US2793814A - Temperature controlled steam trap - Google Patents

Description

May 28, 1957 Y A. K. VELAN 2,793,814

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED STEAM TRAP Filed Feb. 16, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l I; fy/i May 28, 1957 A. K. VELAN 2,793,814

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED STEAM TRAP Filed Feb. 16, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 five/2151 fldoZfZ: I eZan/ temperature control valve.

2,793,814 TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED STEAM TRAP Adolf Karel Velan, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Application February 16, 1955, Serial No. 48 8,671

25 Claims. (Cl. 236-59) Introduction The present invention relates to an improvement of devices for controlling the air-venting and condensating of steam using equipment working on bi-metallic or bellows thermostatic principle;

In heating installations, for example those used i processing industries, heating plants, and the like, where saturated steam or super-heated steam is employed as a heating medium, it is necessary to provide various automatic devices so that the air will be discharged from the systems during the initial heating up from cold condition, and then steam must be discharged from the system without the loss of live steam, and the. back flow of condensate prevented. Normally, separate devices are used for each operation, for example, steam traps are provided for the automatic discharge of condensed steam, airvents of various types and designs are used for the automatic discharge of air from the systems during the heating up period, and check valves of various types and descriptions are installed in front of the discharging side of the steam traps to prevent possible back flow of condensate from the turn lines of the adjoining equipment. In some installations, temperature control valves are installed on the discharging side of the steam traps in order to hold up hot condensate under pressure in the system, and to allow the discharge of condensate having a predetermined lower temperature.

These devices are all necessary to meet the requirements of an efiicient steam installation as well as separate valves and valve seats to control the steam traps, air vents and check valves. Further, most steam traps at present available can be installed only in one position so that it is necessary to employ various typesand sizes to accommodate varying pressures and lowered conditions.

These disadvantages have in the main been overcome by the applicants steam trap structure shown and described in United States Patent 2,629,553, which issued February 24, 1953; This steam trap construction provides a single controlling device thatv combines the-function of all the previously required elements, namely, steam trap, air vent, check valve, control glass, strainer and Through the use of a single pressure and temperature responsive free floating valve arrangement this steam trap is adapted to'control the venting of air, the discharge of condensate and a back flow of condensate. This trap construction is so designed that relative position has no etfect in operation enabling it to be installed in any position.

The present invention aims to provide a further improvement in the type of steam trap described above wherein the capacity of the trap is more than doubled through the use of a specially designed temperature and pressure responsive controlling element in combination with the free floating valve.

Accordingly, the invention is embodied in a steam trap having a fluid chamber, inlet and out-let passages for the chamber, the outer end of the outlet passage having a hired States P3tnt valve seat, a valve member having an elongated stem extending from a tail end within the chamber to an outstanding closure head dis'posedoutside of the fluid chamber, and adapted to seat on'the valve seat, and comprises a temperature responsive controlling element which includes a' first bi-metallic member supported within the chamber in the path of the valve stem and a second bi-metallic member connected to the first bimetallic member. ,The second bi-metallic member is provided with valve stem engaging, means and the connection between the bi meta'llic members is such that movement of the first member is transmitted to the second member and the movement of the second member is added to the movement of the first member. As the second member is engaged with the. valve stem any movement'of either or both of the bi-metallic members causes a corresponding movement of the valve head relative to the valve seat.

As will be appreciated, this cooperating arrangement of the controlling bi-metallic members great-1y increases the thermal responsive strength of the controlling element and the extent of the possible movement of the valve head relative to the valve seat permitting the use of larger orifices and accordingly increases the capacityof the trap with respect to condensate discharge. 7

More specifically, the preferred bi-metallic members utilized each comprises of a plurality of spaced apart bi-metallic segments, each segment being ofgraduated strength relative to an adjacent segment and being mounted in the fluid chamber so that each segment will act in coordinated sequence under conditions induced by steam temperature and pressure. This construction gives each bi-metallic member greater sensitivity.

In one preferred construction, the bi-metallic members are mounted was to extend transversely to and above and below the elongated stem of the controlling valve in the steam trap. Each member comprises of a plurality of spaced apart segments which are held .together centrally with the terminal ends of the first segment of each member pivotally connected to the corresponding terminal ends of the second bi-metallic member. The bi-metallic segments in the connected members are so disposed that under steam pressure and temperature, the members in sequence, depending on their thermal responsive strength, deflect or bow towards each other. The interconnected segments of both of the members include central openings to accommodate the valve stem with the outer segment of the first of the members connected centrally to a cylindrical sleeve which slidably fitsover a corresponding cylindrical projection provided on the inner'face of the valve seat. The inner end of the valve stem, which extends through and beyond the second bi-metallic member is provided with an outstanding stop member against which the outer segment of the second bi-metallic member bears so that any deflection of any of the segments of the first and/or second bimetallic members acts on the valve stem bringing the valve head into seated position.

