Abstract: An automatic flow shut-off unit for shutting off water to an appliance (e.g. commode) when a leak or overflow occurs. The unit includes an outer housing having a ball valve mounted thereon wherein the valve is connected between the water supply and the appliance. A tripper unit is mounted in the outer housing and has a plunger therein. The valve is connected to the plunger by a length of actuation material (e.g. flexible cable). A compression spring is positioned in the tripper unit to normally bias the plunger downwards. A cartridge having a water reactive material (e.g. commercially-available toilet paper) thereon is removably mounted in the outer housing wherein the water reactive material when dry supports the plunger in a cocked position but which will quickly weaken and disintegrate upon contact with water.

Abstract: A device is provided for transferring fluid into or out of a tank and is particularly useful in transferring fluid in a substantially aseptic, hygienic, or sterile manner. The device has a body with an elongate passage extending through the body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. A longitudinally displaceable cannula is disposed in and extends along the passage in the body. A septum sealing the passage is at a first location; the septum being pierceable and self-sealing. A diaphragm sealing the passage is at a second location intermediate the septum and the distal end of the passage. The cannula extends through and is secured to the diaphragm and has a sharpened end disposed adjacent to or in the septum. Longitudinal displacement of the cannula causes its sharpened end to pierce and project through the septum, the diaphragm stretching to accommodate the displacement of the cannula while maintaining its aseptic seal of the passage.

Abstract: A mechanical emergency liquid shut-off device which comprises a liquid sensing unit placed upon a floor of a room. A pair of pulley assemblies are mounted in a spaced apart relationship to a ceiling of the room. A liquid flow pipe having a shut-off valve is located within the ceiling of the room. A spool has a shaft rotatably connected to the shut-off valve in the liquid flow pipe. A first cable has a first end coupled to the liquid sensing unit, wherein the first cable extends through the pulley assemblies. A second cable has a first end wound upon the spool, wherein the second cable extends through the pulley assemblies. A ballast weight has a second end of the first cable and a second end of the second cable affixed thereto.

Abstract: Embodiments of the presently described technology provide a direction control valve including first and second orifices and a pressure release mechanism. The first and second orifices provide a path of fluid flow through the valve from an inlet port to a first outlet port. The pressure release mechanism is configured to reduce pressure in the valve through a second outlet port. Embodiments of the presently described technology also provide a direction control valve including first and second fluid communication paths. The first fluid communication path is defined by an inlet port, first and second orifices, and a first outlet port. The second fluid communication path is defined by the inlet port, the first orifice, a pressure release mechanism, and a second outlet port. The second fluid communication path of the valve does not exist until an internal pressure of the valve exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided for sealing a proper amount of fluid with a brittle material. By moving an adsorbate through an external adsorption force, the brittle material for pre-sealing is broken, and the fluid flows out to interact with the external environment to generate a pump reaction. In addition, the invention may also be used for storing a liquid reagent in a device for a long time. Thereby, the fluidic device can be made small and portable.

Abstract: A plug for a fluid system includes an externally-threaded body and an enlarged head at an end of the body. The body has an internal cavity with a) a first fluid passage into the cavity from another end of the body, and b) at least one radial or axial relief passage into the cavity fluidly separate from the first passage. A burst piston is retained within the cavity and normally blocks fluid flow from the first passage to the relief passage. The piston has a geometry such that a portion of the piston will rupture and separate from the remainder of the piston at a predetermined pressure differential across the first and relief passages, and allow fluid to flow from the first passage to the relief passage. The relief passage has a geometry to prevent the separated portion of the piston from passing through the relief passage.

Abstract: A poppet valve member includes a main body, and a cover portion disposed at the first end of the valve member. The cover portion is removable from the main body, the cover portion including a first seal disposed about an outer perimeter of the cover portion. The valve member includes a head portion disposed proximate the first end and behind the cover portion, the head portion including a second seal disposed about an outer perimeter defined by the head portion. A webbing portion is disposed between the cover portion and the head portion, the webbing portion including a fault structure to enable the cover portion to be removed from the main body and broken off from the head portion. The main body is formed of a molded material, and the first and second seals are formed of an overmold material molded onto the main body.

