Abstract: A flood control device 200 which measures the volume of fluid delivered in a continuous steady flow to a house or building and which shuts off the fluid flow if a preset maximum limit is reached, indicating overly high consumption due to a leak, break or open faucet in the plumbing of the house or building.

Abstract: A fail-safe closed damper for installation in a system of ducts. The damper includes at least one damper blade connected to a spring-loaded shaft. A power-actuated unit is employed to disengage a coupling which interconnects the spring-loaded shaft to an operating linkage. The use of the power-actuated unit ensures that the damper will be tripped at the appropriate predetermined temperature and will not be affected by the large frictional forces imparted on the components of the damper by the biasing spring or by such external factors as dust, humidity and dirt. The damper employs a sensor having dual sensing devices and which is centrally disposed in the duct to ensure receipt of a representative sample of airflow. The damper further includes a damper blade position indicator for sensing whether the damper blade is open or closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the a valve by a coded electromagnetic signal comprises a saddle assembly for installation on a valve. The saddle assembly includes an aperture allowing for placement over a valve stem and a valve saddle having two arm elements which are secured to a saddle plate and extend around the valve. A drive drum is secured to the saddle assembly and includes a drive drum tube. Drive plates are secured to the drive drum tube and are separated by drive drum alignment spacers. Drive plate drive channels guide a non-stationary post attached to plurality of drive springs secured to an upper and a lower stationary guide plate. A plurality of stationary guide plates includes an aperture through which a drive drum tube passes allowing the drive drum to rotate freely. A plurality of guide plates are linked to a hammer shaft and a hammer cam which is released by a trigger activated by the coded electromagnetic signal which allows the rotation of the drive drum and turning of the valve stem.

Abstract: A fail-safe closed damper for installation in a system of ducts. The damper includes at least one damper blade connected to a spring-loaded shaft. A power-actuated unit is employed to disengage a coupling which interconnects the spring-loaded shaft to an operating linkage. The use of the power-actuated unit ensures that the damper will be tripped at the appropriate predetermined temperature and will not be affected by the large frictional forces imparted on the components of the damper by the biasing spring or by such external factors as dust, humidity and dirt. The damper also employs a sensor which may be mounted at any remote location within the ventilation system. Alternatively, a plurality of interconnected sensors capable of providing additional sensing capability may be employed.

Abstract: An electrothermal actuator includes a housing containing a working fluid and a heater disposed in the fluid within the housing. A piston is slidably disposed in the housing for movement in response to heating and cooling of the working fluid. An output member is coupled to the piston and movable between first and second positions for transmitting a drive force from the piston to a load. A latch mechanism is operatively connected to the output member for releasably latching the output member in the second position without continuously heating the working fluid. The latch mechanism includes a coil and a magnetic member that releases the latch in response to a force produced by a magnetic field generated when a current flows through the coil. The output member can move linearly or rotationally.

Abstract: A butterfly valve is utilized to control air flow in the environmental control air distribution system of an aircraft. A linkage system enables the valve to be manually controlled under normal conditions but to be shut off remotely in case of an emergency condition.

Abstract: An engine air shutdown valve comprising a gate which is movable from a first position wherein the air flow passage of an engine is relatively unimpeded to a second position where the air flow passage is closed thereby terminating operation of the engine. A trip spindle maintains the gate in its open position with a ball release. Upon activation of the ball release, the gate moves parallel to the direction of air flow through the passage to terminate the air flow.

Abstract: A low friction ball valve used for instance in an automatic shutoff valve system. The valve mechanism includes a spring loaded ball valve normally latched in the open position which is unlatched and hence closes in one version by the contraction of a BioMetal.TM. wire which activates a torsion spring to rotate the ball valve. When the valve is open, the ball inside the valve rests on rollers so that the ball is held slightly away from the seal of the valve located in the valve body. Closing the valve causes the rollers to snap into detents in the ball, and the ball then comes into firm contact with the seal.

Abstract: A gas valve having a main valve closure member whose position is controlled both by a pivoting lever arrangement and a thermostatically controlled solenoid. The closure member is biased toward the lever by a spring between the closure member and the lever, and the lever is biased to position the closure member against a stationary valve seat. The lever is pivotable against its bias by a mechanical latch arrangement which forms part of a manual control, whereby when the lever is pivoted against its bias, the thermostatically controlled solenoid is permitted to engage the closure member, and, in the absence of demand from the thermostat, to move the closure member toward the valve seat against the bias of the spring between the closure member and lever.

