Abstract: A device and method for preventing the backflow of undesirable gases from being drawn up through a drain line into a room. The device is particularly useful in applications where liquid flow into the drain is infrequent, resulting in little or no liquid left standing in the P-trap to serve as a gas barrier. When installed the device prevents the unwanted backflow of sewer gases into the room above. However, if water or a similar liquid is introduced into the drain line, the device dissolves, thereby allowing the liquid to pass down the drain line.

Abstract: A thermal triggering element for sprinklers, valves or the like including an enclosed compartment with a container filled with a highly temperature-sensitive shattering fluid for precise and reproducible adjustment of a triggering temperature within the range of a few degrees Celsius. The invention increases the accuracy of the triggering temperature and identifies shattering liquids that allow precise sensitive triggering action in terms of temperature of the triggering element and open up further triggering temperatures ranges. The triggering fluid contains or consists of a hydrocarbon compound selected among one of the following substance groups or a mixture thereof: d) a heterocyclic hydrocarbon having a OH, NH or NH2 group bonded to a carbon atom; e) a hydrocarbon having at least one benzene ring with an OH group bonded to one of the carbon atoms of the benzene ring; f) a phosphate with at least one hydrocarbon moiety.

Abstract: Stem-actuated two-way valve for precise, intermittent and repeatable delivery of fluid and/or gaseous substances from high pressure sources. A dual purpose o-ring functions as a valve seat and separates high pressure segments from low pressure segments. The novel valve stem system allows precise delivery of desired liquids and/or gases regardless of valve stem travel within a defined travel length.

Abstract: Rectangular or circular vent apparatus for protecting a confined space having a vent aperture for relief of an overpressure condition is provided with each including vent structure having a vent unit adapted to be positioned over the vent aperture in normal closing relationship thereto. Each vent unit preferably includes at least one spring steel panel, or spring steel leaves positioned against a metal sheet, provided with a movable pressure relief portion having an initial position extending across the vent aperture. A backstop is provided for arresting the degree of movement of the spring steel. The spring steel panel or the spring steel leaves have a sufficient modulus of resilience and elasticity to cause the relief portion of the spring steel panel or the metal sheet to return to their respective initial positions from the open positions thereof upon relief of the overpressure condition in the confined space.

Abstract: Valves for controlling the release of a substance, include a housing having an inlet for connection to a source of the substance, an outlet, and a passage extending therebetween. The passage is enclosed by a ceramic disc and means are provided to apply an electrical pulse to the disc to break the disc and so connect the inlet to the outlet. The methods include containing the substance in a container, connecting the container to a valve; and applying an electrical pulse to the disc to break the disc and connect the inlet to the outlet. The valves and methods are particularly suited, but not limited, to the control of substances such as pressurised fire extinguishing media.

Abstract: A rupture disk assembly for use in a pressurized fluid passageway within an application environment having a temperature operational range. The disk assembly includes a cylindrical one-piece disk consisting of unimpregnated graphite, a single bore extending partway into the top surface of the disk, a casing, and a metallic layer overlaying the planar bottom surface of the disk. The disk assembly has a particular burst pressure that is generally temperature insensitive over essentially the entire temperature operational range. The temperature operational range may be from about ?425° F. to about 900° F. The burst pressure may have a tolerance of about +/?5% over the temperature operational range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure relief device and method of using the same. The pressure relief device includes a rupture element containing an inner layer made of an nonferrous-based composition that can preferably withstand contact with corrosive fluids. The inner layer of the rupture element is preferably the only part of the rupture element that is exposed to fluid in the system where it is installed. The pressure relief device may be installed in any system where overpressurization or underpressurization protection is desired. For example, the pressure relief device may be installed in systems where corrosive fluids are used and where an ultraclean environment is needed.

Abstract: A stacked rupture disk assembly of the present invention is adapted to be positioned between flanges in a vent pipe or pressure relief port of a pressure vessel. The stacked rupture disk assembly includes a first rupture disk assembly and a second rupture disk assembly mechanically affixed to the first rupture disk assembly. Each rupture disk assembly includes a graphite rupture disk defining an annular support portion surrounding an thinner rupture membrane adjacent and flush with a first end of the annular support portion. The annular support portion and the rupture membrane define a substantially planar outer surface of the rupture disk. The annular support includes a recessed region extending from an opening in a second end of the annular support to the rupture membrane. Optionally, the second rupture disk assembly includes a support member having spaced apart first and second ends and adapted to be inserted into the recessed region such that the first end abuts and supports the rupture membrane.

Abstract: A thermoformed reverse buckling polymer rupture disk having an unsupported raised center portion including score lines cut in the polymer disk that creates a line of weakness to control the buckling pressure of the disk and forms a predetermined burst pattern.

Abstract: A polymer rupture disk in the form of a cartridge or capsule that can be inserted in a fluid line fixture as a replaceable unit to establish a predetermined rupture pressure or safety pressure for that particular pressurized container.

Abstract: Improved burst disk-type pressure responsive valve assemblies (20, 184) of the pressure relief and shutdown variety are provided which utilize frangible burst disks (30, 204) which largely determine the set point pressures for the valves. The assemblies (20, 184) include a housing (22, 186) having an inlet (24, 188), an outlet (26, 190) with a valve seat (28, 192) therein. The housing (22, 186) also supports a frangible burst disk (30, 204). An actuating unit (32, 210) within the housing (22, 186) includes a shiftable, pressure responsive piston (78, 212) supporting a valve stem actuator rod (82, 214); the rod (82, 214) is operatively coupled with a disk actuating element (84, 216) located adjacent a face of the rupture disk (30, 204).

Abstract: A burst disk assembly relies on a brittle material as the burst disk. Conventional manufacturing tolerances are suitable with the mounting assembly. Flatness and collinearly are achieved by an alignment adapter interfacing between an anvil and the burst disk, on the low-pressure side thereof. A seal, typically thinner than the alignment adapter, is held against the high-pressure side face of the burst disk by a pilot or loader face. All materials are ultra-pure, high-temperature tolerant, and non-reactive. Thin films over metal are not used. Reliable, repeatable, predicable burst pressures have been achieved without resort to highly specialized manufacturing processes. Ceramics and crystalline materials may serve as a burst disk, and quartz has been shown effective. Various grades of fluorocarbon materials have been found to provide suitable coatings, fixtures, and seals. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene forms a suitable seal. Slightly expanded PTFE such as that sold under the brand-name "Gylon.TM.

Abstract: A releasing device for rocket fuel lines, arranged between a tank outlet and a shutoff valve, which releases the flow path at a defined, tank-side overpressure, with a piston-like bursting element. A disk is provided with a predetermined breaking point and with a clamping flange, as well as a guide rod that is rigidly attached to the disk, and a catching basket that is permeable to flow and fixes the disk in a positive-locking manner after rupture and axial movement.