Abstract: A thermostat for a liquid cooling system comprising a seat member having a flow opening therethrough, a closure member movable between an open position spaced from the seat member and a closed position in engagement with the seat member wherein it closes the flow opening, the closure member or the seat member having an aperture therethrough, a device for biasing the closure member to the closed position, a temperature responsive device for moving the closure member to an open position against the force of the biasing device, and a fusible plug in the closure member or seat member aperture that is adapted to melt at a predetermined temperature. In the event of failure of the temperature responsive device of the thermostat, the fusible plug will melt at the predetermined temperature and open the aperture in the closure member or the seat member to allow the flow of cooling liquid past the closure member when it is in the closed position.

Abstract: A thermostat for a cooling system for an automobile engine or the like, comprising an iris diaphragm gate valve member operated by a bimetallic helical operating member to closely control flow of the cooling liquid and engine temperature to effect fuel savings. The thermostat is provided with auxiliary flow openings having fusible plugs therein which are fusible at different predetermined temperatures to more closely control engine temperature and to allow the flow of cooling liquid through the thermostat in the event of failure of the thermostat mechanism.

Abstract: To vent the contents of a pressure vessel upon failure of the vessel due to overheating or to abnormal pressure increase therein, a safety valve defines two passages through it both leading from the vessel interior to atmosphere. One passage is normally obstructed by a fusible member; the other is normally obstructed by a rupturable disc or like member.

Abstract: A fire-safe seal for a valve having a metallic seat ring with a resilient seal ring in a leading face thereof to seal against a valve closure member. A thin, metallic flexible diaphragm is clamped around its outer edges to the body and around its inner edge to the seat ring. An annular sealing ridge, which is concentric to and smaller than the resilient seal, is provided around the face of the seat ring to provide a metal-to-metal seal in the event of destruction of the resilient seal.

Abstract: A fire-safe rotary valve seat assembly for use in pressurized fluid systems subject to fire risk, the seat assembly having both a metal seat ring and an annular resilient non-metallic seal member to provide essentially zero fluid leakage at normal operating temperatures, and the metal seat ring to provide an extremely low rate of fluid leakage in the event high temperature should destroy the flexible seal member. The metal seat ring includes an annular groove around its radially inward face with a pair of flexible lips forming the walls of the groove, and the annular resilient seal member is mounted in the groove between the lips. The lips and the annular resilient seal member both engage a sealing surface on the circumference of a metal valve disc to provide a primary seal for the valve. If the annular resilient seal member is destroyed, the metal lips continue to provide an undamaged secondary seal.

Abstract: A fire-safe valve structure (10) has a metal seat (52 and 54) with an annular groove (56) therein in which a sealing ring (50) is positioned in face-to-face contact with a valve member (28) movable between open and closed positions. The annular groove (56) has an annular space (66) behind the resilient sealing ring (50) to permit displacement of the sealing ring (50). A shim of fusible material (68), which sublimates at a predetermined temperature, is associated with the annular space (66) and holds the sealing ring (50) in contact with the valve member (28). Upon sublimation of the sublimable material and subsequent passage of the gaseous sublimable material from the annular space (66), the sealing ring (50) is displaced within the annular space (66) and the valve member (28) moves into a tight metal-to-metal contact with the metal seat (52 and 54).

Abstract: A ball valve is provided especially for use between adjacent sections of a pipe line conducting an inflammable fluid and comprises a valve housing, a valve ball (2) in the housing and having a through passage, a trunnion in the housing projecting into a first socket in the ball, and a control shaft projecting into and drivingly engaging a second socket in the ball diametrally opposed to the first socket. A pair of annular valve seat members (4) spaced axially of the pipe line carry sealing rings (8), spring means (9) urging the seat members towards the ball. Each seat member at its end adjacent the spring means has a frusto-conical portion (11) which tapers from a shoulder (12) on the seat member towards the end face (4A) of the latter. A graphite ring (13) is fitted between the frusto-conical portion and the adjacent peripheral wall of the housing and a first spacer ring (14) is located between the graphite ring and the shoulder.

Abstract: A retainer member is connected to a relief valve attached to a rim of an aircraft tire containing a fluid under pressure. The relief valve has a core made of a fusible material which is responsive to a predetermined temperature that causes the fusible material to change from a solid to a liquid. The pressure of the fluid in the tire causes the fluid to be expelled from the relief valve and thereafter allow fluid to escape from the tire to prevent damaging the tire through a pressure resulting from the predetermined temperature. The retainer member captures the core material to prevent injuring any person on the expulsion of the liquid from the relief valve.

