Abstract: A freeze protection valve can be reset under cold ambient conditions without the need for artificial heating of the valve's temperature sensor. An auxiliary latch is used to hold the valve element closed. The auxiliary latch is automatically released as the primary latching mechanism of the valve becomes operative upon an increase in temperature of the liquid system served by the valve. Release of the auxiliary latch is effected by virtue of a small downward movement of the valve stem resulting from a camming action inherent in the operation of the valve's primary latch.In one version of the valve, a simple, drop-away key temporarily holds the valve stem down until the primary latch becomes operative. In another version, the valve stem is reset remotely through a bowden wire, and the resetting mechanism automatically engages an auxiliary latch.

Abstract: The movable elements of two normally closed valves are actuated by a thermal element responsive to ignition at a pilot burner supplied fuel through one of the valves. The two valve elements form a mechanical train from the thermal element which simultaneously unseats the second valve controlling fuel to the main burner and releases a manually operable mechanism with which the pilot burner valve is initially unseated for ignition.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrically operable valves and in particular, but not exclusively, to valves for use in fuel injection system for internal combustion engines. A valve has a housing 13 having a valve 3 seat, and receiving a valve body 2 which can be raised from the valve seat 3 in accordance with a variation in dimension of magnetostrictional device 7 or a piezoceramic device caused by a current flow in the device. The valve body 2 is spring-loaded, by spring 15, in a sense to close the valve and is connected via the device 7 to a movable abutment unit 10,11, which is so constituted that, during the current induced variations in dimension, it acts as a stationary abutment or anchorage for that end of the device, which is remote from the valve body.

Abstract: A sealed thermosiphoning solar energy system is disclosed which uses oil as a nonfreezing transport fluid. The oil is heated in an absorber exposed to the sun's radiation, passes through a check valve and into thermal exchange with a second fluid. Expansion means are provided to prevent excessive pressure buildup in the system.

Abstract: A snap acting heat motor operated gas valve having a valve member carried by a spring blade that is secured to one end of an electrically heated control bimetal strip. Magnetic means associated with the spring blade normally bias the valve member to a closed position to permit opening of the valve member upon a predetermined heating of the control bimetal member and to effect a snap action opening and closing of the valve member. An ambient temperature compensating bimetal member has a cantilever portion in spaced relation to the control bimetal strip and acting on the spring blade to offset the effects of ambient temperature changes upon the control bimetal member.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed which consist of appropriate quantities and types of glyceryl monostearate dissolved into appropriate quantities and types of vitamin E. Appropriate mixtures or solutions of glyceryl monostearate and vitamine E resemble Vaseline (petrolatum) and can be used as a substitute for Vaseline in all its areas of use. The result is hardened vitamin E (defined as a solution that contains over 50% vitamin E). The remainder of the solution contains glyeryl monostearate.A third compound such as jojoba oil may be added to the above compositions. Other types of vegetable, or seed oils have been considered as an additive to the above compositions, but are not strongly recommended because of the dangers that are associated with rancid oils. Jojoba oil is the only oil that is compatible with the above solution and resistant to oxidation. Vegetable and seed oils are compatible but they also turn rancid.

Abstract: A valve body defines an inlet and an outlet with a valve seat therebetween. A flexible diaphragm valve member has an outer portion supported by the valve body and a movable inner portion which cooperates with the valve seat to control the flow of liquid from the inlet to the outlet. A small bleed hole extends through the diaphragm valve member and provides a limited flow of liquid which is adapted to be vented to the outlet through a slightly larger vent passage defined by the valve body. In one embodiment, the vent passage is opened and closed by over-center snap movement of a flexible concaved bimetal disc positioned within the vent passage. The disc is heated by a small electric resistance coil when it is desired to open the valve, and when the coil is deenergized, the disc is cooled by the liquid flowing within the vent passage. In another embodiment, the vent passage is opened and closed by a flexible member in the form of a diaphragm disposed adjacent a metal disc forming an armature for a solenoid.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling including a drive shaft drivably connected to the engine, a casing member rotatably mounted on the drive shaft and provided with a fluid working chamber and a fluid reservoir, a rotor fixed to the drive shaft and located in the fluid working chamber and rotatable relative to the casing member, a valve shaft rotatably and sealingly mounted on the casing member, a valve plate fixed to an inner end of the valve shaft and operable to control fluid communication between the fluid working chamber and the reservoir, a helically wound bimetal element located on an exterior portion of the casing member, the bimetal element having an inner end portion connected to an outer end of the valve shaft and an outer end portion being connected to a suitable portion of the casing member, and a resilient member located between the outer end portion and the casing member.

