Temperature actuated valve

Abstract

A temperature and pressure sensitive valve is disclosed herein. The valve has a valve piston for regulating flow through the valve, a valve piston guide for directing movement of the piston, the piston guide having one or more passages there through, a thermal element for enabling movement of said piston, and an elongated housing having an anterior and posterior end and an interior wall able to house the piston, guide and thermal element. The housing further has two or more passages able to aid the piston in regulating flow, with at least one of the passages placed towards the anterior end of the housing, and at least one of the passages placed towards the posterior end of the housing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to valves. More specifically, the present invention relates to a temperature actuated valve that automatically opens in response to freezing temperatures, thereby enabling flow to continue through the valve, and that automatically closes when the temperature rises above freezing.

[0004] 2. Background Information

[0005] Damage often occurs to water pipes and faucets that are externally exposed to freezing conditions due to the expansion of water when it freezes. The most common solution is to open the faucet sufficiently enough to allow a slow dripping of the water. This flowing of water is typically warm enough to prevent freezing of the piping upstream of the faucet. The warmer water usually comes from buried pipes at a temperature above freezing at a rate faster than it can be frozen. However, faucet dripping is not always feasible, as no one may be available to open the faucet, the faucet may be forgotten, or the cold weather may be unexpected. Further, this dripping can be wasteful of water in that the faucets often drip longer than is necessary.

[0006] As a solution to this concern of frozen pipes and faucets, a multitude of alternatives have been proposed that automatically allow the faucet to drip when freezing conditions are encountered. Typically, these alternatives include a thermally active element utilized in opening and closing various types of valves. Examples of thermally active elements include (1) a combination of materials having differing coefficients of thermal expansion arranged such that one moves in relation to another with a change in temperature, (2) a liquid that condenses at a specific temperature, or (3) a wax that changes phases at a known temperature with a corresponding change in volume. Valves containing such thermal elements are constructed so that movement of the thermal elements enables movement of a plug, thereby opening the faucet and allowing water to drip.

[0007] However, many times a hose or other accessory may be attached to the end of the faucet. This accessory may already contain fluid in it that has frozen, causing the outlet of the faucet to be blocked. Accordingly, there is a need for a valve having a secondary means of permitting flow there through in the event that the primary means, e.g., the faucet outlet, is prevented from allowing flow there through.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention disclosed herein alleviates the drawbacks described above with respect to responding to fluid flow through a valve, particularly in that instance wherein the primary means of permitting fluid flow there through is unable to do so. The valve of the present invention is easily installed in a common water faucet. It allows the control of the liquid through the valve to be unattended, regardless of how low the surrounding air temperature may be. The valve further allows such unattended control, even though the primary means of release, e.g., the outlet of the faucet, is blocked, preventing flow there through.

[0009] The valve of the present invention is temperature and pressure sensitive and has a valve piston for regulating flow through the valve. The valve also has a valve piston guide for directing movement of the piston. The piston guide includes one or more passages there through, a thermal element for enabling movement of the piston, and an elongated housing having an anterior and posterior end and an interior wall able to house the piston, guide and thermal element. The housing also has two or more passages for aiding the piston in regulating flow, with at least one of the passages placed towards the anterior end of the housing, and at least one of the passages placed towards the posterior end of the housing.

[0010] The present invention further provides a method of controlling flow through a faucet in freezing conditions. The faucet has a valve in communication with the faucet, with the valve having a valve housing with an anterior end and a posterior end and an internal wall. The housing houses a valve piston, piston guide, piston seat and thermal element. The thermal element can expand and contract according to the surrounding air temperature, and the piston can sealably engage the seat. The method includes the steps of contracting the thermal element as the surrounding air temperature approaches the freezing temperature of water; moving the valve piston towards the anterior end of the housing; and breaking the piston's sealable engagement with the seat, thereby automatically creating a flow passage through the valve. The flow passage through the valve automatically closes as the surrounding air temperature rises above a predetermined temperature.

[0011] As designed, the valve of the present invention is easily and conveniently installed in a faucet. Its simple design allows it to be inexpensively manufactured. It may be manufactured in a wide range of sizes, based upon the size of the flow line to be served. By proper selection of materials, the present invention may be used for controlling a wide variety of flows.

