Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to an emergency lubrication system for a tiltrotor aircraft. The emergency lubrication system includes a pressurized material chamber, a lubrication chamber, a first valve between the pressurized material chamber and the lubrication chamber, a gearbox, and a second valve between the lubrication chamber and the gearbox. The first valve is configured to operate in a first mode when the emergency lubrication system is in a first configuration and a second mode when the emergency lubrication system is in a second configuration.

Abstract: A bleed valve for use in a gas turbine engine of an aircraft includes a high-pressure cavity coupled to a valve terminal, which is itself coupled to a cap, which cap includes a valve seat configured to be sealed by a tube that serves as the valve gate. The tube is operably coupled to a movable end of a bellows, which is positioned within the high-pressure cavity. The opening and closing of the valve is controlled by the movement of the bellows within the high-pressure cavity, and, in turn, the movement of the tube towards the valve seat, with the valve closing as the bellows compresses.

Abstract: A high integrity protection system includes a flow line including an inlet configured to be connected to a first source of pressure and an outlet configured to be connected to a downstream system. A first subsystem is installed on the flow line between the inlet and the outlet. A second subsystem is installed on the flow line between the inlet and the outlet, and the second subsystem is in a parallel flow configuration in relation to the first subsystem. The system includes a second source of pressure configured to be fluidically connected to the first subsystem and the second subsystem.

Abstract: A dry bulk tank and a method of carrying a load and discharging a load therefrom. The dry bulk tank includes a tank assembly having a first wall that bounds and defines a first compartment for carrying a load therein and a second wall spaced outwardly from at least a portion of the first wall; wherein a second compartment is defined between the first wall and the second wall. The tank assembly includes an air piping system that is selectively actuated to place the first compartment and the second compartment under equal air pressure. In one example the air piping system pumps air into the first compartment and the second compartment. In another example the air piping system evacuates air from the first and second compartments.

Abstract: A fan assembly for a cleaning system of a combine harvester includes a housing having a plurality of interconnected walls. The interconnected walls include at least two side walls and a lower wall connecting the two side walls, and at least one partition positioned between the side walls. The partition promotes uniform air flow across a width dimension of the fan assembly. The interconnected walls define at least one inlet opening through which air is delivered into the housing and at least one outlet opening through which air is exhausted from the housing. A fan rotor is mounted to the housing and is configured to rotate to distribute air from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

Abstract: A method of deaerating a mixture of fluid and air according to an example of the present disclosure includes the steps of communicating a mixture of a fluid and air into an open area of a reservoir directly against a wall of the reservoir to separate at least some of the fluid from at least some of the air. The reservoir is disposed about an axis of a rotatable shaft, and the reservoir has a curved radially outer wall and a curved radially inner wall joined by curved end walls that face circumferentially relative to the axis. The mixture is communicated against a first one of the curved end walls. The fluid is held within the reservoir after the separating.

Abstract: A knee airbag module for a motor vehicle. The airbag module has a housing which is preferably composed of plastic and has a housing base (12) and a wall extending from the housing base (12), forming an outlet opening. A receptacle is provided in a first wall section. An airbag is folded into the housing, an air generator (30) which has outflow openings located within the airbag, and a covering element which closes the outlet opening. This covering element has a main section (54) which lies substantially in one plane, at least one first end section (52) accommodated in the at least one receptacle, and a second end section (56) situated opposite the first end section (52), extends out of the plane of the main section (54) and is connected to the housing (10). The covering element (50) is produced from a blank.

Abstract: An implement system for a machine includes a boom housing a drive mechanism for a cutting implement, and having a plurality of oil outlet ports formed therein. A control mechanism is configured to receive data indicative of an expected change in location of the outlet ports relative to an oil fill line within the boom, and vary a pattern of incoming oil flow to limit entrainment of air in the oil.

Abstract: A crop residue spreader including at least one impeller, at least one radial housing, and at least one blower outlet opening. The at least one radial housing includes a crop residue outlet opening. The at least one impeller is configured to be rotatably driven around a rotation axis such that a crop residue flow is ejected through the crop residue outlet opening of the at least one radial housing, such that the crop residue flow is converted from an incoming crop residue flow into a wider outgoing crop residue flow. The at least one separate blower outlet opening is separate from the crop residue outlet opening of the at least one radial housing. The at least one blower outlet opening is configured to provide an outgoing airflow to accelerate the crop residue flow.

