Fail Safe Patents (Class 236/DIG2)
  • Patent number: 6065682
    Abstract: In connection with a thermostatic valve, in particular for regulating a coolant supply to a transmission fluid cooler, two valves are provided, which are respectively adjustable by means of thermostatic operating elements. Two thermostatic operating elements are associated with a valve and engage a valve element, which is adjustable for opening a second valve, in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Behr Thermot- tronik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Barbu-Scarlat Frunzetti
  • Patent number: 5984197
    Abstract: The invention is a thermostat for a cooling system comprising a valve member configured to be positioned in a valve port in the cooling system. The valve member is configured to impede or prevent a flow of a thermal conducting medium into or out of the valve port. A thermally responsive actuator is coupled to the valve member to move the valve member into and out of a position that impedes or prohibits the flow of the thermal conducting medium into or out of the valve port. The thermally responsive actuator comprises at least one flexible plate for applying a thermally generated motion to the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: C. Alan Sugarek
    Inventor: Alan Surgarek
  • Patent number: 5979373
    Abstract: A cooling control system by which an internal combustion engine is prevented from overheating, and a fail-safe function exerts its effect. A butterfly valve 34b for regulating the flow of cooling water is rotated by a motor 31, a clutch mechanism 32, and a speed reduction mechanism 33, thereby cooling the engine to be at the most suitable temperature for driving. The aforesaid butterfly valve 34b is given momentum in a direction to open the valve 34b by a return spring 34e. For example, an angle sensor 34g for detecting the rotational angle of the butterfly valve 34b is included. In a computing unit, when it is determined that an abnormality occurs from the relationship between the data from an encode 34g and the temperature of the cooling water, the clutch mechanism 32 is released, and the butterfly valve 34b is automatically opened. Accordingly the engine is prevented form overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Sano
  • Patent number: 5934552
    Abstract: A thermostatic valve assembly includes three housing components (16, 18, 20) containing two interconnected chambers (64, 78). A first thermally responsive valve unit (68) is disposed in the chamber (64) while a second thermally responsive valve element (98) is disposed in the chamber (78). Both the chambers (64) and (78) have inlets (60, 110) and the chamber (64) has an outlet (66). The valve may assume configurations allowing a minimal flow (FIG. 2), a large volume warm up flow (FIG. 3), a mixed flow regimen (FIG. 4) and a pure cooling flow regimen (FIG. 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignees: Modine Manufacturing Co., Bayerische Motoren Werke
    Inventors: Klaus Kalbacher, Karl Schutterle, Axel Temmesfeld, Winfrid Eckerskorn
  • Patent number: 5813598
    Abstract: A thermostat device includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. A valve seat is disposed in the housing and has an aperture therein. A first valve opens and closes the aperture under the control of a temperature sensitive device. The temperature sensitive device senses a temperature of fluid supplied to the inlet port, and controls the operation of the first valve based on the sensed temperature. The thermostat also includes a fail safe structure which allows the fluid supplied to the inlet port to flow through a portion of the aperture when the temperature sensitive device malfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoon-Taek Kim
  • Patent number: 5803356
    Abstract: A thermostat bypass is formed using the periphery of a flange on the thermostat bearing against an annular inner surface of a housing to form a seal inhibiting fluid flow around the periphery of the thermostat. Movement of the thermostat by means of an axially sliding sleeve pushes the thermostat against a spring bias from the sealed position and permits flow of fluid through the housing and around the periphery of the thermostat into the sleeve to the outlet to thereby bypass the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: University of British Columbia
    Inventor: George Robert Babinger
  • Patent number: 5647531
    Abstract: A thermally responsive mixing valve assembly is provided that is suitable for use in supplying tempered water to an emergency shower or eyewash system. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a valve body defining hot and cold inlets, hot and cold chambers, a mixing chamber and an outlet. The valve body supports a plurality of thermostatic valves all in fluid communication with the hot and cold liquid chambers and the mixing chamber. Each of the valves includes a thermostat operable to stroke as shuttle valve within a valve liner. The valve liner includes a number of apertures in communication with the cold liquid chamber and a bore in communication with the hot liquid chamber. The shuttle valve modulates within the valve liner to restrict hot water flow through the hot liquid bore, but the flow of cold water through the apertures is unrestricted. The valve liner also includes cold bypass slots that are normally closed by the shuttle valve but that are opened upon a failure of the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Lawler Manufacturing
    Inventors: Kevin B. Kline, Steven Gregory
  • Patent number: 5642859
    Abstract: A temperature sensitive safety valve assembly includes a housing for mounting at a faucet outlet and a safety valve element consisting of a rigid cap and an elastic bellows containing a body of temperature sensitive material. Below a predetermined temperature, the bellows has a first condition permitting flow of water towards the faucet outlet. Above the predetermined temperature, the bellows has a second condition restricting flow of water. The bellows also has a third condition, actuated by loss of at least a portion of the body of temperature sensitive material, in which a seal surface of the cap engages with an opposed seat surface of the housing to restrict flow of water towards the faucet outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Watts Investment Company
    Inventor: Rand H. Ackroyd
  • Patent number: 5503329
    Abstract: A thermostat for controlling the flow of coolant in an automotive cooling system comprises a centrally apertured disc forming a valve seat; a saddle member supported on the disc and straddling the aperture; a valve member positioned between the saddle and the disc; a spring biasing the valve member into engagement with the seat; a thermally responsive element for opening the valve against the spring in response to a predetermined temperature rise of the coolant; and a plurality of tabs formed in the disc and concentrically surrounding the valve seat adapted to rupture and deflect in response to a predetermined system pressure rise to form fluid passages bypassing the valve, the tabs being defined by score or cut lines extending partly around each tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Paul D. Saladino
  • Patent number: 5494211
    Abstract: A water cooled engine includes a thermostat interposed in a water flow passage way. The thermostat operates a valve which opens and closes to regulate the temperature of water. A bypass structure assembly is associated with the thermostat for permitting the flow of water through the thermostat to be controlled by the valve in the thermostat in an operating position of the bypass structure assembly and for bypassing the thermostat in a bypass position wherein water flows through the flow passageway bypassing the thermostat. A bypass position assembly is associated with the bypass structure assembly for positioning the bypass structure assembly in the operating position and in the bypass position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Alton R. Ragan
  • Patent number: 5494097
    Abstract: A method and device is provided for regulating or controlling the temperature of an interior, especially for a motor vehicle. An interior temperature regulation mode is provided if an interior temperature sensor and a blowing-out temperature sensor have been connected such that they can operate. A blowing-out temperature regulation mode is provided if only the blowing-out temperature sensor has been connected such that it can operate. Or, a reversionary control mode is provided if no temperature sensor which can operate is present, for which purpose a control and regulating device is correspondingly configured. The control and regulating device can be used for various types of vehicles. A blowing-out temperature regulation mode is also implemented if an open roof is identified in the case of a convertible vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Straub, Dieter Heinle
  • Patent number: 5445318
    Abstract: A thermostatic safety valve includes a cage (1) inserted in an engine cooling circuit and defining an upstream chamber (16) having a flow opening (5) and a downstream chamber (17) having a flow opening (6) with communication between the chambers being controlled by a moving valve member (15, 26) cooperating with a fixed seat (23) and carried by a thermostatic capsule (9) which is subjected to the opposing actions of a thermally expandable material (14) that it contains acting on a thrust element (8) and spring (18). The valve member comprises two elements, a central element (15) integral with the capsule (9) and urged by a spring (18) towards the seat (23), and a peripheral seal (26) having a deformable lip seal (29) engageable with the valve seat in the closed position of the valve and disengageable from the valve seat for movement into the downstream chamber by the force of the spring in the event of leaking of the thermally expendable material from the capsule and/or breaking of the thrust element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Nicolas Pinilla
    Inventor: Felix Michel
  • Patent number: 5388760
    Abstract: A water cooled engine includes a thermostat interposed in a water flow passage way. The thermostat operates a valve which opens and closes to regulate the temperature of water. A bypass structure assembly is associated with the thermostat for permitting the flow of water through the thermostat to be controlled by the valve in the thermostat in an operating position of the bypass structure assembly and for bypassing the thermostat in a bypass position wherein water flows through the flow passageway bypassing the thermostat. A bypass position assembly is associated with the bypass structure assembly for positioning the bypass structure assembly in the operating position and in the bypass position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Alton R. Ragan
  • Patent number: 5381952
