Abstract: A shock actuated valve including a first structure mounted to swing about a first axis and which is releasably retained by a first latch in a first position, with the latch being automatically releasable when the device is subjected to earthquake forces or other shock forces, and a second structure including a valve and which is mounted to swing about a second axis and is releasably retained in an open valve position by a second latch controlled by the first swinging structure. When shock forces cause release of said first structure for swinging movement from its reset position, such swinging movement automatically releases the second structure and its valve for spring urged swinging movement in a direction closing the valve.

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: 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: An actuator for moving a valve or other controlled part in correspondence with variations in an input signal and including a piston movable in opposite directions within a cylinder and having a smaller effective area exposed to fluid in a first chamber at one side of the piston than to fluid in a second chamber at the opposite side of the piston, a pressure fluid source delivering pressurized fluid to the first of these chambers and delivering pressurized fluid to the second chamber through a three way valve having a body containing inlet and outlet openings and a valve element movable relative thereto in a manner varying the pressure delivered to the second chamber of the cylinder.

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: 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: 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: A manual actuator which enables manual operation of a valve, damper or other controlled element upon loss of hydraulic pressure in an associated electrohydraulic actuator assembly. The apparatus preferably includes nut segments which are automatically moved into engagement with a coacting threaded shaft upon loss of hydraulic pressure in the electrohydraulic device and which function when so engaged with the shaft to render a manual operating element effective to move the controlled part.