Means are provided for adjustment of the clearance of the valve head relative to the valve seat in the form of a wedge-shaped cam member which is interposed between the first bi-metallic member supporting sleeve and the valve seat projection.

In'an alternative arrangement, the bi-metallic members are supported and connected at one end only by a common support which is slidably mounted beneath the valve stem. In this construction, the upper ends of the segments of the first and second members are slotted to accommodate the valve stem with the outer segment of the first member having a pivotally mounted contact member bearing against the inner face of the valve seat. The outer segment of the second bi-metallic member is pro- I Patented May 28, 1957 vided with a divided valve'stem engaging member into which the inner terminal end of the valve stem 'slidably fits and which is adapted to act against the terminal end of the valve stem upon deflection of any of the segments of the first and/or the second'me'mb'en The segments of the first and second bi-metallic members are arranged so that the upper unsupported ends of each member'deflect away from the corresponding segments of the other member when subjected to increased temperature condi tions.

The engagement of the projection of the first bi-metallic member under this deflection into contact with the valve seat, moves the common support which is mounted for sliding movement 'within the fluid chamber, and consequently, the second member. As the second bi-rnetallic member acts on the valve stem as described above, the movement of the first member and the deflection of the second member combines to act onthe valve stem to bring the valve head into seated position.

Ina further alternative arrangement, the features of both of the previously described constructions'are combined to produce the equivalent result. In this construction, the first bi-metallic member is secured at one end to the interior of the fluid chamber beneath the valve. The second bi-metallic member is mounted on the upper end of the first member on a supporting yoke with the valve stem passing through the centre of the second member. The segments of the first member are disposed so as to deflect'away from the valve seat as are also the segments of the second member. Since the first member supports the second member, through the supporting yoke, the deflection of both members are combined and by the engagement of the second bi-metallic member with the inner end of the valve stem, the valve head is drawn into seating contact with the valve seat as previously described.

Means are provided in both of the alternative arrangements to provide for adjustment of the clearance between the valve head and thevalve seat in the form of adjustable wedge shaped members which are interposed between the terminal ends of the valve stems and the valve ste engaging segments of the bi-metallic members.

7 Having thus generally described the nature of the invention, particular reference will be made to the accompanying drawings wherein there is shown by way of illustration preferred embodiments thereof and in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a preferred construction of a steam trap embodying a controlling element in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a transverse cross section of the steam trap construction shown in Figure l to illustrate the relative position and arrangement of a preferred form of bimetallic control element in accordance with the invention.

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view partly in section of a portion of the steam trap construction shown in Figure 2 with the segments of both coupled bi-metallic members shown in complete deflected condition with the valve head seated on the valve seat under maximum temperature conditions.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are diagrammatic views showing the action of a preferred form of bi-metallic controlling element in accordance with the invention as'it would appear with, one segment of each member pulling, Figure 4; two segments of each member pulling, Figure 5; and all three segments of each member pulling, Figure 6.

Figure 7 is a detailed view of a temperature control arrangement which can be utilized with the valve head clearance adjusting members of the steam trap constructions illustrated.

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view in perspective elevation of an alternative form of a bi-metallic element controlling arrangement in accordance with the invention.

Figure 9 is a' view in plan partially in section of the construction shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view in side elevation of the controlling element arrangement shown in Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a side view partially in section of a still further alternative arrangement of a bi-metallic controlling element construction in accordance with the invention.-

With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a universal steam trap embodying controlling elements in accordance with the invention is shown as comprising a main outer body 10 having an internal recess constituting a fluid chamber 12 and opposed borings constituting inlet 14 and outlet passages 16. The outlet passage 16 leads into an intermediate enlargement 20 and is continued by a tapped opening 22 providing a means of connection to the piping of a heating system. The inlet passage 14 is also tapped to allow further connection. The outlet passage 16 is tapped and a fitted valve seat 24 is mounted in the passage so that the end of the seat extends slightly into the enlargement 20. The valve seat 24 is shaped so as to have a central valve stem accommodating passage 26 and transverse'outlet passages 27, 28 to permit the fluid to pass from the fluid chamber 12. A cylindrical extension 29 is provided on the inner end of the valve seat 24, the passage 26 continuing through this" extension.

