Abstract: A device which, under the effect of water, separates the cartridge-like receiving means and the connector of a retainer for an oxygen mask, preferably for pilots. The receiving means is connected with a support, for example a helmut on the head of a person, and the connector, to which the oxygen mask is attached, is safely held in the receiving means with securing elements which are under tension and which can be released by a bracket mounted on the connector. The device includes a housing which is held directly on the connector. A spring bolt, which can be moved against the force of a compression spring, is guided in the housing. A lever arm which can shift the bracket is mounted on the spring bolt. A self-acting element, which loses its rigidity in water, and which holds the compression spring in the tensioned position, acts on the spring bolt.

Abstract: A remotely controlled circuit control device has first and second load contact assemblies movable into circuit engagement and circuit disengagement positions relative to one another in which one load contact assembly is operatively connected to a solenoid so that alternate forward strokes of the solenoid moves the one load contact assembly between reset and tripped positions through a push-push mechanism having an indexing portion and a latching portion. An overload mechanism cooperates with the latch portion to cause the load contact assemblies to move to the circuit disengaged position upon occurrence of a fault condition. The second load contact assembly includes pivotably mounted contact members which are linked to the first load contact assembly in such a way that circuit engagement during solenoid energization is precluded.

Abstract: A remotely controlled circuit control device has first and second load contact assemblies movable into circuit engagement and circuit disengagement positions relative to one another in which one load contact assembly is operatively connected to a solenoid so that alternate forward strokes of the solenoid moves the one load contact assembly between reset and tripped positions through a push-push mechanism having an indexing portion and a latching portion. An overload mechanism cooperates with the latch portion to cause the load contact assemblies to move to the circuit disengaged position upon occurrence of a fault condition. The second load contact assembly includes pivotably mounted contact members which are linked to the first load contact assembly in such a way that circuit engagement during solenoid energization is precluded.

Abstract: The device controls an actuating device having a linear displacement and a sudden action, for example a device actuating a latch. The actuating device is disposed in a case provided with an aperture through which it is capable of emerging under the action of a spring after the release of a locking device until it abuts against an element connected to the case. Provided inside the case is a wheel actuated by an electric motor and a device for driving under the action of the wheel the displacement of the actuating device in opposition to the action of the spring at least until the return movement of the actuating device is locked by the locking device. A device is also provided in the case for unlocking the locking device upon the subsequent rotation of the wheel. A device is provided in the case for interrupting the supply of current to the motor and consequently stopping the rotation of the wheel after the locking of the operating device by the locking device but before the unlocking of the locking device.

Abstract: A holding mechanism for holding a workpiece in position during an operation being performed by an operating device (7) passing along the workpiece includes a toggle linkage (1, 2, 3), a projecting member (9) attached to the device, and a cam track (2) connected to one part of the toggle linkage, the arrangement being such that, towards the end of the pass of the device, after it has completed its operation on the workpiece, the projecting member (9) engages the cam track (2), further movement of the device causes the projecting member (9) to move the middle pivot (3) of toggle linkage to release it and, hence, release the workpiece as the device completes its pass. Preferably the toggle linkage is arranged as an over-center toggle linkage with its other component formed by a telescopic arm (1).

Abstract: A moveable wing aircraft including a quick release, attachment mechanism carrying the aircraft on a bomb rack or other carrier and a mechanism for deploying the moveable wing from its captive carry position to its extended free flight position are disclosed. The aircraft includes an elongate fuselage, a portion of the top surface of which is substantially flat in order to accommodate the moveable wing. The moveable wing is positionable between a captive carry position in which it is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the fuselage and an extended free flight position. The single, moveable wing is pivoted around a central point from its captive carry position to its extended free flight position such that it is substantially perpendicular to the aircraft fuselage. The quick release mechanism extends through apertures in the wing in its captive carry position and is spring biased to retract through the wing and into the aircraft fuselage when released from the bomb rack or other carrier.

Abstract: A usually unloaded feeler member responsive to a critical change of condition and incorporated in the lock of e.g. a buckle fastening of a safety belt, which feeler member is adapted under spring action to move the locking member of the lock from the locking position to the release position.