    Abstract: A fail-safe thermostat includes a stationary valve member configured to be positioned between conduit components of the engine cooling system, a movable valve member for engaging the valve seat to block fluid flow into the conduit through the opening, an operating spring for biasing the movable valve member to a closed position against the valve seat of the stationary valve member, and a thermally responsive actuator for moving the movable valve member to an open position away from a valve seat when the ambient temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature to permit fluid flow into the conduit. The apparatus further includes a bimetallic frame member coupled the stationary valve member. The frame member is configured to compress and hold the operating spring in engagement with the movable valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Standard-Thomson Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne R. Duprez
  • Patent number: 5381953
    Abstract: There is provided a locking element and a thermostat incorporating same for use in a liquid-cooling system. The locking element has a body portion and an end portion for attaching the locking element to the thermostat. In first and second embodiments, a tab extending from the body portion locks the displaceable valve of the thermostat in an open position when the valve has been displaced a pre-determined amount. In the first embodiment of the locking element, at least one aperture is defined in the end portion to attach the end portion to a lower bridge of the thermostat. In this embodiment, two locking elements are attached to the thermostat on opposing sides of the displaceable valve. In a second embodiment of the locking element, the end portion rests against the bottom member of the lower bridge of the thermostat. In this embodiment, two body portions extend from the end portion to opposing sides of the displaceable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph Fishman
  • Patent number: 5381951
    Abstract: A thermostatic safety valve includes a cage (1) inserted in an engine cooling circuit and defining an upstream chamber (16) having a flow opening (5) and a downstream chamber (17) having a flow opening (6) with communication between the chambers being controlled by a compound moving valve member (15, 21) cooperating with a fixed seat (23) and carried by a thermostatic capsule (9) which is subjected to the opposing actions of a thermally expandable material (14) that it contains and springs (18, 22). The valve member comprises two elements, firstly a peripheral element (21) situated in the upstream chamber (16) and urged by a first spring (22) against the seat (23), and secondly a central element (15) integral with the capsule (9) and pressing against the downstream face of the peripheral valve element (21) by the action of the capsule and thermally expandable material (14) and moving away therefrom under the force of a second spring (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Nicolas Pinilla
    Inventor: Felix Michel
  • Patent number: 5379936
    Abstract: A fluid condition controlled mixing valve assembly includes a valve body having a warm fluid inlet, a relatively chilled fluid inlet, a fluid mixing chamber, and a fluid outlet in communication with the mixing chamber. A thermally responsive control member, or thermostat, is disposed within the mixing chamber. A cylindrical liner is situated within the valve body with openings for chilled fluid flow and warm fluid flow. Concentrically located piston and valve disc are connected through an actuator to the thermostat so that the piston and disc move according to the thermostat response to the fluid temperature in the mixing chamber. The piston controls flow through the fluid openings. The liner and the shuttle define primary and secondary passageways. Fluid flows through the primary passageway when the flow control member is in a normal operating condition, i.e., with substantial fluid flow through both inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Lawler Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Patent number: 5361980
    Abstract: A fail-safe thermostat valve for controlling the flow of coolant to an engine has, in addition to a thermostat element that expands and contracts to open and close the valve, a fusible element that supports an elevated plate that holds two springs. One spring holds the valve plate in its normally closed position. When the thermostat element fails, the fusible element melts and allows the second spring to force the elevated plate away from the valve seat and pull valve plate away from the valve seat as well. Thus, when the thermostat element fails, the valve will remain permanently open until it can be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Fred Stout
  • Patent number: 5294046
    Abstract: There is provided a locking element and a thermostat incorporating same for use in a liquid-cooling system. The locking element has attachment means comprising a body portion and an end portion for attaching the locking element to the thermostat. Locking means comprising a tab extending from the body portion locks the displaceable valve of the thermostat in an open position when the valve has been displaced a pre-determined amount. In a first embodiment of the locking element, the end portion extends through an aperture in a lower bridge of the thermostat. In this embodiment, two locking elements are attached to the thermostat on opposing sides of the displaceable valve. In a second embodiment of the locking element, the end portion rests against the bottom member of the lower bridge of the thermostat. In this embodiment, two body portions extend from the end portion to opposing sides of the displaceable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph Fishman
