Patent ID: 6409147
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: F16T,G05D

Abstract:
A valve for automatically modulating a flow of fluid, the valve comprising:a flexible flow adjustment member having a variable diameter passage therethrough and an outer surface, wherein the flexible flow adjustment member is made from VITON; a shell surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface and creating a void between the shell and the outer surface, the shell being in contact with the flow of fluid; and a thermally reactive material that expands when heated and contracts when cooled, the thermally reactive material being within the void and in contact with the outer surface of the flexible flow adjustment member for exerting pressure thereon in response to a heating of the thermally reactive material to cause a diameter of the variable diameter passage to decrease and to relieve pressure thereon in response to a cooling of the thermally reactive material to permit the diameter of the variable diameter passage to increase, a substantial portion of the thermally reactive material being configured to change phase to vapor in response to an increase in temperature within the internal cavity.