Abstract: The invention relates to controlling a circuit breaker by means of a drive mechanism circuit for operating a circuit breaker by rotating a main operating shaft (4). The drive mechanism comprises a trigger circuit breaker drive mechanism (1) delivering considerably less power than that required for operating the circuit breaker, and associated with an assembly including a disengagement first spring (6), an engagement second spring (12), and a recocking motor (14) for recocking the springs which are disposed, on being released, to drive the main shaft (4) through 180.degree., with the release of the springs being controlled by motion of an outlet member (2) of the trigger drive mechanism (1). The invention is applicable to the operating circuit breakers.

Abstract: A force-storing actuator for connection to a rotor of a step transformer has a pair of similar levers rotatable about a common axis and having diametrally opposite outer ends, an input element and an output element rotatable about the axis and operatively engageable with the levers, and a latch device for releasably retaining the output element in any of a plurality of angularly offset positions. Respective springs each have one end connected to a respective end of one of the levers and an opposite end connected to a respective end of the other lever and having a middle between the ends. Respective guides movable freely angularly about the axis between the lever ends at generally the same radial spacing from the axis as the lever ends are connected to the middles of the respective springs. Thus the springs each have a pair of sections flanking the respective guide and extending generally tangentially of a circle centered on the axis from the respective spring ends to the respective spring middles.

Abstract: A device for controlling an earthquake-vulnerable or other operation according to seismic activity, such as the flow of water from a reservoir or natural gas to users, includes a control unit for controlling the operation when actuated by a predetermined triggering movement, an actuator unit for producing the triggering movement when the actuator unit is subjected to a threshold level of seismic activity, and a coupling unit for coupling the triggering movement from the actuator unit to the control unit. Mounting components are provided for mounting the coupling unit on the control unit and the actuator unit on the coupling unit so that a user can adjustably set the position of the actuator unit relative to the control unit in order to level the actuator unit in two different directions.

Abstract: An emergency push-button comprises a housing and a support rigidly connected to a movable actuation knob and axially movable therewith. The support acts on a releasing mechanism, operated by rotation of the knob about an axis parallel to the movement direction of the movable slider. The button further includes an axially movable member provided with at least one retaining tooth, which, upon lowering of the movable knob, rotates about an axis parallel to the moving direction of the knob, compelling the retaining tooth to release at least one protrusion provided on the housing and, once the movable member has cleared through a tripping action, it also rotates in a tripping manner carrying the retaining tooth to the position under the protrusion, preventing the movable member from moving back to a raised position thereof. The release of the retaining tooth may be obtained just through a rotating movement of the knob in a reversed direction with respect to the retaining movement.

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: The disclosed device comprises, in the first element, on which the second element is mounted, a peripheral housing opened outwards, a circlip engaged in said housing, comprising teeth capable of getting engaged in retaining means of the second element, and a means to bring the ends of the circlip closer together in order to retract it and to bring out the teeth of the retaining means controlled by a delay means. The disclosed device is particularly suited to the locking and unlocking of sub-munitions parachute containers.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for use in regulating the pressure of inflating an inflatable member from a high pressure source wherein a valve housing has one end attached to a pressure source and the other end attached to a trigger mechanism. A spool valve is slidably biased into contact with the trigger mechanism which in the locked condition retains the spool valve in an inoperative condition and prevents the flow of fluid from the pressure source to inflate the inflatable member. Upon actuation of the trigger mechanism the spool valve is first unseated from its inoperative condition by a first spring and thence placed into a pressure regulating condition by a second spring in opposition to the escaping fluid pressure acting on annular face of the spool valve.

