With Heater For Destructible Or Fusible Element Patents (Class 137/76)
  • Patent number: 11662037
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve includes a valve body having a bore configured to convey fluid from an inlet port to an outlet port. The inlet and outlet ports, and the bore therebetween, define a fluid flow path through the valve body. A gate element is disposed in the bore. The gate element is positionable in the bore from a first position, which allows fluid flow through the bore, to a second position which restricts fluid flow through the bore. An actuator is coupled to the gate element and is configured to urge the gate element from the first position toward the second position. A fuse consisting of a transformable retainer is configured to retain the gate element in the first position, while the retainer is in a first condition, and to allow the gate element to move toward the second position when the retainer transforms to a second condition. The transformable retainer may be configured to transform from the first condition to the second condition responsive to a signal, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: CoolIT Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoff Sean Lyon
  • Patent number: 9945489
    Abstract: A safety valve mounted on a container and configured to release gas in a container in the case where the temperature rises, in which the safety is secured and a cost reduction is achieved. A movable body 12 includes a shaft portion 21 on which a compression coil spring 13 is fitted and a flange portion 22 configured to come into contact with a fusible alloy 11 by being urged by the compression coil spring 13. The flange portion 22 of the movable body 12 is provided with through holes 35 configured to discharge the fused fusible alloy 11 into a compression coil spring arrangement space 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunihiko Daido, Masashi Matsuoka, Akira Yamashita, Shusuke Inagi
  • Patent number: 9206922
    Abstract: A remotely operated safety valve is provided for terminating flow through the valve. The safety valve includes an electromagnet for holding the safety valve open, and a swing plate for closing the safety valve. A power supply is provided for powering the electromagnet, and an electrical conductor extends between the shutdown switch, the power supply, and the electromagnet. A connector spaced along the conductor is separable during a separation of a towing vehicle from the towed vehicle. The safety valve automatically closes in response to one of activation of the shutdown switch or the termination of power to the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: PGI INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Miguel Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8944088
    Abstract: A safety valve for interrupting the flow of fuel through a fuel line includes a housing member and a safety valve insert, wherein the housing member houses a portion of the safety valve insert and the valve insert includes a connection end for connecting to a grounding surface to draw electrical current through the safety valve insert, a fusible link, which is broken by electrical current, and a plunger, which is released when the fusible link is broken and interrupts the flow of fuel through a fuel line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Richard T. Gilmer
  • Patent number: 8910651
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for inspecting and/or sensing defects in a thermal pressure relief device. The thermal pressure relief apparatus may comprise a bulb having a fluid therein. In some implementations, a sensor may be used to determine whether the fluid within the bulb exceeds a fill level threshold. Upon determining that the fluid is below the fill level threshold, an action may be taken. In some implementations, the action may comprise providing a notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Axel Heise
  • Publication number: 20140060657
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a valve system that includes a valve having a spool moveable from an un-actuated position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the valve. The valve system also includes a wire to secure the valve in the un-actuated position, a first resistor electrically coupled with the wire and configured to release the wire to actuate the valve and move a first component coupled to the wire toward a second component, and a second resistor electrically coupled with the wire to detect connection of the first component with the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: William Ewan Brennan, III
  • Patent number: 8100670
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a device (50) for propelling a liquid (L) comprising a reservoir (51) equipped with a mobile separation member (57) and a pyrotechnic gas generator (1), which is arranged inside said reservoir (51), equipped with nozzles (4a, 4b, 4a?, 4b?). Characteristically, said nozzles (4a, 4b, 4a?, 4b?) of said gas generator (1) are arranged radially on the wall(s) of said body (2) and said gas generator (1), arranged in such a way that its axis corresponds to the line of travel of said mobile separation member (57), is equipped with a deflector (8) to deflect said generated combustion gases (G) along said line of travel of said mobile separation member (57).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Pyroalliance
    Inventors: Vincent Bodart, Anthony Schyns
  • Publication number: 20080295891
    Abstract: Provided is a valve having a structure in which the opening temperature of the valve can be set to an arbitrary temperature, scattering of contents other than a fluid is suppressed, and the valve can be used in both a liquid environment and a gas environment and can also be reduced in size. The valve includes: a silicon substrate; a channel having an opening extending between both surfaces of the silicon substrate; a metal layer formed on one of the surfaces of the silicon substrate without closing the opening of the channel; and a low melting point metal member deposited so as to cover at least a part of the metal layer and to block the opening of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Alexis Debray
