Abstract: A gas-pressure relief valve unit, particularly for fuel vapours, comprising a body defining a chamber which communicates with first and second environments upstream and downstream of the unit respectively, through first and second apertures. The body is provided with a first and a second assemblies, the first assembly including a valve seat interposed between the apertures and an obturator urged by a resilient thrust element and movable between a position of engagement with the seat and a position spaced from it. The obturator can move away from the valve seat, overcoming the action of the resilient element, when a predetermined threshold value of the pressure differential between the environments is reached. When the obturator is engaged with the seat and the pressure differential between the environments is less than the predetermined threshold value, the valve means define a narrow passage which allows a small, continuous flow of gas between the first and second environments.

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 and movable by gravity to the closed position. 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 so the valve member closes by gravity. The valve body is formed integrally with an open top, and the sensor is received within the open top to close the top and properly locate the sensor. The valve can be closed at will by moving the ball off center, for example by a plunger, or by magnetically attracting the ball. To prevent inadvertent closing of the valve, baffles direct the incoming fluid away from the loose edge of the valve member.

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: Vent control valving is described for an automotive fuel vapor recovery system, in which a baffle arrangement prevents or otherwise restricts liquid fuel from entering a vent passage to a charcoal canister. A sealing arrangement prevents or otherwise restricts the escape of fuel when the vehicle is turned at a sufficient rate of turn, operated on a sufficient incline, or rolled over, and prevents overfilling of the tank, which could allow liquid fuel to enter the vent passage. In one embodiment, a differential pressure is developed across a diaphragm during refueling which unseats the diaphragm from a seat to allow unrestricted venting during refueling, restricted venting is established whenever the diaphragm is seated to limited the flow of vapors to the canister.

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 seismic safety apparatus has a housing having an internal space and an external surface. A seismic safety activating mechanism is provided inside the housing for activating a seismic safety device. The seismic safety activating mechanism includes an inertia ball recess located in the internal space, an inertia ball in the housing that has an unactuated position on the recess and an actuated position displaced from the unactuated position on the recess. The inertia ball recess is formed so that when the inertia ball is in the valve member recess, vibrations or seismic shocks of a predetermined magnitude cause the inertia ball to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position. An engagement component inside the housing is provided as part of the seismic safety activating mechanism at the actuated position for engagement with the inertia ball when the inertia ball is displaced from the unactuated position.

Abstract: A fuel cut-off valve (10) includes an enlarged-diameter vapor outlet aperture (30) which is controlled by a first closure member (50) having a small auxiliary vapor vent orifice (52) which, in turn, is controlled by a second closure member (58) formed on the float member (38). The first closure member (50) is biased by a spring (62) toward the second closure member (58) to ensure that the first closure member (50) is unseated away from the main valve seat (36) as soon as the auxiliary vapor vent orifice (52) is opened.

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: A shutoff valve for a portable gas appliance to detect an upset or inverted disposition of the appliance and immediately stop all gas flow includes a valve body having an inlet port that is threaded to be secured directly to a compressed gas tank, and a stem extending outwardly therefrom to actuate the safety valve typically provided in the tank outlet. An internal bore extends within the valve body and includes a proximal end that joins the inlet port in generally coaxial fashion. The internal bore is adapted to be oriented preferably in an upright attitude. At the distal end of the bore a threaded female receptacle is formed. An O-ring seal concentrically within a medial portion of the bore, and a valve ball is translatably retained between the O-ring seal and the valve stem. If the appliance becomes upset or overturned, the valve ball will be driven gravitally to roll toward the O-ring seal.

Abstract: The valve in automatic shutoff valve mechanism is held in a predetermined elevated open position by a magnet spaced above the valve, and the valve can be released for downward movement into shutoff position either by melting of a fusible nut holding a threaded magnet-supporting stem or by the mechanism being vibrated sufficiently severely to shake the valve loose from the attraction of the magnet.

