US1761396A - Pressure valve and condenser - Google Patents

Description

Jun 3, 1930- KARMAZIN 1,761,396

PRESSURE VALVE AND CONDENSER Filed May 12, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet l "IV" 129 2? W Z6 June 3, 1930. J. KARMAZIIN 1,761,396

PRESSURE VALVE AND CONDENSER Filed May 12, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 away/*0 J'OHN' KARM ZIN- Patented June 3, 1930 JOHN KARMAZIN, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN PRESSURE VALVE AND CONDENSER Application filed Kay 12,

This invention relates to radiator sealing devices, and is an improvement on the radiator sealing device disclosed in my prior co-pending application Serial No. 716,942,

filed May 31, 1924.

As explained in said prior application, radiators for automotive engines are ordinarily provided with a vent tube which opens near the top or in the filling neck of the radiator,

and discharges outside the radiator any'of the cooling fluid which overflows into the tube. Since the vent tube is normally open, itprovides a means of escape for the vapor which is formed in the radiator, even under normal operating conditions, thus necessitating frequent refilling of the radiator. However, when a fluid having a low boiling point, such as alcohol, is mixed with water in the radiator, the vaporization of the alcohol is quite rapid, even under normal running conditions, and the alcohol thus wastes very rapidly through the open vent tube.

In my prior co-pending application above identified, I have disclosed a device which 5 is effective to close the radiator and prevent the escape of vapor therefrom under normal conditions, while permitting the escape of vapor when a quantity has accumulated which is sufficient to create a predetermined pressure. I have. also shown one form of a signal which serves to indicate when and to what extent vapor is escaping from the 'radiator.

sealing device to enable the pressure relieving means to become efiective at any desired pressure.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved signal and signal operating means for indicating when vapor is escaping from the radiator.

A further object of the invention is to provide a signal adapted to indicate plainly when the pressure in the radiator is excessive, as well as to indicate when the radiator is slight ly but not dangerously overheated.

A further object of the invention is to pro-- vide a radiator sealing and pressure indicating device which may be easily applied to provide means for adjusting the radiator- 1925. Serial No. 29,871.

radiator caps andradiator filling necks of ordinary construction.

A further object of the invention is to provide a radiator sealing device adapted to be contained within the radiator cap of a well known car and to be applied thereto without the use of any tools whatever.

. With these and other objects in view, m invention consists in the novel devices which are shown in the drawing, as illustrative embodiments of the invention, and will be hereinafter more fullydescribed.

In the drawings,-

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of my improved sealing device and indicator, showing the same attached to a radiator;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a modified form of sealing device, designed for use with same form of indicator;

Fig. 3 is an elevation, partly in section, of

vice and indicator a standard radiator cap;

Fig. 5 shows a radiator closing device adapted to be placed in the radiator and raapted for use upon a diator cap of a well known automobile withoutalteration of the radiator or the cap, and

without the use of tools;

Fig. 6 shows a modification of the device illustrated in Fig. 5, including an adjustable valve control;

Fig. 7 is a rear elevation, in section of a form of pressure valve and a condenser oper atlniin con unct1on therewlth, the radiator also eing indicated;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged horizontal section on line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic plan view of a radiator having my condenser attached there- Referring now to Fig. 1, numeral 10 indicates a shallow cup of a comparatively soft metal, such as copper or brass, which is fitted e soldered therein if so desired.

No change in the vent tube with which standard radiators' are provided is necessary, said tubes being sufficiently long and flexible to be raised into the filling neck to the position I have indicated, and no change in the filling neck 11 is necessary to install the cup 10.

The sealing device comprises a cap 14 which is threaded to the filling neck, said cap being provided with a boss 15 which is bored to receive the stem 16 of a valve 17 adapted to seat in a perforation or port in the radiator closing cup 10. The end of the boss 15 is threaded to receive the nut 18, and a coil spring 19 is compressed between the valve 17 and the nut 18. To prevent the valve from dropping out of the sealing device when the cap is removed from the neck 11, a pin 20 extends through a transverse hole near the upper end of the valve stem, the ends of the pin being received in guide slots 21 in the boss 15.

