Patent ID: 9298195
Filing Date: 2016-03-29
CPC Classification: G05D

Claim Text:
1. A thermally actuated power element having a longitudinal axis and configured for use in a manifold, the thermally actuated flow-control valve comprising: an actuator having a guide coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and defining a generally cylindrical bore extending between first and second guide ends, said guide first end having a generally convex valve member projecting radially between said bore and a valve member periphery, said convex valve member defining a plurality of substantially identical flow depressions radially intermediate said cylindrical bore and said periphery, an annular valve member seal surface extending between a radial boundary of said flow depressions and said periphery, a piston for axial reciprocation having axially opposed first and second piston ends, said piston partially received in said generally cylindrical bore such that said piston first end projects from said guide first end, a generally concave cup defining a cavity configured to contain a thermally active pellet, a peripheral lip of said cup configured to mate with said guide second end, a thermally active wax pellet received in said cup cavity, a diaphragm received in said guide second end intermediate said cup and said piston; a return member having axially opposed first and second ends, said first return member end engaging said guide adjacent said periphery; and wherein said thermally active wax pellet exerts a variable actuating force on said piston second end causing said piston to reciprocate within said bore between an environmental temperature T