US4557419A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Temperature-actuated flow control device
Assignee: Elsag International BV
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Filing: 1983-02-17
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Granted: 1985-12-10
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Expires: 2003-02-17
Abstract
Abstract A temperature-actuated flow control device has a fluid inlet connected to an exhaust line with a control chamber located therebetween. The control chamber has a free-floating bi-metallic circular element which is flexed in response to temperature changes between a first position stopping flow between the inlet and the exhaust line and a second position opening the flow therebetween. This flow control device, when adapted to a gas sampling system, allows the bi-metallic element remain in a first position at normal operating temperatures to permit the continuous sampling of the sample gas. Whenever the temperature falls below the dew point of the sample gas, the bi-metallic element returns to its second position to stop the sampling of sample gas by the system to prevent condensation in the system.
Inventors
- 👤 II George R. Hall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:04
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F15/00; G01F15/08; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/02; G01N1/22; G01N1/2247; G01N1/2258; G01N1/24; G01N2001/2261
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A temperature-actuated fluid flow control device comprising: a fluid inlet; an exhaust line for the fluid connected to said fluid inlet; means for inducing flow of fluid into said fluid inlet and out said exhaust line; a switching chamber located between said fluid inlet and said exhaust line; a bi-metallic flexible element disposed in said switching chamber and being flexibly responsive to temperature change to move between a first flexed position wherein the element stops the flow of fluid between said fluid inlet and said exhaust line and a second flexed position opening flow between said fluid inlet and said exhaust line; and said switching chamber being larger than said bi-metallic element to make said bi-metallic element free-floating in said switching chamber and having a centrally located outlet port communicating with said fluid outlet from a tapered area substantially covered by said flexible element and inclined toward said outlet port to make said bi-metallic element self-centering with said outlet port during closure to insure the positive and repeatable closure thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
A temperature-actuated fluid flow control device comprising: a fluid inlet; an exhaust line for the fluid connected to said fluid inlet; means for inducing flow of fluid into said fluid inlet and out said exhaust line; a switching chamber located between said fluid inlet and said exhaust line; a bi-metallic flexible element disposed in said switching chamber and being flexibly responsive to temperature change to move between a first flexed position wherein the element stops the flow of fluid between said fluid inlet and said exhaust line and a second flexed position opening flow between said fluid inlet and said exhaust line; and said switching chamber being larger than said bi-metallic element to make said bi-metallic element free-floating in said switching chamber and having a centrally located outlet port communicating with said fluid outlet from a tapered area substantially covered by said flexible element and inclined toward said outlet port to make said bi-metallic element self-centering with said outlet port during closure to insure the positive and repeatable closure thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A temperature-actuated fluid flow control device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bi-metallic element has a predetermined height and where the height of said switching chamber is greater than the height of said bi-metallic element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A temperature-actuated fluid flow control device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said bi-metallic element is circular and wherein said switching chamber is also circular but having a radius larger than the radius of said bi-metallic element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A temperature-actuated fluid flow control device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said switching chamber has a pair of counterbored areas formed at the extreme ends of a diameter of said switching chamber to allow the symmetrical flow of fluid past said bi-metallic element.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-12-09 | 1989-06-10 | 1989-12-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-12-09 | 1993-06-10 | 1993-12-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-12-09 | 1997-06-10 | 1997-12-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |