Abstract: An automated temperature control system for a barbecue grill or other structure comprises an automated damper assembly coupled to a vent of said grill, which damper assembly opens and closes selectively to adjust the flow passage area of the grill's vent. The system further comprises an operating area temperature probe for communicating the temperature of the operating area of the grill to the automated damper assembly, such that the automated damper assembly may maintain a user-specified target operating temperature by way of affecting combustion rates within the grill. A remote control may also be provided to allow the user to input a desired temperature for the system to obtain and/or to change temperature information for the grill or other structure.

Abstract: A fire hydrant break off valve includes an offset pivot and a lateral trigger captured between a fire hydrant and fire hydrant break off riser. When a collision breaks the break off bolts holding the fire hydrant to the hydrant break off riser, the lateral trigger is released and the valve rotates to a closed position. Force of water attempting to escape rotates the valve around the offset pivot. The edge of the valve is tapered and after rotating, the valve is pushed against a matching seat to close the valve. The match of the tapered valve against the tapered seat stops or nearly stops all flow of water from the broken hydrant.