Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator is moved in one direction by fluid pressure and returned in the other direction by a compressed spring. With the method and apparatus embodied in the disclosure, a plurality of additional energy storage storing devices are compressed by only the initial movement of the actuator in response to the application of fluid pressure thereto. Such energy is applied to the energy storage devices by an annular cam surface provided on the actuator shaft. During the return movement of the actuator, the stored energy is returned in the form of an additional axial force applied to the actuator shaft just prior to its return to its original position. When such actuator is applied to a valve, the additional force imparted to the shaft by the energy storing devices may be designed to cause the severing of a wire line trapped in the opening of the valve at the instant that closing of the valve is required.

Abstract: A control fluid valve assembly is provided which is respondable to a pressure monitored fluid. The assembly preferably comprises first and second valve seats within a housing. A spool element is shuttleable within the housing near the valve seat by either manual or mechanical manipulation to first and second positions and is responsive to pressure variation within the monitored fluid to shuttle it to a second position. Balls are contained in first and second valve head groups and are carryable by the spool element, the balls being selectively sealingly engagable onto and wipable off of the valve seat means to control fluid flow of the control fluid within the assembly in response to the pressure monitored fluid. A plurality of seals are defined between the housing and the spool means to prevent fluid communication therebetween and to define flow passageways across the spool.

Abstract: A heat sensitive locking device is preferably provided for a fluid actuator of the type which is moved in a direction to one position through the application of fluid pressure and remains in such position unless temperature conditions surrounding the device reach a level indicating that the actuator should be shifted to another position. The locking device comprises a core attachable to an exposed end of, for example, the piston shaft, and an annular collar surrounding such core and attached to the cylinder. A plurality of annular segmental shaped locking members are disposed between the core and collar and pivotally mounted so as to be movable to a locking position or to an unlocked position, each relative to the core. The annular locking elements are held in their locking position by being wrapped by a resilient spring wire, the ends of which are anchored to the locking members by means including a minimal size fusible link.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for connection along a conduit for free flowing transmission of fluids in a first direction and for selective control of fluid flow in a second direction. The apparatus provides means whereby fluid flow in the second direction in excess of a predeterminable rate of the fluid flow permits a fixed volume displacement of fluid within the conduit without limitation upon the predeterminable rate of fluid flow. The apparatus also defines second means whereby fluid flow in the second direction and within the predeterminable rate of fluid flow permits an unrestricted volume displacement of the fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: A control fluid valve assembly is provided which is respondable to a pressure monitored fluid. The assembly preferably comprises first and second valve seats within a housing. A spool element is shuttleable within the housing near the valve seat by either manual or mechanical manipulation to first and second positions and is responsive to pressure variation within the monitored fluid to shuttle it to a second position. Balls are contained in first and second valve head groups and are carryable by the spool element, the balls being selectively sealingly engagable onto and wipable off of the valve seat means to control fluid flow of the control fluid within the assembly in response to the pressure monitored fluid. A plurality of seals are defined between the housing and the spool means to prevent fluid communication therebetween and to define flow passageways across the spool.