Abstract: A flame front diverter element is designed to cause a minimal pressure drop under normal venting conditions when process vapors need to pass through the explosion protection system and to other equipment connected to the manifold system. In the event of a deflagration, the flame front diverter directs the high-speed pressure wave towards a bi-directional rupturable disc causing the rupturable disc to open thus creating an aspiration effect on the opposite bi-directional rupturable disc.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve including a valve seat and a valve seat retainer abutting the valve seat. The valve seat has a central channel whereas the valve seat retainer has a number of peripheral channels. A deformable plug is positioned between the valve seat and the valve seat retainer. The deformable plug has a head abutting the valve seat and normally blocking the central channel and a tail abutting the valve seat retainer at a location between the peripheral channels. The tail deforms upon receiving a predetermined load from the head thereby permitting the head to unblock the central channel and open the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A vacuum release valve and method are defined. The valve 10, 100, 200 is positioned on a line L between a pool suction inlet I and a pump PU for pumping pool liquid from the inlet and along the line L. The valve 10, 100, 200 includes a valve member 24, 108, 214 that is urged by the pump into a sealing position during normal pumping of pool liquid from the inlet to the pump, so that pool liquid does not flow across the valve. When a predetermined level of vacuum is induced in the line, the valve member is moved out of the sealing position by the vacuum so that a fluid is allowed to flow through the valve to release the vacuum.

Abstract: A pressure relief system for detecting and correcting an overpressure situation in a pressurized fluid. The system includes a pressure responsive member such as a buckling pin configured to mechanically collapse when a predetermined force is applied to the member. An actuator assembly axially compresses the member in response to the pressure of the fluid and rotates a first shaft upon mechanical collapse of the member. A bypass valve assembly establishes a bypass path for the fluid upon rotation of a second shaft. A clutch mechanism decouples the first and second shafts prior to and during initial stages of mechanical collapse of the member and subsequently couples the first and second shafts during remaining stages of mechanical collapse of the member. In this way, forces associated with the bypass valve assembly are isolated from the actuator assembly during steady state operation and during the initial stages of mechanical collapse.

Abstract: A safety valve for swimming pools that senses and then instantly relieves excessively high vacuum levels in the pool's drain line. Such high vacuum levels occur when an individual becomes trapped by the suction at the pool's drain port which is connected to the drain line. The valve relieves the high vacuum level in the pool's drain line and the suction at the drain port by bleeding air into the pool's drain line, causing the pump connected to the drain line to lose prime. The valve is equipped with means for adjusting the vacuum level at which it actuates to accommodate varying vacuum levels found at different pools.

Abstract: A safety valve for swimming pools that senses and then instantly relieves excessively high vacuum levels in the pool's drain line. Such high vacuum levels occur when an individual becomes trapped by the suction at the pool's drain port which is connected to the drain line. The valve relieves the high vacuum level in the pool's drain line and the suction at the drain port by bleeding air into the pool's drain line, causing the pump connected to the drain line to lose prime. The valve is equipped with means for adjusting the vacuum level at which it actuates to accommodate varying vacuum levels found at different pools.

Abstract: An inline high pressure fluid release valve is formed by a valve body having a transverse opening forming a fluid passageway interposed in a fluid conductor. A vertically moveable plunger in the valve body includes a disc normally closing the fluid passageway. A pin cage assembly includes a collapsible pin axially connected with a vertically movable valve stem on the plunger is responsive to excess fluid pressure unbalancing a valve stem and collapsing the pin and impact moving the plunger to a fluid passageway open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure control valve 1 for a tank intended to contain a fluid and comprising at least one flap 5 obturating an aperture linking the inside (I) and the outside (E) of the tank, such flap being held in the obturating position by spring means 7 pressing on a support 9, such valve incorporating means 10, 20 allowing the retraction in whole or in part of the spring support 9 such as to reduce the pressure exerted by the spring 7 on the flap 5. This valve is characterised in that the support 9 has an embrittled part 15 able to be fractured by a mobile piston 20 activated by a pyrotechnic gas generator 27.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.

