Temperature Patents (Class 137/79)
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Patent number: 7922149Abstract: A damper actuator assembly comprises an actuator and an electronic fusible link (EFL) connected by at least one wire. The actuator comprises an actuator housing with actuator leads extending from the actuator housing. The actuator leads include a first quick connect positioned on an end of the actuator lead. A flexible conduit material covers the actuator lead. The EFL comprises an EFL housing which is separate from the actuator housing. The EFL housing includes a quick connect seat and an integral conduit adaptor. A second quick connect is positioned on an end of the EFL lead. When the end of the flexible conduit material that includes the actuator lead and first quick connect is inserted into the integral conduit adaptor of the EFL housing, the first quick connect is coupled to the second quick connect and an electrical connection is established between the actuator and the EFL.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Siemens Industry Inc.Inventors: Dean B. Anderson, Guy P. Caliendo, Wendy Perna, Matthew D. Cook
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Patent number: 7833649Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Jones, James P. Campbell, Robert M. Janmey
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Patent number: 7814925Abstract: Under emergency, a valve body displaced from a closed position to an open position in association with melting of a fuse member receives resultant of pressing forces of a primary pressure of gas guided through a primary port in an opening direction in a state where the valve body is disposed at the position closer to the open position including a fluid driving start position between the closed position and the open position. The valve body receives smaller resultant of the pressing forces of the primary pressure in the opening direction in a state where the valve body is disposed at the position closer to the closed position than to the fluid driving start position than the resultant of the pressing forces received by the valve body in the state where the valve body is disposed at the position closer to the open position including the fluid driving start position.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2004Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawasaki Precision MachineryInventors: Kaoru Nomichi, Seiji Ishii, Makoto Ninomiya
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Patent number: 7766252Abstract: A dry pipe sprinkler assembly is provided including a sprinkler body having a thermally responsive trigger mounted thereto. A housing, including an inlet end and an outlet end is provided with the outlet end being connected to the sprinkler body. A seal member is disposed at the inlet end of the housing, and a load mechanism extends between the thermally responsive element and the seal member. The load mechanism may include a support portion, a passage tube portion, and an outlet orifice portion slidably received within the housing and movable within the housing upon activation of the thermally responsive trigger to allow the seal member to be dislodged from the inlet end of the housing to allow suppressant fluid to flow therethrough. The dry pipe sprinkler assembly allows the use of different outlet orifice members to provide dry pipe sprinkler assemblies having different K factors while utilizing common components for the remaining dry pipe sprinkler assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Eldon D. Jackson, Shawn J. Feenstra
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Patent number: 7762272Abstract: A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignees: Conception Et Developpement Michelin S.A., Paul Scherrer InstitutInventors: Antonio Delfino, Daniel Laurent, Philippe Macherel
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Patent number: 7748399Abstract: A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.Inventors: Antonio Delfino, Daniel Laurent, Philippe Macherel
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Patent number: 7743785Abstract: A compressed gas storage system with an incorporated pressure relief device is disclosed. The compressed gas storage system comprises a tank for storing a compressed gas, a battery in the direct surroundings of the tank, and a relief valve in communication with the tank. The relief valve is configured to be responsive to electrical current generated by the battery. The battery is configured to define an electrically active state when it reaches a temperature above a maximum safe operating temperature of the compressed gas storage system. The electrically active state of the battery is characterized by the generation of sufficient electrical current to open the relief valve which permits gas to escape from the tank. In another embodiment, a thermocouple in combination with a conducting metal may be substituted for the battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Thorsten Rohwer, Christian Koenig
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Publication number: 20100132803Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling water consumption in a water-supply system are disclosed using one or more sensors for generating signals indicative of the operation thereof. In one embodiment, a method of preventing freezing of a water conduit in a water-supply system comprises sensing, with a temperature sensor, a temperature at a location; and, if the sensed temperature falls below a predetermined threshold, sending, to at least one fluid control device interfaced with the conduit, at least one control signal to impede a flow of water through the conduit and to drain water from the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Patent number: 7721750Abstract: A heat pipe is disclosed, the heat pipe capable of transferring heat to actuate a pressure relief device by heat transfer through either capillary action involving a wicking material and a working fluid, or by a consumable fuse in the case of leakage of the working fluid from the heat pipe.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Markus Lindner