Abstract: A spool assembly is disclosed for use in a valve. The spool assembly may have a cylindrical body with a first end, a second end, and a bore passing from the first end through the second end. The spool assembly may also have a first insert with a first land slidably disposed inside the bore at the first end, and a second insert separate from the first insert. The second insert may have a second land slidably disposed inside the bore at the second end.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of orienting wellbore tubulars using gravity. Some disclosed orientation indicating devices include a housing defining a first flow channel and being arrangeable within a wellbore tubular, an orientor movably arranged within the housing and defining a second flow channel in fluid communication with the first flow channel, and an eccentric weight arranged within the orientor and having a center of mass radially offset from a rotational axis of the orientor, the eccentric weight being configured to maintain the orientor pointing in one direction as the housing and the wellbore tubular are rotated, wherein, as the housing rotates, the first and second flow channels become progressively aligned or misaligned.

Abstract: A fluid system for use with a gas turbine engine includes a reservoir having a reservoir inlet and a reservoir outlet and includes a supply assembly positioned in the reservoir. The supply assembly includes a first passage, a second passage, and a valve disc. The first and second passages are fluidically connected to the reservoir outlet. The valve disc is positioned in the first passage. The valve disc is pivotable about an axis and is weighted to have a center of gravity offset from the axis.

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 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: 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 machine for tracking the sun's movement and concentrating sunlight consists of a main frame which pivots in the north and south direction on a base having conduit for a heat medium (a liquid usually of the Glycol family the main frame supports the mirror frame that pivots 360 degrees East to West allowing the mirror to focus the sunlight onto the conduit heating the liquid medium producing a very high and concentrated amount of heat during the entire daylight period and can be used for a small business or residential heating. An optional prism can be attached to the mirror frame to focus sun rays onto the conduit for added heat.

Abstract: A valve (100) includes a valve body (300), a spool assembly (600), and a pendulum assembly (700). The valve body (300) is adapted for fixed attachment to a mounting surface (260) having an orientation corresponding to the incline of a supporting surface (210. The spool assembly (600) comprises a spool (610) pivotally mounted within the valve body (300), and the pendulum assembly (700) pivots the spool (610) in gravitational response to the orientation of the valve body (300). The valve body (300), the spool assembly (600), and/or the pendulum assembly (700) include one or more elements for adjusting flow symmetry between the LIO flowpaths and the GIO flowpaths.

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 valve (100) comprises a valve body (300), a spool assembly (600), and a pendulum assembly (700). The valve body (300) is adapted for fixed attachment to a mounting surface (260) having an orientation corresponding to the incline of a supporting surface (210. The spool assembly (600) comprises a spool (610) pivotally mounted within the valve body (300), and the pendulum assembly (700) pivots the spool (610) in gravitational response to the orientation of the valve body (300). The valve body (300), the spool assembly (600), and/or the pendulum assembly (700) include means for adjusting flow symmetry between the LIO flowpaths and the GIO flowpaths.

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: An earthquake actuated device includes a flapper-valve adapted to block a gas flow and a micro switch for closing or opening a circuit. A seismic sensor responds to accelerations characteristic of an earthquake. The sensor cooperates with a magnet in a flapper arm to hold the flapper-valve open. When the sensor experiences sufficient motion, the flapper arm is released and the flapper-valve falls onto a seat, thereby closing and blocking the gas flow. The closing of the flapper-valve is further coupled into an actuation of the micro switch, thereby opening or closing the circuit.

Abstract: A system configured to distribute liquid flow into predetermined proportions is provided. The system includes a distributor defining a plurality of distributor outlets configured to deliver liquid from the distributor. A receptacle is positioned to receive liquid, the receptacle defining a plurality of receptacle outlets oriented to deliver liquid portions toward the distributor outlets. The receptacle is pivotally mounted for movement with respect to the distributor, and is self-leveling such that liquid is divided by the receptacle outlets into predetermined proportions.

Abstract: A vent system associated with a vapor outlet is coupled to a container (e.g., a fuel tank). The vent system can be used for onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) for vehicles. The vent system includes a first elongated member (e.g., a vent tube), a rotating device, and a second elongated member (e.g., a breather tube) that is coupled between the rotating device and a buoyant device. The buoyant device interacts with materials (e.g., fuel) input into the fuel tank to actuate rotation of the rotating device. Once a predetermined amount of fuel has been input into the fuel tank, the buoyant device rotates the rotating device a predetermined amount, which stops venting of fuel vapor through the vent system. The fuel level continues to increase up the filler pipe until an automatic shut off mechanism of the device controlling fuel input stops fuel flow.

