Abstract: A heater vent having a temperature responsive damper such as a bimetallic element is disclosed. A shroud-like structure is positioned to cooperate with the temperature responsive element to close the vent at an elevated temperature and thereby reduce loss of residual heat while permitting the combustion gases to be completely purged from the firebox. For safety, movement of the temperature responsive element is uninhibited in all positions with complete vent closure occurring at ambient temperature and with the damper open during heater burner operation.

Abstract: A housed valve which serves to control the flow therethrough of a medium is disclosed. The valve comprises a control member which projects into a flow-through aperture and is supported flexibly and elastically on a guide wire attached to the housing. The guide wire may be made of steel wire, and the support in a fixed relationship with the housing may be such that the axial position of the control member with respect to the flow-through aperture can be influenced in accordance with temperature.

Abstract: A check valve for a thermosiphoning solar energy system having a buoyant movably disposed element situated between primary and auxiliary valve seats. Under normal operating conditions flow enters the top of the valve and passes downwardly through the primary seat thereby dislodging the movable element from its seated position. The element, however, is designed to have a density greater than the fluid at high temperatures, which causes the element to lodge in the auxiliary seat to prevent the further flow of the thermosiphoning fluid.

Abstract: A steam trap has a control member which includes a bimetallic element at the prepressure side and a locking element, which is biased by the prepressure in an opening direction relative to a valve seat provided for the locking element. The bimetallic element is supported at one end on an abutment and it actuates the locking element with its other end. At least one snap spring which is supported on the abutment is effective on the control member in the direction of the locking element stroke axis, and it has a spring constant which is numerically larger than the spring constant of the bimetallic element.

Abstract: A draft control arrangement for a heating apparatus. The draft control arrangement includes a vent damper comprised of one element formed of a shape memory material and another element form of a thermostat material with the elements arranged for coacting to provide a rapid rate of flow passage opening during an initial phase of temperature rise followed by a rate of flow area opening substantially proportional to further temperature rise.

Abstract: The control valve for keeping a constant temperature or viscosity of a pressure medium in a hydraulic consumer circuit includes a main control valve provided with a control slider and a preliminary control valve in which a temperature sensitive control element is arranged in such a manner that upon reaching a predetermined temperature of the medium a bypass channel is established between the inlet and the outlet of the valve.

Abstract: A bladder, suitably formed of silicone rubber and molded into a cylindrical shape, is provided internally with a deforming spring. The resultant unit serves as a delivery stabilizer for a ventilation shaft without loss of elasticity of the bladder.

Abstract: A steam trap includes a housing having an inner chamber, a feed opening and a discharge opening disposed adjacent to one another and communicating with the inner chamber, and a control unit disposed in the chamber including at least one bimetallic plate, a locking member disposed at the low pressure end of the trap and secured to a valve spindle extending centrally through the bimetallic plate and having a cam mounted thereon for engagement with the bimetallic plate and a seat sleeve which defines a valve seat and an abutment for cooperative engagement with said locking member and bimetallic plate, respectively. The seat sleeve includes a feed bushing which, in cooperation with the valve spindle, defines a flow channel therebetween and the cam consists of a cap disposed over a free end of the feed bushing projecting above the bimetallic plate, on the latter of which the cap is supported.

Abstract: A ball check valve is provided for use in a thermosiphoning solar energy system. The valve is extremely sensitive to low pressure variations and will permit reverse thermosiphoning above specified operating temperatures.

Abstract: A steam trap has a bimetallic control element provided on the prepressure side and a locking part which is biased by the prepressure in the opening direction and which is actuated by the bimetallic control element. The bimetallic control element is provided with at least one bimetallic snap disk and the valve seat is stroke-movably positioned, whereby the maximum stroke path of the valve seat is only a part of the operating stroke of the locking part.

Abstract: The control valve for keeping constant viscosity and temperature of a pressure medium in a hydraulic circuit includes a preliminary control valve which supports a temperature sensitive control element and adjustable throttling means including a throttling plunger controlled by the control element; a control slider arranged in the valve upstream of the preliminary control valve is provided with first throttling means for admitting pressure medium against the preliminary control valve to establish a bypass connection in addition to the main connection controlled by the slider; to avoid excessive temperature increase of the medium in the case of a damage of the control element, a temperature sensitive shearing pin is provided between the control element and the throttling plunger to cause an override of the plunger to a position in which an additional bypass connection is established which prevents throttling and thus temperature increase of the pressure medium.

Abstract: A draft control arrangement for use with a gas-fired heating apparatus. The flow of waste gas through a draft hood of the apparatus is throttled by bimetal element means which responds to temperature change for reducing or enlarging the throttle area. Control means is provided for causing the rate of throttle area change during a certain phase of operation to vary from the rate of throttle area change during other phases of operation.

