Abstract: A natural draft furnace has a firebox inside a water box with fire tubes containing water running through the firebox, flues from the firebox running through the water box, a front/fire door of double wall construction to preheat entering air, a damper in the fire door and a toggle-lock latching system on the fire door that provides uniform sealing pressure around the door.

Abstract: A block type expansion valve for use in a vehicular air conditioning system has a dampening spring to dampen movements of a diaphragm within a diaphragm chamber. The dampening spring is fixed to an upper fixing member positioned on an adjusting hollow thread and a lower fixing members positioned on the diaphragm. The adjusting hollow thread is engaged into a cylindrical thread member to allow a level of biasing force of the dampening spring to be adjusted.

Abstract: A method for achieving a specific temperature behavior of adjusting elements, operating in dependence on temperature, of valves or thermostatic apparatus is disclosed, and also an adjusting element, operating in dependence on temperature, of valves or thermostatic apparatus. Such adjusting elements work in many cases by means of pressure from a pressure chamber, which is provided with a liquid-gas filling. This filling is in many cases toxic or environmentally harmful, in order to achieve satisfactorily the desired temperature behavior. In order to be able to use also non-toxic and environmentally harmless substances, the pressure chamber is filled with a zeotropic mixture of at least two substances. The ratio of component substances is set in dependence on the desired temperature behavior.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically opening an orifice to allow flow when ambient temperature drops below a predetermined level, such as the freezing point of water. The apparatus is for connection to a liquid line that carries liquid at a selected pressure for producing a selected low flow rate of liquid from the liquid line when the ambient temperature drops below a selected temperature. The apparatus comprises an orifice in the end of the liquid line of selected small diameter, a closed chamber means having an expansible portion filled with a selected condensible gas, for which the vapor pressure varies with temperature in a known manner. The apparatus further comprises a valve assembly selectively positioned adjacent the orifice and at a specific distance from the expansible portion of the closed chamber. The closure means is selectively positioned by means of spacers positioned adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly for a room air-conditioning unit includes a sensing tube and a thermoplastic protective tube extending over the sensing tube. The protective tube has a spiral-shaped gap which allows air flowing over the protective tube to directly contact the sensing tube so that the thermostat assembly accurately measures the temperature of the air. The protective tube protects the sensing tube from abrasion by sharp edges and insulates the sensing tube from contacting cold surfaces which could otherwise affect the performance of the thermostat assembly.

Abstract: A thermostat system includes a liquid-filled activating device (1), and an operating device (3) which is connected to the activating device by a capillary line (4) and which is adapted to control a heat valve. The activating device (1) includes an annular base plate (10) having a rear surface which is adapted to be mounted against a supporting wall, and the base plate defines a central region which is bounded thereby. A fluid filled housing (8) is mounted to the base plate so as to extend outwardly from the central region and away from the supporting wall, and an axially extending tube (9) is mounted in the housing so as to be axially extended or contracted by the temperature and pressure of the fluid in the housing, and which in turn changes the fluid capacity of the housing and signals the operating device (3). A rotatable knob (5) acts to adjust the length of the tube and thus controls the operating temperature of the system.

Abstract: A power element-valve housing combined type thermal expansion valve has a diaphragm in an element and a driving member for driving a valve body in a housing by a diaphragm deflection. The diaphragm has a center opening surrounded by a tubular projection, the driving member has an outer flange coaxially supporting the diaphragm and a heat-balance containing blind hold opened to a heat sensitive working fluid in a sealed chamber in the element. A diaphragm catch fits on the projection's periphery and is airtightly welded with a coaxial annular ridge on a supporting surface of the flange to sandwich the diaphragm with the flange.

