Abstract: Valve with two-piece stator assembly for use with liquid chromatography or other analytical systems. A separate and removable stator plate is provided with a mounting device to provide a two-piece stator assembly. The mounting device is adapted on one side to engage and contact the stator plate, and on the other side includes a plurality of ports for fluidic connections which are in fluid communication with fluid passageways in the stator plate.

Abstract: A valve system has an apparatus formed with a plurality of material inlet ports, a flushing inlet port, and an outlet port and respective supplies of at last two different liquid materials. The supplies are each connected to a respective one of the material inlet ports, and a supply of flushing medium is connected to the flushing inlet port. A rotor at the apparatus is formed with a passage and shiftable between a plurality of positions in each of which a respective one of the inlet ports is connected to the outlet port. A controller moves the rotor between the positions such that, after each time the rotor is in a position connecting one of the material inlet ports to the outlet port and material has passed through the passage, the rotor is moved into a position connecting the passage with the flushing inlet port for flushing out the passage.

Abstract: A rotary valve system includes a first body having a first plurality of fluid channels. The first fluid channels have a common first inlet to receive a fluid and a first outlet. The system includes a second body coupled to the first body. The second body has a second plurality of fluid channels. The second fluid channels have a second inlet and a second outlet. The system includes a plate assembly having a plate coupled between the first body and the second body. The plate is movable between at least a first, open position in which the first outlet of at least one of the first fluid channels is in fluid communication with the second inlet of at least one of the second fluid channels and a second, closed position in which the second inlet of each of the second fluid channels is substantially completely obstructed by the plate.

Abstract: An illustrative valve block includes a plate, a fluid transfer block, and a diaphragm. The plate includes a channel configured to receive a first fluid and a recess connected to the channel. The fluid transfer block includes an inlet connection configured to receive a second fluid and an outlet connection. The fluid transfer block also includes a plurality of valve inlet bores connected to the inlet connection. The plurality of valve inlet bores are distributed along at least part of a first curved shape. The fluid transfer block further includes a plurality of valve outlet bores each fluidly connected to the outlet connection. The plurality of valve outlet bores are distributed along at least part of a second curved shape. The diaphragm is between the pressure plate and the fluid transfer block. The plurality of valve inlet bores and the plurality of valve outlet bores adjoin the recess.

Abstract: A valve for free-flowing media, such as a glue valve, with a valve housing, and with a closure member, such as a valve tappet, which is movable in the valve housing by means of an electromagnet and which bears with a closure piece on a valve seat in the closed position of the valve and which sits at least partially in a continuous interior of a one-piece coil carrier on which the windings of a coil of the electromagnet are wound, and having two terminal receivers for a dosing unit and a valve lift adjustment unit with an elongate abutment part which is arranged at least in part in the interior of the coil carrier and which limits a movement of the closure member in the direction of the valve lift adjustment unit, with the valve lift adjustment unit being is secured on the coil carrier.

Abstract: A valve block includes a fluid-transfer plate with multiple inlet bores connecting to a common inlet channel, and multiple outlet bores connecting to a common outlet channel. The inlet bores and the outlet bores are arranged in a curved shape. The valve block also includes a pressure plate and diaphragm aligned and connected to the fluid-transfer plate in a way that allows pressurized material in the pressure plate to control the state of the channels formed by the inlet and outlet bores.

Abstract: A pressure regulator assembly has a normal mode and a regulated fast-fill mode and includes a spring cage and a body coupled together. The spring cage and body define an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet as well as an interior between the inlet and the outlet. A diaphragm assembly mounts in the interior for selectively closing a flowpath between the inlet and the outlet. A preload spring in the interior applies force on the diaphragm assembly so that in the normal mode, the flowpath is closed if a downstream pressure is above a first pressure. An actuation assembly includes a lever coupled to the spring cage and a push rod mounted so that in the regulated fast-fill mode, the lever slides so that the push rod further compresses the preload spring to open the flowpath and regulate flow therethrough if the downstream pressure is below a second pressure.

