Abstract: A water scavenging system (1) for removing water from an aircraft fuel tank (2), the water scavenging system comprising: a water line (10); and a valve (20) which is configured to control the flow of water in the water line in response to a change in an effective angle of the valve. In use, the valve opens automatically in response to an increase in the effective pitch of the aircraft during take off and climb. The valve comprises: a pendulum (40); and a valve closure member (46) which is coupled to the pendulum such that a change in the angular position of the pendulum relative to the water line causes the valve closure member to move from a closed position in which the valve closure member impedes the flow of water in the water line to an open position in which water can flow through the valve.

Abstract: A self-contained valve actuator of the present invention can comprise an actuator component. This actuator can be linear or quarter turn depending on the valve. The actuator can be double acting which means the piston will move once to open and once to close. The self-contained valve system uses hydraulic fluid to operate the valve. The valve system is directly powered with electric power from a battery. Solar panels are also incorporated to capture solar energy and convert this energy into electrical energy. This converted electrical energy is stored in the battery which enables the battery to continuously supply energy while substantially reducing the possibility of exhausting battery power. This resupply of electrical energy and the use of the hydraulic fluid creates a self-contained valve actuation system.

Abstract: A rotatable microfluidic device that comprises a hydrophilic microchannel structure in which there is a) an upstream microcavity I with a liquid outlet I, b) a microconduit I connected to liquid outlet I, and c) a capillary valve I associated with microconduit I. The inlet end of the microconduit is closer to the spin axis than the outlet end of the microconduit. The difference in radial distance between the inlet end and the outlet end of microconduit I is typically ?5%, such as ?10% or ?100% or ?500%, of the difference in radial distance between the uppermost part of the upstream microcavity and liquid outlet I.

Abstract: The position of a movable downhole component such as a sleeve in a choke valve is monitored and determined using an array of sensors, preferably Hall Effect sensors that measure the strength of a magnetic field from a magnet that travels with the sleeve. The sensors measure the field strength and output a voltage related to the strength of the field that is detected. A plurality of sensors, with readings, transmits signals to a microprocessor to compute the magnet position directly. The sensors are in the tool body and are not mechanically coupled to the sleeve. The longitudinal position of the sleeve is directly computed using less than all available sensors to facilitate the speed of transmission of data and computation of actual position using known mathematical techniques.

Abstract: A mechanical earthquake valve which enables the supply of the fluid (gas) passing through itself to be automatically stopped and restarted owing to the sensor that detects the seismic movement resulting from an earthquake and which comprises the combined use of said sensor mechanism and at least one valve.

Abstract: An assembly for holding a fluid includes an auxiliary reservoir inside a main reservoir. The auxiliary reservoir includes an auxiliary reservoir shell with a fill passage at or near its bottom. The auxiliary reservoir shell also has a vent passage at or near its top. The fill passage and the vent passage fluidically connect the auxiliary reservoir to the main reservoir. A fluid inlet is located inside the main reservoir and outside of the auxiliary reservoir. A fluid outlet located inside the auxiliary reservoir between the fill passage and the vent passage.

Abstract: An actuator that includes a shelf having a pivot cone, a first member, a second member, a trigger pin and a trigger lever latch. The first member includes a weight, a first shaft extending upwardly from the weight and through an opening in the pivot cone, and a first plate affixed to the first shaft. The first plate is supported by the pivot cone. The second member includes a second plate resting on the first plate and a second shaft extending upwardly from the second plate. The trigger lever latch includes a first portion connected to the second shaft and a second portion extending upwardly at an angle away from the first portion. The trigger pin has an engagement surface. The trigger pin is movable between an operational state and a tripped state. The second end of the trigger lever latch is engaged with the engagement surface.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a fluidic module with a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber closed with the exception of a fluidic connection to the first fluid chamber. A drive is formed to impart the fluidic module with a first rotation at a rotational frequency below a rotational frequency threshold at which liquid is pneumatically held in the first fluid chamber and does not enter the second fluid chamber. The drive is further formed to impart the fluidic module with a second rotation at a second rotational frequency above the rotational frequency threshold at which a liquid column created in the first fluid chamber becomes unstable and the liquid enters the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A control system for a reciprocating device which includes a switching valve for directing fluid supply under pressure to one of two drive lines in an alternating manner, means for alternating the switching valve, and an exhaust circuit including and exhaust outlet, a first flow restrictor disposed between one drive line and the exhaust outlet, and a second flow restrictor disposed between the other drive line and the exhaust outlet. The system may include a selection valve for alternately connecting one of two drivelines to the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling water reservoir for a fuel cell vehicle, in which a drain valve operated by traveling wind is mounted in a reservoir housing of the reservoir such that unnecessary water in an amount corresponding to the amount of product water, generated in the fuel cell stack during operation of a fuel cell system and flowing in the reservoir housing, can be discharged through the drain valve automatically in real-time, thus preventing the water in the reservoir housing from overflowing due to the inflow of the product water generated in the fuel cell stack during operation of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body defining a valve cavity. The valve body has first and second inlet ports, an outlet port, and a dump port. A weighted member is positioned in the valve cavity and is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the first inlet port is fluidically connected to the outlet port and the second inlet port is fluidically connected to the dump port. In the second position, the second inlet port and the dump port are fluidically connected to the outlet port.