Abstract: A waste gate brake device (50,110,200) for controlling a waste gate (34) of a turbocharger (20) comprising: a housing (52, 112) defining a chamber (54;116) and first opening (58a,b;122) into the chamber; a shaft (60) adapted to be connected to and movable with the motion of a waste gate (34); a magnetically responsive plate or clamp (72; 140) interacts with an electromagnetic assembly (92; 130) within a common magnetic path in response to an electromagnetic force in such path and for preventing the shaft (60) from moving, thereby preventing the waste gate from moving.

Abstract: An elastic body apparatus includes a pneumatic pressure sealing member formed of a hollow flexible material and sealing therein a high pressure pneumatic gas, a movable member driven by an external force against the pressure of the pneumatic pressure sealing member, a fixed shell enveloping a fixed portion of the pneumatic pressure sealing member, and an elastic shell having plate spring portions for applying a spring force in the same direction as the pressing direction of the pneumatic pressure sealing member to the movable member, and disposed at a position enveloping a displacing portion of the pneumatic pressure sealing member. The elastic shell serves as a shell and a spring body, and even if the pressure of the pneumatic pressure sealing member is increased, the pneumatic pressure sealing member is prevented from being deformed in excess of a normal level, and the pressure is transmitted to the movable member through the pneumatic pressure sealing member.

Abstract: A bi-stable electromagnet operator having an armature plate which is held in a first position by a permanent magnet and in a second position by a spring. An electromagnet is provided to enable the armature plate to move from the first position to the second position. The magnet has high coercivity and therefore the permanent magnet and core of the electromagnet can be in close magnetic contact both when the armature is in the first position and in the second position. The high coercivity of the permanent magnet provides for sufficient flux flow to maintain magnetization when the armature plate is in the second position away from the permanent magnet. Typically, the permanent magnet comprises neodymium.

Abstract: A valve for controlling release of a pressurized fluid comprising a housing having a fluid chamber with an inlet and an outlet port. A piston within the housing is slidably movable between a sealed closed position and an open position. A collapsed support structure, when in a rigid condition retains the piston in the closed position. When the support means is in a collapsed condition, fluid pressure will cause the piston to slide to the open position of the valve. This support structure includes a pair of elongated supports oriented in one of a dead-center locked condition when the piston is sealed, and in an off-center collapsed condition allowing the piston to move to its open position.

Abstract: A drain valve activator assembly for a container such as a bathtub is disclosed. In one embodiment, there is an overflow plate mountable on a side wall of the tub at the overflow outlet. A stem is positioned through the plate so as to rotate on its own longitudinal axis, so as to have one end extending into the bathtub, and so as to have one end extending out of the bathtub. A solenoid is provided outside the tub with a holding member such as a leaf spring. Upon activation, the solenoid pulls the leaf spring away from the stem. Normally, the leaf spring is biased towards the stem. The holding member and a stem end are configured so as to be able to interfit and inhibit stem rotation when the leaf spring abuts against the stem. A torsion spring stores the rotational energy used to manually open the valve, and then uses that energy to drive the valve to the closed position in response to the solenoid operation.

Abstract: A linear electromechanical actuator has a spring-loaded plunger disposed in a housing. When a solenoid in the housing is energized, the armature of the solenoid moves linearly and, after some initial "lost" motion, engages and releases the latch mechanism holding the plunger in the housing. The spring associated with the plunger is then free to extend the plunger from the housing. The actuator can be designed so that it is highly immune from unintended actuation due to acceleration of the actuator. The condition of the actuator (e.g., fully cocked or released) can be monitored by switches disposed in the actuator. The actuator can also be constructed to allow manual release as an alternative to release by energization of the solenoid.

Abstract: A pinch valve mechanism for a parenteral infusion system is provided which includes a spring-loaded pinch valve. The pinch valve is manually latched to its open position. A bobbin and cam mechanism includes a length of wire which contracts when a current is applied to it. The cam has two positions, one which holds the pinch valve in its open position and one which enables to pinch valve to close. When it is desired to automatically close the pinch valve, a current is applied to the wire. The contraction of the wire moves the cam from its valve open position to its alternate position, permitting the pinch valve to spring closed.

Abstract: A depressurization valve for use in relieving completely the pressure in a simplified boiling water reactor is disclosed. The normally closed and sealed valve is provided with a valve body defining a conduit from an outlet of a manifold from the reactor through a valve seat. A closing valve disk is configured for fitting to the valve seat to normally close the valve. The seat below the disk is provided with a radially extending annulus extending a short distance into the aperture defined by the seat. The disk is correspondingly provided with a longitudinally extending annulus that extends downwardly through the aperture defined by the seat towards the high pressure side of the valve body. A ring shaped membrane is endlessly welded to the seat annulus and to the disk annulus. The membrane is conformed over the confronted surface of the seat and disk in a C-sectioned configuration to seal the depressurization valve against the possibility of weeping.