Abstract: An actuator has a driving piston disposed in a cylinder tube and is interlockable with a driving stem, the driving piston being normally biased resiliently downwardly, but when the driving piston is forced upwardly, it is retained against the resilient force of a retaining device. When the driving piston is forced downwardly, the retaining device is released from its retaining action, allowing the piston to descend rapidly by virtue of the resilient force, the driving piston being connected to a valve body of a valve assembly or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the application of feed motion to a working member in a machine such as a honing machine including a working member mounted on a support structure or mandrel and movable thereon into engagement with the work surface, mechanism movable to advance the working member under pressure into engagement with the work surface, and other mechanism to predeterminately control and limit the feed motion, independent of pressure, the other mechanism comprising a dash pot assembly having relatively movable portions one of which is pivotally attached to the machine and the other of which is axially movable relative thereto, a spring normally biasing the portions of the dash pot assembly together into a predetermined inoperative condition, cooperatively engageable cam and cam follower members including mounting structure therefor operatively engageable with the other portion of the dash pot assembly, a link member operatively connecting the cam follower member to the feed up mechanism on the machin

Abstract: A clutch release assist mechanism for avoiding excessive clutch pedal efforts. The assist mechanism includes a spring-loaded apparatus to bias the clutch toward a release disposition, but the assist function is not activated until after initial movement of the release mechanism has been effected by the operator through pedal displacement. The amount of spring bias to assist the mechanism is less than that of the clutch to permit the clutch to revert to a closed or engaged position once the release mechanism has been deactivated. This mechanism includes a rack operated in conjunction with a piston and cylinder arrangement to provide for "free travel" before activation of an assist spring. The rack in turn operates through a sector or pinion to rotate a clutch release shaft between a clutch disengaged and engaged positions.

Abstract: An industrial emergency brake is disclosed having a pair of braking members disposed on opposite sides of a brake member such as a brake disc. A stack of Belleville washers constantly urge each brake member towards engagement with the brake member. A retaining member normally keeps each of the braking members out of engagement with the brake member. The retaining member is a frangible explosive component containing an explosive charge and fractures to permit the stack of Belleville washers to urge the braking member into engagement with the brake member. The retaining member may be a bolt, fixed between a fixed support and the braking member, a nut bearing against the fixed support and in engagement with a stud bolt or a washer between a nut and the fixed support. A set of jacks may be used to disengage the brake.

Abstract: A movable member, including a first piston in a hydraulic cylinder, is biased toward a first position by a reset spring and toward a second position by a trip spring which is compressed between the first piston and a second piston in the same cylinder. The second piston is disposed for limited floating movement relative to said movable member. Hydraulic fluid under pressure is admitted into a first chamber between the first piston and the adjacent end of the cylinder, and a constricted fluid passage in the movable member enables the hydraulic fluid to flow between the first chamber and a second chamber defined by the second, floating piston and the other end of the cylinder. With equal, relatively high fluid pressure in both chambers, the trip spring is charged and the movable member is held by the reset spring in its first position.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing solar energy, including a thermal-expansion motor operating through a ratchet mechanism to compress a coil spring located in an energy cell.

Abstract: Agricultural vehicles, such as a forage harvester, have been equipped with metal detectors. The metal detecting device is connected to stop the feed roll mechanism in a fraction of a second. In connection with this, it is important to shift the associated feed roll drive from a forward mode to a neutral mode. Such shifting, if done manually, may involve a delay sufficient to permit the harvester head to jam with crop material. Jamming is avoided by apparatus for automatically declutching a gear selector thus almost instantaneously shifting to the desired neutral mode in response to actuation of the metal detecting device.

Abstract: An actuator has a fail-safe mechanism operable by a spring. The spring is normally held inoperable by electrical means so that the fail-safe mechanism is independent of the normal operation of the actuator. The fail-safe mechanism is rendered operative by failure of the electrical supply so that the spring rotates a cam plate which is coupled with the switch plate so as to move the output shaft to a predetermined fail-safe position by the stored energy of the spring force.