Abstract: The valve (31) comprises at least two lateral openings (34, 36) which can be shut off by a plug (40) provided with an axial orifice (48) for the passage of gas and sliding axially in the casing (32) between a position in which the openings, (34, 36) are shut off under the influence of a spring (44) and an open position counter to the action of the spring (44) under the influence of the pressure of the filling gas, and a level valve (52) activated by a float (62) at the bottom of the casing (32).The plug (40) comprises an inner cavity (70), the bottom of which has a cross-section in the shape of an open "V". In this cavity (70) is a ball (72) which prevents the cylinder from being filled when the latter is inclined sufficiently for the ball not to be situated at the bottom of the cavity (70).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for preventing an outflow of a fuel formed in a fuel tank of a vehicle, the apparatus including a fuel tank disposed in the vehicle to store a fuel and having an outlet passage to evaporate a fuel vapor of the fuel to a canister, a casing disposed to protrude into the fuel tank and having a plurality of holes formed therein for absorbing the fuel vapor, a float elastically supported by a first elastic member within the casing and having a head for shutting off the outlet passage, and a check valve capable of discharging the fuel vapor within the fuel tank by opening and closing an orifice penetrating the head according to pressure within the fuel tank.

Abstract: A seismic shut off valve includes a cripple column responsive to seismic movement. A toggle spring overlies the cripple column. Latch pins extend from the toggle spring into a valve body to hold a popper valve in an open position. During an earthquake, the cripple column buckles causing the toggle spring to bow upwardly under spring force exerted on the toggle spring through the latch pins from the popper valve. The latch pins release the poppet valve which shifts to seal against a valve seat in a valve body. A ball joint connecting the valve body and cripple column allow the cripple column to be vertically aligned despite use of the valve on a non-vertical pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank having a filler neck. The apparatus comprises a housing defining an interior region, the housing being formed to include first and second inlet ports, a signal port, and an outlet port. The apparatus further comprises a first valve assembly movable between a blocking position preventing fuel vapor received from the first inlet port from flowing through the interior region during vehicle refueling and a venting position allowing fuel vapor received from the first inlet port to flow through the interior region to the outlet port during vehicle operation. A signal passageway extends between the filler neck and the signal port to expose the first valve assembly to fuel vapor pressure from the filler neck to move the first valve assembly toward its venting position during vehicle operation.

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 fuel interrupt/pressure release valve arrangement includes a casing mounted at an upper portion of an interior space of a fuel tank. The casing has openings for communicating the interior of the casing with an atmosphere the interior of the fuel tank. A valve housing is formed in the casing having a discharge opening at an upper end. The opening is closed by a stopper biased in a valve closing direction by a spring. A float is provided in the casing having an indentation for loosely receiving the valve housing and a through hole is formed through the float at an apex of the indentation corresponding to the position of the discharge opening of the valve housing. A protrusion formed on the float in the vicinity of the through hole so as to project in an opening direction of the valve so as to be normally in touching contact with the stopper.

Abstract: A conventional mass-spring inertially controlled anti-G suit valve is modified by adding a first electrically actuated solenoid over the mass and valve spindle and a second electrically actuated solenoid over an anti-G suit exhaust port added to the modified anti-G suit valve. The first solenoid can override the inertial valve to begin filling the anti-G suit before acceleration begins. The second solenoid controls a piston to control the exhaust from the anti-G suit to achieve more precise control over the pressure inside the anti-G suit than previously possible. This precise control allows realization of other improvements suggested by the prior art which need precise control of anti-G suit pressures. Pressure transducers can be added to the anti-G suit to provide a feedback signal to a valve controller for the two solenoid valves. The feedback control loop allows the use of less expensive cost, less accurate solenoid valves.

Abstract: A nipple is attachable to the outer end of the fill pipe of a motor fuel tank and contains a closure flap and a number of other valves performing various functions. The nipple therefore can have unified in it mechanisms performing most or all of the functions required in association with the tank and can be made as a pre-assembled unit quickly and easily attached to a fuel tank in the manufacture of a vehicle to minimize the number of required assembly procedures.

Abstract: The invention incorporates a high flow, pilot actuated pressure relief/rollover valve into a refueling vapor recovery system having a vapor vent line for recirculating vapor past the aspirator of a refueling nozzle and a nozzle seal for engaging a refueling nozzle in an airtight manner. All vapor of evaporative hydrocarbons created during the act of refueling are routed directly to an onboard storage canister.