  • Publication number: 20080029158
    Abstract: Provided are a valve unit and a reaction apparatus having the valve unit. The valve unit includes a phase transition material, which melts and expands upon an application of the electromagnetic waves to the valve filler, and the valve filler is directed into the channel through the connection passage and closes the channel. The valve unit also includes heat generation particles, which are dispersed in the phase transition material and generate heat upon an application of electromagnetic wave energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-myeon Park, Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jeong-gun Lee, Beom-seok Lee, Sung-woo Hong
  • Patent number: 7309022
    Abstract: There is provided a substance shutoff device for shutting down the communication of at least one of an inflammable substance and an oxidizer when the inflammable substance and the oxidizer are brought into contact with each other to thereby prevent further contact between the inflammable substance and the oxidizer. The substance shutoff device comprises a catalyst portion provided in contact with one of an inflammable substance flow path and an oxidizer flow path; and a shutoff means, which operates by heating through a reaction between the inflammable substance and the oxidizer in the catalyst portion to shut down the communication of at least one of the inflammable substance and the oxidizer. A fuel cell using the inflammable substance shutoff device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Nakakubo
  • Patent number: 7175772
    Abstract: An actuator assembly and method for making and using an actuator assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an actuator body having an actuator channel with a first region and a second region. An actuator is disposed in the actuator channel and is movable when in a flowable state between a first position and a second position. A heater is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to heat the actuator from a solid state to a flowable state. A source of gas or other propellant is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to drive the actuator from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a higher surface tension when engaged with the second region of the channel than when engaged with the first region. Accordingly, the actuator can halt upon reaching the second region of the channel due to the increased surface tension between the actuator and the second region of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome M. Eldridge
  • Patent number: 6988672
    Abstract: A temperature sensitive valve (10) includes a body (11) affording a passageway (12) for fluid, a valve member (15) which is moveable relative to the body (11) between first and second positions to control the flow of fluid through the passageway (12), a retaining member (24) movable with the valve member (15) and being engageable with a holding device (21) to retain the valve member (15) in the first position whilst the temperature is below a threshold value, and there being a release actuator (30) movable when the temperature is at the threshold value to disengage the retaining member (24) and holding device (21), to permit the valve member (15) to move from the first to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell Normalair-Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Richard James Axe
  • Patent number: 6895952
    Abstract: An appliance end fitting for connecting a gas operated appliance to a pressurized gas cylinder includes a simplified interior valve that acts as both a thermal valve and an excess flow control valve. The end fitting has an elongated body formed in two telescoping sections, an inner section, and an outer section. An interior opening extends through both sections and includes an enlarged center portion. A floating valve member in the center portion is movable toward a valve seat at an outer end of the center section. A spring urges the valve member away from the valve seat but excessive gas flow moves the valve member toward the valve seat and restricts the valve. The two sections of the body are held in an extended axial position by a heat activated material, such as fusible solder, where the nipple opens the cylinder shutoff valve when the body is connected to the cylinder outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Marshall Excelsior Company
    Inventor: Patrick E. Bachelder
  • Patent number: 6862852
    Abstract: The invention releases to a sealing system comprising a cylindrical tube of a material that is capable of deformation under the influence of a temperature increase, and a gasket of an at least partially elastic material for sealingly retaining the tube in a lead-through housing coaxial with the tube by forming a collar therearound, wherein said gasket is made of a fire-retardant material with a base of a cross-linkable material and an expandable material, in such an amount and of such a composition that a temperature increase above the plasticizing point of the tube will cause the gasket to expand to such an extent that the tube is compressed and a medium-tight seal of the lead-through housing and the tube is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Beele Engineering, B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes A. Beele
  • Patent number: 6491055
    Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam, Michael Hitz
  • Patent number: 6296808
    Abstract: A system for at least partially decontaminating personnel in response to detection of an agent harmful to human life such as a chemical or biological agent. The system can provide a sprinkler head above a walkway such as a hallway through which personnel are expected to walk. The sprinkler can provide a spray of decontamination fluid such as gas or liquid over personnel passing underneath, removing or neutralizing at least some of the harmful agent and reducing the transport of the agent from one area to another. Preferably, the system includes a sprinkler or shower head coupled to an existing fire isle control sprinkler supply pipe, wherein the sprinkler head may include a valve that is remotely controlled and can be opened in response to detection of a chemical or biological agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: A. Noel J. Pearman
