from the pressure relief valve so as to stop the driving motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadayuki Yamada, Nobuyuki Shiratake, Hiroyuki Fukuhara, Shigeru Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 5676309
    Abstract: A flow control valve comprises a valve body with a central flow passage containing a poppet releasably engagable with an annular valve seat, the poppet comprising a poppet head engageable with the valve seat and a central bore filled with an expansion member formed of silicone rubber or other substance having a coefficient of thermal expansion different from the material of the valve body and the poppet bore being closed by a stop member fixed in position relative to the valve seat, whereby the expansion or contraction of the expansion member causes the poppet head to move toward or away from the valve seat, increasing or decreasing flow through the valve. A spring adjustably pre-compresses the expansion member and balances the force created by the expansion of the expansion member, the axial position of the stop member being adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: The Lee Company
    Inventors: Leighton Lee, II, Philip James Morgan
  • Patent number: 5527158
    Abstract: A thermally responsive valve assembly (134) for scroll motorcompressor high temperature protection, which causes a high-side to low-side leak when excessive discharge gas temperatures are encountered, thereby causing the motor protector (35) to trip and de-energize the motor. The valve assembly (134) includes means motor ducting (200) the excessive temperature discharge gas to the lower portion of the motor/compressor shell (10) to the motor to circulate the high temperature gas throughout the motor cavity. The excessive temperature discharge gas heats the motor stator (20) and windings (32) which will in turn cause the motor protector (35) to trip and de-energize the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Ramsey, Jean-Luc Caillat, Sunil S. Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 5462226
    Abstract: A temperature-responsive, locking mechanism is provided for a valve which has a rotary operating assembly journaled in a housing. The mechanism comprises an annulus coupled to the assembly for rotation therewith. A fluid temperature-operated electric switch is external of and coupled to the housing. A solenoid is mounted in the housing. A source of electric power is connected to the switch and the solenoid. The switch ia coupled to the solenoid for effecting solenoid operation, and locking means, coupled to the solenoid, and in proximity to the solenoid is actuable in response to solenoid operation for engaging the annulus and preventing rotation of both the annulus and the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Randall, Alan W. Bucher
  • Patent number: 5417367
    Abstract: Device for controlling the opening of a blanking off flap of a pipe, wherein the blanking off flap of the pipe is controlled in a first direction by a device using a spring made of a shape memory alloy as soon as the temperature rises and a return spring which activates the flap in a direction opposite the first direction as soon as the temperature drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Mecaplast SAM
    Inventors: Rene Baclet, Bernard Nuttin
  • Patent number: 5404972
    Abstract: A gas spring comprises a first bypass with a one-way valve that allows fluid to bypass the piston when the piston moves outward and a second bypass with a temperature-compensating spring-biased one-way valve that allows fluid to bypass the piston when the piston is pushed inward with a force exceeding the total of the force due to the gas pressure of the gas spring and the force required to open the spring-biased valve. Variations due to temperature changes in the force required to retract the gas spring are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Popjoy, Paul McDonnell
  • Patent number: 5402935
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Aldo Arena, Christopher Horan, Brian Robinson
  • Patent number: 5363025
    Abstract: An actuator employing a unidirectional electric motor driving a first rotating member connected to a second rotating member through a pivotable link of which a first end is connected to the first rotating member at a smaller distance from its axis of rotation than the distance between the point at which the second end is connected to the second rotating member and its axis of rotation. An enegerization circuit includes first and second limit switches through which the motor is alternately energized to rotate the second men%her in opposite directions to first and second limiting positions respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Colling
  • Patent number: 5358177
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided to supply a liquid, for example water, at a constant temperature, for example to a shower by mixing two supplies of the liquid, one hot and the other cold. Control of the output temperature is effected by measuring and controlling the flow rate in one or both of the supplies by way of flow meters having a rapid response time and motor driven valves.In the case where the flow rates in both supplies are measured and controlled it is possible further to control the output flow rate in addition to and independently from the output temperature, also by controlling the flow rates in the supplies.Further accuracy may be achieved by sensing the input supply temperatures in addition to the flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: The Computer Shower Company Limited
    Inventor: Peter R. Cashmore
  • Patent number: 5261597
    Abstract: The invention provides a self-contained automatic temperature-responsive three-way line valve. A tubular valve member is axially slidable between first and second limit positions for selectively directing fluid from an inlet port to a first outlet port or a second outlet port. The valve member is disposed between a pair of opposed compression springs, one being a conventional spring biasing the valve member to the first limit position and the other being an SME spring which overcomes the bias of the first-mentioned spring when the fluid exceeds a given temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventors: Maier Perlman, James M. Bell, Richard L. Martin, Colin A. McGugan
  • Patent number: 5217085
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump forces fluid from a sump supplied from a lubrication circuit and a cooling circuit that takes heat from an electric motor. The lubrication circuit is supplied with fluid directly from the discharge side of the pump and is returned directly to the sump. The cooling circuit, disposed in parallel arrangement with the lubrication circuit, has its volumetric flow rate from the discharge side of the pump controlled by a bimetallic valve, which opens and closes in accordance with the temperature of the fluid. When fluid temperature is low, the pump discharge is fully opened both to the lubrication circuit and the cooling circuit. When fluid temperature is relatively high, the pump discharge is directly entirely through a heat exchanger which transfers heat to a cooling air stream, and the fluid exiting the heat exchanger is delivered to the cooling circuit. The speed of the pump is controlled in accordance with a signal produced by a temperature sensor mounted on a traction motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Woodrow L. Barrie, George E. Lemieux
  • 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: 5188287
    Abstract: A thermostat is actuated by a wax capsule adapted to operate on a main valve disposed in a fluid circuit immediately the temperature of the wax capsule exceeds a predetermined threshold. It comprises arrangements made at least in part from a single-acting memory alloy adapted to contribute to the operation of the thermostat only when their temperature is less than the transformation temperature of the alloy and to condition the flow of the fluid in the thermostat in the same direction as if the wax capsule had operated normally if the transformation temperature of the memory metal is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Procedes Vernet
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Chamot
  • Patent number: 5181287
    Abstract: A heat-venting insulating article such as a garment, quilt, blanket, or the like, has an intermediate heat-insulating layer provided with a plurality of through holes. Inserted into each hole is a heat-venting ring capable of opening or closing in response to rising or falling temperatures within the insulating article so as to retain heat or to let excessive heat escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Jun-Jie, Yang
  • Patent number: 5181656
    Abstract: An apparatus including a hot water tank directing an outlet conduit into a valve assembly, wherein the valve assembly includes a first and a second outlet conduit directed to a respective water faucet and a bypassing arrangement to the hot water tank respectively. The valve assembly includes a first chamber and second chamber utilizing a bi-metallic bellows shuttle valve to direct water selectively relative to the first and second conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Gerald N. Schwerdt
  • Patent number: 5144815
    Abstract: A temperature control system and a thermal valve for said system composed of a housing having a gas inlet port connected to the refrigerant return line and a gas outlet port disposed in a compressor interior. A helical thermostat metal coil is fixed within and at one end of the housing, the other end of the coil being free to rotate with change in temperature. The thermostat metal for the coil is preferably chosen so that no movement thereof takes place until some predetermined temperature is reached, at which temperature rotation of the free coil end commences. The free coil end, either along or in conjunction with a baffle or the like, normally blocks the gas inlet port and prevents refrigerant gas from entering the housing and passing therethrough onto the compressor motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Henry Ty, Richard J. Lisauskas, Matthew L. Behler, Narendra R. Zaveri
  • Patent number: 5110045
    Abstract: A fluid flow control for an automative transmission system is shown in which a gate, attached to a free end of a thermostatic coil, is caused to slide on a control plate having first and second orifices dependent upon changes in sensed temperature between a position in which one orifice is covered and the other is uncovered and a position in which the one orifice is uncovered and the other is covered and an intermediate position in which one orifice opens as the other closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric J. Glasson, Henry Ty, Alfred J. White, Joseph H. Gondusky
  • Patent number: 5104038
    Abstract: An apparatus wherein a thermostat is mounted within a sleeve, with the sleeve positionable as a junction between a plurality of hoses, or alternatively, the sleeve formed with a sealing boss, with the sealing boss extending radially beyond the sleeve, and including an "O" ring to effect sealing of the organization within a single unitary fluid conducting hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Pete Cruces
  • Patent number: 5082172
    Abstract: A thermally activated vent damper assembly for a flue is adapted to be situated in relation to the flue for occluding the passage of gas through the flue. A support member transverses the flue and suspends the damper member across the flue for movement between an open and a closed position. A thermally activated biasing member is operatively coupled between the support member and the damper member to bias the damper member in the open position in the presence of heat and to bias the damper member in the closed position in the absence of heat. The coupling of the biasing member between the support member and the damper member is such that potential sites for frictional inhibition of damper member movement are eliminated. Upon breakage or other failure of the biasing member to apply bias, the damper member defaults to or remains in an open position under the force of gravity, providing for a unique fail-safe feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Majco Building Specialties, L.P.
