Abstract: A booster assembly includes a booster body configured to removably couple to an actuator body of an actuator of a gate valve, a booster stem configured to removably couple to an actuator stem of the actuator, and a booster biasing member configured to provide a supplemental force to supplement an actuating force applied by the actuator to drive a gate of the gate valve from an open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling includes a body and a valve assembly inside the body. The body includes a fluid conduit and a shear groove between first and second portions. The shear groove is designed to crack, break, or separate under certain conditions. The valve assembly is designed to shut off fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the shear groove cracks, breaks, or separates. The valve assembly includes a valve seat, a sealing element, one or more pins, and a biasing member. The one or more pins hold the sealing element in an open position while the shear groove is in tack, and allow the sealing element to move to a closed position (with the help of the biasing member) in the event the shear groove cracks, breaks, or separates.

Abstract: A fueling apparatus 1 including: a fueling pipe 4 accommodated in a housing main body 2 having a fueling mechanism, one end of the fueling pipe 4 being connected to the fueling mechanism; an elbow 5 connected to another end of the fueling pipe 4; a fueling hose 10, one end of which being connected to a fueling nozzle 11 with vapor recovering function, and in which a vapor passage 10c and a fuel oil passage 10d are separately disposed from each other; and a separable joint 9 for communicating the fuel oil passage 10d of the fueling hose 10 and inside of the elbow 5 with each other, and for communicating the vapor passage 10c of the fueling hose 10 and a vapor pipe 4 connected to the vapor recovery mechanism with each other.

Abstract: An assembly for closure of an opening into a vessel, has a valve chamber, a valve biased toward a closed position in which the valve closes the first opening, and a retainer that retains the valve in an open position. A flow of cryogen from a first opening through the valve chamber to a second opening acts to displace the retainer and allow the valve to close.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of indicating safety of a hydrogen tank when a vehicle fire occurs are provided. The apparatus includes a hydrogen storing tank and a thermal pressure relief device (TPRD) mounted within a valve of the hydrogen storing tank. In addition, a controller is configured to detect a flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen storing tank, using a sensor to determine whether the detected flow rate of discharged hydrogen is within a predetermined reference flow rate range. The controller is also configured to transmit a warning signal when the detected flow rate of discharged hydrogen is included within the predetermined reference flow rate range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device forming a pressurized gas release valve, said device including a body that defines a gas flow channel extending between a first upstream end, to be placed in contact with a source of pressurized gas, and a second downstream end, to be placed in contact with the outer atmosphere, the device including a stopper that is located on the channel so as to prevent the flow of the gas between the upstream end and the downstream end in a normal situation, the stopper being fusible and/or frangible so as to release the gas passage in the event of a dangerous situation when a pressure and/or a temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. Said device is characterized in that said device includes a tank of an unstable, exothermically decomposable gas that is placed in communication with the pressurized gas released during the melting/breaking of the stopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to periodically inspect and control piston movability are provided that can include using a contactless sensor system through a gas outlet port of a pressure relief device. By moving a stop, relative movement of the piston can be compared to the fixed body reflecting a movability or a blocking of the release piston. Inductive/magnetic or optical borescope sensors can detect piston movement through the gas outlet, for example. The activation function where the piston must move when activated can therefore be tested and maintained.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is provided having an outer support layer having an inner surface; a composite wrap disposed adjacent to the inner surface; and a liner disposed adjacent to the fiber composite wrap. Further provided is an adapter disposed at a first end of the pressure vessel and configured for charging a cavity formed by the pressure vessel with a compressed fuel, wherein the adapter includes a first pressure relief device; and a second pressure relief device disposed at a second end of the pressure vessel. The second pressure relief device defines a passage through the outer support layer and the composite wrap and has a chamber and a diaphragm disposed between the chamber and the cavity. Also described are a fuel cell propulsion system and a vehicle including the provided pressure vessel.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide cartridge is triggered when a lance with a piercing tip punctures its burst disc. The cartridge has a cap that has an outlet and a passage for the lance and puncturing tip to travel. The lance is pushed into the burst disc when a heat expanding substance which is stored hermetically the cap in such a way that the only direction to expand is to displace and push the lance right into the burst disc. Once the burst disc is pierced, the cartridge empties its contents quickly out the outlet. In at least one embodiment the cartridge and the cap are attached by screw threads.