Abstract: A valve for conduit systems, such as a base valve for precharged refrigeration circuits, wherein the valve element is initially closed, and is opened by the application of heat to the valve body exterior. The valve element is maintained in a closed or sealed position by a low temperature fusible material, such as solder, and the application of exterior heat melts the fusible material to release the valve element and open the valve to unrestricted flow therethrough. The valve structure includes means for preventing restriction by the released valve element.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve has a body defining a fluid passageway and, in the wall of the body, an opening in communication with the fluid passageway. A diaphragm for controlling fluid flow through the passageway extends across the opening and its periphery is clamped between the body and a bonnet secured to the body. Around the opening in the body is a diaphragm seating formed by two flat surfaces inclined relative to each other so as to be divergent. The bonnet is also provided with a diaphragm seating which comprises two flat surfaces inclined relative to each other so as to converge at the bottom end of the bonnet. The diaphragm seating is such as to provide a straight-through fluid passageway which, at each end of the body, is of circular section, these sections being joined by an elliptical or substantially elliptical section.This is a division of application Ser. No. 900,393, filed Apr. 26, 1978, now abandoned.

Abstract: An improved coupling is utilized to interconnect conduits which conduct a flammable fluid, such as LP gas. The coupling includes a plug assembly which is telescopically received in a socket assembly. The socket assembly has retaining elements or balls which engage an annular collar which extends around a body of the plug assembly. In the event of a fire or other condition causing heating of the coupling to a temperature above a predetermined temperature, the plug body is released from the collar and is ejected from the socket assembly to disconnect the coupling. Simultaneously with ejection of the plug body from the socket assembly, a valve in the socket assembly is closed to block a flow of flammable gas through the socket assembly. A single spring is utilized to perform the dual functions of ejecting the plug body from the socket assembly and closing the socket valve.

Abstract: In a butterfly valve, comprising a valve disk which is pivotally mounted in a valve housing for movement between a closed position, in which it prevents the flow of fluid along a passageway defined by the housing, and an open position in which the flow of fluid is allowed, an annular seal is provided to seal between the periphery of the disk and the wall of the passageway when the disk is in its closed position. The seal comprises two deformable sealing members of P.C.T.F.E. with a rigid fireproof ring independently mounted between the sealing elements. The disk is located for pivotal movement by locating means constituted by fire-destructible members of a similar material to that of the sealing elements, so that in the event of a fire that destroys the sealing elements the disk becomes free to move a small distance along the passageway into engagement with the fireproof ring to effect a seal.

Abstract: A fire-safe sealing device for a valve including a valve body defining a fluid passage and an inner valve positioned in said fluid passage to open or close the fluid flow therethrough. The device comprises an annular groove formed around the fluid passage, a seat packing made of synthetic resin mounted in said annular groove, and a metallic annular elastic member arranged to contact with one side of said seat packing and the seating surface of the inner valve. The metallic elastic member acts to promote the sealing action of the seat packing and also acts to hold the leakage of the fluid to the minimum when the seat packing has been lost by a fire.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed high pressure gas container comprising a high stren chamber for confining the gas and a check valve fitted on and soldered to a boss formed integral with the chamber. The check valve serves as a temporary seal and permits the chamber to be charged with gas under atmospheric conditions. After charging, the inlet port of the check valve is soldered closed to provide a hermetic seal.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a thermally conductive conduit section having both interior and exterior heat exchange surfaces, with the interior surface being adapted to contact fluid flowing thereover. A controllable heat transfer means coupled to the conduit section has a first operative state for removing heat from the exterior heat exchange surface to reduce the temperature of the conduit section sufficiently to freeze liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby at least partially restrict the flow of fluid thereover. In a second operative state, the heat transfer means supplies heat to the interior heat exchange surface to melt at least a portion of any frozen liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby permit the flow of fluid thereover.

Abstract: A pressure actuated seat ring for a disc valve has a tubular, relatively flexible portion extending axially from a radially thicker, relatively inflexible portion. The flexible portion of the seat ring extends circumferentially about the disc of the valve when the valve is closed and a cavity is formed about the flexible portion such that fluid pressure in the cavity tends to force the flexible portion of the seat ring against the disc. The ends of the cavity are vented to the flow passage of the valve at opposite sides of the disc and an elastomeric sealing ring mounted on the tubular portion of the seat ring is movable within the cavity in response to a pressure differential at the vents to seal the vent exposed to the lower pressure so that the larger pressure is transmitted to the cavity.

Abstract: This invention describes an inexpensive solar energy collector protective device that controls the flow of hot collector air within a pre-selected range. The device permits automatic opening of a vent, accomplished by a bi-metallic release or by rupturing of a separator. As a result of this construction, power failures, and the resultant failure of fluid pumping apparatus will not cause damage to the solar energy collector components. This protective device comprehends selection of inexpensive materials for internal components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a butterfly valve comprising sealing means for a movable valve member in the form of a resilient high temperature destructible sealing ring and a resilient high temperature indestructible seating ring, both of which are normally preloaded into radial sealing engagement with the movable valve member. The high temperature destructible seating ring is the primary seal and the high temperature indestructible seating ring being a backup seal in one direction of flow and the high temperature indestructible seating ring is the primary seal in the opposite direction of flow. Upon destruction of the high temperature destructible seating ring, the high temperature indestructible seating ring is so retained and configured to provide bidirectional seating.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the bottom operable tank car valve assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,481 is simplified and improved and a supplemental sealing arrangement is provided. In the improved design, the valve body includes a flange portion which is attached to a standard tank car universal flange and an inwardly extending circumferential portion upon which a valve closure seats in closed position. The valve closure includes a keeper which maintains a circumferential elastomeric seal in place engaging the closure. Clearance is provided between the closure operator, and the valve closure so that if the circumferential seal softens, melts or burns, the closure can move vertically downwardly relative to the closure operator, and the valve closure will engage the valve seat on the valve body in place of the circumferential seal, to substantially prevent escape of lading from the tank.