A valve member having an elongated shank 30 and a bulbous valve head 32 is mounted for free floating movement within the fluid chamber 12 in the following manner. The preferred dual member bi-metallic temperature and pressure responsive controlling element in accordance with the present invention is mounted on theextension 29 of the valve seat 24 by a cylindrical element'supporting member 41 which slidably fits over the valve seat extension 29.

The bi-metallic element comprises a first bi-metallic member 42 and a second bi-metallic member 43 which are pivotally connected to each other. Each of the members 42, 43 is made up of a plurality of thermal responsive bimetallic segments of graduated strength 42a, 42b, 42c and 43a, 43b, 43c, respectively.

The segments 42a, 42b and so on, in each of the members 42, 43 are connected to each other centrally of their length by spacing plates 44 so that the terminal ends are free for deflection. The inner segments 42a, 43a, of the respective members are pivotally connected to each other at their terminal ends by connecting brackets 45, 47 so that the deflection of the segment 42a of the first member 42 is transmitted to segment 43a of the second member 43, and the deflection of the segment 4300f the second member 43 is added to the deflection of the first member.- The progressive deflection of the other segments 42b, 42c and 43b, 43c brings their terminal ends into contact with the ends of the first segments so that as the temperature and pressure increase, the temperature' responsive strength of the controlling element accordingly increases.

Each of the bi-metallic segments and their spacing plates 44 are provided with a central opening through which the elongated shankor stem 30 of the valve freely fits. The terminal end 31 of the valve stem 30 is provided with a retaining nut 33 which bears against the outer plate 430 of thesecond member 43. a V

As previously mentioned, the combined members 42, 43 are -supported'relative to the valve stem 30 .by the cylindrical supporting member 41 which is fixed to the outer segment 42c '01? the first member 42. The face 53 of the member 41 adjacent the valve seat 24 is tapered and a pivotally mounted adjusting wedge 55 is provided whichfits between the rear face 25 of the valve seat 24 and the face 53 of the member 41. The adjusting wedge 55 is bifurcate so as to extend on each side 'of'the valve seat extension 29 and is pivotally mounted on the end of an elongated rod 60 which extends through a prises of a ball and socket joint 66 which is mounted on the end of the rod 60.

A sealing ring 68 is preferably provided in the plug 62 to prevent possible escape of fluid between the rod 60 and the interior of the plug, and a locking nut 70 is provided so as to enable the adjusting cap to be locked in any desired position. -With this arrangement, rotation of the adjusting cap 64 on the exterior of the body 10 causes a corresponding raising or lowering of the wedge 55 so as to act against the element supporting member 41, thus varying the-clearance between the valve head 32 and the valve seat 24.

The bi-metallic members 42, 43 are constructed so that the deflection of the combined segments follows a curve substantially equal to the saturated steam curve. As it would be extremely diflicult, if not impossible, to obtain a single bi-metallic element having the exact characteristics of the saturated steam curve pressures and temperatures, the present multi-segment construction was developed so that the temperature responsive controlling element would respond, as nearly as possible, to the saturated steam curve.

While the main controlling element of the applicants earlier steam trap construction, as shown in United States Patent 2,629,553, also embodies these general characteristics, this earlier structure was not capable of handling large quantities of condensate in the manner of the present improvement.

As will be appreciated, by the particular connection of the bi-rnetallic segments to the valve stem and the preferred means of combining the bi-metallic members, the actual distance of deflection of the members is greatly increased as is their etfective thermal responsive strength.- This gives the present controlling element the advantage of providing a steam trap with more than double the normal capacity of the earlier type of steam trap of this nature. p

The various segments 42a, 42b and 42c and 43a, 43b, and 430 are mounted in spaced apart relationship relative to each other by the spacing plates 44 so that only the first segments 42a, 43a will be in elfective operation from, for example, zero to about 22 p. s. i., that is, from about 212 F. to about 250 F.

The second segments 42b, 43b come into operation at about 25 F. and add ability to add force to the segments 42a, 43:: over the range of about 250 F. to about 325 F. for about 69 p. s. i. At this point, the segments 42c, 43c come into operation to add force to the segments 42a, 42b and 43a, 43b for pressures from about 69 p. s. i. up to about 250 p. s. i.