Abstract: A bi-stable valve arrangement includes a body having first and second opposing ends and constructed and arranged to define a passage between the body and another element so that the passage extends from the first end to the second end. A seal member associated with the body. A first spring structure biases the seal member in a first direction and a second spring structure biases the seal member in a direction opposite the first direction. The first and second spring structures are constructed and arranged so that the seal member may seal the passage.

Abstract: A backflow valve which includes a closure gate pivotally mounted along a substantially vertical pivot axis to one of the opposed sides of the valve body. A closure gate engaging profile positioned in a bottom of the valve body locks the closure gate in the open position. The closure gate is biased into the closed position. The closure gate moves to the closed position upon floating free of the closure gate engaging profile.

Abstract: A single-operation valve assembly useful in such braking system applications, as well as others, includes a flow passage and a valve member located within the flow passage at a first position in which the valve member prevents fluid flow from an upstream side of the valve member to a downstream side of the valve member. The valve member and flow passage are configured for movement of the valve member from the first position along the flow passage to a second position along the flow passage when a pressure difference between the upstream side of the valve member and the downstream side of the valve member exceeds a threshold level. The valve member and the flow passage are also configured for free flow of fluid along the flow passage in either direction when the valve member moves to the second position. Thus, in a braking system circuit the subject valve assembly does not interfere with fluid flow in the circuit after the valve member has been blown to the second position.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve opens at a predetermined pressure of fluid flowing into the valve. It includes a body member having a passageway with an inlet and an outlet and a barrier member between the inlet and outlet that prevents fluid from flowing between the inlet and outlet. There is a port along the passageway between the inlet and the outlet, and a moveable sealing element having a closed position where said sealing element is seated in the port and an open position where the sealing element is withdrawn from the port. The port is in fluid communication with the outlet when the sealing element is moved to the open position. A disc spring engages the sealing element. This disc spring has a first position holding the sealing element in the port when the pressure of the fluid is below the predetermined pressure and a second position withdrawing the sealing element from the port when the pressure of the fluid exceeds the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A pressure responsive valve assembly is disclosed as having a frangible burst disk that largely controls actuation of the valve. The valve assembly includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a valve seat therein. An actuating unit includes a collapsible fluid chamber and a moveable pressure responsive valve member. The valve member is engageable with the valve seat, positioned to experience the pressure conditions at the inlet, and operably coupled with the mechanism to cause collapsing of the fluid chamber when the valve member moves relative to the valve seat to establish or close communication between the inlet and outlet. The rupture disk normally blocks fluid flow from the chamber and thereby prevents collapsing of the chamber and corresponding movement of the valve member until the valve member experiences a predetermined maximum pressure at the inlet.

Abstract: A flow blockage suction interrupt of the present invention reduces the dangerous possibility of bodily suction entrapment of a bather in a swimming, wading, or hydrotherapy pool. The safety valve operates to instantaneously introduce atmosphere into a suction piping system of a pool when a dangerous vacuum condition is detected. The incoming atmosphere breaks the vacuum, freeing entrapped bather. The safety valve includes a dynamic plug and dual spring-loaded actuators, one closing and one opening the valve to atmosphere. The closing actuator is dominant until the opening actuator is triggered by the dangerously high vacuum level that accompanies bodily suction entrapment. The preferred embodiment incorporates a spring-loaded telescopic actuator shaft that is spring-loaded to open fully once triggered, and is triggered by a factory-calibrated diaphragm-actuated suction sensor. Once this safety valve has been tripped, it must be manually reset by the pool operator.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive valve 10 comprises a valve body 12 defining a bore 14, an inlet port 16 and an outlet port 18. The inlet port 16 is in fluid communication with the outlet port 18 and defines a fluid flow path 20. The fluid flow path 20 is in communication with the bore 14. A reverse buckling member 22 extends at least partially across the bore 14, the member 22 being adapted to reverse its conformation when a set pressure has been exceeded. The valve 10 includes means for actuating inversion of the reverse buckling member 22 when the set pressure has been exceeded. The valve 10 also includes means for sealing the reverse buckling member 22 from the fluid flow path 20.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve has a moveable piston disposed in a body between inlet and outlet ports in the body. A volumetrically variable enclosed chamber is formed within the body with a portion of the chamber being defined by an upper surface of the piston. At least one aperture extends through the head of the piston providing a fluid passageway between an inlet port of the valve and the enclosed chamber. Fluid captured within the enclosed chamber permits initial rapid movement of the piston head to an open, or relieved, position in the event of a sharp increase in system pressure and provides a hydraulic cushion whereby impact shock of the head against internal valve components is attenuated.

Abstract: A yard hydrant of the venturi check valve-fluid reservoir type has a manually operable flow diverter valve which will provide full fluid flow through the hydrant to effectively siphon residual fluid from the reservoir without removal of hoses, backflow preventers or the like from the nozzle of the hydrant. The flow diverter valve is located upstream of the fluid discharge nozzle of the hydrant. A tube connects the venturi check valve with the extreme bottom of the reservoir so that all the residual fluid in the reservoir can be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A simple and highly reliable automatic valve is disclosed which is enabled y being subjected to a predetermined pressure and actuated as pressure is reduced from that pressure. A pressure differential of several orders of magnitude between enablement pressure and actuation pressure can be obtained by providing non-linear or plural springs which oppose fluid pressure against a reciprocable piston. The piston includes an aperture or passage which seals against a surrounding bore when the valve is closed. The piston is maintained in a position where the aperture or passage is sealed against the bore by a latch. The latch comprises a band spring held in position by a protrusion on the piston and released when the piston is moved by a predetermined fluid pressure. Fine adjustment of both enablement and actuation pressures is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shower control valve assembly which includes a casing mountable in a wall with inlets for hot and cold water. A cartridge is insertable into the casing in one of two orientations so that the hot water inlet of the cartridge can be aligned with either one of the casing inlets, depending on which one is the hot water inlet. The casing has at least one outlet for transporting mixed water to the tub and a diverter passage is connected to the outlet for transporting mixed water to the shower. An insert is positioned in the outlet and has a counterweighted butterfly valve member therein, the valve member being normally in an open position allowing water to flow to the tub. A rod member extends laterally of the insert and is reciprocable so as to contact the upstream wing of the valve member and force it into the stream of water flowing to the tub. The stream forces the valve member to a closed position and then the flowing water is forced to follow the diverter passage to the shower.

Abstract: A safety valve comprises a valve seat and a spring-loaded first control piston that is axially moveable with respect to the valve seat. The valve seat and the first control piston each having a central channel for a branched-off portion of a transported pressure medium. The first control piston central channel has an annular surface that is in fluid communication with the pressure medium. A spring is supported at one axial end by a flange of the first control piston and at an opposite axial end by a switching element. When the pressure medium reaches a predetermined operating pressure, the switching element is moved axially, through the release of an arresting mechanism, to that side which faces away from the valve seat to relieve the fluid pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve assembly in which a valve is actuated by a flexible high pressure hose in cooperation with a commonly attached linkage. The valve assembly is attachable between a fire hose and a source of high pressure fluid. The assembly allows a user to open the valve to the high pressure fluid source from a remote location.

Abstract: An in-line high pressure fluid release valve is formed by a valve body having a cylinder and having a transverse opening forming a fluid passageway interposed in a fluid conductor. A piston normally closing the fluid passageway and having a fluid passageway size transverse opening is guided to prevent angular rotation during longitudinal sliding movement in the cylinder by a piston rod and a cylinder wall supported guide rod projecting into a piston wall slot for mating and mismating the piston opening with the flow passageway. A pin cage connected with the piston rod end of the cylinder axially supports a collapsible pin normally biasing the piston to a fluid passageway closed position until upstream fluid pressure of a predetermined value channeled through a cylinder wall fluid bypass at the piston end opposite the piston rod to bias the piston toward a passageway open position for releasing fluid pressure downstream.