The closing cup 10, cap 14 and the wall of the filling neck define a relief chamber 22 into which the vent tube 13 opens. If vapor is formed rapidly in the radiator, and a certain pressure thus developed, the valve 17 will be lifted from its seat, against the compression of its spring 19, permitting the steam-to escape into the relief chamber 22, and thence out through the vent tube 13. The pressure necessary to lift valve 17 may be varied by adjusting the nut 18.

Means are provided to furnish a visual indication that steam is entering the relief chamber 22 and developing pressure therein.

The indicator for this purpose comprises a base 23 which is threaded into an opening in the cap 14. A passage 24 through said base and openings 25 in the cap 14 connect an expansible chamber or bellows 26 with the relief chamber 22. A signal device, preferably comprising two parts, 27 and 28, of striking and contrasting colors, is secured to the top of the expansible chamber 26. A hood or cover 29 which surrounds the expansible chamber and the signal is provided with a window 30 through which the signals can be observed. When the pressure in chamber 22 is normal, neither signal is visible. If the signal 27 is visible at window 30, it indicates that steam is being formed and is escaping from the radiator with sufficient rapidity to create a slight pressure in chamber 22, while the appearance of the signal 28 at window 30 indicates a dangerously overheated condition.

In Fig. 2 I have illustrated a form of pressure valve contained in a cap which, together with the fluid chamber closing plate, is adapted to fit the radiator of a well known automobile. A fluid pressure closing plate 31 is placed in the filling neck 32, resting on a shoulder 33 in said neck. A boss 34 fixed in the upper part of the cap 35, furnishes a guide for the stem 36 of a valve 37 which the radiator cap, insuring a tight joint. Passage 44 connects the pressure chamber within the radiator cap with a threaded opening adapted to receive an indicator 45 of the type shown in Fig. 1, or an ordinary motor-meter.

In Fig. 3 I have illustrated another modification of the invention adapted for ready application to the necks of radiators now in use. The perforated plate or seat 63, which may be of rubber, soft metal or other suitable material, is adapted to be placed in the filling neck 64 of the radiator and pushed toward the bottom thereon. A short tube or spout 65 of the same size as, and in alignment with, the vent tube 66, extends downward from an opening in the closing plate, and a sleeve 67, preferably of rubber tubing, serves to connect tubes 65 and 66. A valve 68 secured by a screw 69 to a valve stem 70, is pressed downward by a sprin 71 to close a port in the cover plate 63. K ferrule or collar 72 placed in the neck above the upturned edge of the cover plate 63, is pressed downward bv engagement with the cap 73, pushing the plate 63 and tube 65 downward toward the overflow or vent tube 66. The cap 73 may be similar to the cap shown in Fig. 1, and similar pressure indicating means may be attached thereto.

In Fig. 4 I have illustrated a modification of the device adapted for attachment to the radiator and radiator cap of a well known automobile. The cover plate 46 rests on a shoulder 47 of the filling neck 48. The vent tube 49 extends through the cover plate and may be soldered therein if so desired. A gasket 50 overlies the periphery of the cover plate, and contacts with the edge of the cap 51. The stem 52 of the valve 53 extends through a boss 54 on a spring abutment plate or spider 55, which is provided with a peripheral flange 56, shaped to conform to the inner surface of the cap 51. A spring 57, confined between the abutment plate 55 and the valve 53, serves to hold the valve on its seat until a pressure sufficient to compress the spring is developed in the radiator. The upper end of the valve stem 52 extends through the top of the radiator cap and is threaded to receive the nut 58, which serves to retain the valve in place when the cap is removed, and, likewise, by its position with respect to the cap, serves to indicate when the valve has been displaced by steam in the radiator. To install this embodiment of the invention in a radiator cap of the type illustrated, it is only necessary to drill one hole through the top of the cap and to insert the plate 46 and gasket 50 lnto the filling neck.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a form of sealing device which is similar in many respects to that shown in Fig. 4. The valve stem 52,

however, does not extend out through the radiator cap, but'terminates within the cap, and receives a nut 60, which contacts with the upper side of the plate 55 and holds the Fig. 9.

valve and plate together. The peripheral flange 56 of plate 55 may be soldered to the radiator cap, but this is optional. It will be seen that this device is merely inserted into the standard filling neck and cap, no

.change of any kind being made in either of these members.