Abstract: An alcohol still having a boiler with a valve for maintaining the amount of liquor constant. The boiler mounts a distilling column having a temperature controlled inlet for liquor to be distilled which assists in maintaining the operation at a constant optimum operating temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve assembly for a refrigeration plant of the kind used for controlling the flow of refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor. The closure member for the valve unit is controlled directly or indirectly by a reference pressure generator having an expansible chamber filled with a refrigerant medium having vapor and liquid phases. The pressure exerted by the vapor phase of the medium provides a bias for controlling the valve and is directly related to the temperature of the liquid phase. A heat transfer element such as a heating resistor in the liquid phase is heated or allowed to cool in a controlled manner by an external control unit. A temperature responsive sensor element in the liquid phase of the medium is part of a feedback system for the control unit which allows a selected temperature to be maintained in the chamber which results in a desired constant pressure in a valve opening direction to be maintained in a chamber.

Abstract: A valve includes a piezoelectric bar mounted as a cantilevered beam. The free end of the bar is mounted for movement toward and away from a valve seat surrounding a control opening. The beam is initially flexed when in the closed position so as to maintain a fluid-tight seal with the seat. Application of an electrical signal causes the bar to flex further, thereby causing the deflectable beam portion to move away from the valve seat and permitting fluid to flow through the control opening. The beam valve may be designed to provide a substantially constant flow independent of changes in the pressure differential thereacross, and to exert a minimum closing force against a seat to provide a substantially fluidtight seal therewith in the absence of a command signal applied to the bar.

Abstract: A power element assembly is disclosed for use in a liquid environment to operate devices such as valves, switches and the like wherein such assembly is provided with an elastomeric diaphragm having an integral sealing neck with internal seal beads that are sealingly retained in engagement with a piston by prescribed compression of the sealing neck at assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve assembly. A closure member for the valve unit is controlled directly or indirectly by a movable wall of an expansible chamber filled with a refrigerant medium having vapor and liquid phases. The pressure exerted by the vapor phase of the medium provides a bias which is directly related to the temperature of the liquid phase. A heat transfer element such as a heating resistor in the liquid phase is heated or allowed to cool in a controlled manner by an external control unit. A temperature responsive sensor element in the liquid phase of the medium is part of a feedback system for the control unit which allows a selected temperature to be maintained in the chamber which results in a desired constant pressure to be maintained in the chamber. A pilot valve unit is disposed between the valve closure member and the movable wall. An expansible chamber behind the closure member houses a spring for biasing in a valve closing direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve assembly. A closure member for the valve unit is controlled directly or indirectly by a movable wall of an expansible chamber filled with a refrigerant medium having vapor and liquid phases. The pressure exerted by the vapor phase of the medium provides a bias which is directly related to the temperature of the liquid phase. A heat transfer element such as a heating resistor in the liquid phase is heated or allowed to cool in a controlled manner by an external control unit. A temperature responsive sensor element in the liquid phase of the medium is part of a feedback system for the control unit which allows a selected temperature to be maintained in the chamber which results in a desired constant pressure to be maintained in the chamber. A pilot valve unit is disposed between the valve closure member and the movable wall. An expansible chamber behind the closure member houses a spring for biasing in a valve closing direction.

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: In an internal combustion engine having an air intake passage containing a throttle valve, and provided with passages to the outside from points upstream and downstream of the throttle valve, an auxiliary air regulator comprising a mounting block within which is formed a bypass passage, one end of which is matably connected with a passage in said air intake passage upstream of the throttle valve, and the other end of which is matably connected with a passage in said air intake passage downstream of the throttle valve. A movable shutter means is disposed within said bypass passage so as to control the effective cross-sectional area of said bypass passage. A bimetallic coil is enclosed within an air tight chamber annd being selectively heated. Engaging means connects the outer end of said bimetallic coil with said shutter means so that a movement of the bimetallic coil in response to a temperature change is transmitted mechanically to the shutter means.

