Temperature responsive valves and method of regulating fluid flow

Abstract

Temperature responsive valves for regulating fluid flow in a supply line such as to a showerhead or faucet wherein the valves include a slide valve assembly which is movably positioned within a bore extending in transverse communication with respect to a primary fluid passageway extending through the body of the valve between a fluid inlet and an outlet. Each valve further includes a pressure chamber in which the slide valve assembly is mounted which communicates with the fluid inlet. Temperature responsive force generators are used to control flow into the pressure chamber such that when the fluid temperature is above a predetermined temperature, the pressure within the pressure chamber increases, thereby forcing the slide valve assembly from an open to a closed position to thereby substantially terminate flow through the primary fluid passageway. A bleed channel extends from the pressure chamber to the primary fluid passageway downstream of the bore for purposes of regulating flow through the pressure chamber. In a preferred embodiment, a shaped memory alloy spring is mounted within the pressure chamber so as to be in heat exchange relationship at all times with respect to fluid flowing into the valve and is operable when heated to the predetermined temperature to initiate movement of the slide valve assembly toward a position to close the primary fluid passageway.