[0012] The valve of the present invention has at least two components that enable it to overcome those limitations encountered with typical temperature actuated valves. These components include a valve piston and one or more valve piston seats that interact with one another so as to allow or prevent flow through the valve. Each seat communicates with one or more ports for allowing flow there through. The ports are closed when the piston is in contact with the seat, and opened when the piston is disengaged with the seat.

[0013] As disclosed herein, the valve also includes a thermal element that can expand and contract based upon variations in temperature. As the element expands and contracts, the piston is moved so that it sequentially engages and disengages with the seat(s), thereby closing and opening the valve seat port(s).

[0014] Additional ports are positioned on the valve such that flow may automatically continue through the faucet. These additional ports are found in various locations on the valve. One is positioned so that flow may occur through the valve and faucet in the event that a setpoint temperature is met. In the event that flow through the outlet of the faucet is blocked, e.g., a hose is attached to the outlet blocking flow, or fluid at the outlet is frozen blocking flow, another secondary port is positioned on the valve so that flow can bypass the faucet outlet, avoiding damage due to frozen pipes and/or faucets. By opening these ports, flow through the valve is permitted regardless of surrounding air temperature.

[0015] In the manner of the present invention, flow through the first port and out the faucet occurs due to freezing conditions. In other words, should the surrounding air temperature drop below the setpoint temperature, flow will be initiated through the first port and out the faucet outlet. The secondary port is opened by both temperature and pressure should the faucet outlet be blocked. The pressure for opening the secondary port may be predetermined by changing the diameter of the piston, and/or changing the pressure required to compress a spring in the valve.

[0016] The general beneficial effects described above apply generally to each of the exemplary descriptions and characterizations of the devices and mechanisms disclosed herein. The specific structures through which these benefits are delivered will be described in detail herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a temperature actuated valve according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a temperature actuated valve according to the present invention showing the position of the components with no flow through the valve.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a temperature actuated valve according to the present invention showing the position of the components with flow through the primary conduit of the valve.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a temperature actuated valve according to the present invention showing the position of the components with flow through the secondary conduit of the valve.

[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a temperature actuated valve according to the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded side elevation view of a thermal element for use in a temperature actuated valve according to the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a fill valve for use in the thermal element illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a housing for use in a temperature actuated valve according to the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a composite seat for use in a temperature actuated valve according to the present invention wherein the various seats are built into a single component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. For example, although described as built into the stem of the faucet, it should be understood that the valve may be built into the body of the faucet if so desired.

[0027] Referring to the drawings, the temperature-actuated valve of the present invention is indicated generally at 100. The valve or valve housing or valve stem 20 has an anterior end 21 and a posterior end 22, with the posterior end 22 in communication with a faucet body 10. The valve 20 is comprised of a hollow cylindrical housing having external stem threads 23 for communication or secured connection with the faucet body 10. The valve stem 20 may have one or more ports positioned below and/or above the stem threads 23. The ports and their function will be described more fully hereinafter. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, the interior of the valve stem is comprised of an upper interior wall 26 and a lower interior wall 27. The function of each wall will likewise be described herein below.

[0028] In one embodiment, applied onto and over the anterior end 21 of the valve stem 20 is a valve stem washer 84, valve stem gasket 83, cap or nut 82, handle 80 and screw or bolt 81. The bolt 81 threadably engages with the valve stem anterior end 21 for securely attaching the handle 80 thereto. The valve stem washer 84, gasket 83 and cap 82 provide a means for sealably securing the valve stem 20 to the faucet body 10. The washer 84, gasket 83 and cap 82 have an interior diameter that is slightly larger than that of the valve stem 20. This enables these elements to slide over the valve housing 20 to the top of the faucet body 10. At the top of the faucet 10, the cap 82 engages with the packing nut external threads 15 of the faucet body 10, thereby providing a seal between the faucet 10 and the valve stem 20 for the prevention of fluid leakage.

[0029] The faucet body 10 is tapped at both ends to provide threads 12 and 14 at the valve inlet 11 and outlet 13, respectively. While the drawings illustrate externally threaded inlet 11 and outlet 13 ends, it should be understood that both ends may be either internally or externally threaded. The top central portion of the faucet 10 between the tapped ends is both internally 16 and externally 15 threaded and can threadably receive the valve stem 20 therein. In this manner, the valve stem 20 can be manually turned by the handle 80 in order to allow or stop flow through the faucet 10 without the valve stem 20 disengaging with the faucet 10.

