Abstract: A device, and a container having such a device, is provided for permitting filling the container with a predetermined weight of the fluid. The device and container include a main channel to introduce the fluid into the container at a fill pressure; a detector mechanism to detect a "filled" condition based on fluid weight; and an fluid-weight control mechanism to automatically prevent introducing fluid into the container in excess of the "filled" condition. A compression spring offsets part of the weight of a displacer such that the displacer becomes buoyant as the container becomes "filled". The displacer has a seat mechanism that sealingly engages an orifice mechanism creating a differential pressure, substantially less than the fill pressure, across a control device causing closure of the main channel.

Abstract: A safety valve for use in a meter through which gas or liquid may flow, the safety valve being activated to a closed position upon the disturbance of the system such as during an earthquake, thereby blocking the flow of liquid or gas. The valve may then be reopened by a reset assembly.

Abstract: An safety shut off valve automatically shuts off in response to seismic or other shock wave forces of a predetermined magnitude and thereafter automatically reset when there is no discernible excess gas flow due a downstream broken or leaking pipe. The shut off valve generally includes a housing having a mass spring system mounted therein for translating lateral seismic and other shock forces exerted against the housing to an axially movable magnet for decoupling a valve member plate attracted thereto allowing it to block the downstream fluid communication path. A small bypass flow permits the valve member plate to be automatically reset in engagement with the magnet when the atmospheric pressure upstream of the plate is substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure downstream of the plate.

Abstract: A passively filled reservoir in a motor vehicle fuel tank. The fuel tank has an electric fuel pump suspended therein and a tubular conduit through which surplus fuel is returned to the fuel tank. The passively filled reservoir includes a fuel containment vessel below the fuel pump, a passive fill port in the containment vessel juxtaposed a bottom panel of the fuel tank, a one-way valve in the passive fill port, a primary strainer around the containment vessel, and a secondary strainer inside of the containment vessel. The tubular conduit and a vapor discharge port of the electric fuel pump discharge into the containment vessel outside of the secondary strainer for recirculation to the fuel pump of surplus fuel and liquid fuel expelled from the fuel pump through the vapor discharge port. The primary strainer strains liquid fuel flowing through the passive fill port into the containment vessel.

Abstract: An automatic earthquake gas shut-off system (11) is provided in two selected versions. The first version of the gas shut-off system (11) includes a spring pendulum (17), a first electronic movement sensor (21), an electrical control relay system (23), an electrical motor (25), and a housing (27). A several improvements to the first version may be made. These improvements may include one or more of the following. The use of a reset switch (61), a combination of a first bevel gear (37) and a second bevel gear (39), a combination of a second electronic movement sensor (53) and a third electronic movement sensor (55), a timer (65), a key (41), a rechargeable battery (67), and an activation switch (63). The second version of the gas shut-off system (11) includes, in addition to the elements of the first version, a pendulum damper (19) which may adjust the receptive frequency of the spring pendulum (17).

Abstract: A roll over vent valve comprising:a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the latter comprising a substantially elongated slit-like outlet aperture of the housing bounded by a valve seating. There is furthermore provided a float member located in the housing and axially displaceable within the housing between the inlet and the outlet; an elongated flexible closure membrane strip anchored at one end thereof to an end of the float member adjacent the outlet and at a portion thereof offset with respect to the outlet; spring biassing means located within the housing and bearing on the float member so as to spring bias it in the direction of the outlet; whereby the spring biassing together with buoyancy forces acting on the float member tend to press the membrane strip into sealing engagement with the outlet aperture whilst gravity forces acting on the float member tend to displace the float member away from the outlet so as to progressively detach the strip from sealing engagement with the outlet.

Abstract: A vehicle airbag system includes a pressurized gas source connected through a flow conduit to an airbag. A control member is disposed in a first position across the flow conduit to seal the flow conduit. The control member shifts by its inertia to a second activated position in response to a selected vehicle deceleration, to permit gas flow to the airbag. A burstable membrane in the conduit is supported by the control membrane in its first position and is unsupported in the second position.

