Abstract: The device has a gas passage of adjustable flow cross-section through which gas flows in normal use. Inflowing gas also acts on a blocking member, and when the pressure of the inflow gas rises above a certain value, the pressure on the blocking member is sufficient to move the blocking member into the gas passage to block the passage. The blocking member is then retained in position in the passage, blocking the gas flow by the gas pressure. The blocking member can be a ball which is moved against the force of gravity by the pressure of the gas to close the passage.

Abstract: A flapper is provided in the inlet and outlet lines to a domestic hot water heater or the like and a permanent magnet is affixed to the bottom portion of each of the flappers. Immediately adjacent each flapper and outside of the pipe, a magnetically operated switch is placed. The magnetically operated switches are connected in circuit with a relay which in turn controls a solenoid valve for cutting off or permitting the entry of water from the source into the inlet pipe. Under normal operating conditions when there is a flow of water in the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe the connection of the magnetically operated switches is such that the relay will not operate and the solenoid actuated valve will be open permitting the entry of water from the source. When a leak occurs, the ensuing movement of the flappers caused by the change in liquid flow will operate their associated magnetic switches, causing the relay to be actuated and closing the solenoid actuated valve, thus cutting off the supply of water.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle safety system includes two independently operable automatic shutoff valve assemblies. One valve assembly is attached directly to the recreational vehicle's appliance high-pressure fuel tank in such a manner as to be operable in all conceivable crash situations, and the other is connected downstream from the appliance fuel line's high-pressure regulator and is designed to close off the fuel flow when a fuel line breaks or small gas leaks are present, such as when an appliance pilot light goes out. Provided also with these valve assemblies are a gas sensor and warning light and audible alarms located about the recreational vehicle to alert campers to potentially dangerous malfunctions. Electrical and manual resets are provided for the safety system, so that the recreational vehicle's appliances can be made operable again if a malfunction occurs in the wilderness, remote from needed tools and expert mechanical assistance.

Abstract: A damper valve is disclosed having a hollow body and two valve plates controlled by a velocity sensitive linkage allowing the passage of normal system velocity, but closing when the velocity exceeds normal flow rates as would occur with an air surge caused by a tornado. The mechanism is made up of a three bar trip linkage connected to the valve plate in such manner so that when the linkage roller arm is held in the lower position by the cam seat, the valve plates (damper blades) are held in open position.

Abstract: A valve disposed in a fluid system for cutting off the flow of fluid from a ource of that fluid to a fluid-using environment upon the occurrence of either an excess or unduly high fluid flow rate or an excess pressure condition experienced in or near the environment. An obturator, disposed in a flow chamber between the valve inlet and outlet, is controlled by two independent assemblies which are responsive to either the flow rate through the valve or the pressure downstream of the valve in the environment. A bias spring, part of a cutout obturator assembly and located in the obturator, maintains the obturator in an open position until an excess flow rate promotes a seating of the obturator. A spindle slidingly connects the obturator to a sensing piston assembly so that when an excess pressure condition is experienced in the environment the obturator is pulled into the seated position causing a cessation of fluid flow through the valve and an isolation of the environment from the fluid source.

Abstract: A non-return device for welding installations, of the kind comprising a movable valve arranged so as to free the passage of gas for the normal supply of the torch from a welding gas generator and, by contrast, to block said passage in the case of a back-pressure resulting from an explosion in the region of the torch burner, the said valve including for this purpose closure means co-operating with a seat under the effect of resilient return means, the valve including second closure means operating inversely to the first in such a manner that the displacement of said valve, under the effect of a sudden fall in pressure downstream of the device and against return means conveniently calibrated to this effect, ensures the automatic cut-off of the flow of gas through the assembly.

Abstract: The safety element is disposed at the end of a line which communicates with a pressure vessel. The safety element allows flow from the line into the pressure vessel. Upon an abrupt decrease in pressure in the line caused, for example, by a fracture, the safety element collapses so as to close off the line to the pressure vessel. The safety element is constructed as either a folded cone or as a rigid plate with plastically deformable members securing the plate to a line.

