Safety Cut-off Patents (Class 137/75)
  • Patent number: 7290556
    Abstract: A fire collar or fire damper for location within a concrete slab of a building. The device incorporates a damper arrangement (12) and a heat detector (18, 19) comprising a metal alloy or lead which melts when a present temperature is reached, causing the damper arrangement to seal off associated pipework or ducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: IG6 Pty Ltd
    Inventor: James Walter George Truss
  • Patent number: 7273064
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature-sensitive safely valve assembly (10). The assembly (10) comprising a first region (16) for a first pressurised fluid, a second region (20) for a second pressurised fluid, a valve (26, 28, 27, 26a and 26b) between the first and second regions (16, 20) designed to be actuated by the pressure of a first pressurised fluid in the first region against biasing means (58) to open an outlet (54), for a first pressurised gas, from the first region, and heat-sensitive sealing means (34) on the second region (20), being de-scalable at high temperature to de-pressurize the second region, thereby actuating the valve (26, 28, 27, 26a, 26b) to close the outlet and seal the first region (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: The Linden Shield Limited
    Inventor: Sean Linden
  • Patent number: 7178548
    Abstract: A dry safety device for an inflammable gas comprises a case main body having a gas passage which terminates at one end in a primary side open port connectable to a source of inflammable gas and terminates at the other end in a secondary side open port connectable to a gas-fired appliance. A spindle undergoes sliding movement in the case main body between an open position for opening the gas passage and a closed position for closing the gas passage, and a spindle spring normally urges the spindle to the open position and permits the spindle to move to the closed position in response to a counter-flow pressure exerted on the spindle by a counter flow of inflammable gas directed from the secondary side open port to the primary side open port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sanki
    Inventor: Masayuki Abe
  • Patent number: 7111818
    Abstract: A safety valve comprises a pressure receiving hole (20), an actuation chamber (21), a discharging hole (22) and an alloy accommodating chamber (25). An alloy (27) of a low-temperature melting point is accommodated within the alloy accommodating chamber (25). A sealing plate (33) seals the pressure receiving hole (20). This sealing plate (33) has a portion, which faces the pressure receiving hole (20), provided with a breakable sealing portion (35) that breaks up with a predetermined pressure. An actuator (28) is arranged within the actuation chamber (21). The actuator (28) has one end formed with a first back-up portion (30) which supports the breakable sealing portion (35) and has the other end formed with a second back-up portion (31) which is supported by the alloy (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Neriki Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Takeda, Akira Oi, Mitsumasa Kagomoto, Shinji Maekawa, Kazuyuki Miyata, Mari Shiotsuki
  • Patent number: 6959719
    Abstract: A fire collar or fire damper for location within a concrete slab of a building. The device incorporates a damper arrangement (12) and a heat detector (18, 19) comprising a metal alloy or lead which melts when a preset temperature is reached, causing the damper arrangement to seal off associated pipework or ducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: James Walter George Truss
  • Patent number: 6895952
    Abstract: An appliance end fitting for connecting a gas operated appliance to a pressurized gas cylinder includes a simplified interior valve that acts as both a thermal valve and an excess flow control valve. The end fitting has an elongated body formed in two telescoping sections, an inner section, and an outer section. An interior opening extends through both sections and includes an enlarged center portion. A floating valve member in the center portion is movable toward a valve seat at an outer end of the center section. A spring urges the valve member away from the valve seat but excessive gas flow moves the valve member toward the valve seat and restricts the valve. The two sections of the body are held in an extended axial position by a heat activated material, such as fusible solder, where the nipple opens the cylinder shutoff valve when the body is connected to the cylinder outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Marshall Excelsior Company
    Inventor: Patrick E. Bachelder
  • Patent number: 6820633
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a thermally-sensitive safety device for gas tubing including a main body provided with an inlet, an outlet and a gas passage communicated with said inlet and said outlet, and a thermally-sensitive control valve mounted in the gas passage. The control valve has a ball, which is normally biased by a spring to stop against a thermally-sensitive member, and a bushing with through hole in alignment with the ball. The thermally-sensitive member melts while ambient temperature is higher than the melting point thereof, whereby said ball is biased by said spring to contact against and seal the through hole of the bushing such that the gas passage is blocked off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Hung Liu
  • Patent number: 6769448
    Abstract: A temperature dependent actuating device for a valve having a closure member which must be moved from a first to a second position to close the valve, the actuating device comprising a body, an actuating member supported by the body and moveable from a first non-actuating position to a second actuating position, a biasing device urging the actuating member toward the second position, and a temperature dependent device for releasably retaining the actuating member in the first position provided the temperature is below a predetermined level. The body is adapted to be mounted such that the actuating member is positioned to engage the valve closure member such that if the temperature in the vicinity of the valve rises above the predetermined temperature, the actuating member is released and moves to its second position, moving the valve closure member to its second position and closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Progressive Engineering (A-U-L) Ltd.
