Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a non-powered valve assembly having a valve, an actuating system, and a trigger. The trigger can be in mechanical communication with the actuating system and the actuating system can be in mechanical communication with the valve. The trigger can be positioned such that the trigger can interact with liquid resulting from a leak in a plumbing assembly. Upon interaction with liquid, the trigger can dissolve or expand, causing the actuating system to be activated and the valve to transition from the open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the valve can restrict the passage of liquid through the plumbing assembly such that the leak can be mitigated.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed that can provide for a portable monitor control. A movement detection triggering system can be disposed between a fluid inlet and the body of the portable monitor, and may be able to restrict or reduce fluid flow when the monitor is moved from its desired position. A trigger arm can be coupled with the inlet, and, when the inlet is pivoted away from a set position, the trigger arm is also moved, which triggers another portion of the control system. A trigger pin is released, which may allow a lever to rotate, allowing a restrictor component to move into place in the fluid flow path, thereby restricting fluid flow.

Abstract: A gas pipe terminal assembly for minimization of fire hazards associated with conductance of a flammable substance. The system includes a pipe having a flange at each end. Each flange includes at least one check valve and a flame screen mounted in the interior of the flange to control a gas flow through the flange. The flange includes wire guide holes and set screw holes within the outside diameter of the pipe, and at least one wire segment in tension inside the pipe and connected to at least one fusible link. At least one fusible link is configured to fuse upon exposure to a temperature above 100° C. and thereby release the tension and activate at least one fire suppression device.

Abstract: The invention is a gas vent valve (10) for a gas pressure regulator (1), comprising: a tubular body (11) developed between two opposite openings (11a, 11b); a shutter body (12) biased towards a position in which a first opening (11a) of the tubular body (11) is closed and movable from the closed position towards an open position for opening the first opening (11a) due to the effect of a pressure acting from the outside of the tubular body (11) through the first opening (11a); constraining means (13) configured so as to prevent the movement of the shutter body (12) from the closed position towards the open position when the ambient temperature exceeds a predefined value.

Abstract: A multi-step separator for a fuze is configured to be mated to an explosive device in a military munition, either at a production facility during manufacture of the munition or during use in the field. The fuze includes a detonator with a booster or spit-back element for initiating an energetic sequence resulting in a high-order detonation of the explosive device. The multi-step separator includes: (a) a fuze-munition interface device for retaining the fuze in a confined, close relationship with the explosive device and for releasing the fuze when and if it is subjected to an external stimulus that may cause it to detonate the explosive device; and (b) a separating device for physically distancing the fuze from the explosive device when and if the fuze is released.

Abstract: A slam-shut safety device includes a valve body defining a flow path, a valve disc support, and a valve disc that is mounted on the valve disc support and is movable between an open first position spaced away from the valve seat and a closed second position seated against a valve seat. A reset pin is operatively coupled to the valve disc support and is shiftable between an untripped position placing the valve disc in the open position and a tripped position placing the valve disc in the closed position. An anti-rotation assembly is carried by cooperating portions of the valve disc and the valve disc support, with the anti-rotation assembly comprising at least one protrusion and at least one receiving area sized to receive the protrusion, the anti-rotation assembly arranged to stop rotation of the valve disc relative to the valve disc support.

Abstract: A fire suppression and annunciation system using a flexible conduit and a wire rope is provided. The wire rope may be connected to a knob assembly at a universal pull station and to a release mechanism of the fire suppression system. An operator may pull a handle of the knob assembly at the universal pull station, thereby activating the release mechanism to release fire suppression agent. A flexible conduit may house the wire rope along at least a part of the connection from the universal pull station to the release mechanism. A material on the liner of the flexible conduit and/or on the wire rope may be used to reduce the coefficient of friction of wire rope in the flexible conduit. The fire suppression system may further include a pulley block system connected to the universal pull station. The pulley block system may comprise bearings, and may lower the force necessary to activate the release mechanism.

Abstract: The valve actuator (10) has a movable control element (12) which is typically connected to the valve to be opened/closed and a propulsion device (16) which may be a hydraulically operated piston (16) for moving the movable control element. A resilient element (22) which may be in the form of a spring arrangement has a stroke extending from a first relatively unloaded position to a second relatively loaded position and a transmission mechanism (18) is also provided, where the resilient element is loaded under the action of the propulsion device via the transmission mechanism and is configured to urge the moveable portion of the propulsion device towards the first position via the transmission mechanism when loaded. The transmission mechanism provides a gearing ratio reduction between the moveable portion of the propulsion device and the resilient element.

Abstract: Adaptive structures, systems incorporating such adaptive structures and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an adaptive structure is provided that includes a first structure and at least one microstructure associated with the first structure. The at least one microstructure may include a microscale beam configured to be displaced relative to the first structure upon the adaptive structure being exposed to a specified temperature. The beam may be formed for example, of a metallic material, of multiple different metallic materials, or of a shape memory alloy. In one embodiment, a plurality of the adaptive structures may be associated with micropores of a skin panel. The adaptive structures may be utilized to control the flow rate of a coolant or other fluid through the micropores responsive to a sensed environmental parameter such as, for example, temperature.

Abstract: The walker glide is a spherical attachment for removable installation over the lower end of a walker leg or other legged article. The glide is formed of a hollow, resilient ball and includes a plurality of leg attachment holes therethrough. No two holes are aligned directly and diametrically opposite one another. Any hole always has an unbroken ball surface directly diametrically across therefrom. This allows any given hole of the ball to be placed over the end of the leg, while assuring that the leg tip will bear against the opposite unbroken surface of the ball. When the bearing surface of the ball becomes worn, the user need only remove the ball and reorient it by installing it on the leg using another hole to provide a fresh bearing surface for the ball. While any suitable type of ball may be used, tennis balls have been found to work well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manual operation of an actuator is disclosed. A mechanical override includes a housing coupled to the actuator, a drive ring, and a shaft extending through a bore of the housing. The drive ring rotationally keys to the bore such that the drive ring is capable of axial movement within the bore in response to automatic operation of the actuator. A backstop limits axial movement of the drive ring during manual operation. A thread located on an external portion of the shaft threads to the drive ring. In the manual operation, the shaft rotates through the drive ring imparting axial movement to the shaft capable of moving a valve between a first position and a second position. The override provides visual indication of the valve position during both automatic and manual operation. The backstop may be an insert that selectively permits movement of the shaft to a failsafe position in response to a temperature or pressure change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manual operation of an actuator is disclosed. A mechanical override includes a housing coupled to the actuator, a drive ring, and a shaft extending through a bore of the housing. The drive ring rotationally keys to the bore such that the drive ring is capable of axial movement within the bore in response to automatic operation of the actuator. A backstop limits axial movement of the drive ring during manual operation. A thread located on an external portion of the shaft threads to the drive ring. In the manual operation, the shaft rotates through the drive ring imparting axial movement to the shaft capable of moving a valve between a first position and a second position. The override provides visual indication of the valve position during both automatic and manual operation. The backstop may be an insert that selectively permits movement of the shaft to a failsafe position in response to a temperature or pressure change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manual operation of an actuator is disclosed. A mechanical override includes a housing coupled to the actuator, a drive ring, and a shaft extending through a bore of the housing. The drive ring rotationally keys to the bore such that the drive ring is capable of axial movement within the bore in response to automatic operation of the actuator. A backstop limits axial movement of the drive ring during manual operation. A thread located on an external portion of the shaft threads to the drive ring. In the manual operation, the shaft rotates through the drive ring imparting axial movement to the shaft capable of moving a valve between a first position and a second position. The override provides visual indication of the valve position during both automatic and manual operation. The backstop may be an insert that selectively permits movement of the shaft to a failsafe position in response to a temperature or pressure change.