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Publication number: 20100108152Abstract: An antifreezing valve device for hydraulic and/or water storage systems includes a valve body having a water inlet and outlet which open into a chamber housing a linear thermostatic actuator, and a closing member operatively connected to the thermostatic actuator to be moved from a closed position for closing a sealing seat for ambient temperatures equivalent to or higher than a preset value, to an open position for discharging water from a system for lower ambient temperatures; the closing member is conformed with a cup-shaped support element sealingly slidable along the cylindrical body of the actuator, in order to define with this a closed chamber into which extends the actuator control rod. The device also includes first and second biasing spring members acting at opposite ends of the housing chamber on the closing member, respectively on the linear actuator, and guide element for sliding of the linear actuator and of the closing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: CALEFFI S.P.A.Inventor: Marco CALEFFI
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Publication number: 20090293958Abstract: The housing is attachable to a high pressure fluid containing structure. A piston is provided within the housing, with the piston having a closed position and an open position. The closed position blocks an outlet vent of the relief device, with the open position allowing high pressure fluid to escape through the vent. The piston is biased toward the open position by the high pressure fluid, but is held in the closed position by a slide. The slide has a first position and a second position, with the first position holding the piston in the closed position. A spring biases the slide toward a second position, with a eutectic mass resisting movement of the slide to the second position. The eutectic mass is selected to have a melting point matching a maximum design temperature for the high pressure fluid containing structure. Should the eutectic mass melt, the high pressure fluid escapes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Haldon L. Weatherly, Jason M. Burns
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Publication number: 20090288713Abstract: A tank system includes a high-pressure tank, a detection unit for detecting a temperature increase in at least a portion of the high-pressure tank, a decompression unit for decompressing the high-pressure tank, and a control unit for controlling the decompression unit to decompress the high-pressure tank when a temperature increase in at least a part of the high-pressure tank is detected by the detection unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventor: Shuji Hirakata
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Publication number: 20090236551Abstract: A valve device includes a temperature sensor disposed to project from a housing to a tank inner space to detect the temperature in the tank inner space, and can detect the temperature without being influenced by the heat capacity of the housing. A coil generates a magnetic force to drive a valve with three terminals arranged at different positions in an axial direction, and a drive voltage is selectively applied between two of the terminals. A current value of the driving current which energizes the coil can be changed by selecting the terminals between which the drive voltage is applied. Without controlling the drive voltage, it is possible to suppress wasting power such that the driving current of the large current value is generated in the start-up time, and the current value of the driving current is decreased in the holding time.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2007Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawasaki Precision MachineryInventors: Kaoru Nomichi, Yutaka Suzuki, Makoto Ninomiya, Ito Hiroshi
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Publication number: 20090223569Abstract: A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLCInventors: Thomas Spinelli, Jahangir S. Rastegar
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Publication number: 20090211648Abstract: A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLCInventors: Thomas Spinelli, Jahangir S. Rastegar
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Publication number: 20090197521Abstract: A thermally-actuated cartridge (21) has a center pin (24) which is arranged to protrude through the rear of a cartridge holder (23) when the cartridge assembly (21) is not set, so that it is apparent that the cartridge assembly (21) is not set. In a fire damper for an airflow duct, the cartridge assembly (21) is used as a detent to hold a damper flap (7) open. There is a particularly convenient way of mounting the detent arrangement by having a U-shaped member (9) which carries a limb (15) acting as a backing piece for a retention quadrant (7) and a sprung bracket (16) which are squeezed together by the cartridge assembly (21). The U-shaped member (9) is mounted by a means of a limb extension (10) which slots over the damper flap axle (5) and is held by a rivet (13) in the correct orientation, the cartridge assembly (21) being screwed through a threaded bore formed by upsetting or swaging a limb (14) of the U-member (9) through a hole in the extension (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventor: Richard Perrin