    Inventor: John Williams
  • Patent number: 6644337
    Abstract: A damper assembly is provided having a fusible link assembly including an outer housing member and an inner channel member having side walls that are fused to the outer housing. A pair of damper arms are pivotally connected to a mounting bracket at a pivot location, and are supported by the fusible link assembly at a support location. The distance between the pivot location and support location is greater than ⅜ inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Greenheck Fan Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene Heil
  • Patent number: 6644336
    Abstract: A tensile load is applied to a sensor element that will carry the tensile load in the absence of a substance and will fail to carry the tensile load in the presence of the substance. The sensor element is disposed in a flow of fluid, and a flow control member is actuated to shut off the flow of fluid when the sensor element fails to carry the tensile load. In a preferred implementation, a hydrocarbon sensing valve includes a polystyrene sensor element suspending the flow control member above a valve seat. The sensor element is disposed in a cavity in the top of the flow control member, and a channel member directs fluid from the inlet port to the cavity. The sensor element is pinned to the channel member, and the flow control member is pinned to the sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Oil States Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lyman J. Dolan
  • Patent number: 6615860
    Abstract: A coupler which is used in coupling plastic conduit through a separation in a building has plastic end regions for an overlapped accurately positioned sealed coupling with the plastic conduit to each end of the coupler. The plastic end regions are separated by an intermediate region formed by a wall of plastic based intumescent material which defines a fluid flow passage through the coupler. The fluid flow passage wall has a sufficient thickness of the intumescent material to produce a complete blockage of the passage when the coupler is subjected to conditions which cause an intumescing of the intermediate region wall material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Royal Group Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Brian M. Didone, Manfred Harle
  • Patent number: 6607004
    Abstract: A fire prevention safety device for a gas meter (3) has closure means (4, 4′, V) that can be activated by heat to interrupt the gas supply into the gas meter (3) in the event of a fire. The gas meter (3) is arranged in a bypass (2) of a gas pipe (1). At least one of the aforementioned closure means (4, 4′, V) for interrupting the gas supply is in each case arranged in the bypass (2) in the flow direction upstream and downstream of a sensor (31) belonging to the gas meter (3). The device permits a cost-efficient, simple and effective fire prevention safeguard, in particular for electronic gas meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Thomas Kleiner, Daniel Matter, Elias Juelke, Beat Kramer
  • Publication number: 20030131881
    Abstract: A coupler which is used in coupling plastic conduit through a separation in a building has plastic end regions for an overlapped accurately positioned sealed coupling with the plastic conduit to each end of the coupler. The plastic end regions are separated by an intermediate region formed by a wall of plastic based intumescent material which defines a fluid flow passage through the coupler. The fluid flow passage wall has a sufficient thickness of the intumescent material to produce a complete blockage of the passage when the coupler is subjected to conditions which cause an intumescing of the intermediate region wall material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Brian M. Didone, Manfred Harle
  • Publication number: 20030010379
    Abstract: A fire prevention safety device for a gas meter (3) has closure means (4, 4′, V) that can be activated by heat to interrupt the gas supply into the gas meter (3) in the event of a fire. The gas meter (3) is arranged in a bypass (2) of a gas pipe (1). At least one of the aforementioned closure means (4, 4′, V) for interrupting the gas supply is in each case arranged in the bypass (2) in the flow direction upstream and downstream of a sensor (31) belonging to the gas meter (3). The device permits a cost-efficient, simple and effective fire prevention safeguard, in particular for electronic gas meters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Kleiner, Daniel Matter, Elias Juelke, Beat Kramer
  • Publication number: 20020195140
    Abstract: A damper assembly is provided having a fusible link assembly including an outer housing member and an inner channel member having side walls that are fused to the outer housing. A pair of damper arms are pivotally connected to a mounting bracket at a pivot location, and are supported by the fusible link assembly at a support location. The distance between the pivot location and support location is greater than ⅜ inch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Eugene Heil
  • Patent number: 6484742
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a valve is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge containing an activation component. The cartridge and activation component are configured to be replaceable as a unit. The activation component prevents the valve from either opening or closing until either a predetermined pressure is exerted on the valve or a predetermined temperature is experienced by the activation component. The cartridge may include any of a variety of activation component types, such as buckling pins, tensile pins, shear pins, springs, or fusible alloys, either individually or in combination to control the valve opening or closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: BS & B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam
  • Patent number: 6363962
    Abstract: A crash valve is located in a liquid tight dispenser pan at a gasoline service station to close a conduit conveying gasoline to a gasoline dispensing unit to prevent uncontrolled flow of gasoline in the event a vehicle crashes into the dispensing unit. The dispenser pan collects any leaking gasoline or inflow of water; the presence of gasoline is an obvious safety hazard and the accumulating water may cause electrical or mechanical malfunction of the crash valve. An actuator, responsive to the presence of either water or gasoline in the dispenser pan, includes a weighted ball secured to a trip arm of the crash valve by a lanyard. The actuator will respond to the presence of gasoline or water by dislodging the ball and cause the ball to drop. The weight of the falling ball, translated through the lanyard, will cause the trip arm to close the crash valve and prevent further flow of gasoline therethrough and preclude the dispensing unit from pumping gasoline until the trip arm is reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Vaporless Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Penrod C. Geisinger
  • Publication number: 20010055947
    Abstract: A damper assembly in which the position of the damper blades is controlled by an electric powered actuator. The powered actuator rotates a threaded lead screw shaft attached to an operator means attached to the damper blades of the damper, which causes the damper blades to open and close or be positioned somewhere in-between. The actuator can be controlled by sensors in a remote location. The actuator allows the damper to be modulated to set up pressure differentials and to be closed well in advance of oncoming smoke, fire, or other detected toxic fumes. There are a variety of nuts and gear arrangements coacting with the lead screw to drive the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe
  • Patent number: 6293295
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for a sanitary hot water faucet characterized in that it comprises: a receptacle (10) passing all the way through a casing having a T shape, a seat (14) of a valve (15), delimited in the bore near its upstream end, installed in the receptacle from the upstream end: a valve (15) with an elastic element (16) that stresses it toward its so-called closed position and a so-called control rod (17) of the valve, locally comprising a fusible material (19) which, when it is subjected to a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, melts so that the length of the control rod is reduced, thus causing the closing of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Watts Eurotherm, S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent Bongrand, Christian Bommelaer
  • Patent number: 6279597
    Abstract: Inside the casing (1), there are three or more ribs (8) arranged with their longitudinal axes parallel to the closing body's direction of movement when closing so that each rib forms a slide-way for the closing body (5) moving from open into closed position. Into each of these ribs there is cut a first groove (10) in which is placed a shaped part (11) that supports the closing spring (9). At least the ribs arranged approximately opposite to the tappet (20) have a second groove whose side facing the seat (7) forms a rest edge (18) on which the control edge may rest when the closing body is in open position. When the fusible soft solder component (21) is melting away, the tappet changes its position in axial direction under the force exercised by the closing spring. Due to this change of position, the control edge is no longer resting on the rest edge, and the closing body driven by the dosing spring switches over into its close position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Klaus Schulze
  • Patent number: 6250326
    Abstract: A mechanical dual temperature damper closing mechanism having a primary link that separates when the ambient temperature reaches approximately 74° F., closing the damper. The new mechanism provides a reliable means for reopening the damper to allow airflow for the control of smoke spread. A secondary link is engaged within the new mechanism to reopen the damper. When the ambient temperature reaches 180° F. the secondary link separates, closes the damper such that it cannot be reopened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: PCI Industries
    Inventors: Randy Dean Kimball, Michael Robert Beaver, Patrick A. Cockrum
  • Patent number: 6202667
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for stopping the propagation of an ignited flammable gas in a conduit used in semiconductor processing are proposed and described. In the apparatus, a mounting mechanism and a bullet are provided inside an elongated conduit body wherein the bullet is detachably mounted to the mounting means, while the mounting mechanism is fixedly attached to an inside wall of the elongated conduit body. The bullet is equipped with an explosive pack in a body portion and a bullet head in a head portion. When a flame from an ignited flammable gas enters the conduit and ignites the explosive pack, the bullet is propelled into and frictionally engaging the inlet end of the conduit body such that an internal passageway in the inlet end is substantially blocked to prevent the further propagation of flame upstream into the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, LTD