Abstract: Typically, for automatically dosing shutoff valves, a valve closing body is held in the open position by fixation with soft solder and can be moved into the closed position by means of a spring action. The disadvantage is that it can only be used on small valves and is restricted to the direct influence of temperature on the shut-off valve itself. Hence, the invention provides improvement using a reaction line and a hollow body to form a closed system. The reaction line which is thermo-sensitive all over its length can be laid at any desired distance from the shut-off device so that a fire occurring at a distance from the shut-off device triggers the closing action. The reaction line can, for example, be arranged in a metering and regulating station so that it stretches over the entire station. The advantage of the design as a reaction line is that the reaction time with regard to fire fighting is reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: A thermal release coupler is provided for use in a fire and smoke damper assembly. The fire and smoke damper assembly includes an array of damper blades carried in a damper frame which are moveable between open and closed positions; a linkage joining the damper blades; and a damper actuator operatively connected to the linkage for driving the damper blade array between the open and closed positions. The thermal release coupler has a drive shaft coupled to the damper actuator and a connecting shaft coupled to the damper blade linkage and rotatably coupled to the drive shaft. A drive coupler and a connecting coupler, each being secured to and carried on the drive shaft and the connecting shaft, respectively, are maintained in fixed relationship by a linking member which has a first fixed state and a second free state.

Abstract: A commercial deep fat frying appliance includes a fry pot supported by a cabinet frame over a removable filter vat. The fry pot includes a valve controlled bottom drain to transfer cooking fluid from the fry pot into the filter vat. The fluid is returned to the fry pot by a pump. A filtered pump suction foot at the filter vat bottom conditions the cooking fluid as it is drawn into the pump suction line. A plug and socket connector in the suction line connects a vat portion of the suction line to a cabinet frame fixed portion of the suction line. Cabinet frame support rails and rail end detents align the filter vat and associated suction line for reentry into a plug and socket connector following removal of the filter vat for cleaning and filter element change.

Abstract: An emergency fuel shutoff device for interrupting the flow of gas or other fuel to a burner in the event of a malfunction or fire. The device uses a normally closed spring loaded fuel valve which is held open by tension along a cable. The cable has several fusible links along its length. If any of the fusible links melt, the tension in the chain is released and the spring loaded fuel valve closes, shutting off the flow of fuel to the burner. Preferably the device also has a manual shut-off station which has a pull ring which also releases the tension in the cable shutting off the flow of fuel. When the tension in the cable is released a horn or strobe light provides an audible and a visible signal that the fuel valve has been closed. The horn and light are preferably powered by standby batteries.

Abstract: A thermal release coupler employed in a fire and smoke damper assembly, in which the fire and smoke damper assembly includes an array of damper blades carried in a damper frame, movable between open and closed positions, with a linkage joining the damper blades. A damper actuator operatively connected to the linkage drives the damper blade array between the open and closed positions. A drive coupler and a connecting coupler are formed from identical coupler units, carried respectively on a drive shaft from the actuator, and a connecting shaft that connects to the damper blade linkage. The connecting shaft is hollow and rotates on the drive shaft. Each coupler unit has a generally circular coupler body, with two connecting, circumferentially opposed ears. A drive post extends from one connecting ear, and a connecting post extends from the other ear.

Abstract: A shutoff valve for closing off flow through a fluid line includes a stem 28 axially movable relative to a valve body 12. A valve element 22 is carried by the stem 28 for engagement with a seat 20 to close off fluid flow through the valve, and is biased toward the seat by valve closure spring 40. The swivel body 52 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the stem, and may be rotated to allow the spring 40 to force the valve element into engagement with the seat. A fusible link mechanism 64 is carried by the swivel body for engagement with the valve body to rotate the swivel body to the valved closed position. The mechanism 64 includes a piston 66, a spring 70, and a fusible material for normally acting as a solid stop to prevent the spring 70 from moving piston 66 to rotate the swivel body to the valve closed position.

Abstract: A ball detent fluid coupling for gas fuel for appliances and the like equipment is characterized by push-to-connect and pull-to-disconnect features, a heat responsive breakaway feature, and a ball retaining sleeve that is retractable by hand for joining and for separating the socket and plug. The sleeve has a shoulder projecting radially inwardly with an inclined surface for engaging the balls. The spring for the sleeve is urged against the shoulder by a fusible stop ring that is matingly mounted on an inclined shoulder on the socket. The stop ring fuses at a predetermined temperature, the spring is released, and the sleeve releases the ball detents from engagement with the plug. A valve in the fluid flow passageway urges the plug out of coaxial coupled relation and stops the flow of fuel when the plug and socket are released from coaxial coupled relation.

