Abstract: The invention relates to a microvalve for disposable use with a casing with at least one valve seat and a closing element fusible under thermal application for the opening and/or closing of the microvalve with electrical heating elements serving the thermal application being provided.

Abstract: A pop-up sprinkler head is provided with a mechanism that shuts off the water when the nozzle portion of the riser is removed for maintenance. A stopper element reciprocally mounted in the riser moves to a shut off position when the nozzle is removed. A valve seat member and a stopper element may be provided to retrofit the riser of an existing sprinkler head.

Abstract: A sensing valve includes a flow control member and a sensor element responsive to the presence of a substance in a flow of fluid for actuating the flow control member for stopping the flow of fluid when the substance is present in the flow of fluid. The sensing valve has a housing defining an upper region having a generally horizontal flow channel from an inlet port and a lower region having a generally vertical flow channel to an outlet port. The sensor element is disposed in the horizontal flow channel, and the flow control member is disposed in the vertical flow channel. In a preferred construction, the flow control member has a conical surface engaging with a complementary conical surface of a seat, the sensor element is seated on an internal end portion of an inlet pipe, and the sensor element and the flow control member are coupled by a shaft which protrudes from the housing through a gland threaded into the housing. The extent of protrusion of the shaft indicates whether the valve is open or closed.

Abstract: A valve and method of operation for controlling the flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid source while maintaining a secure seal against fluid leakage over long periods of time. The valve includes a valve body formed with an inlet channel which extends through a strain concentrating portion. The strain concentrating portion has an ultimate strength less than that of support portions of the body. An actuator applies a load to the valve body sufficient to create a stress which exceeds the ultimate strength of the strain concentrating portion. The strain concentrating portion then fractures into parts separated by a gap. The fracture forms openings from the inlet channel into the gap to create a flow path from the fluid source into an outlet channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the continuous remediation of a site contaminated with a hazardous substance. The remediation apparatus includes a material selectively permeable to the hazardous substance located at the site. Once isolated, the hazardous substance is removed to a remote vessel by mechanical means or by utilization of an gas-injection system. The invention also contemplates a valve configured to protect remediation apparatuses from detrimental overloadings of hazardous substances during a remediation procedure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for distributing liquid by gravity, particularly in a photographic coating process.The device comprises: a) a rigid cylindrical outer pipe; an inner casing produced from a flexible material and the external diameter of which is less than or equal to the internal diameter of the pipe, said casing being arranged so as to define, with the pipe, substantially concentric first and second zones isolated from each other, the second zone being connected to a source of fluid so as to be able, under the effect of the pressure of the fluid, to cause the relative volumes of the first and second zones to vary in order to control the flow of liquid in the first zone; and c) a source of pressurized fluid connected to the second zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conduit that is at least partially encased within a containment housing. The containment housing provides structure for containment of fluids from a leaking or totally failed conduit and for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid through the leaking conduit. More particularly, the apparatus comprises at least one conduit that is at least partially received within a containment housing. A valve is attached to the conduit so that it is in fluid flow relationship with the conduit. The valve is biased toward a closed position, but is held in the open position by a release located within the containment chamber, defined as the space between the exterior of the conduit and the interior of the containment housing. When a predetermined fluid leaks from the conduit into the containment chamber the block expands and thereby operatively engages the release so that the valve moves to the closed position blocking the flow of fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: A fuel tank has an outlet fuel line with a valve adjacent the tank. The valve is air operated open and spring biased toward closed. A frangible envelope surrounds the fuel tank and is pressurized from the same air line as that to the valve so loss of air pressure in the envelope leads to closing of the valve in case of a crash situation that causes the envelope to rupture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conduit that is at least partially encased within a containment housing. The containment housing provides structure for containment of fluids from a leaking or totally failed conduit and for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid through the leaking conduit. More particularly, the apparatus comprises at least one conduit that is at least partially received within a containment housing. A valve is attached to the conduit so that it is in fluid flow relationship with the conduit. The valve is biased toward a closed position, but is held in the open position by a block located within the containment chamber defined by the space between the exterior of the conduit and the interior of the containment housing. When a predetermined fluid leaks from the conduit into the containment chamber the fluid structurally alters the block and the valve moves to the closed position blocking the flow of fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: An alarm system for a particular type of lifting seal type valve, such as those employed in pressure relief. The alarm system consists of a signal source, an alarm mechanism and a signal carrying conductor secured to a seated lifting seal valve in such a manner that valve actuation will disrupt the transmission, interrupting the signal and activating the alarm.