Abstract: In an embodiment thereof, the closure device comprises a leaf-type, planar, closure element pivotally coupled to a supporting shaft. The shaft is fixed in traverse of a fluid conduit, and the closure element is rotatable therewithin for opening and closing the conduit to fluid flow. Shape-memory alloy components are engaged with the element, and a bearing surface, to cause the element to move from an opened or closed position to the other thereof, or to some intermediate positioning for metered or damping fluid flow, in response to prescribed temperatures.

Abstract: Thermally actuated damper for vents or flues of gas-fired heating appliances having bimetallic slotted blades each of which performs both the sensing and the closing function. In the present invention the slots, which are necessary to enable the bimetal blade to flex in the desired direction, are covered, or eliminated, or substantially reduced for a more complete closure of the damper in the closed position.

Abstract: A chimney cap for closing and venting, selectively, the upper end of the chimney is manually controlled by means of chains or the like from a combustion area, particularly a fireplace, through counterweights and pulleys. Automatic control is determined by a smoke, heat, or incipient fire detector that will operate a hold relay to produce a signal split between a reset timer and double-throw, double-pull switch that is in turn operated by the position of the cap to operate a reversible motor for movement of the cap to its upper vented position upon the detection of combustion products within the chimney. Movement of the cap to its upper position will shield the detector and other electronics from combustion products, and after a timed period, the reset timer will actuate the motor to move the cap to its closed position where it will remain unless the detector again detects the presence of combustion products.

Abstract: The condensation steam trap device includes a housing having a passage through the wall, which provides for fluid flow between the interior and exterior of the housing. The passage has a valve seat and carries a valve for engagement with the seat. A valve-actuating, temperature-sensitive element is disposed within the housing and has a connection with the valve for controlling the opening and closing thereof in response to changes in temperature of the element. The element is a bimetallic band or strip of curved or part-cylindrical shape. A nozzle or inlet pipe projects through another portion of the housing wall as well as through a clearance opening in the strip, the axis of the pipe and the discharge end thereof being directed against the inner surface of the strip substantially tagentially thereof.

Abstract: A vent control arrangement for energy conservation having bimetallic damper elements mounted in a draft hood which forms an integral part of the heating apparatus. The bimetallic elements open and close the flow passage for vent gases from the combustion apparatus in response to temperature change. The vent control arrangement is designed for minimum resistance to the flow of vent gases when installed in the integral draft hood. A design without friction surfaces and without transfer of movements or signals between components is used. Opening time is minimized by closeness to the heat source and in one embodiment by alternate bimetal reeds of different initial tension, in other embodiments by alternate orientation, or by different flexivity of alternate bimetal reeds.

Abstract: A thermal damper assembly mounted to substantially close a flue at room temperature is equipped with thermally responsive coils to move the damper to an open position in response to heat generated by combustion. To allow commencement of combustion the damper assembly is equipped with latch means to position the damper open in preparation for combustion, said latch means responding automatically to an adequate advance of said damper toward its fully open position to disable its own latching capability whereby said coils are permitted to substantially fully close the damper assembly without further attention to the latch means, which serves only to releasably position the damper assembly for commencement of combustion. Also illustrated in this application are various position control members for predetermining fully open and substantially fully closed damper positions. Also illustrated in this application are inboard and outboard mountings for the thermally responsive coils.

Abstract: Control method and apparatus, particularly for the damping of flues. A control device employing a latch mechanism operated by a bimetallic strip is used, for example, to operate a damper through a linkage. After being engaged, the latch is set automatically when the level of heating rises above a first prescribed threshold. Thereafter, when the level of heating falls below a second prescribed threshold, the latch acts automatically, for example, through the linkage to close the damper.

Abstract: A valve which opens and closes according to the temperature of the fluid passing through it has a fluid-controlling valve member consisting of a helix of a shape memory effect material having an elastic modulus which varies significantly with temperature in a reversible manner. At relatively low fluid temperature, the turns of the helix are closely compacted and obstruct the flow, while at relatively high fluid temperature, the turns are expanded and allow flow of fluid between them.

Abstract: A thermally controlled damper construction for a gas fired combustion apparatus, such as a furnace. The damper has a generally eliptical shape and is mounted on a shaft in the stack or flue for pivotal movement from a closed position, where the damper is located at an angle of approximately 45.degree. with respect to the axis of the stack, to a full open position. One edge of the damper is recessed to provide a vent opening between the damper and the stack and permit venting of gases generated by operation of the pilot light during periods when the furnace is not operating. The damper is moved between the closed and open positions by a bi-metallic element which is located upstream of the damper and connected to the damper by a linkage. When the furnace is operated, the increase in flue temperature will operate the bi-metallic element to move the damper to the open position.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for a thermosensitive safety valve to restrict a supply of fluid in a fluid delivery system when the temperature of the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature. A bimetal reed is utilized in which its unattached portion flexes outward from its normal, non-flexed position when the fluid temperature reaches a predetermined value into a flexed intermediate position with the mainstream of the fluid flow subsequently providing the pressing force for placing the unattached portion in a fluid restricting position. Furthermore, the reed may be reinstated in at least its flexed intermediate position so as to allow for subsequent fluid flow when the temperature of the same has been adjusted to a value less than the predetermined value of temperature.

