Thermally sensitive actuating device

Details Thermally sensitive actuating device Thermally sensitive actuating device

1999-08-16

2001-05-08

Nguyen, Hoang (Department: 3748)

Power plants

Motor operated by expansion and/or contraction of a unit of...

Mass is a solid

Reexamination Certificate

active

06226991

ABSTRACT:

This invention relates to a thermally sensitive actuating device of the kind which is responsive to a predetermined increase in ambient temperature to effect movement or actuation of a normally stationary, but movable, component, such as a damper, for controlling the delivery of combustion air to a burner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many instances in which it is both desirable and necessary to move a normally stationary, but movable, component of equipment from one position to another quickly in response to a predetermined increase in ambient temperature. For example, it is common to provide a burner assembly operable to apply heat to an object and to control the flow of combustion air or fuel to the burner by means of a movable damper or valve. It is desirable to provide an actuating mechanism which responds automatically and responds to a predetermined rise in ambient temperature for moving such damper or valve automatically from an open position to a closed position so as to terminate the delivery of combustion air to the burner. Various proposals heretofore have been made for the purposes referred to above. One example is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,346,554. Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention performs the same function as that disclosed in such patent, but is an improvement over the patented construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A thermally sensitive actuating mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention has a reciprocal actuating member which is coupled to a component, such as a valve or damper, to effect movement of the component from a normal position to an adjusted position in response to a predetermined increase in ambient is temperature. A spring biases the component to the adjusted position, and the biasing force of the spring normally is overcome by a collapsible strut which cooperates with an abutment on the actuating member to disable movement of the component from the normal position to the adjusted position except when the ambient temperature reaches the predetermined level.
The thermally sensitive strut includes a eutectic material which remains solid until its temperature is raised to a predetermined level at which time the material liquefies. The strut has a stable height as long as the eutectic material remains solid, but once such material liquefies the strut collapses or shortens, thereby enabling movement of the component from the normal position to the adjusted position.
In the preferred embodiments the strut in its normal condition is subjected to a biasing force which not only assists in assembling its several parts in condition for operation, but also assists in expelling the liquefied eutectic material, thereby accelerating collapse of the strut.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3625002 (1971-12-01), Davis
patent: 4346554 (1982-08-01), Glinecke
patent: 4911400 (1990-03-01), Gruber
patent: 5396770 (1995-03-01), Petot et al.
patent: 5822989 (1998-10-01), Sturdevant et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Thermally sensitive actuating device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Thermally sensitive actuating device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Thermally sensitive actuating device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2534258