    Inventor: W. T. Chen
  • Patent number: 6176052
    Abstract: The installation of a fire retarding division-penetrating member is enhanced and the member fits the outer circumference of inconstant penetrating material to prevent the filler from dropping. The heat expansion fire resistant material may be securely provided. A tongue piece (17) of fire resistant material (16) may fit to the surface and valley of pipe (25) and cable (26) only by fitting the saw teeth state heat expansion fire resistant material (16) with its upper face being covered with the sheet (19) inside the holding frame (11) of sleeve main bodies (10) and (10a) that are split into two pieces and by dropping these sleeve main bodies (10) and (10a) into the floor through-hole (24) from above. In this way, the filler like mortar (28) and so forth can be immediately filled from the upper floor with no need for repairing the heat expansion fire resistant material (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Tosetz Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6161564
    Abstract: A fire transmission prevention system (10) for use in a drainage system (100) to prevent the transmission of smoke and fire through the drainage system. The system is intended to be used in drainage systems in multi-story structures. The system includes a firestop (16), couplings (14, 26 and 30) and an air vent (42). The firestop prevents fire and smoke from moving through the inner passageways (44D) of the pipes (12, 24, 28 and 72) of a drainage system by blocking the inner passageway of the pipes with a fire resistant plug (20). The couplings are mounted in the floor (102) of the structure and are constructed and secured in the floor such as to prevent fire and smoke from passing around the couplings between the couplings and the floor. The air vent is provided in a vent pipe (40) of the system above a trap (38 or 78) of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Cornwall
  • Patent number: 6155285
    Abstract: A gas safety valve includes a main body having a longitudinal through hole that defines a gas passage. A ball is moved to a position blocking the gas passage when a sudden pressure drop occurs in the outlet end of the gas passage. A connector is mounted around a portion of the main body and includes an inner flange. An insert is mounted between the inner flange of the connector and an outer flange of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Chi-Chen Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6129105
    Abstract: A gas flow interrupter for a gas meter, the interrupter comprising a valve member that is movable relative to a valve seat which defines an opening for passing said gas flow, said valve member comprising firstly a membrane having a main surface including a "contact zone" portion that comes into contact with said valve seat when the interrupter is in its closed position, thereby closing said opening by means of the main surface of the valve member, and secondly a part that forms a mechanical support for the membrane and that co-operates with said membrane, wherein the metal part forming a support for the membrane has a continuous leakproof surface bounded by the contact zone so as to close the opening in the event of the membrane failing to provide sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Hec, Jean-Luc Champougny
  • Patent number: 6125872
    Abstract: A temperature activated diversion valve for supplying a first inflow fluid as an outflow fluid and for switching to supply a second inflow fluid as the outflow fluid if the first inflow fluid reaches a specified temperature. The temperature activated diversion valve includes a first inflow conduit for carrying the first inflow fluid, a second inflow conduit for carrying the second inflow fluid, an outflow conduit and a valve member. The valve member is moveable between a first position and a second position and establishes fluid communication between the first inflow conduit and the outflow conduit in the first position, while blocking fluid communication between the second inflow conduit and the outflow conduit in the first position. Additionally, the valve member establishes fluid communication between the second inflow conduit and the outflow conduit in the second position, while blocking fluid communication between the first inflow conduit and the outflow conduit in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: Brian L. Cunkelman, Jennifer L. Ray
  • Patent number: 6105597
    Abstract: A device works as an emergency shut off for a valve having an open and a closed position with a lever for manually moving the valve from one of the positions to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Lee Willetts
  • Patent number: 6029412
    Abstract: An interlocking intumescent collar is disclosed. The collar may be fitted around a pipe at the point where the pipe penetrates a wall or floor. The collar comprises a strip of intumescent material disposed on a collar body. Anchor tabs extend outward from the collar body and are adapted to be fastened to the wall or floor. The collar includes an interlock integral with the anchor tabs. The interlock holds the tabs in overlapping relationship when the collar is placed around a pipe. The interlock integral with the anchor tabs decreases manufacturing costs and facilitates the field installation of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: RectorSeal Corp.