Abstract: A pre-tensioner arrangement applies tension to a safety belt in response to deceleration of a vehicle. A spring stores a force which is to be applied to the safety belt. A trigger mechanism comprises a lever which exhibits a mechanical advantage, one end of the lever engaging the spring, or an element associated with the spring, to retain the spring in a compressed state, and the other end of the lever engaging an over-dead-center linkage. An inertia mass is provided to engage the over-dead-center linkage to move it through the dead-center condition to release the lever and cause the spring to be released when severe deceleration is experienced.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a vibration or shock-activated valve. A valve mounted for rotation in a gas line or the like is connected to an elongate handle by a valve stem. The valve is spring activated to rotate from an open to a closed position. The elongate handle engages and is retrained by a ball detent. The ball detent has a ball supported on the engagement end of a conical end of a pendulum member. When vibration or shock moves the pendulum, the ball falls, releasing the elongate handle permitting the spring loaded valve to rotate from the open to the closed postion. A handle stop at 90.degree. stops the valve in the closed position.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator for moving a shaft axially has a motor driving a gear assembly giving a mechanical advantage of at least 30:1, preferably 50 to 150:1. The assembly drives an internally screw threaded sleeve on external screw threads of the shaft so that rotation of the sleeve moves the shaft axially. A stop connected to a gear of the gear assembly for the sleeve ensures that it is the shaft that moves.The actuator is suitable for all valves, chokes and control mechanisms for oil or gas production, particularly sub-sea production and the motor is preferably a reversible DC electric motor. The mechanical advantage allows heavily loaded shafts to be moved with low power input.When applied to spring loaded fail-safe valves the stop for the sleeve may be one or more moveable locking dogs actuated by the gear assembly. The gear assembly acts as a differential transmitting torque either to the gear wheel actuating the stop of the gear wheel rotating the sleeve.

Abstract: A shock responsive device for automatically actuating a valve or other controlled unit in response to earthquake forces, including a weight which is displaceable from a pedestal or other support by shock forces, an element at a first side of the support actuable by the weight to operate the controlled unit, and a guide structure onto which the weight can fall at a second side of the support and which is constructed to direct the weight from that side to the first side for actuation of the element and controlled unit. The guide structure preferably extends circularly about the support and is inclined to direct the weight by gravity to the first side of the support from any other location thereabout. The guide structure may be vertically movable relative to the support to return the weight to the normal position on the support for resetting of the mechanism.

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 rotatable arm carrying an operative member is pivoted on a main housing (10) for movement between a rest position and a work position. A rotary shaft (28) is also journaled in the housing and can be driven by a wound spring (34) for rotary movement, which is transformed into a reciprocating, partial rotation of the arm by a linkage comprising meshing gears (18, 22) on the arm and on a fixed axis, and a crank and slotted link (24, 26, 30) between said shaft and the gears. A first and a second locking units (12, 14) are mounted stationarily with respect to the housing, each comprising a spring-biased pawl (40, 42) to engage the arm when it reaches said rest position and said work position, respectively, and each being releasable by an external control.

Abstract: In order to produce free space ahead of the driver of an automobile for the braking of said driver caused by a safety belt in case of a crash, the steering wheel together with the upper parts of the steering column and the steering column tube are urged toward a retracted position by a compression spring which is normally retained in compressed condition by a locking latch disposed between the vehicle body and the upper steering column tube. The release of the latch results from displacement of a lower steering column tube part during a crash which, upon such displacement, lifts a locking nose out of a recess in the upper steering colum part.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a penumatic or hydraulic drive for opening and closing of doors, in which the linear motion of a double-acting piston 5 driven by a pressure medium is converted into a rotary motion of a spindle 2 through a piston rod 6 and a helical gear box 3. Herein a blocking lever 10 supported in a stationary manner is provided, which in the closed position of the door engages under the action of a spring 18 at a part 11 connected with a piston 5, wherein said blocking lever secures the piston in its end position and is held in its open position counter to the force of an additional spring 15 by a power cylinder 14 acted upon by the pressure means.

Abstract: A zero latching force energy storage device has a first rod (10) sliding along an axis X and subjected to axial thrust from a first spring (17), with the first rod (10) being fixed at a first end to latching means and being coupled at a second end to energy storage means. The latching means include a rod (18) provided with a transverse bore (19) which, when in the set position, receives a latching member (100) controlled by an electromagnet (121). The energy storage means include a second rod (20) slidable along the same axis X and subjected to axial force from a second spring (34), with the free end of the second rod facing the free end of the first rod and being coupling to the first rod (10) and for locking it when the latching member (100) is in its set position.