    Inventors: Tadeusz Karabin, Frank H. Broome
  • Patent number: 5011075
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device primarily intended for throttling the flow of liquid refrigerant between two flow rates. The device includes a disc which moves between two distinct positions with a snap action in response to changes in temperature of the refrigerant. The disc is connected at its center to a stem member having an axial bore aligned with and of smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet passage of a flow chamber wherein the disc and stem are positioned. When refrigerant temperature increases to a predetermined level, the disc moves the stem into contact with the chamber wall surrounding the outlet orifice, thereby limiting refrigerant flow to that which passes through the relatively smaller bore of the stem member. When refrigerant temperature drops sufficiently, the disc snaps back to the other position, moving the end of the stem away from the outlet orifice to permit flow at a higher rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Robert L. Vandiver
  • Patent number: 5003887
    Abstract: A gas generator for inflating an inflatable article such as a safety bag or raft, has a reaction chamber (1) surrounded by a ring-shaped filter chamber (2). First gas exit openings (10 to 15) permit generated gas to flow from the reaction chamber into the filter chamber. Second gas exit openings (22) lead from the filter chamber into the inflatable article. A temperature responsive flow control is provided to make sure that the inflation efficiency or the inflation pressure inside the inflated article is substantially constant and substantially independent of the temperature of the gas generator at which the ignition of a gas generating fuel begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Bayern-Chemie Gesellschaft fuer flugchemische Antriebe mbH
    Inventors: Karl Unterforsthuber, Rudolf Koenig
  • Patent number: 4987749
    Abstract: A fast response temperature probe, and method of manufacture, for use in the refrigerant line of a refrigeration system comprising: a temperature sensitive element; means for operably connecting the temperature sensitive element to a control line of a refrigeration system controller; an inner housing supporting the temperature sensitive element at a first end and enclosing the operable connection means; and an outer housing surrounding the temperature sensitive element and the inner housing, the outer housing including at least one aperture located in proximity to the temperature sensitive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Terence D. Baier
  • Patent number: 4986470
    Abstract: A flow controller of a temperature-sensitive type provided with an initial condition setting mechanism comprises a valve; a valve seat; a bimetal support tube disposed around the valve and adapted to be rotated and angularly positioned by operating means; a bimetal wound between the valve and the bimetal support tube, and having ends fixed to the valve and the bimetal support tube, respectively; and a liquid passage formed through the valve and connected to a space in which the bimetal is disposed. The valve includes a closing portion which has a passage port and the valve seat includes a port adapted to face to the closing portion including the port, so that the relative position between the ports changes for automatically control the flow by virtue of the rotation of the valve caused by deformation of the bimetal in accordance with the change of the liquid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Hanano Commercial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 4967780
    Abstract: An anti-freezing device for use in water supply conduits, which includes a driving chamber for imparting a drive to a main valve which is moved by the volumetric expansion due to the freezing of water therein so that the main valve is separated from a valve seat thereby to discharge water in the conduit outside therethrough. The flowing movement of water in the conduit prevents it from freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: MIC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masafumi Minami
  • Patent number: 4964394
    Abstract: A hot water heater (12) has a modified dip tube (70) with a heat trap (80, 78, 82, 74) therein. The cold water inlet pipe (90) is threaded directly into a spud (26) on the tank without an extra fitting (32) otherwise required for a heat trap, the heat trap function being performed in the dip tube (70) and eliminating the cost of a separate external heat trap fitting otherwise required for such function. The travel stroke of the heat trap sealing ball (80) is located entirely within the storage tank (14) to reduce noise caused by movement of the ball (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: A.O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Gary S. Threatt
  • Patent number: 4955194