Abstract: A fluid friction clutch especially for powering a rotary cooling fan for an internal combustion engine. The clutch has a driven part with a drive disc rotating in a drive chamber which is separated from a fluid reservoir chamber by a separating wall within the clutch housing. A passage in the separating wall can be opened and closed by a valve assembly which is actuated by a temperature-dependent element. The temperature-dependent element is an expansion element containing a substance which undergoes volume changes as a function of temperature. The expansion element is heated electrically by means of a PTC resistor under the control of a thermal switch which reacts to engine-related temperatures. When the power supply to the PTC heater is interrupted, the clutch engages and provides full cooling power.

Abstract: A temperature responsive drain valve (10) is disclosed for draining fluid lines (12) to prevent freeze up damage. The valve includes a housing (14) having a fluid passageway (15) therethrough. A temperature responsive thermal actuator (20) is mounted to the housing adjacent fluid inlet passageways (34). The actuator includes a temperature sensitive portion (22,23), which extends exteriorly of the valve housing and an output member which extends into the fluid passageway. A poppet valve member (42) has a self-aligning valve surface (46) and is mounted in the fluid passageway and biased toward a valve seat by a conical spring (47) which extends over a cylindrical portion (43) of the valve member. Cylindrical portion (43) is also guided by and extends through an opening (49) in a reaction plate (48). An outer biasing spring (51) reacts against the output member through a cage arrangement (54, 58, 67).

Abstract: An electrically controlled fuel injection apparatus is proposed which serves to control an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Combustion apparatus having a vent with a damper actuated by an element comprised of a material having a shape memory effect. The element is heated and cooled above and below the deformation temperature for causing the element to deform between its different shapes for changing the position of the damper within the vent. Control means is provided in one embodiment for heating the shape memory element so that it deforms for moving the damper closed during a shutdown mode of the combustion apparatus, and in another embodiment the shape memory element is heated so that it deforms to a shape for holding the damper open during the heating mode of the apparatus.

Abstract: A pilot controlled, diaphragm actuated valve having simplified construction is provided which is capable of maintaining a variety of valve operating positions. In the preferred embodiment, the valve pin is controlled precisely with respect to the pilot opening in the diaphragm to permit modulation of the diaphragm position. Control of the valve pin is maintained through the use of a power assembly which positions the valve pin in accordance with some sensed system variable. The valve includes structure for reducing instability of the valve over the valve operating range.

Abstract: A control system for central heating is disclosed which varies the flow rate of the heating medium as a function of remotely sensed outdoor temperature. A power transistor, which is part of the electronic control circuit, also functions as a heat source for a measuring bulb which controls the position of a flow rate control valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve assembly. A closure member for the valve unit is controlled directly or indirectly by a movable wall of an expansible chamber filled with a refrigerant medium having vapor and liquid phases. The pressure exerted by the vapor phase of the medium provides a bias which is directly related to the temperature of the liquid phase. A heat transfer element such as a heating resistor in the liquid phase is heated or allowed to cool in a controlled manner by an external control unit. A temperature responsive sensor element in the liquid phase of the medium is part of a feedback system for the control unit which allows a selected temperature to be maintained in the chamber which results in a desired constant pressure to be maintained in the chamber. A pilot valve unit is disposed between the valve closure member and the movable wall. An expansible chamber behind the closure member houses a spring for biasing in a valve closing direction.

Abstract: A valve body defines an inlet and an outlet with a valve seat therebetween. A flexible diaphragm valve member has an outer portion supported by the valve body and a movable inner portion which cooperates with the valve seat to control the flow of liquid from the inlet to the outlet. A small bleed hole extends through the diaphragm valve member and provides a limited flow of liquid which is adapted to be vented to the outlet through a slightly larger vent passage defined by the valve body. The vent passage is opened and closed by over-center snap movement of a concaved bimetal disc positioned within the vent passage. The disc is heated by a small electric resistance coil when it is desired to open the valve, and when the coil is deenergized, the disc is cooled by the liquid flowing within the vent passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlled heating system for maintaining a predetermined or set temperature in a medium of small dimensions which may be a gas, liquid or solid. A single element such as a power transistor functions as a heat transfer device for supplying heat to the medium and as a heat sensing device for sensing temperature changes in the medium which can be fed back and serve as control data for supplying make-up heat to maintain a predetermined temperature. The transistor supplies heat via heat dissipation in its collector-emitter path and senses heat changes via its base-emitter voltage which varies in response to temperature changes in the medium. The controlled heating may be applied to a valve assembly for a refrigeration plant of the kind used for controlling the flow of refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve for use, e.g., in a thermosyphon solar heating system including a collector, a storage tank, and a liquid having a transfer portion in the collector and a storage portion in the tank, the valve comprising a partition, having a predetermined vertical extent, transversely separating the portions, the partition being transversely spaced such that the surface area of the transfer portion is much less than the surface area of the storage portion, whereby changes in the density of the transfer portion cause the surface thereof to travel vertically along the partition, permitting the transfer portion to flow around the end of the partition into the tank, but changes in the density of the storage portion cause only inconsequential movement of the surface thereof along the partition preventing flow of the storage portion around the end of the partition into the collector.

