Excessive Flow Cut-off Patents (Class 137/460)
  • Patent number: 4921008
    Abstract: An emergency gas flow shutoff device for use primarily with gas cylinder operations. When there is a sudden loss of resistance downstream of the device due to a cut hose or a fire from a severed hose a ball located in the device completely closes off an orifice to stop further gas flow. The device also incorporates a gas flowmeter or pressure gauge as part of the reset mechanism thus eliminating additional connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Premier-Fosters (Australia) Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey F. Foster
  • Patent number: 4911199
    Abstract: A safety valve of the type having a valve body which is closed in response to an excess flow of fluid comprises a pilot piston which causes a sudden increase of the pressure in a cavity around the lower end of the valve stem if the pressure difference across the valve reaches a preset value, thereby controlling the valve such that is closes at a well defined setting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter J. Bontenbal, Sietse Bousema
  • Patent number: 4889150
    Abstract: A pressure control for a shut-off valve, preferably an earthquake sensitive shut-off valve, and a control for closing the valve in response to regulated pressure failure in the pressure supply of gas or the like thereto, and including a meter means or the like upstream, the control sensing pressures both upstream and downstream for its operation, for protecting downstream appliances and apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Safe-T-Quake Corporation
    Inventors: Hershall E. Lloyd, Monte E. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 4883081
    Abstract: A vibration and flow sensitve safety valve for gaseous fluids using a sphere of ferrous material as a valve plug, the ball being held in a sensitive, suspended condition positioned above its valve seat, by a permanent magnet. The magnetic attraction is such that a significant tremor or a significant pressure drop below the ball resulting from excessive flow through the venturi gap between the ball and its valve seat will dislodge the ball, allowing it to drop and plug the valve passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Antone W. Morris
  • Patent number: 4881948
    Abstract: A gas flow rate is measured and therefrom "consumption state" defined by combination of maximum flow rate, increase of total amount and a consumption time of the gas is detected, and then, the consumption state is compared with a "reference consumption condition" representing a predetermined consumption state; and when the "consumption state" exceeds the "reference consumption condition", a gas control means interrupt supply of the gas; and thereafter, after restoration of the gas control means to gas supply state, the actual gas consumption state is measured for a predetermined time counted by timer when the gas flow rate exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., The High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakane, Takashi Uno, Hiroshi Horii, Shinzo Kato, Mitsuo Namba, Reppei Uematsu
  • Patent number: 4880030
    Abstract: A device for use as a safety device to cut off the water supply to a house or building in the event of overly high water consumption due to a leak or break in the plumbing in the house or building is disclosed which has only three moving parts and is of simple and inexpensive to manufacture construction. The safety flow control device of the present invention has a three position selector valve which selectively either allows water to flow freely through the safety flow control device as if it were not there, diverts water through a safety flow chamber, or acts as a shutoff valve by preventing the flow of water into the main water line entrance of the house or building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Paul E. Terry
  • Patent number: 4844113
    Abstract: An automatic shut-off safety valve comprising a movable poppet held in a stable position by magnets and a movable weight. On the occurrence of an abnormal condition, such as a seismic event, the movable weight is displaced and gravity carries the poppet downward until it engages a valve seat, closing off fluid flow. Magnets may also be used to hold the poppet in its closed position. Modifications include using the fluid flow itself to assist in displacing the poppet from its stable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Cecil R. Jones
  • Patent number: 4836247
    Abstract: This invention relates to a regulator means for automatically shutting off gas flow in a pipeline during the occurrence of a pressure reducing failure. The regulator means of the invention comprises a body member, a pressure reducing valve device, a piston valve assembly, a timing device, a transmission device, and an overflow control device. The body member is provided with a pressure reducing valve chamber separated by a thin wall from a timing device chamber. The timing device chamber receives the timing device and the transmission device. The transmission device includes a transmission plate and a transmission plate base. A through hole in the body member passes through the thin wall to communicate with a piston valve assembly. The piston valve assembly is mounted in the through hole under the lower side of a pressure reducing valve chamber. A leak-proof diaphragm separates the timing device and transmission device from the piston valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Rong-Chao Chuang