Abstract: A seismic gas shut-off valve includes a lock to control resetting after a seismic event. The valve includes internal first and second seats for a ball vale in which the first seat is elevated above the second seat and the second seat lies within the flow of gas from a supply line to a distribution line. A horizontal shaft is extendible within the valve body to reposition the ball valve from the lower second seat to the upper first seat after valve actuation. A lock comprising an integral three-sided bracket and padlock is selectively engaged to the reset shaft to prevent premature and unsafe resetting or "opening" of the valve after an earthquake. In an alternative embodiment, the bracket includes an elongated wing element that includes an aperture. The alternative embodiment is suitable for use as a wrench to operate the main gas shut-off of a residence or other building.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for overfill protection of a container for anaesthetic liquid, comprising a liquid conduit for supplying anaesthetic liquid to a container for vaporization, and a gas conduit for withdrawing a volume of gas equivalent to the filling of anaesthetic liquid from the container. To prevent overfilling of the container, the liquid conduit from a feed point for anaesthetic liquid to the container comprises an inclined duct portion having an inlet through which the anaesthetic liquid is passed to the inclined duct portion and an outlet through which the anaesthetic liquid is passed out from the duct portion and further to the container. A body is positioned in the inclined duct portion such that said body can move in the inclined duct portion from a first position to a second position and vice versa, depending on the inclined position of the container, said body being adapted to move in front of the outlet when the container is tilted and to shut the outlet.

Abstract: A safety valve for use in a meter through which gas or liquid may flow, the safety valve being activated to a closed position upon the disturbance of the system such as during an earthquake, thereby blocking the flow of liquid or gas. The valve may then be reopened by a reset assembly.

Abstract: A gas line safety evacuation apparatus and method wherein earthquakes or other hazardous disruptive events are monitored and detected. Upon detection of an earthquake or like event, gas or other fluid lines are evacuated by an evacuation pump, and the evacuated gas is stored in a storage tank for future use. Control valves are activated upon detection of the earthquake to prevent additional gas or fluid from entering the lines.

Abstract: A process gas supply system at the gas supply point includes an automated means for evacuating gas in a process line fed by the process gas supply system when an abnormal event occurs. The process gas supply system of this invention eliminates the need for any special valves or piping at the point of use of the process gas as well as the need for a return line from the point of use to the process gas supply system to purge the process line. A process gas is contained in a cylinder under pressure. The cylinder is coupled to a process line by the process gas supply system. The process gas supply system includes a gas flow controller and an automatic evacuation system. The gas flow controller controls the supply of the process gas from the cylinder to the process line. In an abnormal event, process gas flow from the cylinder is blocked by the gas flow controller and the automatic evacuation system evacuates the process gas not only from the gas flow controller, but also from the process line.

Abstract: A tension actuated gas shutoff valve having a body with an inlet for receiving gas flow along a flow path from upstream to downstream and a piston slidable within the body. The piston slides in response to a longitudinal force applied across the valve between a first position wherein flow through the valve is prevented and a second position wherein flow through the valve is permitted.

Abstract: A rollover vent valve for use in a pneumatic seat mounted in a vehicle. The rollover vent valve allows air to vent from the air bag(s) in the pneumatic seat in the event the vehicle in which the seat is mounted is severely tilted or overturned. The rollover vent valve includes a housing enclosing a pressure chamber and a valve member. The interior of the pressure chamber is in fluid connection with the air bag(s). The rollover vent valve also includes a vent port that connects the interior of the chamber to the ambient environment. The valve member is located within the pressure chamber above the vent port and forms a seal with the vent port when the pneumatic seat in which the valve is mounted is in an upright position. The valve member includes a weight cage in which a spherical weight is movably mounted. One end of the weight cage includes a valve seal that forms a seal on the valve seat of the vent port.

Abstract: An orientation-sensitive pressure release for the airbag (15) of a vehicular pneumatic seat (11) that includes a rollover valve (21) mounted in the air inlet line of the pneumatic seat is disclosed. The valve (21) releases air from the pneumatic seat (11) when the valve is tilted or overturned, which occurs when the vehicle is tilted or overturned. The valve includes a spring-loaded poppet (43) that encloses an exhaust port (41). Attached to the poppet is a downwardly extending whisker (65) that extends into an inverted conical cup (64). A conically shaped element (78) is affixed to the lower end of the whisker (65). Housed in the inverted conical cup is a relatively heavy ball (67). When the valve (21) is tilted or overturned, the ball (67) hits the side of the conically shaped element (78) causing the whisker (65) to tilt and the spring-loaded poppet (43) to open the exhaust port. Opening the exhaust port (41) releases air from the air bag (15).