Abstract: Improved techniques are provided for opening or closing an underwater valve in a subsea fluid pipeline utilizing an acoustic signal transmitted from the surface to a receiver adjacent the valve. A predetermined torquing force is applied to a shaft directly coupled to the valve stem, although rotation of the valve stem is prevented by the mechanical connection of an explosive bolt. Receipt of the transmitted acoustic signal initiates the release of stored electrical energy which detonates the explosive bolt and breaks the mechanical connection, thereby enabling the pre-existing torquing force to rotate the valve stem. Valve operation reliability is significantly increased, since the torquing force for operating the valve is applied before the valve is installed in the subsea environment.

Abstract: A system for actuating an electrical valve from a remote location with a battery includes an energy storage means for actuating the valve, a charging circuit for charging the energy storage means from the battery to a sufficient potential to actuate the valve, detector means for sensing a signal indicative of a desire to actuate the valve and for actuating said charging circuit and switch means for connecting the energy storage means to the valve to actuate the valve when the energy storage means is charged to a sufficient potential.

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.

Abstract: This valve may be used for operating a removing apparatus for a milking set. It has such low energy comnsumption, that simple batteries may be used so that a cow-shed need not be provided with electric current conduits.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve. During normal well flowing conditions, the valve is spring biased to its open position. If the difference in fluid pressure flowing through the valve as compared to fluid pressure exterior to the valve exceeds a preselected value, a pressure sensitive bellows will be actuated to close the valve. A latch mechanism is provided to prevent undesired closure of the safety valve by acceptable pressure transients resulting from normal changes in well operating conditions. An alternative embodiment of the valve responds to an electromagnetic signal from the well surface.

Abstract: A random access rotary pinch valve for controlling fluid flow through a plurality of fluid conduits. The valve is adapted to receive and retain the fluid conduits and includes, for each of the conduits, a toggle mechanism comprising a piston and a toggle. The piston and toggle can be latched to pinch the associated fluid conduit to a non-conducting state or may be latched with the conduit in a fluid conducting state. An actuator arm is selectively positioned over the toggle mechanisms and is displaced so as to actuate the toggles from one state to another, thus changing the state of fluid conduction through the associated flexible conduit. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the fluid conduits are arranged about the periphery of an annular valve body and the actuator arm is pivoted by means of the stepper motor over the toggle mechanisms.

Abstract: A pressure-driven fire-suppression valve wherein a single electrical switch is mechanically actuated by coaxially related first and second sealed piston components, which are compliantly loaded in the direction away from switch actuation. The first piston component is of lesser area and has its switch-actuating relation via abutment with the second (larger-area) piston component; this first piston component continuously responds to suppressant-charge pressure, via a pressure-fluid connection to the upstream valve chamber, i.e., to the upstream side of the closed position of the valve member (poppet). As long as this upstream-sensed pressure is above predetermined threshold, the compliant-load force will be overcome, and the switch will be mechanically actuated, but upon leakage below threshold, the mechanical actuation is released, for a change of state at the switch.

Abstract: A multiple solution IV administration system includes a plurality of IV fluid sources which are connected by flexible tubing to the inlet of an IV pump. A sequence valve suspended from the tubing selectively pinches off all but one tube so that one source at a time is connected to the inlet. The sequence valve is controlled as a function of the accumulated volume pumped by the pump for each fluid and a stored volume limit for that fluid. When the accumulated volume of one IV fluid reaches its volume limit, the sequence valve is changed to connect a different source to the inlet of the IV pump.

Abstract: The valve seats and the valve stem of the changeover valve have different diameters from one another so that the pressure medium applied a drive force to actuate the valve. The control system is a simple and purely passive retention system without external drive, the retention being triggered by a pulse-like electric signal. The signal energy produced and transmitted within electronic control systems suffices to actuate the valve, no additional drives being necessary for such actuation.

Abstract: An automatic shut off valve for shutting off the water supply to a building in the case of a detected water leak. A conventional valve is provided with an apparatus for rendering the valve automatic when the valve has a sliding stem projecting from the valve body. The apparatus includes a jacket adapted to fit over the valve body to contain the stem having a roof normal to the axis of the stem and spaced from the end thereof and a plunger slidably mounted through the roof extending coaxial with and connected to the stem. A compression spring extends between the roof and the plunger to urge the valve stem to retract to close the valve. A lever member is pivotally mounted to the plunger and extends exteriorly of the jacket. The lever member includes a cam head abutting the roof between plunger extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An electrically responsive turbocharger control for a turbocharged internal combustion engine includes an electrically operated control device selectively energizable to engage and lock in position the actuator for a wastegate control valve. This control device provides a manner of overriding the normal actuating forces acting in the wastegate control valve.