Abstract: A regulator valve having a balanced port construction is provided with a balanced piston design, the piston being operated under positive control in all valve positions. The piston regulates fluid flow through the valve. The piston is operatively connected to a heat motor, and the electrical energy input to the heat motor is used to adjust piston position. Because of the balanced piston design, valve operation is dependent solely upon electrical energy input to the heat motor, and precise control of a refrigeration system, for example, may be maintained.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve plug and seat assembly for use within a valve chamber comprises a seat member extending into the chamber and having an inwardly converging frustconical seating surface thereon. A cylindrical skirt portion extending inwardly coaxially from the seating surface includes ports therein connecting with a fluid passage extending axially through the seat member. A valve plug includes a cylindrical bore extending partway thereinto and adapting the plug for sliding movement over the seat member skirt portion. The plug includes a surface intersecting the bore at an actute angle to provide a circular cutting edge at the open end of the bore. Means are provided for moving the plug axially toward and away from the seat member so that the plug is disposed clear of the seat member ports in the open valve position and covers the ports in the closed valve position with the plug cutting edge engaging the seating surface of the seat member in fluid-tight sealing relation.

Abstract: A fast-acting reliable electrically operated normally opened or normally closed valve includes a piston which is spring-biased open and which is actuable by pressurized actuating fluid to drive a plug against a valve seat to terminate working fluid flow. Operating current is passed through stainless steel and copper tubes which are connected in series and contain actuating fluid. The stainless steel tube is heated by the current and vaporizes the actuating fluid-generating pressure which forces the cooler fluid from the copper tube into driving relation with the piston. When current is turned off, the stainless steel tube cools decreasing the vapor pressure. The cooler fluid from the copper tube is forced into the stainless tube by the biasing spring and accelerates condensation in the stainless steel tube to lower the pressure and quickly re-open the valve.

Abstract: Valve means for governing the flow of fluid to, and possibly also from a consumer, has a housing enclosing a movable main valve member, actuable by pressure fluid operable servo means. A flow control valve in a conduit supplying pressure fluid to the flow control valve is governed by an electric resistance body, e.g. a resistance wire, included in an electric circuit. By controlling the flow of electric current through the circuit the position of the main valve member may be determined within close limits.When the main fluid to be governed is pressurized the fluid acting upon the servo means may be branched off from the main flow.

Abstract: An oil storage reservoir has a fluid flow passage which returns fluid to the main transmission reservoir. The storage reservoir is supplied with fluid by the transmission control system and the amount of fluid that returns to the main reservoir from the storage reservoir is controlled by a thermally responsive valve mechanism such that, as the fluid temperature increases, the flow passage is reduced so that the level of oil in the storage reservoir is increased. Thus, the change in fluid volume, due to temperature change, is accommodated by the storage tank as controlled by the thermally responsive valve.

Abstract: A plurality of valve structures are incorporated in a drill pipe string for drilling a well into the earth utilizing air as the drilling fluid. A first valve is located in the drill pipe string just above the drilling bit, and an additional valve or valves are located in upwardly spaced relation within the drill collar string. Each of the valves has a valve member held in a position allowing the flow of air through the valve by a fusible support, and when the support melts, the valve member will shift to a position closing the valve. The valve just above the bit is combined with a float valve to prevent the upward flow of fluid into the drill string, while the valve or valves spaced upwardly in the drill collar string are full opening valves which allow the running of instruments through the drill string to selected locations above the bit. The additional upwardly spaced valve or valves include a flap held in a position to one side of the bore through the valve body by a fusible retainer.

Abstract: A thermally operated valve for automatic control of the rate of flow of a fluid coolant for hot gases produced by underground gasification of solid fuel deposits or by in situ combustion in oil wells, incorporating a temperature-sensitive element comprising a metal tube several meters long to be incorporated in a pipe for supplying coolant to the well, and a rod of a metal having a low coefficient of expansion coaxial with the pipe, the upper end of which rod is attached to the upper part of the metal tube and the lower end of which rod is flexibly connected to a valve member by a connecting element having adjustable clearance or play.

