Abstract: A pressure relief device comprising a body including an exterior surface, a cavity, an inlet, an outlet, and an aperture, each of the inlet, the outlet, and the aperture opening into the cavity, a temperature sensitive bonding element and a valve, disposed within the cavity and extending through the aperture, including a sealing member and a cap, the cap being joined to the exterior of the body by the temperature sensitive bonding element, and the sealing member being configured to seal the inlet when the cap is joined to the exterior surface of the body. The pressure relief device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the body further includes a retainer configured to prevent the valve from separating from the body when the cap becomes disengaged from the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas separation membranes including a metal-based layer having sub-micron scale thicknesses. The metal-based layer can be a palladium alloy supported by ceramic layers such as a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer. By using MEMS, a series of perforations (holes) can be patterned to allow chemical components to access both sides of the metal-based layer. Heaters and temperature sensing devices can also be patterned on the membrane. The present invention also relates to a portable power generation system at a chemical microreactor comprising the gas separation membrane. The invention is also directed to a method for fabricating a gas separation membrane. Due to the ability to make chemical microreactors of very small sizes, a series of reactors can be used in combination on a silicon surface to produce an integrated gas membrane device.

Abstract: A water leak mitigation device comprising a power supply, a building systems interface, a plumbing interface, and a monitoring device is provided. The monitoring device produces a primary input to the building systems interface. Upon receipt of the primary input, the building systems interface instructs the plumbing interface to restrict water flow to the associated building. Upon receipt of a secondary input produced by a building device when the building device requires water for operation, the building systems interface instructs the plumbing interface to resume the flow of water to the building so as to permit the operation of the building device. After the building device has completed its operation, transmission of the secondary input ceases and the building systems interface instructs the plumbing interface to again restrict the flow of water to the building.

Abstract: A plumbing system operable to automatically introduce antifreeze into the hot and cold water systems responsive to a signal from a controller. The controller activates the system automatically at a predetermined ambient temperature. The system can also be reconfigured manually.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device consisting of at least a valve comprising a body (1) with a through channel (5), provided with several orifices and in particular orifices (4) serving both as intake and/or through passage, which orifices (4) are provided to enable, by means of accessory components, two bodies to be juxtaposed, and provide a common supply to several valves. The communication between the intake channel (5) and the outlet port (9) is provided by means of a cylindrical bore and a slide valve mobile in said bore. The outlet port (9) is located above the channel (5) and a bleed orifice (16) is located beneath said channel. Said bleed orifice (16) is in communication with the outlet port by means of the slide valve.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling one or more utility systems includes a utility system main supply line for supplying a utility to at least one of a structure, an area and a building and a controlled shut-off device on the utility system main supply line. The controlled shut-off device is bias toward an open position and is movable toward a closed position upon receipt of an actuation signal wherein the utility is prevented from passing by the controlled shut-off device. A main utility sensor is on the utility system main supply line and a motion sensor that detects occupancy is in the building. A processor communicates with the controlled shut-off device, the main utility sensor and the motion sensor. The processor sends the actuation signal to the controlled shut-off device to move the controlled shut-off device toward the closed position when input from the main utility sensor and the motion sensor indicates occurrence of an abnormal event.

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.

Abstract: 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 which is installed below a governor valve of the portable gas range. The body includes 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 removable fixed at the bottom of the body using a screw so as to adjust the elasticity of the opening/closing unit and has a discharge hole for discharging overcompressed gas, which escapes the gas container through the gas outlet.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: A temperature compensator for a pressure splitter control chamber has two members which have different thermal expansion rates, and the dimensional changes in these two members caused by temperature change affect the pressure inside the control chamber. The compensator is normally designed so that the control chamber pressure is essentially constant with temperature change, but can be designed to increase or decrease the effect of temperature change on the pressure. This temperature compensator is especially useful in a control chamber used with a pressure splitter which is used as a carburetor compensator. The resulting temperature compensated control chamber allows the pressure splitter to easily be set for use with carburetors jetted for different base altitudes.