[0030] The faucet body 10 is readily available commercially. Such faucets have a partition therein (not shown) for separating an inlet chamber from an outlet chamber. The valve stem 20 engages with the partition. By rotation of the handle 80, the valve stem is rotated either upwardly increasingly opening flow from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber and out the faucet 10, or rotated downwardly thereby increasingly limiting and eventually blocking flow through the chambers and out the faucet 10.

[0031] Disposed within the valve stem 20 is a thermal element 75, valve piston 30, and valve piston guide 40. The thermal element 75 is slightly smaller in external diameter than the upper internal diameter or wall 26 of the valve stem 20, and is able to expand and contract based upon variations in temperature. By being internally disposed in the valve stem 20 between the anterior end 21 and the valve piston 30, the thermal element 75 is able to move the piston 30 along the length of the internal wall of the valve stem 20 as variations occur within a predetermined temperature range. The thermal element 75 is preferably a hollow bellows type device, filled with a substance such as a liquid, gel or gas that expands and contracts based upon changes in temperature. Such an element 75 may be provided with a thermal plug 76 whereby the liquid, gel or gas can be added to the element 75 as needed. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, it is possible to fill the element 75 by removing first the screw 81 and handle 80 and then the plug 76, accessing the thermal element 75 through the valve stem anterior end 21 without separating all components. While a bellows type element 75 is preferred, one skilled in the art would readily recognize that any type of thermal element 75 that expands and contracts with variations in temperature would serve the purpose of the present invention.

[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the valve piston 30 includes a piston base 31, piston travel stop 32, central portion 35, piston primary terminus 34 and secondary terminus 33, and biasing member 70 such as a spring. The piston base 31 is adjacent to the thermal element 75 and provides a surface for contact with the element 75. The piston stop 32 is of smaller diameter than the biasing member or spring 70, whereas the piston base 31 is of the same or greater diameter than the spring 70. As such, the piston stop 32 provides an area or region for supporting the spring 70 within the valve stem 20. The piston stop 32 serves a further purpose, as will be discussed herein below along with the function of the primary 34 and secondary 33 terminus. Further, the piston base 31 is preferably of slightly smaller diameter than the valve stem upper internal wall 26 so that the piston 30 is slidably disposed therein.

[0033] The valve piston seat or guide 40 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 includes a valve piston guide 41 for directing the piston 30 through the valve stem 20, and a valve piston terminus seat 50 for interaction with the piston terminus 33, 34. The guide 41 has a recess there through and is further comprised of a posterior ridge 42, anterior aperture 43, and one or more guide ports 44. The posterior ridge 42 is of slightly smaller diameter than the valve stem lower interior wall or diameter 27, and is of such width that the guide 41 is slidably yet securely or stably placed therein the valve stem 20. Referring to the embodiment found in FIGS. 2-4, it is seen that the valve stem upper internal wall 26 is of smaller diameter than the lower internal wall 27, thereby creating an internal ridge 28 separating the two areas. As shown, the posterior ridge 42 is substantially larger in diameter than the upper internal wall 26 so that only the anterior end of the guide 41 enters into the upper portion of the interior of the valve stem 20. The central portion 35 of the piston 30 is preferably of at least a slightly smaller diameter than the recess of the guide 41. As such, the piston 30 is placed through the anterior aperture 43 and able to slidably pass through the guide 41 up to the piston stop 32. Thereby, the guide 41 centers the piston 30 within the valve stem 20.

[0034] The piston terminus seat 50 interacts with the piston 30 to provide a path for allowing or preventing flow from the faucet 10 through the valve stem 20 as will be explained herein below. In the embodiment illustrated, the piston terminus seat 50 is comprised of a primary terminus seat 61 and secondary terminus seat 51. The secondary terminus seat 51 has a secondary anterior aperture 52, secondary axial ridge 53, secondary posterior aperture 54 in communication with the anterior aperture 52, and one or more secondary ports 55 disposed about the posterior end of the secondary terminus seat 51. The diameter of the axial ridge 53 should be of such size that it is slidably in communication with the lower interior surface or wall 27 of the valve stem 20, thereby enabling the secondary terminus seat 51 to be stably placed within the valve stem 20. The anterior end of the secondary terminus seat 51 is in communication with the posterior end of the piston guide 41.