Abstract: A pressure operated water level control device having a movable selector for selecting different water level settings thereof. A heat motor unit is carried by the device and is operatively associated with the selector for moving the selector to a certain low water level setting thereof when the heat motor means is activated.

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: A fuel injection system and control valve are disclosed for use with a multi-cylinder engine such as a diesel or proco type engine. The disclosed control valve, which is of the piezoelectric type, controls the fuel injection into the individual cylinders by being connected in fluid circuit between the high pressure pump and distributor which are contained in the pump and distributor assembly. The control valve contains novel features providing improvements in the system.

Abstract: A vacuum metering valve comprises a housing having an inlet and a discharge space from the inlet with a flow passage between the inlet and outlet having a valve seat with a valve member which is mounted in the housing for movement toward and away from the seat. The construction includes mechanical means for adjusting the position of the valve member in relation to the seat and in addition temperature control means are provided for varying the position in reference to the seat in accordance with temperature variations. Temperature variations are produced by suitable means for heating and cooling an auxiliary member which is disposed for example between a mechanical adjustment device and the valve member.

Abstract: An expansion valve for a refrigeration system, and in particular, for a reversible flow or heat pump application is provided in which the valve is electrically operated by a heat motor mounted to a valve body. The valve includes a valve stem operatively connected to the heat motor. The valve stem position, and consequently, valve operation, is controlled by heat motor operation. Because of the reverse flow nature of the fluid flow in the system described, means for protecting the heat motor from fluid leakage is necessary, if the valve is to function properly. The valve of this invention includes bleed or drain means positioned to drain fluid from the heat motor, and seal means on the valve stem of the valve to reduce flow leakage along the stem.

Abstract: An electric vacuum valve comprising a body including a chamber having a first passage adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum, a valve seat in the chamber, a bi-metallic disc associated with the valve seat and operable to close the first passage and a second passage to the exterior of said body. A PTC disc is positioned in the chamber adjacent the bi-metallic disc and includes a first terminal connected to one side thereof and extending exteriorly of the body and a second terminal connected to the other side thereof and extending externally of the body such that heat from the PTC disc functions to radiate toward the bi-metallic disc when power is applied to said terminals to cause the bi-metallic disc to seat against the valve seat and when power is terminated, the bi-metallic disc cools and moves away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve to be interposed in the fluid passageway of a large diameter casing projecting downwardly below the ocean thermocline for moving cold water to the surface. The depending end portion of the casing wall is provided with inlet ports. A sleeve valve, having a length at least greater than the vertical limit of the ports, is coaxially disposed in the casing and includes spaced-apart upper and lower floatation chambers slidably contacting the casing inner wall surface for opening and closing the passageway. Inflatable seals, surrounding and supported by the floatation chambers, are selectively inflated or deflated. The floatation chambers also are selectively inflated or deflated to provide or remove buoyancy of the sleeve valve in its passageway opening and closing action. Stops, secured to the inner wall surfaces of the casing above the upper limit of the ports, prevent upward movement of the sleeve valve beyond a passageway closed position.

Abstract: An electrothermally operated valve which comprises a housing provided thereon with first and second ports and with a hermetic chamber in communication with the respective ports, a bimetallic element having a stationary end secured to an inner wall of the housing and a movable end, a cut-off valve including a valve body fixed on the movable end of the bimetallic element to co-operate with one of the first and second ports, and a heating coil coupled with the bimetallic element and adapted to be connected with a source of electricity. When the bimetallic element is heated upon energization of the heating coil, deflection of the bimetallic element is assisted by snap action to open the cut-off valve so as to communicate the first and second ports to each other through the hermetic chamber.