    Abstract: A damping arrangement for damping the oscillations of valves which are controlled by pressure fluid and the control pressure conduits of which contain a throttle. A characteristic is that initial oscillations can be rapidly stabilized independently of the operating temperature of the pressure fluid. This is accomplished by the throttle having a throttle gap of which the height varies oppositely to the temperature of the pressure fluid so as to compensate fully or partially for changes in the hydraulic resistance that are occasioned by the temperature. The throttle gap is mostly traversed by laminar flow and consequently there is a high hydraulic throttling resistance even at low speeds of flow. The throttle is therefore also adapted effectively to damp small oscillations of the valve element so that the initial oscillations are rapidly stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignees: Danfoss A/S, Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Thorkild Christensen, Svend E. Thomsen, Siegfried Zenker
  • 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: 4919329
    Abstract: A damper has a frame with a cross bar and a reciprocal blade. A bimetallic element which moves in response to temperature is coupled to the blade and is hingedly coupled to the cross bar so that movement of the bimetallic element in response to temperature causes the blade to move with respect to the frame. The coupling of the bimetallic operator and the frame is accomplished by a biasing hinge which is coupled to the frame and to the bimetallic element to couple the bimetallic element to the frame and control the temperature movement response of the element. The biasing force of the biasing means is adjustable for controlling the temperature movement response of the damper blade. The bimetallic element is a serpentine spring having a plurality of bends and the biasing means is a hinge. The closed position of the blade of the damper, as well as the biased temperature response of the damper, and adjustable by rotation of adjustment screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe
  • Patent number: 4909435
    Abstract: In a first hot water supply system, when water supply is required to be stopped, a temperature of supplied water is moved to a given temperature. The water supply is stopped after the temperature of the supplied water moves to the given temperature. In a hot water supply system according to another aspect of the invention, one of a plurality of outlets is selected and water is directed toward the selected outlet. When the selected outlet is required to be changed to another of the outlets, a temperature of the water is changed to a given temperature. The selected outlet is changed to another of the outlets after the water temperature changes to the given temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Kidouchi, Hiroaki Yonekubo
  • Patent number: 4898324
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Perkinson, Charles F. Stearns, Rene F. Belanger
  • 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: 4852601
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Inventor: John M. Chamberlin
  • Patent number: 4846400
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for automatic flue damper control of a solid fuel burning stove has a driveshaft connected to the damper, a plurality of cams on the driveshaft, a plurality of thermoswitches on the chimney pipe, a plurality of selection switches operated by the cams, and an electric motor controlled by the thermoswitches and the selector switches for moving the damper to open, partial and closed positions in response to low, rising, and too high temperatures respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Scott L. Crouse
  • 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: 4830277
    Abstract: A thermoplastic valve includes a valve body having an open cavity therein and inlet and outlet passages which communicate with the cavity, a valve seat at the inner end of the outlet passage and a bimetallic disc in the cavity. The bimetallic disc has an apereture therethrough, and it is responsive to a predetermined temperature condition for flexing between a closed position wherein the central portion of the disc is received on the valve seat so that it obstructs the outlet passage and an open position wherein the outlet passage is unobstructed and a fluid can pass outwardly from the cavity by passing through the aperture in the disc and then through the outlet passage. The disc is supported in the cavity so that the peripheral portion of the disc is spaced inwardly from the plane of the valve seat to minimize the resistance to the flow of a fluid as the fluid passes from the aperture in the disc to the outlet passage when the disc is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Demaich Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Hood
  • 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