Abstract: A washer system and a method are provided for purging the washer liquids contained within a washer system. A first reservoir 21 containing a freezable washer liquid 40, a second reservoir 23 containing a freeze-resistant washer liquid 48, and an exit circuit 28 are fluidically coupled to a fluid distribution circuit 26. A fluid purge apparatus 61 is also coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26. An electronic control module (ECM) 20 is electrically coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26, the fluid purge apparatus 61 and a temperature sensor 86. The ECM 20 controls the fluid purge apparatus 61 upon receiving a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 86. The fluid purging apparatus 61 purges freezable washer liquid 40 from a portion of the fluid distribution circuit 26, during temperatures at or below a predetermined temperature, to prevent the washer liquid from freezing within the fluid distribution circuit.

Abstract: A thermal safety device for cutting off gas pipelines, wherein gas transfer is prevented by the safety device when temperature increases in the section of the gas pipeline placed downstream from the safety device, especially when connected gas apparatuses are in a closed position maintains production costs and dimensions at a level as low as possible. The safety device includes a check valve which prevents backflow from the gas pipeline which is placed downstream from the device. The inventive device also includes a pressure sensitive element placed downstream from the safety device which is actuated by the pressure in the pipeline. The pressure sensitive element is coupled to a cut-off valve in such a way that when pressure increases in the downstream pipeline the valve prevents gas from flowing into the pipeline.

Abstract: 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 said 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 said anterior end of the housing, and at least one of the passages placed towards said posterior end of the housing.

Abstract: A washer system and a method are provided for purging the washer liquids contained within a washer system. A first reservoir 21 containing a freezable washer liquid 40, a second reservoir 23 containing a freeze-resistant washer liquid 48, and an exit circuit 28 are fluidically coupled to a fluid distribution circuit 26. A fluid purge apparatus 61 is also coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26. An electronic control module (ECM) 20 is electrically coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26, the fluid purge apparatus 61 and a temperature sensor 86. The ECM 20 controls the fluid purge apparatus 61 upon receiving a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 86. The fluid purging apparatus 61 purges freezable washer liquid 40 from a portion of the fluid distribution circuit 26, during temperatures at or below a predetermined temperature, to prevent the washer liquid from freezing within the fluid distribution circuit.

Abstract: Electrical control circuitry is provided for normally maintaining an electrically controlled water supply valve in an open condition and an electrically controlled water drain valve in a closed condition when a home is occupied and for arming the system by shutting off the water supply valve and for maintaining the water drain valve in an open condition. This action prevents pipe bursting and flooding, particularly during the winter, when a single manually operated conspicuously located switch is opened to arm the system upon departure from the home for an extended period. Should the home owner forget to arm the system, an electrical power interruption, which often can disable heating systems, causing pipe bursting and flooding, will automatically arm the system upon a power failure and the supply valve remains shut and the drain valve remains open until the homeowner returns and resets the system with a pushbutton switch.

Abstract: A heat-responsive fuse cord is positioned in the proximity of a pressure vessel and is thermally coupled to a thermal-pressure relief device which is in communication with the pressurized contents of the vessel. When ignited the fuse cord burns to a thermal coupler, transferring the heat to the thermal actuator of the TPRD. In a kit form, fuse cord and a thermal coupler provide an economical remote and retrofit triggering system for TPRD's having an otherwise limited environment of influence.

Abstract: An emergency gas line shut-off system for automatically preventing a flow of gas into a structure during the detection of emergency conditions. The emergency gas line shut-off system includes a gas valve for mounting on a gas supply line. The gas valve is electrically connected to a central control assembly for controlling the gas valve. The central control assembly preferably comprises control circuitry for determining when the gas valve should be in a closed condition for preventing the flow of gas into a structure. The control circuitry is mounted in a housing and is electrically connected to a detector for detecting a condition requiring the closed condition of the gas valve. The detector may comprise, for example, a smoke detector for detecting smoke, a carbon monoxide detector for detecting carbon monoxide or an earthquake detector for detecting earthquakes.