  • Patent number: 5282828
    Abstract: A water cooled engine includes a thermostat interposed in a water flow passage way. The thermostat operates a valve which opens and closes to regulate the temperature of water. A bypass structure assembly is associated with the thermostat for permitting the flow of water through the thermostat to be controlled by the valve in the thermostat in an operating position of the bypass structure assembly and for bypassing the thermostat in a bypass position wherein water flows through the flow passageway bypassing the thermostat. A bypass position assembly is associated with the bypass structure assembly for positioning the bypass structure assembly in the operating position and in the bypass position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Alton R. Ragan
  • Patent number: 5207744
    Abstract: A thermostat including a central and primary bi-metallic member further includes a mounting flange, with the mounting flange including a plurality of apertures directed therethrough to permit coolant flow therethrough in the event of failure of the primary bi-metallic member. A modification of the invention includes each by-pass aperture including bi-metallic valving, wherein each bi-metallic valve of the bi-metallic valving of each respective aperture is arranged at a varying temperature gradient to permit increased by-pass coolant flow dependent upon operating temperature of the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Morris T. Heafner
  • 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: 5174496
    Abstract: A safety device for controlling circulation of a cooling fluid of an engine includes a valve seat, a poppet movable toward and away from the valve seat, and a temperature sensing device including a movable element for controlling the movement of the poppet toward and away from the valve seat. A eutectic solder element connects the poppet to the movable element and melts at a predetermined safety temperature. A first spring engages and urges the movable element and hence the poppet toward an engagement with the valve seat. A second spring engages and urges the poppet away from the valve seat opposite to the first spring. Thus, if the cooling fluid reaches the safety temperature and the solder element melts, the second spring moves the poppet away from the valve seat and allows the cooling fluid through the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Alain Bourgin
  • Patent number: 5163613
    Abstract: A water cooled engine includes a thermostat interposed in a water flow passage way. The thermostat operates a valve which opens and closes to regulate the temperature of water. A bypass structure assembly is associated with the thermostat for permitting the flow of water through the thermostat to be controlled by the valve in the thermostat in an operating position of the bypass structure assembly and for bypassing the thermostat in a bypass position wherein water flows through the flow passageway bypassing the thermostat. A bypass position assembly is associated with the bypass structure assembly for positioning the bypass structure assembly in the operating position and in the bypass position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Alton R. Ragan
  • Patent number: 5140951
    Abstract: An engine coolant thermostat for an internal combustion engine is provided with pressure release blowout plugs in the event that a thermostat should fail. These plugs may be formed from a fibrous material and in one embodiment, a dye is released to color the engine's coolant so as to indicate that the thermostat has failed. Further embodiments envision the use of umbrella-like strainers threadably attachable to the top of the thermostat, and these strainers may be periodically inspected to determine the type of debris and residue present in the engine's coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Luther J. Carr
  • Patent number: 5011074
    Abstract: A thermally controlled mixing valve assembly includes a valve body having a hot fluid inlet, a cold fluid inlet, a fluid mixing chamber, and a fluid outlet in communication with the mixing chamber. A thermally responsive control member, or thermostat, is disposed within the mixing chamber. A cylindrical liner is situated within the valve body with slots for cold fluid flow and an opening at the bottom of the liner for hot fluid flow. Concentrically located piston and valve disc are connected through an actuator to the thermostat so that the piston and disc move according to the thermostat response to the fluid temperature in the mixing chamber. The piston controls flow through the cold fluid slots while the disc controls flow through the hot fluid opening in the liner. Also connected to the actuator is a back-seat which is situated opposite the valve disc across the hot fluid opening. A spring biases the back-seat, as well as the actuator assembly, upward against the downward motion of the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Lawler Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Patent number: 4987881