It will be appreciated that the adding of additional segments or variation of the thermal responsive strength of the individual segments will permit making a controlling element adapted to handle higher temperatures and greater pressure if desired. It will also be understood that while the segments 42a, 42b, 42c and 43a, 43b, 43c, areshown as each comprising one single bi-metallic segment comprising two plates of varying metal having largely different coefficients of thermal expansion that in actual practice each segment comprises of a plurality of similar bi-metallic plates. The number of bi-metallic plates in each segment is increased proportionally upwards from the segments 42a, 43a to the segments 42c, 430, the exact number of plates in each segment depending on the strength and size of the individual plates and the thermal pull required to keep the valve closed against the steam pressure. This factor, of course, is determined by the area of the orifice of the valve seat 24 and the surface acted on. of the valve closure head 32.

In the construction illustrated the casing body also includes a side opening 100 leading into a chamber 12 and a chemically resistant gas disc 102 is mounted in this opening between suitable asbestos gaskets. The disc 100 is retained in position by the means of an annular cover 104 threadably engaged in the body opening 100. This provides a control glass wherebya visual check may be made of the fluid within the chamber 12.

The end of the chamber. 12 adjacent the inlet passage 14 is reduced to a substantial cylindrical portion 13 wherein the strainer 124 is mounted by known means. As indicated in the drawing, the clearance between the strainer and the adjacent walls of the valve chamber is at least as small as the strainer openings. A tapped opening 105 is provided in the body 10 beneath the portion 13 and a strainer plug 106 is threadably secured in this opening. A tapped opening 110 is provided in the body 10 over the portion 13 and a rapid reaction bi-metallic thermometer 112 is threadably engaged in this opening so that the temperature sensitive portion 113 is in the path of the fluid passing into the chamber 12. A similar type thermometer 113 is disposed in the enlargement 20 of the outlet passage 16.

Function andoperation As will be understood from the foregoing description, the valve member 32 can move freely forward and backward relative to the valve seat 24 and the valve seat extension 26 and the combined controlling thermal responsive elements provide a means of aligning the valve stem 30 rather than a fixed rigid support. The movement of the valve head 32 away from the valve seat 24 is limited by the adjusting nut provided on the inner terminal end of the valve stem 30. As the combined bi-metallic elements 42, 43 are supported within the fluid chamber 12 by the cylindrical member 41, they are adapted, on being subjected to the influence of steam, to deflect pulling the closure head 32 into contact with the valve seat 24 and thus closing the valve. When cooler condensate enters the chamber 12 the drop in temperature causes the combined elements 42, 43 to deflect in a reverse direction allowing the valve head 32 to be forced from the valve seat 24 by the fluid pressure.

The clearance of the valve head 32, in a cold state when no steam is in the trap, is determined by the position of the adjusting wedge member 55. By turning the adjusting cap 64 in one direction, the member 55 moves upwards diminishing the clearance between the valve head 32 and the valve seat 24. By turning the adjusting cap 64 in the opposite direction the wedge member 55 moves downward increasing the clearance between the valve head 32 and the valve seat 24.

In operation, and with reference to Figure 2, the trap is shown in a position where the equipment is started up from a cold inoperative condition. There is no steam in the lines so that only air and cold water is being pressed out from the lines by the boiler steam pressure. This pressure acting on the surface of the valve closure head 32 pushes the closure head away from the valve seat 24. The valve head moves in this direction until the adjusting nut on the end of the valve stem 30 contacts the outer segment 43c of the combined members. Accordingly, the trap is open and the pressure line connected with the return line. In this condition, the valve member acts as an air vent allowingan initial blast discharge of air and cold water.

As the steam enters the trap, the valve is closed by steam temperature. This is shown diagrammatically in Figures 4, 5 and 6. The condensate is discharged and steam is in the equipment in all lines leading to the trap. The incoming steam hits the first of the bi-metallic segments 42a, 43a, which causes a combined deflection of these segments of the controlling members which pulls the valve head 32 into seating condition on the valve seat 24. As previously described, due to the present construction of the heat-sensitive combined elements 42, 43 the additional segments will continue to operate in like manner as the pressure and temperature of the steam increase so that alarge pressure and temperature range can be accommodated.