[0035] The secondary terminus seat 51 may have one or more seals or gaskets there about. A secondary exterior seal 57 may be provided that is disposed about or around the anterior end for providing a seal between the guide 41 and secondary terminus seat 51. A secondary interior seal 56 may be provided that is disposed about or just inside the secondary anterior aperture 52 for sealably communicating with the secondary terminus 33 of the piston 30. As such, the secondary interior seal 56 should be of such external diameter that it is able to sealably fit within the secondary anterior aperture 52, and of such internal diameter that it is able to sealably communicate with the valve piston secondary terminus 33.

[0036] The primary terminus seat 61 has a primary anterior aperture 62, primary external threads 63 and a primary posterior head 64. The primary threads 63 are engageable with threads internally located at the valve stem posterior end 22 below the primary ports 24, thereby acting as a retainer for keeping the other internal components of the valve stem 20 therein. The primary posterior head 64 may be slotted for engagement with a tool such as a screwdriver, or may be shaped so that it is able to engage with any other tool such as a wrench, thereby allowing one to turn and secure the primary terminus seat 61 within the valve stem 20. The primary posterior head 64 has a recess 67 that is in communication with the primary anterior aperture 62 for allowing fluid flow there through, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

[0037] Similar to the secondary terminus seat 51, the primary terminus seat 61 may have one or more seals or gaskets there about. A primary exterior gasket or seal 66 may be provided that is disposed about or around the posterior end for providing a seal between the valve stem posterior end 22 and the faucet body 10. A primary interior seal 67 may be provided that is disposed about or just inside the primary anterior aperture 62 for sealably communicating with the primary terminus 34 of the piston 30. As such, the primary interior seal 67 should be of such external diameter that it is able to sealably fit within the primary anterior aperture 62, and of such internal diameter that it is able to sealably communicate with the valve piston primary terminus 34.

[0038] An helical coil spring 70 is disposed at one end substantially concentrically about the piston travel stop 32 with one end abutting one side of the piston base 31 and the other end disposed substantially concentrically about the valve piston guide 41, adjacent to the top portion of the piston guide posterior ridge 42, or that end of the ridge 42 least distal from the piston base 31. When relaxed and extended, the spring 70 extends substantially the length of the piston 30 and piston guide 41, thereby biasing the piston 30 towards the valve stem anterior end 21.

[0039] Referring again to the Figures, particularly FIGS. 2-4, the operation of the valve is as follows: With temperatures at or above a predetermined activation temperature, the temperature valve 20 in the embodiment illustrated functions as a common faucet, with fluid flow there through enabled simply by turning the handle 80 so that the valve 20 is lifted up from a partition found within the faucet body 10. By turning in the opposite direction, flow there through is stopped. While at or above this activation temperature, the substance within the thermal element 75 is expanded, thereby expanding the element 75. With the element 75 expanded, the piston 30 is pushed toward the valve stem posterior end 22, so that the secondary terminus 33 engages with the secondary interior seal 56 and the primary terminus 34 engages with the primary interior seal 65, thereby preventing flow through the valve stem 20, preventing flow there through as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0040] As the temperature reaches the activation temperature, the substance within the element 75 begins to contract, thereby allowing the pressure of the spring 70 to push against the piston 30 and, thus, the element 75, causing it to contract and the piston 30 to move away from the valve stem posterior end 22. As the piston 30 moves away, the piston terminus breaks contact from the piston terminus seat 50, allowing flow to occur within the valve stem 20. This break first occurs between the piston primary terminus 34 and the primary terminus seat 61. With the primary terminus 34 no longer engaged with the primary terminus seat 61, flow is able to occur through the primary terminus recess 67, onward through the secondary terminus seat port(s) 55 into a piston seat chamber 45 between the piston seat 40 and the valve stem lower internal wall 27, out the primary port(s) 24, and onward through the faucet body 10 and out its outlet 13. It should be noted that the piston secondary terminus 33 is still engaged with the secondary terminus seat 51, so that flow is prevented from continuing further within the valve stem 20. In this manner, the posterior passage of the valve stem housing 20 provides a primary path for flow to occur and the anterior passage provides a secondary path for flow to occur.