Abstract: A valve system (5) connectable to a fluid channel (3), wherein the valve system (5) includes an actuating element (33) and a closing element (17) for selectively closing and opening of the channel (3), wherein the valve system (5) includes a chamber (15) and a movable coupling member (37), wherein at least one section (48) of the coupling member (37) is located within the chamber (15) and the coupling member (37) is capable of moving under its gravitational force into a transfer position in which the coupling member (37) may transfer to the closing element (17) an external force acting on the actuating element (33) towards the closing element (17).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power supply device includes a fuel cell, a pipe passage, a fuel pump, a component, a tilt sensor, a pressure regulator, a pressure calculator, and a pressure controller. The fuel cell generates electric power using liquid fuel. The pipe passage supplies the liquid fuel to the fuel cell. The fuel pump sends the liquid fuel to the pipe passage. The component is located in the pipe passage. The tilt sensor detects a tilt angle of the component. The pressure regulator regulates the pressure of the liquid fuel applied to the component. The pressure calculator calculates a variation in the pressure of the liquid fuel applied to the component based on the distance between the component and the pressure regulator and the tilt angle. The pressure controller controls the pressure regulator to maintain the pressure applied to the component within an allowable pressure range.

Abstract: A combustion device in the form of a paraffin stove (10) comprises a fuel reservoir (12), a burner (14), stand pipe (16) which extends between the reservoir (12) and the burner (14) and a stove top (18). The reservoir (12) comprises a rigid, air-tight outer container (22) and a deformable bladder (25) for holding paraffin (27) which is located within the container (22). The bladder has an outlet (44) which is connected to the stand pipe (16). A conduit (51) which can be connected to a source of compressed air is connected to the container (22) for pressurizing the container (22) to exert a force on the bladder (25) sufficient to cause the paraffin to be delivered to the burner (14) where it is ignited to produce a flame.

Abstract: Methods and devices using a co-radial arrangement of serial siphon structures composed of siphon valves each separated by a capillary valve to save radial space in a fluidic system. Such serial siphon valves allow to sequentially distribute liquids in a fluidic system upon application of successive centripetal accelerations and decelerations applied to a rotary platform.

Abstract: A horizontal and vertical shock responsive fluid valve assembly which are capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The assemblies are comprised of a respective horizontal and vertical shock and vibration force triggering mechanism working in a similar fashion. The mechanism has a respective cradle comprising a generally concave transverse surface that holds a movable ball and when it is energized by the forces can rotate 360 degrees in any direction and rolls out of the surface such that the ball ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and activates the mechanism only when the external forces reach a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body defining a valve cavity. The valve body has first and second inlet ports, an outlet port, and a dump port. A weighted member is positioned in the valve cavity and is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the first inlet port is fluidically connected to the outlet port and the second inlet port is fluidically connected to the dump port. In the second position, the second inlet port and the dump port are fluidically connected to the outlet port.