Abstract: A fuel check valve assembly for an automotive vehicle fuel tank includes a valve casing having a valve seat and a float valve movably installed in the valve casing for controlling opening and closing of the valve seat. The float valve consists of a valve float and a valve head cooperative with each other to define therebetween a sealingly closed chamber. The valve head is subjected on opposite sides thereof to a pressure within the sealingly closed chamber and a pressure within the fuel tank, respectively and movable relative to the valve float in response to a pressure differential across the valve head. The valve head is forced to move relative to the valve float and away from the valve seat to open the same when the pressure differential across the valve head is larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A high altitude G-valve produces a pressure signal in response to altitude and G-load without a connection to an external altitude sensing device. Bleed path pressure regulation by an aneroid valve and a G-sensing valve control a pilot valve which in turn controls a main valve. The main valve provides regulated air to the G-valve outlet in response to the pilot valve. A manually actuated button simulates a high-G load on the G-sensing valve to test the operation of the device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a fluid passage provide at least one sliding gate movable transversely to that fluid passage. The fluid passage or the gate is maintained open in a first position of the gate, and is closed in a second position of that gate. A detent detains the gate in one of its first and second positions against a bias acting continuously on that gate. Upon release from that detent, the gate slides by virtue of its bias to the other of its first and second positions. The gate and fluid passage may be incorporated in a frangible connection and the gate may be released from its detent for automatic closure by its bias upon breakage of that frangible connection. Alternatively, the gate may be provided with a slanted surface which abuts another slanted surface around the fluid passage in the first position of the gate.

Abstract: Valve device, comprising a valve housing (1) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (5), a valve seat (13) and a valve closing member (8) movable in the housing between open and closed positions and having a sealing surface, which in the closed position of the valve closing member (8) is in contact with the valve seat to prevent liquid from flowing through the outlet. The valve closing member interacts with structure (15, 17) which, responsive to tilting of the valve housing relative to a predetermined position, moves the valve closing member to its closed position. The valve closing member being fixed to a float (11), which, as the liquid level rises in the housing (1) in its predetermined position, lifts the valve closing member towards its closed position, the weight of the structure (15, 17) being adapted to the lifting force of the float, so that the valve body, when the housing is filled with liquid and has been turned 180.degree. from the predetermined position, is held in its closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling flow of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through an aperture in a fuel tank. The apparatus comprises a housing mounted in the aperature, a float valve, a ball, and a mechanism for supporting the ball. The housing is formed to include an outlet, and the float valve is movable in the housing between a closed position blocking flow of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through the outlet and an open position allowing flow of fuel vapor through the outlet. The float valve is formed to include a float chamber and the ball is positioned in the float chamber. The mechanism for supporting the ball is movable relative to the housing. The support mechanism is configured to support the ball in the float chamber so that the ball is able to move in the float chamber in response to movement of the fuel tank to urge the float valve to its closed position.

Abstract: A trip valve operator for actuating quarter turn valves comprises a return actuator, multi-stage leverage means for reducing the trigger load, a trigger, and one or more sensors or other trip actuators. The multi-stage leverage means comprises pivotally connected levers in series which form a compact mechanism, variously taking the form of four bar linkage or concatenated four bar linkage, that produces high leverage and low frictional holding torques at the reset position for reliable triggering, and that accommodates quarter turn actuation and can be single action reset. The operating areas of the successive stages of leverage overlap. Other multi-stage leverage means includes a leveraging release lever in which the short leverage arm has a land which lies in a radial plane with respect to the mounting pivot thereof for engaging a previous stage of leverage. Reset is provided by arm means which re-engage near the reset position.

Abstract: The invention is a fuel vapor release valve 10 having a two-stage closure. A high volume vapor outlet 15 of large radius is sealed by a valve member 24, upon tilting of the vehicle or in the presence of liquid fuel. The valve member 24 includes a cap member 34 having an orifice 42 of small radius extending therethrough and a seat 36 for engaging with and partially sealing the vapor outlet 14. Loosely engaged with the cap member 34 is a plug member 30 carried by a float member 38 for engaging with and sealing the orifice 42. Upon return to normal operating condition, the plug member 30 first unseats from the orifice 42 and the cap member 34 then unseats from the vapor outlet 14.