Abstract: A safety valve has a valve body, a piston contained in the valve body, a soluble alloy filled between said piston and said valve body, and a spring inserted between the piston and the valve body. The piston includes a path connecting both ends thereof, and has a first gas pressure receiving surface and a second gas pressure receiving surface at both ends. The first and second gas pressure receiving surfaces have the same area; the piston works as a balanced piston where the gas pressure in the fuel tank functions in reverse directions. As a result, no gas pressure is applied to the soluble alloy but only the energizing force of the spring is applied. Therefore, the pressure applied to the soluble alloy can be kept constant without regard to the increase of the gas pressure.

Abstract: A safety valve for a compressed gas tank in which the plug is made of meltable material and intended to melt at a pre-determined temperature in order to release the compressed gas from the tank. The safety valve is essentially characterized in that the meltable plug is subjected to the action of a differential action sliding piston intended for reducing at least some of the effect of the gas pressure on the meltable plug.

Abstract: A sprinkler device for fire extinguishing systems is adapted to be coupled to a fluid supply line and placed in an environment which is to be protected from fire. The device has an actuator sensitive to room temperature which causes motion of a shutter for controlling the flow of the fluid to an outlet when the room temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. The actuation device has an unbreakable container in which there is stored a material having a volume which is a function of the container's temperature, a shaft movable in response to a change in volume of the material, and a closure and sealing device for the chamber and shaft.

Abstract: A compressed gas storage cell interconnecting manifold including a thermally activated pressure relief device, a manual safety shut-off valve, and a port for connecting the compressed gas storage cells to a motor vehicle power source and to a refueling adapter. The manifold is mechanically and pneumatically connected to a compressed gas storage cell by a bolt including a gas passage therein.

Abstract: A fluid damper in a ventilation duct serves to close the duct in the event of a fire so as to damp the flow of air in the duct. The damper comprises a retractable curtain that is normally retained in a retracted configuration by a latch mechanism attached to a frame of a fluid damper. The latch mechanism comprises a housing having at least one latch member biased so as to project from the housing and movable between a position in which it engages an end blade of the curtain so as to hold it in a retracted position and a position in which it is clear of the curtain so as to release it from the retracted position. The latch mechanism is held in the curtain retaining position by a releasable locking catch that is operatively coupled to a thermally sensitive element such that when the element reaches a pre-determined temperature it expands so as to release the locking catch and thereby allow the latch member to release the curtain.

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 thermally-actuated switch assembly is capable of controlling an associated device in the event of a sensed temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold. A first switch in the form of for example a fuse is used to sense the temperature to which the device is sensitive. The first switch is carried by a housing which also carries a second switch. The second switch is arranged such that it is actuated if the housing is mounted on a support in a predetermined orientation. The first and second switches are connected to an output and arranged such that the output indicates an alarm condition if either the first switch is actuated or the second switch is not actuated. Thus one switch is used to sense the temperature, and the other switch is used to sense whether or not the switch assembly as a whole is correctly positioned.

Abstract: A safety device for an apparatus under pressure, such as a vessel under gas pressure, includes a housing having an overflow channel in fluid communication with the interior of the apparatus, and an outlet port. Received in the housing is a thermal trigger unit which has a rupture element intended to burst when a critical temperature level is exceeded. The rupture element interacts with a closure member which is moveable from a ready position, in which the closure member is so loaded by the rupture element as to seal the overflow channel and thereby cut a fluid communication between the overflow channel and the outlet port, to a release position, in which the overflow channel is cleared for fluid communication with the outlet port as a result of a bursting of the rupture element.

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.

Abstract: A method for protection of a object subject to damage under thermally hazardous conditions having a triggerable safety appliance in which an elongated shaped memory alloy material having a first end and a second end is extended over an entire area to be protected of the object and the first end of the elongated shaped memory alloy material is operably linked to a trigger for activation of the triggerable safety appliance.

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.

Abstract: A well control system having well controlled fluids distributed through pipes includes valves that are opened by a heat softened valve obstruction element. The translation of a fluid flow obstructing gate in a gate valve is driven by a stem element attached to the gate. Without a mechanical or fluid obstacle, fluid pressure in the distribution pipe above about 2 psi will drive the valve gate to a biased position. This internal pressure displacement of the valve gate also displaces the gate stem. In the present invention, the displacement of gate stems for critical valves from a normal maintenance position to an emergency activation position, is obstructed by a fusible barrier that is secured across the gate stem translation path. In the event of a well fire, at a predetermined temperature of fusion, the barrier element will no longer resist the displacement force imposed by the stem.