    Abstract: A fuel burning furnace includes a number of energy efficient features. The furnace includes a heat exchanger in which combustion air is preheated by hot discharge gases. Diverters are provided in the heat exchanger to continually urge hot combustion gases toward the interior portions of the heat exchanger to improve its heat transfer characteristics. The furnace incorporates a number of features to determine malfunction and indicate inefficient operation. A humidification control system for the humidification or dehumidification of circulated air also is provided. The furnace also includes a blower motor system which compensates for loss of tension in driving belts and makes correction for blower speed in response to temperature variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Rajendra K. Narang
  • Patent number: 4981260
    Abstract: A thermostat adapted for use in a cooling system of an engine designed to operate between minimum and maximum operating temperatures is partially constructed from a meltable material that has a controlled melting point at the maximum operating temperature of the engine. If the thermostat fails to allow coolant to flow from the engine to a radiator, thereby causing the temperature of the engine to rise beyond its maximum operating temperature, the meltable portions of the thermostat are melted by the coolant, resulting in a path for the coolant to flow from the engine and to the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Automotive Products Company
    Inventor: Philip Beiser
  • Patent number: 4922890
    Abstract: A fuel burning furnace includes a number of energy efficient features. The furnace includes a heat exchanger in which combustion air is preheated by hot discharge gases. Diverters are provided in the heat exchanger to continually urge hot combustion gases toward the interior portions of the heat exchanger to improve its heat transfer characteristics. The furnace incorporates a number of features to determine malfunction and indicate inefficient operation. A humidification control system for the humidification or dehumidification of circulated air also is provided. The furnace also includes a blower motor system which compensates for loss of tension in driving belts and makes correction for blower speed in response to temperature variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Rajendra K. Narang
  • Patent number: 4815491
    Abstract: For freeze protection of a water line, a T fitting in the line is provided with a removable threaded bushing having a plug with radially projecting balls which engage J-shaped slots in the bushing to provide a bayonet joint. The plug is released when freezing conditions threaten by retraction of the balls in response to movement of a cam inside the plug by a thermal actuator also inside the plug. A check valve in the T fitting is closed automatically when the threaded bushing is removed. Modified versions include a plug having dual actuators in series, a plug combined with a flanged bushing for use in freeze protection of a compressor head, a plug combined with a valve to provide a snap-action drain valve with a more easily replaceable actuator assembly, and a plug using a water-filled glass vial as an actuator. A building protection system and a locomotive coolant system, both use freeze protection devices in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Fred L. Prikle
  • Patent number: 4797776
    Abstract: A system to continually monitor the integrity of control and safety thermocouples within a furnace comprising a low furnace temperature reader connected in parallel with a high furnace temperature reader to a single safety thermocouple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Union Carbide Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4648553
    Abstract: A regulating valve having a fail-safe action which is suitable for controlling the flow of either a heating or cooling medium in response to a sensed condition is disclosed. The flow of heating or cooling medium is responsive to changes in temperature at a selected location, which changes are sensed by thermal element. The fail-safe action of the regulating valve either permits or prevents flow of the heating or cooling medium upon failure of the thermal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Leslie Company
    Inventor: John T. Muller
  • Patent number: 4596361
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus wherein a change in temperature is transmitted from a sensing bulb through a capillary to a control device. More particularly this invention is related to a novel, fail safe device for use in conjunction with a temperature sensing bulb, capillary, and control device in an oven or other heating appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: Temp. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Theiss, Paul T. Durst
  • Patent number: 4558819
    Abstract: A tamper proof cartridge for use in nonelectric thermostatic valve sensors is disclosed. The usual cartridge includes a temperature sensor, operably connected to a push rod and an upper elongated stem by a spring. The upper stem terminates in an orifice sealer. The upper stem and sealer are of predetermined measurements to sealingly fit a valve orifice with a seat face. The improvement includes a lower extension of the upper stem extending below the orifice which terminates in an additional orifice sealer. The lower extension is of a predetermined length to insure that the additional orifice sealer permits flow of heat while the temperature sensor is operational and calls for the orifice to be open. The additional sealer is of sufficient width to seal the orifice. The disconnection of the sensor will cause the spring to urge the stem upward causing the additional orifice sealer to then sealingly fit the orifice, thereby restricting the heat from flowing through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Inventor: Robert McDonald