Abstract: An electrically operated switching valve comprising a valve housing provided with a pair of opposed valve ports, a valve member disposed between the valve ports for co-operation therewith and a snap-action valve actuating device for actuating said valve member alternately into engagement with the valve ports. The valve actuating device includes a rectangular plate which is bent in one direction along the longitudinal center line and a strap member extending between diagonally opposite corners of the plate and secured thereto. The strap member has a length which is smaller than the diagonal dimension of the plate so that the plate is deflected under tension applied by the strap member in the opposite direction along the transverse center line of the plate. The strap member is associated with an electric heating wire so that it is heated when the wire is energized.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism particularly for a rotary valve wherein a recess around the valve body carries a resilient seal ring engageable with a sealing surface on the valve closure member. The resilient seal has a narrow sealing portion which extends through the narrow opening of the recess and a wider body portion which normally seats on shoulders within the recess. A pair of flexible lips extend radially from the body portion to engage and seat against converging recess walls. In closed position of the valve the body portion of the seal ring is forced away from the recess shoulders and the radial lips are forced into firm engagement with the converging walls to provide static seals on the valve body. Fluid on the high pressure side of the seal ring deflects the upstream lip away from the tapered walls and enters the recess cavity to force the downstream lip against the tapered wall and biases the seal ring into firmer sealing engagement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a four-port thermally responsive valve for valving two pairs of isolated fluid ports in response to predetermined temperatures. A single valve member is movably contained within a housing passageway and spring biased in a first position so that sealing surfaces at either end of the valve member are respectively engageable with and spaced from corresponding seating surfaces in the passageway for achieving initially open or closed valved conditions within each pair of fluid ports. A seal ring mounted in the passageway and surrounding the valve member isolates the first pair of fluid ports from the second pair of fluid ports thereby preventing fluid interaction therebetween. When predetermined temperatures are encountered, a thermally responsive actuator connected to the valve member by a rod overcomes the biasing force generated by the spring and moves the valve member to a position that simultaneously reverses the valved condition of each pair of fluid ports.

Abstract: Simple 2-way, 3-way and 4-way poppet valves employ thermo-electric operators in lieu of solenoid operators to shift poppet stem inside valve housing for a position change when operator is electrically energized thereby producing heat which creates high internal operator pressure by a working fluid housed therein to enable exerting a force over its movable end in contact with valve stem causing the shift of the stem and the subsequent valve operation wherein disconnecting the electric power to the operator results in the elimination of the end thrust to the stem end operator exerted allowing for stem to assume the desired position.

Abstract: A reversing valve for use in air conditioning systems and the like for controlling the flow of fluid between a plurality of ports, the valve including a valve body with a chamber communicating with each of the ports, and a valve member mounted in the chamber for movement between two positions to control the flow. Means for moving the valve member are located to one side and generally centrally of the valve member, and include a reciprocable operating plunger engaging a grooved ramp in the valve member which forms a cam. A spring is provided at one end of the valve member to urge the valve member to one position as the plunger is retracted.

Abstract: An electro-thermal gas valve uses a mechanical energy storage device, preferably a C-spring or a coil spring, to effect a snap opening and closing of a poppet in response to the position of a heat warpable bimetal member and, therefore, is relatively insensitive to gas pressure in the valve enclosure. Application of heat to the bimetal member causes relative movement of the opposite ends of the energy storage device to effect over-center travel of one end relative to the other end, whereupon the stored potential energy in the energy storage device is released as kinetic energy to snap the poppet open or closed. The valve is adjustable and due to its relative insensitivity to pressure in fact may be calibrated before the valve container and cover are assembled. A stop mechanism may be provided to assume affirmative support of the energy storage device whether the valve is open or closed, and a light bias spring may be utilized to help maintain the poppet closed until snapped open.

Abstract: A control valve is provided with environmental temperature compensation. Preferably, the valve is an electrically operated device having a valve member mounted for movement between at least first position and a second position. Means for electrically operating the device includes heater means interleafed with bi-metallic discs so that electrical energy input to the heater means controls disc expansion and contraction, thereby controlling physical position of the valve member. In a stand alone version of the control valve, a sensor is operatively connected between the bi-metallic discs and an electrical control means. The electrical control means is adapted to compare the signal generated by the sensor with a predetermined set point for controlling electrical energy input to the heater means. The control means regulates that electrical input until equality of comparison is attained.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve to be interposed in the depending end portion of a large diameter casing projecting downwardly below the ocean thermocline and forming a cold water passageway for moving water to the surface. The valve includes a jacket surrounding the casing and spanning a transverse partition and ports in the casing wall above the partition. A control line supported sleeve valve, having a length at least equal to the spacing between the partition and upper limit of the casing ports, is coaxially disposed in the casing and includes upper and lower floatation chambers slidably contacting the inner surface of the casing wall and spaced-apart a distance at least as great as the vertical extent of the casing ports. Inflatable seals, surrounding the floatation chambers, are selectively inflated with the floatation chambers to provide buoyancy and for opening and closing the passageway in accordance with the position of the sleeve valve.

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