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Publication number: 20090197522Abstract: A thermally-actuated cartridge (21) has a center pin (24) which is arranged to protrude through the rear of a cartridge holder (23) when the cartridge assembly (21) is not set, so that it is apparent that the cartridge assembly (21) is not set. In a fire damper for an airflow duct, the cartridge assembly (21) is used as a detent to hold a damper flap (7) open. There is a particularly convenient way of mounting the detent arrangement by having a U-shaped member (9) which carries a limb (15) acting as a backing piece for a retention quadrant (7) and a sprung bracket (16) which are squeezed together by the cartridge assembly (21). The U-shaped member (9) is mounted by a means of a limb extension (10) which slots over the damper flap axle (5) and is held by a rivet (13) in the correct orientation, the cartridge assembly (21) being screwed through a threaded bore formed by upsetting or swaging a limb (14) of the U-member (9) through a hole in the extension (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventor: Richard Perrin
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Publication number: 20090145502Abstract: A flow system (1) comprising a first part (2) and a second part (3), the parts (2, 3) being made from materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The first (2) and second (3) parts are positioned relatively to each other in such a way that when the ambient temperature changes corresponding changes are caused in a flow channel (4) formed in the first part (2), thereby changing the flow resistance of the flow channel (4). Thereby a change in flow resistance caused by a change in viscosity of a fluid being transported by the flow system (1) can be counteracted. The resulting flow resistance of the flow system (1) is thereby at least substantially independent of the ambient temperature. Furthermore, a micro fluidic system comprising the flow system (1). The micro fluidic system may be or form part of a medical device, a fluid analysis system, e.g. a device for measuring blood glucose levels of blood samples, or an infusion device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2006Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: DANFOSS A/SInventors: Holger Dirac, Peter Gravesen, Kasper Oktavio Schweitz
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Patent number: 7503594Abstract: A sealing device that may expand more planar dimensions due to internal thermal expansion of a filler material. The sealing material is of a composition such that when desired environment temperatures and internal actuating pressures are reached, the sealing materials undergoes a permanent deformation. For metallic compounds, this permanent deformation occurs when the material enters the plastic deformation phase. Polymers, and other materials, may be using a sealing mechanism depending on the temperatures and corrosivity of the use. Internal pressures are generated by either rapid thermal expansion or material phase change and may include either liquid or solid to gas phase change, or in the gaseous state with significant pressure generation in accordance with the gas laws. Sealing material thickness and material composition may be used to selectively control geometric expansion of the seal such that expansion is limited to a specific facing and or geometric plane.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River CompanyInventors: Harold B. Peacock, Kenneth J. Imrich
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Publication number: 20080276992Abstract: Under emergency, a valve body (26) displaced from a closed position (42) to an open position (43) in association with melting of a fuse member (28) receives resultant of pressing forces of a primary pressure (P1) of gas guided through a primary port (56) in an opening direction (X1) in a state where the valve body (26) is disposed at the position closer to the open position (43) including a fluid driving start position between the closed position (42) and the open position (43). The valve body 26 receives smaller resultant of the pressing forces of the primary pressure in the opening direction (X1) in a state where the valve body (26) is disposed at the position closer to the closed position (42) than to the fluid driving start position than the resultant of the pressing forces received by the valve body (26) in the state where the valve body (26) is disposed at the position closer to the open position (43) including the fluid driving start position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2004Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Kaoru Nomichi, Seiji Ishii, Makoto Ninomiya
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Publication number: 20080254330Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: Steven D. Jones, James P. Campbell, Robert M. Janmey
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Publication number: 20080196767Abstract: A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.Inventors: Antonio Delfino, Daniel Laurent, Philippe Macherel
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Publication number: 20080178939Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature-sensitive safety valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a first pressurised fluid region, which region has a first outlet and a second pressurised fluid region, which region has a heat-sensitive sealing means. A valve between the first and second regions is adapted to be actuated by the pressure of a first pressurised fluid in the first region against biasing means to open the outlet. The heat-sensitive sealing means in the second region fails at high temperature so as to de-pressurise the second region, thereby actuating the valve to move under the biasing means to close the first outlet and seal the first region. The valve assembly comprises a relay unit, which is arranged to sense a parameter, and react to the sensing of the parameter by sealing the first region. The temperature-sensitive safety valve assembly is remotely electronically operable in a wireless manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: THE LINDEN SHIELD LIMITEDInventor: Sean Linden