Abstract: A servovalve comprising a motor, a motor bias mechanism, a first stage valve having a first position, a second stage valve movable with movement of the first valve, a reference member in fluid communication with the second valve, a transfer link acting between the first valve and the reference member, an eccentric drive acting between the motor and transfer link, wherein movement of the motor causes the transfer link to move the first valve, movement of the first valve causes the second valve member to move, movement of the second valve applies on the reference member a pressure differential from a load, the pressure differential on the reference member causes movement of the reference member, and movement of the reference member causes the transfer link to move the first valve back to the first position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are flow control devices including at least one remote temperature sensor configured to determine first temperature data associated with air outside of a dwelling; a valve configured to control a first flow rate of the liquid flowing from an inlet of the supply pipe along a controlled liquid flow path by moving a valve position from a closed position to an open position; a flow control component in fluid communication with the valve, and configured to control a second flow rate of the liquid flowing from the valve; at least one internal temperature sensor configured to determine second temperature data associated with air inside the dwelling; a controller communicatively connected to the temperature sensors and configured to control operation of the valve based at least on at least one of the first temperature data and the second temperature data; and a housing configured to contain the flow control device components and further configured to releasably attach to a spigot or spout of a supply

Abstract: A gas bottle assembly may be provided for a gas turbine engine system. The gas bottle system may include a gas bottle, a regulator cavity, a conductor coil, and an insulating jacket. The gas bottle may be configured to store and selectively release pressurized fluid. The regulator cavity and conductor coil may be in fluid connection with the gas bottle. The conductor coil may be disposed around at least a portion of the gas bottle. The insulating jacket may disposed around at least a portion of the gas bottle, pressure regulator, and the conductor coil. The conductor coil may be configured to maintain or decrease a temperature of the gas bottle while the insulting jacket resists heat from other portions of the engine system.

Abstract: An anti-freezing apparatus comprises: a main block including an accommodation space and a water inlet at one side thereof to communicate with the accommodation space; a temperature sensitive member provided in the accommodation space and having one end for opening and closing the water inlet, the length of the temperature sensitive member variable due to expansion or contraction according to changes in temperature; an elastic member installed between the temperature sensitive member and the main block; a connecting rod connected to the other end of the temperature sensitive member; a locking part having opposite ends locked in a locking protrusion formed in the accommodation space and having a through-hole through which water passes; and an adjustment part coupled to the tip end of the connecting rod and rotatably screw-coupled to the locking part. The elastic member applies an elastic force to the temperature sensitive member to close the water inlet.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a temperature of oil in a power-plant operable to propel a vehicle. The system includes a heat-exchanger arranged relative to the power-plant. The heat-exchanger is configured to receive the oil from the power-plant, modify the temperature of the oil, and return the modified temperature oil to the power-plant. The system also includes a valve configured to direct the oil through the heat-exchanger during a warm-up operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is increased. The valve is also configured to direct the oil to bypass the heat-exchanger during a low load operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is increased. Additionally, the valve is configured to direct the oil through the heat-exchanger during a high load operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is decreased.

Abstract: A charge air cooler comprises an outlet tank having a drain mechanism integrated in a wall thereof. The drain mechanism comprises a first valve head disposed to a first side of the wall, a first spring member disposed between the first valve head and the wall, a second valve head disposed to a second side of the wall, a second spring member disposed between the second valve head and the wall, and a valve stem coupled to each of the first valve head and the second valve head. The valve stem is reciprocatingly disposed within an aperture formed in the wall. The drain mechanism is configured to be in a closed position when an internal pressure within the outlet tank is at least one of greater than a first pressure value and lower than a second pressure value.

Abstract: A device, comprising a flow controller. The flow controller includes a body having walls that define a channel within the body, and a passive flow control valve. The passive control valve has a moveable member that includes a thermal shape memory material, the moveable member configured to change an aperture size in the channel in response to a reversible temperature-induced shape transformation of the thermal shape memory material.

Abstract: A flushing device includes an enclosure having an access opening; a discharge conduit; a fluid system conduit; a platform situated within the enclosure, the platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface facing the access opening and movable to proximate the access opening; a flushing valve mounted on the platform and in fluid communication with the fluid system conduit, the flushing valve operatively connected to a flushing controller, the flushing valve controllable by the flushing controller; and a meter mounted on the top surface of the platform, the meter including a meter inlet and a meter outlet, the meter inlet in fluid communication with the flushing valve, the flushing valve in fluid communication with the meter and the fluid system conduit, the meter outlet in fluid communication with the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A method for operating a fluid drainage control system to drain a fluid from a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes determining a first ambient air temperature, determining if the first ambient air temperature is less than a predetermined drain set point temperature, isolating the fluid dispensation system from a fluid supply source by closing a supply valve located inside a temperature controlled area in response to the first ambient air temperature being less than the predetermined drain set point temperature, and draining the fluid from the fluid dispensation system by opening a drain valve subsequent to closing the supply valve.