Abstract: A target projecting apparatus having a main support housing assembly, and a target conveyance assembly mounted to the main support housing assembly. Also mounted or connected to the main support housing assembly are a target drive assembly, a releasing assembly, and a switch for interrupting power to a sprocket support that is included in the target drive assembly. A method for throwing targets comprising interrupting power to stop the sprocket support from rotating, and tripping a safety latch to release a spring biased crank shaft in order to propel a target.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a vibration or shock-activated valve. A valve mounted for rotation in a gas line or the like is connected to an elongate handle by a valve stem. The valve is spring activated to rotate from an open to a closed position. The elongate handle engages and is restrained by a ball detent. The ball detent is normally urged into engagement with the elongate handle by a conical end of a pendulum member. When vibration or shock moves the pendulum, the ball detent releases the elongate handle permitting the spring loaded valve to rotate from the open to the closed position. A handle stop at 90.degree. stops the valve in the closed position.

Abstract: An automatic safety mechanism including an actuator for operating a valve or other controlled unit and which is operable by compressed air or other pressurized fluid, a valve structure for controlling the delivery of pressurized fluid from a source to the actuator, a shock responsive mechanism operable by shock forces to actuate the valve structure to a condition operating the actuator by fluid from the source, and a device operable automatically in response to a decrease in the pressure of fluid from the source to admit pressure fluid to the actuator for operating it. An assembly for resetting the shock responsive mechanism to a cocked position includes a shaft operable by rotation about an axis to set the mechanism, a sleeve disposed about the shaft, and a retaining element movable to a position in the path of axial removal of the sleeve from the device to retain both the sleeve and shaft against withdrawal.

Abstract: A load return mechanism is provided having an actuator for driving a load, a load adapted to be driven by the actuator, a first lever driven by the actuator, a second lever attached to the load, and an apparatus for locking the two levers together so that the load can be driven by the actuator and for unlocking the two levers to return the load to a predetermined position upon power interruption.

Abstract: In a spring operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter the rotational force of an electric motor rotates a ratchet wheel securely mounted to a main shaft to charge the closing spring, the ratchet wheel having a pawl to hold the ratchet wheel and main shaft in open and closed positions against the force of the closing spring, and energy of the closing spring is used for the closing and tripping of the circuit interrupter. The main shaft is provided with a one-way rotary clutch which allows rotation of the ratchet wheel and main shaft in a first direction and prevents rotation in the opposite direction to reduce the impact force engagement between the pawl and the ratchet teeth at the end of the closing operation as the ratchet wheel and shaft reach the closed position.

Abstract: A drive device for a low-voltage circuit breaker comprises a ratchet wheel with teeth which are engaged by a transporting ratchet by a periodic back-and-forth motion of a cage having the transporting ratchet disposed thereon. A stepwise rotation of the ratchet wheel for cocking an energy accumulator is brought about by the motion of the cage. Upon the release of the energy accumulator, which may be a tension spring for closing switch contacts, the ratchet wheel rotates at high speed relative to the transporting ratchet. Damage to the cooperating parts of the ratchet wheel and transporting ratchet is prevented by a centrifugal force level which is supported in the ratchet wheel in a radially tiltable manner and which protrudes during the fast rotation of the ratchet wheel with a working surface of circular arc shape beyond the heads of the teeth, so that the transporting ratchet is kept away from the teeth.

Abstract: For cocking an energy accumulator, an actuating device comprises a ratchet wheel with teeth as well as a reciprocating transport ratchet. For maintaining the cocked position of the energy accumulator, a cam wheel and blocking lever which can be braced against a blocking member via a ratchet lever are provided. Due to a wedge-like cooperation between a working surface of the cam wheel and a projection of the blocking lever, the blocking lever is transferred from its rest position into a blocked position if the deadcenter position of the cam wheel is exceeded. In the process, the transport ratchet is lifted from the teeth of the ratchet wheel by means of a striking surface of the blocking lever.