Abstract: A heated air circulator adapted to be placed against a radiant-type heating stove. The housing of the circulator, which defines a chamber therewithin, includes upright back and side walls which are unjoined along their adjacent upper edge portions. A plurality of spaced-apart, transverse fold lines on the back and side walls, where the same are unjoined, permit portions of these walls to be folded over to form a chamber top at a height conforming to the height of the stove. The circulator includes a damper regulated by a temperature-responsive spring whereby flow of unheated air into the chamber increases as the temperature within the chamber increases.

Abstract: A fluid delivery control device for regulating fluid delivery by a pump to the heated vaporization chamber of a steam curling iron through a fluid conduit provided with a spring biased valve in response to the temperature of a heating element in the chamber includes a bimetallic disc in the chamber having the property of changing its shape when heated to a temperature corresponding to the minimum temperature required of the heating element for vaporizing the fluid. A fluid delivery tube through which the fluid is delivered from conduit to the chamber has one end adjacent to the valve and the other end attached to the disc for movement therewith. When the chamber is below the minimum temperature, the disc pushes the one end of the tube against the valve to hold it closed and prevent delivery of fluid through the tube to the chamber.

Abstract: Two fluid streams of different temperatures flow through two concentric pipes, the flow of each stream being modulated to achieve a desired mixture temperature. An in-line slide valve is interposed in one fluid flow path, and an in-line poppet valve is interposed in the other fluid flow path. A thermally responsive element is positioned downstream to sense the temperature of the mixed fluid stream, the element being connected via a rod to both the slide valve and the poppet. When the mixture temperature varies from a preselected temperature, the thermally responsive element moves the rod to gradually close the slide valve and open the poppet, or gradually close the poppet and open the slide valve, thereby changing the flow of both fluid streams and maintaining the desired mixture temperature.

Abstract: In an adapter unit for use between an external filter element and fluid reservoir are dual thermostatic pressure relief valves. A body member with a curved recess has ports with opposing valve seats communicating with the recess, and a curved leaf member of approximately three-quarters of a full circle is disposed in the recess and is operative as a double valve gate. The leaf member is at least one bimetal strip having a reversal of high expansion and low expansion sides at a preselected point at approximately one-third of its length from an anchor point. Changes in ambient fluid temperature cause a substantially linear displacement between opposing valve seats at the free end of the leaf member.

Abstract: An improved fireplace liner of the type in which air is drawn in to a heat exchange chamber to be heated before passing into the room in which the fireplace is located. A movable closure device is located between the heat exchange chamber and the outside environment. A thermally-responsive spiral-shaped member, connected to the closure device and to the heat exchange chamber, coils or winds up to open the closure device when heat is applied to the fireplace. The opening of the closure device permits the entrance of outside air into the heat exchange chamber for heating by the fireplace. The thermally-responsive member unwinds or relaxes when heat is removed from the fireplace, allowing the closure device to return to its closed position, thus preventing the introduction of outside air.

Abstract: A draft control arrangement having bimetallic damper elements mounted in a draft hood and adapted to change shape in response to temperature change to open and close the flow passage for vent gases from a combustion apparatus. The damper elements are positioned in the hood relatively close to the source of hot flue gases to provide faster opening and less tendency for vent gas spillage. When open the damper elements cooperate with stationary walls of the draft hood so that the resulting streamlined passage prevents minimum flow resistance. In certain embodiments the damper elements are arranged to undergo a spreading action during opening movement to achieve a disproportionately large passage for the vent gases during the initial phase of opening. In another embodiment a damper unit is mounted separate from the draft hood and provides the same operating results as the other embodiments.

Abstract: In a solar energized hot water heating system, valve means responsive to the heated output from the solar heater for directing heated water alternately between a pair of storage tanks. The valve means includes a thermostatic element responsive to water temperature with capabilities to direct heated water above a predetermined temperature to one of two storage tanks and to the other when below said temperature. The valve has a multi-use function to also mix cold water with the heated output prior to use to produce a desired lower temperature.

