Patent ID: 9410536
Filing Date: 2016-08-09
CPC Classification: F03G,F16K,G05D,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A self-contained thermally actuated flow-control valve assembly configured for operable installation in a receptacle defined by a wall of a temperature regulating chamber, the self-contained thermally actuated flow-control valve assembly comprising: a stationary base fixed within the receptacle, having a longitudinal axis and having a stop surface transverse to said longitudinal axis, and a retention wall extending axially away from said stop surface; an actuator having a guide coaxial with said longitudinal axis and having interior and exterior surfaces defining axially opposed longitudinal openings, said exterior surface having a plurality of retention members, a piston coaxial with said longitudinal axis and received in said longitudinal opening having axially opposed first and second piston ends, said first piston end abutting said stop surface of said base, a cup having a leading wall, a sidewall contiguous with said leading wall, said sidewall having a trailing shoulder disposed axially opposite the leading wall, said leading wall, sidewall and trailing shoulder defining an interior cavity, said leading wall having a first diameter D a thermally active pellet received in said interior cavity of said cup, a diaphragm received in said interior cavity between said thermally active pellet and said guide and in contact with said second piston end, said actuator having a length measured from said first end of said piston to said leading wall of said cup; a longitudinally extending return member, said return member having axially opposed first and second ends, said return member first end engaging said retention members of said guide, and said return member second end engaging said base, said return member exerting a biasing force on said actuator towards said base and securing said actuator to said base; and wherein said thermally active pellet, diaphragm and piston act in concert to exert a variable actuating force in a direction axially opposite said biasing force and said actuating force propels said guide and cup away from said stationary base along said longitudinal axis.