Patent ID: 8123140

Claim:
A mixing valve comprising a valve body including a cold fluid inlet, a hot fluid inlet, a mixed fluid outlet, a cavity wherein fluid from the cold and hot fluid inlets flow together, the cavity having an upstream region and a downstream region, the downstream region being between the upstream region and the mixed fluid outlet, a first seat disposed in the upstream region, and a second seat disposed in the downstream region; a thermostat assembly responsive to the temperature of the mixed fluid, the assembly movable between an extended position when the thermostat senses a relatively higher temperature and a retracted position when the thermostat senses a relatively lower temperature; and a valve member in the valve body movable in response to movement of the thermostat assembly between a first position engaging the first seat when the thermostat senses a first mixed fluid temperature, and a second position engaging the second seat, in the first position the valve member blocking the hot fluid inlet, the valve member moving to the second position in response to failure of the thermostat, and the valve member moving to a third position between the first and second seats when a second mixed fluid temperature lower than the first mixed fluid temperature is sensed by the thermostat, wherein the valve member blocks the cold inlet.