[0041] In the event that flow is prevented from continuing out the faucet body outlet 13 while at or below the activation temperature, or in the instance of further temperature decline below the activation temperature, the substance within the element 75 may continue to contract, allowing the spring 70 to continue to expand and push the piston 30 away from the piston seat 40. Another break occurs between the piston secondary terminus 33 and the secondary terminus seat 51 enabling fluid to flow through the piston guide port(s) 44, into a piston chamber 35, and out the valve stem secondary port(s) 25 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Flow may also continue through the valve stem primary port(s) 24. In this manner, the temperature actuated valve provides an alternative or secondary path of fluid flow. In the event that flow through the faucet outlet is blocked, the valve 20 provides a method of fluid escape without damage to the faucet 10, valve 20 or pipes due to pressure buildup, particularly in inclimate conditions. It should be further noted that both temperature and pressure can open the secondary fluid path. Further, the pressure required to open the secondary path can be predetermined by changing the diameter of the piston secondary terminus 33. In this manner, a larger diameter provides more surface area thereby requiring less pressure to open.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, therein is illustrated another embodiment of the temperature actuated valve according to the present invention, indicated generally at 100. The valve 100 includes a valve housing 20 having an anterior end 21 and a posterior end 22, with the posterior end able to communicate with the faucet body 10. The valve housing 20 is hollow and cylindrical and has external housing threads 23 for communication or securedly connecting with the faucet body 10. The valve housing can have one or more ports positioned below and/or above the stem threads 23. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the interior of the valve housing 20 has an upper interior wall 26 and a lower interior wall 27. The function of each wall will be described herein below.

[0043] In one embodiment, applied onto and over the anterior 21 end of the valve housing 20 is a valve housing bonnet 82, valve housing seal 83 and faucet handle 80. The valve bonnet 82, housing seal 83 and handle 80 provide a means for securing the valve 100 to the faucet body 10. The valve bonnet 82 and valve housing seal 83 are slidably disposed about the length of the valve housing 20. The bottom 84 of the handle 80 is provided with an interior passage which the housing 20 is able to slidably fit into. The top of the handle is preferably sealed so as to prevent the housing 20 and other components of the valve 100 from passing there through. Together, the combined interior length of the bonnet 82, housing seal 83 and handle 80 is such that the valve housing 20 can be disposed therein. As such, the anterior end 21 of the housing 20 is disposed within the handle 80, and the posterior end 22 of the housing is disposed within the bonnet 82. Preferably, the ends of the bonnet 82 and housing seal 83 are angled instead of flat, thereby creating a fluid-tight seal.

[0044] Referring to the housing bonnet 82 illustrated in FIG. 5, the bottom portion of the bonnet 82 is threaded for engagement with the threads 15 of the faucet body 10, thereby providing a seal between the faucet 10 and the valve housing 20 for the prevention of fluid leakage. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the bonnet 82 optionally has at least a portion of the exterior surface with flat sides, thereby allowing a wrench or other tool to secure the bonnet 82 to the faucet threads 15. In an optional embodiment, the interior passage of the bonnet 82 has a radial cavity for interaction with the valve housing 20 in a manner discussed below.

[0045] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the handle 80 is provided with a passage or port 89 through which a pin or bolt or other connector 81 readily known in the art is passed through. The anterior end 21 of the housing 20 is provided with a pair of ports 29 corresponding to the handle passage 89. When the anterior end 21 of the housing 20 is inserted into the bottom 84 of the handle 80, the housing securement ports 29 are aligned with the handle ports 89 so that the connector 81 can pass through there. The connector 81 preferably is a roll pin that is self-containing for preventing the roll pin from coming out of the handle 80. In this manner, the handle 80 is secured to the housing 20.