- When the steam condenses the valve is opened by pressure; in this condition condensate enters and.closes the chamber 12. The opening of the valve member is performed in two steps. 7 The first step is performed by temperature impulse in the following manner. As the temperature of the condensate entering the trap is lower than the steam temperature, the bi-metallic element makes a slight movement towards the opening position of the valve head 32 as the valve'closure head 32 is free floating and always under pressure. Then released by this reverse movement, the valve head 32 is pressed out from the seat 24 and. opens the trap-connecting the high pres sure side with theireturn line. Thus the flow of condensate is released. When this step occurs, we have'the following powers acting in the trap. The'thermal pull developed by the deflection of the combined element members acts in the direction to keep the valve head seated against the valve seat 24. The pressure acts on the seated surface of the spherical valve head 32 which has substantially the same surface as the opening of the valve seat 24. This pressure acting on the valve head surface develops a pressure power acting against the thermal pull in the opening direction when the condensate enters the trap.

The combined bi-metallic members are slightly deflected from the closing direction when the thermal pull of the bi-metal drops sufliciently so that the above mentioned pressure power overcomes the thermal pull and opens the valve. When the flow of condensate is released and the headpartially unseated, the pressure acts on the complete inner surface of the valve head 32. This surface has a greater area than that of the valve seat 24 so that more pressure power is applied to the valve head 32 overcoming the gradually weakening thermal pull of the bi-metallic element. This increased pressure pushes the bi-metallic element into its original supporting position so that the valve member is allowed to make its complete movement in the opening direction, which due to the particular arrangement of the bi-metallic segments opens the valve to complete and full capacity which is substantially double that of similar traps of this nature. 4

A similar result is obtained by the alternative construction of the combined bi-metallic thermal responsive members shown in Figure 8. In this construction, a first series of bi-metal segments 142a, 1421: are mounted within the fluid chamber 12 in a fixedposition relative to the valve stem 30 and the valve head 32. Each of the members 142a, 142b are of graduated thermal strength as described before and are adapted upon being subjected to increased temperature conditions to deflect in a direction away from the valve seat 24.

v A second bi-metallic member 145 is supported and connected to the member 142a by a supporting yoke 150 in a direction transverse to the deflecting direction of the members 142a, 14212. This second bi-metallic member 145 is supported on the yoke 150 so as to be capable of deflection away from the combined members 142a, 142b so that its deflection is added to the deflection of these members giving additional travel to the movement of the valve closure head 32. The members 142a, 142b are slotted as indicated at 148 and the support 150includes a central opening as does the bi-metallic member 145 to accommodate the inner terminal end of the valve stem 30. A locking nut 152 is provided on the end of the valve stem 30 and an adjusting arrangement similar to that previously described for the preferred construction is provided to allow for adjustment of the clearance between the valve head 32 and the valve seat 24. This arrangement comprises a first member 160 secured to the outer face of the bi-metallic member 145 and a second member 164 mounted on the terminal end of the valve stem 30. The outer face 162 is tapered and a cooperating adjusting wedge 166 is provided which through an adthe preferred construction is utilized to movethis wedge. The only difference required is that'the wedge must be supported for, sliding movementirelative to the adjusting stem, shown in Figure -l1.. This is accomplished by having the end of the rod providedwith a .yoke su'pporting a shaft and having the member166 mounted'for sliding movement'on the shaft. 4 I I In operation,'this alternative construction functions in a similar mannerto that described previously for the preferred construction; The bi-metallic segments of the members 142a, 1421: deflect in sequence with thefirst segment 142a of the member 142 first deflecting and consequently moving the second member 145 away from the valve seat 24. Thedeflection of the member 145 is added to the deflection of thefirst member- 142a so as to seat the valve closure headi32 on the valve seatr24. The second segment 142b. ofjthe. first groupof bi-metallic members 142 cooperates as described before togive the necessary additional thermal responsive resistance against the pressure in the fluid chamber 12 when the pressure and temperature increase.

A still further alternative arrangement is shown in Figure 11 wherein a pair of bi-metallic members242, 2431 are utilized to achieve the same result 'as described for the preferred and first alternative constructions.

In this arrangement, the members 242, 243 each comprise of two segments of bi-metal which are gain of graduated strength relative to each other with the lower ends of the members 242, 243 being held together and supported by a support 250 within the fluid chamber 12. The fluid chamber 12 is slightly modified in the interior toprovide an outstanding projection 252 and the support 250 is mounted for sliding movement between this portion of the body.10 and the external wall. A shaft 260 which extends through this support 250 to protrude beyond the support at each 'end is journalled for sliding movement in openings 262, 263'provided in the casing portions referred to.