Abstract: This control valve (10) can be used for reducing the temperature of the discharge gas in the compressor (100) of a refrigeration system. The valve (10) includes a body (12) having inlet and outlet ports (20, 22), respectively receiving refrigerant from one part of the system and injecting it to a point upstream of compressor discharge, a valve seat (32), disposed between said inlet and outlet ports, and a valve member (34) controlling flow through the valve seat. The valve (10) includes a spring assembly (40) mounted in the body (12) and applying a force to the valve member (34) tending to urge the valve member into a closed position and an actuator assembly (50) modulating the valve member (34) in response to a change of temperature in the compressor discharge line. The actuator assembly (50) includes an actuator (52) movable within the body (12), a connector (70) attached to the body, a bellows (60) connected between the actuator (52) and the connector (70).

Abstract: A thermostat top part is mounted to a valve housing for rotation relative thereto and is axially removably secured thereto. The thermostat top part has a retaining ring surrounding and rotatable relative to a hollow cylindrical base foot. A clamping element is mounted by the base foot for radial movement between a position abutting against a clamping face of the valve housing that is tapered axially toward the housing abutment face in a radial inward direction for retaining the top part on the valve housing and a radial outward position permitting the thermostat top part being axially removed from the valve housing. A torsion spring resiliently urges the retainer ring to rotate in a direction for moving the clamping element radially inwardly.

Abstract: A thermo bulb for use with a thermostatic expansion valve, includes a temperature sensing cylinder connected to a power element of a valve unit of the thermostatic expansion valve, a thermal ballast arranged in the temperature sensing cylinder and made by a ceramic sinter which has silica and alumina as its main components, an operating fluid sealed in the temperature sensing cylinder to change from gas to liquid and vice versa response to temperature sensed by the cylinder at an outlet of an evaporator of a refrigeration system, and an arrangement for fixing the thermal ballast into a certain position in the temperature sensing cylinder so as not to prevent the thermal ballast from making contact with an inner surface of the temperature sensing cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides a flame failure device in which the reservoir exposed to the flame is charged with air and is communicated via a capillary tube to displace a membrane and hold the main valve in an open position, and the valve is closed by a spring when pressure falls as a result of the flame being extinguished. The system is re-charged via a one-way valve when pressure in the system falls below ambient pressure.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for warming a cup and its contents has a fuel reservoir connected through a valve controlled by a snap switch to a combustion cage. A thermocouple under the combustion cage returns the snap switch to an "OFF" position, cutting off the flow of fuel, once a predetermined temperature has been reached.

Abstract: An actuator comprises an impervious deformable bladder containing a fluid whose boiling temperature is equal to a set cut-in temperature. On reaching that temperature, the fluid within the bladder will be vaporized, cause the bladder to expand, and produce accordingly a displacement movement which can be utilized for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve such as a steam trap, incorporates a cup shaped trap repair cartridge having the lower end of an annular intermediate valve body of cast metal threaded into an upwardly open, internally threaded cup shaped valve casing. The trap repair cartridge in turn receives the external threads of an inverted cup shaped cover of cast metal whose lower annular wall has threads on its outer periphery matching the internal threads of the annular intermediate valve body. The trap repair cartridge includes a conical bottom wall terminating in a flat, central horizontal bottom wall portion which is provided with an axial hole defining a valve seat. A hollow sheet metal thermostatic actuator is provided with an axial projection on one surface which projection is threaded about its outer periphery and which projection is threaded into a mating tapped hole within the bottom of an adaptor post.

Abstract: A control device is disclosed comprising a supporting housing assembly, a controller switch fixed to the housing, an expansible chamber actuator supported by the housing for actuating the switch, a capillary tube joined to the actuator, and a vibration damper for minimizing vibrational flexure of the capillary tube, the damper defining a first end fixed to the housing, a second end remote from the housing and a passage extending between the ends closely surrounding the capillary tube.

Abstract: There is provided, in a thermostatic steam trap that can operate in either of two modes merely dependent upon which way round the trap is connected in a steam flow line, a temperature-responsive element (9) in which there is a valve member (23) that projects from a housing (16) of the element (10) to an extent dependent upon movement of a diaphragm (19) within the housing (16). Movement of the valve member (23) out of the housing (16) to close on a seat (6) is opposed by a spring clip (8), arms (14) of which embrace the outside of the housing (16), so that if the diaphragm (19) fails the trap as a whole fails with the valve (23/6) open. Conveniently the spring clip (8) serves a further function in that lugs (15) of the clip locate on a wall of the valve seat (6) to locate the element (9) in the trap.

Abstract: An automatic freeze protection valve apparatus for solar heaters is provided with a remote sensing element, remote from the valve itself and which operates in a non-modulating fashion. The valve includes a valve housing with a remote sensor operatively connected thereto from a remote position. The remote sensor includes a bulb containing a liquid adapted to compress and expand with the temperature adjacent the bulb. A piston located in the valve body is slidable therein responsive to the expansion and contraction of the liquid in the remote sensor. A valve element located in the valve housing and attached to the piston allows movement therewith. A valve seat positioned in a water passageway allows the flow of fluid therethrough when the valve is in an open position and to cut off the flow when the valve is in a closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a volatile-liquid-filled, encapsulated diaphragm valve for the thermal control of condensate water drains. The capsule consists of two unhardened turnings which are welded together, the lower capsule part having a threaded stem to be screwed into the bore of the condensate drain. In the outlet passage in the threaded stem of the lower capsule part there is press-fitted a hardened valve seat body having valve seats at both ends, the seat cone on the outlet side, which cooperates with a check valve body, being prolonged in the outlet passage all the way to the end of the threaded stem, terminating in a narrow edge. The entire conical flare forms the chamber for the movement of the check valve body, which is limited by a sieve plate. Above the threaded stem the capsule bottom part's diameter reaches all the way to the diaphragm clamping zone, while the lateral inlet ports in the bottom part consist of bores having an inside diameter corresponding to the wall thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for a solar heating system having a solar collector, a storage tank connected to the solar collector, a pump for circulating liquid from the tank to the solar collector, a supply of liquid at a temperature above freezing and a connection from the supply of liquid to the solar collector for replacing any liquid lost from said solar collector. The device comprises a sensor for sensing the temperature of liquid in the solar collector, and a valve for bleeding liquid from the solar collector when the sensed temperature falls below a predetermined minimum whereby cool liquid in the solar collector is automatically replaced by liquid at a temperature above freezing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure responsive assembly for controlling the supply of gas to a gas appliance. A pressure responsive device includes a sealed air bulb positioned to monitor the pilot flame of the appliance. A capillary tube connected at one end to the sealed bulb has its other end supported in the central channel of a small plug. An expandable diaphragm or membrane, having a central aperture aligned with the axis of the plug, is disposed to bear against a button member positioned between the diaphragm and an actuating lever set to control operation of a gas supply valve. The button member is shaped with channels, grooves or apertures to establish a through air connection between the capillary tube and external air when the diaphragm is in a deflated condition.

Abstract: A temperature compensator mounted on a gas pressure regulator having a spring loaded valve in which the amount of compression in the spring is changed by moving an adjusting member of the compensator in response to changes in temperature. The temperature compensator may include a piston and cylinder assembly containing a fluid which contracts in response to a reduction in temperature and expands in response to an increase in temperature. The piston is in engagement with the spring and is moved to change the amount of compression in the spring in response to the change in temperature.

Abstract: An assembly having a heat expansible fluid therein and capable of expanding and contracting in response to temperature changes between predetermined limits with a first member having a front surface and a rear surface, with the surfaces terminating in a free end. A second member having a rear front surface and a rear surface is also provided with the surfaces terminating in a free end. The first member may include an inner section, with an outer section, and a central section extending intermediate the inner and outer section. The central section has a curved wall extending outwardly from the rear surface. The inner section is adapted to expand outwardly upon the assembly being elevated in temperature which results in the expansion of the heat expansible fluid contained therein. The assembly can be designed to be fully expanded at approximately 85.degree. F. and contracted at approximately 65.degree. F. in an unloaded condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostatic valve assembly of the type in which the working element containing the vapor-liquid filling is housed in the temperature setting control knob. A threaded adjusting connection between the knob and an axially moveable unit which controls the compression of the setting spring provides rugged and simple construction.

Abstract: Apparatus for connection to an outdoor water line carrying water at a selected pressure, for producing a selected low flow rate of water from the water line when the outdoor temperature drops below a selected temperature, which comprises an orifice in the end of the water line of selected small diameter, a closed chamber means having an expansible portion, filled with a selected condensible gas, for which the vapor pressure varies with temperature in a known manner, and closure means positioned adjacent the orifice and means connecting the expansible portion of the chamber to the closure means to shut off the flow of water when the temperature is above a selected value, and to open the orifice to a small trickle flow of water, whenever the temperature outdoors is less than a selected value, such as the freezing point of water.

Abstract: Apparatus for connection to an outdoor water line carrying water at a selected pressure, for producing a selected low flow rate of water from the water line when the outdoor temperature drops below a selected temperature, which comprises an orifice in the end of the water line of selected small diameter, a closed chamber means having an expansible portion, filled with a selected condensible gas, for which the vapor pressure varies with temperature in a known manner, and closure means positioned adjacent the orifice and means connecting the expansible portion of the chamber to the closure means to shut off the flow of water when the temperature is above a selected value, and to open the orifice to a small trickle flow of water, whenever the temperature outdoors is less than a selected value, such as the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A regulating valve capable of precisely controlling minute amounts of gaseous or liquid fluids following an electronic, pneumatic or manual command wherein the fluid is throttled between parallel surfaces positioned in respect to each other through the use of hydraulic means.

Abstract: A regulating valve capable of precisely controlling minute amounts of gaseous or liquid fluids following an electronic, pneumatic or manual command wherein the fluid is throttled between parallel surfaces which are part of a replaceable trim insert and which are positioned in respect to each other through the use of hydraulic amplifying means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manually setable, knob-type thermostatic control assembly for radiator valves. The knob normally has a fixed or usual setting to provide a desired temperature for a room. Occasionally the setting is temporarily changed for one reason or another and the unit must be reset to its usual setting. This is facilitated herein and in the prior art by providing index markings on the relatively rotatable members. The novelty herein, however, is in providing a cap for the rotatable knob member which carries the index marking and the cap is readily adjustable relative to rotatable member in a simple manner without detaching the cap from the knob member.

Abstract: A regulating valve capable of precisely controlling minute amounts of gaseous or liquid fluids following an electronic, pneumatic or manual command wherein the fluid is throttled between a pair of flat, parallel plates positioned in respect to each other through the use of hydraulic means.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a housing in which any one of a plurality of steam trap valve assemblies may be installed and which may be machined to accommodate a plurality of different inlet and outlet conduit configurations. The housing includes a main body through which a central cylindrical passage extends. Flanges extend radially outward from the main body at opposite ends of this passage and serve to connect the main body with the top and bottom members. The main body also includes a pair of additional passages which are parallel to the central cylindrical passage and a pair of bosses which extend radially outward. The top and bottom are made from identical castings and each comprises a circular portion adapted to mate with a flange on the main body and a boss extending diametrically from the perimeter of the flanges across at least past its center. The bosses on both the main body and the top and bottom may be machined to provide a plurality of different fluid flow paths and inlet and outlet connections.

Abstract: A heat control system for a discontinuously operated heat radiator of the co-tube type is disclosed. A thermostat located away from the radiator controls the opening and closing means of an inlet steam valve located between the steam feeder connection and the radiator. A condensed water outlet valve also located between the steam feeder connection and the radiator is normally biased closed by its own weight. When the inlet steam valve is open the steam pressure on each side of the outlet valve is equal and the outlet valve remains closed as the steam entering the radiator is condensed and backs up behind it. However, when the inlet steam valve is closed, the steam pressure in the radiator is eliminated so that the steam pressure in the steam feeder connection acts on the outlet valve to push it open and allow the condensed water to drain from the radiator into the steam feeder connection.

