Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining therein a fluid flow channel between a first end arranged to be connected to a source of pressurised fluid, and an outlet a frangible member disposed within and across the fluid flow channel, rupture means for rupturing the frangible member and biasing means for biasing the means for rupturing into contact with the frangible member to cause rupture thereof. The assembly also includes retaining means for retaining the rupture means out of contact with the frangible member to prevent rupture thereof and release means configured to release the retaining means to allow the biasing means to bias the rupture means into contact with the frangible member. The retaining means includes a bearing extending to engage the biasing means and hold it in a compressed state and the assembly includes also includes securing means for securing the bearing in the engaged state.

Abstract: Several pressure cartridges and activation mechanism arrangements are disclosed which are configured to use less manual force to rupture the cartridge than current pressure cartridges and activation mechanisms. According to some embodiments, the activation mechanism requires lower manual activation force by using the pressure in the cartridge to do part of the rupturing work. The cartridge can be filled with compressed gas such as nitrogen and argon, or supercritical fluids such as carbon dioxide, and can be used to propel or operate several types of devices and mechanisms including medical drug auto-injectors, paintball guns, tire emergency inflation kits, and inflatable life vests.

Abstract: A control valve having a valve body, seat member, valve member, and solenoid including a housing, bobbin, and coil. The valve member has a head portion disposed within the bobbin and a valve portion, disposed within the valve body, that has a seat engagement member operating to open and close ports in the valve body when the valve member slides between first and second positions. A permanent magnet, disposed within the bobbin, applies an attractive force of variable magnitude to the valve member in a direction opposing a biasing force created by a biasing component. Pulses of electric current applied to the coil change the variable magnitude. The permanent magnet pulls the valve member to the second position when the attractive force is greater than the biasing force and the valve member returns to the first position when the attractive force is less than the biasing force.

Abstract: A device for controlling the release of gas from a pressurized container includes a plug comprising a passage therethrough and a diaphragm within the passage. The diaphragm is configured to initially prevent flow of gas through said passage, and is rupturable or displaceable to allow gas to flow through said passage once said diaphragm is ruptured or displaced. The device further comprises a screw located within the plug and comprising a lance configured to move towards said diaphragm upon rotation of the screw. The lance is configured to rupture or displace the diaphragm so as to allow flow of gas through the passage and out of the plug, once the screw is rotated a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A hydraulic bicycle component includes a first section and a first seal rupturing structure. The first section defines a first fluid path. The first seal rupturing structure is disposed in the vicinity of the first fluid path. The first seal rupturing structure is configured to physically rupture a first seal of a first hydraulic hose when the hydraulic bicycle component is coupled to the first hydraulic hose.

Abstract: This invention discloses an inflator mechanism for rafts and life vests that performs a multitude of functions required for rescue and underwater deployment of personnel and devices. The inner cylinder in this disclosure is actuated by a plethora of inputs, manual, automatic selectable pressure sensing, or dualled hydrostatic sensors which can each be safely selected by function selection. Since the inflator uses spring discs to drive a penetrator which mechanically punctures a membrane of an inflation gas source and actuated by an electronically controlled solenoid, dissolvable elements, conductivity switches and preset check valve actuators are eliminated increasing the safety and reliability of the actuator. Electronic control further permits user enabling of inflation depth actuation and the multiple water sensors prevent failure of actuation due to splashes and humidity effects on sensors.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is for containers loaded by gas pressure, in particular the gas side (13) of hydropneumatic devices such as hydraulic accumulators (1). The safety apparatus has a connection device (19) that can be attached to the pressure chamber of the container to form a passage (25) between the gas side (13) of the container and the outside. A structure (27) normally blocks the passage (25) and under the influence of temperature can be transferred into a state that allows a flow path through the passage (25) to be cleared.

Abstract: A method of managing leakage of liquid inside a battery system comprises: containing leaking liquid in a non-liquid sensitive region of the battery system so as to protect internal electrical components of the battery system from coming in contact with the leaking liquid; and in direct response to the leakage, expunging the leaking liquid from the battery system. A drain device includes: a body with a port therethrough, the body configured to be positioned in a wall of a container; means for opening the port in response to a first liquid contacting the drain device on an inside of the container; and means for resisting ingress into the container by a second liquid that contacts the drain device on an outside of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to an activation device for an electric battery unit, in particular, for a battery part of a torpedo. The invention also relates to a battery unit with activation devices of this type. An activation device 1 incorporates an operating supply connection 34, to which an operating supply reservoir can be connected. A movably arranged cutting element 38 can be pneumatically actuated via a pneumatic connection 43 of the activation device 1 by means of an actuation element 42, wherein a sealing element 36 arranged in the path of travel of the cutting element 38 controls the operating supply connection 34. In order to guarantee a safe storage, ready for operation, and a safe activation of a battery unit, it is provided in accordance with the invention that the activation device 1 incorporates a pneumatic outlet 44, which can be fluidically connected to the pneumatic connection 43, depending on the position of the actuation element 42.