Abstract: A self-closing actuator mechanism and a gate valve system equipped with the actuator mechanism, in which a coil spring acts on a gate valve actuating arm only in a closing direction, the coil spring being held in a compressed condition by retaining clips that are connected by a spring under tension and which carry a meltable link material on them between each clip and a holding sleeve. The clips release automatically, under the tensioning of their connecting spring, when either the holding sleeve is retracted or the link material melts. The gate valve system is designed to meet all regulations pertaining to the transportation of hazardous cargoes, while being low in cost and able to be retrofit installed on existing tank gate valves in a simple and easy manner.

Abstract: A valve closer for a valve installed in a flow line of a flammable liquid or other hazardous flowable material which is normally open with the closer of the present invention automatically moving the valve to closed position by turning the valve one-quarter of a turn when a fusible link is rendered inoperative when subjected to predetermined high temperature conditions which may occur in the event of a fire. The fusible link, when rendered inoperative, will release a pivotal latch that is engaged with and will release a spring biased actuating member that will rotate the valve stem one-quarter turn to close the valve and interrupt the flow of material through the flow line in which the valve is installed.

Abstract: An actuator shaft heat-sensitive locking apparatus is disclosed comprising a cylindrical housing having an axial bore. A shaft link is provided in the bore and is adjustable to contact gate valve actuator shafts of varying lengths. Once adjusted, the shaft link is movable axially between a first position and a second position, allowing the actuator shaft to close the gate valve. There is also provided a means movably extending through the housing for partially blocking the bore and a fusible element slidably mounted in the bore between the shaft link and the means for partially blocking the bore. The fusible element has both a solid state and a heat responsive state. In its solid state, the fusible elemnt prevents movement of the shaft link by enaging the bore blocking means; in its heat responsive state, the fusible element allows movement of the shaft link between the first position and second position.

Abstract: A trip valve operator for actuating quarter turn valves comprises a return actuator, multi-stage leverage means for reducing the trigger load, a trigger, and one or more sensors or other trip actuators. The multi-stage leverage means comprises pivotally connected levers in series which form a compact mechanism, variously taking the form of four bar linkage or concatenated four bar linkage, that produces high leverage and low frictional holding torques at the reset position for reliable triggering, and that accommodates quarter turn actuation and can be single action reset. The operating areas of the successive stages of leverage overlap. Other multi-stage leverage means includes a leveraging release lever in which the short leverage arm has a land which lies in a radial plane with respect to the mounting pivot thereof for engaging a previous stage of leverage. Reset is provided by arm means which re-engage near the reset position.

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.

Abstract: A roof vent damper for closing a roof mounted ventilator in the event of a fire includes a frame formed from an elongated rectangular plate having a central dumbbell shaped cut-out. Longitudinal side edges of the plate are folded over to form parallel guide track members. The plate is then folded along a central transverse line extending across a narrow central portion of the cut-out to form overlying plate members separated by a hollow guide track. A damper plate is received for reciprocal sliding movement in the guide track and is retained in an open position by a fusible link which separates at a predetermined elevated temperature. The damper is biased to a closed position by a coil spring.

Abstract: The improved shaft locking apparatus includes a body with a bore therethrough and includes balls mounted in radial ports in said body so that in one position the balls partially extend into the bore and in restricting the bore lock a shaft associated with the apparatus from axial movement. A heat sensitive material is used as a part of the balls supporting means and when it is subjected to excessive heat, heat above its design limitations, its support of the balls relaxes and allows their retraction from the bore to thereby allow axial movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A remote valve actuator includes an elongated enclosure having a tension spring therein maintained in a tensioned condition by a releasable link which will separate in the event of fire or other exigency to release the tension in the spring. A cable extends between the enclosure and a rotary-actuated valve, where it is attached to a handle of other actuating means. A coupling within the enclosure couples force from the spring to the cable, for pulling of the cable to actuate the valve, upon release of the link. The cable can be of indefinite length to locate the auxiliary actuator some distance from the valve. Manual operation is also provided by the remote actuator.