Abstract: A device and method for shutting off the flow of gas to a structure, such as a residence, when a fire is detected in the structure. The device has a fire detector for providing a status signal to indicate the presence of fire in a structure, an actuator in communication with the fire detector, and a shut-off valve located on a gas line and connected to the actuator. When the status signal is received by the actuator, the actuator causes the valve to close, thereby shutting off the flow of gas to the structure. The device also includes one or more of the following: a secondary electric power source, disturbance prevention circuitry, a shut-off valve position indicator, a manually operated means of closing the shut-off valve, and an alarm indicator for indicating the presence of fire in the structure. The method involves detecting a fire and providing a status signal to an actuator. Then the actuator moves the shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position.

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.

Abstract: The compensation element is compensating for temperature-conditioned length changes of an object. An injection valve that is fully functional in the entire range of the operating temperatures of a motor requires a device that compensates thermally conditioned length changes of the mechanical components (piezo-electric actuator, valve lifter, housing, etc.). This device should be capable of absorbing great forces and allow a stiff bearing of the actuator. The compensation element (3) has an oil-filled chamber (21) is composed of an actuator-side upper part (18), of a lower part (19) supported on a stiff bearing (valve housing 17), and of a structure (annular seal element 20) sealing the chamber (21) and yielding in an axial direction.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive valve includes a body having an interior area, a top end having an inlet and a lower end having an outlet. The top end is design and configured to be removably secured to an exterior faucet located for allowing water to flow when the temperatures are approaching extreme cold conditions, such as freezing, so as to prevent the pipes from freezing, and eventually bursting. Located within the body, between the inlet and outlet, is a resilient tube situated in a bent position. Affixed to the resilient tube an elongated rod fabricated from a temperature sensitive material. As temperatures approach freezing conditions, the rod will decrease in size and thus move away from the resilient tube, enabling it to move upward and thus, become slightly unbent. This will provide for an opening to exist within the bent region of the tube and enable fluid flow.

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.

Abstract: A device for preventing water line freeze damage. The device incorporates air temperature sensing means to control a trickle flow in a water system, so that a trickle flow is initiated whenever the ambient air temperature drops below a predetermined point. The trickle flow inhibits freezing in the water system.

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.

Abstract: A fuel or air system component for a motor vehicle, constructed with shape memory alloys, to control fuel flow as a function of temperature or electrical means. The shape memory alloy changes shape at a defined temperature, or in a particular temperature range, thereby affecting a control feature internal to a component in the fuel system, and as a result, changing the fuel flow and/or pressure characteristic. The component may be a biasing spring. The shape memory alloy is an intermetallic compound or alloy which exhibits a shape transformation when heated or cooled through its transformation temperature.

Abstract: A freeze protection plug has latching balls engageable bayonet-fashion with grooves in a fitting. The balls are normally held in engagement with the grooves by a cam, but move inward to release the plug from the fitting when the cam is moved by a thermal actuator carried by the plug. The balls are retained in tapered openings in the wall of the plug to reduce jamming. Helical ramps in the grooves permit the use of a strong, reliable plug ejecting spring, and make manual insertion of the plug easy. Insertion is aided by the ribs of a plastic cap, which facilitate manual grasping and rotation of the plug. A paint shield ring prevents failures resulting from paint bridges adhering both to the plug and to the fitting. A unitary molded lanyard with two oval loops prevents loss of the plug. The seal on the plug is located on the liquid system side of the latching balls and isolates moving parts from the liquid system, and is of small diameter.

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.