Abstract: A pressure surge sensor has a body having a cylinder passage, a magnetically actuated electrical switch mounted on the body, and a piston member movable along the passage relative to the switch. The piston member carries a magnet. When the cylinder passage is coupled to a fluid pressure surge source, a fluid pressure surge applied causes the piston member to move along the cylinder passage relative to said switch, thereby actuating the switch. A breakable retainer element restrains the piston member against movement, and the piston is freely movable along the cylinder passage, after release by the retainer. The pressure surge sensor is suitable to be arranged downstream of a rupture disc, which releases overpressure of a pressurised apparatus, for example an extrusion apparatus, or a gas handling or gas storage system.

Abstract: An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided for sealing a proper amount of fluid with a brittle material. By moving an adsorbate through an external adsorption force, the brittle material for pre-sealing is broken, and the fluid flows out to interact with the external environment to generate a pump reaction. In addition, the invention may also be used for storing a liquid reagent in a device for a long time. Thereby, the fluidic device can be made small and portable.

Abstract: A handpiece assembly is provided that is adapted for use with a medication infusion system that applies pressure to the handpiece assembly for delivering medication to a body. The handpiece assembly includes a cartridge holder that is configured for disposal of a medication cartridge. A tubing is provided having a first end, which is sealed with the cartridge holder such that the cartridge holder facilitates communication between the tubing and the medication cartridge. A handpiece is sealed with a needle and the second end of the tubing so that the tubing and the needle are in communication. One of the cartridge holder, the tubing, the needle or the handpiece is configured for a selective structural failure at a predetermined pressure threshold applied to the handpiece assembly from the medication infusion system. The cartridge holder may be designed to facilitate aspiration.

Abstract: A safety valve system includes a safety valve having an actuator and a line connected to the actuator. The safety valve is operable by opening the line in the well, with the line being free of any connection to a surface control system. Another safety valve system includes multiple safety valves. An actuator of each safety valve is connected to an actuator of another safety valve via a line. A biasing force in each of the actuators is operative to close the respective one of the safety valves in response to opening of the line. The biasing force is produced at least in part by hydrostatic pressure in a well.

Abstract: An automatic system which includes a tripper unit for actuating a device (e.g. valve-closing actuator) upon contact with water. Basically, the tripper unit is comprised of a housing having a cartridge therein which prevents a plunger from moving downward. When a leak occurs, water will flow into the housing and into contact with the cartridge which will quickly disintegrate allowing the plunger to move downward to thereby actuate the valve actuator to close the valve. The tripper unit may be a separate component of the system or both the tripper unit and the valve actuator can be incorporated into a single unit.

Abstract: A gas tank containing a compressed combustible gas is equipped with a safety relief system providing an emergency discharge of the compressed combustible gas through a relief line. The safety relief system includes a pressurized triggering hose that extends through a selected risk area around the tank, where a rupture of the triggering hose, due to a temperature increase or mechanical damage, results in a pressure drop in the safety relief system that triggers an emergency discharge of the pressurized combustible gas from said gas tank.

Abstract: A flow controller includes a housing having central portion and finger-gripping portions on either side of said central portion. The housing defines an interior flow path and includes a breakable member at least partially positioned within the interior flow path of the housing to prevent the passage of fluid through the flow path. The breakable member includes a stem integrally molded to a tubular member. The finger-gripping portions have a cross sectional area greater than the cross sectional area of the central portion. The central portion includes a wall having a selected thickness.