Abstract: A fuel check valve assembly for use in a fuel tank has a valve seat which is movable upwardly together with a float valve upon increase of a pressure within the fuel tank. Upon further increase of the pressure within the fuel tank, the valve seat is separated from the float valve and solely moves upwards to open the aperture of the valve seat for venting fuel vapor in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A vibration sensitive safety valve for gaseous fluids using a sphere of ferrous material as a valve plug, the ball being held in a sensitive condition, suspended above a complementary valve seat, by a permanent magnet. The magnetic attraction is such that a significant tremor will dislodge the ball, allowing it to drop and plug the valve passage. A flat non-magnetic spacer disc on the bottom of the magnet allows some lateral movement of the valve ball in response to harmless vibrations, without releasing the ball to close off the valve. A moveable mass within the ball absorbs the effect of minor vibrations.

Abstract: A shock absorber comprises a tubular working cylinder (12) to be mounted on a suspended part of a vehicle, with a piston rod assembly (26) received slidably in the working cylinder (12) having an end (28) to be mounted on a fixed part of the vehicle. The piston rod assembly (26) has at its free end a piston member (40) cooperating with the working cylinder (12) to divide the interior thereof into an upper (52) and a lower working chamber (50), with a valve mechanism in the piston member (40) to permit controlled two-way flow between the upper and lower working chambers (52, 50). A mass (58) is mounted in the shock absorber and displaceable in response to a predetermined acceleration of the shock absorber from a first position in which the mass closes a passage (56, 54, 90) between the working chamber (52) and a reservoir (50; 22), and a second position in which the passage (56, 54, 90) is open.

Abstract: A fuel cap includes a float valve assembly for minimizing discharge of liquid fuel splash from the filler neck through the pressure-relief vent passage during normal vehicle operation. The float valve assembly is compatible with a controllable pressure-relief valve in the cap that permits venting of the tank under normal conditions and controls fuel leakage from the cap during a roll-over condition.

Abstract: A pressure control for a shut-off valve, preferably an earthquake sensitive shut-off valve, and a control for closing the valve in response to regulated pressure failure in the pressure supply of gas or the like thereto, and including a meter means or the like upstream, the control sensing pressures both upstream and downstream for its operation, for protecting downstream appliances and apparatus.

Abstract: A vibration and flow sensitve safety valve for gaseous fluids using a sphere of ferrous material as a valve plug, the ball being held in a sensitive, suspended condition positioned above its valve seat, by a permanent magnet. The magnetic attraction is such that a significant tremor or a significant pressure drop below the ball resulting from excessive flow through the venturi gap between the ball and its valve seat will dislodge the ball, allowing it to drop and plug the valve passage.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off safety valve comprising a movable poppet held in a stable position by magnets and a movable weight. On the occurrence of an abnormal condition, such as a seismic event, the movable weight is displaced and gravity carries the poppet downward until it engages a valve seat, closing off fluid flow. Magnets may also be used to hold the poppet in its closed position. Modifications include using the fluid flow itself to assist in displacing the poppet from its stable position.

Abstract: A seismic detector which generates an electrical signal in response to the occurrence of a vertical seismic wave predetermined magnitude is mounted in a weather-proof container in or adjacent an inhibitable building. A circuit breaker to interupt electrical power to the building is mounted in the same container and connected to open in response to signals from the detector. Gas and water line connections each with a solenoid operated shut-off valve are separately housed in a weather-proof container in or adjacent the building and the valves are connected so that they will close in response to a signal from the seismic detector. The entire system is rendered fail safe through the use of an interruptible power supply system housed in the container with the seismic detector and connected to energize the gas and water line cut off valves to hold them in open condition.

Abstract: An excess flow limiter for attachment in a flow path comprising a main body with a lower inlet chamber and an upper outlet chamber connected by a central vertical passage having an inlet end and an outlet end. A freely movable slide member is sealably housed in the central vertical passage and extends into the lower inlet chamber. The slide member comprises a hollow cylinder with a closed lower end having a flange with sealing means about the closed lower end to seal the inlet end of the central vertical passage. A support is mounted in the lower inlet chamber to support the closed lower end of the slide member that extends into the lower inlet chamber thereby supporting the slide member in the central vertical passage when necessary. A set of outflow apertures are provided in the side wall of the slide member above the flange to allow passage of flowable material from the lower inlet chamber to the upper outlet chamber through the hollow cylindrical interior of the slide member.