  • Patent number: 4830046
    Abstract: A liquid flow shut-off valve has a one piece housing with an internal ball valve biased by a coil spring to a normal position axially separated from its valve seat, precompression of the coil spring being adjusted so that a predetermined drop in downstream pressure allows upstream pressure to seat the ball valve and stop flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Hose Specialties/Capri, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl R. Holt
  • Patent number: 4809740
    Abstract: An excess flow limiter for attachment in a flow path comprising a main body with a lower inlet chamber and an upper outlet chamber connected by a central vertical passage having an inlet end and an outlet end. A freely movable slide member is sealably housed in the central vertical passage and extends into the lower inlet chamber. The slide member comprises a hollow cylinder with a closed lower end having a flange with sealing means about the closed lower end to seal the inlet end of the central vertical passage. A support is mounted in the lower inlet chamber to support the closed lower end of the slide member that extends into the lower inlet chamber thereby supporting the slide member in the central vertical passage when necessary. A set of outflow apertures are provided in the side wall of the slide member above the flange to allow passage of flowable material from the lower inlet chamber to the upper outlet chamber through the hollow cylindrical interior of the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Inventor: Pavel Nevlud
  • Patent number: 4804163
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a key button type of water tap, wherein a pressing mode is being employed to establish a non-step positioning as a means to determine the moving downward of depth of the sharp body of a circular awl installed inside the valve gate mechanism to regulate the quantity of water which flows out. At the same time, if one wants to stop the water from flowing out, just slightly press the upper cap to cause the stop body to move away from the gang gear of the key rod. The key button rod will move upward in an instance to cause the valve gate mechanism to close, so as to immediately stop the water from flowing out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Inventor: Shun-Ching Yang
  • Patent number: 4793379
    Abstract: A button-operated main shut-off and flow-control valve is disclosed which attaches directly to a supply cylinder in place of the conventional rotary-stem shut-off valve. Magnetic actuators in the valve eliminate the hazards of leaky seals around moving or rotating parts. Excess flow control is provided by internal valve elements which inhibit further fluid flow in excess of a design limit, and pressure regulation is provided within the same housing so that extremely low profile is preserved and fluid connections are significantly reduced for improved operating safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventor: Paul G. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 4792113
    Abstract: A flow limit valve for limiting the flow rate of a pressurized fluid includes a valve body with an interconnecting cavity of circular cross section. Within the cavity is a piston that slides within the cavity under force generated by a pressure differential across the piston to a closed position in engagement with a seat at the end of the cavity. A first encapsulated magnet is carried within the valve body in a chamber located on the side of the seat opposite the cavity. The first encapsulated magnet can be moved in response to another magnet outside the valve body to move a pin which can extend through the seat when the piston is in a closed position to thereby move the piston to an open position. The magnetic forces applied through the valve body affect internal valve operation via the pin and thus avoids the dange of noxious fluids escaping through sliding seals or flexible membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Integrated Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul G. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 4787416
    Abstract: A regulator means for automatically shutting off gas flow in a pipeline during pressure reducing failure is provided. The regulator means includes a body member, a pressure reducing valve assembly, a switching valve assembly, a timing device for a predetermined time period of gas flow, a transmission plate for controlling switching valve assembly by the timing device, and an automatic overflow control assembly. The body member is provided with a pressure reducing valve chamber, a timing device chamber and a thin wall located between the pressure reducing valve chamber and the timing device chamber. The timing device chamber receives the timing device, and the pressure reducing valve chamber receives the pressure reducing valve assembly. The switching valve assembly is arranged at the outlet port of the gas flow passage. The switching valve assembly consists of a spindle, a leakage-proof seal ring, and a spiral spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Inventor: Rong-Chao Chuang
  • Patent number: 4785840