Abstract: An electric fuel pump and valve-controlled canister reservoir assembly mounted directly in a vehicle fuel tank with a pump main fuel inlet connected with a primary fuel filter disposed in the bottom of the tank. A pump fuel outlet supplies fuel for a vehicle engine and communicates through an engine bypass system with the canister reservoir to accumulate a reserve supply of fuel. The reservoir canister communicates with the pump inlet through a secondary filter and an inertia/gravity-activated valve module having a free rolling activator ball and associated can-like valve member cooperative with a large diameter annular valve seat to provide a sensitive valve with a large flow controlling cross-sectional area. The valve module thus provides an auxiliary supply of fuel to the pump inlet, preferably in bypass flow relation to the primary in-tank filter, and at a high flow rate when there is an interruption of fuel from the tank to the primary filter caused by adverse vehicle motion and/or orientation.

Abstract: A motor vehicle fuel system is provided. The fuel system includes a fuel tank which has an upper wall portion and defines a first interior volume for storing fuel therein. The first interior volume includes a first ullage space adjacent the upper wall portion. The fuel system of the present invention also includes a generally cup-shaped vapor reservoir carried within the first interior volume. The reservoir has vertically extending sides, a horizontally extending top and an open bottom operative to define a second interior volume open to the bottom of the fuel tank. The second interior volume includes a second ullage space in fluid communication with the first ullage space. Fluid communication between the first and second ullage spaces is effected by providing a small bleed orifice and a large orifice arranged in parallel fluid relationship with the small bleed orifice in the top of the reservoir.

Abstract: An air pressure regulator includes a cylindrical rotor with a hollow interior. The thin walls of the rotor have windows which overlap inlet and exhaust windows in the housing. The rotor is rotated progressively by a stepper motor in response to computer determination of required pressure. The system is used to inflate a pilot's anti-G suit.

Abstract: A marine fuel tank includes a "sump" tank compartment. The sump tank compartment projects from and below a main fuel tank compartment. A bottom cover plate, covering the sump, has a large hole in its center in communication with one end of a connection tube. The bottom cover plate for the sump also includes two small holes directly in front of and behind the connection tube, aligned with each other in a direction of travel. These holes allow fuel to move from the main fuel tank compartment of the fuel tank into the sump tank compartment. As the main fuel tank compartment is filled with fuel, the fuel flows to the sump tank compartment by gravity feed through the holes in the cover plate of the sump tank compartment. A fuel pickup tube extends through the connection tube and into the sump tank compartment and its free end is free to move inside the sump tank compartment as moved by the dynamic acceleration forces acting on the fuel pickup tube.

Abstract: A seismic event shut-off gas valve having a primary conduit arranged for orientation in a vertical position, and a secondary conduit intersecting the primary conduit at an intersection, with a plug member slidably secured in the secondary conduit in a first position and slidable to a second position, wherein the plug member is arranged to engage a sealing ring within the primary conduit upon dislodgement of the plug member from the first position by a seismic event. A chain member secured to the cap and the plug member permits the cap member to be removed from the secondary conduit to withdraw the plug member from the second position to the first position and reposition the plug member in the secondary conduit to the first position.

Abstract: A shock-activated shut-off valve including a housing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a flap-gate pivotally connected to the housing, the lower chamber comprising an inlet orifice, and outlet orifice and a flap-gate stop means; a weight; a shock-actuated retainer defining a weight-passable opening and a latching means comprising a receptacle arm pivotally connected to a counter-weight and a flap-gate actuator, wherein, in one position, the counter-weight maintains the receptacle arm and the flap-gate in a horizontal position and the weight rests on the retainer and wherein, in another position, upon shock-actuation, the weight disassociates from the retainer and, subject to vertical acceleration, engages the receptacle arm, exerting a force which exacts pivotal movement of the counterweight to allow release of the flap-gate from a horizontal position to a position engaging the flap-dash gate stop means, thereby closing the inlet orifice from the outlet orifice.

