US3687365A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermostatic flow controller
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1970-09-10
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Granted: 1972-08-29
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Expires: 1990-09-10
Abstract
Abstract A fluid control device responsive to a sensed temperature wherein a material having a known coefficient of thermal expansion fills a chamber defined in part by a flexible diaphragm such that a change in temperature within a desired temperature range causes a proportional change in volume of the material to cause a change in cross-sectional area of a flow path which is defined at least in part by the diaphragm. In the preferred embodiment the material utilized is a wax which is chosen so that the desired temperature range is within the melting region of the wax.
Inventors
- 👤 Rudolf Reinhold Laessig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 16:29
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D23/00; G05D23/01; G05D23/02; G05D23/021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A temperature sensitive fluid control device for controlling the flow of a fluid in accordance with a sensed temperature within a desired temperature range comprised of: a. an input passageway; b. an output passageway; c. means for defining a closed chamber between said input and output passageways, said means including a flexible diaphragm and a rigid chamber wall; d. means for defining with a portion of said diaphragm a fluid flow path whose area varies in accordance with the position of said diaphragm portion; and e. a predetermined quantity of a temperature sensitive material having a known coefficient of thermal expansion which substantially fills said chamber wherein said material has a temperature range for the solid/liquid phase change which includes the desired temperature range; whereby the position of said diaphragm portion is determined by the volume of said material in said chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
A temperature sensitive fluid control device for controlling the flow of a fluid in accordance with a sensed temperature within a desired temperature range comprised of: a. an input passageway; b. an output passageway; c. means for defining a closed chamber between said input and output passageways, said means including a flexible diaphragm and a rigid chamber wall; d. means for defining with a portion of said diaphragm a fluid flow path whose area varies in accordance with the position of said diaphragm portion; and e. a predetermined quantity of a temperature sensitive material having a known coefficient of thermal expansion which substantially fills said chamber wherein said material has a temperature range for the solid/liquid phase change which includes the desired temperature range; whereby the position of said diaphragm portion is determined by the volume of said material in said chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein said temperature sensitive material is a wax.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein said diaphragm portion is thinner than the remaining portion of said diaphragm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device as in claim 1 further including a control fluid in thermal contact with said temperature sensitive material so that the flow path area varies in accordance with the temperature of said controlling fluid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device as in claim 4 further including means for directing said controlling fluid to said input passageway.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |