Abstract: A vent for a closed tank, such as a fuel tank, wherein the vent utilizes a normally closed valve, the valve being shiftable to egress and ingress venting positions by the flow of gas and air therethrough, the valve including spring counterbalanced support structure and gravity operated lock means preventing fluid loss through the vent upon the tank being tilted or overturned.

Abstract: Venting gas flow from a fuel tank or the like enters through tangential inlets into a spin chamber, influencing a closure ball in said chamber to spin or orbit around an upper conical wall portion of the spin chamber. The spinning action keeps the closure ball from seating in an outlet opening formed at the upper end of the spin chamber. The closure ball does seat in response to liquid rising in the spin chamber or tilting of the spin chamber beyond a predetermined angle of tilt. A vibrating mass positioned on the outlet side of the outlet opening includes a central striker portion which contacts the closure ball whenever it tends to seat in response to shock forces or some condition other than the presence of liquid activated buoyancy forces or tilt activated gravity forces.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for adjusting an output pressure signal from a pneumatic device to a selected pressure for a given input pressure signal, the apparatus having a pneumatic device for receiving an input pressure signal and for providing an output pressure signal as a function of the input pressure signal, and a mounting apparatus for tiltably mounting the pneumatic device to a support to adjust the output pressure signal in response to selectively tilting the pneumatic device so that a given output pressure signal can be selected for a given input pressure signal.

Abstract: Apparatus including a weight formed at least partially of magnetic material and positioned on a support and adapted to be displaced horizontally relative to the support by earthquake or other shock forces, mechanism operable upon such shock induced horizontal displacement of the weight relative to the support to actuate a valve or other controlled device, and means near and essentially opposite the weight acting to produce a magnetic field applying a force magnetically to the weight displacing it horizontally relative to the support in a relation actuating the controlled device without subjection to shock forces.

Abstract: A valve device serving to prevent overfilling of portable containers, particularly liquid gas cylinders, includes a ball which is freely rotatable relative to a spherical seating face in a casing having a filling channel extending to said seating face. The ball has a passage which in the prescribed filling position communicates with the channel, and the ball is through a rod and a flexible link connected to a load member. As long as this load member is above the liquid level, it tends to keep the ball, and thus its passage in a given orientation so that the communication is broken if the container is tilted away from the prescribed filling position.When the liquid level has reached a predetermined height, the load member acts as a float so as to interrupt the filling operation by causing the ball to change its orientation.

Abstract: A valve device serving to prevent overfilling of portable containers, particularly liquid gas cylinders, includes a ball which is freely rotatable relative to a spherical seating face in a casing having a filling channel extending to said seating face. The ball has a through passage which in the prescribed filling position communicates with the channel, and the ball is connected to a load member tending to keep the ball, and thus its passage, in a given orientation so that the communication is broken when the container is tilted away from the prescribed filling position.The device further includes a valve member controlled by a float and operative to interrupt the filling operation after a predetermined filling level has been reached in the container.

Abstract: A safety shut-off valve opening a flow path between the primary and secondary sides in case of usual operation, while shutting off the aforesaid path in response to an emergency shut-off signal, and particularly such safety shut-off valve cannot be reset unitl it is confirmed that there is no more leakage of gas on the secondary side of the shut-off valve after the shut-off action was once effected, thereby to attaining a very high safeness.

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 fuel tank cap (10,130) having a venting valve (56,56A) adapted to relieve pressure and temperature in the tank and prevent spilling fuel from the tank. A cover plate (28,28A) is automatically (34,34A) removed from the cap by excessive temperature so as to allow fluid in the tank to escape. The valve body (56) has a spin chamber (98), having generally circular cross sections (102,104) and at least one tangentially directed side wall inlet opening (106). The chamber cross sections decrease in diameter upwardly of the inlet opening (88) to a point below a circular outlet opening whereby gas venting through the chamber spins a light weight buoyant ball (94) around the chamber so as to prevent the ball from closing during venting. The ball (94) is lifted onto a seat (92) at the outlet to close it when liquid enters the chamber to a predetermined level. A heavy ball (96) in the chamber holds the light ball (94) on the seat when the chamber has been tilted a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A valving assembly for a liquid-containing tank comprises a housing which includes vent and valve passageways extending axially therethrough. A roll-over valve is supported in the vent passageway by a spring which is calibrated normally to open the vent passageway to normalize the pressure inside the tank. Movement of the roll-over valve is assisted by the spring to close the vent passageway and prevent movement of the liquid from the tank when the tank is tilted. An excessive pressure valve is disposed in the valve passageway and urged by a spring normally to close the valve passageway. The spring is calibrated to provide movement of the excessive pressure valve member to open the valve passageway when the vent passageway is closed and superatmospheric pressure within the tank exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A fluid shut-off device is provided which comprises a magnetic valve body provided in a non-magnetic hollow casing for movement between a first position to open a fluid passage and a second position on a valve seat to close the passage, and an annular permanent magnet provided outside the casing and urged toward the periphery of the valve seat by an elastic spring. The valve body is normally held in the first position but is allowed to move to the second position by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet at a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A tank venting, pressure and temperature relieving, and spill preventing valve for fuel tanks. The valve has a spin chamber, having generally circular cross sections and at least one side wall inlet opening that is tangentially directed with respect to the circumferences of the cross sections. There is a circular outlet at a normally upper and open end of the chamber. The chamber cross sections decrease in diameter upwardly of the inlet opening to below the outlet opening whereby gas venting through the chamber spins a light weight, bouyant ball around the chamber so as to prevent the ball from closing during venting. The ball valve is adapted to be lifted to seat on the outlet to close it when liquid enters the chamber to a predetermined level. A heavy ball in the chamber holds the light weight valve ball on the seat when the chamber has been tilted a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off valve is used at the inlet point of a fuel line carrying a gaseous or liquid fuel into a house or the like, the valve being adapted to terminate the flow of gas or liquid upon the experiencing of a shock or vibration by the valve as would be produced by an earthquake, with the valve head being so positioned to be actuated by a sudden surge of flow to shut the valve in the event a ruptured gas line causes a quick inordinately rapid gas or liquid flow in the system. The principle utilized to actuate the closing of the valve as a function of a certain minimum amplitude of vibration or shock is a ball weight which in normal use rests on a pedestal which in turn maintains the valve head away from the valve seat in the supply line, this ball being designed to topple from its supporting pedestal during an earthquake or other vibration, thus freeing the valve head to seat under spring tension such as to block the fluid flow.

Abstract: A security device for a fuel such as natural gas having a series circuit of a relay switch, a hazard detecting switch, a relay switch operating coil and a timer. A valve coil is adapted to open and close a main fuel supply valve. The valve coil is connected in parallel to the series circuit. A reset switch is adapted to excite the valve coil and is connected in parallel with the relay switch. In one embodiment, the hazard detecting switch, the relay switch operating coil and the valve coil are coupled through a transformer in series with an electric source. The hazard detecting switch the relay switch operating coil and the valve coil are disposed on a secondary side of the transformer. The main fuel supply valve is normally closed such that in case of a power failure, the valve will close and remain closed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve circuit used in a fluid line security device is disclosed. The circuit is adapted to open and close a fuel supply pipe. The circuit includes an attracting circuit and a holding circuit connected to one side of a power source. The attracting circuit including an attracting switch is in parallel with the attraction holding circuit. The attracting switch is closed only when the attraction phase of value opening is to be accomplished. In one modification the series circuit of the attracting switch and the electromagnetic valve circuit is coupled in parallel to a circuit formed by a hazard detecting switch, and a relay switch operating coil. In another modification a time limit current control is connected in series with the valve coil to control the supply of current to the coil for a predetermined time limit.

Abstract: A valve shutoff mechanism for automatically operating a gas valve, a liquid valve or the like to shut off the flow of fluid in a pipeline in response to an earthquake, temperature changes and/or an electrical or mechanical signal generated by an associated mechanism. The housing, formed of complementary, symmetric half portions, encloses a spring bias motor, a torque arm assembly coupled to the spring motor for rotation about a first axis, a latch assembly for normally preventing rotation of the torque arm assembly, and a triggerable catch assembly for normally maintaining the latch assembly in contact with the torque arm assembly and for enabling the latch assembly to disengage the torque arm assembly in response to seismic vibrations of predetermined magnitude and acceleration, an externally generated electrical signal, temperature changes of predetermined magnitude or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A fluid shut-off device is provided which comprises a non-magnetic casing having a fluid passage therein, a metallic valve body movably disposed in the casing to close the passage at one operative position, and a magnetic member slidably disposed outside the casing and magnetically attracting the valve body. The magnetic member takes an inoperative position against a spring force and is locked at this position. The lock is released by a bimetallic strap deformable by supply of an electric current. When the lock is released, the magnetic member is moved by the action of the spring force, so that the valve body magnetically attracted by the magnetic member is also moved to the operative position to shut off the flow of fluid material through the passage.

Abstract: An attachment for use with an anti-G valve to substantially decrease the inflation time of an anti-G garment. A spring loaded, adjustable tension lever arm provides a downward force on a pressure valve causing the anti-G garment to partially inflate. The increasing garment pressure is applied to a diaphragm which causes the lever arm to rise and balance the force of the spring which is normally adjusted to maintain the pressurized suit at 0.2 psig "Ready Pressure". The garment remains partially inflated until the anti-G valve operating in the conventional manner causes the garment to inflate in response to external G-forces.

Abstract: A shock shutoff valve, especially for earthquake zones, has a valve body with a normally vertical flow bore therein controlled by a plug rotatable within the valve body. A portion of the flow bore in the plug is so movable between an open position and a closed position. A pedestal in the flow bore is adjacent a seat around the plug portion of the flow bore. A ball resting on the pedestal can be dislodged by shock to move from the pedestal and roll into the seat and so block the flow bore. The seat and the ball are of mutually attracting magnetic materials effective to urge the ball and the seat together not under normal conditions but when the valve body has been displaced and the flow bore is inclined to the vertical.

Abstract: An emergency shut-off valve adaptable in a gas supply pipe to shut off the pipe in the time of emergency such as occurrence of an abnormal vibration or gas leak, comprising a hollow body which is open at its top and covered by a cover member, said cover member having secured to its inside central part an iron core around which is wound a coil connected to an external gas leak detector and adapted to magnetize said iron core upon receiving an electric signal from said detector, an actuator provided in said hollow body and having secured to its top face a permanent magnet whereby said actuator is magnetically attached to said iron core, said permanent magnet being arranged such that its upper side has the same polarity as that which appears at the underside of said iron core when it is magnetized so that said actuator will drop because of repulsion therebetween when said iron core is magnetized, said hollow body also having formed in its side wall a gas feed hole and discharge holes, a push-up lever adapted to

Abstract: A safety device for venting a fuel tank, especially for automobiles comprising a natural or artificial elastomer diaphragm resistant to hydrocarbons, pierced by slits, held between the flanges of two concentric cylindrical elements constituting a valve body, a clearance being provided between the membrane and the flanges framing it so as to avoid having the latter cause stresses in the said membrane which would lead to deformation of the slits and would modify in an unpredictable manner gas flow passing through it.

