Abstract: In a system and method for automatically controlling a vehicle's speed, the rate of change of the inter-vehicle distance per predetermined unit of time is calculated from the detected inter-vehicle distance between the controlled vehicle and a preceding vehicle, a basic safe inter-vehicle distance is corrected according to the calculated rate of change of the inter-vehicle distance per predetermined time, and the vehicle speed is controlled according to the difference between the corrected safe inter-vehicle distance and the detected inter-vehicle distance.

Abstract: A pressure operated regulator valve has a regulator spring that is held in place by a spring holder. The spring holder may be inserted into a spring housing and once inserted is locked in place. Adjustment of the valve spring may be made but the spring cannot be removed.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve for controlling pressure in high pressure hydraulic circuits includes a closure member with an integral control piston and a conical seating surface cooperable with a complementary surface on a seat member. The valve closure member is biased in the closed position by an actuating mechanism including a pressure gas piston and cylinder arrangement utilizing a flexible diaphragm for sealing the actuator pressure chamber. The effective cross-sectional area of the control piston is large enough to minimize the differences in cross-sectional areas on the closure member exposed to pressure fluid between the valve closed and valve open positions whereby a minimum variation between the valve opening pressure and the control pressure is experienced.

Abstract: A rolling diaphragm regulator valve is affixed in a globe type valve body and includes a nonstretchable fabric reinforced elastomer diaphragm for covering and uncovering, by rolling action in response to changes in pressure in a control chamber, a plurality of apertures in a baffle positioned between the valve body inlet and outlet. An axially movable spring-biased nose piece, mounted behind the diaphragm, provides a surface over which the diaphragm is draped for controlling substantially all movement of the diaphragm. A travel indicator is operable by movement of the nose piece to provide a visual indication of the position of the valve. In one embodiment the baffle is notched adjacent to a peripheral mounting surface of the diaphragm, whereat the ends of the fabric reinforcement are exposed to permit entrained gases to escape. Other embodiments include areas of the diaphragm, exposed to the apertures, that have pinholes in the elastomer surface and that have the fabric surface exposed.

Abstract: A compact, light weight fluid flow control device adapted to be interconnected between a source of fluid under pressure and a normally stowed inflatable system such as a safety slide or flotation unit. The device uniquely initiates fluid flow between the source and the inflatable system by means of either a pyrotechnic device or a redundant mechanical system. Once fluid flow has been initiated, the device uniquely regulates and controls the flow of fluid toward the inflatable system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat sensitive jack for overriding a valve including a valve body and a gate valve member connected to a valve stem which is operated by a linear actuator having an actuator body and an actuator stem connected to the valve stem extending outwardly of the actuator body, wherein the actuator stem is movable between an open and a closed position, and wherein no hazardous projectiles are formed when the stem moves to the closed position. The jack includes a cap connectable to the body and a nut axially movably disposed in the cap for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein the distance between the first and second positions is at least as great as the distance between the open and closed positions of the valve. A fusible element is provided to normally maintain the nut in the first position, but which upon being exposed to excessive temperature will allow the nut to move to the second position within the cap.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic valve according to the invention comprises one or more pyrotechnic devices able to produce gases under a high pressure, which has the effect of suddenly deforming a membrane equipped with a rigid weight. The latter projects a punch, which shears a tight end fitting, thus freeing the fluid passage. The membrane ensures a perfect seal between the fluid circulation zone and the zone containing the gases produced by the pyrotechnic devices.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus for use primarily in plug-type valves provides means for continuously varying the flow rate of fluid through the valve while using the same operator that is used to control the open and closed position of the valve. The invention utilizes a globe valve-type throttling plug which requires no special mechanism to coordinate the throttling motion of the valve. Only the plug and lower plate of the valve body are modified relative to existing plug valves to achieve a unique flow control capability. The plug of the invention provides distinct inlet and outlet channels separated by a flow control passage which may be selectively obstructed by a fixed flow control element which is an integral portion of an inverted lower trunnion extending from the bottom plate of the valve body. The vertical position of the plug with the plug rotated for alignment with the inlet and outlet of the valve, determines the degree of flow through the plug.

Abstract: The actuating knob comprises a body of substantially cylindrical configuration and at least one wing supported on the body for rotation about a substantially parallel axis to the axis of said body. The, at least one wing being positionable at a home position, whereat it is contained within the outline of the body. The, at least one wing also being positionable at an operative position, whereat it protrudes substantially radially from the body to increase the working diameter thereof.

Abstract: A pressure relief and drain valve includes a poppet valve on a valve body movable in a primary valve chamber between closed and open positions and spring biased to the closed position. A secondary valve slidable on the poppet valve cooperates therewith and with the valve body in defining a variable volume secondary chamber within the primary chamber. Passages in the poppet valve connect the fluid circuit upstream of the poppet valve with the secondary chamber and drain orifices in the poppet valve connect the secondary chamber with a sump. When the net fluid pressure force on the poppet valve in the opening direction exceeds the spring force, the poppet valve opens for pressure relief. The fluid flows over a suction surface on the poppet valve when the latter is open and the pressure drop at the suction surface proportional to the flow velocity is communicated by the passages to the secondary chamber so that the valve opens further and the pressure drop across the valve is substantially constant.