[0046] As with the embodiment discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 1, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 has disposed within the valve housing 20 is a thermal element 75, valve piston 30 and valve piston seat or guide 40. A retaining washer 78 can be provided for holding the assembly within the housing 20. The thermal element 75 is slightly smaller in external diameter than the upper internal diameter or wall 26 of the valve housing 20. The thermal element 75 is able to expand and contract due to variations in temperature. As described above, the thermal element 75 can move the piston 30 along at least a portion of the length of the internal wall 26 of the valve housing 20 as temperature variations occur within a predetermined temperature range. The thermal element 75 is preferably a hollow bellows type device, filled with a substance such as a liquid, gel or gas that expands and contracts based upon changes in temperature. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9, the thermal element 75 includes a fill valve 71, fill stop ball 72, a hollow bellows component 73 and bellows seal or end plate 74. The seal or end plate 74 is positioned at one end of the bellows 73 and is of such diameter as to prevent any liquid, gel or gas added to the element 75 from escaping the bellows 73 at that end. Likewise, the fill valve 71 is positioned at the opposite end of the bellows 73. The fill valve 71 is provided with a radial ridge 76 that is of such diameter as to prevent any liquid, gel or gas added to the element 75 from escaping the element 75 at the end wherein the fill valve 71 is placed. The fill valve ridge 76 is further provided with a lip 77 of such diameter for fittingly engaging with the interior wall or rim of the bellows 73. The fill valve 71 is further provided with an extension 78 that is able to fit within the bellows 73.

[0047] The fill stop ball 72 is of a circumference that is smaller than at least a portion of the internal passage of the fill valve 71. With particular reference to FIG. 9, it is seen that the interior passage 79 of the fill valve 71 is angled from a greater internal diameter beginning at the end where the fill valve extension 88 is placed to a lesser internal diameter towards the opposite end of the fill valve 71. Accordingly, the fill stop ball 72 is of a lesser circumference than one portion of the internal passage 79 of the fill valve 71 and of a greater circumference than the other portion of the internal passage 79 of the fill valve 71. The internal passage 79 of the fill valve 71 provides a hole or port for filling or charging the thermal element 75 with a temperature sensitive substance. As the bellows chamber 73 is filled, the pressure from filling the chamber 73 forces the stop ball 72 into the internal passage 79 of the fill valve 71, plugging or sealing the fill valve 71. Once filled, the bellows 73 is in an expanded position. As the surrounding air temperature drops below a predetermined value, the temperature sensitive substance contracts, causing the bellows 73 to contract. With the contraction of both the temperature sensitive substance and the bellows 73, the pressure within the bellows remains substantially constant, keeping the fill stop ball 72 in its sealing position. As such, the thermal element acts in an accordion like fashion, contracting and expanding as the temperature falls below and rises above a predetermined value.

[0048] For both embodiments illustrated, the valve piston 30 includes a piston base 31, piston travel stop 32, central portion 35, piston primary end or terminus 34 and secondary end or terminus 33, and biasing member 70 such as a spring. The piston base 31 is adjacent to the thermal element 75 and provides a surface for contact with the element 75. The piston stop 32 is of smaller diameter than the biasing member or spring 70, whereas the piston base 31 is of the same or greater diameter than the spring 70. As such, the piston stop 32 provides an area or region for supporting the spring 70 within the valve stem 20. The piston stop 32 serves a further purpose, as will be discussed herein below along with the function of the primary 34 and secondary 33 terminus. Further, the piston base 31 is preferably of slightly smaller diameter than the valve stem internal wall 26 so that the piston 30 is slidably disposed therein.

[0049] The valve piston seat or guide 40 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 9 is comprised of a single composite seat that serves the same function as the multiple components of the valve piston seat 40 illustrated in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 9, it is seen that the piston seat 40 has an internal passage of varying diameters for directing the piston 30 through the valve housing. The piston seat passage has a first ridge seat 61 through which the piston end or tip 34 is able to pass and sealably communicate with the first ridge 61. The remainder of the piston 30 is of such diameter so that it is blocked from passing through the first ridge 61. The piston 30 is disposed within the valve 100 so that under ‘normal’ operation, i.e., when the surrounding air temperature is above the activation or setpoint temperature for causing the thermal element to contract, the piston tip 34 is past the first ridge 61 with the remainder of the piston 30 adjacent to the first ridge 61, thereby blocking flow through the valve 100. Under such normal operation, flow through the faucet 10 is accomplished simply by turning the handle 80 to open up the passage through faucet 10, as is done with faucets known in the art.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 8, it is seen that the lower internal wall 27 of the valve housing 20 is of a smaller diameter than that of the upper internal wall 26 of the housing 20. The diameter of the lower internal wall 27 is such that at least a portion of the piston seat 40 is slidably disposed therein. At the base 46 of the piston seat 40 adjacent to the faucet 10, the piston seat 40 is provided with a piston seat external ridge 47 that is of larger diameter than the lower internal wall 27 of the housing 20. At the posterior end 22 of the housing 20 there is provided an internal housing end rim 28 that is of a slightly larger diameter than the external ridge 47, enabling the piston seat 40 to be slidably fitted and snugly secured within one end of the housing 20. The piston seat external ridge 47 mates with the housing end rim 28, thereby preventing the piston seat 40 from entering further into the housing 20.

[0051] The piston seat passage further includes a second ridge seat 51 that is of a diameter larger than that of the first ridge 61, thereby enabling at least a portion of the piston 30 that is of larger diameter than the piston tip 34 to pass there through. In one embodiment, this portion of the piston 30 can be in the form of a second piston tip 33. The remainder of the piston 30 is of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second ridge 51. Between the first ridge 61 and second ridge 51, the piston seat 40 has a lengthwise or longitudinal portion wherein the external diameter of the piston seat 40 is smaller than the remainder of the lengthwise portion of the seat 40. This portion, when placed within the valve housing 20, creates a piston seat cavity 45.

[0052] Positioned within this cavity portion of the piston seat 40 is one or more piston seat ports 44. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, the valve housing 20 is provided with at least one corresponding primary port 24 positioned over the piston seat cavity. The seat port(s) 44 provides a passageway for fluid to pass through when the temperature falls below the activation temperature. Accordingly, when the temperature falls below the activation temperature, the thermal element 75 contracts, allowing the biasing member 70 to push the piston 30 away from the piston seat 40. As the piston 30 is pushed away, the first piston tip 34 breaks it seal with the first ridge 61, allowing fluid to flow into the interior passage of the piston seat 40, out the seat port 44 into the piston seat cavity 45, out the housing primary port 24, and out the outlet 13 of the faucet 10. As is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, the housing 20 threadably engages with the faucet 10 above this portion of the valve 100 so that a passage through the faucet 10 is provided without manual turning of the handle. The contraction and expansion of the thermal element 75 is sufficient to allow the first piston tip 34 to break its seal with the first ridge 61, while that portion of the piston 30 larger in diameter than the first piston tip 34 to maintain its seal with the second ridge 51. In this manner, the second ridge 51 serves as a piston guide in guiding the piston tip 34 in and out of engagement with the first ridge 61.

[0053] In the event that flow through the faucet is blocked, (thereby effectively blocking flow through the interior passage of the piston seat 40, out the seat port 44 into the piston seat cavity 45 and out the housing primary port 24,) pressure within the valve 100 can press against the thermal element 75, causing it to contract. As the thermal element 75 continues to contract, the piston 30 is displaced by the biasing member 70 away from the piston seat 40. The passage into the cavity region 45 of the piston seat 40 is first opened up. The piston 30 continues to move away from the piston seat 40 so that the piston 40 no longer engages the second ridge 51, thereby opening up flow into the upper internal wall 26 passage of the housing 20. This upper portion 26 of the housing 20 is provided with one or more secondary ports 25. Flow continues through these ports 25 into the area between the housing 20 and the bonnet 82 and housing seal 83. Pressure that builds due to the buildup in fluid in this cavity is relieved by the fluid escaping between the bonnet 82 and housing seal 83. In this manner, the temperature actuated valve 100 provides an alternative or secondary path of fluid flow. By doing so, when flow through the faucet 10 is blocked, the valve 100 provides a path for fluid escape, preventing damage faucet 10, valve 100 or pipes due to pressure buildup. Alternatively, the thermal element 75 can be designed so that as the surrounding temperature continues to fall below the activation temperature, temperature can cause the thermal element 75 to continue to contract, thereby opening up the secondary path. Further, the valve 100 can be designed so that a combination of both pressure and temperature opens up the secondary pathway. In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, a pressure seal can be provided externally over the connection between the bonnet 82 and housing seal 83. The pressure seal can prevent dirt, insects and other such undesirable objects out of the valve 100, while being sufficiently weak so as to readily break or give way when fluid escapes from the valve 100 through the second path.

[0054] Disposed between the piston 30 and the piston seat 40 is the biasing member. In one embodiment, a piston seat washer 49 can be positioned between the anterior end of the piston seat 40 (i.e., the end furthermost away from the faucet 10) and the end of the biasing member 70 adjacent to the piston seat 40, thereby providing a support base for the biasing member 70. In this manner, the biasing member provides a substantially constant force against the piston base 31, effectively pressing or forcing the piston 30 away from the piston seat 40. The thermal element serves as a counter-force, pressing or forcing the piston towards the piston seat 40. As such, as the thermal element 75 contracts, the biasing member 70 forces the piston 30 away from the piston seat 40.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken as a limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the terms of any claims presented hereafter.

