Patent ID: 11906197
Assignee: DES CHAMPS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Field: Thermal processes and apparatus (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC F | IPC F

Claim 0:
1. An automatic condensate release device configured to operably selectively release condensate received from a condensate-producing unit, the automatic condensate release device comprising:
a substantially spherical valve that defines a valve outer surface;
an elongate housing defining:
a condensate reservoir;
a valve chamber configured to operably contain the valve; and
a condensate release port configured to operably convey condensate from the condensate reservoir into the valve chamber;
a valve seat configured to, when in contact with the valve outer surface, operably form a fluidic seal of the condensate release port; and

a helical spring located substantially within the valve chamber and configured to operably bias the valve toward the valve seat;
wherein:
the housing defines a longitudinal housing axis, a first housing portion, and a second housing portion;
the housing defines a lock configured to operably secure the first housing portion to the second housing portion, the lock comprising:
at least two elongate arms that have shape memory, each arm defining a first locking surface; and
a second locking surface, wherein the first locking surface is configured to operably non-destructively releasably, clickably, lockingly engage with the second locking surface, such that each first locking surface contacts, bears on, opposes, and/or extends substantially parallel to, its second locking surface; and

the first housing portion and the second housing portion cooperate with an O-ring to compressively fluidically seal the housing and circumferentially fluidically seal the housing when each first locking surface is operably non-destructively releasably, clickably, lockingly engaged with its corresponding second locking surface.