Abstract: A fuel distribution system for a gas-turbine engine is disclosed which ensures homogenous fuel supply to all fuel injectors in order to avoid local fuel oversupplies that might cause local overheating of the turbine blades. The fuel system compensates for the deleterious load factors experienced by the aircraft and the gas turbine engine that affect the fuel distribution to the fuel injectors. The system supplies fuel to a plurality of fuel injectors arranged in an annular array so as to inject fuel into an annular combustion chamber of the gas turbine engine. The system has a closed loop, generally annular fuel connector line and a plurality of fuel distributors connected in parallel to the fuel connector line so that fuel passes into a central chamber of each of the distributors. Each fuel distributor has end chambers on opposite ends of the central chamber in which are movably located pistons whose positions within the end chambers open or close a fuel outlet in communication with each of the end chambers.

Abstract: A device that will automatically shut-off the flow of a fluid when the device senses predetermined seismic and other shock forces. The device includes a housing having an inlet and outlet in communication with the flow of fluid. An inertia ball, which moves directly or indirectly from a resting position to block the flow of fluid, is held in a closed position by the force of an external magnet. When the external magnet moves about a given path, the inertia ball moves to a resting position, thus opening the flow of fluid. The movement of the external magnet along the given path forces the inertia ball to follow the magnet, thus providing an easy way of controlling the flow of fluid without the use of mechanical seals.

Abstract: A vibration responsive gas shut-off valve assembly which is highly effective in conditions which give rise to excessive vibration such as earthquakes and the like. The shut-off valve assembly is inserted into a gas line leading from a source of gas to an interior of a building such a dwelling structure. The valve assembly comprises a spherically shaped ball which may be located within the gas line and which contains a gas passage channel extending therethrough. When the Mall is in a first position, gas will flow from one side of the ball through the channel and to the other side of the ball in the gas line. When the ball is in a second position, the channel is located so that one side is vented through an orifice in the pipe and the other side is in communication with the downstream side of the pipe such that gas in the downstream side of the pipe leading to the building can be vented.

Abstract: A vibration responsive gas shut-off valve assembly which is highly effective in conditions which give rise to excessive vibration such as earthquakes and the like. The shut-off valve assembly is inserted into a gas line leading from a source of gas to an interior of a building such a dwelling structure. The valve assembly comprises a spherically shaped ball which may be located within the gas line and which contains a gas passage channel extending therethrough. When the ball is in a first position, gas will flow from one side of the ball through the channel and to the other side of the ball in the gas line. When the ball is in a second position, the channel is located so that one side is vented through an orifice in the pipe and the other side is in communication with the downstream side of the pipe such that gas in the downstream side of the pipe leading to the building can be vented.

Abstract: An implantable drainage valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus is described. The valve includes a body, a valve seat, a closure member, a spring and at least one spherical weight. The spring is positioned within the cylindrical chamber of the valve body and between the closure member and the spherical weight. The valve is intended to be vertically oriented when the patient is sitting or standing and, when so oriented, the weight will provide additional compressive force against the spring to help maintain the valve in a closed condition. Consequently, hyperdrainage is avoided when the valve experiences normal variations in fluid pressure differentials such as when the patient rises from a lying or recumbent position to a standing position.

Abstract: A vibration responsive gas shut-off valve assembly which is highly effective in conditions which give rise to excessive vibration such as earthquakes and the like. The shut-off valve assembly is inserted into a gas line leading from a source of gas to an interior of a building such a dwelling structure. The valve assembly comprises a spherically shaped ball which may be located within the gas line and which contains a gas passage channel extending therethrough. When the ball is in a first position, gas will flow from one side of the ball through the channel and to the other side of the ball in the gas line. When the ball is in a second position, the channel is located so that one side is vented through an orifice in the pipe and the other side is in communication with the downstream side of the pipe such that gas in the downstream side of the pipe leading to the building can be vented.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus for liquid stored in a container has a storage tank with a discharging member at the top thereof. A discharging pipe extends between the inside of the container and the discharging structure. A discharging path open/closing shifting valve is provided and comprises first and second connecting pipes extending from the shifting valve to the upper and lower sides of the discharging apparatus. The valve is opened and closed by ascending and descending opening/closing balls. A plunger is provided and is movable between the open/closing balls for alternatively opening or closing the first and second connecting pipes respectively.