Abstract: A velocity check valve is provided which can be installed in oil and gas well production systems to prevent loss of fluid and possible fire in the event of a break or leak in a control line connected to a high pressure flowline or a vessel, such as a separator. In one aspect, the valve includes a seat sleeve containing a ball biased toward unseated position with the ball and sleeve being dimensioned so that when fluid flow past the ball exceeds a maximum rate, the resulting differential pressure across the ball will cause it to move to seated position. The arrangement is such that the ball is free to rotate, except when seated, so that it can present different areas of its surface to the seat to thereby distribute wear on the ball more evenly over its surface. The seat sleeve and ball can be situated in a bore extending from one end of the valve in such a manner that the seat sleeve and ball can be removed from the housing without disconnecting the valve from a line to which it may be connected.

Abstract: A pipeline shutoff control actuated by movement of a pressure responsive element connected to the pipeline and having a predetermined restraining force applied thereto, said restraining force adapted to release said element in response to a predetermined rate of pressure drop in said pipeline whereby to actuate said control.

Abstract: A displaceable frusto-conical channel is provided typically axially in-line in a housing, the housing being interposed in a fluid supply pipe, e.g. a water supply line. The truncated smaller end of the channel is downstream in terms of fluid flow. A ball is disposed in the channel so that a surge or high flow of fluid will move the ball downstream within the hollow channel until the ball constricts and stops fluid flow by contact with the inner wall of the channel. To complete the device, the upstream end of the channel is spring-loaded and a rod acts against the downstream end of the channel, typically in conjunction with a timer. When the timer is set, the rod holds the channel away from the tapered internal surface of the housing, to permit continuous fluid flow.

Abstract: A plurality of ultrasonic flow meter measurement probes are located at spaced intervals along the length of a pipeline carrying a fluid and each probe measures the rate of flow of the fluid at each location along the line. If a leak develops at any point along the pipeline the nearest probe located upstream from the leak will read higher than the measurement being made by the nearest downstream flow meter probe. The difference in readings between the adjacent probes will be an indication of the magnitude of the leak and when the difference exceeds a preset threshold limit an alarm will sound and a coded command signal will be transmitted from the data monitoring center to initiate the immediate closing of the nearest upstream and downstream shut-off valves in the vicinity of the leak. This procedure will immediately isolate the damaged section of the pipe and prevent uncontrolled leakage of the fluid into the environment.

Abstract: A hydraulic safety system for use with a hydraulic valve and a work apparatus which is retained under hydraulic pressure even when the hydraulic line is broken inadvertently. A lock valve is connected in the line and senses the loss of hydraulic pressure, and the valve is actuated in response to the pressure drop and retains the work apparatus in a pressurized condition to thereby avoid undesired movement in response to the loss of pressure.

Abstract: A check valve assembly for use in a drill string to prevent reverse flow of drilling fluid through the string while permitting such fluid to be pumped downwardly through the well under normal conditions. The assembly includes: a valve body; a ball valve member, normally located out of the flow path in a side recess; a valve seat located above the valve member and means for controlling the rate of reverse flow of fluid required to move the valve member out of the side recess and against the valve seat.

Abstract: A velocity flow control valve employed in a branch line between a main flow line and pressure responsive pilot valves in a safety system for closing a valve across the main flow line. The flow control valve has interfitting male and female body portions with the male body portion having a spring loaded ball urged upstream to an unseated position and is seated upon a pressure differential to block flow to the pilot valves from the main flow line upon a downstream drop in pressure. A ball bleed valve is positioned on the female body portion upstream of the spring loaded ball and may be opened to reduce fluid pressure between the spring loaded ball and the main flow line when desired.