As all the parts can be cheaply produced and no skilled labor is necessary for installation, it will-be apparent that the amount of alcohol conserved in one year in a cold climate will more than offset the purchase and installation price of the device.

The device shown in Fig. 6 may also be inserted into a neck and ca of ordinary construction. In this form, however, provision is made for adjusting the compression spring 57. The boss 54 on the plate 55 is threaded to receive the adjusting nut 61, against which the spring abuts. A pin 62 extending through an elongated slot in the valve stem 52 retains the valve in diator cap is removed.

In Figs. 7 to 9 I have shown a condenser and a radiator closing valve especially adapted to operate in combination with said condenser. The vent or overflow tube 74 extends through a perforated closing plate 75, the opening in said plate. being covered by a main valve 76, which is pressed downward by a spring 77 compressed between the valve and an adjusting nut 78. The valve stem 79 has the form of a sleeve, which is perforated as shown at 80, and the main valve 76 includes a small port which is closed by a return valve 81, whose stem passes through a web 82. A spring 83. compressed between the web 82 and an adjusting nut 84, draws the return valve up to close the port in the main valve.

The overflow tube 74 is offset to a point near one side and in the rear of the radiator, and extends downward into a reservoir 85, which is provided at the bottom with a draincock 86. The reservoir 85 is in communication with a condenser, or cooling device 85. The cooling device which I have selected for the purpose of illustration, comprises a plurality of fluid passages 87 and radiation fins 88 together with triangular apertures 88". and at the top has a header 89 which communicates with all the tubes 87. The

place when the ravcondenser may be constructed of fin and tube elements of the type described in my prior The operation of the radiator, condenser and pressure valve is as follows: When the radiator is overheated and a pressure created therein, the main valve 76 is lifted, admittin steam to the relief chamber 22 and througii the vent tube 74 to the reservoir 85. The vapor rising from the reservoir is condensed in the cooling device 85 and returns to the reservoir 85 as a liquid which soon covers the open end of the overflow tube. The circulation of air about the cooling device is facilitated by its proximity to the fan 95. In case the engine is greatl overheated and steam is formed with suc rapidity that a pressure iscreated in the condenser, the excess steam will escape by way of the opening 90, and a safety valve, if a safety valve is used. When the engine is stopped, or is run idle, the temperature'of the radiator is quickly reduced, and as the steam in'the radiator condenses, the pressure is reduced and becomes less than the pressure in the condenser; in other words, a partial vacuum is created in the radiator by the condensation of the steam. Therefore, the return valve 81 opens andthe water in the reservoir 85 is sucked back throu h the vent tube and the return valve into the radiator.

Various modifications and changes canbe made in the embodiments of the invention herein disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. I

I claim:

1. In an internal combustion engine radiator, a fluid chamber, a vent therefor, means to normally prevent the escape of fluid from said chamber into said vent, said means being operable at a predetermined pressure to permit the escape of fluid from said chamber, and means for varying the )ressure at which the escape of fluid from sald chamber is permitted.

2. In an internal combustion engine radiator, a fluid chamber, a relief chamber, a vent tube comn'lunicating with said relief chamber, a valve permitting the escape of fluid from said fluid chamber to said relief chamber when the pressure in said fluid chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, and means for varying the pressure at which escape of fluid into the relief chamber occurs.

3. In an internal combustion engine radiator, a fluid chamber, a vent tube fonpermitting the escape of vapor from sald fluid chamber, means for closing said fluid chamber from said vent tube comprising a closing member for said fluid chamber, a port in said closing member, a valve for closing said port, a spring pressing said valve into closed position, means for adjusting said spring, and means for guiding the movement of said valve.

4. In an internal combustion engine radiator comprising a fluid chamber having a filling neck and a vent tube extending into said neck, means for closing said fluid chamber from said neck comprising a perforated closing member adapted to be inserted into said neck and over said vent tube, a cap for closing the top of said filling neck, a valve member for closing the perforation in said closing plate, and adjustable means associated with said cap for controlling the movement of said valve member.