Abstract: A tub spout which receives water from a water source via a source pipe is capable of diverting water received from the source pipe and includes a hollow spout having an outlet and an inlet, a rear cap removably assembled at the inlet has a rear aperture for allowing water from the source pipe to enter the hollow spout, valve means are removably disposed in the hollow spout for blocking water flow from the rear aperture to the outlet, and control means are connected to the valve means for regulating the valve means for controlling water flow through the hollow spout.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for a tire rim in which a valve body has first and second chambers separated by a restricted passageway of reduced dimensions. The valve body has an inlet connected to the first chamber, and an outlet connected to the second chamber, and can be mounted in a suitable opening in a tire rim with the inlet exposed to pressure within the tire and the outlet exposed to the atmosphere outside the tire. A valve member is normally located in the first chamber and is seated against a seat at the entrance to the restricted passageway by air pressure within the tire acting on it via the inlet, sealing the outlet. Either the valve member or the walls of the passageway, or both, are made of deformable elastomeric material so that when the air pressure rises above a predetermined safety level, the ball is forced through the passageway into the second chamber into a position in which air can flow past the ball and out through the outlet, reducing the internal pressure in the tire.

Abstract: An air bag system for an assistant driver's seat comprises a housing including an open face to allow air bag deployment, an air bag folded in the housing, a gas generator secured to the rear wall of the housing opposite to the open face, first outlets formed in the gas generator to allow gases to flow into the air bag stored in the housing, second outlets formed in the gas generator to allow the gases to flow out of the housing, a passage defined in the housing to provide a communication between the second outlets and the outside of the housing, and a release mechanism situated in the passage for allowing the gases to flow from the gas generator into the outside of the housing through the passage when the pressure of the gases flowing through the second outlets exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: An emergency vent valve for fuel storage tanks comprises a body member and a cover pivotally mounted thereon. The body member has a central passage which is sealed by cover in its closed position. The cover is held in this closed position by resetable latch means, which are responsive to a predetermined storage tank, vapor pressure to release the cover for displacement to an open position. In the open position, the cover is generally upright to provide an alert that the valve has been actuated. The latching means comprise a latch pin, mounted on the cover and a latch link, pivotal on the body member, having a cam surface, which is engaged by the latch pin to hold the cover in its closed position. A screw enables adjustment of the initial position of the latch link to vary the relative angle between the cam surface and the latch pin, to thus adjust the vapor pressure to which the valve is responsive.

Abstract: A pressure relief system for a pressurized container having an aperture comprising a closure member adapted for insertion into the aperture. The closure member has a bottom wall and peripheral side walls and a seal adapted to engage and seal the edges of the aperture. The peripheral side walls are formed with a first set of radially outwardly extending projections adapted to engage with the edges of the aperture to hold the seal of the closure member into sealable engagement over the aperture. A second set of radially outwardly extending projections are also provided below the first set adapted to engage with the aperture edge to hold the closure member within the aperture when the first set of projections are forced out of engagement with the aperture edge due to a build up of excess pressure in the pressurized container whereby the seals are released from the aperture edge to vent pressure. A tool is also disclosed capable of forming the necessary first and second sets of projections in a single step.