Abstract: An automatic safety mechanism including an actuator for operating a valve or other controlled unit and which is operable by compressed air or other pressurized fluid, a valve structure for controlling the delivery of pressurized fluid from a source to the actuator, a shock responsive mechanism operable by shock forces to actuate the valve structure to a condition operating the actuator by fluid from the source, and a device operable automatically in response to a decrease in the pressure of fluid from the source to admit pressure fluid to the actuator for operating it. An assembly for resetting the shock responsive mechanism to a cocked position includes a shaft operable by rotation about an axis to set the mechanism, a sleeve disposed about the shaft, and a retaining element movable to a position in the path of axial removal of the sleeve from the device to retain both the sleeve and shaft against withdrawal.

Abstract: A fuel tank protection valve includes a pendulum type weight that hangs within a bearing socket located below the vent line opening in a fuel tank vapor collection dome. When the vehicle tilts significantly from the horizontal, the weight pivots within the socket, kicking a float ball up to seal the vent line opening. The closing angle of the valve may be easily varied, without changing the shape or size of the bearing socket, by varying the offset from the socket pivot point of the bearing socket of an extension of the weight that actually engages the float ball.

Abstract: A roll-over vent valve for an automobile fuel tank comprises a novel means for minimizing the force required to re-open a corked shut-off element. The disclosed embodiment comprises a thin, slightly pliable, circular disc for the shut-off element which seats against an annular seat to close the vent passage in the event of roll-over. If the pressure in the tank headspace is sufficiently positive and the disc is closed against the seat in the absence of roll-over, an extra force is required to unseat the disc because of the pressure differential acting on the seated disc. The magnitude of force required to unseat the disc is significantly attenuated in the present invention by having the force act over a limited circumferential extent of the sealing contact of the disc against the seat. This peels the disc from the seat with complete unseating being accomplished by causing the force to act progressively around the perimeter of the disc.

Abstract: A flow controlling valve is provided for disposition within a pipeline or the like which may be subject to excessive vibrations and/or temperature and the valve includes a valve member shiftable between open and closed positions, yieldingly biased to the closed position and retained in an open position through the utilization of frangible retaining means having a first portion connected to the valve member and a second portion anchored relative to the body of the valve through the utilization of a fusible link.

Abstract: Several embodiments of outboard motor fuel feed systems wherein a position responsive valve is interposed between a remotely positioned fuel tank and the engine charge former for precluding the inadvertant flow of fuel to the charge former when the outboard motor is tilted up. In each embodiment, the valve is a gravity responsive valve and in another embodiment a pressure responsive valve member is provided for ensuring fuel flow when the outboard motor is again tilted down to its normal running position.

Abstract: A fuel cap having a pressure-vacuum valve assembly for sealing a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The cap has a normally closed vent to vent the fuel tank, with a first valve member to open the vent when the pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined superatmospheric level. The cap also has a second valve member to open the vent when the pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level. The cap includes a roll-over valve disposed above the first and second valve members to close the vent when the vehicle and cap are rolled over to a substantially inverted orientation to prevent fuel from spilling out of the cap.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for ventilating and venting fuel tanks for motor vehicles which includes a vacuum valve, an excess pressure valve as well as a safety valve that interrupts the connection of the interior of the tank with the atmosphere beginning with a predetermined position of the valve arrangement deviating from the installed position. The safety valve includes a mass member displaceably arranged in the housing of the valve arrangement whose weight force is directed opposite the closing force of the excess pressure valve in the normal position of the valve arrangement and which beginning with a predetermined and subsequently continuing housing displacement acts increasingly on the valve closure member.

Abstract: A roll-over valve is provided for use in a vehicle fuel system having an outlet for discharging fuel vapor. The roll-over valve includes a hollow valve member that terminates in a distal tip and includes a side wall. The distal tip is formed to include a top aperture and the side wall is formed to include at least one side aperture. The top aperture and side aperture cooperate to prevent the formation of a low pressure area that might otherwise be formed over the distal tip to prevent the hollow valve member from prematurely sealing the outlet. A roll-over ball is provided for moving the distal tip from an outlet-opening position to an outlet-closing position in response to tilting of the hollow valve member during vehicle roll-over conditions. A ball is provided in the hollow valve member for closing the top aperture during a selected first range of tilting positions of the hollow valve member.