Abstract: A flow conduit may have at least one orifice is in the vicinity of a flow source. The source is at least partially covered (and flow blocked by) an optional temporary coating or barrier. The flow pathway between the orifice and the source is temporarily blocked with a degradable material or barrier. The material disintegrates (e.g. under the influence of time or temperature) to optionally produce a product that removes the temporary coating in the area adjacent the barrier. The method is useful in one non-limiting context of recovering hydrocarbons where the flow conduit is the casing or liner of the well and the flow source is a subterranean reservoir where the temporary coating is a filter cake.

Abstract: An automatic system which includes a tripper unit for actuating a device (e.g. valve-closing actuator) upon contact with water. Basically, the tripper unit is comprised of a housing having a cartridge therein which, in turn, is wrapped with an adsorbent paper which prevents a plunger from moving downward. When a leak occurs, water will flow into the housing and into contact with the absorbent paper which will quickly disintegrate allowing the plunger to move downward to thereby actuate the valve actuator to close the valve. The tripper unit may be a separate component of the system or both the tripper unit and the valve actuator can be incorporated into a single unit.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a first reservoir to receive a first fluid, a second reservoir to receive a second fluid, and a main channel coupled to the first and second reservoirs through one or more branch channels. A first one-use pump generates a pressure difference to move one or both of the first and second fluids when a container in the first one-use pump is broken. A second one-use pump generates a pressure difference to move one or both of the first and second fluids when a container in the second one-use pump is broken.

Abstract: Valves for controlling the release of a substance, include a housing having an inlet for connection to a source of the substance, an outlet, and a passage extending therebetween. The passage is enclosed by a ceramic disc and means are provided to apply an electrical pulse to the disc to break the disc and so connect the inlet to the outlet. The methods include containing the substance in a container, connecting the container to a valve; and applying an electrical pulse to the disc to break the disc and connect the inlet to the outlet. The valves and methods are particularly suited, but not limited, to the control of substances such as pressurised fire extinguishing media.

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is sized and constructed for insertion into the lower portion of a flow control valve used within the opening of a cylinder for storing a compressed gas. When the flow control valve is removed, the normally open poppet valve assembly of the present invention is closed by escaping pressure of the compressed gas. The pressure of the compressed gas causes seals to be formed within the poppet valve assembly of the present invention between the exterior of a substantially hollow movable seat plug and the interior of a substantially tubular valve body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to devices and methods for controlling fluid flow in meso-scale fluidic components in a programmable manner. Specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for placing two microfluidic components in fluid communication at an arbitrary position and time, both of which are externally defined. The inventive apparatus uses electromagnetic radiation to perforate a material layer having selected adsorptive properties. The perforation of the material layer allows the fluid communication between microfluidic components. Other aspects of this invention include an apparatus and method to perform volumetric quantitation of fluids, an apparatus to program arbitrary connections between a set of input capillaries and a set of output capillaries, and a method to transport fluid in centripetal device from a larger to a smaller radius.

Abstract: A valve mechanism which is resiliently biassed towards a first position but is normally retained in a second position by means of a linkage including a chemically sensitive device which is arranged to release in the presence of a contaminant.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a temporary closure device for a throughway comprises a sleeve to fit in the throughway and a core located in the sleeve. The core has an annular rupturable connection locating the core in the sleeve to prevent flow of fluids through the sleeve. The annular connection is rupturable by displacing the core axially in the sleeve to allow fluid to flow through the sleeve.

Abstract: A hose breakaway fitting for a fuel hose and fuel dispenser that comprises of an inner ball-shaped valve section and an outer socket-shaped breakaway section. The valve section is connected to the dispenser's fuel outlet and the breakaway section is connected to one end of the fuel hose. In the event that a vehicle drives away with the fuel hose nozzle still lodged inside its fuel tank, the breakaway section swivels and separates from the valve section that automatically shuts off the flow of fuel to prevent a hazardous situation.

Abstract: A gas purge valve comprising a housing fitted with an inlet port being in flow communication with a liquid outlet port, and at least one gas outlet member, a gas flow barrier associated with the liquid outlet port, a float member displaceable within the housing between a first position adjacent the inlet port and a second position adjacent the gas outlet The at least one gas outlet is fitted with an inlet prohibiting valve, and is sealingly engageable by a flexible sealing member articulated to the float member. Buoyant displacement of the float member into the second position entails sealing of the at least one gas outlet by the flexible sealing member.