[0056] Industrial Applicability. The present invention finds applicability in the valve industry, and more specifically in automatic flow valves. Of particular importance is the invention's ability to stop damage caused by frozen faucets and pipes.

Claims

1. A temperature actuated valve for automatically regulating flow, the temperature actuated valve comprising: a valve piston for regulating flow through said valve, a valve piston seat for sealably engaging with said piston, said valve piston seat having two or more internal ridges able to aid said piston in regulating flow, with at least one of said ridges placed towards an anterior end of said valve piston seat, and at least one of said ridges placed towards a posterior end of said valve piston seat, a thermal element for enabling movement of said piston, and an elongated housing having an anterior and posterior end and an interior wall able to house said piston, seat and thermal element, said housing having two or more passages able to aid said piston in regulating flow.

2. The valve of claim 1 wherein said piston seat is further comprised of one or more guide passages for permitting flow there through.

3. The valve of claim 1 wherein said piston is further comprised of at least one end for regulating flow through said valve.

4. The valve of claim 3 wherein said piston end is further comprised of a primary end and a secondary end for regulating flow through said valve.

5. The valve of claim 4 wherein said at least two piston seat ridges are further comprised of a first piston seat ridge and a second piston seat ridge, said first piston seat ridge being sealably engageable with said primary end of said piston, and said second seat ridge being sealably engageable with said secondary end, thereby regulating flow through said valve.

6. The valve of claim 1 wherein said two or more passages provide a primary path and a secondary path for flow to occur.

7. The valve of claim 1 wherein said thermal element is able to expand and contract with variations in the temperature of the surrounding air.

8. The valve of claim 7 wherein said thermal element is filled with a substance that expands and contracts based upon changes in temperature.

9. The valve of claim 8 wherein said thermal element is further provided with a plug whereby the substance can be filled as needed.

10. A temperature and pressure actuated valve for regulating flow there through based on the temperature surrounding the valve, the valve comprising: a piston able to regulate flow through the valve, a singular piston seat in concentric relationship with the piston for directing movement of the piston there through, a thermal element in communication with the piston, the thermal element being able to expand and contract based upon variations in temperature, thereby enabling movement of the piston, and a housing having a posterior end and an anterior end and two or more passages, the housing able to house the piston, piston seat and thermal element, wherein the two or more housing passages provide at least two flow regulating passages that are sequentially opened based upon the contraction and expansion of the thermal element, thereby providing at least a primary flow regulating passage and a secondary flow regulating passage.

11. The valve of claim 10 wherein the piston is further comprised of a primary end and a secondary end for regulating flow through said valve.

12. The valve of claim 10 wherein the piston seat is further comprised of at least one ridge able to engage with the piston.

13. The valve of claim 10 wherein the piston seat is further comprised of a first ridge and a second ridge and the piston is further comprised of a primary end and a secondary end, the first ridge able to engage with the primary end, and the second ridge able to engage with the second end.

14. A method of controlling flow through a valve, said valve comprising a valve housing having an anterior end and a posterior end and an internal wall for housing a valve piston, piston seat and thermal element, wherein said thermal element is able to expand and contract according to a predetermined setpoint temperature, and wherein said piston is able to sealably engage with said seat, said method comprising the steps of: contracting said thermal element as the surrounding temperature approaches the setpoint temperature; moving said valve piston towards said anterior end of said housing; and breaking said piston's sealable engagement with said seat, thereby automatically creating at least one flow passage through said valve, wherein said flow passage through said valve automatically closes as the surrounding temperature rises above the setpoint temperature.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said valve is further comprised of a biasing member for moving said piston away from said posterior end as said thermal element contracts.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of moving said piston away from said posterior end as said thermal element contracts with a biasing member.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein said piston is further comprised of at least a primary terminus and a secondary terminus, and said piston seat is further comprised of at least a first ridge and a second ridge.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein said at least one flow passage is further comprised of at least one posterior passage and at least one anterior passage.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said at least one posterior passage provides a primary path for flow to occur, and said at least one anterior passage provides a secondary path for flow to occur.