Abstract: The present invention offers a solution to the potential hazards associated with an accidental overheating of a full compressed gas cartridge, by offering an automatic heat-actuable pressure discharge system. The compressed gas cartridge is protected from dangerous explosions caused by excessive heat by the use of a lance that pierces the compressed gas cartridge safely when a spring loaded hammer is released from its constraints when a length of heat sensitive material fails in the presence of excessive heat, thereby avoiding a very serious fire hazard.

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.

Abstract: A smart, adaptive control system that monitors and influences physical conditions of an architectural setting. The architectural setting in which the system is deployed typically includes a plurality of private spaces and at least one community space. The individual private spaces, and the community spaces, may include an environmental control device that affects one or more physical conditions of the individual private space. Each private space may also include an environmental sensor that measures a particular physical condition of the private space. The private spaces may also include one or more occupant sensors, which measure either behavioral or physiological parameters of an occupant. The environmental control devices, environmental sensors, and occupant sensors are in communication with a computer. The computer is also in communication with a database, which houses a data set that describes how to best modify the physical conditions of the architectural setting.

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.

Abstract: A ventilator opener for a livestock house having an electrically powered fan for ventilation utilizes a tubular electrical heater, connected to the same power source as the fan, to heat an expandable bi-metallic latch finger which thereby engages the inner surface of the tubular heater. The latch finger is operatively connected to a conventional winch which is used to lower at least one closure or curtain thereby uncovering one or more screened ventilation openings along the walls of the house. The latch finger secures the winch with the curtains in their closed positions while the finger is engaged by the heater. The latch finger is released from engagement with the tubular heater by cooling of the heater and latch finger subsequent to either electrical power failure or an excessive temperature within the livestock house, thereby releasing the winch and opening the ventilation openings.

Abstract: A safety stovepipe damper assembly designed for use with a conventional type stovepipe and damper as used on coal, wood, or waste burning stoves. Provisions are made for presetting the damper to a specific low fire or closed position. A latch is also provided to hold the damper at an open position when desired. A heat activated means of releasing the damper from an open damper position is contained within the safety assembly. When activated by abnormally high stovepipe temperatures, the damper returns by gravity to its preset or closed position. The safety assembly can be used on vertically or horizontally installed stovepipe and damper assemblies in all sizes.

Abstract: A freeze protection valve can be reset under cold ambient conditions without the need for artificial heating of the valve's temperature sensor. An auxiliary latch is used to hold the valve element closed. The auxiliary latch is automatically released as the primary latching mechanism of the valve becomes operative upon an increase in temperature of the liquid system served by the valve. Release of the auxiliary latch is effected by virtue of a small downward movement of the valve stem resulting from a camming action inherent in the operation of the valve's primary latch.In one version of the valve, a simple, drop-away key temporarily holds the valve stem down until the primary latch becomes operative. In another version, the valve stem is reset remotely through a bowden wire, and the resetting mechanism automatically engages an auxiliary latch.

Abstract: A heating system employs a thermostat fuel control device and a safety fuel control device, such as a safety valve retained against a closing bias wherein a bulb contains an expandable fluid for releasing the safety valve, responding to an overheat condition of the heating system. The safety fuel control device can be employed as an addition to the normal recyclic cutoff.