Abstract: A centrifugal-based microfluidic device (1) that comprises a hydrophilic microchannel structure (2) in which there is a A) a separation microcavity I (4) that comprises i) a liquid inlet I (5), and ii) a liquid outlet I (6) that is at a level below the level of liquid inlet I (5) and above the level of the bottom (8) of the microcavity (4) thereby defining a lower part (4b) and an upper part (4a) of the microcavity (4), and B) a microconduit I (17) that has an inlet end I (16) directly connected to liquid outlet I (6), and an outlet end I (18) that is at a lower level than inlet end I (6). A capillary valve I (24) is associated with microconduit I (17). The flow direction through liquid outlet I (6) is directed upwards and/or liquid outlet I (6) is placed in a downwardly turned part of an inner wall of the separation microcavity (4), and/or the part of microconduit I (17) next to liquid outlet I (6) is directed upwards.

Abstract: The microfluidic device includes a rotatable platform, a plurality of connection ports disposed at a portion of the platform proximate to a shaft connection hole, the plurality of connection ports capable of being connected to an external connector for selectively injecting and discharging fluid and being closed by the connector, a trap chamber disposed at a portion of the platform further away from the shaft connection hole than the plurality of connection ports, the trap chamber including an inlet connected with at least one connection port of the plurality of connection ports, an outlet connected with another connection port of the plurality of connection ports and structures which enlarge a contact area with the fluid and a temporary storage including an inlet connected with the outlet of the trap chamber and an outlet connected with another connection port of the plurality of connection ports.

Abstract: A remotely-operated selective fracing system and valve. The valve comprises a casing with at least one casing hole; an inner sleeve nested within the casing and having at least one sleeve hole alignable with the at least one casing hole; actuator means engagable with the inner sleeve for moving the inner sleeve relative to the casing to selectively align the at least one sleeve hole with the at least one casing hole; and receiver means electrically connected to the actuator means and having a sensor for detecting a seismic or electromagnetic signal generated by a remote source. The system further includes source means for generating an acoustical signal receivable by the receiver means.

Abstract: It is disclosed a shut-off valve which acts automatically and has a fully mechanical performance with respect to the loosing of the tower-shape part balance under the effect of the special acceleration which is arisen from the quakes waves or serious vibrations, while such vibrations are mainly resulted from collision or effusion. A static tower has been applied for the main core of this part of the valve which loses balance state under the effect of collision and bounces to the neighboring part, which results in release of the catch and blockage of the gas passing channel.

Abstract: Apparatus in the form of a sash window has sashes (16a, 16b) to control an opening (18). Drive arrangements (20a, 20b) are mounted within the frame and electrically powered from batteries (30), to allow the sashes (16a, 16b) to be opened or closed by remote control (40).

Abstract: A water scavenging system (1) for removing water from an aircraft fuel tank (2), the water scavenging system comprising: a water line (10); and a valve (20) which is configured to control the flow of water in the water line in response to a change in an effective angle of the valve. In use, the valve opens automatically in response to an increase in the effective pitch of the aircraft during take off and climb. The valve comprises: a pendulum (40); and a valve closure member (46) which is coupled to the pendulum such that a change in the angular position of the pendulum relative to the water line causes the valve closure member to move from a closed position in which the valve closure member impedes the flow of water in the water line to an open position in which water can flow through the valve.

Abstract: A gas shutoff valve having a ball normally residing in a first seat, wherein sufficient disturbance of the valve causes the ball to escape the first seat and settle into a second seat wherein a flow of gas is blocked. The first seat is on an upper surface of a seating ball held in a base portion of the valve. The seating ball is held in place by a plate and is adjustable to compensate for gas line angles away from vertical. Adjustments to the seating ball may be made using a leveling tool inserted through a tool port in the base portion and inserting into a tool seat in the seating ball.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems or methods include a linear machine with an elongate, axially-slidable core member (i.e., shaft). In one embodiment, the shaft includes at least one radial aperture to provide fluid (e.g., air) communication from an interior volume of a winding tube that contains one or more stationary windings, to either end of the shaft through a lumen that extends axially through the length of the shaft. The stationary windings are spaced apart to permit fluid to flow through a plurality of radial apertures in the winding tube. In particular, fluid circulation across the windings may provide sufficient cooling to increase the machine's maximum current rating. The fluid circulation may also provide pneumatic processing capabilities (e.g., vacuum hold, blow-off). In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be used to insert tube-and-square paper separators into battery casings at high rates.

Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal force based platform formed to be rotatable and including a home mark having a retro-reflective property of light, and a centrifugal force based microfluidic system including the platform. The method of determining a home position of the centrifugal force based platform includes: rotating the platform formed and including a home mark having a retro-reflective property of light; emitting light from a light-emitting unit to the platform; and detecting the emitted light, which is retro-reflected by the home mark, in a light-receiving unit, and then determining the home position of the platform based on the detected light.

Abstract: A rotatable microfluidic device that comprises a hydrophilic microchannel structure in which there is a) an upstream microcavity I with a liquid outlet I, b) a microconduit I connected to liquid outlet I, and c) a capillary valve I associated with microconduit I. The inlet end of the microconduit is closer to the spin axis than the outlet end of the microconduit. The difference in radial distance between the inlet end and the outlet end of microconduit I is typically ?5%, such as ?10% or ?100% or ?500%, of the difference in radial distance between the uppermost part of the upstream microcavity and liquid outlet I.

Abstract: A gravity controlled lubrication system for aircraft engines to supply a lubricant from a tank to a circulating system permitting lubricant to flow when the aircraft changes to an inverted flight condition.

Abstract: A double check valve having a floating function is disclosed, which can prevent construction equipment from overturning through intercepting of a floating function even if a signal pressure is fed to the double check valve to perform the floating function in a state that an excavator is supported by a working device (e.g. a dozer blade), i.e. in a jack-up state, on a sloping site and so on.

Abstract: A lubrication system is provided for an aircraft turbine machine, the lubrication system being controlled by a closed-loop logic arrangement, wherein the oil pressure of a lubricant circulated therein is monitored and altered according to attitude data, acceleration data, operating mode data, or some combination thereof contained in a signal received from an airframe flight controller and according to a oil pressure signal and an oil temperature signal. The logic responsively provides a supply pump speed control signal, according to a predetermined target oil pressure value selected to correspond to the data contained in the signals. The target value may be continuously compared to the present oil pressure value and the present oil pressure adjusted by sending a motor control signal to the supply pump and a valve flow control signal to a flow control valve that conditionally allows oil from the outlet side of the supply pump to be fed back to its inlet side.

Abstract: A fluid control valve for use in a system for inflating an anti-G garment. The valve includes an elongate chamber in which a valve member is moveable. The chamber has first and second axial ends. An inlet opening in a chamber wall provides for the flow of fluid into the chamber. A valve edge is provided at the second end of the chamber to form an outlet. The valve member has a first portion which closes the first chamber end and is moveable in the chamber between the inlet opening and the first chamber end, an intermediate portion which has a cross sectional area less than that of the chamber wall to permit the inflow of fluid to the chamber, and a second portion including a flow control device which co-operates with the valve edge to control fluid flow from the valve.

Abstract: A method of performing a test of a liquid sample using a microfluidic device having at least one flow path may include introducing the liquid sample into the flow path and subjecting the microfluidic device to at least one linear motion with an acceleration sufficiently high to affect the flow of the liquid sample in the flow path, the test preferably being a diagnostic test. A support instrument for use in supporting a microfluidic device may include a sustaining arrangement capable of sustaining a microfluidic device, and a motion arrangement capable of subjecting a sustained microfluidic device to at least one linear motion.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.

Abstract: For producing a device for controlling the flow of a medium, having a housing and a flap supported pivotably in it between a closing position and an open position, which flap in its closing position rests with its peripheral region on stop faces of the housing that are present on both sides of the longitudinal axis, to create tightness in the closing position in later operation, the flap is subjected to a force which is selected, taking into account the material comprising the stop faces and the flap, such that the flap with its peripheral region rests on at least one stop face at least substantially with linear contact. The force can be selected such that the housing, in the region of at least one stop face, and/or the flap, in its peripheral region, is permanently deformed. The housing and the flap are of metal.

Abstract: The microfluidic device includes a rotatable platform, a plurality of connection ports disposed at a portion of the platform proximate to a shaft connection hole, the plurality of connection ports capable of being connected to an external connector for selectively injecting and discharging fluid and being closed by the connector, a trap chamber disposed at a portion of the platform further away from the shaft connection hole than the plurality of connection ports, the trap chamber including an inlet connected with at least one connection port of the plurality of connection ports, an outlet connected with another connection port of the plurality of connection ports and structures which enlarge a contact area with the fluid and a temporary storage including an inlet connected with the outlet of the trap chamber and an outlet connected with another connection port of the plurality of connection ports.

