GB1225102A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,225,102. Temperature responsive actuating element. INTERNATIONAL CONTROLS CORP. Feb.4, 1969 [Feb. 5, 1968], No.5868/69. Heading G1D. A thermal acuator comprises a hollow body 12 having end walls 14, 16 defining an interior space containing a thermally expansible material 22, an actuating shaft 26 with an axial base 50 and having two portions 30, 32 of differing diameters with a shoulder 28 therebetween which comprises a working surface to be acted on by the expansible material 22, the end walls 14, 16 having apertures therein, both for guiding the movement of the shaft 26 so as to prevent wobble thereof, seals 34, 36 being provided at each aperture in the end walls to stop leakage of the material 22 from the actuator. The expansible material may be wax or ethylene glycol and an electric heater 64 is provided to effect operation of the actuator. The seals 34, 36 have tapered portions 38, 40 engaging round the shaft 26 and disposed so that as pressure increases inside the actuator body the tapered portions 38, 40 are pressed more tightly against the shaft since the shaft 26 protrudes at both ends of the body 12, the actuator may be used to effect either a push or a pulling action. The body 12 may be provided with fins if desired.