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: Apparatus is shown for use in loading contacts in contact receiving bores of a resilient insert body. The insert body is provided with internal shoulders and bores forming restrictive passages for holding the contacts and for holding wires attached to the contacts. The apparatus includes an adapter associated with a breech loading assembly for accepting and holding the insert body. An assembly including a bullet within a barrel is pushed into the insert body to gently enlarge the shoulders and the bores. The bullet is then retracted to a stop position, leaving the barrel in place in the bore. The breech lock is then opened and contacts are loaded by hand, or other means, into the bore to the stop position. The barrel is then retracted from the bore permitting the internal shoulders of the resilient insert body to expand and grip the contacts. Thereafter, the resilient insert body, with its contacts and appropriate leads in place, is removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a trigger mechanism for use in controlling the supply of a compressed gas to a gas activated device, including a valve body including an inlet port for connection to the supply of compressed gas and at least one outlet port for connection to the gas activated device and with an internal recess coupled to the inlet and outlet ports, a valve member located within the recess in the valve body and intermediate the inlet and outlet ports and with the valve member having a closed position providing for no path between the inlet and outlet ports and having an open position providing for a path between the inlet and outlet ports, a spring member coupled between the valve member and the valve body for providing a force for normally moving the valve member from the closed position to the open position, a trigger mechanism mounted on the valve body and including an armed position with the trigger mechanism locked and a fired position, and with the trigger mechanism coupled to the valve member

Abstract: There is disclosed a testing system employing a circulating tool, a cushion valve, a seal unit packer with a foot sleeve, and a landing nipple with a transducer fitting. This system permits running a packer with a foot sleeve and transducer fitting and landing it in the well, and subsequently running a tubing with a circulating tool and cushion valve to land in the seal unit. Thereafter a transducer may be run on a wireline.

Abstract: An operation mechanism comprises an input shaft connected to a first resilient member for storing and releasing energy required for a reciprocal movement of a drivable member and an output shaft connected to a second resilient member for storing and releasing energy required for returning the drivable member. The ends of both shafts are coaxially faced and a clutch for interlocking the ends of the shafts with a free rotation for a half turn is formed and an output rod connected to the output shaft is reciprocally moved during an intermittent movement of the input shaft and the output shaft for about a half turn in a specific direction.

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 flash butt welder with an operating lever connected to the movable platen and control mechanism therefor including a rotatable cam member having an arcuate cam surface with a flash portion followed by a radially inwardly extending upset portion, a cam member driving wheel mounted on the operating lever in contact with the flash portion of the cam surface for rotating the cam member and a snubbing device for controlling the rotation of the same member.

Abstract: A control system actuating assembly (172) includes a bearing shaft (178) having an axis (176), first and second juxtaposed elements (174,198) individually pivotally mounted on the bearing shaft (178) between first and second positions, a biasing member (200) continually urging the second element (198) toward the second position, a retention device (218) for retaining the second element (198) in the first position, and a releasing apparatus (168) for releasing the retention device (218) and permitting the second element (198) to be moved toward the second position by the biasing member (200), the second element (198) contacting the first element (174) in the first position and automatically moving the first element (174) toward the second position. Preferably a control level (92) is connected to the first element (174) for selecting and/or visually noting from its dual position the corresponding mode of operation of an associated control system such as a brake control system (10) of a vehicle (12).

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus including a housing that surrounds a rotor of heat absorbent material. A pair of oppositely spaced sector plates intermediate the ends of the rotor and the rotor housing are subjected to a force biasing them to conform to thermal deformation of the rotor to preclude leakage of fluid therebetween. A mechanism is provided whereby the sector plates are quickly released from the biasing force to preclude interference between the rotor and the sector plates.

Abstract: A tool for facilitating the insertion of an electrical contact into a contact receiving bore of a resilient electrical connector together with a unitary control mechanism for such a tool. The tool has bore enlarging means including a sleeve and a rod coaxially aligned within the sleeve for insertion into the bore of the connector for enlargement thereof. The tool also includes a unitary control mechanism operatively associated therewith which enables relative movement between the sleeve and the rod. The unitary control mechanism includes spring release means which in a first position resists rearward movement of the sleeve and the rod, in a second position permits rearward movement of the rod but resists rearward movement of the sleeve, and again in the first position permits rearward movement of the sleeve for relative sequential movement between the sleeve and the rod.