Abstract: There is provided a first stop device having a closure for a conduit passing through an aperture extending through a wall, floor or the like. According to this invention, the conduit passing through the aperture is formed of a low melting point, fugitive metal having a relatively short melting point, e.g., a bismuth-based metallic alloy or lead-tin alloy. A closure housing is disposed parallel to the wall, floor or the like, with one end of the closure housing being disposed adjacent to one surface of the conduit. A fire-resistant closure plate is slidably mounted within the closure housing, the closure plate being spring biased to be in contact with that surface of the conduit. In the event of a fire, at least the portion of the conduit which is in contact with the fire-resistant closure plate is melted almost instantaneously to be in liquid form and so becomes dissipated.

Abstract: A fire damper operated by an air motor for incorporating into the pneumatic piping system of a building. The damper motor holds the damper open under the influence of pressurized air from the system. A valve actuator in the flow channel of the damper has a fusible link maintaining the actuator in a standby condition. Temperature sufficient to destroy the integrity of the link permits an abutment on the actuator to swing to a position allowing the valve member to shift to interrupt the air pressure applied to the motor. This closes the damper. The damper may also be closed independently of operation of the actuator by interrupting the flow of pressurized air to the motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat sensitive jack for overriding a valve including a valve body and a gate valve member connected to a valve stem which is operated by a linear actuator having an actuator body and an actuator stem connected to the valve stem extending outwardly of the actuator body, wherein the actuator stem is movable between an open and a closed position, and wherein no hazardous projectiles are formed when the stem moves to the closed position. The jack includes a cap connectable to the body and a nut axially movably disposed in the cap for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein the distance between the first and second positions is at least as great as the distance between the open and closed positions of the valve. A fusible element is provided to normally maintain the nut in the first position, but which upon being exposed to excessive temperature will allow the nut to move to the second position within the cap.

Abstract: A transversely circular fire damper having a butterfly type blade operated by a jack shaft spaced longitudinally of the housing from the blade axle. Linkage including an "over center" stop rotates the blade in one direction by operation of a motor coupled with the shaft. A clutch in the form of a pair of relatively telescoped members secured together with entectic solder is connected with the jack shaft and the motor so that the shaft is released from the motor when the ambient temperature reaches a point high enough to melt the solder. The jack shaft is spring biased in a direction to close the damper blade under such condition.

Abstract: A damper operator for use with a damper having a frame and a damper blade pivotally associated with the frame, which damper operator comprises a drive rod; a pair of lever arms which are pivotally associated with each and which extend between the drive rod and a pivoting mechanism associated with the blade of the damper; and a latching mechanism which extends between portions of each of the lever arms, and which permits selective engagement and disengagement between those portions of the lever arms, and accordingly, selective respective rotation of the lever arms, so that the blade of the damper can be urged toward a predetermined orientation; and biasing means to urge the damper closed when the arms are disengaged; and means to prevent the blade from opening when the arms are disengaged and the blade has been biased shut.

Abstract: A shutoff valve for the downspouts of fuel trucks or tankers, the shutoff valve being installed at the inlet of a downspout and serving to seal off the inlet of the downspout until such time as overflow fuel or other liquids can be safely drained off from an overflow liquid well provided at the top of the tank. The valve includes manually actuatable means for opening the valve and also includes means for automatically closing the valve in the event of a fire.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat sensitive fire-safe valve energy assist device. The device includes a cup that is mountable exterior of the valve body to transmit forces thereto. The device also includes a pusher that is mountable about the valve stem to transmit force thereto. A spring or the like is provided for urging the cup and pusher axially apart, thereby to apply outwardly directed forces between the stem and the valve body. A fusible element is provided for releasably interlocking the pusher and cup at normal operating temperatures, but for allowing the pusher and cup to move with respect to each other when temperatures exceed a preselected level. The movement of the pusher with respect to the cup is limited, thereby to reduce the risk of injury to operating personnel.