The segments 243a, 24% of the member 243 are 7 directionand by the deflection of the member 243a, the

end of the valve stem 30 is acted on so as to bring the valve closure head 32 into closing position against the valve seat 24.

The bi-metallic segment 24311 is connected to and is adapted to bear against an adjusting member 280 which slidably fits over the inner terminal end of the valve stem 30 and which acts in cooperation with a further adjusting portion 282 fixed to the end of the valve stem 30 and retained by an adjusting nutfl284 with an adjusting wedge 255 to provide ameans of adjusting the clearance between the valve closure head 32 and the valve seat 24. As in the previous arrangements described, the rear face of the adjusting portion 280 is tapered and the wedge 255 which is bifurcate so as to be adapted to fit over the shaft or stem 30 of the valve, is adapted to cooperate with this wedge face and. the member 282 so that adjustment of the shaft 60 is adapted to raise and lower the wedge member 255. I a

The wedge member 255 is mounted in a similar manner to that described for the wedge member. 150 in the first alternative construction, that is, the end of the shaft 60 is provided with a supporting yoke 160, a shaft 162- is mounted on this yokeand the member 255 is mounted on the shaft 162 wherebyit is capable of sliding movement whenjthe end of the valve stem 30 is urged outjustable screw arrangement similar to that described for wards due to the deflecting action of the controlling bipossible.

away relative to the valve seat 24 under the controlling deflecting movements of the bi-metallic members.

It will be appreciated by reference to the accompanying drawings and the preceding description that thepreferred construction and the alternative constructions of a bimetallic controlling element in accordance with the present invention, when embodied in the type of steam trap described, makes it possible for a more complete and. sensitive control of a steam trap than was previously Moreover, due to the coupling of two or more bi-metallic members in the manner described the capacity of the trap is more than doubled when compared with that of previous steam. traps of this type.

As will be appreciated, when referring specifically to the preferred construction, the central positioning of the valve stem relative to the deflecting portions of the controlling element doubles the effective thermal responsive strength permitting the use ofv larger valve orifices and thecoupling of the two elements with their deflection opposedor combined doubles. the effective distance travelelementadapted for use in a steam trap of. the typehaving a fluid chamber, inlet and outlet passages to said chamber with the outer end of said outlet passage provided with a valve seatand a closure valve. having a valve. stem, and. an outstanding closure head. adapted to seat on said valve seat; comprising a first thermal-responsive member supported within said trap fluid chamber adjacent saidvalve. seat, a secondthermal responsive member connected. to said first thermal responsive member and having. valve stem engaging means, at least one of said thermal responsive memberscomprising a. plurality of spaced apart thermal responsive bi-metallic segments, each. of said segments being connected to adjacent segments by a minor portion only and having a major portion free to-- respond individually under predetermined temperature conditions and including at least one free end spaced from an adjacent segment, the first segment of said one member being in opposed relationship with said other thermal responsive member and being inter-connected therewith whereby movement by deflection of said one member is transmitted to said first segment of said.

other member, and movement of said first segment by deflection is added to the movement of said other member and transmitted to said valve stem to move saidvalve closure. head into. engagement with said valve seat, and movement. of the remainder of said segments of said one member by deflection is progressively added to the combined closing pull of said first segment and said other member.

2. A temperature and pressure responsive controlling element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first thermal responsive member is mounted Within said fluid chamber relative to said valve seat so as. to be adapted to deflect in a direction away from said valve seat and said second thermal responsive member is mounted relative to said first member so. as tov be adapted to deflect in a direction opposed. to. said first member deflection.

-3. A temperature and pressure responsive controlling element as claimed. in claim 1 wherein said second thermal responsive element is supported within said fluid chamber by its connection with said first member.

4. A temperature and pressure responsive controlling element as claimed in claim. 1. wherein said first, and second thermal responsive elements are mounted on a common support and said support is mounted for sliding movement within said flu-id chamber.