Abstract: A shut-off valve used in a fluid transmission line for the evacuation and fill of a fluid without the need for first energizing the valve to keep the valve in an open position by using a collar on the shaft of said valve which dissolves or disintegrates automatically upon contact with the fluid for a predetermined length of time such that the valve returns to its normal control functions.

Abstract: An improved fuel system for motor vehicles, such as motorcycles, including a fuel tank having a fueling port and a separate relief port, a cap which is adapted for closing and sealing the fueling port, a pressure relief valve for closing and opening the relief port, and a conduit for directing fuel from the relief port to a location which is away from a rider of the vehicle. The pressure relief valve has an inner orifice which is normally closed, but opens to allow fuel to flow from the tank through the conduit when the pressure within the tank exceeds a predetermined super-atmospheric level, for example, during a collision. The fuel system also provides for venting of air into the tank as fuel is consumed.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for restraining movement of an occupant of a vehicle includes an inflatable air bag (16). When the air bag (16) is inflated to a predetermined pressure, a vent valve assembly (26) opens and vents fluid from the air bag. The vent valve assembly (26) connects the air bag (16) with a support structure. In one embodiment, the vent valve assembly connects the air bag with a door (14) of a vehicle. The vent valve assembly includes a base (46) which extends through an opening (34) in the air bag (16) and through an opening (36) in an inner panel (32) of the vehicle door (14). The base (46) clamps the air bag against the inner panel (32) of the vehicle door (14). The vent valve assembly (26) includes a metal valve element (50) which is plastically deformed by fluid pressure in the air bag (16) to enable fluid to flow from the air bag.

Abstract: A pressure vessel safety relief includes one or more recesses on a bottom wall section of the vessel. The thickness of the bottom wall section in areas directly over each recess is less than the thickness of remaining areas of the bottom wall section. Once the bottom wall section has corroded to a significant degree, the wall section ruptures in areas over the recesses to safely relieve pressure within the vessel. Preferably, the recess decreases in cross-sectional area as the top of the recess is approached, such that the escaping air emits a high-pitched whistling noise that functions as an alarm to notify the user that the vessel is corroded and should be replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus for relieving overpressure conditions in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprises a valve assembly that is mounted in an opening formed in an exterior wall of the compartment, the assembly includes a frame panel sized to fill the opening and having a passage formed therethrough to define an exhaust from the interior of the compartment to the exterior ambient space. Flap valve elements overlying the exhaust for allowing free flow of air in a direction from the interior of the compartment to the exterior while preventing air flow in the opposite direction. Overpressure relief support connectors mount the frame panel in the opening in the wall and are adapted to release the frame panel from its mounted position whenever the air pressure within the compartment exceeds a predetermined minimum level about atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A passage choke in particular for the outlet of a plumbing fixture which is installed between the end (9) of the outlet (5) and an aerator (6) or a flow controller, which is provided with a through-flow opening (8) which advantageously has to enlarge it a knockout (12).

Abstract: An emergency shutoff valve for monitoring fluid and stopping fluid flow in a conductor in the event of fluid pressure decrease below a predetermined value at the downstream outlet port of a valve. The valve body contains a valve seat and a normally open valve for seating on the seat and includes opposing valve stems each slidably supported, at one end portion, by the body. The valve head is fluid pressure balanced by equal upstream and downstream valve stem cross sectional areas. A plate is secured to the body by posts in axial spaced relation with respect to the downstream outwardly projecting end portion of one valve stem for supporting a pressure collapsible rod-like pin axially interposed between the plate and the valve stem. A valve stem spring biases the valve toward its seat with the bias offset by fluid pressure against a valve stem piston on the upstream end of the valve stem. A drop in pressure against the valve stem piston assists the spring in collapsing the pin and seating the valve.

Abstract: An actuating drive, particularly for control valves and shut-off valves or the like, comprising a safety device that automatically brings an actuation element into a safety position, particularly a closed position, given a limit temperature that upwardly exceeds the normal temperature range, particularly in case of fire, having a swelling compound that presses the actuation element in the direction toward the safety position when it expands and which multiplies in volume upon formation of cavities when the limit temperature is upwardly exceeded.

Abstract: An emergency shutoff valve for monitoring fluid flow rate and closing a fluid conductor in the event of fluid flow increase above a predetermined value. The valve body contains a valve seat and a normally open valve head for seating on the seat and includes opposing valve stems each slidably supported, at one end portion, by the body. The valve head is fluid pressure balanced by equal upstream and downstream stem cross sectional areas. A plate is secured to the body by posts in axial spaced relation with respect to the downstream outwardly projecting end portion of one valve stem for supporting a pressure collapsible rod-like pin axially interposed between the plate and the valve stem. A valve stem bushing permits positioning the valve head relative to the seat for the purpose of changing the critical rate of flow required to impinge on the valve head resulting in an axial force on the valve stem that collapses the pin.