    Inventor: Henry J. Gohlke
  • Patent number: 6019119
    Abstract: A thermal safety device is disclosed which, in the area of the closing element, has an uninterrupted circular cross section. Furthermore, the axial guiding of the closing element during the closing stroke is ensured. In the axial continuation of a seat located within the casing there is a guide pin. A closing spring is aligned on this guide pin, and, when taut, the spring is situated as far as possible inside a blind hole, with a throat acting as a control edge, inside the closing element. Under the influence of the closing spring, a ram forming a part of a detecting element, keeps the control edge adjacent to a clip-stop edge when the safety device is in the open position. Once the thermal solder element melts away, however, the resulting change in position of the ram allows the control edge to move away from the click-stop edge, so that the closing element, under the influence of the closing spring, moves into a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Klaus Schulze
  • Patent number: 5979867
    Abstract: Technically a functional combination of a nipple with a plug, a stem, a spring, a guide bushing and a coupling nut to form a quick disconnect device for a valve on portable cylinders for LP gas.The device disconnects the gas supply in case of an excess flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Forgamex, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Jose J. Ortiz Godinez
  • Patent number: 5950656
    Abstract: The invention concerns a thermal safety fitting in which the closure motion of the obturator is longitudinal with respect to the obturator seat. The aim is to avoid lateral excursions of the obturator, while keeping manufacturing costs and structural size as low as possible. The obturator (12) is held in the open position in the housing (1) on the longitudinal axis of the obturator seat (28) by means of a generally U-shaped element (30). The two arms (9) of the U-shaped element (30) are located in the vicinity of a reduced-diameter section (17) of the obturator (12). The part (13) of the U-shaped element (30) joining the two arms (9) rests against a thermosolder (14). If the thermosolder (14) melts, the arms (9) no longer remain in the reduced-diameter section (17) owing to the change in the position of the U-shaped element (30), and the obturator (12) thus moves into the closed position under the action of a closing spring (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Klaus Schulze
  • Patent number: 5927312
    Abstract: A self-extinguishing conduit for conveying a gas capable of supporting combustion of the conduit interior from an upstream to a downstream location includes a combustible tubing and a flow occluder operatively associated with the combustible tubing. The flow occluder is actuated by the heat of combustion within the combustible tubing to substantially halt the flow of gas through the combustible tubing. A combustion resistant material defines a select length of the conduit interior and is provided in series with the combustible tubing. The flow occluder is located downstream and proximate the combustion resistant material. A method for extinguishing combustion within a combustible conduit carrying a combustion supporting gas includes halting migration of combustion within the conduit at a select location and occluding the conduit at the select location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: Paul E. Dryden, Jeff Quinn
  • Patent number: 5836338
    Abstract: The invention concerns a thermal safety fitting in which the closure motion of the obturator is longitudinal with respect to the obturator seat. The aim is to avoid lateral excursions of the obturator, while keeping manufacturing costs and structural size as low as possible. The obturator (12) is held in the open position in the housing (1) on the longitudinal axis of the obturator seat (28) by means of an approximatively U-shaped element (30). The two arms (9) of the U-shaped element (30) are located in the vicinity of a reduced-diameter section (17) of the obturator (12). The part (13) of the U-shaped element (30) joining the two arms (9) rests against a thermosolder (14). If the thermosolder (14) melts, the arms (9) no longer remain in the reduced-diameter section (17) owing to the change in the position of the U-shaped element (30), and the obturator (12) thus moves into the closed position under the action of a closing spring (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Klaus Schulze
  • Patent number: 5787918
    Abstract: The reduction valve (1) comprises an activating spindle (12;42) which by a control handle on a pivotable shaft (8) and an eccentric spigot (11) is displaceable for opening of a self-closing valve (4) in a gas container valve (3) for a bottle for liquified gas. A section (18;49) of the activating spindle or of the self-closing valve (4) is made from a material having a low yield temperature, such that heating thereof, for instance caused by fire, causes the material to yield, whereby the activating spindle (12;42) or the self-closing valve (4), respectively, is shortened under influence of the biasing force from the spring (6) of the valve (4), whereby the valve (4) closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Kosan Teknova A/S
    Inventor: Klaus Ulrik Pihl Jensen
  • Patent number: 5782171
    Abstract: A commercial deep fat frying appliance includes a fry pot supported by a cabinet frame over a removable filter vat. The fry pot includes a valve controlled bottom drain to transfer cooking fluid from the fry pot into the filter vat. The fluid is returned to the fry pot by a pump. A filtered pump suction foot at the filter vat bottom conditions the cooking fluid as it is drawn into the pump suction line. A plug and socket connector in the suction line connects a vat portion of the suction line to a cabinet frame fixed portion of the suction line. Cabinet frame support rails and rail end detents align the filter vat and associated suction line for reentry into a plug and socket connector following removal of the filter vat for cleaning and filter element change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Standex International Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Crain, Michael G. Walpole
  • Patent number: 5586722
    Abstract: A simple, one-chamber housing, having a uniformly increasing chamber diameter, has a generally ball-shaped valving element therewithin, and opposite ends of the housing are ported to admit and discharge fluid into and from the chamber. The element is freely translatable within the chamber, being guided on a housing-traversing rod, between a valve seat at one end of the housing, and abutments adjacent the other end of the housing. A first spring biases the element away from the valve seat, and second, more powerful spring is restrainingly held at the other end of the housing, ready to overpower the first spring, and force the element onto the seat, to close off the discharge porting, when inordinately elevated-temperature fluid enters the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Jerome L. Murray
  • Patent number: 5577525
    Abstract: A thermal release coupler employed in a fire and smoke damper assembly, in which the fire and smoke damper assembly includes an array of damper blades carried in a damper frame, movable between open and closed positions, with a linkage joining the damper blades. A damper actuator operatively connected to the linkage drives the damper blade array between the open and closed positions. A drive coupler and a connecting coupler are formed from identical coupler units, carried respectively on a drive shaft from the actuator, and a connecting shaft that connects to the damper blade linkage. The connecting shaft is hollow and rotates on the drive shaft. Each coupler unit has a generally circular coupler body, with two connecting, circumferentially opposed ears. A drive post extends from one connecting ear, and a connecting post extends from the other ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Johnson Service Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Wirfel, Samuel W. Holmes, Jr., Ganeson Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 5540250
    Abstract: A ball detent fluid coupling for gas fuel for appliances and the like equipment is characterized by push-to-connect and pull-to-disconnect features, a heat responsive breakaway feature, and a ball retaining sleeve that is retractable by hand for joining and for separating the socket and plug. The sleeve has a shoulder projecting radially inwardly with an inclined surface for engaging the balls. The spring for the sleeve is urged against the shoulder by a fusible stop ring that is matingly mounted on an inclined shoulder on the socket. The stop ring fuses at a predetermined temperature, the spring is released, and the sleeve releases the ball detents from engagement with the plug. A valve in the fluid flow passageway urges the plug out of coaxial coupled relation and stops the flow of fuel when the plug and socket are released from coaxial coupled relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Perfecting Coupling Company
    Inventor: Randall J. Mullins
  • Patent number: 5524664
    Abstract: A coupling device including a tubular member, a locking member engaged with the tubular member, a sleeve made of polymer which will become soft at at temperature between 240-300 degrees F. and fitted within the tubular member, a spindle engaged with the tubular member with its coupling nose fitted into the sleeve, an inner seat formed at an end with a concave recess adapted to receive the spherical surface of the spindle and at another end with a cylindrical opening coaxial with the concave recess and adapted to receive the cylindrical head of the spindle, an outer seat put over the inner seat and adapted to engage with a cylinder valve, and a plug fitted on the spindle, whereby the coupling device will automatically shut off the gas flow passage in the event that the temperature exceeds a safety standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Richard Lin
  • Patent number: 5477877
    Abstract: The described invention takes as its basis the problem of developing an overtemperature shut-off valve which guarantees a reproducible gas-tight seal. The problem is solved in that the metal closure body (11) has a spherical shape at least in its sealing area and its diameter is selected so as to form a slight tight fit with the diameter of a valve seat which is in the form of a bore (21) shaped in the housing (1) of the valve when the valve is closed. A second bore (20) extends in the direction of the first bore (21) is arranged upstream thereof. A guide (19) that tapers outwardly in the direction of the closure body (11) when it is in its open position is located between the closure body and the second bore (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Klaus Schulze, Henning Lorchner
  • Patent number: 5472008
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an automatic safety valve for gaseous fluids compressed in cylinders whose supply is controlled by pressure regulators, which is provided with a device protecting against dangerous variations in temperature and against excess flow and which in addition may be adapted to various connection systems between existing cylinders and burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: O.A.R.A. s.r.L.