Abstract: A valve for limiting the temperature of water flowing to a shower head, including a poppet valve member moveable into sealing engagement with a seat in response to the operation of an expansible temperature sensing member. Resilient means for accommodating overtravel of the sensing member, baffle means for directing water to the sensing member, means for effecting self centering of the poppet member and sealing means for isolating a moveable actuating portion of the sensing member are provided.

Abstract: An individual thermostat unit for the valve housing of a central heating radiator replaces the conventional radiator valve mechanism and affords a simplified mounting without the need for modifications of pipe connections. This thermostat unit comprises two setting means, one for basic settings, and another for temperature settings. A setting knob gives different temperature settings by being turned on a thread. This same thread permits the setting knob to be screwed off as part of the housing of the unit, to make the basic setting means accessible when mounting the unit in a valve housing.

Abstract: A thermally-controlled valve for a steam trap and the like, includes a thermally-controlled element including generally plate-like outer and inner wall portions and a generally plate-like, resilient membrane member disposed between and welded at its outer edges to the wall portions. The outer wall portion and the membrane define therebetween a chamber for accommodating an expanding medium and a reciprocably movable locking member is disposed generally between the membrane member and the inner wall portion, and is disposed for cooperative engagement with the valve seat of the steam trap. The membrane member is coupled to the locking member to effect movement of the locking member relative to the valve seat, and is comprised of a plurality of superimposed membrane lamellae, which permits proper functioning of the valve under high operating pressures.

Abstract: A fuel control system having a temperature responsive control device for thermostatically controlling the flow of fuel from a source thereof to a burner and having an adjustable by-pass means by-passing the temperature responsive valve of the device for providing a by-pass flow of fuel from the source to the burner to sustain combustion at the burner, the by-pass means comprising a tubular member provided with an inlet and an outlet for respectively being interconnected to the source and to the burner. The tubular member has a passage therein interconnecting the inlet to the outlet and carries an adjusting member for adjusting the rate of flow of fuel through the passage between the inlet and the outlet of the tubular member and, thus, the amount of fuel being by-passed to the burner. The tubular member has means for interconnecting the source to a pilot burner independent of the passage thereof.

Abstract: A fluid mixing valve construction having a housing provided with a pair of inlets respectively interconnected by a pair of valve seats to an outlet with a valve member operated by a condition responsive unit for controlling the valve seats in accordance with the condition of fluid passing to the outlet and sensed by the condition responsive unit. A second condition responsive unit is operatively interconnected to the valve member to close one of the valve seats with the valve member if the first mentioned condition responsive unit does not close the one valve seat with the valve member even though the same is sensing a condition that would require the first mentioned condition responsive unit to close the one valve seat whereby the fluid mixing valve construction is substantially fail-safe.

Abstract: A steam trap allowing the escape of condensate from a working fluid of steam comprises an escape valve mounted in a chamber in which the working fluid flows. The escape valve includes a valve seat member and a deformable metal diaphragm normally closing the steam trap and preventing the escape of steam. The diaphragm closes a housing in which a control fluid of water initially only partially fills the housing to which a vacuum is later applied. The housing bears along the periphery of the diaphragm where the diaphragm is supported by a shoulder in the valve seat member. The valve seat member includes a cylindrical central chamber radially inwardly of the valve seat and an annular chamber radially outwardly of the valve seat. The cylindrical chamber is larger in diameter than and upstream of an escape passageway for carrying away condensate also in the valve seat member. The annular chamber is in communication through a check valve and passages with the chamber in which the escape valve is mounted.