Abstract: A reversible motor operated valve with a spring assist. The assist spring is provided to store energy therein as the motor actuates the valve from its closed to its open position. When the motor is reversed to actuate the valve back from its open to its closed position, the energy stored in the spring will be released to assist the motor in closing the valve.

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: An acceleration responsive tripping mechanism which employs the use of a weighted ball which rests upon a pedestal when in the at rest position. Upon movement of the ball from the pedestal, the ball will contact a suspended member which is subsequently moved causing activation of an actuation means.

Abstract: A thermal responsive valve including a housing in which a valve member is normally urged from a first to a second position but restrained from such movement by restraining means including a pair of pins adapted to engage a portion of the member and be laterally spread apart against the frictional action of retaining means. The retaining means are in turn supported by a portion of a fusible link so when the temperature reaches a predetermined level, the fusible link melts and no longer supports the retaining means so that the pins may fall from restraining contact with the member by gravity and thus permit the member to move to the second position. The above indicated frictional coaction enables a relatively lightweight or weak fusible link to restrain a member against a relatively strong urging force by the mechanical advantage brought about by the coaction of the pins against the retaining means.

Abstract: A pressure control assembly having a snap-acting Belleville washer responsive to fluid pressure, and a switch actuating mechanism movable therewith, includes an adjusting mechanism for the snap-acting Belleville washer. The adjusting mechanism includes at least one pin which can be moved along the surface of the Belleville washer to change the Belleville washer's pivot point by increasing or decreasing its lever arm, thus varying its snap pressure. In the preferred embodiment, there are three pins which extend through aligned slots in an upper and lower plate and the pins can be moved radially inwardly and outwardly by rotating the lower plate relative to the upper plate.

Abstract: Drive for a high speed disconnect switch which attains both high speed closing and high speed opening and requiring one spring for both the closing and opening operation.

Abstract: A vacuum interrupter latch release mechanism employs a pivotably mounted trigger action arm in cooperation with a support arm assembly to resist the force of a main spring until the normally closed interrupter must be opened. Rotating the trigger action arm causes a catch on the trigger arm to become disengaged from an associated stop provided on the support arm assembly and allows the support arm assembly to pivot under the force of the main spring while being resisted by its weaker support spring. The rotation of the support arm is accelerated by the main spring. After a short stroke, an associated linkage impacts a stop on the vacuum interrupter which then becomes opened. The large force of the main spring causes virtually no wearing effect on the catch and stop faces over long periods of continuous operation.

Abstract: A circuit breaker the moving contacts of which are closed by a charged spring or plurality of springs in which the circuit breaker is of minimum size for any given application and maximum simplicity in manufacture. The circuit breaker closing system is a cam closed system in which the closing cam acts also as a prop latch for supporting the spring operating mechanism in charged position. The cam follower path is determined by three cam surfaces between which the closing forces are transmitted through free floating rollers; this obviates the need for toggle links for the transmission of forces or the guiding of the cam follower rollers. This arrangement, by permitting the distribution of the variable mechanical advantage of a cam slope among three members, instead of building it into just one member allows the use of a smaller diameter primary closing cam; it also permits an application of closing forces appropriately tailored to the requirements of each circuit breaker.

Abstract: A resetting device coupled to a thermostat which has a resetting pin actuated by depressing the same, comprises a body arranged to be movable towards and away from the resetting pin; a propelling device for launching the body in the direction of the resetting pin for depressing the resetting pin by the body in an impact-like manner; and an operating arrangement movable into an actuating position for actuating the propelling device. The resetting pin is freely movable subsequent to the impact-like engagement by the body, irrespective of the momentarily-assumed position of the operating arrangement.