Abstract: A lever arrangement comprises a bearing pin and a supply space arranged next to the bearing opening of at least one of the levers and which contains a high-viscosity lubricant. In the operation of the lever arrangement with alternating tilting direction, the lubricant arrives, due to its inertia, in the respectively unstressed part of the bearing gap between the levers. The arrangement is suited particularly for highly stressed parts in the mechanism of circuit breakers which must be designed for space saving due to the small space available. The service life of such lever arrangements is increased substantially by arranging the lubricant in the supply space. The supply space can be part of a sleeve braced on the bearing pin.

Abstract: The sudden interlocking and unlocking mechanism of a translation switch comprises a spring interlocking and spring unlocking rocking device associated in line with a toggle joint mechanism used as interlocker. According to one characteristic of the invention the mechanical assembly of the translation switch includes a remote unlocking mechanism. According to another characteristic, the unlocking energy is used to automatically replace the toggle joint mechanism and its composite elements in position ready for engagement of the switch, that is, in position in which the articulation points of the mechanical assembly are aligned in the phase preceding the interlocking operation.

Abstract: The device comprises a first pinion to be coupled to the motor shaft of the engine, and a pair of racks engaging opposite sides of the first pinion. A pair of springs, each engage one of the two racks for moving the racks to start the motor. The direction of thrust of the first of the springs against its rack is opposite to the direction of thrust of the second of the springs against its rack. The second pinion engages the two racks and is rotated by a manual start-up device to load the springs so that, when released, the springs can move the racks to start the motor.

Abstract: An actuator usable in a first fluid under a high pressure, e.g. on board a submarine operating at great depths to release or jettison ballast and wherein the first fluid is external to the submarine, comprises a plunger which is mobile by means of a spring and is held in place by a locking member. The plunger, its spring and the locking member are located within a frame which is filled with a second fluid, while a flexible skirt and two deformable sleeves enable the pressure of the second fluid to adapt constantly to that of the first fluid.

Abstract: A spring operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter comprises means for converting the rotation of an electric motor into a rocking motion of a pawl, a ratchet wheel having teeth for being engaged by the pawl to be rotated by the rocking motion of the pawl and a closing spring which is charged by the rotation of the ratchet wheel, whereby energy charged in the closing spring is used for the closing and the tripping of the circuit interrupter. The mechanism comprises a catch arranged to come into engagement with the tip of the pawl when the tip of the pawl begins to ride on a large-diameter outer circumferential toothless portion of the ratchet wheel and to be brought out of the above engagement by the rocking motion of the pawl.

Abstract: Switch or control cables for switching-over or changing-over deflectors are known and have the disadvantage that they can only be operated from one predetermined location. In accordance with the invention, the switch or control cable is subdivided into two switch or control cable sections which are interconnected by a coupling. The switch or control cable which is tensioned by a spring can now be selectively released from a holding device for switching-over or changing-over the deflector and displaced by the spring or by disengaging the coupling, in which case only one of the two switch or control cable sections is displaced by the spring.

Abstract: A stored-energy switch operating mechanism is provided that includes a charging arrangement that reduces the peak forces required during the charging of the operating mechanism to store operating energy. The charging arrangement is responsive to a unidirectional input to accomplish the charging of the operating mechanism. In an illustrative arrangement, the operating mechanism includes a closing spring and an opening spring. During charging, the springs are sequentially charged prior to any switch-closing or switch-opening operation. The operating mechanism does not require the detachment of any components during either charging or switch operation. The charging arrangement, in an illustrative embodiment, is responsive to a unidirectional rotary input to a charging crank to sequentially drive a charging element in a first direction and then in a second, opposite direction. In the first direction, a first of the springs is charged and latched. In the second direction, the second spring is charged and latched.