    Abstract: The passage of ore through a pass is controlled by means of a rotatably mounted arcuate door which is orientated so that a convex face of the door faces oncoming material flow. When the rate of material flow is so high that the door is forced open, fins on a concave face of the door react with the material flow and a force is generated which rotates the door to a blocking position at which the rate of material flow is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Anthony B. Cremen
  • Patent number: 4736763
    Abstract: A pipe flow detector for activating a solenoid to automatically close a pipe shutoff valve in the event of a leak. The detector comprises a piezoelectric film transducer attached to the pipe, the transducer producing a fluctuating electrical signal in response to pipe vibration. An amplifier amplifies the signal, which is then passed to a tunable low-pass filter. The output from the filter is passed to an averaging circuit to produce an electrical signal representative of the total voltage changes of the fluctuating electrical signals. An LED is connected to the output of the averaging circuit to provide a means to tune the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventors: George L. Britton, David A. Ratino, Alfred W. Peterman
  • Patent number: 4732190
    Abstract: A valve for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid in the event of a malfunction. The valve is provided with a body having an internal valve cavity in which a valve spool translates. The valve spool serves to control the flow of fluid between and inlet and outlet and is shiftable between an open and a closed position. The inlet and output pressures are monitored by internal ports to sense the occurrence of a malfunction and to automatically shift the valve to the closed position. A reset mechanism is also provided allowing the valve spool to be returned to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Inventor: James V. Polselli
  • Patent number: 4708163
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve. During normal well flowing conditions, the valve is spring biased to its open position. If the difference in fluid pressure flowing through the valve as compared to fluid pressure exterior to the valve exceeds a preselected value, a pressure sensitive bellows will be actuated to close the valve. A latch mechanism is provided to prevent undesired closure of the safety valve by acceptable pressure transients resulting from normal changes in well operating conditions. An alternative embodiment of the valve responds to an electromagnetic signal from the well surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas M. Deaton
  • Patent number: 4705060
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for detecting and then dealing with a leak in a plumbing system. Flow sensor means detect any unauthorized flow of water in the system and send a signal to a microprocessor control means. The control means then activates an alarm, isolates the leaking part of the system by closing normally open valves, and then operates ejecting means for ejecting water from the leaking part of the system safely to a drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Inventor: Stephen Goulbourne
  • Patent number: 4700742
    Abstract: An automatic shut-off device for interrupting flow to a remote system in response to a flow fault associated with the remote system. The device generally includes a flow detection assembly, which senses the fluid flow through the remote system, and a fault detection assembly, which detects an interruption in the flow associated with the remote system and accordingly shuts-off fluid flow through the flow detection assembly. The flow and fault detection assemblies are remotely housed yet are mechanically connected by a common valve stem which connects the fault valve assembly with the flow interruption assembly. A metering assembly disposed in the flow detection assembly is responsive to the fluid flow and provides a visual indication of the flow rate through the system. Also provided are means for manually resetting the device in order to provide fluid flow upon correction of the fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Inventor: Lars O. Rosaen
  • Patent number: 4690170
    Abstract: This invention relates to a safety gas valve with timer, and in particular to one combining a valve and a timer together, whereby it can be set to close automatically at predetermined time and can be used to detect gas leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Inventors: Tzong D. Tsai, Tsang J. Tsai
  • Patent number: 4665932
    Abstract: An automatically and independently operating safety device for triggering a total or partial closure of a guard or safety valve member when the velocity of a fluid circulating in a conduit attains a predetermined dangerous value. The device senses the static and total pressures of the fluid within the conduit and supplies these pressures which control the movement of a piston and rod wherein the movement of the rod in response to fluid velocities which are dangerously high will initiate the actuation of the safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Quenin
  • Patent number: 4658846
    Abstract: A gas valve for attachment to a gas line for preventing flow of gas during and subsequent to a vibratory shock above a pre-determined intensity; a tilting of said valve beyond a pre-determined angle from the vertical; and/or when an excess flow of gas through said valve above a pre-determined velocity occures. The trip mechanism is a set of three hinged, centrally suspended inertia weights which are mass biased away from said suspension points and incorporate aerodynamically designed flow vanes and having release hooks at their lower inner facing ends which engage an articulated head atop a shaft and stopper assembly which is spring biased downward against a valve seat near the inlet orifice of said valve. The valve having an external reset lever and multiple inertia weight/flow vane configurations for custom applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Inventor: Roger L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4638835