Abstract: A fluid closing action dampened shutoff valve for closing a high pressure fluid conductor is formed by a valve body interposed in a high pressure fluid conductor. The valve body contains a valve seat and a normally open valve for seating on the seat and interrupting fluid flow through the valve body in response to fluid pressure above a predetermined value in the conductor. The valve includes a stem slidably supported by and projecting, at one end portion, outwardly of the body. An end plate is secured to the body by posts in axially spaced relation with respect to the valve stem and axially supports a dashpot on the valve stem and a pressure collapsible rod-like pin axially interposed between the dashpot and the end plate.

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: A low gas pressure emergency shutdown valve forms part of a valve body having a flow passageway interposed in a gas supply line and forming a gas pressure regulator having a diaphragm/spring responsive poppet valve and a companion diaphragm responsive shutoff valve in the upstream end portion of the valve body maintained open by a pin bearing against the shutoff valve stem. Downstream fluid pressure, in response to a predetermined pressure limit in a flow control chamber, biases the diaphragm in a pin collapsing direction and moves the shutoff valve to a flow passageway closed position.

Abstract: In the event of sudden depressurization caused by an explosion in an aircraft cargo compartment, a blast attenuation valve is provided in the aircraft's air channels to form a barrier to the passage of air between the cargo compartment and passenger cabin. The valve contains a mixture of compressible bodies through which air can normally permeate. After an explosion, the bodies block and blast wave by compressing together due to the substantial increase in pressure.

Abstract: A low fluid pressure emergency shutdown valve is formed by a valve body having a flow passageway interposed in a gas supply line downstream from a pressure regulator. A diaphragm responsive valve in the valve body is maintained open by a pin interposed between the valve stem and the downstream end portion of the valve body. Upstream fluid pressure, in response to a pressure regulator failing in the open position, above a predetermined limit biases the diaphragm downstream to collapse the pin and move the valve to a flow passageway closed position.

Abstract: An emergency shutoff valve for closing the upstream end portion of a high pressure fluid conductor in the event of unintentional closing the downstream end portion of the conductor is formed by a valve body interposed in the upstream end portion of the high pressure fluid conductor. The valve body contains a valve seat and a normally open valve for seating on the seat and interrupting fluid flow through the valve body in response to fluid pressure above a predetermined value in the conductor. The valve includes a stem slidably supported by and projecting, at one end portion, outwardly of the body. A top plate is secured to the body by posts in axial spaced relation with respect to the valve stem for supporting a pressure collapsible rod-like pin axially interposed between the top plate and the valve stem.

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

Abstract: A hydrocarbon monitoring valve which is operative to close whenever hydrocarbons are present in a fluid passing therethrough has a hollow hydrocarbon-sensitive canister mounted in a generally vertically disposed portion of a housing of the valve. The presence of hydrocarbons within fluid passing through the canister produces rapid deterioration of the canister, with the result that mechanical linkage coupled to the canister acts to close a valve element within a generally horizontally disposed portion of the valve adjacent an inlet, thereby shutting the valve from further flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: Time-delayed propellant device for release of an active agent from the device by materials which are susceptible to displacement by various actuating factors in the propellant device.

Abstract: A one-shot, three-way valve having an internal tube forming a zero-leakage fluid path prior to actuation of the valve and having a ram moveable to an actuated position where the tube is cut in two. The ram has a passageway mating in the actuated position with one portion of the cut tube to establish another fluid path. The ram is configured so that, in its actuated position, the other tube portion is pinched by the ram to both close off this other portion and wedge the ram in the actuated position. The valve is adapted for actuation by a pyrotechnic squib and for reuse by convenient replacement of the tube.

Abstract: An axially bored valve body having inlet and exhaust ports is provided with a valve movable toward and away from a sealed position in the inlet port at its pressure connected end. A cap closes the end of the body opposite its inlet port. An axially collapsible member is axially interposed between the downstream end of the valve stem and the cap to normally maintain the fluid passageway between the ports closed. Excessive fluid pressure against the valve at the inlet port collapses the collapsible member and unseats the valve to open the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A plug to be temporarily located in a blocking manner within a pipe of a sewage pipe system of a building. The plug is to be installed within the pipe system as it is constructed. The plug is constructed to be frangible and totally dissolvable within water. A device is mounted on the sleeve directly in the area of the plug. When the plug is no longer needed, the device is operated from the exterior surface of the sleeve to effect breaking of the plug. The plug then passes through the pipe system and eventually dissolves.