Abstract: A conduit arrangement for heavy duty purposes in which a conduit section, such as a length of flexible hose, may be subjected in use to high stresses from pressures attaining several hundred atmospheres, wherein the arrangement provides protection against ruptures and significant leaks and comprises stop valve means at the inlet end of the conduit section, pressure drop type flow sensing means (e.g. an orifice plate or venturi restriction) at the outlet of said section, and pressure comparator means for comparing the pressure drop over the flow sensing means with that over the stop valve means and operative to effect a rapid closing operation of the stop valve means if the ratio of said pressure drops deviates by a certain amount from a predetermined value.

Abstract: A ball check valve construction provides for safely controlling flow of compressed fluid under a normal operating pressure through a conduit line to a pressure actuated device. The valve construction includes a valve body formed with a ball check chamber in which is contained a ball normally biased by a spring element into an open position. The valve body is constructed with inlet and outlet pots having respective conduit elements connected thereto. Sudden pressure increase through the valve body resulting from an end of a conduit element becoming accidentally disconnected compresses the ball against the spring into contact with a sealing ring surrounding the spring, thereby to instantly interrupt flow of compressed air and prevent whipping or lashing about of the disconnected end.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve which is used to control the flow of well fluids through well tubings combines (1) the velocity valve principle of differential pressure and (2) a change in well tubing pressure to produce a closing force for the valve. A valve housing is connected into a well production tubing. A movable valve element is connected to the valve housing. In one position of the valve element flow of fluids through the valve housing is permitted and in another position thereof flow of fluids through the valve housing is prevented. The movable valve element forms with the valve housing a pressure chamber and larger and smaller differential areas. An inwardly protruding surface or flow bean is formed on the valve element. Fluids flowing through the valve housing cause a pressure differential across the flow bean. The flow bean is located between the larger and smaller differential pressure areas, the larger being above and the smaller below the flow bean.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve for wells has a ball valve supported for rotation between open and closed positions in response to control fluid pressure supplied from the top of the well and a spring which overcomes the hydrostatic pressure of the control fluid. The ball is split and has a pressure equalizing flow passage through a ball cap initially opened before the ball is rotated, the ball valve base including a screen to preclude entry of large particles. An adjustable connection in the valve support and housing structure enables adjustment to compensate for tolerances and effect snug engagement of the ball cap with its seat. Control fluid pressure enters the pressure responsive region through a balanced sleeve. An internal spring guide has a seat adjustable relative to the valve housing to provide a smooth continuous bore when the valve is open.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the rate of air flow in a pressurized air line, and for closing a valve when the air flow exceeds a predetermined maximum flow rate. The apparatus comprises a double air chamber with intermediate diaphragm for sensing air flow rate and actuating a latch mechanism, and includes a pressure-dependent latch control mechanism.

Abstract: A safety valve for pressurized fluid or the like includes a housing having first and second chambers and a valve seat formed in the first chamber. Inlet and outlet conduits are in fluid flow communication with the first chamber with the inlet conduit being remote from the valve seat and the outlet conduit being adjacent the valve seat. A first valve, for example a ball, is contained loosely within the first chamber and is arranged to engage the valve seat when there is a sudden pressure drop in the outlet conduit. A slide is contained within the second chamber and is provided with first and second opposed end faces and an opening therethrough which, in one position of the slide, permits fluid flow communication between the inlet conduit and the first chamber. In an alternate position of the slide fluid flow between the inlet conduit and the first chamber is prevented.

Abstract: A safety valve for pressure fluid flow lines and which may be utilized in combination with a punch tee, said valve being responsive to pressure differentials acting thereacross for automatically closing to preclude accidental loss of pressure fluid from the line. The valve comprises body means adjustably secured in communication with the pressure fluid of the flow line, valve seat means provided on the body means, cage means carried by the body means, ball means loosely disposed in the cage means to provide a normally open position for the valve and responsive to pressure differentials thereacross for automatically engaging the valve seat to provide a closed position for the valve, locking means adjustably disposed in the proximity of the body means for providing a predetermined positioning or setting for the body means for calibrating the pressure responsive sensitivity for the ball means, and means for selectively opening the valve against said closing pressure differential.