Eaton Corporation

Michael R Thompson

Peter J Malone

Peter G Malone

A refrigerant expansion valve has a pressure-responsive diaphragm forming a wall of a fluid filled chamber. The diaphragm is connected to one end of an actuator rod incorporating a hollow with a closed end opposite and operative to move a valve member for controlling flow between an inlet and outlet. The actuator member has the hollow communicating with the fluid filled chamber and its external surface exposed to return refrigerant flow. Fluid communications between the hollow of the actuator member and the fluid filled chamber is restricted by an orifice in a plug in the open end of the hollow to dampen the effects of sudden temperature changes of the return flow over the hollow. Preferably, the actuator member, plug, and diaphragm are commonly clamped, sealed, and welded together.

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Carol Stream, IL, United States of America

Michael R Thompson