  • Patent number: 5621373
    Abstract: A link wire (20) arrangement for use in a non-explosive initiator (10) includes a link wire (20) received within a pair of tubes (24,26), each tube having its outer end formed into a loop (28) and its opposite end crimped (30) to physically and electrically secure the tubes to the included link wire (20). The tubes (24,26) are encapsulated within an insulating body (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: G & H Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry L. McCormick
  • Patent number: 5606889
    Abstract: The initiator (32) has a hollow spool housing (34) with sidewall slots (42,44) and within which is received a shaft (54) to be releasably retained. Spool segments (46,48) are placed within slots (42,44) and have parts extending into the housing bore (50) obstructingly engaging the shaft (54) preventing its removal. A spring coil (82) wound over the spool segments (46,48) holds them in place. Cartridge assembly (62) is releasably secured to the housing (34) and includes a link wire (72) for securing one end of the coil (82). The link wire (72) is destructible by passing an electric current therethrough exceeding a certain value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: G & H Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Slawomir J. Bielinski, Larry L. McCormick, Roger C. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 5471888
    Abstract: An electrical initiator (10) includes spool halves (12,14) releasably held together by a coiled retaining wire (42). A link wire (42) also holds a spool (46) fixed to spool half (12) against connector body 16 and the other spool half (16). A cavity on the interior of the two spools physically retain a tensilely loaded shaft (18). An electric current passing through the link wire (42) causes it to become brittle and break releasing the spool halves and contained shaft (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: G & H Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry L. McCormick
  • Patent number: 5402603
    Abstract: A detonation flame arrester device including a left and right housing assembly containing two flapper plates positioned one in either side of the housing assembly and separated by a channeled barrier in the form of a stacked plate flame arrester designed to allow vapor passage under normal non-activated conditions. The flapper plates are positioned at an angle to be forced shut in advance of a detonation or deflagration wave coming from either direction and propagating through a piping system. The flapper plate is activated by the action of the pressure front on the flapper plate, and each plate is of a size and shape to cover the entire cross sectional area of the housing assembly. The flapper plates can optionally be slammed shut by torsion springs activated through alternate activation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Robert L. Henley
  • Patent number: 5144973
    Abstract: A safety valve for fitting into a compressed gas cylinder to terminate gas flow from the cylinder when a primary gas valve attached to the cylinder port of the cylinder is deflected or severed. The safety valve is independently supported in the cylinder port below the location of the primary gas valve. A threaded housing having a channel for the passage of gas to and from the cylinder is threaded into the cylinder port below the location of the primary gas valve. A poppet seat is provided in the housing. A tubular portion of the threaded housing extends up and fits snugly into the gas passage of the primary gas valve. A cylindrical housing having apertures for the passage of gas is attached to the threaded housing. A poppet is provided in the cylindrical housing, which is biased into the poppet seat by a helical spring. The poppet is held off of the poppet seat by means of a frangible element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Safety Assurance Corporation
    Inventors: J. Kenneth Green, Eugene L. Watson, Paul S. Whalen
  • Patent number: 4969482
    Abstract: A reusable emergency gas shutt-off valve for terminating the supply of fuel to a dwelling is adapted for fluid pressure actuation at a location outside of the dwelling, manual actuation on the valve itself, and thermal actuation from heat in the vicinity of the valve or via a signal received from a temperature-sensing device at a location remote from the valve. The valve is resettable only by utilizing a specially-constructed reloading tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Flodyne Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Perrin, Nicholas R. Clew, Lewis E. Zarr
  • Patent number: 4750705
    Abstract: A quick action valve for use with fluid or vacuum lines has a permanent magnet assembly for urging the valve member onto the valve seat. The valve is normally opened and is so designed that after closing it may not reopen of its own accord whatever the later changes in direction of flow or whatever the variations in pressure. The closing force is exerted by magnets. Once it has shut, the valve may only be reopened by external mechanical or magnetic action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: M.A.N. Technologie GmbH
    Inventor: Gernot Zippe
  • Patent number: 4267854
    Abstract: A flood valve adapted to close an opening through a barrier wall separating a fluid from a space, the valve having a plastic body with a bore therethrough, a piston slidable in the bore, a heating element carried by the body and having a section extending across the bore to restrain the piston against movement out of the bore, and a spring urging the piston against the restraining section of the heating element, the piston normally sealing the bore and the heating element, when energized, burning through the plastic body material to release the piston for admission of fluid through the bore to the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Conax Corporation
    Inventors: Carlton W. Naab, Roman Jankowiak
  • Patent number: 4046157
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1977
    Inventors: Jean Michel Cazalaa, Alexandre Jean-Paul Barthe, Andre Robert Derrien