Abstract: A valve body having a lateral exhaust port is provided with a valve movable toward and away from a fluid inlet sealing face at its pressure connected end and guided by a valve stem projecting through the other end of the body and terminating in spaced relation with respect to a cap closing the end of the body opposite its inlet port. An axially collapsible member is axially interposed between the downstream end of the valve stem and the cap to normally maintain the flow passageway between the ports closed. Excessive fluid pressure against the valve at the inlet port collapses the collapsible member, unseats the valve and opens the fluid discharge passageway.

Abstract: A means and method for assuring a tight sealing closure of a valve in a high temperature condition, such as fire, is provided by an expendable link on the downstream side of the valve stem and an intumescent material and piston on the upstream side of the valve stem so that, at an elevated temperature condition, the expendable link gives way to create a tolerance allowing the piston driven by the expanding intumescent material to shift the valve closure element in the direction of the valve seat to accommodate for any deterioration of the valve seal.

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: A valve assembly comprising a valve housing defining an internal valve cavity and a fluid flow passageway, a valve element rotatably received in the valve cavity to control flow through the passageway, one of the valve housing or the valve element defining a seating surface, the other defining a seal member carrying surface, and a seal member carried on the seal member carrying surface on either the valve housing or the valve element for engaging the seating surface and effecting a seal between the valve using the valve element, the seal member being comprised of an intumescent material.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a valve housing defining an internal valve cavity and a fluid flow passageway, a valve element rotatably received in the valve cavity to control flow through the passageway, one of the valve housing or the valve element defining a seating surface, the other defining a seal member carrying surface, a coating of intumescent material disposed on at least a portion of either the seating surface or the seal member carrying surface, and a seal member carried on the seal member carrying surface on either the valve housing or the valve element for engaging the seating surface and effecting a seal between the valve using and the valve element.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a full opening check valve is provided which will close in response sustained high velocity flow through the valve. In one embodiment, a downhole blowout preventer is provided having a rigid outer sleeve which may be interspaced within a casing string near its lower end for insertion into a bore hole. The downhole blowout preventer has an inner sleeve including an upwardly longitudinally collapsible tube within the outer sleeve. The tube may be composed primarily of rubber or the like. The inner sleeve includes a surface for developing an upwardly acting collapsing force responsive to the upward flow of well fluids through the blowout preventer.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic valve according to the invention comprises one or more pyrotechnic devices able to produce gases under a high pressure, which has the effect of suddenly deforming a membrane equipped with a rigid weight. The latter projects a punch, which shears a tight end fitting, thus freeing the fluid passage. The membrane ensures a perfect seal between the fluid circulation zone and the zone containing the gases produced by the pyrotechnic devices.

Abstract: A plug to be temporarily located in a blocking manner within a pipe of a sewage pipe system of a building. The plug is to be installed within the pipe system as it is constructed. The plug is mounted within a flexible, enclosing wall, sleeve. The plug is constructed to be frangible and totally dissolvable within water. A clamping device is mounted exteriorly on the sleeve directly in the area of the plug. When the plug is no longer needed, the clamping device is operated to effect breaking of the plug and then disposing of the plug through the pipe system.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is provided with a single use safety valve composed of a partially buckled, hollow chamber which is susceptible to further buckling at a preselected pressure. The chamber is mounted and elastomerically sealed in an opening in the vessel held in position by a support frame either interior to or exterior of the vessel.

Abstract: A pyrotechnically actuated dual air valve is hermetically sealed on both et and both outlet ports of static and dynamic air ducts until the dual air valve is actuated by a squib charge. A single piston, when activated by the squib charge, concomitantly opens all four hermetic seals to allow separate static and dynamic air flows through the dual air valve.

Abstract: A unique temperature responsive operating mechanism is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment as a temperature responsive valve mechanism for use with a steam sterilization container. The mechanism includes a valve operating member which is movable by the action of a biasing spring from a first, opened position to a second, closed position with respect to an opening defined by the sterilization container. The mechanism further includes a temperature responsive, heat deformable member operatively associated with the biasing spring and the valve operating member to provide progressive movement of the valve operating member from its first to its second position in response to an elevation in temperature of the environment of the operating mechanism. Desired communication is provided between the interior and exterior of the sterilization container during a substantial portion of the steam sterilization process, with the mechanism subsequently tightly sealing the container.