Abstract: A gas shutoff valve having a ball normally residing in a first seat, wherein sufficient disturbance of the valve causes the ball to escape the first seat and settle into a second seat wherein a flow of gas is blocked. The first seat is on an upper surface of a seating ball held in a base portion of the valve. The seating ball is held in place by a plate and is adjustable to compensate for gas line angles away from vertical. Adjustments to the seating ball may be made using a leveling tool inserted through a tool port in the base portion and inserting into a tool seat in the seating ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve to shut off an overflowing gas passage and an earthquake safety valve for automatically shutting off a flow passage of LPG, LNG and a poisonous gas; and more particularly, to a valve capable of automatically shutting off the flow passage by sensing an overflowing state of the gas when the overflowing gas is caused by an abnormal increase in gas pressure and by immediately sensing such an earthquake through a mechanical working when an earthquake is generated. The valve automatically closes an inlet or an outlet of the flow passage through a mechanical working based on the fluctuation of the pressure, when the gas exhausted from the gas supply source excessively flows over the regulated amount in an abnormal state.

Abstract: A gas line (120) for supplying hydrogen gas and a harness (110) for supplying power to an electromagnetic valve are connected to an electromagnetic valve mechanism (200). The length of the harness (110) from a connecting member (111) to a fastener (160) is denoted by the letter “n” and the length of the gas line (120) from a connecting member (121) to a fastener (170) is denoted by the letter “m” (n<m). During a vehicle collision, a hydrogen gas tank (100) moves, placing tension on the harness (110) and the gas line (120). The tension causes both the harness (110) and the gas line (120) to stretch. The limit value of the stretch amount of the harness (110), which is shorter between the connecting member and the fastener, is low such that the harness (110) will break before the gas line (120) is damaged. As a result, power to the electromagnetic valve mechanism (200) is cut off and the electromagnetic valve closes before the gas line (120) is damaged, thus preventing a gas leak.

Abstract: A housing containing a rotatable cage for rotatably supporting a spherical flow control valve having a vertically orientated open or filled conduit and an internal bottom weight mass centered on the vertical conduit. If the rotatable cage is tilted, the gravity-responsive bottom weight mass rotatably maintains the control valve conduit in a vertical orientation. If the cage is walled, the rotating cage wall will travel over the ends of an open conduit to form a seal, which effectively occludes any gas, liquid or electromagnetic beam flowing through the conduit. If the cage is open and rotatably supports the valve via annular supports, the rotating cage will interrupt an electromagnetic beam or electric current flow through the control valve conduit. The flow control valve may also have an extended open or filled conduit which may be provided with an additional weight mass, or a magnetic mass associated with a locking ring.

Abstract: A shock switch main has a main member, a resting device and a return device. The main member has a chamber therein, a first passageway communicated to the chamber, a resting portion at a bottom of the chamber, an aperture on the resting portion, a vertical chamber communicated with the aperture and a second passageway communicated with the vertical chamber. The closing device is rested on the resting portion adapted to drop into the aperture. A return assembly is provided in the vertical chamber, which is moved to move the closing device back to the resting portion from the aperture.

Abstract: An airbag installed inside a fuel tank is manipulated when the vehicle is inclined along a slope without sufficient fuel in the tank such that the fuel in the tank is gravitated to one side thereof. Thereby, the remaining fuel is provided smoothly and consistently to the engine by optimally manipulating the leftover fuel of the fuel tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thrust sensing valves are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing including an input port and an output port and further having a mounting portion adapted to be coupled to a manufacturing tool. A supply member is operatively coupled to the housing to provide a flow of the pressurized medium into the input port of the housing. Finally, an elongated body is operatively coupled to the housing and moveable along an axis between a first position corresponding to a first pressure output from the housing and a second position corresponding to a second pressure output from the housing. The elongated body is biased into the first position and moveable into the second position in the presence of a thrust force on the mounting portion.

