Actuator assembly for use in appliances
US5572869A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G7/06113
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A casing (11, 12) holds an actuator (18) having a stem (21) that is moves a plunger with substantial force in response to the actuator (18) being heated. The movement of the plunger (22) loads a compression spring (23) that is located between a base end of the plunger (22) and an opposing end wall of the casing. Two longitudinal casing sections (11, 12) form arcuate projections (43, 44) on the opposing end wall (49) which are inserted within at least one coil of the spring with an interference fit to hold the casing half sections together. Beams (64, 65, 74, 75) adjacent the base end wall (17) add support against the thrust reaction movement of the actuator housing (18) in response to movement of the plunger (22) against the compression spring (23).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.