Abstract: A passive pulse generator can be connected to a line in order to activate a safety fitting in a nuclear power plant. The line can be closed by a closure element. In the event of a temperature change in the vicinity of the pulse generator, the closure element is actuated solely as a result of a thermal volume change of an actuating element, so that the line is released. The pulse generator therefore activates the fitting passively, without additional control pulses. A method for activating a fitting with a passive pulse generator is also provided.

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

Abstract: An automatic shutoff valve for shutting off the main water supply to a building in the case of detected water leak. A ball valve is provided with a mounting kit for rendering the valve automatic. The apparatus includes a housing adapted to fit over the valve body and secured directly to the pipes with adjustable clamps. The kit includes a two-section lever member pivotally mounted to the valve. The one-quarter turn movement of the lever member determines the opening and the closing of the valve. A spring-loaded cable and a system of pulleys control the lever member. A retaining member is pivotally mounted to the floor of the housing and a pair of arms extends outwardly therefrom with one arm of the retaining member engaging a slot in the upper end of the internal section of the lever member to retain the valve in the opened position.

Abstract: A fluid detection and shutoff actuation apparatus includes a rotatable plate mountable over a shaft of a shutoff valve, a linear actuator spaced from the plate, a trigger disposed between the actuator and plate, a fluid detector, and a control mechanism connecting the fluid detector to the actuator for activating it in response to detection of a fluid at a location monitored by the detector. The actuator is movable between extended and retracted positions toward and away from the plate. The plate rotates with the shaft between first and second positions in which the shutoff valve is respectively in opened and closed conditions and the plate is biased by a coil spring to rotate from the first to second position and change the valve from the opened to closed condition. The trigger is connected to the actuator and is pivotally movable toward and away from the plate in respond to movement of the actuator between the extended and retracted positions.