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Patent number: 7389824Abstract: An early suppression fast response fire protection system includes a sprinkler piping system with at least one sprinkler head assembly, a water supply system, and a check valve in fluid communication with the sprinkler piping system and the water supply system. An antifreeze solution supply system is in fluid communication with the sprinkler piping system, with the check valve isolating the antifreeze solution from the water supply unless a fire condition occurs.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventor: Eldon D Jackson
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Patent number: 7383892Abstract: An early suppression fast response fire protection system includes a sprinkler piping system with at least one sprinkler head assembly, a water supply system, and a check valve in fluid communication with the sprinkler piping system and the water supply system. An antifreeze solution supply system is in fluid communication with the sprinkler piping system, with the check valve isolating the antifreeze solution from the water supply unless a fire condition occurs.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventor: Eldon D. Jackson
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Patent number: 7373945Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Christian Foerg, Thomas Monden, Udo Woersdoerfer, Mario Paetow
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Patent number: 7347423Abstract: An arrangement in connection with a mechanical seal includes at least two sliding surfaces pressing against each other, which are arranged to seal a gap between a rotating and a non-rotating machining part, and mechanism for providing a sealing fluid flow cooling the sliding surfaces. To provide an optimal consumption of sealing fluid, a valve mechanism is arranged to the mechanism for providing the cooling sealing fluid flow, the valve mechanism being arranged to react to the temperature of the seal and to open and close the flow of sealing fluid according to the cooling need.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Safematic OyInventors: Hannu Trygg, Esa Salovaara
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Patent number: 7337799Abstract: A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignees: Conception Et Developpement Michelin S.A., Paul Scherrer InstitutInventors: Antonio Delfino, Daniel Laurent, Philippe Macherel
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Publication number: 20070289631Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: December 20, 2007Applicant: Custom Metalcraft, Inc.Inventors: Scott Higgins, Clark Holden
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Publication number: 20070267062Abstract: A compressed gas storage system with an incorporated pressure relief device is disclosed. The compressed gas storage system comprises a tank for storing a compressed gas, a battery in the direct surroundings of the tank, and a relief valve in communication with the tank. The relief valve is configured to be responsive to electrical current generated by the battery. The battery is configured to define an electrically active state when it reaches a temperature above a maximum safe operating temperature of the compressed gas storage system The electrically active state of the battery is characterized by the generation of sufficient electrical current to open the relief valve which permits gas to escape from the tank. In another embodiment, a thermocouple in combination with a conducting metal may be substituted for the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: Thorsten Rohwer, Christian Koenig
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Patent number: 7290556Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: IG6 Pty LtdInventor: James Walter George Truss
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Patent number: 7273064Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: The Linden Shield LimitedInventor: Sean Linden
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Patent number: 7207346Abstract: Provided is a hydrostat for a portable gas range, which prevents the explosion of a gas container by automatically discharging overcompressed gas from the gas container when the inner pressure of the gas container increases to an explosion pressure. The hydrostat includes a body including a gas outlet, which communicates with a gas inlet of the governor valve, and a sealed room, which communicate with the gas outlet. An opening/closing unit is installed within the sealed room of the body such that it can elastically move up and down in order to discharge overcompressed gas by opening the gas outlet when the inner pressure of the gas container reaches or exceeds a threshold value of deformation. A cap is fixed at the bottom of the body so as to support the opening/closing unit and has a discharge hole for discharging overcompressed gas, which escapes the gas container through the gas outlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Jin-Ha Park
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Patent number: 7185711Abstract: A fire suppression system includes system piping and at least one sprinkler with the system piping for delivering fire suppressant to the sprinkler. The sprinkler has an outlet and a temperature sensitive trigger with temperature sensitive trigger opening the outlet for dispersing fire suppressant when sensing temperatures associated with a fire condition. The system also includes a deluge valve that is in selective fluid communication with the system piping and has a normally closed condition whereby the system piping is normally dry. The deluge valve controls the flow of suppressant to the system piping and the sprinkler. A control system, which is in communication with at least one source of power, opens the deluge valve in a fire condition when the power source is in a powered condition and opens the deluge valve in a loss of pressure condition when the power source is in a loss of power condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Eldon D Jackson, Vinh Boa Hoa