Abstract: A damper operator for use with a damper having a frame and a damper blade pivotally associated with the frame, which damper operator comprises a drive rod; a pair of lever arms which are pivotally associated with each and which extend between the drive rod and a pivoting mechanism associated with the blade of the damper; and a latching mechanism which extends between portions of each of the lever arms, and which permits selective engagement and disengagement between those portions of the lever arms, and accordingly, selective respective rotation of the lever arms, so that the blade of the damper can be urged toward a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for manually locking a pilot valve in an "in service" position independent of an actuating, or pilot fluid pressure. The apparatus may be either manually disengaged or will be automatically disengaged whenever the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined level. The device includes a valve manipulating knob attached to the exterior end of a valving element for manually shifting the element from a normally closed position to the in service position. The knob includes an "L" shaped locking member which conforms to the contour of the knob, and is adapted to pivot towards the valve body and lock the valving element out in the "in service" position. This pivotal member includes an indicating surface visible from the front when the valving element is locked in an "in service" position. The locking member is comprised of a fusible material selected to yield at a predetermined temperature so as to return the valve to an operating mode responsive to the pilot fluid pressure.

Abstract: An improved flame snuffer 30 for utilization on the vent line 20 of oil field atmospheric condensate storage tanks 10 is disclosed utilizing a valve 200, a fusible link 70, and a counterweight 80 connected to the valve 200 so that when the fusible link 70 melts in the presence of fire the counterweight 80 is released to close the valve over the vent 20. A container 40 holds the valve 200 and directs the outlet 22 of the vent line 20 into a downward path 100. A rod 50 connected to one end of the valve 200 has the counterweight 80 connected to its opposing end and the fusible link 70 is connected to the rod 50 and to a rigid arm 80 so that in the presence of a fire, the fusible link 70 melts releasing the rod 50 from the arm 80. A manual override 110, 120 is further provided to separate the rod 50 from arm 80 when a predetermined force is exceeded.

Abstract: A restraining block engages the valve stem of a safety valve, holding the valve open. The block is selectively rotatable within an auxiliary housing from a locked to a released position wherein both block and stem are free to move along the stem axis, permitting the valve to close.

Abstract: A manually operated gate valve having a fusible element located exterior of the shaft sealing element. Melting of the fusible element permitting outward movement of the shaft and gate elements with all the movable elements being confined to the housing.

Abstract: A controller comprises a body having a first port, a second port and a third port. A valve element is disposed in the body for movement between a first position which blocks fluid flow through the first port while permitting fluid communication between the second and third ports and a second position to permit fluid communication between the first and second ports while blocking fluid flow through the third port. A device is disposed in the body for urging the valve element to the second position. A mechanism is connected to the body for moving the valve element to the second position and this moving apparatus includes a member which when heated permits the urging device to move the valve member to the first position. Indicator means are provided to indicate position of the valve element. Safety means is provided to avoid accidental movement of the valve element to the second position during manual operation.

Abstract: A valve for use with a liquid comprising: a valve casing having an inlet and outlet; a valve seat arranged between the inlet and outlet; a plug adapted to be received on the valve seat; sensor means adapted to sense the level of the liquid, the sensor means being operatively associated with the plug so as to vary the position of the plug relative to the valve seat as a function of the level of the liquid; and a lever adapted to vary the position of the plug relative to the valve seat independently of the sensor means.A valve, for use with a liquid, comprising: a valve casing having an inlet and outlet; a valve seat arranged between the inlet and outlet; a plug adapted to be received on the valve seat; and a lever adapted to vary the position of the plug relative to the valve seat by means of a stem attached to the lever. The lever is attached to the stem by means of a pin attached to the lever, the pin being fitted within a fusible bushing fitted within a hold in the stem.

Abstract: For releasing and resetting a releasable and resettable device: a spring-motor dual-functioning mechanism comprising release means to release the device, a spring motor to reset the device, and spring-winding means to rewind the spring motor, the spring motor storage power being sufficient for at least two complete resetting operations of the mechanism.