Abstract: A liquid fuel trap device for a vehicle fuel tank, comprising a housing formed with a confined space with at least one inlet port connectable to a corresponding fuel valve, an outlet port connectable to a fuel vapor recovery system, and a liquid fuel discharge valve adapted for discharging liquid fuel from the confined space into the tank. The housing further comprises a connecting arrangement for attaching the device on an inner surface of an upper wall of the fuel tank.

Abstract: Pipelines are controlled by specifying operations along them. Control specifies sequential control values defining operations at each station to control the pipeline state. The time-dependent state is determinable by software calculations using continuous measurements along the pipeline. Forecasted deliveries dictate that the current pipeline state must change by future time (T). Control sequences are determined at pipeline stations to exercise optimum pipeline control while achieving predetermined goals from the current state to a sustainable target state which supports future deliveries by simulating current pipeline states through time interval T, while satisfying time-dependent forecast deliveries. An initial computable control set is iteratively improved and evaluated by computing the gradient of pipeline operational cost, costs of missing target(s), and costs of violating constraints by solving an adjoint problem each time the simulation is made.

Abstract: A brake fluid pressure relief assembly (50) for a brake system (10) including a pedal assembly (12) employs first and second valves (52, 54) to provide controlled collapse of a brake pedal pad (14) when both a predetermined deceleration limit is exceeded and a predetermined pressure level is exceeded in a hydraulic brake fluid. The first valve (52) is actuated by an inertial mass (84) acting against a first spring (86). With the first valve in the open position, hydraulic fluid passes into a reservoir (68) whose volume is a dependent on the position of the second valve (54). The second valve (54) opens when the fluid pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined pressure limit and compresses a piston (100) against a second spring (114). Accordingly, the forces that can be communicated through the pedal system 10 are reduced during a collision.

Abstract: A brake fluid pressure relief assembly (50) for a brake system (10) including a pedal assembly (12) employs first and second valves (52, 54) to provide controlled collapse of a brake pedal pad (14) when both a predetermined deceleration limit is exceeded and a predetermined pressure level is exceeded in a hydraulic brake fluid. The first valve (52) is actuated by an inertial mass (84) acting against a first spring (86). With the first valve in the open position, hydraulic fluid passes into a reservoir (68) whose volume is a dependent on the position of the second valve (54). The second valve (54) opens when the fluid pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined pressure limit and compresses a piston (100) against a second spring (114). Accordingly, the forces that can be communicated through the pedal system 10 are reduced during a collision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the multifunctional urgent shutoff safety valve for preventing accidents such as gas explosion, fire, etc. in advance. It is installed at the gas supply path. The spool assembly run by earthquake accelerations in case of an earthquake of stronger than a fixed level shuts off the gas circulation path to stop gas supply, or the spool assembly shuts off the gas circulation path to stop gas supply when an excessive amount of gas is flowed out in a short time due to blowing-out of the rear end pipe of the present valve. In the configuration of the multifunctional urgent shutoff safety valve of the present invention, a permanent magnet, which is mounted on the upper end of the spool assembly installed at the valve room in the main body in the vertical state to pen and close the outlet port, is suspended apart from the bottom surface of the pendulum (acceleration sensor) at a fixed interval, when the valve outlet port is open.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a housing has a weight that is normally centered by springs that yield to impact force components in several directions. This movement of the weight causes closing of fuel valves and opening of electrical switches that reduce the likelihood of fire or explosion in an accident.

Abstract: A movement detector and fluid shut-off device, including a housing having an ingress and egress for fluid flow. The device including a valve shut-off means for selectively blocking fluid flow. The valve shut-off means includes a plunger normally urged towards the egress. The plunger has a front end which is capable of sealing the egress. The device also includes a detector means for detecting movement. The detector means includes a free weight hung on internal structure of the housing defining support structure. The detector means further includes release means which holds the plunger in a first position away from the egress allowing fluid flow and releases the plunger to its second, activated, position upon sufficient oscillation of the free weight.

