Abstract: A valve and method allows efficient closure for a pipe containing liquid. The valve in the preferred form is operated by a float in a sump pit should the sump pump fail to operate. The float is lifted by rising water and an arm attached to the float is supported on rollers when the valve is normally open turns to disengage from the rollers to close the valve. A shaft positioned in the conduit is attached to a cap which reacts to the expansion of a spring to thus close the end of the conduit and prevent further liquid flow therethrough. An audible alarm system sounds as the rising liquid level reaches a water sensor on the valve to warn a homeowner or building occupant. The alarm also sounds when a manual test switch is closed or if the smoke sensor is activated.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism is provided for a water heater fail safe valve assembly which automatically shuts off the flow of water to a water heater when leakage of water from the water heater is detected in an underlying catch tray. The trigger mechanism includes a vertical housing having a drive rod which is upwardly urged by a spring and holds a resilient valve closing component. A cam member holds the drive rod down, representing the open state of the valve. An accumulation of water in the catch tray causes the cam member to release the drive rod to an upper position which closes the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically shutting off the water supply to a leaking water heater includes a water collecting tray positionable beneath the heater, a valve mechanism attachable to the tray, a float mechanism, and an action arm interactive between the float mechanism and valve mechanism. When water collects in the tray, the float mechanism rises, causing the action arm to trigger the release of a spring-urged component of the valve mechanism to discontinue flow of water to the heater.

Abstract: A spring loaded valve member with a poppet on one end is disposed in a fuel tank with the inlet end connected to the filler tube. The valve member has a spool valve attached to the poppet. The poppet is opened by fuel discharging from a refueling nozzle and the valve member movement limited by a float operated latch such that fuel flows through the spool valve ports. Upon the float rising in the tank, the latch is released permitting the force of the flowing fuel to further move the valve member to close the spool valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically shutting off a water supply to a leaking water heater includes a water-collecting tray adapted to be positioned beneath a water heater, and a float mechanism removably attachable to the tray. The float mechanism has a float adapted to reside within the tray. An arm extends from the float, and terminates in a trigger extremity located outside the tray. The trigger extremity is positioned to push upwardly upon a holding block that secures an extremity of a coil spring. The holding block also secures a tether that extends to an operating lever of a water shut-off valve. When the float rises in the tank, it causes the trigger extremity to release the coil spring in tensioned state from the holding block. Such action pulls the operating lever downwardly, causing shut-off of the water supply.

Abstract: A crash valve is located in a liquid tight dispenser pan at a gasoline service station to close a conduit conveying gasoline to a gasoline dispensing unit to prevent uncontrolled flow of gasoline in the event a vehicle crashes into the dispensing unit. The dispenser pan collects any leaking gasoline or inflow of water; the presence of gasoline is an obvious safety hazard and the accumulating water may cause electrical or mechanical malfunction of the crash valve. An actuator, responsive to the presence of either water or gasoline in the dispenser pan, includes a weighted ball secured to a trip arm of the crash valve by a lanyard. The actuator will respond to the presence of gasoline or water by dislodging the ball and cause the ball to drop. The weight of the falling ball, translated through the lanyard, will cause the trip arm to close the crash valve and prevent further flow of gasoline therethrough and preclude the dispensing unit from pumping gasoline until the trip arm is reset.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening or closing a shut-off valve, the mechanism having a valve actuator for moving the valve from a first position to a second position, an urging means, a trigger which, when activated, triggers operation of the valve actuator, the trigger including a retainer which ordinarily holds the shut-off valve in the first position against the force applied by urging means, and a sensor reactive to an external stimulus which releases the trigger upon receiving appropriate external stimulus.

Abstract: A multi-point float valve with adjustable high and low level settings, the float valve capable of both providing a tight seal as between an inlet and outlet, and operating in a wide range of flow pressure environments.

Abstract: A water supply shutoff valve system is used with a fluid storage tank, such as a hot water heater, to automatically shut off the water supply to the storage tank as a result of leak containment which in turn causes a magnetic float to rise and consequently produce the mechanical force necessary to release and close a spring loaded water supply valve.

Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve (13) to a toilet flush tank (11) is controlled by an inlet valve control device (14, 14a, 16, 17), and an outlet flush valve (21) is controlled by a flush lever (919). The detent apparatus includes a follower member (28) that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent (25) that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve (26) except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred form of the invention, a primary inlet valve (26) is provided upstream of the usual inlet valve (13) that is controlled by an inlet valve control device, such as a float (14, 14a, 16, 17), and the detent apparatus effectively cooperates with the primary inlet valve to maintain it closed unless a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped (37-42) to provide a timed delay of its movement into the inlet valve closing position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for operating a mechanism (5) of a rinsing fixture, in particular for operating a closing and opening mechanism or a locking mechanism of a rinsing fixture. It shows a float (28) and a first hydraulic or pneumatic force means (15) that shows a regulating unit (16) that is controllable through a float. A second hydraulic or pneumatic force means (9), which has a regulating unit (8) that is connected hydraulically or pneumatically with the regulating unit of the first force means, has an active connection with the mechanism (5).According to the invention it is planned that upon rising the float, in opposition to a restoring force, drives the regulating unit of the first force means for operating the mechanism, that the float upon sinking is uncoupled from the regulating unit of the first force means, and that a valve (12) is arranged in the connection (11, 13) of the two force means.

Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve (13) to a toilet flush tank (11) is controlled by an inlet valve control device (14, 14a, 16, 17), and an outlet flush valve (21) is controlled by a flush lever (19). The detent apparatus includes a follower member (28) that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent (25) that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve (26) except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred form of the invention, a primary inlet valve (26) is provided upstream of the usual inlet valve (13) that is controlled by an inlet valve control device, such as a float (14, 14a, 16, 17), and the detent apparatus effectively cooperates with the primary inlet valve to maintain it closed unless a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped (37-42) to provide a timed delay of its movement into inlet valve closing position.

Abstract: An overfill prevention device for storage tanks includes an elongate tubular housing having a liquid flow passageway. A normally open main valve and a normally closed vapor retaining bleed valve are associated with the fluid passageway. Closure of the main valve interrupts the primary flow of liquid through the passageway and closure of the bleed valve prevents any further liquid from entering the tank and also prevents the escape of vapors from the tank. Operation of the main valve is controlled in significant part by a valve latch assembly which is carried by the housing and a relatch assembly which is carried by the main valve. The relatch assembly ensures operative engagement of the main valve with the valve latch assembly upon movement of the main valve from the intermediate position to the open position. Operation of the main valve and vapor retaining bleed valve is also controlled indirectly by a plurality of floats which are maintained in a float chamber extending adjacent the liquid passageway.

Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve to a toilet flush tank is controlled by an inlet valve control device, and an outlet flush valve is controlled by a flush lever. The detent apparatus includes a follower member that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred embodiment, the detent member acts directly on the inlet valve to maintain it closed until a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped to provide a timed delay of its movement into inlet valve closing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for shutting off an impact valve being closeable by a latch bar in response to an accumulation of gasoline within a containment box, the apparatus comprising a cam being rotatable about an axis while displacing the latch bar to a closed position, an actuator arm rigidly coupled to the cam, having a longitudinal section perpendicular to the axis and being rotatable about the axis while rotating the cam, a float pivotally coupled to an end of the longitudinal section being displaceable in response to the accumulation, and a mounting means disposing the actuator arm adjacent the valve.

Abstract: A water level locking device for water tanks includes a stop valve for stopping water from flowing in a tank when water level reaches a preset highest level and for letting water flow in the tank when water level falls down to a preset lowest level, and a housing for containing components of the locking device except the stop valve.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in wick-fed liquid fuel burners employs an excess fuel containment compartment (24) which receives any excess fuel which might be fed to the fuel supply chamber (40). The excess fuel causes a receptacle (20) in the compartment to move downward. Through a retaining arm (82) and actuating arm (78), such movement communicates with a removable tank lift mechanism in response to the excess fuel condition. Also the mechanism prevents re-insertion of the removable tank (60) to its proper seating position until the danger of flareup is removed. This safety device also alerts the user of the liquid fuel burner to a dangerous condition by a mechanism comprising a highly visible warning gauge needle (34). In addition, the burner can be readily serviced and restored to operation should an excess fuel malfunction occur.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in wick-fed liquid fuel burners employs an excess fuel containment compartment (24) which receives any excess fuel which might be fed from a removable tank (60) through a spring-loaded valve in the removable tank cap (61) into fuel supply chamber (40). The excess fuel causes a receptacle (20) in the compartment to move downward. Through a retaining arm (82) and lever (66) such movement activates a pin-drop mechanism. Activation of the pin-drop mechanism closes off the valve in the removable tank cap. Also the mechanism prevents re-opening of the fuel tank valve until the danger of flareup is removed. This safety device also alerts the user of the liquid fuel burner to a dangerous condition by a mechanism comprising a warning gauge needle (34). In addition, the burner can be readily serviced and restored to operation should an excess fuel malfunction occur.