Abstract: A vibration sensitive valve operating device capable of being tuned to vibrations of predetermined magnitude, such as earthquake-type vibrations of a magnitude causing serious threshold structural damage, and incorporating a latch assembly and triggerable catch assembly providing great force amplification between the holding force, which is a ball weight received in a balance plate concave depression of predetermined contour, and a large mechanical force, e.g. the force exerted on a spring loaded torque arm coupled to a valve stem. The latch assembly includes one or more rail members carrying first and second bearings and pivotable about an axis parallel to the operational axis of the associated valve, the first bearing being engaged with the free end of the torque arm when the device is latched. The catch assembly includes a trigger arm frictionally coupled to the balance plate for rotation therewith about another axis parallel to the latch and valve axes noted and normally engaged with the second bearing.

Abstract: For use in an earthquake-prone environment, and especially as a gas valve, there is provided a valve body approximately symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and having a transverse intersecting plug bore through the body. A plug is rotatable in the bore to turn a passage through the plug from a position communicating with inlet and outlet ports into a position out of communication therewith. The plug bore merges with a valve seat in one position of the plug substantially coinciding with a plane forming a boundary of a chamber in the plug and normal to the usually vertical longitudinal axis. In one position of the plug, that plane is also coincident with a table forming part of the chamber boundary. There is a chamber wall upstanding from the table and having a distance from a pedestal upstanding from the table that increases as the wall approaches the plug. Also on the plug is a plug wall that extends around much of the valve seat and is in effect a continuation of the chamber wall.

Abstract: A gas supply pipe is provided with a terminal shutoff valve upstream of a heater, stove or the like. An automatic shutoff valve is provided to the gas pipe upstream of the terminal shutoff valve which automatically closes upon receipt of an electrical signal from an earthquake sensor, fire detector, gas leak detector or other sensor indicating a dangerous condition. A gas pressure sensor provided between the automatic shutoff valve and the terminal shutoff valve prevents the automatic shutoff valve from being manually reset unless the terminal shutoff valve is closed, thereby preventing an explosion which might result if gas were fed to the heater or stove with the pilot light extinguished.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for a carburetor comprising a float chamber having a float therein following the liquid level of the fuel and provided above the float is a fuel valve arranged to be pushed to closed position by the float on upward movement thereof. A pendulum type weight is pivotably mounted below the float within the chamber to close the fuel valve and prevent fuel outflow if the vehicle is overturned.

Abstract: A valving mechanism or closing apparatus for ventilation lines of fuel tanks in motor vehicles is provided which comprises a housing and closing elements contained in the housing, which closing elements are movable in accordance with the vehicle position. The closing elements are formed as movable members, one above the other, with the lower member being a mass body lying against a guide wall of the housing and being freely movable to a certain extent, while the upper element acts to close an exit opening of the housing, thereby closing the ventilation line. The lower mass body element may be conically configured to match the conically configured guide wall of the housing, or the mass body may be a ball shaped body which moves along the guide wall of the housing. The upper element may also be a floating body such that an overflow of gasoline into the housing causes the floating body to close the exit opening, thereby preventing discharge of fuel out of the ventilation line.