Abstract: A shock absorber which is inertia responsive in both compression and extension strokes to provide rapid flow in either direction responsive to rapid large changes in loading as caused by a bump or dip. The inertia responsive valving is located in the piston or the piston rod or both affording simple shock absorber body design and simple cooling. The inertia responsive valving members are longitudinally slidable and of substantially uniform cross section so as to be substantially immune to acceleration forces due to turns and are substantially insensitive to pressure changes.

Abstract: A device for power actuating a valve or other controlled unit, including a member operable by movement in opposite directions to move the controlled unit to different positions, a spring yieldingly urging the member in one of those directions, and a latching mechanism which is urged by the pressure of a body of fluid to a condition releasably retaining the member against movement by the spring. The latching mechanism is constructed to have a mechanical advantage enabling a relatively small force exerted by the body of fluid to resist a much greater force exerted by the spring. The latching mechanism includes two latching elements which are interengageable to releasably retain the member against movement by the spring, with one of the elements being shiftable in opposite directions by a manual operating member to manually actuate the member and also to vary the position in which the latching mechanism retains the member.

Abstract: A spout that fits all quart containers is characterized by a twist of the wrist to start and stop oil flow. The spout consists of a tubular cylinder into which an angled ball valve seat and a bubble run-off area has been incorporated. A steel ball moving on and off its valve seat due to the angle of the valve seat and gravity stops and starts the oil flow. When the bubble run-off area is pointed down, causing the steel ball to lodge itself in the bubble run-off area, the oil flows and with a twist of the wrist, making a 180 degree rotation of the spout, the bubble run-off area points up causing the steel ball to seat itself on the valve seat and the oil flow stops. The spout is excellent for hard to reach places and eliminates oil spills. Two tip sizes are incorporated in the spout for small and large filler openings. The small tip is for lawnmower and motorcycles for example and the larger for cars for example.

Abstract: A seismic activated gas valve includes a valve body defining a vertically oriented interior chamber having a input port formed in the upper portion thereof and an output port formed in the lower portion thereof. A magnetical ball retainer is supported in the uppermost portion of the valve body and supports a steel closure ball by magnetic attraction under normal conditions. An annular steel washer and a spaced apart magnetic washer captivate a sealing O-ring to form a valve seat between the input port and output ports of the valve body. Under conditions of substantial seismic activity, the steel closure ball is separated from the magnetic ball retainer and falls downwardly through the vertical chamber and comes to rest against the valve seat in a sealing attachment. The magnetic washer beneath the sealing O-ring attracts the steel ball and resists subsequent reopening of the valve due to vibrations imparted to the closure ball.

Abstract: A process gas supply system at the gas supply point includes an automated means for evacuating gas in a process line fed by the process gas supply system when an abnormal event occurs. The process gas supply system of this invention eliminates the need for any special valves or piping at the point of use of the process gas as well as the need for a return line from the point of use to the process gas supply system to purge the process line. A process gas is contained in a cylinder under pressure. The cylinder is coupled to a process line by the process gas supply system. The process gas supply system includes a gas flow controller and an automatic evacuation system. The gas flow controller controls the supply of the process gas from the cylinder to the process line. In an abnormal event, process gas flow from the cylinder is blocked by the gas flow controller and the automatic evacuation system evacuates the process gas not only from the gas flow controller, but also from the process line.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel system for a vehicle which has a fuel tank remote from the engine of the vehicle and a fuel pump remote from said tank and a canister in said tank to receive return fuel from a pressure regulator in said system. A fuel flow passage carries fuel from the main fuel tank to the pump. Under conditions of low fuel in the main fuel tank, a valve associated with the canister opens in response to side swerving motion of the vehicle to allow flow of fuel from the canister to the fuel flow passage leading to the pump to prevent starving of the engine due to low flow from the main tank.

Abstract: An in-take fuel supply system for a fuel tank that tilts in service comprising a manifold and a plurality of suction pipes that are pivotally attached to inlet ports of the manifold. Each suction pipe extends outwardly of the manifold and has a float valve at the remote end for closing the suction pipe in the absence of sufficient fuel to prevent ingestion of significant amounts of air and vapor. The suction pipes are biased to a horizontal position by springs that allow a fold down configuration for installing the fuel supply system in a fuel tank through a small installation hole.

Abstract: A gas shut-off valve is provided for closing off a natural gas pipeline in the event of an earthquake or other seismic disturbance. The valve has an inlet and an outlet aperture communicating with a central chamber, and a valve seat provided between the inlet and the outlet apertures. An annular channel is located above the chamber, and at least one ball rolls along the channel. A guide ramp is provided which allows a ball to leave the channel and fall onto the valve seat during the earthquake, blocking gas flow between the inlet and the outlet apertures. The guide ramp has a concave surface which provides a continuous path for the ball from the channel. The ball has a center of gravity substantially displaced from an initial position over the channel to a second position directly over the valve seat when it has rolled to a crest of the guide ramp under influence of the earthquake.

Abstract: A safey shutoff valve for insertion into a gas line or other fluid line, that closes in response to an electrical input pulse or to a seismic disturbance. A pivoted flapper arm is held in the open position by a permanent magnet embedded in it. When the magnetic attractive force is reduced enough, the arm swings down by gravity into the closed position and a primary flapper seal element seals the valve seat. Line pressure keeps it closed. The magnetic holding force may be reduced by means of an opposing electromagnet or by the mechanical displacement of a ferromagnetic ball. The valve is manually reset by turning a reset shaft to raise the flapper arm to the open position. The reset shaft also raises a secondary flapper to uncover a small bypass tube to bleed off any residual line pressure; this bypass is automatically closed when the valve closes. No standby power is required.

Abstract: A check valve (170) for the discharge passageway of an aerosol dispensing package, comprising: a chamber (171) having inlet and outlet openings (175,174) for in-line connection in the passageway; a dished seat (176) extending across the chamber between the openings with its dished surface facing towards the outlet opening; and a ball (177) housed in the chamber for free movement between substantial sealing engagement with the outlet opening and direct engagement in the seat; the ball being gravitationally engaged in the seat when the chamber is in a generally upright position with the outlet opening uppermost, the seat acting to deflect discharge flow through the chamber around the ball in these last circumstances, and the dished surface being outwardly divergently shaped to cause the ball to roll therefrom under gravity and move to its outlet opening sealing engagement when the chamber is inclined from the upright position by a substantially predetermined angle towards a horizontal disposition.

Abstract: A shock actuated safety valve which will shut off gas flow in a supply pipe in the event of a major earthquake. The valve housing has a lower chamber having an inlet and an outlet separated by a tapered valve seat. The upper chamber contains the valve actuating mechanism. The piston, which includes a tapered valve gate and a groove with a ridge at the top, is suspended by seven steel balls which rest on the angled floor of the upper chamber and extend partially into the groove so that the ridge rests on the balls. When the valve is subjected to a horizontal acceleration of a predetermined level the balls are dislodged from the groove, releasing the piston so that it falls until the valve gate sealingly engages the valve seat. Also disclosed is a reset mechanism which includes a reset rod which extends through an orifice in the valve cap and is used to lift the piston back to the open position after it has been activated.

Abstract: A reservoir for aircraft, such as a helicopter, containing a fluid and having at least orifices in its side wall close to its bottom and to which a fluid feed and return ducts can be connected. The reservoir has to allow the aircraft to effect temporary flight phases under negative load factor, a plate having a passage, for retarding the movement of the fluid contained in the reservoir, so that the fluid, moving from the bottom to the top of the reservoir during the temporary flight phases and passing through the passage of the retarding means, remains in communication with the orifice for the duration of the flight phases, while avoiding the entry of air into the duct.

Abstract: A shock or vibration activated safety shut off apparatus includes a housing, an ON/OFF member drive mechanism, a first member movable rectilinearly from a first position to a second position, a second member movable rectilinearly from a third position to a fourth position, and an inertia responsive mechanism for forcing the first member into its second position in response to vibration or shock imparted to the housing. The inertia responsive mechanism includes an inertia cup having an indented upper surface, and an inertia ball normally resting on the indented surface, a lever pivotably mounted to the inertia cup and a permanent magnet mounted beneath the free end of the lever, such that when a shock or vibration causes the inertia ball to jump onto the lever and roll toward its free end, the inertia ball will be attracted to the permanent magnet and will cause the lever to be pivoted downwardly.