Abstract: A tape trip mechanism is featured that is easily retro-fittable to postage tape dispensing machines in the field. The tape trip device is automatically operative in response to electrical control signals generated by a digital scale, a computer, or other electrical-type mail equipment. The tape trip mechanism is mounted within the postage tape dispensing machine by fastening the mechanism into existing holes in the inside frame. A flexible cable of the mechanism actuates the machine dispensing system by rotating a shaft supporting a manual trip lever. When the manual lever is exercised, the flexible cable is caused to collapse, and therefore, the cable does not interfere with the manual operation. Thus the automatic electrical control is independent from the manual control, allowing the user a greater flexibility in machine operation.

Abstract: A spring-drive mechanism for controlling the switch-on and switch-off positions of contacts of an electric switch wherein the conventional lever system for relaying the rotating force from the helical spring to the contacts is replaced by a structure which includes a fixed hollow cylinder in which a movable coupling shaft is located, the hollow cylinder having axially staggered wall bores in which balls are positioned, the configuration and positioning of the coupling shaft within the hollow cylinder determining whether one or the other of the balls is positioned to extend outwardly of the outer surface of the cylinder. The hollow cylinder is positioned with one end of a hollow shaft which coaxially encompasses a drive shaft and helical spring combination, the structure including interconnecting projections to provide for selective rotational interengagements between the hollow shaft and the drive shaft.

Abstract: In a camera, a shutter release member is pivotally connected to a motion transmitting lever between respective end portions of the lever. One end portion of the lever normally contacts a removable fulcrum, and the other end portion contacts a restraining member provided for a shutter drive member. To initiate shutter actuation for picture-taking, the shutter release member is manually depressed to swing the lever about the removable fulcrum. The swinging lever moves the restraining member from a restraining position to a releasing position, freeing the drive member to actuate the camera shutter. To prevent unintended shutter actuation by inadvertently depressing the shutter release member, the fulcrum is removed from the lever. Then, manual depression of the shutter release member swings the lever about the restraining member, which is spring held in its restraining position to serve as an alternate fulcrum for the lever.

Abstract: A motor driven actuator, providing continuous positioning of an output shaft, and employing energy storage which allows the shaft to return to a predetermined position on failure of the input power source or other predetermined occurrence. Drive motor torque requirements are minimized through sequential application of input torque to the energy storage and actuator load. This arrangement insures that adequate energy storage for return of the output shaft is continuously available during normal actuator operation including alternate output shaft positioning.When utilized to operate a fluid control valve, the valve actuator combination provides a fail-safe valve which under emergency or other prescribed conditions provides return of the valve to a safe condition from any normal operating position throughout the limit of the valve travel.

Abstract: A pair of contacting rolling spheres are disposed in a tubular housing inmediate a stationary cam element and a fluidically damped and lubricated movable cam-piston member. The cam-piston member provides an axial force of sufficient strength to restrain loosely stacked elements of a spin stabilized munition. The device has its longitudinal axis offset from the main spin axis of the munition in order to utilize centrifugal forces associated with spin to generate by cam action an axial thrust force of sufficient magnitude and proper direction to restrain slidable elements within the munition.

Abstract: An operating device for an electric circuit breaker comprises a closing spring and a rotatable spring-controller mounted for rotation between first and second dead-center positions with respect to the spring. The spring is charged by transmitting rotational forces to the spring-controller through a pawl mounted on the spring controller and an abutment on a rotatable driving member. Cam means is provided for releasing the pawl from driven engagement with the abutment at the end of a spring-charging operation. Circuit-breaker closing is effected by allowing the spring quickly to discharge after a charging operation.Discharge of the spring carries the spring-controller into said second dead-center position and produces oscillations of the spring-controller immediately following such discharge. The cam means holds the pawl out of a collision path with respect to said abutment during such oscillations, even if such oscillations should carry the spring-controller through as much as 90.degree.

Abstract: A valve actuator employs a torsion spring type clutch to engage and disengage a drive motor and an output shaft. The torsion spring normally engages and is connected to a gear which may be engaged by a dog to cause disengagement of the clutch. The output shaft carries a pinion which is engaged with a rack carried on a piston which is slidable in a closed fluid containing cylinder. The piston includes an axial passageway with a metering orifice therein which smoothes the operation of the actuator and provides positive stops for the output shaft with a minimization of impact between the piston and the ends of the cylinder.

