Thermostat

Abstract

A thermostat for controlling the flow of a coolant into a radiator and a bypass circuit is provided. When the bypass circuit is to be closed, the thermostat displaces a shaft that is operably attached to a bypass plate. When in the closed position, the bypass plate is configured to engage a top wall of the bypass circuit so as to prevent the flow of coolant into the bypass circuit. To minimize the formation of a water pressure pulses generated by the closing of the bypass circuit, only a portion of the bypass plate initially contacts the top wall. Such limited contact allows for the restriction of the flow of coolant into the bypass circuit, and interrupts the even flow of coolant around the bypass plate. Such restriction and/or interruption allows for the gradual closing of the bypass circuit, which minimizes the associated water hammer effect.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.