Self-contained, automatic mechanically opening and closing steam head with built-in thermostat

US6505781B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventor

• Mitchell Altman · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 22, 2001
• Grant date: Jan 14, 2003
• Expiry date: Apr 15, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61H2033/068
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A self-contained thermo-mechanically self-opening steam head that is normally generally flush with a supporting steam room wall when not in use so as not to pose a safety hazard. The steam head has a mechanical thermostat that automatically responds to the presence of heat as from steam to move a deflector plate, which normally generally blocks a steam outlet from the head, to an open position. That open position is spaced from but closely in front of the steam outlet. This allows steam to flow out of the outlet, but the deflector plate diverts the outward steam flow to a direction generally along the supporting wall. When the steam is shut off, the thermostat cools and thereby causes the deflector plate to return to its closed, blocking position. There is no electrical wiring or connection which could pose a major safety hazard in the presence of water.