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Patent number: 7185668Abstract: A valve device for automatically closing a gas pipe when a fire breaks out. The valve device includes a gas thermosensitive generating composition, which decomposes and generates a large amount of gas within a short period when exposed to a high temperature. The valve body is driven with pressure of the gas generated by the gas generating composition.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: NOF CorporationInventors: Koji Ochi, Sakichi Hotta
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Patent number: 7178548Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha SankiInventor: Masayuki Abe
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Patent number: 7150287Abstract: A safety valve comprises a main body, fixed body, meltable body, movable body, biasing member, movable plug and plug holding means. The fixed body has a small passageway communicating with the interior of a container, and an upper large passageway. The movable plug has a small portion fitting in the upper end of the small passageway of the fixed body, an intermediate portion providing a clearance therearound inside a lower end portion of the large passageway of the fixed body, and a large portion slidably fitting in an intermediate portion of the large passageway of the fixed body. The large rod portion of the movable plug has a passage extending from its upper end to its lower end, and the intermediate portion of the plug is provided with communication passageways having openings in its peripheral surface and communicating with the lower end of the passage.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Fujikin IncorporatedInventors: Toshio Kita, Kunihiko Daido
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Patent number: 7143834Abstract: A sprinkler assembly for controlling a fire situation includes at least one fluid conduit defining a flow passage including an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid source and at least one outlet for discharging the fluid, and a dispensing mechanism such as an open or closed sprinkler head for distributing water to a selected location. A fluid control apparatus is provided including a valve assembly having a valve seal which is moveable between a closed position blocking fluid flow through the conduit and an open position causing fluid flow through the conduit. The fluid control apparatus further includes an actuating mechanism including a valve actuator which is operatively connected to the valve assembly for causing movement of the valve seal to the open position upon release of the sealing force.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2005Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Inventor: Kevin Michael Dolan
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Patent number: 7111818Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Neriki Valve Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Takeda, Akira Oi, Mitsumasa Kagomoto, Shinji Maekawa, Kazuyuki Miyata, Mari Shiotsuki
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Patent number: 7030767Abstract: A liquid flow mitigation system comprising a systems interface, a liquid arresting mechanism operable to impede flow of a liquid, a control device operable to produce an input to the systems interface representing a request to impede flow of the liquid, and a liquid utilizing device operable to produce an input to the systems interface representing a request for liquid flow. The systems interface directs the liquid arresting mechanism to impede liquid flow when the systems interface is in receipt of an input from the control device. The systems interface directs the liquid arresting mechanism to permit liquid flow when the systems interface is in receipt of an input from the water utilizing device.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Flo-Guard Water Leak Mitigation Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Paul Joseph Candela
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Patent number: 7025093Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a thermally insulating composition in the form of crosslinked polyurethane elastomer gel, obtained by reacting at least one polyol and at least one polyisocyanate in the presence of at least one inert organic filler, for the thermal insulation of pipeline systems present in a product-transfer conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: AtofinaInventors: Evelyne Bonnet, Laurent Martin, Helene Egret
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Patent number: 6994101Abstract: Pressure relief valve including an annular nut of relatively high thermal conductivity including a first end portion providing an inwardly extending axial cylindrical surface and an internal annular surface extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical surface and including an internally threaded second end portion, and a fusible disc including a cylindrical first end portion provided with frictional enhancement means in frictional engagement with the cylindrical surface to mount the fusible disc frictionally in the annular nut and including an annular second end portion engaging the annular surface to position the fusible disc in the annular nut.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Girard Equipment, Inc.Inventor: John L. Freiler
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Patent number: 6959719Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Inventor: James Walter George Truss