Abstract: A water sensitive cutoff valve shuts off upon detecting water to protect a gas leak detector. A transparent case threads into a base and houses a normally open valve mechanism. The valve includes a tapered post with an exit port and a shuttle that is capable of movement along the post to seal or uncover the port. A water-soluble band stretched between a finger mounted on the post and a second finger mounted on the shuttle holds the valve open against the bias of a spring that acts between the shuttle and the post. The presence of water dissolves the band and frees the shuttle to close under the bias of the spring and prevent water from entering and damaging the gas leak indicator. The base has an inlet port for a gas probe, a passage into the case, and an exit port to the gas leak detector. The passage into the case includes a tube extending into the case with an exit in close proximity to the band.

Abstract: Apparatus for draining a liquid which has been inadvertently freed from a primary storage container and captured in a containment space comprising a drain conduit extending from the containment space to a remote location, with said drain conduit having an opening in a lower part of the containment space into which captured liquid can flow by gravity when not closed; a valve, in the drain conduit, outside of the containment space; a pressurization line, containing a valve, communicating with the drain conduit between the drain conduit valve and the conduit opening; a closure in the drain conduit opening adapted to bar flow of captured liquid into the drain conduit; and a closure retainer releasably securing the closure in the drain conduit opening; whereby when it is desired to remove captured liquid from the containment space the pressurization line valve can be opened and fluid under pressure can be fed to the pressurization line to deliver it to the drain conduit with the drain conduit valve closed so that

Abstract: Disclosed is a scupper or a drain device comprising an open-ended pipe adapted to be mounted through a wall at floor level and having a water-soluble substantially non-hygroscopic sealing film mounted and frictionally held in place adjacent the inlet opening of a pipe by a retaining ring.

Abstract: A vehicle emissions control system includes an air pump (12), a catalytic converter (22) communicated to the air pump, and a bleed control valve (28) which controls the quantity of air communicated from the air pump to the catalytic converter. The bleed valve includes a support arm (50) which suspends a valve element (40) adjacent a tapered valve surface (36). The support arm relaxes in response to repeated flexing due to the pulsating output of the air pump. Accordingly, when the vehicle is new, the valve element is held away from the valve seat to permit substantially uninhibited communication through the bleed valve so that almost all of the air which would otherwise be communicated to the catalytic converter is bled off.

Abstract: A corrodible container for the storage of a corrosion inhibitor to be suitably located in the coolant system of an automotive vehicle or other environment wherein the container has at least a portion thereof formed of substantially the same material as the material forming the heat exchange device in a coolant system so as to corrode when the coolant is partially or wholly replaced by a corrosive liquid such as water. More specifically, an aluminum radiator has a tendency to corrode rapidly where corrosive water is present and the container for the corrosion inhibitor has at least a portion thereof formed of aluminum foil or aluminum sheet material with a thinner portion so that the foil or thinner portion will corrode through to release the corrosion inhibitor into the coolant to minimize corrosion of the heat exchanger and coolant system.

Abstract: The collapsible safety element has a polygonal end and a star-shaped end which are interconnected by flat triangular sections. The triangular sections are disposed relative to one another so that the points of the star-shaped end are in line with the corners at the polygon-shaped end. Consequently, when the safety element is closed, the triangular sections extending from the star-shaped end are disposed in parallel relation to each other. This improves and increases the sealing effect of the safety element at high pressure.

Abstract: A corrosion sensor having a housing carrying an electrical switch that has an actuator normally held in one switch operating position thereof by a corrosion sensing member of the housing and moving to another switch operation position thereof when the corrosion sensing member ruptures through the corrosion thereof caused by being exposed to a corrosive area, the corrosion sensing member also comprising a seal member for normally sealing the switch structure from the corrosive area until the corrosion sensing member ruptures. The housing has a chamber therein containing the switch and has an end provided with an opening leading to the chamber. The corrosion sensing member spans the opening to seal the chamber from the corrosive area.

Abstract: A water sensitive probe valve shuts off upon detecting water to protect a gas leak detector. A barrel and a cap of the probe valve secure together through a coupling ring and house a normally open valve that is spring biased toward a closed position against a seat of the cap. A water soluble band stretched between a hook on the valve and an anchor holds the valve open. The presence of water dissolves the band and frees the valve to close under the bias of the spring against the seat and prevent water from entering and damaging the gas indicator. A lock keeps the valve open during arming with the water soluble band. The anchor valve and lock all mount on the coupling for ease of disassembly for cleaning and arming. A gas duct on the coupling extends out from the body of the coupling to avoid water entering the duct by runoff across a face of the coupling.