Abstract: An isolation valve system includes a main body (32), an actuator body (34) and a sealing membrane (307) arranged at a high pressure portion (36) of the isolation valve system. The sealing membrane mechanically attaches the actuator body to the main body. The sealing membrane further seals the high pressure portion from a low pressure portion (38). A burst plug (315) is arranged against the main body and supports the actuator body. An activation arrangement (50) is arranged for allowing an at least partial displacement of the burst plug, typically causing a phase transition. The sealing membrane is dimensioned to break when the actuator body is moved due to the displacement of the burst plug. The isolation valve system includes preferably a stack (30) of substrates (301-304) being bonded together. The substrates have micromechanical structures, which form at least the actuator body and the sealing membrane.

Abstract: An activation rupture disc unit is provided that is capable of withstanding a substantially higher back pressure than its burst activation pressure. The unit includes a tubular housing having a fluid passage. Tapered wall structure defines at least a portion of the passage with the fluid outlet thereof being of greater area than the fluid inlet. A rupture disc is carried by the housing and has a central bulged section in fluid-blocking relationship to the passage. A tapered, self-releasing solid plug is positioned in and conforms to the tapered portion of the passage. The plug has a curved surface conforming to and positioned in full supporting relationship to the central section of the rupture disc. The plug is of sufficient mass to prevent rupture of the central section of the disc under a back pressure substantially greater than the activation pressure of the disc.

Abstract: A safety flow guide protection device comprises a body having a flow guide device through which high pressure air flows; the flow guide device coated with a protecting layer; a safety releasing section formed at a surface of the flow guide device, the flow guide device being a hollow structure; a rear side of the flow guide device being formed as a combining opening; an air grid unit being received in the flow guide device at a side opposite to the combining opening; the air grid unit having a brake air valve for controlling high pressure air. When the flow guide device is communicated, the brake air valve is not compressed by the high pressure air so that the air grid unit is opened for allowing the flowing of the high pressure air; and vice versa.

Abstract: A non-electrically actuated ganged fire extinguisher system for use in an enclosure of a size larger than the capacity of a single pre-engineered fire extinguisher comprises at least two pre-engineered fire extinguishers positioned at spaced locations in the enclosure. An actuation valve is mounted on the outlet of each fire extinguisher. A fluid operated valve actuator for each valve retains the valve in a closed state when the actuator is pressurized and opens the valve when the actuator is depressurized. A vent line connects the valve actuators and provides fluid communication therebetween, such that the actuators are maintained at the same pressure state. At least one non-electrical temperature sensor is mounted in fluid communication with the vent line. The temperature sensor opens an outlet to the vent line and releases the pressure therein when the temperature in the vicinity of the sensor reaches a predetermined value indicative of a fire hazard.

Abstract: A pressure tank system including a pressure release valve that releases pressure in the tank if the valve exceeds a predetermined temperature. In order for the pressure release valve to be effective, it must detect heat at all areas of the tank system. The tank system includes a heat conducting device for transferring heat from anywhere on the tank system to the pressure release valve. In one embodiment, the heat conducting device is a heat conducting mesh that is wrapped around and outside of the pressure tank. In another embodiment, the heat conducting device is an aluminum sheet wrapped around the tank. In another embodiment, the heat conducting device includes heat conducting strips that extend along the tank and are connected to the pressure release valve.

Abstract: A non-electrically actuated ganged fire extinguisher system for use in an enclosure of a size larger than the capacity of a single pre-engineered fire extinguisher comprises at least two pre-engineered fire extinguishers positioned at spaced locations in the enclosure. An actuation valve is mounted on the outlet of each fire extinguisher. A fluid operated valve actuator for each valve retains the valve in a closed state when the actuator is pressurized and opens the valve when the actuator is depressurized. A vent line connects the valve actuators and provides fluid communication therebetween, such that the actuators are maintained at the same pressure state. At least one non-electrical temperature sensor is mounted in fluid communication with the vent line. The temperature sensor opens an outlet to the vent line and releases the pressure therein when the temperature in the vicinity of the sensor reaches a predetermined value indicative of a fire hazard.