Abstract: A fluid pressure flare relief valve is formed by a valve body having axially aligned inlet and outlet tubular ends forming a passageway adapted to be interposed in a fluid line. The valve body is circumferentially enlarged and provided with a lateral opening normally closed by a double-wall valve head forming a valve head chamber. The enlarged valve body portion contains a box-like chamber integral with the downstream end portion of the valve for communication therewith and normally closing the valve passageway. The chamber forming box member is line drilled to form a pair of apertures normally closed by a pair of pistons mounted on a piston rod. One end of the rod extends outwardly through the valve head. A small diameter piston contained by a cylinder projecting into the valve head surrounds the piston rod and is connected therewith for supporting one end of a pressure release pin having its other end supported by a pin cage.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve has a hollow valve body with one or more vent ports in the side wall and a small pilot opening in a first end. A lightweight sleeve, closed at one end, telescopes over the first end of the valve body to close the vent ports. A pressure actuatable element is positioned on the outer surface of the valve body end so as to block the pilot opening therein until the pressure in the valve body exceeds a predetermined value. When the pressure actuatable element unblocks the pilot opening, the interior of the closed end of the sleeve is exposed to the pressure in the valve body, causing the lightweight sleeve to move relative to the valve body to open the vent ports. Suitable pressure actuated elements include a rolling ball or a spring biased closure plate.

Abstract: A backflash interrupter device is provided which can be placed in-line in a run of pipe, duct, or the like for preventing a pressure wave and any subsequent flame front traveling along the run from passing beyond the device. The preferred backflash interrupter device includes a chamber base and a vent cap cooperatively defining a transfer chamber with at least two fluid-conducting members coupled therewith with the distal ends thereof configured for coupling with respective terminal ends of portions of the run of pipe, duct, or the like.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve and especially such a valve for use in the lid or other part of a cooking vessel. It is a feature of the valve that it automatically opens in response to certain pressure conditions, and requires manual resetting to the closed condition. The valve includes a closure member which is movable between valve open and valve closed positions, and a configuration dependent hold-open member which is operative, in one configuration, to bias the closure member into the open position and to hold it in that position. The hold-open member is annular and has a frusto-conical form in the operative configuration. An actuator is operable to move the closure member from the open position to the closed position, and the hold-open member responds to that movement by adopting a reversed conical configuration. The hold-open member is subjected to stress when moving between the two conical configurations and that stress is at least partially relieved at each of the open and closed positions of the valve.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pressure-drop sensor valve system for controlling the movement of a fluid operated, ram-type device, such as that used to drive a panel punch. The valve-like device includes a main passage having an inlet for pressurized fluid and an outlet connectable to the ram-type device. Disposed intermediate said inlet and outlet is a fluid chamber. A poppet valve is positioned between said fluid chamber and an accumulator chamber in the body of the device. A fluid by-pass is connected to the fluid passage and a reservoir, and is blocked when the poppet valve is closed and opened when said valve is opened. A piston member is provided with its stem in the accumulator chamber opposite the poppet valve, both said member and valve being slightably movable by separate compression springs. A check valve is positioned in an axial passage of the poppet valve.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an automatic servo-controlled valve with high speed opening wherein the shutter is a hinged cover (20). Suitable locking means (30, 50) keep the cover (20) in a locked position up to the time when the pressure difference on the two faces of the cover exceeds a pre-determined minimum level. After the said locking means have moved to an open position, an actuator (40) operates the opening of the said cover at high speed (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A delay valve is attached to a fire hydrant and interposed between the hydrant and the hose and restricts the otherwise high flow and high pressure of the hydrant to a small fraction of the normal flow and pressure until the hose is filled up, at which point the valve opens fully so that the hose and hydrant are fully operational.

Abstract: An exhaust-gas treatment system for a sealed-type converter has a hood for guiding converter exhaust gas and is provided with an emergency air admission valve device communicatively connected to the hood and comprising, essentially, a valve seat communicating with a valve entrance for inflow of outside air, a valve body normally in valve closed position against the valve seat to shut off air from entering the hood, and a valve body locking device functioning to normally hold the valve body in locked state in the valve closed position and operating in an emergency to release the valve body, which thereupon separates away from the valve seat thereby to admit outside air into the hood to prevent occurrence of negative pressure in the hood.