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic overflow control apparatus for a pipeline passage. Specifically, this invention is suitable for use in a pipeline having a low pressure flow. The apparatus is of the type having a housing, an inlet port connected to an external flow supply, an outlet port, a flow channel being positioned between, and in communication with the inlet port and the outlet port and a safety valve having a ball member disposed in the flow channel, to prevent overflow through the apparatus. The safety valve has a valve seat having an elastic annular shell wherein the ball member may be seated, deforming the shell and being circumferentially gripped therein, thereby sealing the flow channel automatically controlling overflow which can rupture the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Inventor: Rong-Chao Chuang
  • Patent number: 4637427
    Abstract: There is disclosed a reset mechanism particularly adapted for use within a magnet valve in which the reset mechanism comprises a passageway within the valve housing connecting the inlet and outlet passages in which a reset valve normally interrupts a communication between the inlet and outlet side of the said reset passage to permit normal operation of the magnetic valve and to permit normal fluid flow through the inlet and outlet passages thereof prior to movement of said magnetic valve from its normally open to its normally closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Inventors: John H. Nolan, William A. Nolan
  • Patent number: 4630799
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid control device including housing, a fluid flow passage therein, and a fluid outlet passage communicating with said fluid inlet passage. Within the housing is a reciprocating valve capable of permitting or precluding communication between the inlet and outlet passages, the valve constituting a ferromagnetic armature susceptible to receiving an electromagnetic induction of a magnetic axis along its axis of reciprocation, such a magnetic axis generally corresponding to the longitudinal center of a fluid-tight chamber within said housing within which the valve may reciprocate. The valve is provided with a flow-responsive first radial end face disposed within a region of communication between the inlet and outlet passages. A fluid control device also includes a magnetic stator wound about the housing in the region of the reciprocating valve when the valve is in its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Inventors: John H. Nolan, William A. Nolan
  • Patent number: 4624443
    Abstract: A flow limit valve for limiting the flow rate of a pressurized fluid includes a valve body with an interconnecting cavity of circular cross section. Within the cavity if a piston that slides within the cavity under force generated by a pressure differential across the piston to a closed position which prevents fluid flow through the valve. A pin is provided that is attached to the piston and that protrudes through the piston seat into the outlet side of the cavity when the piston is at the closed position. Opposite the pin is an encapsulated magnet within the valve body that can be moved in response to another magnet outside the valve body to contact the pin attached to the piston to move it to the open position. The magnetic forces applied through the valve body affect internal valve operation via the pin attached to the piston and this avoids the danger of noxious fluids escaping through sliding seals or flexible membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Integrated Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul G. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 4611620
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit breaker for use with a hydraulic device comprising a body having a supply conduit for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the hydraulic device and a return conduit for carrying hydraulic fluid away from the hydraulic device. A slide valve is mounted for movement in a first chamber of the body to define a supply orifice of variable area in the supply passage and a return orifice of variable area in the return passage. The slide valve is positioned in the body as a function of the pressure drop across at least one of the orifices. A pressure responsive member is mounted for movement in the body and moves in response to the pressure drop across the supply orifice reaching a predetermined value. A movable drive member extends into both of the chambers so that it can transmit at least some of the motion of the pressure responsive member to the slide valve to move the slide valve to close the supply and return orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Hsien B. Wang
  • Patent number: 4605039
