Abstract: A spool valve controls the release of gas from a pressure vessel into an airbag upon the release of the gas in the event of a collision. The valve uses pilot pressure acting on either end of the spool to actuate the spool. The position of the spool within the valve determines the flow rate through the valve.

Abstract: A container for storing in particular water-endangering liquids has an inner wall and an outer wall spaced therefrom. In the lower area of the container is connected a pipeline forming a lower outlet and which is formed by an inner pipe and an outer pipe surrounding it. At the inner pipe end remote from the container is positioned a shutoff fitting and the outer pipe issues into a protective casing tightly surrounding the shutoff fitting. The gaps between the two walls and between the two pipes, as well as the inner space of the protective casing are monitored for a possible leak. So that when liquid is removed its unintentional escape in the case of damage can be reliably avoided, from the shutoff fitting a further extending pipeline extends outwards in sealed manner through the protective casing.

Abstract: A device which protects water faucets and water pipes to which they are attached from freezing or breaking due to freezing of water contained therein. The device comprises a closed-ended nipple which is axially and/or radially expandable to accommodate freezing of water contained therein when the nipple is attached to the open end of a faucet or sillcock.

Abstract: A temperature-responsive fluid-type fan coupling has a sealing casing with a partition plate disposed therein. The partition plate divides interior portions of the casing into an oil reservoir chamber and a torque transmission chamber. A port extends through the partition plate to provide communication between the chambers. The casing is rotatably mounted around a rotary shaft such that an end of the shaft is disposed in the torque transmission chamber. A drive disc is fixedly mounted to the shaft and is disposed in the torque transmission chamber. Fluid in the torque transmission chamber functions to transmit torque from the disc to the casing. The valve member has one end mounted to the partition plate and an opposed end movably positioned in proximity to the port through the partition plate. Intermediate portions of the valve member are engaged by a pin, which in turn is movable in response to a temperature-responsive member. The valve member is biased to instantaneously open and close at set temperatures.

Abstract: A pressure differential indicating apparatus has a wall duct with first and second ends, first and second flange like mounting plates respectively disposed around and attached to the first and second ends, a low speed airflow indicator mounted at one of the ends on a side of the mounting plate opposite that to which the wall duct is mounted, and a fire damper with a closable fire damping door that is disposed in the duct. The fire damper includes an actuation device for keeping the door open until the actuation device is caused to close the door. One particular embodiment of the actuation apparatus has a spring counter loaded solenoid that keeps the door open when energized and a spring operably connected to the solenoid so as to close the door when the solenoid is de-energized.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A normal shut-off seal included in the water regulation assembly may be modified to release water in response to elevated pressure even when the seal is placed in a shut-off position. In particular, mating components included in the seal assembly are modified to separate at the elevated pressure. The seal may also be by-passed by a pressure relief water path which opens in response to elevated pressures. These features permit relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. In sliding plate type faucets where a seal is created by pressing of two plates together, pressure relief according to the present invention is obtained by permitting separation of the plates under elevated pressure.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A shut-off seal of a fixture is by-passed by a pressure relief water path which opens in response to elevated pressures. This permits relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. The path includes a stopper having a compressed channel that opens to release water at the elevated pressure.

Abstract: A damper is provided which is adapted to be positioned in a building conduit to control the flow of fluid through the conduit. The damper includes a frame and barrier structure coupled to the frame which is movable between open and closed positions. The barrier structure permits fluid to flow through the conduit when positioned in the open position and substantially blocks fluid flow through the conduit when positioned in the closed position. The damper further includes an actuator which is coupled to the barrier structure for effecting movement of the barrier structure. A control circuit is also provided and is connected to the actuator for controlling the operation of the actuator. The control circuit includes a thermal responsive switch which, preferably, is located outside of the conduit. The thermal responsive switch prevents operation of the actuator when the temperature of fluid surrounding the switch exceeds a first predetermined value.

Abstract: 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 with a blowout disc (30) overlapping the orifice to obstruct communication with fluid inside the vessel. The disc is attached 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 disc is blown out, freeing the orifice, relieving the pressure within the vessel, preventing an explosion. A protective cover in the form of a cap (42) with an impact surface (40) contains the disc when it separates from the adapter and a number of vents (48) diffuse the fluid from the pressure vessel in a safe direction.

Abstract: A freeze protection system for a car wash facility having a plurality of bays and having exposed water lines located in an area that is subjected to freezing temperatures. By using a temperature probe connected via a digital temperature meter to a microprocessor, the system will only operate when the temperature is lower than a pre-set value and will shut off when the temperature is higher than a pre-set value. When activated, a predetermined charge of antifreeze mist will purge the piping in each bay, leaving only a small residual of antifreeze. When a bay is used, the system is reactivated, purging only the bay that has been used. The system is easily adaptable to any number of bays or areas of piping that must be protected.