Abstract: A hydro-automatic valve with a cylindrical housing mounted vertically and having rigid upper and bottom ring shaped rests between which, within the cylindrical housing, interconnected upper and bottom face closure members are freely disposed. The upper face closure member is shaped as a disc with a hole in the central axis and has small legs arranged around its periphery extending vertically downwards with small teeth turned inwards towards the central axis. The small teeth are disposed freely in a shallow ring shaped groove in the surrounding surface of the bottom face closure member, which is shaped with a conical peak in the axis. At the bottom end of the bottom face closure member there is a deep ring shaped groove. This deep ring shaped groove is connected via parallel channels with the space between the upper and bottom face closure member.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a fluid flow shifting valve of a sanitary mixing faucet assembly or the like of, for example, a bathtub and shower, which raises or lowers a flow shifting valve stem guided in the mixing faucet body so as to shift the fluid flow between two outlets, comprises an operating lever pivotally connected to the valve stem and also attached pivotally to a preferably rodlike, centrally located pivot bearing, wherein the lever arm of the operating lever is proportioned so that a reduced applied force is sufficient to effect a shift in fluid flow. Advantageously the operating lever may be provided with a press contact or a lever cap attached to its top for ease of operation. The operating mechanism is essentially integrated in the mixing faucet body so that it does not protrude significantly.

Abstract: A dry pipe valve accelerator is operative for quickening the operation of a dry pipe valve in a dry sprinkler system in order to hasten the delivery of water throughout the system in response to the operation of one or more sprinkler heads of the system. The accelerator is automatically actuated in response to a slight but significant rate of decay in system gas pressure, such as is caused by the operation of a sprinkler head of the system; and when the accelerator is actuated, an exhaust valve element thereof is moved from a closed position to an open position wherein the accelerator provides an interconnection between the pressurized portion of the system and the intermediate chamber of the dry pipe valve to effect the opening of the latter.

Abstract: In an alarm valve for permanently installed fire-extinguishing systems, having a blocking element mounted in a valve housing with an inlet and outlet and which tightly blocks the open cross-section of the housing and locking and release mechanism integrated into the valve, the improvement wherein the locking and release mechanism comprises at least one radial depression at the open cross-section of the valve mounting, at least one locking element engageable with the at least one depression to lock the blocking element in a blocking position. The locking element is maintained in the engaged position against the pressure of an extinguishing fluid in response to the pressure of a gas or mixture of gases exceeding a predetermined level which is weaker than the pressure of the extinguishing fluid.

Abstract: A pressure relieving device for use with gas flowmeters, pressure regulators and other fluid flow equipment is described. The device includes an O-ring and means for compressing and retaining the O-ring to provide a fluid-tight seal under normal operating pressure, but having a gap positioned such that the occurrence of an excessive pressure causes a portion of the O-ring to move into and through the gap to relieve the excessive pressure. A passage for enabling the fluid to contact the O-ring is sized to allow sufficient flow to relieve a fluid pressure substantially in excess of the normal operating pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure controller for sensing changes in a service pressure and controlling a control pressure in response to such changes. The pressure controller includes a valve body having a control inlet and a bleed outlet with a passage therebetween. A valve seat is positioned in the passage and a valve member is reciprocatingly mounted in the valve body for movement between a closed position in engagement with the valve seat and an open position out of engagement with the valve seat. The controller includes a releasable latch for latching the valve member in the closed position. The controller includes a release mechanism for releasing the latch in response to changes in service pressure to allow the valve member to move to the open position.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted to be coupled to the spigot of a conventional sink faucet, which valve can selectively divert water from the spigot to either an auxiliary filter or to a drain. The valve incorporates a housing having a threaded inlet, an internal chamber and first and second outlets. A slidably mounted spool defines a valve head, and normally directs the flow toward the drain, but the spool can be shifted to divert the flow to the filter on either a continuous or a "single-shot" basis.

Abstract: A relief valve for relieving excessive fluid pressures in a fluid pressure system comprising: a valve body having a cavity therein and an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid communication with the cavity; and a plug assembly carried in the valve body for reciprocal movement between a closed position in which the plug assembly prevents flow of fluids through the inlet port and an open position, in which the plug assembly permits flow of fluids through the inlet port and into the cavity for exit through the outlet port.