Abstract: In place of one of the usual blunt seats, a sewer check valve has a knife-edge extending from one of the seats to eliminate holding of compressed, relatively tough chunks of sewage between seats by cutting through the chunks, and has room for the cut pieces to move away from the seats. The flap of the valve has a lever extending therefrom, and a spring actuated rod retained by a catch is released to strike against the lever for forcing the flap against the knife-edge. The catch may be released manually, but is preferably released by slightly delayed operation of a solenoid in response to operation of a level sensing device in the housing of the valve.

Abstract: A piggyback IV administration system uses a solenoid actuated sequence valve to control the flow of fluid from a pair of IV fluid sources to the inlet of an IV pump or controller. The sequence valve pinches off a first tube while allowing fluid to flow through the second tube and then, in response to a control signal, changes state so that the second tube is pinched off and fluid can flow through the first tube unimpeded. The sequence valve automatically senses conditions which indicate a failure of the sequence valve to occlude the second tube when the valve changes state.

Abstract: A rapid-acting fire suppressant valve that includes a linearly-movable poppet having a long stroke enabling the poppet to move beyond the suppressant flow stream. Poppet motion is initiated by venting a pre-pressurized piston-cylinder unit; ledge mechanism attached to the piston moves out of the poppet path to permit the valve-open action. The valve is characterized by redundant seal action during standby periods, and rapid poppet motion during the valve-opening operation.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a quick-opening valve for release of pressurized gas to suppress a hydrocarbon or the like fire and/or explosion. A piston or poppet-valve member is retained by mechanical-latch mechanism in its readiness condition, normally closing off pressurized liquified suppressant gas against release for fast discharge via a discharge port. Latch release is via short low-friction, low-inertia direct action which is independent of the pressure differential across the valve member.

Abstract: Apparatus including a weight formed at least partially of magnetic material and positioned on a support and adapted to be displaced horizontally relative to the support by earthquake or other shock forces, mechanism operable upon such shock induced horizontal displacement of the weight relative to the support to actuate a valve or other controlled device, and means near and essentially opposite the weight acting to produce a magnetic field applying a force magnetically to the weight displacing it horizontally relative to the support in a relation actuating the controlled device without subjection to shock forces.

Abstract: The valve consists of a closing device (7) pushed by a spring (8) to press the sealing face (9) against its seat (13). The closing device (7) can only be moved by action on the handle (18) provided the magnetic core (32) is attracted to the left, to enable the rod (35) to move the part (26) against the opposing action of a spring-loaded (39) bush (38). When the handle (18) is then operated, the rod (20) moves the part (26) downwards, which in turn presses down the rod (30) and allows the spring (8) to move the closing device (7) downwards. The part (26) is then locked by the engagement of its lip (42) beneath the end of a pin (40). If the excitation current is interrupted, the core (32) and the part (26) return to their original position, which releases the moving part (26) and the rod (30).The spring (31) then returns the closing device (7) to the position illustrated.

Abstract: A novel fluid-flow control damper is disclosed. The damper comprises a freely pivotable closure situated in a fluid-flow conduit, such as an air duct. The closure is maintained in a closed position by a simple latching means, and may be maintained in an open condition by means of fluid flow through the conduit. Several of these dampers may be used in combination with a single fluid temperature control device, resulting in a simple, low-cost multizone heating or cooling system.

Abstract: An air vent for emergency introduction of fresh air into a closed building. A dome cover is mounted on a spring-loaded plunger and released by a solenoid upon detection of poisonous gases, smoke or heat, or a lack of oxygen thereby opening the dome cover.

Abstract: A release mechanism for opening a valve of a fire extinguishing installation by means of a linearly movable release element, such as a release plunger or release pin upon releasing a pre-stressed helical spring. At one end of the helical spring there is arranged a movable ball pressure plate. Between this ball pressure plate and a further fixedly arranged ball plate there are arranged balls or spherical elements. A loading pin provided at the movable ball pressure plate retains the helical spring under torsional stress and the movable ball pressure plate in such an angular position that the balls of both ball pressure plates can be retained at a starting distance. Upon electromagnetic release of the loading pin and return rotation of the helical spring the movable ball pressure plate rotates such that the spring can be axially relaxed or load-relieved and the release plunger or the like presses upon the release element of the valve and opens the latter.

