Abstract:
A thermal actuator has means for containing a vaporizable fluid, and the containing means is heated and cooled to effect displacement and return flows of the fluid, respectively. Means is provided to vaporize returning fluid to throttle the volumetric flow rate thereof. There is also disclosed other thermal actuators methods of operating a thermal actuator, actuating systems for a thermal actuator, and an electrical circuit for a thermal actuator.
Abstract:
A thermal actuator has means for accomplishing work, and a pair of means for containing vaporizable fluid are operable to respectively apply at least a portion of the vaporizable fluid contained therein to the accomplishing means to effect the work thereof. Methods of operating a thermal actuator, actuating systems for a thermal actuator, and electrical circuits for controlling a thermal actuator are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A condition responsive electric switch mechanism includes a switch having open and closed positions. A switch actuator is connected to the switch for moving it between its open and closed positions and a spring assembly is connected to the actuator for moving it between the switch open and closed positions. A thermally responsive mechanism, including a sealed expansible chamber assembly, is connected to the switch actuator for controlling movement between the switch open and closed positions. The sealed expansible chamber assembly is partially filled with liquid and partially filled with vapor so that the change in vapor volume between the switch open and closed positions is relatively large as compared to the total vapor volume. The mechanism may include two sets of spring contacts, each with its own actuator. A toggle mechanism is provided to operate one actuator. There is an operator to engage the toggle mechanism for movement of the toggle mechanism between open and closed positions of one set of contacts. There is a manually adjustable support and a spring mounted between the support and the operator. The thermally responsive expansible chamber assembly also engages the operator. The manually adjustable support has a position engaging both actuators for manually opening both sets of contacts.