Safety Cut-off Patents (Class 137/75)
  • Patent number: 12066852
    Abstract: A neutral return mechanism includes an interlocking shaft to be pushed and pulled in an axial direction in conjunction with a swinging operation of an operation member; a housing member to support the interlocking shaft such that the interlocking shaft is movable in the axial direction and accommodate the interlocking shaft such that one of opposite end portions thereof protrudes; a neutral return spring to return the interlocking shaft from a post-movement position to an initial position, the neutral return spring being accommodated in the housing member such that the neutral return spring extends in the axial direction of the interlocking shaft, wherein the housing member includes a supported portion between a spring accommodation portion in which the neutral return spring is accommodated and a protrusion opening through which the interlocking shaft protrudes, the supported portion being supported at a bracket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignees: KUBOTA CORPORATION, KYB CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Horii, Tetsuya Aoki, Hirotaka Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11976738
    Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit component such as a valve is configured which sliding surfaces. At least one of the sliding surfaces is configured as a single crystal material, such as ruby or sapphire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Proserv Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Preston Weintraub
  • Patent number: 11946247
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a fire rated movement joint (100) for an internal compartment wall. The joint (100) comprises a wall track (112), a wall board (116) arranged at least partially overlapping the wall track (112) with a gap (124) therebetween, a fire barrier (132). The fire barrier (132) comprises an intumescent (126) and a scrim (134) enclosing the intumescent (126). The intumescent (126) is at least partly arranged within the gap (124) between the wall board (116) and the wall track (112), and the scrim (134) comprises a gusset (136) into which the intumescent (126) expands when reacting to heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TENMAT LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Philip Reid, Ian Hainsworth, Rupert Coggon
  • Patent number: 11441692
    Abstract: An overflow and overheat shutoff safety gas inlet connector, comprising a gas inlet connector, to be connected to the gas source, with a gas inlet hole configured axially, a chamber configured on one end to be connected to the gas inlet hole, and a plurality of holding compartments configured on one side of the chamber, a connecting tube, in threaded connection with the gas inlet connector, with a convex portion on its one end, a transfer canal configured axially and going through the convex portion, said transfer canal matching the gas inlet hole, a first magnetic piece, made of a magnetic material, movably configured inside the chamber and matching the gas inlet hole and the transfer canal, able to seal the transfer canal when being pressed against the convex portion, a plurality of second magnetic pieces, made of a magnetic material, and a plurality of temperature control pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: SEVEN UNIVERSE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Pao-Chi Chang
  • Patent number: 11268622
    Abstract: A fusible fire-proof emergency cut-off valve is provided. Two sides of a valve body are communicated with an outlet and an inlet, respectively. The inside of the valve body is rotationally connected with a rotating shaft. A valve plate is fixed to one side of the rotating shaft and is positioned at one end of the outlet. A control mechanism comprises a shifting fork box body, one side of the shifting fork box body is connected with a second cylinder, and the other side of the shifting fork box body is connected with a first cylinder. The other side of the rotating shaft is inserted into the shifting fork box body and fixedly connected with a shifting fork. The inside of the second cylinder is provided with a piston rod penetrating through the shifting fork box body and the first cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: JIANGSU RELIABLE MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hailiang Liu, Tao Mu, Shoujun Zhao, Zaixiao Zhang, Lei Wang
  • Patent number: 11154736
    Abstract: A fire or smoke barrier (1) having a head box (2) for housing a curtain (4) which is open at its underside to allow the curtain to be deployed and withdrawn. The head box (2) houses a roller (3) for the curtain (4) to be rolled from for deployment and rolled back onto for withdrawal and attached at the bottom of the curtain (4) is a bottom bar (7) for weighing down the curtain (4) when deployed. The head box (2) has one or more apertures (14, 15) for cleaning air circulation and being provided at the, or each, aperture (14,15) with a spring (22) loaded trap (16,17) normally held open by a fusible link (31), the link fusing (31) in event of fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Coopers Fire Limited
    Inventor: James Martin Reed
  • Patent number: 11085551
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve body forming a channel defining a fluid flow path extending from an inlet port to an outlet port of the valve body via a gallery disposed therebetween, an opening disposed in communication with the gallery, a valve assembly at least partially disposed through the opening and in the gallery, and a set pin having a central longitudinal axis. A valve disc of the valve assembly moves between a first position spaced from a valve seat of the valve body and a second position in contact with the valve seat. The set pin is coupled to and at least partly supported by the valve assembly to maintain the valve assembly in the first position. The fluid flow path allows a fluid to flow through the valve body in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The set pin is adapted to disengage a portion of the valve assembly when contacted by a fluid traversing the fluid flow path in the second direction, allowing the valve disc to move to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Tulsa, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Michnevitz, Nathan A. Quinn, Travis Ellison, James Myers
  • Patent number: 10962128
    Abstract: A cooling fluid valve having an actuator portion extending outwardly beyond an outer surface of an actuator housing. The cooling fluid valve actuator portion includes a plug force fit into an orifice in a valve housing. The plug blocks flow of cooling fluid from a cooling fluid inlet to a cooling fluid outlet. The cooling fluid outlet is connected to communicate cooling fluid to the component. The plug is formed of a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A portion of the valve housing includes the orifice receiving the plug being formed of a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion with the second coefficient of thermal expansion being higher than the first coefficient of thermal expansion, such that when the actuator portion of the valve is exposed to heat, the force fit may be eliminated as the valve housing expands at greater rate than the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce D. Paradise, Kofi Owusu
  • Patent number: 10890144
    Abstract: A fuel control valve assembly that includes a ball bearing assembly and retainer assembly for a mixture control valve assembly and idle control valve assembly in use with general aviation fuel injector servos is disclosed. The assembly desirably reduces friction and wear on the components of the fuel control valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Turn and Bank Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Allen, Timothy Henderson
  • Patent number: 10584821
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided having a first member and a second member. The first member is able to be coupled to the second member by relative movement along a coupling axis. In use, a tension component carries the axial tensile load of the coupling assembly. In order to decouple the coupling without removing the tension component, it is necessary to apply sufficient tensile force to fracture the tension component. Thus the tension component is designed to fracture in to two parts along a single fracture. Advantageously, because only a single tensile component is used, the precision in the set force necessary to decouple the two parts is improved. The coupling assembly is particularly suitable to joining two part of an oil pipeline in order to provide a safety, breakout function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Self Energising Coupling Company Limited
    Inventor: Matthew Readman
  • Patent number: 10550943
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve body having a fluid flow path extending therethrough, a valve seat located in the valve body, and a valve disc located in the fluid flow path of the valve body. The disc is rotatable between a fully open position and an intermediate position about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the disc. The disc is also translatable between the intermediate position and a fully closed position in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the disc. Such a valve may be incorporated into a fluid line of a fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventor: Sridharan Soundararajan
  • Patent number: 10448543
    Abstract: A server rack thermosiphon system includes a plurality of evaporators, each evaporator including a thermal interface for one or more heat-generating server rack devices; at least one condenser mounted to an external structure of a server rack, the condenser including a fluid-cooled heat transfer module; a liquid conduit that fluidly couples each of the evaporators to the condenser to deliver a liquid phase of a working fluid from the condenser to the evaporators; and a vapor conduit that fluidly couples each of the evaporators to the condenser to deliver a mixed phase of the working fluid from the evaporators to the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Soheil Farshchian, Madhu Krishnan Iyengar
  • Patent number: 10406391
    Abstract: The disclosed coupling can include an elongate body having an opening at each end, the openings linked by a conduit; a valve assembly located within the elongate body. The valve assembly is movable between an open position, in which gas can pass between the openings along the conduit, and a closed position in which gas flow between the openings is prevented; a biasing assembly arranged within the elongate body to move the valve assembly into the closed position; and a heat activatable stop located in the region of each opening, operable to hold the valve assembly in the open position against the biasing assembly, and adapted to release the valve assembly to allow the biasing assembly to move the valve assembly to the closed position at an activation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BPR MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: David Edgar Peel, Richard Radford
  • Patent number: 10274099
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve body forming a channel defining a fluid flow path extending from an inlet port to an outlet port of the valve body via a gallery disposed therebetween, an opening disposed in communication with the gallery, a valve assembly at least partially disposed through the opening and in the gallery, and a set pin having a central longitudinal axis. A valve disc of the valve assembly moves between a first position spaced from a valve seat of the valve body and a second position in contact with the valve seat. The set pin is coupled to and at least partly supported by the valve assembly to maintain the valve assembly in the first position. The fluid flow path allows a fluid to flow through the valve body in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The set pin is adapted to disengage a portion of the valve assembly when contacted by a fluid traversing the fluid flow path in the second direction, allowing the valve disc to move to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Tulsa, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Michnevitz, Nathan A. Quinn, Travis Ellison, James Myers
  • Patent number: 10197176
    Abstract: A fluid supply assembly having a conduit through which a fluid may be supplied. A thermal shut-off may be provided to control the supply of fluid through the conduit in response to an environmental temperature condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MRA Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Robert Hathaway, John S. Mears
  • Patent number: 10184582
    Abstract: A safety valve releases a fluid in the event of a fire. To do so it comprises a valve shutter in a body for opening or closing a pipe containing the fluid. A first spring is kept under tension against heat-sensitive means for releasing the valve shutter when the tension is released by the sensitive means. The sensitive means comprise a piston acting on the first spring, a pipe being connected to a chamber delimited in the body by the piston on the opposite side to the first spring. The pipe and the chamber contain a pressurized control fluid so that the piston keeps the first spring under tension. The pipe is made of a material capable of melting at a predetermined temperature so as to release the fluid in the event of a fire around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHRADER
    Inventors: Sébastien Robert, Hérve Lonchampt, Benoit Gresset
  • Patent number: 10174855
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve body forming a channel defining a fluid flow path from inlet to outlet ports of the valve body via a gallery disposed therebetween, an opening disposed in communication with the gallery, a valve assembly at least partially disposed through the opening and in the gallery, and a fusible element. A valve disc of the valve assembly moves between a first position spaced from a valve seat of the valve body and a second position contacting the valve seat. The fusible element is coupled to and at least partly supported by the valve assembly to maintain the valve assembly in the first position. The fluid flow path allows fluid to flow through the valve body in a first direction and a second, opposite direction. The fusible element fails when contacted by fluid traversing the fluid flow path in the second direction, allowing the valve disc to move to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Tulsa, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Michnevitz, Nathan A. Quinn, Travis Ellison, James Myers
  • Patent number: 10143869
    Abstract: A flame arrester (FA1) having an inlet (12) and an outlet (32), a housing (13, 23, 33) between the inlet (12) and outlet (32), one or more baffle plates (14, 34) and a flame arrester element (20) located within the housing (13, 23, 33). The inlet (12) has a maximum diametric dimension (D12). A first baffle plate (14) is located downstream of the inlet (12) and the flame arrester element (20) is located downstream of the first baffle plate (14). A second baffle plate (34) is located downstream of the flame arrester element (20) and upstream of the outlet (32). The baffle plates (14, 34) are secured to the inner wall of the housing (13, 23, 33) and each has an aperture (15, 35). The aperture (15) of the first baffle plate (14) has a minimum diametric dimension of at least 0.75D12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Elmac Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Daomin Hong, Lewis Bingham, Peter Evans
  • Patent number: 10143868
    Abstract: A firestopping apparatus including a housing having a wall surface extending between opposed front and rear panels with an inner chamber defined therein. The front panel defines a front opening therethrough and the rear panel defines a rear opening therethrough. The housing includes first and second housing members which are moveable relative to one another between an assembled condition wherein the first and second housing members are interconnected and the wall surface is substantially continuous about the internal chamber, and an open condition wherein at least a portion of the first and second housing members are spaced from one another such that at least a portion of the wall surface is non-contiguous to define an opening into the internal chamber. An intumescent material is positioned within the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Specified Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Julio Lopes, Steven Faiello
  • Patent number: 10082450
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for monitoring characteristics of a fire, smoke, thermal and/or water barrier device provided in or on a barrier. The monitored characteristics can be used to identify whether the barrier device is installed correctly or is no longer installed correctly and/or to identify conditions associated with use of the barrier device when installed, including at least one of a temperature associated with the barrier device, presence of water in the barrier device, air flow associated with the barrier device, stress and strains placed on the barrier device, and occupied inner volume (including an amount of change) of the barrier device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lucas Ackerman, Akhil Kejriwal
  • Patent number: 10024473
    Abstract: A device for releasable fixed holding of a welding wire in a welding wire guide is described. This device is characterized in that the welding wire guide includes a cage for radially displaceable braking bodies, wherein a locking cone surrounds the braking bodies, and that, of the two cooperating functional elements, formed on the one hand by the welding wire guide and on the other hand by the locking cone, one is mounted in a non-displaceable manner in a holder and the other is mounted to be axially displaceable against a spring force with respect to the non-displaceable functional element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: FRONIUS INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Manfred Bruckner, Wolfgang Prikler
  • Patent number: 9982515
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for attaching to an end of a valve actuator includes an assembly body, the assembly body releasably securable to a valve actuator. The assembly body has a stem bore for receiving an actuator stem, and a plunger orifice through a sidewall of the assembly body. An immobilizer assembly has a plunger extending through the plunger orifice, and biased radially outward and moveable between a radially inner position where the immobilizer assembly extends over the stem bore, and a radially outer position where an inner end of the immobilizer assembly is radially outward of the stem bore. A segmented housing circumscribes the assembly body and is moveable between a first position where the plunger is in the radially outer position and a second position where the plunger is in the radially inner position. A fusible band selectively retains the segmented housing in engagement with the immobilizer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LP
    Inventors: Carl Raymond Taylor, Keith Adams, Travis Kyle McEvoy
  • Patent number: 9851121
    Abstract: A heat activated sealing apparatus for closing and locking a plurality of ventilation damper blades of a ventilation framework includes a fire detection assembly for detecting a fire condition and an actuator. A damper closure assembly includes an axle in communication with the actuator of the fire detection assembly and operatively coupled to the plurality of dampers of the ventilation framework, the axle being selectively rotatable between a start configuration at which the plurality of ventilation dampers are at the open configuration and a deployed configuration at which the plurality of ventilation dampers are at the closed configuration. The damper closure assembly includes a locking assembly movable between an unlocked configuration allowing rotatable movement of the axle and a locked configuration not allowing rotatable movement of the axle. The locking assembly is movable to the locked configuration only when exposed to a predetermined amount of heat from the fire condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Lynn Oien
  • Patent number: 9789424
    Abstract: A water filtration system that includes a filter manifold having a rotatable cover is provided. A filter cartridge is provided that includes a sump having a filter head integrally secured to a first end and cap releasably secured to a second end. A locking mechanism extending from the cover locks into the filter manifold to position the cartridge in an “in-use” state. The filter cartridge further includes two offset cylindrical inlet and outlet members protruding from the filter head that are designed to engage corresponding inlet and outlets of the filter manifold through a horizontal engagement mechanism. A check valve is positioned within the filter manifold adjacent the inlet of the filter cartridge to control fluid flow through the water filtration system. The filter cartridge head includes fins upwardly extending therefrom that are configured to engage corresponding slots formed in a plurality of corrugated channels of the filter manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Reckin, Tedd M. Schneidewend
  • Patent number: 9791050
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, comprising: a valve body with an inlet, an outlet and a passage connecting the inlet with the outlet; a shut-off device of the passage with an actuating pin extending in the passage; a check-valve between the shut-off device and the inlet, the check valve comprising a seat and a movable closing member initially held at a position distant from the seat by contact with a guiding surface and movable past the position by the pin so as to cooperate with the seat and prevent a refilling flow of gas from the outlet to the inlet. The guiding surface is on a tubular portion fixed to the valve body and comprising at least one radial aperture so as to allow the refilling flow of gas to by-pass the closing member when in the distant position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
    Inventor: Paul Muzzo
  • Patent number: 9745902
    Abstract: If the pressure in a supply passage drops at a speed greater than a first determination speed in a state in which a first mode for supplying gas fuel to an internal combustion engine is selected, a control apparatus inhibits selection of the first mode. Then, the control apparatus switches from the first mode to a second mode, in energy other than gas fuel is used. In this state, if the pressure in the supply passage drops at a speed greater than a second determination speed, the control apparatus maintains the state in which the second mode is selected. If the pressure in the supply passage drops at a speed lower than the second determination speed, the control apparatus cancels the inhibition of selection of the first mode when it is detected that a manual on-off valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignees: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Ariie, Akito Onishi
  • Patent number: 9677550
    Abstract: An air operated pump 10 uses a magnet 14 mounted in the valve cup 16 of the air motor 18 and two reed sensors 20 mounted in the valve cover 22 to monitor the speed and position of the valve 16. A solenoid 24 is mounted on the valve cover 22 and can be commanded to extend a plunger 26 into the valve cup 16 to stop valve movement and therefore the pump from running away A magnetoresistive sensor 34 is located in the center of the air motor 18 to precisely monitor the piston 36 position and with air valve sensors 20 provides the input necessary for precise control and diagnostics of the pump 10 and makes it suitable for metering and plural component application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Bauck, Mark T. Weinberger, Vu K. Nguyen, Christopher M. Lange, Wade D. Palashewski, David M. Behrens
  • Patent number: 9657881
    Abstract: The present invention relates to safety mechanisms for high-pressure fluid delivery systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a breakaway device which prevents uncontrolled “whipping” of the conduit ends upon a rupture. A heat dissipating coupling, permitting operation of the conduit system at desired temperatures, is also included, as is a breakaway device provided with such a heat dissipation feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Zena Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph R. Abrams
  • Patent number: 9644584
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel supply structure with an improved fuel filter for easy maintenance of the fuel filter. A vehicle fuel supply structure includes fuel in a fuel tank that is sucked by a fuel pump and supplied to a fuel injection valve disposed in a throttle body via a secondary fuel filter adapted to filter the fuel to remove foreign matter therein. A regulator is provided for regulating fuel pressure. The secondary fuel filter, the regulator and the fuel injection valve are connected by fuel pipes. A third fuel filter is installed at least in an inlet side connecting portion between the regulator and a regulator inlet side fuel pipe, of the fuel pipes, on the side where fuel enters the regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsubasa Ishii, Shosuke Suzuki, Tsutomu Muraoka, Takatomo Enami
  • Patent number: 9353882
    Abstract: Hydraulic valve apparatuses with a low profile and without a top shaft are disclosed. Additionally, hydraulic valve apparatuses with indicator markers and side windows are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Safoco, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry Glenn Young
  • Patent number: 9198443
    Abstract: This invention is a food preparation device used for imparting the flavor of smoke to foods by saturating the food with smoke in minutes, using very small amounts of wood or other smoke producing material, and upon completion of the process the food can be refrigerated, re-refrigerated, or cooked in any manner desired by the user. Efficiency of time and material is achieved by a unique design that allows a minute amount of smoke producing material to be ignited in a small ignition chamber before being transferred to a chamber containing the food in a partial vacuum created by a vacuum/compression pump, and through the unique design of valves and connector pipes the smoke filled chamber containing the food is subsequently subjected to compression by the vacuum/compression pump, thus leaving the food in the chamber smoke saturated within a few minutes of operation with little or no change in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: George Michael Davis
  • Patent number: 9091463
    Abstract: An inertance tube for a pulse tube refrigerator which can be tuned to optimize performance. Apertures in the inertance tube fluidly communicate the inertance tube with a fluid reservoir. The effective length of the inertance tube is changed by alternatively closing or opening the apertures. Changing the effective length of the inertance tube causes a phase shift between the mass flow and pressure waves in the working gas which, in turn, changes the acoustic power. Controlling the phase angle improves Carnot efficiency. The cooling load capacity of the pulse tube refrigerator is a function of the acoustic power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Christopher Star Dodson
  • Patent number: 8944088
    Abstract: A safety valve for interrupting the flow of fuel through a fuel line includes a housing member and a safety valve insert, wherein the housing member houses a portion of the safety valve insert and the valve insert includes a connection end for connecting to a grounding surface to draw electrical current through the safety valve insert, a fusible link, which is broken by electrical current, and a plunger, which is released when the fusible link is broken and interrupts the flow of fuel through a fuel line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Richard T. Gilmer
  • Patent number: 8925568
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for automating the operation of a solenoid valve to prevent overheating of solenoid elements. The solenoid valve controls the flow of a fluid, such as gas, and may be automatically interrupted, or shut-off, of power upon the occurrence of fluctuating currents or other events. Once the problem has been removed or repaired, the flow of fluid through the solenoid valve may resume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Ferdinand Villegas Legaspi, Perfecto Ferrer Gallardo, Jr., Fernando Medina Bernardo
  • Publication number: 20140338757
    Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator that may include a handle, a telescoping assembly connected to the handle, and a cable. In example embodiments, the telescoping assembly may include a sleeve, a sliding member configured to move along the sleeve, and a movable stop. In example embodiments, when the movable stop is in a first position the movable stop may prevent the sliding member from moving beyond a first point in the sleeve and when the movable stop is in a second position the movable stop may allow the sliding member to move beyond the first point in the sleeve. In example embodiments, the cable may be attached to the telescoping assembly and the cable may be configured to operatively move the movable stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Loren Van Wyk
  • Patent number: 8881637
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasably mounting access control components for a door lock to a door. A base element is adapted to be mounted to the door. A first wire connector element is mounted to the base element. A mounting element with combustible material attached is provided. A second wire connector element is mounted to the mounting element, and the second wire connector element is releasably connected to the first wire connector element to mount the mounting element to the base element. A spring is provided, and a retainer holds the spring in a loaded state, but in a fire event the retainer may melt, allowing the spring to apply force to the mounting element. Alternatively, an expanding material may apply the force. The force causes the wire connector elements to disconnect and allow the mounting element to separate from the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Rick Leites, John E. Walsh, Michael J. Lorello, Adam O'Day, Douglas A. Clark, Victor Bogdanov, Angelo S. Arcaria
  • Patent number: 8836522
    Abstract: A safety shut-off system and method for eliminating power to a load in the event of smoke detection. The system may comprise a device located at the appliance for detecting a signal from a smoke detector, and cutting power to the appliance only when the appliance is in use. The device may be synchronized with any standard smoke alarm signal to reduce the number of false positive shut-offs. The system may also comprise a smoke alarm hard-wired to a circuit breaker, for shutting off power to all appliances on a particular breaker upon receipt of a signal from the smoke alarm, and only when the appliances on the breaker are in use. The system may also have the ability to shut off one breaker, multiple breakers, or all breakers at different time increments to actively prevent and reduce the damages caused by fires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Fire Avert, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Thorpe, Michael Sanders, Chase Roberts, Kevin Sanders, Zack Bomsta
  • Patent number: 8714180
    Abstract: A thermal triggering element for sprinklers, valves or the like including an enclosed compartment with a container filled with a highly temperature-sensitive shattering fluid for precise and reproducible adjustment of a triggering temperature within the range of a few degrees Celsius. The invention increases the accuracy of the triggering temperature and identifies shattering liquids that allow precise sensitive triggering action in terms of temperature of the triggering element and open up further triggering temperatures ranges. The triggering fluid contains or consists of a hydrocarbon compound selected among one of the following substance groups or a mixture thereof: d) a heterocyclic hydrocarbon having a OH, NH or NH2 group bonded to a carbon atom; e) a hydrocarbon having at least one benzene ring with an OH group bonded to one of the carbon atoms of the benzene ring; f) a phosphate with at least one hydrocarbon moiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Job Lizenz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rüdiger Klug, Tino Schmalfuss
  • Patent number: 8602048
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in delivery of gas capable of combustion that incorporates a safety valve unit. The safety valve unit closes the flow path of the gas from the source upon occurrence of a fire. The safety valve unit has a valve body, a valve head resiliently biased towards a valve-closure position and a fusible retainer that holds the valve member in a valve open position. The valve body defines a fluid flow passage between an outlet and the valve head. Within the fluid flow passage there is an elongate link member which extends from the valve head to the foot. The foot engages the fusible retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: BPR Medical Limited
    Inventors: Richard Radford, David Edgar Peel
  • Patent number: 8490639
    Abstract: Provided is a temperature-sensitive fluid flow interruption device for use in operational connection with a normally-closed poppet openable by overcoming a closure force. The device may comprise an elongated housing, an elongated displacement member, a spring, and a retention cap. An elongated housing may comprise an elongated first channel. An elongated displacement member may be engaged with said elongated first channel and may comprise a longitudinal axis, a first spring retention surface, and a poppet engageable end. The poppet engageable end may be adapted for engagement with said poppet and may be engaged with the housing in a manner determined by the temperature of the temperature-sensitive fluid flow interruption device with respect to a predetermined temperature. A spring may be engaged with the first retention surface. A retention cap may be engaged with the housing and may comprise a second retention surface engaged with the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Vandrak
  • Patent number: 8282134
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembling a thermally responsive fluid coupling of a pressure reducing fuel regulator is provided. The fuel regulator includes an inlet conduit having a longitudinally extending ridge. A generally annular bushing is positioned over the inlet conduit. The bushing includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced figures and a cutout dimensioned to receive the ridge of the inlet conduit. A fluid-carrying member is positioned at least partially within the inlet conduit. A collar is positioned over the inlet conduit. The collar includes a first end adapted to be releasably connected to a cooperative fluid coupling and a second end. The second end of the collar is secured between the plurality of fingers of the bushing and the inlet conduit for preventing axial movement between the collar and the fluid-carrying member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Cavagna Group
    Inventor: Savio Cavagna
  • Publication number: 20100252122
    Abstract: An unregulated gas valve for a water heater that includes an inlet configured to receive a gas flow into the gas valve, an outlet configured to direct a portion of the gas flow to a combustion chamber, a pilot line configured to direct a portion of the gas flow to a pilot flame, and a dial configured to regulate the flow of gas into the gas valve, and further configured to select a water temperature setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: ROBERTSHAW CONTROLS COMPANY
    Inventors: Can Trong Nguyen, Raymond Joubran
  • Patent number: 7784221
    Abstract: A fire collar (10) including a housing defining an opening (18) and a passage (20) adapted to receive a conduit therethrough. A layer of intumescent material (43) surrounds the conduit and is supported by the housing adjacent the opening. Torsion springs (34) are mounted between the housing and the intumescent material to surround the conduit and are held in a non-operational position by fusible links (41). When the heat of a fire melts the links, each torsion spring acts in a longitudinal plane of the passage to assist the intumescent material to collapse the conduit and seal the passage against advancement of the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: IG6 Pty Ltd
    Inventor: James Walter George Truss
  • Patent number: 7677526
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manual operation of an actuator is disclosed. A mechanical override includes a housing coupled to the actuator, a drive ring, and a shaft extending through a bore of the housing. The drive ring rotationally keys to the bore such that the drive ring is capable of axial movement within the bore in response to automatic operation of the actuator. A backstop limits axial movement of the drive ring during manual operation. A thread located on an external portion of the shaft threads to the drive ring. In the manual operation, the shaft rotates through the drive ring imparting axial movement to the shaft capable of moving a valve between a first position and a second position. The override provides visual indication of the valve position during both automatic and manual operation. The backstop may be an insert that selectively permits movement of the shaft to a failsafe position in response to a temperature or pressure change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Safoco, Inc.
    Inventor: David Lymberopoulos
  • Patent number: 7676991
    Abstract: A fire collar, for location in a concrete slab around a deformable conduit, has a housing with a passageway through which the conduit passes. The collar has the housing in which are located two compression springs with arms which are held against the force of the springs by fusible links. When the heat of a fire on one side of the slab causes the fusible links to soften or melt, the force of the springs causes the spring arms to rotate towards the conduit, engaging the conduit and collapsing it. An intumescent layer may be provided around the conduit to assist in collapsing it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: IG6 PTY LTD
    Inventor: James Walter George Truss
  • Publication number: 20080289695
    Abstract: This invention relates to a heat activated shut-off device for gas and liquid flows in fuel supply lines and consists of a housing with a longitudinal void therethrough for fluid passage. A valve seat within the longitudinal void and a spring biased piston slidably carried within the housing when in bearing engagement, will shut-off the flow of fluid. A eutectic metal fuse which is temperature sensitive and fails at a pre-determined temperature extends in part externally of the external surface of the housing and couples with a flow indicator carried adjacent the housing external surface. Coupling of the eutectic metal fuse and flow indicator exposes the eutectic metal fuse at least in part to ambient air. The flow indicator is rotatable upon displacement of the piston. Failure of the eutectic metal fuse results in the uncoupling of the flow indicator that permits the spring to displace the piston into the valve and consequently rotate the flow indicator to another position thereby evidencing shut-off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Robert C. Holzer, Thomas C. Gray
  • Patent number: 7387134
    Abstract: A fire safety fluid flow device for engagement with a Schrader valve including a sliding valve a housing having a fluid path therethrough and a pressing member. The pressing member presses against the sliding valve of the Schrader valve when engaged therewith to allow fluid flow through the Schrader valve. The pressing member continues to maintain the sliding valve in an open position when the device is below a predetermined temperature and connected to the Schrader valve. The pressing member is configured to no longer press against the sliding valve of the Schrader valve at and above the predetermined temperature to allow the sliding valve of the Schrader valve to thereby stop fluid flow through the Schrader valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: S.H. Leggitt Company
    Inventors: Joel Reese Moore, Gregory A. Reitsma, Robert Clifton Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7373945
    Abstract: A device for closing a conduit (30) in case of fire includes a housing (11) having a receptacle (17) for receiving the conduit (30), a cutting and blocking member (20) arranged in the housing (11) and displaceable, in case of fire, by a drive element out of the housing (11) over the receptacle (17) to its blocking position (42) for cutting the conduit (30) off and closing same, with the housing (11) having at least one stop (15) that cooperates with a counter-stop (25) provided on the cutting and blocking member (20) and defines the blocking position (42) thereof the cutting and blocking member (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Foerg, Thomas Monden, Udo Woersdoerfer, Mario Paetow
  • Publication number: 20070289631
    Abstract: An improved outlet valve assembly (12) is provided which is especially adapted for use with an intermediate bulk container (10) having bottom wall drain outlet (20) and support legs (22). The assembly (12) has serially interconnected valves (28,30), namely an emergency ball valve (28) and a manually operable valve (30), with endmost elbow coupler (26) and outlet (32). Tle assembly (12) is of compact design and is dimensioned to permit attachment to container (10) with the entirety of assembly (12) elevated above the bottom of support legs (22). The emergency ball (28) valve includes as spring-loaded operator (58) equipped with a temperature responsive fusible link (86). In the event of a fire adjacent container (10), the link (86) severs, allowing operator (58) to quickly close valve (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Custom Metalcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Higgins, Clark Holden
  • Patent number: 7309022
    Abstract: There is provided a substance shutoff device for shutting down the communication of at least one of an inflammable substance and an oxidizer when the inflammable substance and the oxidizer are brought into contact with each other to thereby prevent further contact between the inflammable substance and the oxidizer. The substance shutoff device comprises a catalyst portion provided in contact with one of an inflammable substance flow path and an oxidizer flow path; and a shutoff means, which operates by heating through a reaction between the inflammable substance and the oxidizer in the catalyst portion to shut down the communication of at least one of the inflammable substance and the oxidizer. A fuel cell using the inflammable substance shutoff device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Nakakubo