Abstract: A brake cable coupling means for a rear wheel scissor hand brake activated by a cable which is pulled away from the brake to cause the scissoring against the rear wheel rim. The brake cable coupling means includes an inner rotatable member slidably mounted on the stem of the front fork of the bicycle and a separate cable portion extending to a hand brake handle mounted on the handle bar. An outer sleeve member surrounds the inner rotatable member with another cable portion secured thereto and extending to said brake. Alternatively bearing means may be interposed between the inner member and the outer sleeve or form a part of said outer sleeve. The inner sleeve member includes means to move said outer sleeve and said bearing means vertically upwardly therewith to activate said brake. The brake cable coupling means is activatable no matter what degree of rotation the front wheel of the bicycle is turned relative to the location of the respective cable portions.

Abstract: A fluid valve system (10) is provided to control fluid flow passing from a conduit passage (12). The valve system (10) includes a movable closure (20) which is reversibly displaceable in a transverse direction (22) passing in a direction substantially normal to the fluid flow passing in a longitudinal direction (14). The movable closure (20) is insertable within the conduit passage (12) in order to block or cut off the fluid flow passing through aligned conduits (16 and 18). The valve system (10) includes a pair of resilient sealing mechanisms (34) which provide for substantially planar second sealing base members (46) for resiliently contacting opposing surfaces (48 and 50) of movable closure (20). Additionally, there is provided a biasing mechanism (56) for resiliently biasing the second sealing base members (46) into contiguous contact with surfaces (48 and 50) of movable closure (20) over an extended area.

Abstract: A break-away coupling for incorporation in a hoseline or pipeline, comprises a pair of tubular coupling members each being arranged at its one end for connection to a length of hoseline and provided at its other end with a face to be held in sealing engagement with a complementary face of the other member by frangible connectors. Each connector has one end length of spatulate shape and formed with a through opening to receive a shear pin, a screwed length at the other end to receive a nut, and an intermediate length of reduced section. Valve members in the coupling members are held in open positions against the action of springs until the coupling members are separated on breaking of the connectors; thereupon, the valve members close under spring action. A bleed passageway may be provided to prevent build-up of pressure between the complementary faces, and provide a seal testing facility.

Abstract: A locking member for an open roof construction for a vehicle.This open roof construction is provided with a panel, which in the closed position closes an opening in the roof of the vehicle and which is movable from this closed position or to this closed position by means of at least one push-pull cable. This push-pull cable is displaceable by means of a driving wheel, which is rotatable in two opposite directions, while a locking member at least substantially prevents a rotation of the driving wheel by the push-pull cable. This locking member comprises two cooperating locking parts, the first one of these locking parts being stationary and the second locking part, when at rest, being maintained in the locked position, while this second locking part can first be brought from its locked position into its released position with respect to the stationary locking part by means of an actuating member and can thereafter be rotated in the two opposite directions, which rotation is followed by the driving wheel.

Abstract: A vacuum pump and trap combination in which the trap is configured in the manner of a siphon and comprises a tube immersed in trap liquid but having an opening lying above the trap liquid level. The tube has a wall section lying below the trap liquid level and having perforations therein to admit different amounts of trap liquid in relation to the rate of discharge gas flow, thereby preventing frothing of the trap liquid.

Abstract: A liquid pressure regulator comprises a housing having inlet and outlet chambers, a seat in the form of a hollow cone with perforations in the inlet chamber, and a liquid flow controlling member fashioned as a single elastic element including a first portion in the form of a membrane secured in the outlet chamber, a second portion in the form of a second membrane secured in the housing at the seat base, and a third portion which connects the first and second portions and has a central hole partially tapering in the area of the thus obtained gate to mate with the tapered surface of the seat.

Abstract: A frangible fluid fitting of the crash-worthy type utilizing a detent holding a self-closing valve in the open position. The detent engages a plurality of balls confined in a recess circumscribing the fitting attachment surface whereby only partial fracture of the fitting in any direction causes the self-sealing valve to close. One embodiment of the fitting permits both gravity and pressurized tank filling with automatic valve closing when the tank is full during pressurized filling.

Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, a disc valve is cooperatively arranged to include a disc member of a ductile material which is transversely positioned within an enlarged chamber in the axial bore of a tubular housing and sealingly secured to the housing. A piston-actuated tubular mandrel having a forward position defining a slanted annular cutting edge with a notch on one side thereof is arranged in the housing so that as the mandrel is advanced against the disc, the inclined cutting edge will progressively sever the central portion of the disc from its peripheral portion and progressively bend that part of the central disc portion disposed in the notch outwardly to confine the central disc portion between the housing wall and the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A three-piece angle stop valve comprises a valve body, resilient control sleeve and handle, with no separate fastening or sealing elements required. Inlet line pressure resiliently biases the side walls of the control sleeve and a circumferential sealing flap formed thereon into sealing engagement with the valve bore to prevent leakage. The handle is secured to the valve body by resilient formations which snap into a circumferential groove on the valve body. The handle rotates the control sleeve by means of telescoping splines. Several circumferential and axial reinforcing ribs are formed on the interior of the control sleeve.

Abstract: A parking device for an automatic transmission system in automotive vehicles includes a parking gear connected to the engine output shaft, a pawl having one end pivotally mounted to the transmission housing and the other end pivotable towards and away from the parking gear, and a parking cam operatively associated with the pawl and movable axially of the gear for bringing the pawl into and out of engagement with the parking gear. A cam guide and a reaction supporting bracket are retained by a plurality of bolts and by at least one boss having a flat surface and affixed to the transmission housing so as to be situated on the side of the pawl opposite the parking cam.