Abstract: A quick release valve including a housing, a high pressure fluid inlet in the housing, a fluid outlet in the housing, a first plunger having a valve member at a first end thereof, a second annular plunger axially aligned with the first plunger and having a seat on the end thereof for receiving the valve member, a toggle linkage mounted between the housing and the second end of the first plunger for maintaining the valve member on the seat when the toggle linkage is overcenter but permitting the valve member to pull away from the seat when the toggle linkage is broken, and a lever with a weight thereon attached to the toggle linkage for biasing the toggle linkage to a broken condition but which is ineffective for doing so when the toggle linkage is in an overcenter position as a result of fluid pressure being exerted on the valve member.

Abstract: In an hydraulic system a solenoid-operated valve mechanism is used to control delivery of pressure fluid to a part of the system, the fluid being circulated by a pump from a reservoir through the valve mechanism and back. The valve mechanism has a solenoid-operated valve biassed open, and closed when the solenoid is energized to generate pressure fluid, the valve then being operated in response to the pressure and a pressure-responsive valve-opening mechanism, such that when the pressure rises above a first threshold level the pressure acts to keep the valve closed, until the pressure reaches a second threshold level at which the valve-opening mechanism is operative to cause the valve to open provided the solenoid is de-energized. The valve-opening mechanism comprises a valve which opens at the second threshold level to allow pressure fluid into a cavity defined by a piston to cause the pressure to fall and the valve to open.

Abstract: A safety pressure reducing regulator for use in systems operable by pressurized gas incorporates multiple safety features which preclude excessive pressure buildup in the system and provide protection against catastrophic failures. The regulator includes primary and secondary regulator stages through which pressurized gas from a gas pressure source is supplied to a pressure control chamber which provides the operating pressure for the system. The primary regulator stage is designed to reduce the inlet gas pressure to an intermediate level. The secondary regulator stage is designed to automatically regulate the supply of the pressurized gas at the intermediate pressure to the pressure control chamber to maintain a desired operating pressure therein. A flexible diaphragm is normally disposed across the pressure control chamber which is adapted to function as a check valve to control communication between the secondary regulator stage and the pressure control chamber.

Abstract: An automatic hose clamp is provided particularly for use with fire hoses, and is manually engaged on a fire hose which is subsequently attached to a fire hydrant, there being a trickle flow allowed past the clamp so that the downstream end of the hose, if unconnected to anything, will dissipate this trickle, but upon being connected to the fire truck pumping unit the downstream end fills and exerts back pressure on a specially oriented plate in the clamp, finally resulting in the popping free of the clamp due to the expansion of the hose against the plate so that water is free to flow at this point unobstructed by the clamp. Previously a manually operated clamp was used requiring the presence of a fireman to turn a wheel or otherwise operate the valve actuator to release the clamp once the hose had been connected to the main pump.

Abstract: A faucet control device comprising (a) a hollow sleeve member having one outlet and two, axially spaced and opposite each other, inlets capable of being connected with hot and cold water conduits, the latter having separate control handles, and (b) a piston slidable in the sleeve for movement between a first inserted position in which said inlets are blocked and a second retracted position in which said inlets communicate with said outlet, so that the flow can be regulated independently of the hot and cold water controls. As said piston moves between either of said positions the flow of water varies depending on the amount of its movement. Said outlet acting in this case as a flow passage, can be connected with a spout provided with a valve for selectively diverting the flow of water between two outlets for tub and shower use.

Abstract: A pressure relief mechanism seated within a wall of a pressure vessel features a novel flexible seal. The vessel pressure acts against both a spring and an internal valve pressure created by the flexible seal. The pressure relief mechanism can be designed to release over a wide range of critical vessel pressures due to the combination of the resistive spring force and the resistive internal pressure.