Abstract: A heating system employs a thermostat fuel control device and a safety fuel control device, such as a safety valve retained against a closing bias wherein a bulb contains an expandable fluid for releasing the safety valve, responding to an overheat condition of the heating system. The safety fuel control device can be employed as an addition to the normal recyclic cutoff.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostatic control unit for radiator valves, this unit being of the type which has an adjustable bellows. The bellows is adjusted only during initial calibration of the thermostatic control unit or when the temperature setting of the unit is changed. The control unit includes a screw and nut arrangement in which the nut is attached to the free or moving end of the adjustment bellows. About three turns between the screw and the nut have been found suitable to provide a sufficient movement of the nut to allow an adequate adjustment of the bellows. A problem with prior units of this type is that if the screw is turned inwardly more than three turns the thread may bottom and thereby cause an excessive and damaging torque to be transmitted to the bellows. Alternately, if the screw is turned outwardly to disengage from the nut, the nut becomes cocked in the enclosed casing and it becomes impossible for the screw to re-enter the nut.

Abstract: In addition to a deformable disk membrane with a valve seat on a portion of a flange immediately surrounding a discharge opening, there is provided a similarly deformable annular disk membrane on a valve seat surrounding that of the disk membrane set back into the flange surface by at least the thickness of the annular disk membrane somewhat obliquely to form a wedge-shaped flow channel communicating with the inlet opening for the working medium. The two membranes are clamped together at their outer edges with an O-ring and a cap providing the chamber for the control medium. The annular membrane operates as a built-in check valve when back pressure of the condensate pushes the disk membrane off its seat, the annular membrane remaining on its seat and blocking the inlet opening against backflow.

Abstract: A vapor chamber cooking device is disclosed wherein a capillary wick is disposed along the bottom surface of a sealed vapor chamber, the top wall of which provides a cooking surface. A plurality of internal structural support members having vapor pressure equilization holes are disposed between the wick and the upper surface of the chamber and secured to the upper chamber surface. A quantity of volatile working fluid is disposed in the chamber sufficient to saturate the wick when in a liquid state. An arrangement is provided for heating the chamber to vaporize working fluid contained therein, and a feedback control arrangement responsive to the vapor pressure within the chamber controls the heating arrangement to maintain the chamber vapor pressure within a predetermined range. Additional arrangements may be provided to respond to predetermined conditions of overpressure within the chamber to relieve the overpressure conditions.

Abstract: A burner system employs a fuel control which supplies fuel flow to a pilot burner and a main burner and which energizes an electric igniter adjacent the pilot burner for igniting the pilot burner. A valve between the control and the main burner is opened when the pilot burner flame is sensed to allow passage of fuel to the main burner which is ignited by the pilot burner. The pilot burner flame is sensed by a bulb adjacent the pilot burner containing a charge of gas and an adsorbent carbonaceous material which is a decomposed compound of carbon and a non-carbon component wherein the non-carbon component has been removed leaving a porous structure with cavities of sufficient size to receive and adsorb the gas.

Abstract: A device for controlling the transfer of liquefied gas from a storage tank to a consumer apparatus or circuit, comprises a closing valve placed in the transfer circuit linking the storage tank and the consumer apparatus. A device locks the valve in the operative or inoperative state, to maintain a valve in the open or closed position. Control means normally attract the valve in the direction of opening when the valve is closed and conversely in the direction of closure when the valve is opened. A working device controlled from outside acts on the locking device to move it from the operative to the inoperative state.

Abstract: A condition responsive valve construction having a housing provided with an inlet and an outlet leading to and from a chamber therein. A self-contained valve seat and movable valve member unit is removably disposed in the chamber to control the interconnection between the inlet and the outlet. Condition responsive means are carried by the housing for controlling movement of the valve member relative to the valve seat in relation to the condition sensed by the condition responsive means. The self-contained unit is either a direct acting unit or a reverse acting unit while still being adapted to be operated by the same condition responsive means whereby the condition responsive valve construction can be either direct acting or reverse acting, depending upon the self-contained unit removably disposed in the chamber thereof.