Abstract: A pressure relief system for depressurizing a bottled pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the system includes a pressure relief device having a hollow outer member coupled to a fluid port in the vessel and an inner member at least partially disposed in and movably supported by the outer member. The system may further include a rupture disk disposed in the port between the vessel interior and exterior. In operation, the outer member remains stationary while the inner member is advanceable therein towards the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the inner member includes a piercing element which is projectable to penetrate the rupture disk and into the vessel interior through material deposits that may obstruct the fluid port thereby releasing captive pressure in the vessel.

Abstract: For an automobile there is provided a fire extinguisher which is rapidly activatable in combination with a device for cutting a seatbelt and a device for breaking open a windshield.

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: A relief valve and related systems and methods have particular use in fluid distribution lines. The relief valve comprises a body defining a cavity and comprising at least first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity. A connector piece is connected to the body at the first opening to connect the valve to a fluid distribution line. A rupture disc is disposed within and obstructs the first opening. When it is desired that fluid from the fluid distribution line be vented from the system, the rupture disc is punctured via activation of an active material initiator and thereby allows for fluid communication through the first opening of the valve.

Abstract: A simplified piercing valve stem assembly system and apparatus which includes a valve stem component to which a piercing point has been securely affixed, and an easily manufactured stub-out with a flattened or partially flattened end adapted for piercing.

Abstract: A valve/seal assembly that is adapted for use in a variety of applications, such as for example, medical, consumer beverage, pharmaceutical containers, automobile, household appliance and marine. The valve includes, a valve housing having an upper body portion and a lower body portion and a generally spherical valve member. The upper and lower body portions of the housing define an internal chamber for accommodating the valve member and a central axis for the valve. The generally spherical valve member is seated within the internal chamber of the valve housing and has an axial bore extending therethrough. The valve member is mounted for movement between an open position; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is axially aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing, and a closed position; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is out of alignment with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing.

Abstract: The present invention offers a solution to the potential hazards associate with an accidental overbearing of a full compressed gas cartridge, by offering an automatic heat-actuable pressure discharge system.

Abstract: A re-closable valve (1, 100, 700, 800) for use in sterile fluid transfer has a body (5) with open entry and exit sides (2, 3) and a passageway (4) for fluid therebetween. The entry side is connectable to an opening of a separate vessel and the exit side is connectable to downstream processing. The entry side includes a first rupturable seal (5b, 500) blocking the opening of the entry side. A piston (9) is connected to an actuator (7) via a cam mechanism (8, 85, 10) which moves the piston (9) axially in the passageway (4) and to the first seal (5b, 500). On movement of the piston (9) during a first actuation, the first seal (5b, 500) is torn free from the entry side to open the valve for fluid transfer. A sharp rim (15) surrounds the opening of the entry side and a curved surface area (193) encircles the piston exterior proximal the entry side.

Abstract: A hazard detection and suppression apparatus and a single-action discharge valve for discharging a vessel's contents. The valve has a valve body with a passage therethrough through which the contents are discharged, a frangible seal held within the valve body and sealing the passage while the seal is intact, and a solenoid including an armature moveable from a first to a second position. A thermopile or a thermopile matrix senses near-infrared energy to detect a fire hazard and actuate the valve. Amplifiers for the thermopile's signal are monitored for failure. A thermostat or a manual pushbutton can also actuate the valve, and an operator's panel monitors failure conditions. Other hazard detectors may be used including a petroleum detector, a chemical sensor, a moisture detector, a radiation detector, a gas detector, and a moving body detector.