5. A temperature and pressure responsive controlling element adapted for use in a steam trap of the type having a fluid chamber, inlet and outlet. passages to said fluid chamber with the outer end of said outlet passage.

element as. claimed in claim. 5 whereinsaid first thermal provided with a valve seat, and a. closure valve havingv a valve stem and an outstanding closure head adapted to seat on said valve seat; comprising a first thermal'responsive member supported within said trapv fluid chamber adjacent said valve seat, a second thermal responsive member connected to said first thermal responsive member and. having. valve stem engaging means, said first and second thermal responsive members each comprising a plurality of spaced apart thermally responsive bi-metallic segments, each of said segments being of graduated thermally responsive strength relative to an adjacent segment and being connected to each adjacent segment by a minor portion only with the major portion including at least one end spaced from adjacent segments free to respond individually under predetermined temperature conditions, the weakest of said segments of said first member being disposed in opposed relationship with the corresponding segment of the other of said members and being interconnected one with the other whereby movement by deflection of said first member is transmitted, to said second member and movement. by deflection of said. second member is combined with the movement of said first member and transmitted to said valve stem to move said. first valve closure head. towards said valve seat.

. 6. A temperature and .pressureresponsive controlling responsive. member is, mounted within said fluid chamber relative to said valve seat so as to be adapted to deflect in a. direction away from said valve. seat and said second thermal responsivemember, is mounted relative. to. said firstmember so as to be. adapted to deflect in a direction opposed to said first member deflection.

T. A temperature and pressure responsive controlling elementas claimed in claim 5 whereinsaid second thermal responsive element is supported Within said fluid chamher by itsv connection with said first member.

8. A temperature and pressure responsive, controlling element as claimed in claim, 5 wherein, said first and second' thermal responsive elements are mounted on a common support and said support is mounted for sliding movement. within said fluid chamber.

9. A temperature and pressure responsive. controlling element adapted for use in a steam trap of the type having a fluid chamber, inlet and outlet passages to said fluid chamber with the outer end of, said outlet passage provided with a valve seat, and a closure valve having a valve stem and an outstanding closure head adapted to seat on said valve seat; comprising a first thermal responsive member supported within said trap fluid chamber adjacent said valve seat, a second thermally responsive member connected to said first thermal responsive member and having valve stem engaging means, said first and second thermal responsive members each. comprising, a plurality of spaced apart thermal responsive bimetallic segments, each, of said segments being connected to. each adjacent segment by a minor portion only with the major portion including one end spaced from adjacent segments free to respond individually under predetermined temperature conditions, the first of said segments of. said first member being disposed in opposed relationship with the corresponding segment of the other of said members and being interconnected between with the other whereby movement by deflection of said first member is transmitted to said second member and movement by deflection of said second member is combined with the movement of said second member and transmitted to said valve stem to move said first valve closure head towards said valve seat.

1'0. A temperature and pressure responsive controlling element as claimed in claim 9 wherein said, first thermal responsive member is. mounted within said fluid chamber relative to said valve seat so as to be adapted to deflect in a. direction away from said valve seat and said second thermal responsive member is mounted relative to said assess;

11 V first member so as to be adapted to deflect in a direction opposed to said first member deflection. V. f l f s 11. A temperature and pressure responsive controlling element as claimed in claim 9 whereinsaid second thermal responsive element is supported within' said fluid chamber by its connection with said first member.

12. A temperature and pressure responsive controlling element as claimed in claim 9 wherein said first and second thermal responsive elements are mounted on a common support and said support is mounted for sliding movement within said fluid chamber.

13. A temperature responsive controlling unit adapted for use in steam traps of the type embodying a fluid chamber having fluid inlet and outlet passages, a valve seat in said fluid outlet passage, and a valve including an outstanding valve head adapted to seat on said valve seat and a valve stem extending from said valve head; comprising a first thermally responsive bi-metallic element connected to an element supporting member mounted for sliding movement on an extension of said valve seat, said first element consisting of a plurality of interconnected spaced apart bi-metallic segments disposed relative to said supporting member so as to be adapted to deflect in a direction away from said valve seat, a second thermally responsive element consisting of a plurality of interconnected spaced apart bi-metallic segments pivotally connected to said first thermally responsive element with the segments of said second element disposed so as to deflect in a direction towards said first element, each of the segments of said first and second members being connected to an adjacent segment by a minor portion only with the major portion including two free ends spaced apart from the corresponding ends of adjacent segments and adapted to respond individually under predetermined temperature conditions, said second thermally responsive element including valve stem engaging means, whereby deflection of said first element is transmitted to said second element and deflection of said second element is added to said first element deflection and transmitted to said valve stem moving said valve head relative to said valve seat.

elements are interconnected centrally of their length and.

each element includes a central opening adapted to accommodate said valve stem, said supporting member [deflection of said first member is transmitted to said sec having a corresponding central opening and being mounted concentrically of said elementopenings.