Abstract: A valve unit and a fluid control chip include: a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid; a valve element accommodated in the valve chamber; a piezoelectric element for applying vibrations to the valve chamber; and a driver for driving the piezoelectric element, wherein the piezoelectric element varies the opening by varying a frequency and/or an amplitude of the vibration applied to the valve chamber and by varying the amplitude of the valve element by the varied vibration.

Abstract: Improved method for cleaning a pump, fluid hose, and spray gun is provided by, for example, repeatedly changing the flow rate of the cleaning fluid pumped through the system to generate turbulence or increased turbulence and increased frictional resistance for enhanced cleaning action. A pressure control can cyclically vary the speed of the pump motor and pump connected thereto to generate the turbulence. The pumping cycle can alternate between a first and second power level and at a desired time interval for each speed. With a suitable solvent as the pumped fluid, the turbulence that is generated by the cyclical pumping action causes an increase in the scrubbing action of the solvent to quickly loosen residual material in the fluid passageways.

Abstract: A multi-tank connecting device has a main tank with a fuel pump and one or more auxiliary tanks. A fuel pipe connects the main tank and the auxiliary tank and allows fuel to flow between the main tank and the auxiliary tank. A fuel isolating device closes the fuel pipe when the vehicle ascends or descends a slope. The auxiliary tank is disposed lower than the main tank. The fuel isolating device includes a ball, a panel attached to a rod, a spring attached to the panel, a switch, a throttle valve actuator, and a throttle valve.

Abstract: A tea kettle includes kettle body and a lid that covers a fill opening in the body. The lid includes a knob within which a whistle is positioned. A spout is attached to the kettle body and has a passageway. A ball seat is positioned within the passageway as is a strainer. A ball is positioned between the ball seat and the strainer so as to close an opening in the ball seat, and thus the spout passage, when the kettle is positioned on a level surface. The ball rolls out of the ball seat to permit pouring when the kettle is tilted and is prevented from rolling out of the spout by the strainer. The kettle body has a top portion constructed of stainless steel and a bottom portion constructed of steel coated with enamel.

Abstract: A baffle controls the normal process flow of liquid in basins of liquid treatment equipment, but releases uncontrolled flow of the liquid caused by events such as seismic events. Methods provide an unbent blank for making such baffle with a hinge member to facilitate the release of the uncontrolled flow. Further methods provide for mounting of the baffle for movement, urging the baffle for the control of the normal process flow, and allowing the uncontrolled flow to overcome the urging and release the uncontrolled flow. Baffle embodiments may be made from exemplary materials such as stainless steel, glass fiber reinforced polyester, pultruded FRP, and redwood.

Abstract: A shock responsive fluid valve assembly capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The shock responsive valve assembly has a flow control mechanism having a cradle that holds a movable ball in a recess at a point perpendicular in relation to a horizontal base plate, where the ball can be rotated 360° in any direction during seismic actions or other shock forces and rolls out of its recess at a predetermined force such that it ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and pushes a trip fork mechanism having elongated walls to provide additional leverage when the force strikes the trip fork mechanism that is mounted on a pivoting mechanism, thereby releasing a swing arm which has a disc on the end that functions as a plug for the hole in the valve body to interrupt gas or fluid flow therein.

Abstract: A gas meter installation including gas supply plumbing and point of use plumbing will have a gas meter therebetween. A valve can be installed with the gas meter for shutting off the flow of gas to the point of use. This valve is preferably a gate valve mounted with the a gas meter, and can be retrofitted into existing installations, or installed with the new plumbing installation. The valve can be shut off by remote activation for example due to a seismic sensor causing a controller to send a signal to activate the valve. The control can also interact with electricity shut off apparatus, automatic meter reading apparatus and point of use security systems.

Abstract: A vertical shock responsive fluid valve assembly capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The vertical shock responsive valve assembly has a flow control mechanism having a cradle that holds a movable ball in a recess at a point perpendicular in relation to a horizontal base plate, where the ball can be rotated 360° in any direction during seismic actions or other shock forces and rolls out of its recess at a predetermined force such that it ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and pushes a trip fork mechanism having elongated walls to provide additional leverage when the force strikes the trip fork mechanism that is mounted on a pivoting mechanism, thereby releasing a swing arm which has a disc on the end that functions as a plug for the hole in the valve body to interrupt gas or fluid flow therein.