Abstract: A plumbing freeze protection system comprises a fluid connection between a water supply line and a waste line. The fluid connection bypasses a plumbing fixture fluidly connected to the water supply line. A valve operable with the fluid connection alternately prevents water flow from the water supply line to the waste line, and allows water flow from the water supply line to the waste line within about 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the water supply line through the fluid connection. A timer is adapted to control the valve. The valve is open for a predetermined time period to deliver a short duration, high volumetric flow rate of water to the waste line to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from, the water supply and waste lines.

Abstract: A valve for preventing freeze-fracturing prevents accidental freeze-fracturing due to the freezing of water by draining water from a flow pipe before the danger of freezing occurs when the temperature of ambient air drops. The valve for preventing freeze-fracturing includes a housing coupled to a pipe port and a draining chamber provided in a portion of the housing that faces the pipe port. The draining chamber has therein a water inlet hole, which communicates with an inside of the flow pipe, and a water outlet hole, which communicates with an outside of the housing. A storage chamber is provided in a portion of the housing that is opposite the draining chamber, and contains therein a phase change material, which decreases in volume while changing in phase from liquid to solid. A plunger is movably disposed in the draining chamber to open and close the water inlet hole.

Abstract: The temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus of the present invention comprises: a housing installed between the inlet and the outlet of a fluid pipe in which a fluid flows; a valve block installed inside the housing to allow inflow of the flowing fluid in the housing and to discharge a portion of the flowing fluid to the outside according to the change in the internal pressure; and a temperature-responsive device for generating a pressure difference in the valve block according to the temperature change of the temperature-responsive fluid filled therein. The temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus prevents the fluid flowing pipe from freezing by discharging a portion of the fluid flowing in the housing to the outside, when the temperature of the temperature-responsive fluid reaches a preset temperature as the external temperature drops.

Abstract: A thermally actuated valve employs a plunger and bore valve configuration. A thermally expansible wax actuator has an axial length that changes in response to the temperature in a cavity of the valve. At temperatures above a predetermined set point, the actuator produces axial force sufficient to extend the length of the actuator against a return bias and project the plunger and seal into the bore, closing the valve. The plunger defines a pressure relief fluid flow path from the valve cavity to the valve outlet. A pressure relief valve is arranged in the plunger and is responsive to pressure in the valve. The pressure relief valve opens to relieve pressure above a pre-determined level. The thermally actuated valve and the pressure relief valve are coaxial and employ a common outlet.

Abstract: An irrigation system draining apparatus adapted for use with an irrigation system having a conduit with a fluid source connection, an air inlet, and at least one output port, the apparatus includes a suction device. The suction device has an input port that is adapted to access an interior of the conduit, and to drain fluid from the conduit by suction when the fluid source connection is closed and the air inlet is open. A method of draining an irrigation system includes closing a fluid source connection for the irrigation system, opening an air inlet of the irrigation system, and using a suction device to drain fluid from the irrigation system conduit through the one output port.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting water in locations in homes and buildings where it should not be present, and responding by terminating water inlet access to plumbing in said home or building or the like and optionally operating a dump valve, in combination with an approach to periodically testing system operability and providing a signal upon a component performing a predetermined number of operations. The method can further include the monitoring of signals and responding with maintenance and/or replacement.

Abstract: A method for operating a fluid drainage control system to drain a fluid from a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes determining a first ambient air temperature, determining if the first ambient air temperature is less than a predetermined drain set point temperature, isolating the fluid dispensation system from a fluid supply source by closing a supply valve located inside a temperature controlled area in response to the first ambient air temperature being less than the predetermined drain set point temperature, and draining the fluid from the fluid dispensation system by opening a drain valve subsequent to closing the supply valve.

Abstract: An antifreezing valve device for hydraulic and/or water storage systems includes a valve body having a water inlet and outlet which open into a chamber housing a linear thermostatic actuator, and a closing member operatively connected to the thermostatic actuator to be moved from a closed position for closing a sealing seat for ambient temperatures equivalent to or higher than a preset value, to an open position for discharging water from a system for lower ambient temperatures; the closing member is conformed with a cup-shaped support element sealingly slidable along the cylindrical body of the actuator, in order to define with this a closed chamber into which extends the actuator control rod. The device also includes first and second biasing spring members acting at opposite ends of the housing chamber on the closing member, respectively on the linear actuator, and guide element for sliding of the linear actuator and of the closing member.

Abstract: A water collection, storage, and distribution system includes one or more individual water storage tanks. Each water storage tank has its own microprocessor that controls the operation of the storage tank so that each storage tank can operate either as a stand-alone storage tank or can be integrated into a series or a daisy chain of storage tanks. Each individual storage tank monitors its water level, its temperature, and its flow rate. When a risk of freezing exists, based on time and temperature, the storage tank can dump water. When the water in the storage tank is approaching stagnation, based on flow rate and time, the storage tank can dump water. When a storage tank is part of a daisy chain of storage tanks, each individual tank monitors not only its own water level but also the water level of the next downstream storage tank and pumps water to the downstream storage tank as required.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that advantageously monitors a status of a relief valve coupled to a water heater or other pressure vessel. By monitoring the relief valve, the system can limit the energy and water wasted resulting from the relief valve's failure. The system can have first and second sensors that monitor a temperature and pressure within the relief valve, and a water flow from the relief valve, respectively. If the temperature or pressure within the relief valve exceeds predetermined thresholds, or a water flow from the relief valve continues for greater than a predetermined interval, the system can restrict a flow of gas, electric current, or water to the water heater.

Abstract: An anti-freezing hydrant is provided with a hollow valve rod of which a back end is provided with a lump formed with an oblique cone where a water leakage hole is formed communicating with the valve rod. A one-way valve is provided in a inner water inlet in a valve chamber of a valve and comprises a rubber cushion being made of a soft rubber and thus elastically suppressing the inner water inlet. The bore of a back pressure stopper in a back pressure is a complement of an inner inclined cone with the oblique cone. Thus, the rubber cushion may enhance the capability of sealing of the valve. Further, the back pressure stopper may also be a good sealant for the inclined cone.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve incorporated within a plumbing system for regulating the flow of fluid. The thermostatic valve includes two valve assemblies operatively cooperating to preclude the flow of scalding water. The first valve assembly and second valve assembly respond to different fluid temperatures, as well as, over separate periods of time. The thermostatic valve can be incorporated in an “end-line” device such as a showerhead or faucet assemblies to create an “anti-scaled” plumbing fixture. The invention includes a valve housing having a first compartment and a second compartment, a fluid passageway, a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first spring, a first stopper, a first flange, a first-thermostatic cylinder, a second spring, a second stopper, a second flange, a second thermostatic cylinder, and a third spring.