Abstract: A linear operating mechanism is provided for operating one or more electrical switches or interrupters, the mechanism selectively closing the switch via movement of a switch operating member and immediately thereafter being capable of opening the switch as required. The operating mechanism includes a carriage that is movable over a linear path to charge an opening spring and a closing spring. The switch operating member is movable along an axis parallel to or coincident with the path of the carriage. The opening spring and the closing springs are disposed about a common axis parallel to the movement of the carriage and the switch operating member. A first latch arrangement is provided for preventing switch-closing movement of the switch operating member when the switch is open and the first latch arrangement is engaged.

Abstract: A low power electric motor slowly load to spring, which rapidly operates a two speed axle shift. An electric motor drives a nonreversing worm gear which engages a gear rack on a shaft. The shaft supports a caged spring. The motor moves the shaft, compressing the spring against one end of the cage, storing energy required for shifting. A solenoid piston holds the cage in position. When the shift is desired, the soleniod is tripped, the piston is raised and the spring moves the cage. An arm on the cage moves the shift lever. The solenoid piston engages the opposite detent in the cage and holds the cage in the new position. As the cage arrives at the new position, a lug trips a microswitch which completes a circuit to operate the motor in the reverse direction. The motor worm slowly drives the gear which slowly drives the rack to move the shaft in the reverse direction, compressing the spring against the opposite end of the cage.

Abstract: A device adapted to be actuated by seismic forces or other shock forces, to operate a valve or other controlled unit automatically when the device senses such forces. The device includes a support structure on which a weight is supported in a predetermined position relative to which the weight is displaceable laterally by shock forces in a manner causing a coacting element to be moved by the weight and actuate the controlled unit. Releasable holding means actuated by the weight function to retain the specified coacting element against movement in a direction to actuate the controlled unit so long as the weight remains in its predetermined normal position, to thereby prevent undesired actuation of the element and controlled unit by transitory forces which do not displace the weight laterally.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an energy accumulator of a stored energy circuit breaker includes a toothed ratchet wheel intermittently coupled to a shaft connected to an energy accumulating spring through a crank arm. A pair of drive levers are rotatably mounted upon the shaft and support a U-shaped drive claw and a pawl. The toothed periphery of the ratchet includes a gap wherein teeth are not formed. A drive spring biases the drive claw and pawl into engagement with the periphery of the ratchet, with the ratchet being positioned in the gap when the energy accumulating spring is fully charged. The drive levers are connected to one end of a connecting rod, the other end of which is connected to a motor assembly which causes reciprocating motion of the connecting rod when the motor assembly is energized. A lock means selectively prevents the shaft from rotating when the energy accumulating spring is fully charged.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a braking arrangement for a chain saw having a housing and a guide bar mounted on the housing for accommodating a saw chain thereon. The brake arrangement includes a brake drum operatively connected to the saw chain with a brake band disposed in surrounding relationship thereto. A brake member is connected to the brake band and moves between a ready position whereat the brake band is disposed in spaced relationship to the brake drum and a released position whereat the brake band is drawn tightly around the brake drum. A brake spring resiliently biases the brake member to cause the brake member to pull the brake band tightly about the brake drum when in the released position. A latch arrangement holds the brake member in the ready position against the force of the brake spring. A cam connected to the drive motor rotates through a predetermined path.