Abstract: Safety shutoff apparatus can close a valve using a pressure operable device coupled to and acting upon the valve. The proximal end of a pressure line is coupled to the pressure operable device for applying fluid pressure thereto in order to operate the pressure operable device. A soluble plug at the distal end of the pressure line can seal it in order to maintain pressure at the pressure operable device. By placing the soluble plug next to an object that is subject to leaking, the soluble plug can dissolve when a leak occurs and release the pressure in the pressure line. The released pressure results in closure of the valve when mechanical movement is produced by the pressure operable device in response to the release of pressure.

Abstract: In an accumulator comprising a pressure vessel, a bellows dividing the interior of the pressure vessel into a gas chamber filled with pressurized gas and a liquid chamber which communicates with a liquid pressure circuit via a liquid introduction port, a stay member attached to the inner surface of the pressure vessel inside the bellows and provided with a communication port for communicating the interior and exterior of the stay member with each other and adapted to be closed by a part of the bellows to define a fully contracted state of the bellows, and a safety valve provided in the stay member, typically in the form of a weakened portion of the stay member, for selectively communicating the exterior of the stay member with the interior of the stay member. Thus, because the safety valve is not provided in the pressure vessel itself, the safety valve of the present invention would not affect the sealing capability of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A latched, spring loaded valve having a water sensor and an activation mechanism shuts off water supply, when a water leak is detected, to specific application as cloths washing machines, dishwashing machines, sinks, toilets, and refrigerators equipped with ice makers. The shutoff valve system with leak detector has a sealing member movable with a valve body between an open position and a closed position wherein the sealing member blocks fluid flow.

Abstract: A valve mechanism which is resiliently biassed towards a first position but is normally retained in a second position by means of a linkage including a chemically sensitive device which is arranged to release in the presence of a contaminant.

Abstract: A connector, a container using the connector and a method for establishing fluid communication with a container. The connector may include a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The container may attach to the first coupling member. The first coupling member may have a first passageway with a spike and a membrane located therein. The second coupling member may have a second passageway. The first coupling member may engage the second coupling member and may further pierce the membrane with the spike. The first coupling member may further have a female end of a luer-lock, and the second coupling member may have a male end of a luer-lock. The first coupling member and the second coupling member may be engaged by twisting the male end and the female end of the coupling members to form the connector and establish fluid communication with the container.

Abstract: A pressure relief system is provided to detect and abate an overpressure condition in a pressurized fluid. An actuator assembly establishes an overpressure path for the pressurized fluid when a pressure of the pressurized fluid reaches a predetermined level, and includes an extension sleeve which extends into a housing interior chamber along a selected axis. A pressure response assembly includes a pressure responsive member which mechanically fails when the pressure reaches the predetermined level and a trigger member which extends into the extension sleeve. Retention members (preferably ball bearings) are recessed within cavities formed in the housing to prevent axial movement of the extension sleeve prior to mechanical failure of the pressure responsive member, and thereafter allow axial movement of the extension sleeve upon failure of the pressure responsive member. Movement of the extension sleeve allows the actuator assembly to rotate a quarter-turn valve to an open or closed position.

Abstract: A tensile load is applied to a sensor element that will carry the tensile load in the absence of a substance and will fail to carry the tensile load in the presence of the substance. The sensor element is disposed in a flow of fluid, and a flow control member is actuated to shut off the flow of fluid when the sensor element fails to carry the tensile load. In a preferred implementation, a hydrocarbon sensing valve includes a polystyrene sensor element suspending the flow control member above a valve seat. The sensor element is disposed in a cavity in the top of the flow control member, and a channel member directs fluid from the inlet port to the cavity. The sensor element is pinned to the channel member, and the flow control member is pinned to the sensor element.