Abstract: The emergency shut-off unit for escaping gas is comprised of a cylinder and a valve piston that runs through the cylinder, and the cylinder is screwed to a thread hole formed on the bottom wall on straight line extension of a projecting shaft of a diaphragm of a gas pressure adjusting unit, and the valve piston is placed inside of the cylinder at its tip portion and at the other end side a pin is detachably inserted into a location of the piston protruding from the cylinder so as to be retained, and when the pin is pulled out from the valve piston, the tip of the valve piston jumps off resiliently from the cylinder and the projecting shaft of the diaphragm is pushed up by the junping off of the valve piston and a valve body is made to close the nozzle portion of a gas supply passage of the gas pressure adjusting unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing fuel from leaking on accidental turnover of a vehicle, the latter having a fuel tank, a carburetor and a passage communicating the tank with the carburetor, the apparatus comprising an ordinarily open safety valve such as a ball valve interposed in the passage, so arranged that, on the turnover of the vehicle, a pendulum-type weight detects the inclination of the vehicle, operating a cam to automatically close the safety valve. An optional fuel cock may be provided, for manual operation, interposed in the fuel passage, while the safety valve has a housing integrally formed therewith on one of its sides.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for limiting the pressure of gases in an enclosed tank. The valve has a body mounted on the tank wall structure providing a passage into the tank chamber. A breather intake valve surrounds the body and allows air to flow into the tank chamber when sub-atmospheric pressure is present in the tank chamber. A valve assembly located in the passage operates to allow excessive gas pressure to escape from the tank chamber. The valve assembly has a first valve that closes, should the tank partially or totally overturn, to prevent liquid from flowing out of the tank and a second valve that is normally biased closed to prevent the escape of gases and vapor from the tank chamber to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved tank vent. The vent prevents liquid loss if the tank is inverted and prevents contaminants from entering the tank. The vent includes an elongated housing forming a tubular chamber communicating with the interior of the tank. Disposed within the chamber is an annular valve seat. Disposed within the chamber adjacent the valve seat is a free sliding elongated buoyant valve member. The buoyant valve member has a protruding valve surface disposed on the end of the buoyant member adjacent the valve seat. The surface area of the valve surface is significantly less than the surface area of the end of the buoyant member upon which the valve surface is disposed. The valve surface is configured to sealably engage the valve seat for movement into and out of contact with the seat as the buoyant member moves within the chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic valving mechanism for controlling an object in a normally level position such that upon a shifting of the same from level an actuating mechanism is driven to return the object to the desired level, such valving mechanism including a valve housing with control ports therein with a gravity responsive member therein to open and close selected ones of the ports depending upon the direction the same is shifted from level with the ports being interconnected to a main control valve for shifting of the same to direct fluid to the proper side of the actuating mechanism to return the object to its normal, level position.

Abstract: A carburetor provided with a rocking member which will be able to forcibly move a needle valve to a valve closing position through a float when a carburetor body inclines by an angle larger than a predetermined angle from a normal position, in order to prevent the overflow of a fuel caused by continuously flowing into the float chamber from a fuel tank when the carburetor body inclines extremely.

Abstract: An inking system for applying ink to a printing plate which includes a fountain roller and a series of ink feed rollers with at least one vibrated roller or drum. Means are provided for automatically regulating the temperature of the fountain roller thereby to maintain constant the amount of ink fed over a long press run for maintenance of a predetermined full tone density. Means are also provided for automatically regulating the temperature of the vibrated roller thereby to maintain constant the printing contrast in the half tone portions of the plate. The temperature regulating means includes both a source of heat and a source of cold, making it possible to either warm or cool the rollers thereby permitting automatic operation over a wide range of conditions including a wide variation in the ambient temperature. In the preferred embodiment the temperature of the rollers is maintained by circulating a fluid such as water through the rollers from a reservoir of fluid at a controlled rate and temperature.

Abstract: An automotive fuel system which has a fuel tank, a fuel pump, a fuel metering device for metering fuel flow to an associated fuel-consuming engine, and a fuel reservoir, as, for example, a carburetor fuel bowl with a float controlled fuel inlet valve, has a spring urging the float in a direction which results in a closing of the fuel inlet valve even against relatively high fluid pressure heads tending to open said inlet valve as may occur when the associated vehicle experiences a crash impact or a roll-over condition so as to terminate further flow of fuel from the fuel tank into the fuel reservoir.

Abstract: A control valve is disclosed which includes first and second valves. An inverted pendulum is operative with the valves such that when the pendulum rotates in one direction the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed, and when the pendulum rotates in the opposite direction the valve operation is exactly opposite. An electromagnetic device may also be operative with the inverted pendulum which device when energized causes the inverted pendulum to rotate in one direction or the other. The inverted pendulum may also be rotatably biased for holding one valve opened and the other valve closed. The control valve may be used in any number of control systems and is especially suited for use as a master control valve in a vehicle braking system.