Abstract: An apparatus which is provided for closing a fluid valve in response to initial movement, as for example caused by a seismic disturbance, which is removably mountable to existing inline valves, such as gas valves. The apparatus includes a trigger which is responsive to seismic movement, particularly at a resonant frequency, to release a pressurized fluid supply which in turn drives a mechanical actuator to actuate the subject valve through the existing valve coupling. The existing valve coupling is typically a valve stem which must be rotated approximately ninety degrees from an open position to a closed position. The pneumatic drive is sufficiently powerful to actuate valves which are noticeably difficult to actuate manually. The force required to actuate the trigger mechanism is independent of the force required to actuate the valve, in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The latch is of the type comprising a case 1 for the latch mechanism 6 and a keeper 4 which is movable relative to this case. The latch mechanism 6 comprises a forked bolt 7 for hooking onto the keeper, a shifting lever 16 for, in a first position thereof, retaining the bolt 7 in its hooking position and, in a second position thereof, releasing this bolt so as to permit the opening of the latch, and an electric actuating device which is adapted, by means of a motor 34 and a transmission 31, 33, to determine the two positions of said shifting lever 16. There are provided a device 29 for accumulating mechanical energy and loaded by the transmission 31, 33, a retaining device 22, 23 for retaining the shifting lever 16 in its first position and a striker device 28 adapted to retract the retaining device 22, 23 when the mechanical energy accumulating device 29 is controlled for releasing its mechanical energy and thus allow the movement of the shifting lever 16 to its second position for releasing the latch 7.

Abstract: A control apparatus for the blade clutch assembly of a walk-behind powered lawnmower is provided that incorporates a "dead man" feature along with a two-step procedure for engagement of the clutch. The control apparatus includes a shiftable bail, a cable having an engageable end portion, a two-armed coupling mechanism responsive to shifting of the handle, and a pivotally mounted cam for engaging and disengaging the coupling mechanism from the cable end portion. The coupling mechanism is positioned in cable end portion engaging alignment by shifting of the handle to a first position, and is maintained in engagement with the cable end portion by one surface of the cam as the handle and cable are shifted to second positions. The cable is biased by a coil spring to its first position, and upon release of the handle the cable will shift from the second to the first position.

Abstract: An improved operating mechanism is provided for controlling the operational state of an electrical switch or interrupter between open and closed positions. The operating mechanism includes a switch operating member that is selectively movable in switch-opening and switch-closing directions to effect opening and closing of the switch. The operating mechanism stores energy to selectively close the switch and to immediately thereafter be capable of opening the switch as required. A carriage is driven to charge an opening spring and a closing spring while the switch operating member remains latched in a stationary position. The closing spring acts between the carriage and the switch operating member. The opening spring acts between the carriage and the frame or housing of the operating mechanism. An independent latch is provided for each of the switch operating member and the carriage; each of the latches directly operating on a respective one of the switch operating member or the carriage.

Abstract: A handle release mechanism for a poker machine (also known as a slot machine or a fruit machine) in which the pulling of the handle and thus operation of the machine under certain circumstances is prevented by means of a latch; instead of being controlled directly by a solenoid the freeing of the latch is controlled by means of a spring loaded cam, actuation of the solenoid permitting movement of the cam under the action of the spring thereby releasing the latch and allowing the machine to be played. This arrangement necessitates energization of the solenoid only for very short periods.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator is disclosed that is capable of high-speed and high force operation having a movable ram member that is biased toward executing a mechanical motion. A solenoid disengages a locking brake that via one input to a differential transmission triggers a high power mechanical stored energy to cause the ram member to execute its motion. A d.c. motor is connected to the other input of the differential transmission and provides an alternate to release the locking brake in the event of failure of the solenoid. Upon reversal of the polarity of the power supply to the motor, the ram member is reset.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator system for use in an aircraft in high frequency electromagnetic environments is disclosed. The system includes an electromechanical switch which responds to a control signal to actuate a device on the airplane. A pair of capacitors is installed in the control signal circuit and the indicator light circuit of the switch within a switch housing. These capacitors cooperate to suppress electromagnetic radiation and voltage transients emitted by the switch. A low pass filter line cable is attached at one end to the switch and at its other end to the source of the control signal and other devices on the aircraft. The individual conductors of this cable are electrically insulated, and these insulated conductors are encased in an electrical shield which is also electrically insulated. To protect the system from high frequency electromagnetic interference, this cable is over 12 inches long, and substantially the entire periphery of the shield is grounded at both ends of the cable.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved "harmonic screw" type actuator wherein rotary motion of the power input component is converted into linear motion of the output component by means of a strain wave imposed upon a flexible sleeve member of the assembly, which is flexed into intermittent screw engagement by a member which is motor-driven to rotate relative to the periphery of the flexible sleeve; thereby causing progressively advancing/retreating inter-engagements of thread-like surfaces formed on the axially stationary and axially movable components of the system. A variety of automatic "fail-safe" provisions are included as well as means for manual operation in power loss situations.