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Patent number: 6946019Abstract: Gas separation membranes, especially meniscus-shaped membranes for gas separations are disclosed together with the use of such meniscus-shaped membranes for applications such as thermal gas valves, pre-concentration of a gas stream, and selective pre-screening of a gas stream. In addition, a rapid screening system for simultaneously screening polymer materials for effectiveness in gas separation is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Robert C. Dye, Betty Jorgensen, David R. Pesiri
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Patent number: 6918402Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control apparatus and method. In accordance with the present invention, the flow control apparatus comprises a thermostat that automatically actuates valve to enable water to flow through the valve when the temperature of the air or water is at or near the freezing temperature of water (32° F.). When the temperature of the air or water rises above freezing, the thermostat causes the valve to close, thereby preventing water from flowing through the valve. Therefore, when the apparatus is coupled to an end of a water conduit, such as a water spigot or hose, water is allowed to flow through the conduit when the air or water temperature is at or near freezing to prevent the conduit from bursting due to water freezing and expanding within the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Inventor: Bruce Harvey
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Patent number: 6892751Abstract: A building protection system includes a switch, a transmitter, a receiver and a controllable shut-off valve disposed within the inlet line of a utility, such as water or gas, provided to a building. The switch is used to close or open the shut-off valve to stop the flow of the utility into the building. The receiver is proximate the valve, while the transmitter and switch are remote from the valve. In one embodiment, the switch is a manual switch that can be used to generate a valve open or a valve closed signal. The switch and transmitter can be wall-mounted, such as in a garage, or can be integrated into a hand-held device, such as a remote control. In other embodiments, the switch is associated with a condition sensor, such as for sensing a utilities leak or for sensing a temperature outside a certain pre-determined limit value.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Inventor: Mark Sanders
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Patent number: 6892747Abstract: A temperature and pressure sensitive valve is disclosed herein. The valve has a valve piston for regulating flow through the valve, a valve piston guide for directing movement of the piston, the piston guide having one or more passages there through, a thermal element for enabling movement of said piston, and an elongated housing having an anterior and posterior end and an interior wall able to house the piston, guide and thermal element. The housing further has two or more passages able to aid the piston in regulating flow, with at least one of the passages placed towards the anterior end of the housing, and at least one of the passages placed towards the posterior end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Research by Copperhead Hill, Inc.Inventor: Robert D. Dulin
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Patent number: 6866057Abstract: A thermal-pressure relief device, which has an adapter (20) threaded into the wall of a pressure vessel. The adapter contains an orifice (22) therethrough in line with a recessed cavity (32) which includes a raised stem (34). A blow out member (30) rests on the stem and overlaps the orifice to obstruct communication with the fluid inside the vessel. The blow out member is attached within the cavity by brazing with a filler metal in the form of a temperature responsive amalgam (38), preferably a eutectic alloy. When ambient temperatures are elevated above the melting point of the amalgam the blow out member is released freeing the orifice relieving the pressure within the vessel preventing a sudden structural failure. Optionally a protective cover in the form of a cap (42) with an impact surface (40) contains the blow out member when it separates from the adapter and a number of vents (48) diffuse the fluid from the pressure vessel in a safe direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventor: Harry W. Buehrle, II
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Patent number: 6851445Abstract: A pressure relief device having a housing including an inlet, an outlet, and an inner wall defining a bore connecting the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is in communication with a fluid under pressure in a pressure vessel. The bore includes an inlet portion extending from the inlet toward the outlet, and an outlet portion extending from the outlet toward the inlet. The bore also includes a tapered portion connecting the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The inlet portion has a diameter which is less than the outlet portion's diameter. A plug is located in the bore and movable from a closed position, in which flow of fluid through the bore is blocked, to an open position, in which flow of the fluid through the bore is permitted in response to a pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Teleflex GFI Control Systems L.P.Inventor: Erick Girouard
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Patent number: 6817842Abstract: In a delivery conduit for a compressor or an aspiration conduit for an aspirator, which connects the compressor or the aspirator to a closed environment, a first valve is inserted, and opening and a closing of which is commanded by atemperature of an external environment. The valve is normally closed for external temperatures which are lower than a predetermined level and open, placing the conduit in communication with the outside environment, when the external temperature exceeds the predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: ESAM S.p.A.Inventor: Ennio Cattani