Abstract: A high-pressure fluid conduit that conducts high-pressure fluid from a high-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid container through a hose unit during open or normal operation. This high-pressure fluid conduit has a safety feature that is activated when the high-pressure fluid conduit fails due to exposure to a predetermined force. The safety feature closes off the flow of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source and closes off the escape of high-pressure fluid from the hose unit that entered the hose unit during open or normal operation.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling including a pair of sleeves, one sleeve fitting within the other, each sleeve having a hose connector secured therethrough, the first sleeve holding a metal annulus, the second sleeve securing a continuous magnetic annulus, so when the sleeves are brought together the magnetic annulus secures onto the metal annulus to hold the coupler in its connected position. The continuous metallic annulus includes a metal base, a spacer that holds a series of standard round magnets equally spaced around the approximate perimeter of the spacer and its base.

Abstract: An auto-fill type float collar assembly is provided. The float collar assembly of the present invention has at least one curved flapper-style valve, preferably constructed of composite, non-metallic material. Each flapper of the present invention has a substantially 90° range of motion, and is closed via a torsion spring. Each flapper is held in the open (or “auto-fill”), position via an external shifting mechanism passing around, rather than through, the central flow bore of the assembly. A floatable actuation ball can be run with the tool, or pumped downhole, in order to selectively actuate the assembly and close the flappers when desired.

Abstract: A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.

Abstract: A safety breakaway connector begins with a body that receives a cooperating insert providing a coaxial flow path. The body has threads, a collar leading to an extension, and a hollow interior. The insert also has threads, a collar that leads to an inner wall, and a hollow interior. The inner wall fits snugly within the extension of the body. Generally, the insert simply slides into and interconnects with the body for quick installation. Two spaced apart biased check valves remain slightly outwardly from the narrow portions of the body and insert. A guard covers the body. Upon the application of the minimum force, the insert separates from the body, and the check valves abruptly close preventing further leakage of fuel. Alternatively, a strategically located O-ring or gasket seals the various components and withstands pressure variations.

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is disclosed a flexible fluid conduit having a breakaway coupling at one or both ends and a safety system that includes a spring in compression which applies thrust (a pull) to flapper valves at both ends of the flexible fluid conduit through relatively stiff bendable spring rods which push the valves open as long as the flexible hose is intact. Upon a hose failure such as a drive away, a coupling separation, a hose separation, or a longitudinal tear, the spring looses its compression and the pull applied to the valves by the spring in compression changes to a pull which immediately pulls the valves to close.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety joint (10; 100; 200) for a riser consisting of two telescoping parts that are arranged to break in the event of a predetermined axial tension load. The joint also comprises means (21, 41; 121, 141; 221, 241) for closing the passage in the joint in the event of fracture where the means are activated by means of the forces generated during the separation.

Abstract: A connection apparatus. The apparatus comprises a wing mandrel having a first check valve disposed within an inner bore of the wing mandrel, a thread mandrel abutting the wing mandrel, with the thread mandrel having outer threads and a second check valve disposed within an inner bore of the thread mandrel. The apparatus further comprises a latch dog carrier disposed about the wing mandrel and the thread mandrel, with the latch dog carrier having a plurality of dogs, wherein the dogs having an inner portion with threads and an outer portion with outer ribs. The apparatus further contains a shell partially disposed about the latch dog carrier, with the shell having inner ribs, and wherein the inner ribs of the shell engage the outer ribs of the dogs. The apparatus further comprises a hydraulic port configured to deliver hydraulic fluid to the latch dog carrier so that the shell moves relative to the latch dog carrier in order to disconnect. A method of releasing a union is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable breakaway hose connector for a fuel line prevents untimely decoupling, and avoids unnecessary leakage. The breakaway connector includes a pair of fittings, for connecting to the fuel line, an inner sleeve provided for limited sliding movement upon one of the fittings, with each fitting incorporating a poppet valve, to provide for closure when decoupling occurs, or other unseating, from within the respect fittings, during normal aggregate and usage. Detents are provided within one of the fittings for interconnecting to normally retain the connector as assembled, but various O-rings arranged within an inner sleeve and upon one of the fittings, provide for limited movement when tensioning force is exerted and clearance for disconnection. A fluid chamber is provided intermediate of the O-rings, to equalize and counterbalance fluid pressures that occasionally spike within the connector and hose line.

Abstract: A safety system is provided for an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank (4) pulled by a tractor (1) with a tool bar applicator (2). The system includes a safety valve (10), and a breakaway coupling or connector (12) along a flexible hose (11) from the nurse tank to the applicator. The safety shutdown valve (10) closes in response to a break in the electrical connector in the event of a pull away or manual activation of a safety switch.

Abstract: A device and method for venting a tank comprising an intermediate shutoff valve as part of a cover that closes a tank opening. The intermediate shutoff valve is placed between an existing valve and a vent port in a liquid storage tank. The shutoff valve is operable to substantially fluidly seal the vent port when the vent valve is displaced greater than a predetermined amount. The intermediate shutoff valve facilitates complete removal of the existing vent valve during an impact wherein a wall of the storage tank impacts the existing valve. Upon impact, the intermediate shutoff valve is operable to close and seal a tank opening created by the displacement and removal of the existing vent valve.

Abstract: A safety system for a mobile anhydrous ammonia fertilizer application system is configured to be remotely actuated closed by the operator in the event of a leak in the system, and to automatically shutdown the system in the event of an actual or impending nurse tank breakaway.

Abstract: A shear valve assembly for a fuel dispenser that ensures that the energy from an impact to the fuel dispenser causes a shear valve placed inline to the fuel supply conduit to engage if there is a possibility that such impact could cause the fuel supply conduit to break thereby causing a leak of fuel to the environment. The shear valve assembly may be constructed as part of the fuel dispenser during the manufacture of the fuel dispenser, or the shear valve assembly may be constructed separately from the fuel dispenser and attached to the fuel dispenser in the field during installation of a fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A dry break disconnect and process provides a frangible connection in the fuel line to prevent damage in case of a drive away event. Frangible connecters such as rivets are intended to shear at a predetermined force to separate upstream and downstream body portions of the disconnect assembly and thereby actuate upstream and downstream poppet members to seal and prevent further spillage of fuel.

Abstract: A fire hydrant automatic shut-off valve including a cylindrical sleeve having an open lower end and an open upper end. The open lower end receives a water supply stand pipe therein. The open upper end receives an open lower end of the fire hydrant thereon whereby the open lower end of the fire hydrant is in communication with the water supply stand pipe. A pair of flaps is hingedly coupled with the open upper end of the cylindrical sleeve. The pair of flaps close to a corresponding horizontal position to effectively seal the cylindrical sleeve to prevent water from flowing from the water supply stand pipe to the fire hydrant. A trigger sleeve is slidably disposed within the open upper end of the cylindrical sleeve. The trigger sleeve extends downwardly to push the pair of flaps outwardly to allow water to flow freely from the water supply stand pipe to the fire hydrant.

Abstract: A coaxial hose, dual plane, swivel breakaway assembly for use in combination with a fuel dispenser apparatus is disposed between a hose attached to a fuel dispenser unit and a nozzle. The swivel breakaway assembly 30 has body portions with a first, assembled condition and a second condition in which the body portions are separated. A fuel valve located in the dispenser-end body portion permits flow of fuel when the body portions are assembled and resists flow upon separation. An element securing the body portions together releases engagement upon application of tension force above a predetermined maximum level to the hose and nozzle across the swivel breakaway assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the hose is coaxial, and a vapor valve is also disposed within the swivel breakaway assembly.