Abstract: A tire air pressure valve assembly is described that has an air sealing surface disposed toward or inside the metal wheel of a vehicle, and a protective housing surrounding a portion of the valve. The valve has an external stem with a built in break away feature which prevents external damage to the valve stem from damaging the sealing surface located inside the tire and wheel. The location of the seating/sealing surface inside the wheel, or inside a housing mounted on the wheel, provides protection from collision induced sudden tire pressure loss due to valve damage incurred during collisions or simply being struck by an object in a car wash or on the street.

Abstract: A shear valve for use in a fuel delivery system includes a valve body wherein a first end is adapted to be connected to a fuel inlet, and a second oppositely-disposed end is adapted to be connected to a fuel outlet. The valve body is provided with a readily frangible or separable region between the first and second ends. The first end has an emergency shut-off valve biased towards a closed position, and is normally held open by a displaceable abutment having one ball or roller.

Abstract: A relief device for a high-pressure gas container, comprising a main body having a generally uniform outer circumference and that defines a primary bore, the primary bore in fluid communication with an interior volume of the high-pressure gas container, the main body having a secondary bore, the secondary bore located within the outer circumference and in fluid communication with the primary bore, a spud assembly seated in the secondary bore, the spud assembly including a rupture disc that relieves to the atmosphere the contents of the container when the container reaches a certain pressure, the rupture disc located within the secondary bore and within the outer circumference, the spud assembly and rupture disc fixedly attached.

Abstract: A tire air pressure valve is described that has an air sealing surface that is protected inside the metal wheel of a vehicle. The valve has an external stem with a built in break away feature which prevents external damage to the valve stem from damaging the sealing surface located inside the tire and wheel. The location of the seating/sealing surface inside the wheel, as compared to the top of the valve stem, provides protection from collision induced sudden tire pressure loss due to valve damage incurred during collisions or simply being struck by an object in a car wash or on the street.

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 closure for threadable insertion within an opening of a drum and capable of venting the drum when exposed to elevated pressures and temperatures to prevent the build-up of explosive pressures within the drum. A center portion of the closure is molded with thinner dimensions allowing the center to distort as a result of heat and internal pressures. At elevated levels, the center portion ruptures venting internal container pressure. In order to ensure venting at proper levels while maintaining integrity for the transport of materials, the center portion includes a downwardly depending circular flange and a series of lugs on the upper surface.

Abstract: A fluid pressure and heat sensitive valve connected with a flow line includes a collapsible pin, normally maintaining the valve closed, which collapses to open the valve in response to fluid pressure above a predetermined limit and includes a fusible plug which melts in the event of a fire, releasing the pin to allow fluid pressure to open the valve.

Abstract: A fluid pressure and heat sensitive flow control valve interposed in a flow line includes a collapsible pin, normally maintaining the valve open, which collapses to close the valve in response to fluid pressure above a predetermined limit and includes a fusible plug which melts in event of a fire, releasing the pin to allow fluid pressure to close the valve.

Abstract: A system for at least partially decontaminating personnel in response to detection of an agent harmful to human life such as a chemical or biological agent. The system can provide a sprinkler head above a walkway such as a hallway through which personnel are expected to walk. The sprinkler can provide a spray of decontamination fluid such as gas or liquid over personnel passing underneath, removing or neutralizing at least some of the harmful agent and reducing the transport of the agent from one area to another. Preferably, the system includes a sprinkler or shower head coupled to an existing fire isle control sprinkler supply pipe, wherein the sprinkler head may include a valve that is remotely controlled and can be opened in response to detection of a chemical or biological agent.

Abstract: A safety shut-off valve assembly is especially for use with a dispenser unit used at retail gasoline service stations. The shut-off valve assembly comprises an open-top fuel flow chamber for permanent mounting at a base of the fuel dispenser, a removable cover plate with a break-away tube member extending therefrom, and a bonnet valve mounted in the open-top fuel flow chamber. An ingress opening in the fuel flow chamber receives a terminus of a primary supply pipeline. The terminus of the break-away tube member serves as an egress for the fuel. The bonnet valve has a plate disc to close off the break-away tube member terminus when needed. When the dispenser unit is disturbed such as by an accidental bumping, the bonnet valve is activated to prevent further flow of fuel into the dispenser unit. The assembly prevents an accumulation of fuel vapors and allows ready access to the primary pipeline for periodic inspection or replacement.