Abstract: A fuel cap for closing the filler neck of an off-road vehicle. The fuel cap includes a cover having an opening therethrough and a concentric housing extending downwardly into the filler neck and connected to the cover. A valve body having an upper and a lower chamber disposed therein is fitted into the housing and extends downwardly into the filler neck. The upper chamber and lower chamber have vent openings which cooperate with the opening in the cover to provide a vent path to allow the fuel tank to vent fuel vapor to the atmosphere. The lower chamber includes a floatation ball to seal one of the vent openings in the lower chamber to prevent fuel spillage when the vehicle is subjected to a bump, or is operated on a grade. The upper chamber includes a steel ball which seals one of the vent openings in the upper chamber to prevent fuel spillage when the vehicle is overturned to a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A vapor vent control valve arrangement for a fluid tank is disclosed. The valve arrangement includes a solenoid operated valve with a normally-open parallel switch assembly and a normally-closed switch in an electrical circuit to activate the solenoid valve. An impact switch may also be provided as a safety precaution in the series circuit. The valve assembly is spring-biased to provide an over-pressure check valve function and also includes a back-pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A gas valve for attachment to a gas line for preventing flow of gas during and subsequent to a vibratory shock above a pre-determined intensity; a tilting of said valve beyond a pre-determined angle from the vertical; and/or when an excess flow of gas through said valve above a pre-determined velocity occures. The trip mechanism is a set of three hinged, centrally suspended inertia weights which are mass biased away from said suspension points and incorporate aerodynamically designed flow vanes and having release hooks at their lower inner facing ends which engage an articulated head atop a shaft and stopper assembly which is spring biased downward against a valve seat near the inlet orifice of said valve. The valve having an external reset lever and multiple inertia weight/flow vane configurations for custom applications.

Abstract: A roll-over valve assembly is adapted for mounting on a fuel tank so as to expose internal portions of the valve mechanism to the tank headspace. Because liquid may slosh about in the tank, the valve includes a structure for shedding liquid fuel away from the main orifice so as to minimize intrusion of liquid fuel through the main orifice into an associated vapor control system to which the valve is connected. The roll-over valve further includes a relief and return vent valve mechanism which has a cooperative association with the tank headspace and the associated vapor control system. The valve assembly comprises a relatively small number of individual parts and it is cost effective for the various functions which it performs. The preferred embodiment utilizes a caged ball for closing the valve upon roll-over.

Abstract: A boiler safety valve installation with a safety valve discharging relief steam through an upstand into a separately supported vent pipe. The upstand discharges through a belled nozzle approximately 30.degree. (0.5 steradian) included angle into the vent pipe thereby, on discharge of relief steam, inducing a sub-atmospheric pressure in the space intermediate the discharge nozzle and the vent pipe and lessening the risk of escape of steam at a sliding junction between the upstand and the vent pipe. In installation where the relief steam flow reaches supersonic velocity at discharge from the belled nozzle the vent pipe diameter is constricted by about 5%-10% at a zone downstream of the discharge nozzle to produce a shock front and reduce the velocity to sub-sonic, thereby reducing the frictional flow loss effects while economizing in vent pipe size without causing a build-up of back pressure in the space intermediate the discharge nozzle and the vent pipe.

Abstract: A pressure and vacuum relief valve mechanism which can be installed in a vent opening in the top wall of a fluid storage tank. The valve mechanism includes a valve housing with a central bore therethrough. One end of the bore communicates with the vent opening to ambient atmosphere and the opposing end communicates with the interior of the tank above the stored fluid. A valve seat within the bore. A single, integral valve member is movable in the bore of the housing. The valve member has a valve component or head formed thereon cooperably engageable with the valve seat within the bore for relieving excessive vacuum in the tank interior. The integral valve member also includes a valve seat and a cooperating valve head for relieving excessive vacuum in said tank interior. These valving arrangements normally being biased closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve for preventing fuel from flowing from the vent of an automobile fuel tank comprising a valve compartment and a float vertically movable in the valve compartment, said float having a longitudinal hole communicating with vent holes made in the ceiling of the flat body or in the seat of a head fixed to the ceiling of the float body, thereby allowing the vapor of the fuel to ascend through the longitudinal hole of the float body and fill the upper space defined by the inner surface of the valve compartment and the outer surface of the head of the float thus to maintain the same pressure in the upper space as in the fuel tank at all times. Thus, the float can descend immediately when the automobile returns from an inclined position to the horizontal position.