Abstract: A drain valve having a temperature responsive member that holds the drain valve in a water conserving mode when water is above freezing yet allows the drain valve to drain when the water is near freezing to prevent freeze damage to the irrigation system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control apparatus and method. In accordance with the present invention, the flow control apparatus comprises a thermostat that automatically actuates valve to enable water to flow through the valve when the temperature of the air or water is at or near the freezing temperature of water (32° F.). When the temperature of the air or water rises above freezing, the thermostat causes the valve to close, thereby preventing water from flowing through the valve. Therefore, when the apparatus is coupled to an end of a water conduit, such as a water spigot or hose, water is allowed to flow through the conduit when the air or water temperature is at or near freezing to prevent the conduit from bursting due to water freezing and expanding within the conduit.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure sensitive valve is disclosed herein. The valve has a valve piston for regulating flow through the valve, a valve piston guide for directing movement of the piston, the piston guide having one or more passages there through, a thermal element for enabling movement of said piston, and an elongated housing having an anterior and posterior end and an interior wall able to house the piston, guide and thermal element. The housing further has two or more passages able to aid the piston in regulating flow, with at least one of the passages placed towards the anterior end of the housing, and at least one of the passages placed towards the posterior end of the housing.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a normally horizontal fluid inlet tube with an interior end and exterior end. A hollow valve fitting is rigidly secured to the interior end of the inlet tube for a connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A valve seat is located on an interior end of the valve fitting. A valve body is longitudinally movably mounted in the inlet tube adjacent to the valve fitting. A pressure relief valve is mounted on the inlet tube between the interior and exterior ends thereof so that if residual water within and adjacent the exterior end of the inlet tube freezes and exerts pressure on residual fluid within the inlet tube adjacent the interior end thereof, the pressure relief valve will actuate to purge some of the high pressure fluid to decrease the pressure being exerted by such fluid to the interior of the inlet tube.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a normally horizontal fluid inlet tube with an interior end and exterior end. A hollow valve fitting is rigidly secured to the interior end of the inlet tube for a connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A movable ball is located with a fluid conduit that extends from the interior of the inlet tube to the location of the potable water source. When the water pressure inside the inlet tube increases because of the presence of ice, the high pressure of such water moves the ball to open fluid flow of the high pressure fluid to the source of potable water which will be at a lower pressure, thus reducing the fluid pressure within the inlet tube and saving it from rupture.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant is provided that has an elongated inlet pipe comprised of a hollow tube. The tube is connected to a valve and fitting assembly on its inner end for connection to a source of water under pressure. On the outer end, the tube is connected to an adjusting element with an outlet port that is associated with the valve and fitting assembly to open or close the tube to fluid flow and allow for fluid flow out of the tube when the valve is in the open position. The tube is comprised of a flexible material that enlarges in diameter in an area along its length when it is subjected to trapped fluid therein under high pressure so that the tube will not rupture. The tube returns to its normal diameter after the high fluid pressure therein is abated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device consisting of at least a valve comprising a body (1) with a through channel (5), provided with several orifices and in particular orifices (4) serving both as intake and/or through passage, which orifices (4) are provided to enable, by means of accessory components, two bodies to be juxtaposed, and provide a common supply to several valves. The communication between the intake channel (5) and the outlet port (9) is provided by means of a cylindrical bore and a slide valve mobile in said bore. The outlet port (9) is located above the channel (5) and a bleed orifice (16) is located beneath said channel. Said bleed orifice (16) is in communication with the outlet port by means of the slide valve.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a fluid inlet end connected to a source of pressurized water, and a fluid outlet end. A check valve is placed in the bore of the valve body and is spring loaded to open only when extreme water pressure within the inlet valve lifts a spring loaded piston element to permit the highly pressurized water to move through the bore in the valve body and be relieved as it escapes rearwardly into the original source of pressurized water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control apparatus and method. In accordance with the present invention, the flow control apparatus comprises a thermostat that automatically actuates valve to enable water to flow through the valve when the temperature of the air or water is at or near the freezing temperature of water (32° F.). When the temperature of the air or water rises above freezing, the thermostat causes the valve to close, thereby preventing water from flowing through the valve. Therefore, when the apparatus is coupled to an end of a water conduit, such as a water spigot or hose, water is allowed to flow through the conduit when the air or water temperature is at or near freezing to prevent the conduit from bursting due to water freezing and expanding within the conduit.

Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control apparatus and method. In accordance with the present invention, the flow control apparatus comprises a thermostat that automatically actuates valve to enable water to flow through the valve when the temperature of the air or water is at or near the freezing temperature of water (32° F.). When the temperature of the air or water rises above freezing, the thermostat causes the valve to close, thereby preventing water from flowing through the valve. Therefore, when the apparatus is coupled to an end of a water conduit, such as a water spigot or hose, water is allowed to flow through the conduit when the air or water temperature is at or near freezing to prevent the conduit from bursting due to water freezing and expanding within the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control apparatus and method. In accordance with the present invention, the flow control apparatus comprises a thermostat that automatically actuates valve to enable water to flow through the valve when the temperature of the air or water is at or near the freezing temperature of water (32° F.). When the temperature of the air or water rises above freezing, the thermostat causes the valve to close, thereby preventing water from flowing through the valve. Therefore, when the apparatus is coupled to an end of a water conduit, such as a water spigot or hose, water is allowed to flow through the conduit when the air or water temperature is at or near freezing to prevent the conduit from bursting due to water freezing and expanding within the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control apparatus and method. In accordance with the present invention, the flow control apparatus comprises a thermostat that automatically actuates valve to enable water to flow through the valve when the temperature of the air or water is at or near the freezing temperature of water (32° F.). When the temperature of the air or water rises above freezing, the thermostat causes the valve to close, thereby preventing water from flowing through the valve. Therefore, when the apparatus is coupled to an end of a water conduit, such as a water spigot or hose, water is allowed to flow through the conduit when the air or water temperature is at or near freezing to prevent the conduit from bursting due to water freezing and expanding within the conduit.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure sensitive valve is disclosed herein. The valve has a valve piston for regulating flow through the valve, a valve piston guide for directing movement of the piston, the piston guide having one or more passages there through, a thermal element for enabling movement of said piston, and an elongated housing having an anterior and posterior end and an interior wall able to house the piston, guide and thermal element. The housing further has two or more passages able to aid the piston in regulating flow, with at least one of the passages placed towards the anterior end of the housing, and at least one of the passages placed towards the posterior end of the housing.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a fluid inlet end connected to a source of pressurized water, and a fluid outlet end. A check valve is placed in the bore of the valve body and is spring loaded to open only when extreme water pressure within the inlet valve lifts a spring loaded piston element to permit the highly pressurized water to move through the bore in the valve body and be relieved as it escapes rearwardly into the original source of pressurized water.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure sensitive valve is disclosed herein. The valve has a valve piston for regulating flow through the valve, a valve piston guide for directing movement of the piston, the piston guide having one or more passages there through, a thermal element for enabling movement of said piston, and an elongated housing having an anterior and posterior end and an interior wall able to house said piston, guide and thermal element. The housing further has two or more passages able to aid the piston in regulating flow, with at least one of the passages placed towards said anterior end of the housing, and at least one of the passages placed towards said posterior end of the housing.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure sensitive valve is disclosed herein. The valve has a valve piston for regulating flow through the valve, a valve piston guide for directing movement of the piston, the piston guide having one or more passages there through, a thermal element for enabling movement of said piston, and an elongated housing having an anterior and posterior end and an interior wall able to house said piston, guide and thermal element. The housing further has two or more passages able to aid the piston in regulating flow, with at least one of the passages placed towards said anterior end of the housing, and at least one of the passages placed towards said posterior end of the housing.