Abstract: A single-action discharge valve for discharging a vessel's contents. The valve has a valve body with a passage therethrough through which the contents are discharged, a frangible seal held within the valve body and sealing the passage while the seal is intact, and a solenoid including an armature moveable from a first to a second position. As the armature moves, pins or teeth impact and break the frangible seal. Magnets hold the armature in the first position until the solenoid is actuated. The armature is substantially exterior of the passage so that discharge is unimpeded. In one embodiment, the pins reciprocate radially when cammed by the armature and impact the sidewall of a frangible dome seal. In other embodiments, teeth on the armature, or pins in the armature's path, reciprocate parallel to the armature's movement and impact a frangible disk.

Abstract: A pneumatically assisted inflator for gas cylinders comprises an inline configuration such that gas contained within the gas cylinder flows axially through the inflator to be exhausted therefrom and inflate an inflatable article. The inline configuration of the inflator reduces the stress otherwise imparted to the component parts thereof and thereby allows most of the component parts to be manufactured from an injection molded high-strength plastic or the like. The inflator comprises an inflator piston positioned within a piston cylinder that moves against a rotatable cam surface, such as a rotatable collar connected to a pull lanyard, to force a pierce pin to make at least a small pin hole in a frangible seal and allow high pressure gas from the gas cylinder to flow into the piston cylinder, whereupon the high pressure gas in the piston cylinder further moves the inflator piston to more fully force the pierce pin into the frangible seal to fully open the frangible seal.

Abstract: Apparatus for puncturing a gas filled bottle uses a spring force upon an inflator tack, which punctures the gas filled bottle, rather than a manual or explosive force. The spring force is retained prior to puncturing the bottle by a retention element disposed in a hole. The retention element is released upon actuation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A thin diaphragm valve includes a base plate attached to a valve attach plate. A diaphragm is positioned between the plates to move between open and closed positions. A spring can be provided between the diaphragm and a sealing flange of a pipe. Because no sliding friction occurs between sealing surfaces, wear is reduced and leakage is also reduced. A pierceable membrane can also be added to provide additional security.

Abstract: An inflator has a sealed vessel for containing compressed gas. The inflator has an axis. The vessel has a gas outlet passageway. The inflator has an elongated sealing cap closure with an internal chamber portion open to the compressed gas and sealed vessel to seal the opening of the gas outlet passageway. The elongated sealing cap is coaxial with the inflator. When a triggering device is activated it exerts a force against the elongated sealing cap closure in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the inflator that causes the elongated sealing cap closure to fail and allows gas to escape from the vessel.

Abstract: A rapid opening pressure regulating valve reduced in size and having improved flow rate characteristics, a fire extinguishing apparatus using the same, a high-pressure gas cylinder apparatus, and an apparatus rapidly supplying a fluid. When the rapid opening pressure regulating valve is assembled, a valve element member body (22) is inserted into a body (1), and a valve element (21) is inserted into an inlet nozzle part (11) from the inlet (11a) thereof and fixed to the lower end of the valve element member body (22). The valve element (21) is fixed to the valve element member body (22) by, for example, threading the inner circumferential surface of the valve element (21) and the corresponding lower end outer peripheral surface of the valve element member body (22) and screwing the lower end of the valve element body (22) into the valve element (21).

Abstract: A relief valve and related systems and methods are disclosed for use in fluid distribution lines. The relief valve comprises a body defining a cavity and comprising at least first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity. A connector piece is connected to the body at the first opening to connect the valve to a fluid distribution line. A rupture disc is disposed within and obstructs the first opening. When it is desired that fluid from the fluid distribution line be vented from the system, the rupture disc is punctured and thereby allows for fluid communication through the first opening of the valve.

Abstract: A coupling used during testing of a water line including an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe connected by the coupling. A removable barrier disk prevents water from flowing through the connected pipes until after testing, when the disk is then detached from the body member of the coupling. A piercing assembly interacts with a groove near the perimeter of the disk to initiate a tear that propagates along the groove as the disk is pulled away from the body member of the coupling. The piercing assembly is attached to the disk by a fulcrum element offset with respect to a center of the planar disk.

Abstract: An inflation valve includes a main valve body having an outlet port, a rupture port, and a pull cord retainer. A puncture retainer body secures a puncture disc within the main valve body to seal the outlet port to gas flow. A slot in the puncture retaining body permits gas flow to the outlet port. A puncture pin received within the puncture retaining body includes a center bore permitting gas flow to the outlet port. A rupture disc breaks under high pressure conditions to permit pressurized gas to exit the rupture port. The rupture disc and puncture disc are interchangeable. A release assembly associated with the pull cord retainer permits manual release of the puncture pin. A vacuum washer is sealed between a vacuum retainer and the pull cord retainer to prevent gas from exiting the pull cord retainer when the inflation valve is activated under vacuum.