Abstract: A safety release pipe cap for emergency venting of fluids under excessive temperatures by melting out a replaceable portion. In one embodiment the replaceable portion is arranged to yield under excessive pressure differentials on its opposed faces. The cap is employed on tanks. A threaded ferrule is provided with a flange overlying the end of a pipe with which it is threadingly engaged to clamp the periphery of a separable disk of thermally fusible material against the pipe end. When the disk is of a yieldable plastic it functions as a seal gasket on the pipe end and will yield under pressure differentials to provide a visual indication of such differentials by material and wall thickness characteristics as well as the geometry of the disk. Temperature fusing can be controlled by these characteristics and particularly the melting temperature of the plastic.

Abstract: This invention relates to aircraft and particularly to the landing gear, and specifically to a device for promptly sanding an unexpectedly slippery runway as the aircraft is in the process of landing thereon so that the aircraft can be controlled and safely stopped after it is on the ground.

Abstract: In combination with a plurality of gas burning appliances and a gas source therefor, a gas distribution system having a main feed line connected at one end thereof to the gas source, a manifold feed means having a single inlet connected to another end of said main feed line and having a plurality of outlets, and a plurality of individual flexible feed lines each connected at one end thereof to each of the plurality of outlets of the manifold feed means, and connected at another end thereof to each inlet of the plurality of gas burning appliances. The individual feed lines are connected with at least one of the said burning appliances or the manifold means with a shutoff, quick disconnect coupling, which may have a fusible safety cutoff means including an element which responds to excessive heat to effect closing of a valve in said quick disconnect coupling to thereby block propagation of a flame wave through the coupling.

Abstract: The ventilator valve of the invention includes a housing incorporating a plate portion having an aperture forming at least part of a passage for air to flow through the housing. This plate portion forms a base adjacent to which a valve plate is rotatably mounted, in a plane substantially parallel thereto. A ring-like member is fixed to said base plate to dispose adjacent the outer periphery of the valve plate. This ring member embodies means defining a plurality of circularly spaced recesses in which a locking element on the valve plate may be selectively engaged. The engagement of the locking element in one of said circularly spaced recesses causes the valve plate to be in a valve-open position, in which position it is clear of at least a portion of the aperture in said plate portion of the housing.

Abstract: A novel structure of pressure container is disclosed, wherein a safety valve is provided within an air injection valve of said pressure container, whereby even when the ambient atmosphere of said accumulator has been heated up to a high temperature because of a fire and the like, bursting of said pressure container may be prevented. A valve seat is formed inside of a valve casing and a fusible valve member is brought in contact with said valve seat, so that when the ambient temperature of said pressure container has been raised said fusible valve member may fuse to permit the gas pressure in the pressure container to be discharged to the exterior of the container.

Abstract: An electrical control device for an inflating valve for containers for compressed, liquefied or dissolved gas with a cylindrical plug of fusible non-conductive material in which is embedded a helically wound electrical resistor formed as a cylinder having an axis substantially parallel to the plug axis and adapted to be connected to an electrical source. The plug is maintained in the inflating valve by a sleeve provided with a cavity and radial openings. Upon closing of the electrical circuit, the resistor heats and melts the plug, the central portion of which escapes towards the upper portion of the cavity opening to open a passage between the port connected to the container and the discharge port of a rotatable fitting surrounding the inflating head. The present invention can be used advantageously to control the discharge of a gas contained in a container in a pneumatic capacity and especially an inflatable lifeboat.

Abstract: A high pressure gas tank has its output closely connected to the input of a Joule Thomson cryostat. The valve which releases the high pressure is a plug of electrically conductive thermally degradable material located in the line. An electrical pulse is applied to the plug to cause it to degrade and to permit the flow of pressurized refrigerant gas from the high pressure gas tank through the cryostat.

Abstract: A thermal pressure relief apparatus in which an air release tube is connected to the air chamber within a tire rim assembly and extends along the outer surface of the rim. The tube is closed with a plug of eutectic material located in the tube at a critical position along the rim for release of the air from the tire when the temperature in the critical area exceeds a predetermined level. Installation and removal of the apparatus may be carried out without dismounting the tire. The passage used for communicating air from the air chamber to the air release tube may also be connected to an inflation valve for inflating the tire.

Abstract: A high pressure gas tank has its output closely connected to the input of a Joule Thomson cryostat. When the tank is permitted to discharge its gas, Simon cooling of the inlet gas to the cryostat decreases the time to cool down at the cold point in the cryostat.