Abstract: A relatively simple automatic mechanical flue damper is provided by a damper plate having a slot extending across a major portion of its diameter with a helically-shaped, temperature responsive bimetal having one end attached to the damper plate at one end of the slot, and its other end attached to a bushing which in turn is fixed relative to the flue in which the damper is situate, with a shaft extending in rotatable relation through a bore in the bushing and having its end opposite the bushing attached to the damper plate, the helical bimetal being responsive to changes in flue gas temperature to rotate the damper plate between predetermined open and closed positions with the shaft rotating to corresponding positions, and at least one of the shaft ends including indicia means to permit observation of shaft and damper rotative position.

Abstract: A rotary mechanism including a housing defining an operating chamber having a wall, a shaft journalled in the housing and having an eccentric within the chamber, a rotor within the chamber and journalled on the eccentric, and at least one seal carried by the rotor and slidably engaging the wall. A seal lubricating system is provided and includes an aperture in the wall along with a conduit for directing lubricant to the aperture. A plug partially closes the aperture and has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the housing, with the result that an oil-emitting gap is provided and its area changes proportional to temperature, and, thus, oil viscosity, to meter the proper amount of oil for seal lubrication irrespective of temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for a thermosensitive safety valve to restrict a supply of fluid in a fluid delivery system when the temperature of the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature. A bimetal reed is utilized in which its unattached portion flexes outward from its normal, non-flexed position when the fluid temperature reaches a predetermined value into a flexed intermediate position with the mainstream of the fluid flow subsequently providing the pressing force for placing the unattached portion in a fluid restricting position. Furthermore, the reed may be reinstated in at least its flexed intermediate position so as to allow for subsequent fluid flow when the temperature of the same has been adjusted to a value less than the predetermined value of temperature.

Abstract: The combustion gases of a burner in a heating furnace are discharged to a vent through a draft hood having three ports. The first and second ports communicate with the furnace and the vent respectively and define a first flow path for combustion gases through the chamber of the hood. The third port is open to the ambient atmosphere and defines a second flow path for dilution air through the chamber. Separate temperature responsive, bimetallic elements sense the temperatures in the two paths and cause a vent damper to be moved toward and away from a position in which it closes the second port in response to the sensed temperatures to minimize the flow of dilution air. In a modified embodiment the draft hood is vertically elongate with the bimetallic elements positioned in a zone filling with hot products of combustion for minimizing the flow of dilution air and minimizing spillage of products of combustion during start-up and sudden changes in draft.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent liquid metal flowrate control device includes a magnet and a ferromagnetic member defining therebetween a flow path for liquid metal, the ferromagnetic member being formed of a material having a curie temperature at which a change in the flow rate of the liquid metal is desired. According to the preferred embodiment the magnet is a cylindrical rod magnet axially disposed within a cylindrical member formed of a curie material and having iron pole pieces at the ends. A cylindrical iron shunt and a thin wall stainless steel barrier are disposed in the annulus between magnet and curie material. Below the curie temperature flow between steel barrier and curie material is impeded and above the curie temperature flow impedance is reduced.

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

Abstract: A gas lighter burner having a porous throttle disc for controlling the flow of gas therethrough and a mechanism which interacts with the throttle disc as a result of changes in its axial length due to changes in temperature whereby the throttle disc maintains a desired gas flow despite such variations in temperature.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensing device for an air-fuel ratio control system of an internal combustion engine, which device includes a sensing element exposed to exhaust gases passing through an exhaust gas passageway. A housing surrounding the sensing element has a plurality of openings to admit the exhaust gases into the housing, and a plurality of temperature responsive valves associated with the openings, respectively, which are closed when the exhaust gases exceed an excessively high temperature to prevent the sensing element from being deteriorated due to excessively high temperature of the exhaust gases.

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

Abstract: Automatic damper having pivotal semi-circular vanes which are moved to open position by pivotal movement of a longitudinal element disposed along the central gap between the vanes. The movement of the longitudinal element is controlled by a temperature responsive element. Retraction of the longitudinal element causes closing of the vanes. A J-slot arrangement locks the vanes in open position.

Abstract: A thermally responsive freeze type actuator for operating an air conditioning throttle valve. The actuator includes a rigid walled tubular portion which contains water and is attached to an axially extendable and contractible bellows portion. The bellows portion contains an immiscible fluid such as oil which floats on the water. The pressure forces created by the formation of ice in the tubular portion is transmitted to the oil by compression of one end of a hollow bladder member made of flexible material such as rubber which extends axially through the tubular portion and the bellows portion.

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

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

Abstract: This is a valve for controlling fluid flow in a conduit in which a valve plate member is moved in and out of engagement with a valve seat in a nozzle in the conduit by means of a thermal actuator to close and open said valve in response to temperature changes in said fluid. The valve plate member is carried by a housing of the thermal actuator and moves relative to a stem that extends from the housing. The free end of the stem is secured by means of a lamina that bridges the nozzle, the plane of said lamina extending in the direction of fluid flow through said nozzle.