Abstract: A pneumatically assisted inflator for gas cylinders comprises an inline configuration such that gas contained within the gas cylinder flows axially through the inflator to be exhausted therefrom and inflate an inflatable article. The inline configuration of the inflator reduces the stress otherwise imparted to the component parts thereof and thereby allows most of the component parts to be manufactured from an injection molded high-strength plastic or the like. The inflator comprises an inflator piston positioned within a piston cylinder that moves against a rotatable cam surface, such as a rotatable collar connected to a pull lanyard, to force a pierce pin to make at least a small pin hole in a frangible seal and allow high pressure gas from the gas cylinder to flow into the piston cylinder, whereupon the high pressure gas in the piston cylinder further moves the inflator piston to more fully force the pierce pin into the frangible seal to fully open the frangible seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve/seal assembly that is adapted for use in a variety of applications, such as for example, medical, consumer beverage, pharmaceutical containers, automobile, household appliance and marine. The disclosed valve includes, inter alia, a valve housing having an upper body portion and a lower body portion and a generally spherical valve member. The upper and lower body portions of the housing define an internal chamber for accommodating the valve member and a central axis for the valve. The generally spherical valve member is seated within the internal chamber of the valve housing and has an axial bore extending therethrough. The valve member is mounted for movement between an open position; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is axially aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing, and a closed position; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is out of alignment with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing.

Abstract: Valve element (3, 6, 10), comprising a frame, at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a passage connecting the inlet and outlet, at least one burst disk (13, 35, 63) or equivalent, which, when unbroken, closes the passage from inlet to outlet, and a piston element (15, 36, 65) provided with a piercing element or the like for piercing the burst disk. The piston element (15, 36, 65) is provided with a passage (17, 39, 67) for a pressure medium, said passage extending axially through the piston element from one first side to one second side, which passage leading through the piston forms a part of the passage of the pressure medium after the burst disk (13, 35, 63) has been pierced.

Abstract: Valve element (10), comprising a main body, at least one inlet (101) and at least one outlet (102), a passage connecting the inlet and outlet, at least one burst disk (rupture disk) (13) or equivalent, which, when unbroken, closes the passage from inlet to outlet, and a piston element (15) provided with a piercing element (14) or the like for piercing the burst disk. The piston element (15) is provided with a passage (17) for a pressure medium, said passage extending axially through the piston element from one first side to one second side, that the piston element is provided with a second burst disk or equivalent which, when unbroken, closes the passage (17) provided in the piston element.

Abstract: A valve element (20), comprising a frame (21), at least one first inlet (26), at least one second inlet (27) and at least one outlet (28). The valve element consists of a combination comprising at least one burst disk (23) or equivalent, which, when unbroken, closes a passage from the second inlet (27) at least to the outlet (28), and a piston element (25) comprising a piercing element (24) or the like for piercing the burst disk, said piston element being arranged to be movable between at least two positions when the burst disk has been pierced, in which first position the passage from the second inlet (27) to the outlet (28) is closed while in a second position the passage from the second inlet (27) to the outlet (28) is open, to which second position the piston element is moved after the pressure difference between the second inlet and the first inlet has reached a predetermined value.

Abstract: A coupling used during testing of a water line including an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe connected by the coupling. A removable barrier disk prevents water from flowing through the connected pipes until after testing, when the disk is then detached from the body member of the coupling. A piercing assembly interacts with a groove near the perimeter of the disk to initiate a tear that propagates along the groove as the disk is pulled away from the body member of the coupling. The piercing assembly is attached to the disk by a fulcrum element offset with respect to a center of the planar disk.

Abstract: A unitary removable barrier for installation in a cylindrical water line to selectively block the water line to passage of water therethrough. The unitary removable barrier is composed of a single piece body having at least one cylindrical section sized to receive upstream and downstream pipes of the water line. A planar disk is molded with the cylindrical section and is of a circular circumference which completely blocks the water line but which is selectively removable from the cylindrical section thus removing the barrier to the passage of water through the line. Removal of the barrier is facilitated through the use of a piercing device and pull tab which can be actuated from a position outside of the waste line.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for releasably interconnecting a pressurized bottle with a paintball marker, wherein the adapter assembly includes a piercing pin moveable between retracted position and an extended position. The adapter assembly includes an internally threaded female socket for releasably engaging the pressurized bottle, and an externally threaded male head for releasably engaging a corresponding female connector on the paintball marker. The spacing of the threaded connections and the travel of the piercing pin are selected such that the piercing pin punctures a frangible seal of the pressurized bottle subsequent to fluid interconnection of both the pressurized bottle and the paintball marker with the adapter assembly.

