Abstract: A pressure regulator has an element slidably mounted in a body. A through-bore in the element is arranged to be selectively opened and closed in response to the magnitude of a sensed pressure relative to a predetermined pressure. If such sensed pressure substantially exceeds the predetermined pressure, the element is displaced relative to the body to seat against a high pressure poppet. Such closure of the element through-bore by the high pressure poppet is thereafter maintained, even should the sensed pressure subsequently fall below the predetermined pressure, and requires a manual reset.

Abstract: A valve assembly, mountable on a propane or LPG cylinder, has a gate valve to regulate flow. An auxiliary valve element is movable in response to the liquid level within the tank, and to pressure differentials in the outflow direction. The auxiliary valve interrupts flow through the valve to prevent an overfill condition, or if the valve's outlet communicates with atmospheric pressure, or if the cylinder is knocked over.

Abstract: A cylinder valve is adapted to be mounted on a container storing a pressurized fluid. The cylinder valve has a main gate valve which is selectively operable to control the flow of such fluid. The cylinder valve further includes a pressure-retaining valve which automatically closes, when the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet falls below a predetermined minimum, to prevent further flow from the cylinder, independent of the operation of the gate valve. The pressure-retaining valve includes a ball biased to move toward an O-Ring, and adapted to pass through the O-Ring when the container is refilled.

Abstract: A magnetically-operated valve has a body provided with a passageway therethrough. A piston is mounted on the body for sliding movement toward and away from a valve seat. The piston has a magnetic pole at one end. A magnet is mounted on the body for movement between a first position, at which the piston will be held in a flow-permitting position, and a second position, at which the piston will sealingly engage the seat to terminate such flow. An override mechanism may be operated to displace the piston against the repulsive forces between like poles.

Abstract: A demand regulator for use in breathing apparatus including a housing, a diaphragm in the housing separating the interior into a first chamber in communication with the ambient and a second chamber, a breathing passage for the user in communication with the second chamber, a valve controlling the supply of pressure to the second chamber and a valve actuator connected to the valve and operatively associated with the diaphragm for operating the valve in response to changes in the pressure differential between the first and second chambers. At least one heat conducting element is located in the second chamber and has a first portion located to receive heat from the user's breath and a second portion in heat transferring relation to the connection of the actuator to the valve whereby heat is transferred from the user's breath to the valve and connection to the valve actuator for preventing freeze-up of the valve and actuator under cold ambient conditions.

Abstract: A valve for use with a liquid comprising: a valve casing having an inlet and outlet; a valve seat arranged between the inlet and outlet; a plug adapted to be received on the valve seat; sensor means adapted to sense the level of the liquid, the sensor means being operatively associated with the plug so as to vary the position of the plug relative to the valve seat as a function of the level of the liquid; and a lever adapted to vary the position of the plug relative to the valve seat independently of the sensor means.A valve, for use with a liquid, comprising: a valve casing having an inlet and outlet; a valve seat arranged between the inlet and outlet; a plug adapted to be received on the valve seat; and a lever adapted to vary the position of the plug relative to the valve seat by means of a stem attached to the lever. The lever is attached to the stem by means of a pin attached to the lever, the pin being fitted within a fusible bushing fitted within a hold in the stem.

Abstract: This invention relates to pressure regulators used in scuba diving wherein a pressure sensing means is employed to actuate an associated valve member for controlling pressure in the regulator. Specifically, the instant invention relates to that portion of the regulator housing including biasing means operably connected to said pressure sensing means wherein a pressure relief opening is provided in the regulator housing so as to expose the biasing means to ambient pressure conditions. The instant invention teaches the provision of a pressure bleed means for transmitting pressurized air through the regulator housing portion including the biasing means and outwardly through said relief opening. By this arrangement ambient water may not pass into the regulator housing through said relief opening which could otherwise result in potentially adverse effects on the operation of the biasing means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a training device to be used in conjunction with conventional scuba diving equipment. Such scuba diving equipment includes a pressure regulator for controlling the pressure of breathing air supplied therethrough from an air tank to a user. Various types of warning devices are used to sense the pressure in the air tank and to generate a warning signal (visual or audible, for example) to warn the user when the pressure in the tank reaches a predetermined minimum level. The present invention discloses a device whereby an individual being trained in the use of scuba diving equipment may be provided with breathing air for only a relatively short period of time prior to experiencing a warning signal with respect to his air supply pressure having reached a predetermined minimum level.

Abstract: An air flow regulator is provided which may be utilized in diving or scuba equipment. A diaphragm urges a pivoted leg assembly into pivoted motion and the latter, being coupled to a valving means, provides controlled passage of air to the user. A sloped, rolling contact is provided between the pivoted leg portion and a stationary mounting means therefor so that a variably positioned pivot point is provided along the longitudinal length of the leg portion as it experiences various degrees of pivoted movement whereby the leg portion provides correspondingly various degrees of mechanical advantage for moving the valve means of the assembly. The various mechanical advantages correspond to the various degrees of effort required for different selected valve openings so that the same amount of user effort is necessitated for all positions of valve opening.