Thermally-responsive muffler drainhole valve mechanism
US4527659A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 1984 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A muffler assembly having a thermally-responsive valve mechanism is disclosed which facilitates draining of moisture from within the muffler assembly without compromise of its sound-attenuating characteristics. The muffler includes an outer muffler body which defines a water drainhole disposed at a relatively low portion of the muffler where water would otherwise collect. The valve mechanism comprises a valve member affixed to the muffler body in overlapping relation relative to the water drainhole. Notably, the valve member comprises material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion which differs from that of the material from which the muffler body is formed, thus permitting the valve member to close and open the drainhole attendant to thermal expansion and contraction of the muffler body, respectively.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.