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: Disclosed is a valve/seal assembly that is adapted for use in a variety of applications, such as for example, medical, consumer beverage, pharmaceutical containers, automobile, household appliance and marine. The disclosed valve includes, inter alia, a valve housing having an upper body portion and a lower body portion and a generally spherical valve member. The upper and lower body portions of the housing define an internal chamber for accommodating the valve member and a central axis for the valve. The generally spherical valve member is seated within the internal chamber of the valve housing and has an axial bore extending therethrough. The valve member is mounted for movement between an open position; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is axially aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing, and a closed position; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is out of alignment with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing.

Abstract: A unitary removable barrier for installation in a cylindrical water line to selectively block the water line to passage of water therethrough. The unitary removable barrier is composed of a single piece body having at least one cylindrical section sized to receive upstream and downstream pipes of the water line. A unitary planar disk is molded with the cylindrical section and is of a circular circumference which completely blocks the water line when in place but which is selectively removable from the cylindrical section thus removing the barrier to the passage of water through the line.

Abstract: A system for the control of an indirectly heated gas turbine comprising a primary system of controlling the temperature of heated compressed gas entering the expander, and an independent secondary system which includes a safety valve for instantaneous release of heated compressed gas to the atmosphere. The primary system controls system gas temperature and power output by modulating a flow of unheated compressed gas which bypasses the heat exchanger and mixes with the heated gas leaving the heat exchanger to produce a lower temperature gas entering the expander. The secondary system provides a backup means of overspeed prevention, and includes a safety valve to instantly discharge to the atmosphere hot compressed gas upstream of the expander by being responsive to the speed of the turbine. The safety valve includes a frangible membrane clamped between parallel flanges within the ducting, and further includes a dagger assembly for rupturing the membrane.

Abstract: A unitary removable barrier for installation in a cylindrical water line to selectively block the water line to passage of water therethrough. The unitary removable barrier is composed of a single piece body having at least one cylindrical section sized to receive upstream and downstream pipes of the water line. A planar disk is molded with the cylindrical section and is of a circular circumference which completely blocks the water line but which is selectively removable from the cylindrical section thus removing the barrier to the passage of water through the line. Removal of the barrier is facilitated through the use of a piercing device and pull tab which can be actuated from a position outside of the waste line.

Abstract: An inflator for an air-bag has two gas chambers mounted on a central block (1). The central block defines passages leading from the gas chambers to the air-bag, but the passages are initially sealed by closures . An ignitor mounted on the block can generate hot gas to move an actuating element in a predetermined direction, the actuating element having a conical face which acts on inclined faces of two opening elements which are thus moved apart to rupture the closures to permit gas to flow from the chambers into the air-bag. Finally gas from the ignitor can also flow through a passage into the air-bag to ignite the mixed gases from the two gas chambers.

Abstract: A pressure valve device for a gas pressure cartridge has a pressure valve, a container connected to the pressure valve and a clip connected to the pressure valve. The pressure valve has an exhaust port and a gas inlet with a crewing portion. The container in which a gas cartridge is retained has a screwing opening screwed onto the screwing portion of the gas inlet. When the container is screwed onto the screwing portion, gas from the gas cartridge is input to the gas inlet. The pressure valve outputs a fixed gas pressure through the exhaust port into the compressed air gun. In addition, the clip on the pressure valve makes carrying the pressure valve device on a belt or the like easy.

Abstract: A unitary removable barrier for installation in a cylindrical water line to selectively block the water line to passage of water therethrough. The unitary removable barrier is composed of a single piece body having at least one cylindrical section sized to receive upstream and downstream pipes of the water line. A planar disk is molded with the cylindrical section and is of a circular circumference which completely blocks the water line but which is selectively removable from the cylindrical section thus removing the barrier to the passage of water through the line. Removal of the barrier is facilitated through the use of a piercing device and pull tab which can be actuated from a position outside of the waste line.