Abstract: A flush valve leakage prevention and detection device includes a hood for being assembled over a water inlet valve assembly of a toilet tank, a latch for being mounted by the hood for rotation from a locked position wherein a locking arm of the latch holds a float lever of the water inlet valve assembly in a raised position corresponding to a closed position for the water inlet valve assembly and an unlocked position wherein the locking arm is disengaged from the float lever to allow the float lever to move to a lowered position corresponding to an open position for the water inlet valve assembly in response to flushing of the toilet tank and a stop for preventing over rotation of the latch to the unlocked position to permit the latch to automatically return to the locked position upon filling of the toilet tank with water by the water inlet valve assembly.

Abstract: A flush valve leakage prevention and detection device includes a latch for supporting a float lever of a float controlled water inlet valve assembly of a toilet tank in a raised, latched position corresponding to a closed position for the water inlet valve assembly, with a control arm on the latch being engaged by a flush lever of the toilet tank. A support pivotally mounts the latch within the toilet tank, and the latch is rotationally biased relative to the pivot such that the control arm is urged in supporting engagement upon the flush lever and the latch is positioned to hold the float lever in the raised, latched position.

Abstract: A flood stopper system is used to prevent movement of fluid from a floor drain system out onto a floor that is being cleared by that drain system. The flood stopper system includes a balloon-like inflatable element that is automatically inflated to occlude the drain system in the event of a flood situation. The stopper system is located in the drain in a stand-by configuration and includes a float that covers a fluid-sensor and is only moved when a potential flood situation is present. Movement of the float permits fluid to contact the sensor and upon such contact, the sensor generates a signal that is used to fluidically connect a source of pressurized gas to the inflatable element to occlude the drain system.

Abstract: A float actuated valve for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid into a storage tank when the tank is filled to a predetermined level includes a pair of shutter plates movable transversely across the flow passage from an open position wherein the plates are retracted clear of opposite sides of the passage and a fully closed position in which the plates project into and cooperatively block the passage. A spring biased rotary trip plate underlying the shutter plates controls actuation of the shutter plates and may be held by first and second detents in rotative positions locating the shutter plates in the fully closed or a partially closed position. A lower float located within the tank releases the first detent to cause the trip plate to drive the shutter plates from the fully closed to the partially closed position when the level of fluid in the tank rises to a first level.

Abstract: A toilet tank fill valve assembly is disclosed, in which the tank water level at which the valve opens is different from the tank water level at which the valve closes. The valve has a substantially vertical rod, which moves up to activate a lever to allow the ballcock valve to close, and moves down to activate the lever to open the ballcock valve. The rod has upper and lower stops, preferably adjustable, corresponding to the valve closing and valve opening positions respectively. A float lifts the upper stop when the tank becomes full, thereby allowing the ballcock valve to close. A weight pushes the lower stop down when the tank becomes empty, thereby opening the ballcock valve. The float and weight may be separate units, or may be a single unit which rides up and down on the rod between the stops.

Abstract: A safety shutoff valve for fuel storage tanks and the like includes a housing with a float controlled valve member which closes in response to the rising liquid level in the tank to which the valve is attached. An elongated tubular member is attached to the valve outlet and projects an appreciable distance below the valve member that when the liquid level is high enough to close off the opening in the elongated member, a back pressure is developed within the elongated member and valve housing which causes the valve member to close and seat relatively gently under high pressure fill conditions. Special openings are provided in a baffle over the valve member to allow a portion of the incoming liquid to impinge upon the valve member to help urge it beyond the baffle whereupon it is driven to its closed position by the incoming liquid stream.