Abstract: A trip device to prevent continued operation of a rotating machine upon the occurrence of an undesirable operating condition includes a sensing element to sense the occurrence of the undesirable operating condition. The trip device further includes an operating arm normally spaced from the sensing element. The sensing element moves into contact with the operating arm upon the occurrence of the undesirable operating condition. The device further includes a trigger to lock the operating arm in its normal operating position, with the sensing element moving the arm relative to the trigger upon the occurrence of the undesirable operating condition. The trigger thereafter acts as a stop to maintain the operating arm in a position spaced from the sensing element.

Abstract: A starter for a rope pull outboard motor that may be quickly and readily attached to the top of the motor housing. The device includes an outboard motor rope pulling member that can be spring-loaded by a manually operable means after which the handle of the outboard motor rope may be connected to the rope pulling member. Novel guiding means is used for the rapid movement of the rope pulling member to quickly pull the rope to start the motor when the spring biased rope pulling member is freed. A shock absorber brings the rope pulling member to a resilient stop at the end of the movement of the member.

Abstract: A mechanism for actuating a restraint divestment system for instant release of a crewman equipped with a parachute and restraint harness from an aircraft ejection seat mounted restraint assembly in the event of any emergency requiring such separation. In non-ejection emergencies, the mechanism effects the release of leg restraints, seat lap belt, and the disconnect couplings connecting the parachute riser and shoulder straps and survival kit to the harness so that, in the event of a surface emergency, the crewman can escape from the aircraft with his harness intact.

Abstract: Vibration sensing and responding apparatus which includes a concave spherical surface and a ball disposed on said surface. Spring loaded means extends through said surface and is retained in position by said ball. Should the ball be displaced by horizontal vibration of the surface or be displaced by a mechanism responding to vertical vibration, the spring loaded means will move upwardly and in so doing actuate a device coupled thereto.

Abstract: A valve mechanism is disclosed comprising valve body means with a fluid flow passage communicating an inlet and an outlet. A valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the fluid flow passage is connected to a stem which extends outwardly from the valve body. Handle means externally secured to the stem include a cam operable against the valve body for actuating the valve away from a seat within the valve body. A shut-off spring functions to urge the valve toward its valve seat. Cooperating latching means are provided on the handle means and stem to lock the parts with less than 90.degree. rotation of the handle means. Release means cooperate with the latching means to free the handle means for rotation and permit the stem to move so that the main spring can close the valve. The handle, latching means, and stem are arranged to rotate so as to permit actuation of the handle in any position about 360.degree. of the axis of rotation of the stem.

Abstract: A resettable device is provided for supporting an object, sensing when an environment reaches a critical temperature and releasing the object when the critical temperature is reached. It includes a flexible container having a material inside with a melting point at the critical temperature. The object's weight is supported by the solid material which gives rigidity to the container until the critical temperature is reached at which point the material in the container melts. The flexible container with the now fluid material inside has insufficient strength to support the object which is thereby released. Biasing means forces the container back to its original shape so that when the temperature falls below the melting temperature the material again solidifies, and the object may again be supported by the device.

Abstract: In a safety valve actuating mechanism there is included a valve operating means, a biasing means, a lever means, a support means, a cam follower means, a first cam member and a second cam member. The valve operating means is movable between a first position and a second position while being biased toward the second position by the biasing means. The lever means is operably connected to the valve operating means and movable at least between a first fulcrum point and a second fulcrum point. The support means releasably supports the lever means at the first fulcrum point. The first and second cam members are spaced adjacent to the cam follower means which is operably connected to the lever means. The first and second cam members and the cam follower means are adapted to control the movement of the valve operating means with the lever means positioned at either the first fulcrum point or the second fulcrum point.

Abstract: An automatic timer device is disclosed, useful for turning on and off a valve in an automatic system, such as a water softener, and being adapted to be programmed for an automatic operation over an extended period of time.

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.