    Abstract: A runaway valve for an air-driven material pump that shuts off air flow to the pump when air flow rate exceeds a predetermined setting to prevent pump damage, wherein the valve includes a flow-responsive poppet valve member and an axially movable sleeve finely adjustable about a first position to select flow rate, and movable to a second position to interconnect the upstream and downstream sides of the poppet valve member to effect reset. A closed chamber with a vent hole buffers the upstream side of the poppet valve member from inlet pressure to delay valve closing and compensate for pressure transients. In its reset position, the sleeve isolates this chamber from inlet pressure to achieve faster reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Stewart-Warner Corporation
    Inventors: Myron J. Johnson, Mark C. C. Kao
  • Patent number: 4590962
    Abstract: A gas safety valve is provided which has a valve chamber within a housing, and a gas inlet and outlet respectively communicating with an inlet and outlet end of the valve chamber. Valve means are disposed in the valve chamber for allowing gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet when the valve means is in an open position, and preventing gas flow when the valve means is in a closed position at either end of the valve chamber. The valve means may comprise a piston having a tortuous gas transmitting opening therein, the resistance to gas flow caused by the tortuous opening rendering the valve means responsive to slight variations in gas pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet. Resilient means are provided which extend between the outlet and the valve means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Inventor: Brian Tespa
  • Patent number: 4579142
    Abstract: A gas safety controlled device attached to the inlet side of a conventional gas controller comprising a push button, push stem and ball valve. The ball valve is urged by high gas flow to close the gas controller inlet the gas controller outlet has overflow demand. The push button and associated push stem can be pushed downwardly on the ball valve to open the gas controller inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Inventor: Chuang Jung-Chao
  • Patent number: 4574833
    Abstract: A fluid control device includes a reciprocating valve comprising a ferromagnetic armature capable of receiving an axis of magnetic polarity corresponding to its axis of reciprocation, the axis generally also corresponding to the longitudinal center of a chamber within said housing, said chamber having a greater radius than the radius of the valve which moves within the chamber. The valve also exhibits a flow-responsive rear radial end face located within a region of communication between said inlet and outlet passages. The valve further has a front end face capable of closing the fluid outlet passage of the device. Further provided is a bias and calibration means located in the housing and disposed co-linearly and distal-proximately to the valve, near the rear radial end face thereof, opposite to the flow-responsive rear radial end of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventor: Craig S. Custer
  • Patent number: 4522229
    Abstract: The safety device makes it possible to cut the water supply off quickly when there is a very low flow of water such as occurs when there is a leak, to cut off the water supply after predetermined time with normal water consumption, and to cut the water supply off very quickly when a certain predetermined maximum flow is exceeded as would occur with a fractured pipe. The safety device is automatically returned to its initial position when the water consumption is stopped and the shut off is first indicated by a significant reduction in flow. The device can also be manually returned to its initial position after a shut-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Standard Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Guido Van de Moortele
  • Patent number: 4518955
    Abstract: Leakage in a conduit system is detected by means of a fluid flow detector and evaluated by means of a control device on the basis of predetermined criteria. When the control device, which may include a microcomputer has received a signal from the flow detector indicating that fluid is flowing through the conduit system the control device operates an alarm device and/or closes the fluid supply by means of a valve, if the fluid flow is condidered to be caused by a leak or break in the conduit system evaluated on the basis of the time at which the flow takes place, the duration of the detected flow, the intensity of the detected flow, and/or information about whether the fluid drains of the conduit system are closed. The conduit system may, for example, be a conduit system for supply of water or gas to apartment houses and one-family houses, but may also form parts of industrial plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Inventor: Knut Meyer
  • Patent number: 4513776
    Abstract: A shutoff valve for installation in a gas distribution line to interrupt the flow of gas automatically upon a drop in pressure in the line due to a break or the like. The valve includes a movable valve member actuated by a piston which is disposed in a cylinder in communication with the distribution line. The top of the piston includes a calibrated aperture which admits gas into the cylinder beneath the piston so that the pressure beneath the piston in the cylinder is substantially equal to the pressure in the line. However, upon a sudden drop in pressure in the line due to a break or the like, the flow of gas through the aperture is metered so that the pressure in the cylinder beneath the piston becomes greater than the pressure in the distribution line, causing the piston to shift upwardly and move the valve member into a position where it interrupts the flow of gas. The pressure differential on the valve member retains it in the closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Wisconsin Gas Company