Abstract: In combination with a relatively non-extendible emergency cable mechanically placed under tension and including a rigidly supported link having a fuse element and manual pull handle which are suggestive of their purpose and operation in the cable for alert and quck actuation of cut-off flow control valves of varying types of sensitivities to prevent serious escape of liquefied petroleum gas under high pressures, and also serving as a remote manual shut off control for terminating a delivery truck tank filling operation.

Abstract: Partitioning for preventing the spread of fire or smoke through wall apertures created by the burning of plastic pipe. Pre-stressed metal squeezing elements are retained by plastic bolts which melt at about 120.degree. C., releasing the squeezing elements and permitting them to squeeze together the heat-softened plastic pipe. An insert of foamable material may additionally be used to supplement the aperture sealing effect.

Abstract: A valve actuator provides preselected automatic spring-powered actuation of a rotary-actuated valve in response to fire, or other occurrence of a specific exigent type. The actuator is secured to a valve having a shaft extending from the valve body and rotatable through a predetermined rotational extent, e.g. 90.degree., for moving a valve element between open and shut portions. The actuator comprises a coiled or spiral torsion spring in an enclosure protectively covering the spring. One end of the spring is secured relative to the cover. A coupling is operatively connected to the other end of the spring and biased by spring force for being drivingly rotated for valve actuation. A camming arrangement holds the coupling against rotation by camming force against the spring force, a releasable link being operatively interconnected with the camming arrangement for maintaining the camming force.

Abstract: A pair of butterfly smoke/fire dampers are mounted on a single frame. Each damper includes a pair of blades which can be locked in the open position and which, when released, rotate about a hinge to the closed position. The frame has a flange around the inner periphery thereof which engages the edges of the blades in the closed position. Each pair of blades are moved to the open position by an operator cable which extends through a first ferrule in the frame, through a second ferrule in one of the blades and thereafter across the blades to a point of attachment complementally located on the opposing blade. The frame ferrule is offset from the blade ferrule whereby withdrawing the cable causes both blades to be drawn toward each other. The blades can be held in the open position by maintaining tension on the operator cable or by a fusible link or other heat responsive latching mechanisms.

Abstract: A valve operator for a normally open valve is maintained in a cocked, ready to close mode by an arrangement which includes a radially contracted, self-expansible split retainer ring backed by a body of fusible material. Should the vicinity of the associated valve be subjected to the heat of a fire, the fusible body will melt out of blocking relation, permitting the split ring to expand free of the operator stem. A cocked spring recovers, axially moving the stem both to shut the valve and to engage a metal-to-metal back seat between the valve stem and valve bonnet. The latter event ensures against leakage even if the fire or wear has ruined the integrity of the usual valve stem packing. The valve operator is further provided with a manual override which permits the valve to be closed and opened, e.g. using a remotely actuated pneumatic operator even while the body of fusible material remains intact and in place.

Abstract: A control apparatus is disclosed for regulating the movement of a control stem which is biased in a given direction. The apparatus comprises a housing forming a chamber and a plurality of passages. The chamber receives the control stem in its direction of bias, the latter abutting against a restraining sphere disposed in the chamber. A pair of pistons are movably disposed in remaining ones of the passages to maintain the sphere in the chamber. The pistons are movable to allow the sphere to enter a passage so that the stem can move further into the chamber. The pistons can be moved manually or automatically, as by means of a fusible element which melts in response to the heat of a fire.

Abstract: A control damper is mounted in a building duct system for closing a control opening through a housing or frame and includes a linkage connected to the housing and to a vane positioned in the control opening and is operative for moving the vane between a flow permitting position and a position closing the control opening. The linkage includes a fusible portion permitting a resilient member to move the vane to the position closing the control opening in the event of temperature above the melting point of the fusible portion. Cooperating latch members are mounted on the housing and on the vane and are moved into vane holding engagement after melting of a fusible portion and movement of the vane to the position closing the control opening through the housing.