  • Patent number: 4537346
    Abstract: Fail-safe oil flow control apparatus of this invention includes a thermally responsive actuator for operation of a valve member to control oil flow through a heat exchanger in accordance with the oil temperature conditions which exist. The apparatus also includes resilient members which operate to control operation of the valve member in accordance with the oil pressure conditions which exist. The apparatus also includes a fusible body which melts and permits operation of the valve member when excessive temperatures exist in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: Standard-Thomson Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne R. Duprez
  • Patent number: 4475684
    Abstract: A water mixing valve which provides for controlled admission of cold water into a hot water stream and which also provides for cold water to be bled into the hot water stream in the event that the mixing valve should fail to operate in the intended manner, so that water flowing from the mixing valve will always have a temperature lower than that of the hot water admitted to the mixing valve. The mixing valve includes a first passage which is connectable in a hot water supply line, a thermostat element located in the first passage, and second and third passages which are connectable to a supply of cold water. A piston-type regulator valve element is located within a cylindrical chamber of the mixing valve and is actuated by the thermostat element to regulate flow of cold water from the second passage to the first passage, and, in the event of failure of the thermostat element, the regulator valve element is biased to a position such that water is admitted to the first passage by way of the third passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls (Australia) Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Ronald G. Garlick, Roman Golman
  • Patent number: 4469275
    Abstract: A device in a fluid flow path moves to perform a fluid flow control operation at a predetermined high fluid temperature. A mechanism normally locked out of participation in the movements of the device is released at a selected fluid temperature higher than the predetermined fluid temperature and compells the device to a performance of the control operation. The thermostatic device and the locking and release mechanism are incorporated in a unitary structure insuring the carrying out of a control function even when elements of the device having primary responsibility therefor fail or respond inadequately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: United Aircraft Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis W. DeSalve
  • Patent number: 4462541
    Abstract: A desired temperature within the passenger compartment (10) of a motor vehicle is selected by occupant movement of a control lever (80) for a variable resistor (VR2). The temperature of conditioning air being supplied to the compartment is measured by a thermister (72). The two temperatures are electronically compared. If the measured temperature is higher than the selected temperature, a solenoid (62) is energized which moves a control valve (48) in a position allowing passage of pressurized air into an air cylinder (26). The air cylinder (26) functions to close a valve (22) in a water line (18, 20) which extends from the engine cooling system to a heat exchanger (24) located within the conditioning air duct (12). When the temperature of the conditioning air falls below the selected temperature level, the solenoid (62) is de-energized and a spring (54) moves the control valve (58) into a position in which it blocks flow of compressed air to the air cylinder (26) and vents the air cylinder to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: Red Dot Corporation
    Inventor: Gary P. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4453668
    Abstract: A fail-safe thermostatically operated valve includes a temperature-responsive actuator for moving a valve element between a retracted position and an extended position. The valve includes a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member which are releasably connected to one another by a temperature-responsive release device which is responsive to a second predetermined temperature above the normal operating temperature of the valve. A spring arrangement provides return capability for the valve element and overtravel capability for the valve in the normal temperature operating range, and biasing force to move the valve element from the retracted to the extended position when the temperature-responsive release device operates. In one embodiment, the temperature-responsive release device includes a miniature wax-filled actuator in engagement with a mechanical linkage. In an alternate embodiment, the temperature-responsive release device comprises a heat fusible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: Caltherm Corporation
    Inventor: Martin L. Abel
  • Patent number: 4245782
    Abstract: A controlled device within the liquid chamber of a motor, to prevent the override of temperature from a predetermined temperature setting if thermostatic failure should occur within the liquid chamber of a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Inventor: George Brown