Abstract: A drain valve providing a drain sleeve having a first end, a second end and a flow-chamber therebetween. The first end includes a first diameter being smaller than a second diameter of the second end. The first diameter and the second diameter cooperate to define an annular shoulder therebetween. The first end is threadingly received by an air conditioner outlet and the drain sleeve has at least one drain hole therethrough near the shoulder for draining condensation from the air conditioner outlet. An outer cap is provided having an outer wall and an annular side wall projecting perpendicularly from an outer periphery of the end wall. The side wall is the outer cap is threadingly engageable with the drain sleeve second end. A sealing assembly is fixedly connected at a first end thereof to the end cap end wall and includes a second end thereof projecting inwardly from the end cap end wall towards the shoulder.

Abstract: A pressure relief device which operates between a closed condition wherein a fluid is contained within a vessel and an open condition wherein the fluid is discharged from the vessel by flowing through the pressure relief device. A plug is mounted within a cavity of a plug housing which is secured with respect to the vessel. The plug housing and/or the plug form at least one passageway. In the open condition of the pressure relief device, the passage allows communication between an inlet and an outlet of the plug housing. In the closed condition of the pressure relief device, there is no communication through the passageway and thus the fluid does not flow from the inlet to the outlet of the plug housing. A void, preferably an annular space, is formed between the plug and the plug housing. A fusible alloy, or other suitable eutectic material, is at least partially filled within the void.

Abstract: Typically, for automatically dosing shutoff valves, a valve closing body is held in the open position by fixation with soft solder and can be moved into the closed position by means of a spring action. The disadvantage is that it can only be used on small valves and is restricted to the direct influence of temperature on the shut-off valve itself. Hence, the invention provides improvement using a reaction line and a hollow body to form a closed system. The reaction line which is thermo-sensitive all over its length can be laid at any desired distance from the shut-off device so that a fire occurring at a distance from the shut-off device triggers the closing action. The reaction line can, for example, be arranged in a metering and regulating station so that it stretches over the entire station. The advantage of the design as a reaction line is that the reaction time with regard to fire fighting is reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally self-regulating nozzle for a snowmaking machine. The invention also relates to a system including the nozzle and method of snowmaking using the nozzle. The nozzle includes an outer housing made of a first material and a thermally separated inner housing, and a nozzle assembly attached to the outer housing by a member made of a second material having a thermal coefficient of expansion lower than the first material. The size of the nozzle outlet being dependent upon the expansion/contraction of the outer housing to accommodate more efficient snowmaking over a range of temperatures.

Abstract: A pressure splitter is made having a series or orifices, at least one of which has its effective size change with changes in temperature. This size change is provided by using materials with different thermal expansion rates, these different rates changing the relative positions of a body and the free end of a temperature responsive member. This same principle can be used in conjunction with a pressure responsive element, such as a sealed bellows, to provide a splitter which has an intermediate pressure which changes in response to both temperature and pressure. A splitter with temperature compensation only can be used to effectively modify carburetor fuel flow providing a more constant fuel/air ratio. A splitter using both temperature and pressure responsive elements can be used to more effectively maintain carburetor fuel/air ratio over a wide range of relative air densities caused by changes in atmospheric temperature and altutude.

Abstract: A device, a system and a method are provided for controllably releasing a product (26) into a container (10) in which the product (26) is mixed with another product contained within an interior (14) of the container 10. The device (12) releases the product (26) due to variations in temperature or pressure that the system experiences during an autoclaving or sterilization procedure, for example. Materials and shapes of the members (20, 20a, 20b, 22) of the device (12) are selected such that the members (20, 20a, 20b, 22) react or otherwise move within the device in a predetermined manner in response to changes in temperature or pressure. As a result, products (26) within the device (12) may be maintained separately from products within the interior (14) of the container (10) in which the device (12) is held. Prior to administration of a solution within the container (10), the product (26) within the device (12) may be mixed with the solution or other product in the container (10) in a controllable fashion.

Abstract: A thermally responsive pressure relief system is provided for a receptacle such as a pressure vessel. The system includes a thermally responsive pressure relief device on the vessel at a given location in communication with the interior of the vessel for venting the vessel in response to the pressure relief device being subjected to a given excess temperature. A heat pipe has one end thermally coupled to the pressure relief device and extends therefrom to a location remote from the given location. The heat pipe rapidly transmits heat from the remote location to the pressure relief device for venting the vessel in response to an excess temperature at the remote location.