Abstract: A pressure valve device for a gas pressure cartridge has a pressure valve, a container connected to the pressure valve and a moving mean for moving the cartridge in the container. The pressure valve has an exhaust port and a gas inlet connected to an opening of the container. Because the opening of the container corresponds to a gas opening of the small gas cartridge, the gas of the small gas cartridge inputs into the pressure valve via the gas inlet, and then the exhaust port outputs a fixed gas pressure into the compressed air gun. A clip is formed on the pressure valve whereby users can easily carry the pressure valve device on a belt or similar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing plumbing installations including a tool for making an opening through a test cap or other blockage in a fluid-carrying line of a plumbing system. The tool and cap make the testing method possible. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, a test cap welded in the drain pipe seals the drain line from the sewer line at the location of the clean-out. Thereafter, the rough-in plumbing system is tested by pressurizing the system through the clean-out on the building side of the cap. Following successful completion of this test, the top-out plumbing is completed, leaving the test cap welded in place. After the roof vents are in, the top-out test of the plumbing system is made, also through the clean-out. After final test and inspection, a special tool constructed in accordance with the present invention is inserted down the clean-out to penetrate and ream-out the test cap.

Abstract: A unitary removable barrier for installation in a cylindrical water line to selectively block the water line to passage of water therethrough. The unitary removable barrier is composed of a single piece body having at least one cylindrical section sized to receive upstream and downstream pipes of the water line. A planar disk is molded with the cylindrical section and is of a circular circumference which completely blocks the water line but which is selectively removable from the cylindrical section thus removing the barrier to the passage of water through the line. Removal of the barrier is facilitated through the use of a piercing device and pull tab which can be actuated from a position outside of the waste line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a plumbing system in a more dependable and cost-effective manner. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, the drain pipe leading from the plumbing system in a building to the city sewer main or main sewer line is positively sealed off by a test cap or plug welded in the pipe at the location of the clean-out. Access to the test cap is maintained through the clean-out. Pressurizing the rough-in plumbing to test the same can then proceed knowing that if any leaks occur, they are in the branch plumbing on the building side of the test cap, and not at or in the test cap. Following successful completion of the initial test, the top-out plumbing job is completed, leaving the test cap welded in the clean-out or drain pipe. After the roof vents are in, the second test of the plumbing system is made, again knowing that if the system shows any leaks, they are the result of a failure in the plumbing work and not a failure of the test cap.

Abstract: A raft inflation valve has an elongated valve body with first and second ends, and a center bore. A cylindrical member has first and second ends slidably mounted in the center bore. A spring urges the cylindrical member towards the first end of the valve body. An arm is pivotally secured to the first end of the valve body to engage the first end of the cylinder member, and to move the cylinder member towards the second end of the valve body. A cutting element is on the second end of the cylinder member. A pressure gas filled vessel is secured to the second end of the valve body and has a gas discharge port. A seal member is on the gas discharge port of the vessel and is punctured by the cutting element when the arm moves the cylinder member towards the second end of the valve body. A space is in the center bore around the second end of the cylinder member. An annular groove is on the outside of the valve body in communication with the space.

Abstract: A raft inflation valve includes a one-piece valve body which is connected to a pressure vessel and which has an inlet communicating with the pressure vessel, a recess for receiving a cartridge having a puncture disc, and a passage which connects the inlet and the recess and which is covered by the puncture disc. The cartridge includes a disc retainer holding the puncture disc in position to block the passage in the valve body, and a bayonet having a cuffing edge which is biased by a spring toward the puncture disc but prohibited from such motion by a ball/link pin held in place by the pull cable ball until the cable is pulled. Once the cable has been pulled to remove the ball, the bayonet is driven by the bias force toward the disc to clearly cut and puncture the disc and permit flow of gas from the pressure vessel through the inlet passage through the disc to the outlet passage in the outlet of the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator for an air bag (11) including a cartridge (3) containing a gas-generating charge of solid material (5) and a storage reservoir (9) containing a storage gas (10). To trigger gas production the charge of solid material (5) is ignited. The resulting gas pressure tears off the front face (13) of the cartridge (3) along a peripheral notch (6). A sliding element (7) connected to the front face (13) pierces a sealing element (8) of the storage reservoir (9). A guiding channel (23) in which the front face (13) is guided in the manner of a piston, opens into a flow zone (12). When the front face (13) has reached the flow zone (12), reaction gas flows around the front face (13) into openings (16) in the tube-shaped sliding element (7). The reaction gas then flows into the storage reservoir (9) where it is mixed with the remaining storage gas.