Abstract: A pressure relief system for detecting and abating an overpressure in a pressurized fluid. The system includes a pressure response assembly that has a pressure responsive member, such as a buckling pin, configured to buckle when a predetermined force is applied to the member. When the buckling pin buckles, a piston slides to expose an inlet to a communication path to an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a pair of sliders that move from a retracted position to an extended position when pressurized fluid enters an actuator assembly housing. The sliders have a rack that turns a pinion when the sliders move from the retracted position to the extended position. The pinion is rigidly attached to a rotatable actuator shaft. Rotation of the actuator shaft causes a valve assembly to open or close to direct the pressurized fluid through an overpressure path.

Abstract: This valve actuator is formed by a pair of pistons in a sleeve valve body fluid pressure or vacuum moved away from each other for angularly rotating a shaft, transversely journaled by the body, in a predetermined direction and opening or closing a fluid control valve to protect a fluid system.

Abstract: A tensile load is applied to a sensor element that will carry the tensile load in the absence of a substance and will fail to carry the tensile load in the presence of the substance. The sensor element is disposed in a flow of fluid, and a flow control member is actuated to shut off the flow of fluid when the sensor element fails to carry the tensile load. In a preferred implementation, a hydrocarbon sensing valve includes a polystyrene sensor element suspending the flow control member above a valve seat. The sensor element is disposed in a cavity in the top of the flow control member, and a channel member directs fluid from the inlet port to the cavity. The sensor element is pinned to the channel member, and the flow control member is pinned to the sensor element.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a valve is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge containing an activation component. The cartridge and activation component are configured to be replaceable as a unit. The activation component prevents the valve from either opening or closing until either a predetermined pressure is exerted on the valve or a predetermined temperature is experienced by the activation component. The cartridge may include any of a variety of activation component types, such as buckling pins, tensile pins, shear pins, springs, or fusible alloys, either individually or in combination to control the valve opening or closing.

Abstract: An injection pressure sensor (10) intended for use with a fluid source (12). The injection pressure sensor (10) has a sensor element (14). and a tube member (18). The tube member (18) creates a fluid pathway (20) between the fluid source (12) and the sensor element (14). The tube member (18) contains a collapsible portion (22), such that when the tube member (18) is bent, the fluid pathway (20) is generally closed.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for preventing over pressurization of a propeller hub is disclosed. The pressure relief devices is designed to fit within a ball hole opening in the hub arm of the hub. The pressure relief device includes a housing which sealably interfaces with an inner wall of the ball hole opening and a pressure relief insert which sealably interfaces with the housing. The pressure relief device includes a plurality of fracture tabs which engage an end of the housing exposed to hub cavity pressure. The fracture tabs are designed to break at a design pressure allowing the pressure relief insert to be forced out of the housing thus breaking the seal between the pressure relief insert and housing thereby venting the hub cavity.

Abstract: A toxic material pressure relief valve is formed by a valve body having a lateral bore and an inline bore forming a fluid passageway intersected by a valve seat in axial alignment with the lateral bore. A bonnet closes the lateral bore and slidably supports a stop in a fluid leak collection chamber and one end of a valve, with the other end of the valve stem normally closing the valve seat. A pin cage axially supports a collapsible pin normally maintaining the valve stem on seat while the working pressure of the toxic material is within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A disposable plug for installation in a cylindrical water line to temporarily block the water line to the passage of water therethrough. The disposable plug includes a cylindrically shaped tablet having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the water line so that when installed within the water line, water is prevented from passing the disposable plug. The cylindrically shaped tablet is characterized as being at least partially dissolvable when contacted with water. A water impermeable membrane surrounds at least a portion of the cylindrically shaped tablet to selectively prevent water from contacting it as long as the disposable plug acts to temporarily block the water line. The water impermeable membrane can be selectively disrupted allowing water to contact the cylindrically shaped tablet to selectively remove the disposable plug when no longer needed.