    Inventor: Walter Boarin
  • Patent number: 5452852
    Abstract: A fluid valve comprising a frame having a valve seat defining a flow passage and an actuator secured to the frame. A valve is secured to the actuator and movable into and out of engagement with the valve seat in response to the actuator for closing and opening the flow passage. A spacer is positioned between the valve and the valve seat. The spacer holds the valve and valve seat apart and the valve open. The spacer is of a disappearing material at predetermined fluid conditions allowing the valve to be installed in a fluid system, the system to be filled with fluid, and the system brought to normal operating conditions, simultaneously, in accordance with the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Michael L. Marckel
  • Patent number: 5452736
    Abstract: A rapid fastener for connecting pipelines for conveying pressurized gas and exhibits a structural part which is provided, at its end, with a recess into which there can be introduced a structural part provided with a projection, and wherein the recessed structural part receives, on the inner side, spring means which act upon series-connected displaceable sleeves and are interconnected by means of a valve body and a valve guide plate, a displaceable sleeve and the valve guide plate being actively connected by a structural part consisting of a metal alloy having a low melting point and receiving, on its outer side, a sleeve which is axially displaceable and constitutes a holding device for the structural part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Faster S. r. L.
    Inventor: Massimo Arosio
  • Patent number: 5421127
    Abstract: A closure for preventing transmission of fire and smoke through a wall or floor containing a plastic pipe when the pipe is destroyed by fire, which comprises a flexible fire retardant sleeve encircling the pipe adapted to automatically collapse about the plastic pipe as it is destroyed by fire and thus close off any opening to the next level or adjacent area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Stephen F. Stefely
  • Patent number: 5402603
    Abstract: A detonation flame arrester device including a left and right housing assembly containing two flapper plates positioned one in either side of the housing assembly and separated by a channeled barrier in the form of a stacked plate flame arrester designed to allow vapor passage under normal non-activated conditions. The flapper plates are positioned at an angle to be forced shut in advance of a detonation or deflagration wave coming from either direction and propagating through a piping system. The flapper plate is activated by the action of the pressure front on the flapper plate, and each plate is of a size and shape to cover the entire cross sectional area of the housing assembly. The flapper plates can optionally be slammed shut by torsion springs activated through alternate activation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Robert L. Henley
  • Patent number: 5379794
    Abstract: A gas valve comprises the combination of a control valve having a valve body made of polymeric material and a thermally responsive shutoff valve having a metal valve body. The shutoff valve is connected upstream of the control valve and is adapted to be connected to a gas source. The shutoff valve is effective for terminating flow of gas to the control valve in response to exposure to an abnormal temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Bernard T. Brown
  • Patent number: 5301475
    Abstract: A fire stop device adapted to close an opening in a wall or floor having a plastic pipe extending through the opening when the pipe is destroyed by fire which comprises a base plate surrounding the opening having a collar projecting at right angles and attached to the base plate and adapted to surround the plastic pipe and means for automatically closing the collar opening when the plastic pipe is destroyed by fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Stephen F. Stefely
  • Patent number: 5298088
    Abstract: A valve closer for a valve installed in a flow line of a flammable liquid or other hazardous flowable material which is normally open with the closer of the present invention automatically moving the valve to closed position by turning the valve one-quarter of a turn when a fusible link is rendered inoperative when subjected to predetermined high temperature conditions which may occur in the event of a fire. The fusible link, when rendered inoperative, will release a pivotal latch that is engaged with and will release a spring biased actuating member that will rotate the valve stem one-quarter turn to close the valve and interrupt the flow of material through the flow line in which the valve is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Charles H. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5275193
    Abstract: A shutoff valve assembly which includes a valve body comprising a first and second flanged sections disposed on opposite sides of a main flow chamber; a disc seat disposed within the valve body a shutoff disc having a diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the disc seat; a disc shaft perpendicularly disposed within a sidewall of the valve body and mechanically affixed to the shutoff disc at a recessed portion of the inner surface of the valve body such that the disc does not restrict fluid flow, provide turbulence or cause a pressure drop while in the open position, the disc shaft having an inner end disposed within the valve body and an outer end disposed external of the valve body, the inner end being a terminal end and the outer end being sealed by means of a packing gland which prevents leakage of fluid from the shutoff valve; a positive spring actuator assembly comprising a lever attached to the disc shaft, a spring connected to the lever which is capable of rotating the disc shaft abou
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: John J. Wright