5. In an internal combusion engine radiator comprising a fluid chamber having a filling neck and a vent tube extending into said neck, means for closing said'fluid chamber from said vent tube comprising a perforated cover plate insertible into said neck and around said vent tube, a cap for covering the top of said filling neck, a boss extending downward from said cap, a valve for closing the perforation in the closing plate comprising a stem adapted to be received in said boss, a spring controlling said valve, and means for adJusting said spring.

6. In an internal combustion engine radiator, comprising a fluid chamber having a filling neck, and a vent tube extending into said neck, means for closingsaid fluid chamber from said vent tube comprising a perforated cover plate insertible into said neck, and around said vent tube, a valve adapted to close the perforation in said cover platebut to be displaced therefrom when the pressure in the fluid chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, and a signal adapted to indicate when said valve has been lifted;

7. In an internal combustion engine radiator, a fluid chamber, a valve adapted to close said fluid chamber but to be openedwhen the pressure in said fluid chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, a relief chamber to which fluid is admitted when said valve ,is opened, a vent tube opening into said relief chamber, a fluid pressure-operated visual signal, and means connecting the signal operat ing means with said chamber;

8. In an internal combustion engine, radiator comprising a fluid chamber, aneck, a

; cap for closing said neck, a valve associated with said cap adapted to close said fluid chamber but to be displaced when-the pressure in said chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, a relief chamber to which fluid is admitted when said valve is so'displaced, a fliud reduced.

pressure operated signal secured to said cap, and a passage through said cap admittlng fluid from said relief chamber to said signal.

9. A radiator closing device compnsing a perforated closing plate, a main valve closing the perforation in said plate, a port in the bod of said main valve, and a return valve closmg said port, said return valve 0 ening opposite to said main valve under uid pressure.

10. A radiator closing device adapted to be easily attached to existing radiators comprising a check valve ad aptedto be opened by increased pressure within the radiator, and a return valve adapted to be opened by reduction of pressure within the radiator, an overflow pipe in said radiator, said overflow pipe acting as a vent.

11. Ina radiator comprising a filling'neck closed by a cap and a vent tube extending into said neck, a closing device comprising a closing plate which, with said cap, defines a relief chamber in communication with said vent tube, a valve associated with said closing plate adapted to open when the pressure in the radiator exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby permitting the overflow of the radiator fluid into the vent tube, and a second valveadapted to open when the pressure in the radiator is reduced a predetermined amount, thereby permitting the return of the fluid to said radiator.

12.- In an internal combustion engine radiator, comprising a fluid chamber and an overflow tube, means for closing said fluid chamher from said overflow tube adapted to' open when the pressure in said fluid chamber exceeds-a predetermined amount, a condenser associated with said overflow tube adapted to condense and retain the fluid -which'.es-'

capes from said radiator when said' closing -means is openedby pressure withinthe radiator, andlmeans' whereby the fluid in said condenser is returned to said radiator when the pressure in said radiator is subsequently 13. In an internal combustion engine radiator, COIf(1pI1S1I1g a fluid chamber, an overflow tube, means forclosing said chamber from said overflow tube'comprising a valve adapted to open when the pressure in, said fluid chamber exceeds a' predetermined amount, a condenser associated with the over.- flow tube for condensing and retaining the fluid which escapes from the fluid chamber when said valve is opened, and means, including a second valve, adapted to be opened when the pressure in said radiator is subsequently reduced whereby the'condensed fluid is returned to said radiator.

14. An internal combustion-engine radiator comprising a, closure valve, an overflow tube, a condenser associated with the out-let endof said tube, said condenser comprising a plurallty of superposed fin and tube forming elements, and means to permit the return of condensate through the closure valve. 15. An internal combustion engine radiator comprising an overflow tube and a condenser associated with the outlet end of said overflow tube, said condenser comprising a reservoir into which the outlet end of said overflow tube extends, a cooling device comprising a plurality of fluid passages in communication with said reservoir, an outlet from said condenser, and signal means to indicate conditions when the condenser is being operated.

16. An internal combustion engine radi- M ator comprising an overflow tube and a c0ndenser associated with the outlet end of said tube, said condenser comprising a reservoir into which said overflow tube extends, a cool ing element comprising a fluid passage and radiation fins, a safety valve associated with said condenser, and means for visual indication of the operation of the condenser.

In testimony whereof I have aflixed my signature to this specification. JOHN KARMAZIN.

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