Abstract: A thermal relief valve for a gas cylinder has a body with an inner wall defining a passageway for flow of fluid between inlet and outlet. A piston within the bore moves between a first position arresting flow from inlet to outlet, and a second position permitting flow from inlet to outlet. A restricting assembly for arresting movement of the piston towards the second position includes a thermal sensitive element of suitable eutectic material at the bore inner wall, with protrusions defining a first camming surface, and two or more restricting elements defining a second camming surface positioned to engage the first camming surface.

Abstract: A fail-safe closed damper for installation in a system of ducts. The damper includes at least one damper blade connected to a spring-loaded shaft. A power-actuated unit is employed to disengage a coupling which interconnects the spring-loaded shaft to an operating linkage. The use of the power-actuated unit ensures that the damper will be tripped at the appropriate predetermined temperature and will not be affected by the large frictional forces imparted on the components of the damper by the biasing spring or by such external factors as dust, humidity and dirt. The damper employs a sensor having dual sensing devices and which is centrally disposed in the duct to ensure receipt of a representative sample of airflow. The damper further includes a damper blade position indicator for sensing whether the damper blade is open or closed.

Abstract: A temperature-actuated valve includes an elongated housing having anterior and posterior segments, the anterior segment being connected to an outdoor water supply. A valve within the anterior segment opens in response to freezing temperatures, defining a fluid path that allows water from the outdoor water supply to flow through one or more discharge ports; and which closes when the temperature rises above freezing. The valve generally includes a piston movable within the housing and having a valve head, and a valve seat formed in the anterior housing segment; seating of the valve head against the valve seat closes the discharge port(s). The device also includes means for conducting water from the anterior housing segment to the posterior housing segment, the latter comprising an expansion reservoir for freezing water. When water freezes, its expansion moves the piston so as to unseat the valve head and thereby allow water to be discharged through the discharge port(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic valve actuating system that is responsive to various externally detected stimuli. The system is comprised of a monitoring and alarm components that close a valve upon the detection of a fault occurring from the undesirable presence of carbon monoxide or combustible gases. Combustible gases, such as, propane, methane, hydrogen and the like can create a hazardous explosive environment, especially when these gases are mixed with the oxygen in the air. The valve actuating apparatus mounts directly to an existing valve, such as one that opens and closes within a quarter of a turn. An audible alarm is given when a hazardous condition is detected. For those who are hearing impaired, an optional visual alarm is also given. A CO.sub.2 cylinder provides a pressure source to operate a pneumatic linear actuator. A low pressure switch sounds a secondary alarm to alert the maintenance personnel to replace the carbon dioxide tank.

Abstract: A diverter valve with a shutoff feature for usage in an aircraft environmental control system is disclosed. The valve has a housing that includes an inlet connected with a source of air, and first and second outlets spaced 90.degree. apart. The first outlet is connected with the ECS refrigeration pack, while the second outlet, which is at a 90.degree. angle with respect to both the inlet and the first outlet, is connected with a bypass line that bypasses the refrigeration pack and is connected with a heater inside the ECS. A gate internal to the valve housing is rotatable over a 90.degree. range of motion to connect the air from the source to either solely the first outlet, to both the first and second outlets, to solely the second outlet, or to neither the first nor second outlets, depending upon a desired temperature of the air provided to the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft.

Abstract: A water-activated alarm system, providing an alarm in the event of a water leak, includes a radio-frequency transmitting unit and a receiving unit and a number of safety features to ensure proper operation in the event of an emergency. The transmitting unit includes a flood detector having electrodes to be placed in a flood prone area, a tone encoder, for sending an encoded signal in the event of a flood, and means to provide visible and audible alarm indications, including a buzzer and a user-programmable digital voice circuit for identification of the area in which a flood occurs.

Abstract: A thermally activated relief valve is used with a compressed gas storage cylinder. A valve body has a passage for communication with the interior of the cylinder. A metal disc sealing the passage has a first side exposed to the interior of the cylinder and a second side opposite the first side. A cutting end of a movable hollow bayonet is positioned in the passage of the valve body adjacent to the second side of the metal disc. A spring biases the bayonet toward the metal disc. A thermal trigger is operably coupled to the bayonet for holding the bayonet in spaced relation to the metal disc until the thermal trigger reaches a predetermined temperature threshold. Upon reaching the predetermined temperature threshold, the thermal trigger releases the bayonet thereby allowing the cutting end of the hollow bayonet to move toward the metal disc under force exerted by the spring to pierce the metal disc and thereby expose a flow path through the hollow bayonet.

Abstract: A water supply control apparatus includes a flow sensor, connected to a supply line of an indoor plumbing network, which sends a flow signal to a controller when flow is detected. The controller includes a power circuit which is interrupted upon detection of flow, thereby causing a shut-off valve to close. Moisture sensors and temperature sensors can also be coupled to the controller so that the shut-off valve can be closed in response to the detection of moisture or an incipient freeze condition.