    Inventor: Keith A. Chen
  • Patent number: 4471806
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system has a leak detector which responds to a low pressure condition in the delivery line for severely restricting the rate of flow of fluid to the delivery line. A temperature contraction compensation accumulator compensates for the contraction of fuel in the delivery line for maintaining the pressure of the delivery line above a minimum value, to avoid erroneous triggering of the leak detector into its slow flow mode in response to thermal contraction of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Inventor: Dennis J. Strock
  • Patent number: 4471797
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a pump, a reservoir, and an actuator system. A hydraulic circuit breaker is arranged to compare fluid flow to and from the actuator system and to shut off this flow in the event the flow to the actuator system is greater than the flow returning from the actuator system by more than a predetermined differential, thereby indicating a leakage condition. A hydraulic circuit breaker reset device is hydraulically connected to the actuator system and to the circuit breaker. When the circuit breaker is in a shut-off condition, the reset device continuously pressure tests the actuator system. If the pressure in the actuator system increases to indicate the absence of fluid leakage, the reset device responds to the pressure increase in the actuator system to provide a reset signal to the circuit breaker. After the circuit breaker is reset to its normal operating position, a timing piston returns the reset device to its normal operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald F. Cass, Shih Y. Sheng
  • Patent number: 4373548
    Abstract: A safety device for controlling the excess flow of gas adapted to shut off the flow of gas when the flow of gas exceeds a predetermined level. The device comprises a cylinder having in one end a throat member through which the gas flows, and a plurality of orifices formed around the cylinder through which orifices the gas is delivered to the throat member and then to a burner; a ball disposed at the other end of the cylinder, the ball having one side subject to the supply pressure of the gas and the opposite side subject to the delivery pressure of the gas. When the flow or delivery rate of the gas exceeds the predetermined level that is determined by the flow capacity of the orifices, the delivery pressure of the gas decreases to allow the ball to be pushed by the supply pressure of the gas so as to close the throat member, thus shutting off the flow of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Inventor: Martin S. Chou
  • Patent number: 4355654
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the flow of fluid in a pair of conduits and blocking the flow of fluid in a conduit when leakage of fluid is sensed therein. The device is provided with, a pair of inlet and outlet passageways in which fluid flows to and from the conduits, a pair of solenoid operated shutoff valves for blocking the flow of fluid in the inlet passageways and a pair of check valves for blocking the backflow of fluid through the outlet passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: Midland-Ross Corporation
    Inventors: Paul N. Levesque, Neal M. Lavado
  • Patent number: 4349042
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Inventor: Kunio Shimizu
  • Patent number: 4347867
    Abstract: A safety valve (14) adapted to be inserted within a flowline (10) comprises an elongate valve body (16) having central bore (24) with a fluid inlet (40) and a fluid outlet (42) in fluid communication with the bore (24). A slidable valve element (50) having a fluid passage (62) therein is mounted within the bore (24) and is slidable between the seated and unseated positions. A stop member (108) is mounted on the valve body (16) for relative movement between extended and retracted positions and has a stem which extends within the bore (24) along the longitudinal axis of the valve body (16). During normal operation valve element (50) is in a seated position and stop member (108) is in a retracted position, and thus, fluid flows from the fluid inlet (40) to the fluid outlet (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: W-K-M Wellhead Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford M. Peters
  • Patent number: 4339001
    Abstract: A differential pressure operated subsurface safety valve (20). A latch mechanism, having ball detents (63), holds the safety valve (20) open until the difference in pressure between fluid in chamber (40) within the safety valve (20) and fluid flowing through the safety valve (20) exceeds a preselected value. The difference in pressure acts upon a piston (37) which is attached to an actuator sleeve (31) causing the actuator sleeve (31) to shift the safety valve (20) from its open to its closed position. The chamber (40) is charged by and equalized with fluid pressure around the exterior of the safety valve (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Paschal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4319604