Abstract: A vent valve assembly with roll over shut-off capability includes a housing, a vent valve that opens to allow vapor to escape from the tank in response to tank vapor pressure greater than a predetermined positive pressure and that opens to allow air or vapor entrance to the tank in response to tank vapor pressure below a predetermined negative pressure. A roll over valve is provided to open and close the fluid flow path between the vent valve and the tank interior, and a rocker arm assembly is rotatably mounted to the housing for positioning the roll over valve in the open position when the tanker is upright and for moving the roll over valve to the closed position when the tanker rolls more than a predetermined angle relative to the upright position. Stored liquid rising above the shut-off valve applies a further force closing the shut-off valve in relation to the head pressure.

Abstract: A resettable earthquake valve for gas lines, the valve having a housing with an external turn cock and an internal valve sleeve with a port that functions as a stopcock valve, the housing having an internal passage with a port and a closure biased valve disk displaceable from the port by a support member having an inertial mass, the support member being debilitated by a shock to the valve, the support member being connected to the biased valve disk at one end and engageable by a displaceable support base at the other, the valve having a cam mechanism for resetting the support member after being debilitated, for returning the support member to its support position displacing the valve disk from the valve port on resetting the valve.

Abstract: A valve device is adapted to be provided on top of a container (1) to prevent the flow of a liquid from said container. Said container may form a part of a cleaning device. The valve device comprises a passage (10) extending in a direction (x) being essentially vertical when the valve device is in a normal working position and having an orifice (11) at one end. The orifice is surrounded by a surface (14). Moreover, the valve device comprises a disk (15) having a disk diameter exceeding the diameter of said orifice and support means (17, 18) to support the disk (15) beneath said orifice (11) at a distance from said surface such that the disk is movable to abut said surface when said direction (x) deviates from said vertical direction by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A seismic actuator for initiating various actions and/or changes to a system in response to seismic activity above a predetermined threshold level. In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator comprises a seismic valve for shutting off gas flow through a pipe upon seismic activity above a predetermined threshold level, and for resetting the valve to reestablish gas flow through the pipe. The seismic valve according to embodiments of the present invention may be seated within a pipe in any orientation. The valve includes a stopper capable of alternatively allowing and blocking gas flow, a locking ball capable of restraining the stopper in a position allowing gas flow, and a plunger for securing the locking ball in a location where the ball restrains the stopper in the position allowing gas flow. The valve further includes a pendulum adjacent to the plunger.

Abstract: An over filling interdiction valve, fitted within a fluid tank, the valve comprising a housing furnished with a first fluid inlet at a bottom end thereof and a first fluid outlet at top end thereof, a float member located within the housing and being displaceable along its longitudinal axis between the first inlet and the first outlet. The float member comprises at its bottom end a second fluid inlet and near its top end a second fluid outlet. Sealing means are associated at a top end of the float member for sealing the first fluid outlet and biasing means are provided within the housing for biasing the float member towards the first fluid outlet.

Abstract: A control valve for an antiroll suspension for a vehicle, the valve having a body, sliding valve element which is coupled to a pendulum arm through a linkage so that the valve element slides when the pendulum moves on cornering of the vehicle, the valve including a pressure inlet port between lands, a return port and outlet ports which are coupled to hydraulic rams in the vehicle suspension, whereby the valve element operates to control pressure at the outlet ports so as to actuate the rams to thereby reduce body roll on the vehicle. Restricted flow through ducts past pistons and end chambers to ducts and return port provides an increasing pressure differential to generate forces on the valve element which tend to oppose the displacement of the valve element whereby the valve element moves to an equilibrium position which is dependent on the forces transmitted to it from the pendulum arm. An antiroll suspension for a vehicle including the valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A safety cut-off device, comprises a valve for controlling fluid flow. The valve has a body with a passageway therethrough and inlet and outlet communicating with the passageway. The valve includes a closure member disposed within the passageway, the closure member having an open position for permitting fluid flow through the body and a closed position for shutting off the fluid flow. A stop has an operative position engaging the closure member in the open position and an inoperative position when the closure member is in the closed position. The stop is biased in the operative position. A vibration sensitive member is secured to the valve body, the vibration sensitive member being adapted to move the stop to the inoperative position in response to vibrations in the environment, whereby the closure member is permitted to move to the closed 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 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 power hitch relief system for a three-point hitch used in tractors and similar vehicles. The power hitch relief system includes an inclination detector in the form of a weight pivotally mounted to the tractor frame. The weight is also coupled to a relief valve of a hydraulic circuit which supplies power to the hitch. The weight pivots when the tractor pitches backwardly to open the relief valve and relieve fluid pressure in the hydraulic circuit. This prevents the tractor from overturning backwardly. A catch keeps the relief valve open to prevent oscillations until reset.