Abstract: A valve shutoff mechanism for automatically operating a gas valve, a liquid valve or the like to shut off the flow of fluid in a pipeline in response to an earthquake, temperature changes and/or an electrical or mechanical signal generated by an associated mechanism. The housing, formed of complementary, symmetric half portions, encloses a spring bias motor, a torque arm assembly coupled to the spring motor for rotation about a first axis, a latch assembly for normally preventing rotation of the torque arm assembly, and a triggerable catch assembly for normally maintaining the latch assembly in contact with the torque arm assembly and for enabling the latch assembly to disengage the torque arm assembly in response to seismic vibrations of predetermined magnitude and acceleration, an externally generated electrical signal, temperature changes of predetermined magnitude or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A fluid shut-off device is provided which comprises a non-magnetic casing having a fluid passage therein, a metallic valve body movably disposed in the casing to close the passage at one operative position, and a magnetic member slidably disposed outside the casing and magnetically attracting the valve body. The magnetic member takes an inoperative position against a spring force and is locked at this position. The lock is released by a bimetallic strap deformable by supply of an electric current. When the lock is released, the magnetic member is moved by the action of the spring force, so that the valve body magnetically attracted by the magnetic member is also moved to the operative position to shut off the flow of fluid material through the passage.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an electromagnetic detent assembly for use with a manually operable hydraulic control valve to maintain the control spool in a predetermined limit position. The electromagnetic force created by the electromagnetic detent can be varied by an electronic circuit commensurate with the particular hydraulic application. A "feel" mechanism is also included, indicating to the operator that further manual movement of the control valve will cause it to reach the electromagnetic detent position.

Abstract: A gas supply pipe is provided with a terminal shutoff valve upstream of a heater, stove or the like. An automatic shutoff valve is provided to the gas pipe upstream of the terminal shutoff valve which automatically closes upon receipt of an electrical signal from an earthquake sensor, fire detector, gas leak detector or other sensor indicating a dangerous condition. A gas pressure sensor provided between the automatic shutoff valve and the terminal shutoff valve prevents the automatic shutoff valve from being manually reset unless the terminal shutoff valve is closed, thereby preventing an explosion which might result if gas were fed to the heater or stove with the pilot light extinguished.

Abstract: The invention is a delayed release valve for a fire hydrant which permits the fireman to couple a fire hose with the valve in place to a fire hydrant, the valve being released subsequent to the coupling operation either by a timer which is set at the time the hose is attached, or by a radio-controlled servo mechanism so that the fireman who makes the hose attachment may proceed to the site of the fire and need not wait at the hydrant until on-site firemen are ready for water.

Abstract: A fluid actuating device for an electric switching apparatus such as a high-voltage power circuit breaker or the like includes an actuator for actuating the electric switching apparatus. The actuator includes a cylinder and an actuator differential piston movable in the cylinder between first and second positions corresponding to the open and closed positions of the switching apparatus. The actuator differential piston has two end-faces for receiving fluid pressure force and one of the end-faces has a larger surface area than the other one of the end-faces. A pressure fluid supply supplies fluid under pressure and is connected to the actuator for continuously supplying fluid under pressure to the other one of the end-faces. A switching-valve alternately interrupts and connects the fluid from the pressure fluid supply to the one end-face of the actuator differential piston whereby the actuator differential piston is caused to move between its first and second positions.

Abstract: An outlet pipe passes through the wall of an inlet pipe and communicates therewith. At the intersection of the two pipes, a flat valve seat is formed. A spring-loaded valve presses down against the valve seat to isolate the two pipes when unlocked, leaving the seat unobstructed and the pipes in communication when in a locked position. A catch normally supports the valve against the pressure of the spring, but pivots out of the way to allow the valve to close against the seat, in response to an electrical signal obtained from a battery placed in series with a mercury switch. A solenoid, actuated by the closing of the switch, moves the catch to its unlocked position.

Abstract: Actuator means of the pressure- and/or temperature-responsive type are disclosed for controlling valve means which supply pressure fluid (such as a combustible gas) to a load (such as a gas-fired boiler), characterized in that the actuator means are operable (1) when the boiler pressure exceeds a given limit, (2) when the boiler temperature exceeds a given limit, or (3) when the temperature a given region external of the boiler exceeds a given limit. The valve means is normally in an open condition, said actuator means being operable to close the valve means when at least one of the aforementioned limits is exceeded.

Abstract: An electrically operated fail-safe valve actuator employs a spring which is wound to store energy during operation of the electric drive motor, an electric clutch operable to disengage the drive motor from the actuator output shaft in response to loss of power from the electrical supply whereby the spring drives the valve in the opposite direction.