Abstract: A drain valve for a cooling system of a locomotive engine includes an orifice disposed in fluid communication with the cooling system of the engine, a flow restricting element communicable with the orifice, and an actuator mechanism disposed in mechanical communication with the flow restricting element. The actuator mechanism is fabricated of a shape memory metal.

Abstract: Electrical control circuitry is provided for normally maintaining an electrically controlled water supply valve in an open condition and an electrically controlled water drain valve in a closed condition when a home is occupied and for arming the system by shutting off the water supply valve and for maintaining the water drain valve in an open condition. This action prevents pipe bursting and flooding, particularly during the winter, when a single manually operated conspicuously located switch is opened to arm the system upon departure from the home for an extended period. Should the home owner forget to arm the system, an electrical power interruption, which often can disable heating systems, causing pipe bursting and flooding, will automatically arm the system upon a power failure and the supply valve remains shut and the drain valve remains open until the homeowner returns and resets the system with a pushbutton switch.

Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator which responds to changes in ambient temperature. The actuator is capable of operating bidirectionally over a smaller temperature range than conventional SMA actuators by taking advantage of the R-phase characteristics of the SMA material. A coiled SMA spring 14 is provided with an enabled R-phase by limiting recoverable strain in the SMA material to less than about 1 percent. The force of the SMA spring 14 is counteracted by a non-SMA spring 15. The stronger of the two springs 14, 15 controls the position of an actuating element 13, with SMA spring 14 being the stronger spring while in its austenitic phase and being the weaker spring while in its R-phase. Triggering the actuator with entry into the R-phase rather than the martensitic phase during cooling reduces the hysteresis normally associated with an SMA actuator, allowing the actuator to react bidirectionally to smaller changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: An automatic mechanism is provided for cutting-off water flow to a plumbing system of a house, an apartment, a business or the like, while at the same time draining water/plumbing systems when subjected to low/freezing ambient temperatures. The mechanism includes a valve body housing a reciprocal valve which is operative to place an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication while cutting off a drain port, and in a second position the inlet is closed and the outlet and the drain port are placed in fluid communication to drain the water system when the valve is shifted automatically under the influence of biasing means in reaction to low temperature sensing.

Abstract: A test cock apparatus with freeze protection capability for controlling fluid pressure and flow in a backflow preventer valve, including a valve housing having interior walls defining a chamber therein and including an inlet port and a discharge port communicating with said chamber for permitting fluid flow therethrough. A temperature-responsive freeze protection element is positioned within the chamber and is axially moveable between a closed position in sealing engagement with the interior walls of the valve housing for preventing fluid flow through said discharge port, and an open position out of sealing engagement with the walls of the valve housing for permitting passage of fluid through the discharge port. The test cock apparatus also includes a test cock communicating with the chamber of the valve housing for monitoring fluid pressure therein.