16. A temperature responsive controlling unit as claimed in claim 13 wherein a tapered wedge is mounted for sliding movement between said element supporting member and said valve seat, said wedge being supported on an adjustable shaft extending exteriorly of said fluid chamber.

17. A temperature responsive controlling unit adapted for use in steam traps of the type embodying a fluid chamber having fluid inlet and outlet passages, a valve seat in said fluid outlet passage, and a valve including an outstanding valve head adapted to seat on said valve seat and a valve stem extending from said valve head; comprising a first thermally responsive member mounted within said fluid chamber in alignment with said valve seat and valve stem, at supporting yoke mounted on said first thermally responsive member and a second thermally responsive member mounted on said supporting yoke and including valve stem engaging means, said first and second thermally responsive under predetermined temperatureconditions, whereby-the 0nd memberv and the deflection ofv said second member'is added to the deflection of said first member and the combined deflectionakmovement of both members is transmitted to said valve stem moving said valve head relative to said valve seat.

18. A temperature responsive controlling unit as claimed in claim 17 wherein said first thermally responsive member comprises a plurality of spaced apart thermally responsive bi-metallic segments, each of said segments being of graduated thermally responsive strength relative to an adjacent segment and being connected to each adjacent segment by a minor portion only with the major portion free to respond individually under predetermined temperature conditions, said supperting yoke valve stem ihner terminal end, said wedge being supported on an adjustable shaft extending exteriorly of said fluid chamber.

, 21. A' temperature responsive controlling unit as claimed in claim 17 wherein said first thermally responsive member comprises a plurality of spaced apart thermally responsive bimetallic segments, each of said segments being connected to each adjacent segment by a minor portion only with the major portion including one free end spaced from the adjacent segments free to respond individually under predetermined temperature conditions, said supporting yoke being connected to a first one of said segments.

22. A temperature responsive controlling unit as claimed in claim 21, wherein said second thermally responsive member comprises at least one bi-metallic segment with the outer ends engaged with said supporting yoke and the centre portion free for deflection.

' 23. A temperature responsive controlling unit as claimed in claim 21 wherein a tapered wedge is mounted for sliding movement between said second thermally responsive member valve stem engaging means and said valve stem inner terminal end, said wedge being supported on an adjustable shaft extending exteriorly of said fluid chamber.

24. A temperature responsive controlling unit adapted for use in steamtraps of the type embodying a fluid chamber having fluid inlet and outlet passages, 21 valve seat in said fluid outlet passage, and a valve having an out-,

v strength relativeto an adjacent segment and being con-' nected to said adjacent segment and to said common support by a minor portion only with the major portion in-' cluding one end spaced from an adjacent segment free to respond individually under predetermined temperature conditions, the weakest of said segments of said first member includingmeans for engaging the inner end of members being disposed so: as to" deflect in a direction away from said valve seat;

'13 said valve seat and the weakest of said segments of said second member including said valve stem engaging means, the segments of said first and second members being mounted in said common support in opposed relationship whereby the deflection of the segments of said first member is transmitted through said common support to said second member and the deflection of the segments of said second member is added to the deflection of said first member and transmitted to said valve stem moving said valve head towards said valve seat.

25. A temperature responsive controlling unit adapted for use in a steam trap of the type embodying a fluid chamber having fluid inlet and outlet passages, a valve seat in said fluid outlet passage, and a valve having an outstanding valve head adapted to seat on said valve seat, and a valve stem extending from said valve head; comprising, first and second thermal responsive members mounted on a main supporting member, said supporting member being mounted for sliding movement within said fluid chamber in alignment with said valve stem and valve seat, said second thermal responsive member including valve stem engaging means, said first and second thermal responsive members each comprising a plurality of spaced apart thermally responsive bi-metallic segments, each of said segments being connected to said adjacent segment and to said common support by a minor portion only with the major portion including one end spaced from the adjacent segment free to respond individually under predetermined temperature conditions, the first of said segments of said first member including means for engaging the inner end of said valve seat and the first of said segments of said second member including said valve stem engaging means, the said segments of said first and second member being mounted in said common support in opposed relationship whereby the deflection of the segments of said first member is transmitted through said common support to said second member and the deflection of the segments of said second member is added to the deflection of said first member and transmitted to said valve stem moving said valve head towards said valve seat.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 991,064 Houser May 2, 1911 1,204,265 Freeman Nov. 7, 1916 1,219,515 Whittelsey Mar. 20, 1917 FOREIGN PATENTS 95,583 Germany Jan. 5, 1898

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