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 smoothing iron has a water reservoir with a water discharge valve and drip valve. The water discharge valve includes a motion-dependent weight for inhibiting the passage of water from the water reservoir to the steam chamber of the iron when the iron is in a position of rest. When the valve is opened by the pressing motion, water is passed around the valve and through a water conduit to the drip valve which allows passage of the water to the steam chamber. To increase the degree of responsiveness of the water discharge valve, the weight is connected to a sealing body by a connecting rod.

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 acceleration-responsive magnetic device for closing a valve or operating a switch or the like in response to a disturbance such as an earthquake. A pendulum operates to increase the length of a magnetic path, releasing a magnetic element to perform the desired actuation.

Abstract: An ignitable pyrotechnic transmission line, when ignited, actuates a vehicle safety device. A microdet receives a firing signal indicative of a vehicle collision and generates combustion products to ignite the pyrotechnic transmission line. A blocking member in the form of a slidable spool is interposed between the microdet and the pyrotechnic transmission line. The spool has a blocking position in which the spool prevents transmission of combustion products from the microdet to the pyrotechnic transmission line. The spool also has a non-blocking position in which the spool allows transmission of combustion products from the microdet to the pyrotechnic transmission line to ignite the pyrotechnic transmission line. The movement of the spool from the blocking position to the non-blocking position is controlled so that it moves only in the event of vehicle deceleration above a predetermined rate.

Abstract: The tap comprises inside the cylinder, a two-way valve (30) permitting both filling and draining of the gas cylinder.The valve (30) comprises at least two lateral openings (34, 36) which can be sealed off by a sealing device (40) provided with an axial orifice (48) for the passage of gas and which slides axially in the shell (32) between a position of obstruction of the openings (34, 36), through the effect of a spring (44), and a position of opening against the action of the spring (44), through the effect of the pressure of the filling gas and a level-controlling valve (52) actuated by a float (62) at the bottom of the shell (32).

Abstract: A damper for a vehicle suspension utilizes accelerometer elements for controlling damping rate in response to lateral or longitudinal ("horizontal") acceleration of the vehicle. The accelerometer can be a mass/spring assembly within the damper housing. The accelerometer is linked to at least one damping rate adjuster element, such as a variable orifice or pop-off valve, so that increasing displacement of the accelerometer, in response to increasing vehicle horizontal acceleration, varies the setting of the rate-controlling elements to modify the damping rate. The horizontal acceleration/damping curve can be "tuned," and can be varied in X and Y axes, by selecting various accelerometer weights and springs, or by utilizing multiple accelerometers.

Abstract: An antiroll suspension for a vehicle, the suspension having a bar which is mounted transversely of the vehicle, the bar being coupled to a fixed strut and an extensible strut. The suspension includes control elements to control the extension and retraction of the extensible strut in proportion to laterally directed centrifugal forces acting on the vehicle during cornering so as to counter the effects of vehicle body roll.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a vibration or shock-activated valve. A valve mounted for rotation in a gas line or the like is connected to an elongate handle by a valve stem. The valve is spring activated to rotate from an open to a closed position. The elongate handle engages and is retrained by a ball detent. The ball detent has a ball supported on the engagement end of a conical end of a pendulum member. When vibration or shock moves the pendulum, the ball falls, releasing the elongate handle permitting the spring loaded valve to rotate from the open to the closed postion. A handle stop at 90.degree. stops the valve in the closed position.

Abstract: A vibration activated device is provided for closing a utility gas valve. A control lever on the valve is held in the open position by a latch which fits into a latch groove in the end of the control lever of the valve; a spring is attached to the control lever to pull the valve shut when the latch is released. The shock waves of the earthquake move a pendulum which then moves an activator which then moves a pivot arm which moves a latch located thereon to release the valve control lever. When the valve control lever is released, a spring pulls the end of the valve control lever to turn it to the closed position. The device is designed to operate on a valve located in either a vertical or a horizontal pipeline.