Abstract: A seismically triggered valve is designed to shut off gas supply during an earthquake. A valve member is pivoted within a valve body, the valve member being mechanically movable to the open position by a plunger. A magnet is fixed to the valve member, and a ferromagnetic ball is free on a concave surface. The center of the concave surface is aligned with the magnet; but, when the valve is shaken the ball moves and releases the magnet. Gravity moves the valve member to the closed position, and the valve member is held in the closed position by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A device for controlling an earthquake-vulnerable or other operation according to seismic activity, such as the flow of water from a reservoir or natural gas to users, includes a control unit for controlling the operation when actuated by a predetermined triggering movement, an actuator unit for producing the triggering movement when the actuator unit is subjected to a threshold level of seismic activity, and a coupling unit for coupling the triggering movement from the actuator unit to the control unit. Mounting components are provided for mounting the coupling unit on the control unit and the actuator unit on the coupling unit so that a user can adjustably set the position of the actuator unit relative to the control unit in order to level the actuator unit in two different directions.

Abstract: A safety cut-off valve for gasses or fluids delivered to buildings which are severely damaged in earthquakes. The valve consists of a non-magnetic housing enclosing a magnetic valve piece which conjugally matches a non-magnetic valve seat to which communicate inlet and outlet so that when the valve piece occupies the seat the inlet and outlet are isolated. The internal enclosed valve piece is held away from the valve seat by an external permanent magnet which is toppled during earthquake thus releasing the internal valve piece into its seat and so closing the valve. By replacing the external permanent magnet in its correct position and orientation the internal valve piece is again drawn away from the seat opening the valve.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for self-sealing connection between containers having a flexible wall bearing on a rigid (1) or thin (1') partition, through which passes a connecting sleeve (3) having a fold inside the container, which a tractive force separating the containers seals, before breakage of the cylindrical barrel (6), by means of a jamming element (9, 13), after causing the fold (5) to turn back over the orifices of a tube section (10).

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention incorporates a ball-cock valve incorporated within a gas or water main, or pipe. The valve is provided with a handle to controllably open or close the gas or water flow, and the handle is coupled to an actuator weight. The "weight" quiescently rests on the platform of a stand situated above the handle and angularly sloped toward it. With the valve initially opened, earthquake tremors of a prescribed magnitude serve to shake the weight off the platform, and its fall automatically rotates the handle to close the valve and seal off the main or pipe.

Abstract: A gas flow shut-off valve that senses seismic motion inducing oscillating ball movement in a concave dish of a lateral valve chamber. When the intensity of seismic shaking reaches a destructive level, the ball valve is dislodged from the dish into a valve seat, thus blocking the gas flow passage through the valve. The tripped ball is reset from outside the valve by using a strong magnet to retrieve the ball from the valve seat and back to the dish.

Abstract: An air cushioned safety and/or display helmet. A thin cushion of air between the wearer's head and the inside of the helmet supports the helmet and distributes the helmet's weight evenly thus preventing development of pressure points and corresponding wearer fatigue. When used in a high performance environment which exposes the user to g forces, such as fighter aircraft, an air regulator controls the air pressure of the air cushion in response to these forces to maintain helmet position and comfort. Air contained in the air cushion can also be used to demist the helmet visor and display optics, can be directed past the head to provide heating or cooling of the head, or can do both at one time.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the passage of fluid between a first conduit and a second conduit. A body has a first port for being coupled to the first conduit, has a second port for being coupled to the second conduit, and has a valve chamber joining the first and second ports. A gate is mounted within the valve chamber of the body for movement between an opened position in which fluid is allowed to pass between the first and second ports through the valve chamber and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from passing between the first and second ports through the valve chamber. A latch member is used to latch the gate in the open position. A first spring urges a portion of the latch member against a portion of the body when the latch member is in an extended position and the gate is in the opened position to hold the latch member in the extended position and to hold the gate in the opened position, and urges the gate to the closed position when the latch member is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A safety valve for automatically shutting-off fluid flow in response to excessive vibration specifically indicated for use as a seismically actuated gas valve. The inlet and outlet ports are separated by an horizontal septum having an aperture defining a circular valve seat. A ferrous ball is suspended above the aperture by a permanent magnet housed in a spherical member adjustably mounted in the roof of the valve above the aperture. The member houses a bulb-type level indicator used to adjust the position of the magnet in order to compensate for any askew position of the valve resulting from the orientations of the connecting pipes.