    Abstract: In a safety shut-off valve, a housing includes a valve member therein, having a first valve seat, and against which a valve normally rests during closure, with a spring normally biasing said valve off of said first valve seat, and with the force of the pressurized fluid passing through the valve causing said valve to act against the force of a regulator and a second spring to become unseated for allowing gas flow, and reseated once again against a second valve seat when excessive pressure is encountered and which curtails the further flow of fluid through the valve housing, and thereby shutting off the fluid from its source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Assignee: Modern Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bird
  • Patent number: 4308885
    Abstract: The collapsible safety element has a polygonal end and a star-shaped end which are interconnected by flat triangular sections. The triangular sections are disposed relative to one another so that the points of the star-shaped end are in line with the corners at the polygon-shaped end. Consequently, when the safety element is closed, the triangular sections extending from the star-shaped end are disposed in parallel relation to each other. This improves and increases the sealing effect of the safety element at high pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventor: Max Geisseler
  • Patent number: 4278102
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Inventors: Charles H. Kelley, Jimmie W. Crane, Albert D. Ray
  • Patent number: 4278011
    Abstract: An automatic hydraulic shut-off system for use with a hydraulic valve and a work apparatus which is retained under hydraulic pressure even when the hydraulic line is broken inadvertently. A lock valve is connected in the line and senses the loss of hydraulic pressure, and the valve is actuated in response to the pressure drop and retains the work apparatus in a pressurized condition to thereby avoid undesired movement in response to the loss of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Donald J. Parquet
  • Patent number: 4274328
    Abstract: An automatic hydraulic shut-off system for use with a hydraulic valve and a work apparatus which is retained under hydraulic pressure even when the hydraulic line is broken inadvertently. A lock valve is connected in the line and senses the loss of hydraulic pressure, and the valve is actuated in response to the pressure drop and retains the work apparatus in a pressurized condition to thereby avoid undesired movement in response to the loss of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Carl O. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 4270568
    Abstract: A fluid pressure gauge type pressure responsive gauge drive having a drive to a sensor controller system with sensor controllers actuatingly engaged at respective adjusted pressure limits with gauge movement travel unimpeded by sensor controller contact in the range of movement between sensor controller pressure limit position settings. The drive may be connected to drive a fluid pressure gauge needle over an indicating dial and upper and lower pressure limit setting needles are adjustable to desired settings over the indicating dial. Calibration structures are provided for a coordinated setting of the gauge dial drive and in the drive of the sensor controller system calibrating each gauge structure for the "C" type bourdon tube installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: Span Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Tommy L. Gray
  • Patent number: 4269223
    Abstract: A resettable overrun control valve includes a housing with a throughbore defining an inlet, an outlet and an intermediate valve seat. A valve disc is normally biased from the valve seat by a coil spring projecting the disc toward the inlet. An actuator stem connects to the valve disc and is responsive to a manually operable control rod projecting through the housing to engage the stem. Normal pneumatic pressure through the inlet permits air flow about the valve disc and through the outlet. If the pressure drop on the downstream side of the valve disc exceeds a predetermined limit, the valve disc is forced against the valve seat. This terminates air flow. Once the reason for the excessive air flow through the valve is corrected, the valve may be reset by actuating the manual rod against the stem. The biasing force on the valve disc is adjusted by means of a telescoping housing that cooperates with the valve body. The housing serves as an adjustable platform for the coil spring which biases the valve disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond D. Carter, Allen L. Clark
  • Patent number: 4269215
    Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizing valve disposed in a vapor return conduit between a storage tank and a liquid receiving tank to provide the same volume of flow but at a higher rate and greater fluidity than that of liquid flow volume in a preferably larger liquid conduit, and providing an excess flow shut off response that can be triggered manually or by the danger of a hose rupture or in case of fire or a break in the vapor return conduit, to protect either tank, or with two valves protect both tanks, with great quickness of action. The valve serves as a manual vapor flow shut off valve which may be latched open; and is unlatched to close by a local or remote control or fire, but while latched open provides an excess flow arresting action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Rego Company
    Inventor: Larry F. Odar