Abstract: A container is positioned on an electrically insulated support and pierced by a spring actuated piercing device while a stream of gas flows adjacent the support.

Abstract: An automatic valve motor for shutting off utilities, such as gas, in the event of an earthquake. The valve motor is self-contained and can be mounted by unskilled persons on a conventional residential gas installation adjacent the main valve without modifying the valve or interfering with the operation of the gas line. An omnidirectionally movable pendulum acting on a pivotal latch is used to release for rotation a wheel whose hub has a key slot which engages the actuator bar of the gas valve. The wheel is driven by a linear spring arrangement which exerts a generally tangential turning force on the wheel for maximum leverage throughout an arc of rotation of about 90.degree..

Abstract: Device for moving an element between two end positions and for selectively holding this element alternately in one of these positions, comprising an energy buffer mechanically coupled with this element, which buffer may be in one of two corresponding stationary end states, in which the energy is present in the form of potential energy, and in intermediate translation states, in which potential energy is transformed in kinetic energy and vice versa, a mass driven by the energy buffer and moved to one of the two end positions, and locking means for each of the two end states of the energy buffer. According to the present invention the mass is movable elastically over a predetermined distance with respect to the energy buffer and with respect to the element, so that when the element reaches one of its end positions the mass can move further over a predetermined distance towards its end position, thus transforming all kinetic in potential energy.

Abstract: A timer comprising a driven control cam having a first and second cam track. First and second resilient arms carry opposing contacts and the second arm has a lateral projection in the direction of the second cam track. A cam following member extending between the second arm and first cam track is biased into cam-following engagement with the first cam track by the second arm. A spring biased pivotal rocker arm having at one end a cam follower portion and at the other end a lifter portion. During rotation of the control cam, the cam following member and first cam track are operative to prevent closing the contacts. The cam following member and firt cam track further being operative to release the cam following member from the first cam track and close the contact. The rocker arm and second cam track being operative to pivot the rocker arm so the lifter portion engages the lateral projection of the second arm and opens the contacts.

Abstract: An actuator responsive to seismic or other shock forces includes a first swinging arm yieldingly urged pivotally in one direction and releasably retained against such swinging movement by shock responsive means acting to permit swinging movement of the arm in response to predetermined shock forces, a second arm for actuating a controlled element and which is swung through an angle shorter than the first arm by a mechanical advantage linkage including two links pivotally connected together at first ends and pivotally connected at second ends to a support structure and to the mentioned second arm, together with a third link operable to swing the first and second links from relatively angularly disposed positions toward aligned and preferably overcenter positions in response to the swinging movement of the first arm to cause the desired relatively smaller movement of the second arm with resultant increased force applicable to the controlled element.

Abstract: A seismic actuator preferably including a differential gear mechanism having an output connected to a valve or other element to be controlled, an input connected to a manually operated member, and an input/output connected to a power unit which acts automatically upon subjection of the apparatus to shock forces to actuate the controlled member, with the differential gear mechanism functioning to permit operation of the controlled element by either the manually operated member or the automatic power unit, and also enabling resetting of the power unit by the manual member. The apparatus may include a source of pressure fluid and valve means responsive to shock forces to control the delivery of pressure fluid to a power unit in a manner causing the power unit to actuate the controlled element when the shock forces are encountered.

Abstract: A suds return valve for automatic washers is provided in which a flapper valve can be manually set to save suds water for subsequent use, the valve being automatically returned to direct rinse liquid to drain after the suds water has reached a predetermined height in a storage receptacle. The valve can be manually set to use suds water in a wash cycle and the valve would be automatically returned to send water to the drain after a predetermined amount of suds water has been removed from the storage receptacle.