Abstract: Apparatus to measure the calorific value and/or the Wobbe index of fuel gas supplied along a pipe. A control can operate two outlet valves and cause an inlet valve to be locked in a closed position or be unlocked to stay in a normally open state until the gas pressure in a chamber of predetermined volume reaches a preset pressure difference above the pressure in the pipe. Under direction of the control, a pump moves fuel gas from the pipe into the chamber whilst the outlet valves are closed. Once the pressure in the chamber attains the preset difference, the inlet valve closes automatically to be held locked closed by the control. Certain properties of the gas in the chamber, such as thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and speed of sound, are measured and corrected to STP conditions. The pump moves two samples of gas into the chamber at two sequential times, each time until the gas pressure therein attains the preset value and the inlet valve again closes automatically in a locked position.

Abstract: A shutoff valve for closing off flow through a fluid line includes a stem 28 axially movable relative to a valve body 12. A valve element 22 is carried by the stem 28 for engagement with a seat 20 to close off fluid flow through the valve, and is biased toward the seat by valve closure spring 40. The swivel body 52 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the stem, and may be rotated to allow the spring 40 to force the valve element into engagement with the seat. A fusible link mechanism 64 is carried by the swivel body for engagement with the valve body to rotate the swivel body to the valved closed position. The mechanism 64 includes a piston 66, a spring 70, and a fusible material for normally acting as a solid stop to prevent the spring 70 from moving piston 66 to rotate the swivel body to the valve closed position.

Abstract: A valve with a rotatable valving member has a vent hole extending between an internal cavity of the valve and another location to which excess pressure can be vented. The vent hole is sealed with a consumable vent hole seal device that ruptures or otherwise vents under the high temperature and/or pressure of a fire and prevents dangerous pressure buildup within the internal cavity of the valve.

Abstract: A fail-safe closed damper for installation in a system of ducts. The damper includes at least one damper blade connected to a spring-loaded shaft. A power-actuated unit is employed to disengage a coupling which interconnects the spring-loaded shaft to an operating linkage. The use of the power-actuated unit ensures that the damper will be tripped at the appropriate predetermined temperature and will not be affected by the large frictional forces imparted on the components of the damper by the biasing spring or by such external factors as dust, humidity and dirt. The damper also employs a sensor which may be mounted at any remote location within the ventilation system. Alternatively, a plurality of interconnected sensors capable of providing additional sensing capability may be employed.

Abstract: An installation for fighting fire has, in one embodiment, first and second releasing devices for first and second groups of spray heads that overlap at border spray heads. The border spray heads are activatable by either of the first or second releasing devices and check valves at the border spray heads prevent extinguishing liquid from flowing from an activated one of the first or second groups of spray heads into the other. In a second embodiment, one spray head distributes extinguishing liquid to other spray heads.

Abstract: A thermally activated relief device which resists extrusion-related failures even at high pressures and yet reliably activates to relieve pressure in a vessel and to prevent a catastrophic pressure rupture of a vessel is provided. The thermally activated relief device includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow passage communicating with the inlet and outlet. The body further includes a fluid escape passage having a member therein which is porous to gases and liquids but not to solids. A plug of a fusible material which melts at a predetermined temperature is positioned adjacent to the porous member and normally seals the fluid escape passage. A piston is normally biased into a sealing relationship with the inlet, but, when the fusible plug melts, moves upwardly to open the flow passage and relieve fluid pressure.

Abstract: An actuator for performing a function at a predetermined temperature includes an actuator assembly with a resiliently expandable element and a device for liberating hydrogen gas into a sealed system formed in part by the element. When the hydrogen gas pressure in the system becomes sufficiently high, the element expands to perform the function. The resiliently expandable element is a piston or a bellows and the device for liberating hydrogen gas is a hydride sensor assembly.

Abstract: The temperature compensating pressure regulator (TCPR) allows a modified constant output pressure regulator to change its output pressure in response to changes in the ambient temperature. Furthermore, the changes in the ambient temperature are extrapolated to estimate the changes in a mass which is in the same ambient environment. The best mode teaches a beer keg application. A wax filled container expands in relation to the temperature changes in a cold storage room. The thermal expansion coefficient of the wax and impurities therein simulate the temperature changes in a keg of beer in the same cold storage room. Upon responding to a temperature change, the TCPR adjusts the keg pressure to the brewer's predetermined pressures, thereby maintaining the proper CO.sub.2 solution in the beer.Further embodiments include controlling a quarter turn valve with a wax element having a controllable heating coil and controlling the TCPR with a controllable heating coil.

Abstract: The temperature compensating pressure regulator (TCPR) allows a modified constant output pressure regulator to change its output pressure in response to changes in the ambient temperature. Furthermore, the changes in the ambient temperature are extrapolated to estimate the changes in a mass which is in the same ambient environment. The best mode teaches a beer keg application. A wax filled container expands in relation to the temperature changes in a cold storage room. The thermal expansion coefficient of the wax and impurities therein simulate the temperature changes in a keg of beer in the same cold storage room. Upon responding to a temperature change, the TCPR adjusts the keg pressure to the brewer's predetermined pressures, thereby maintaining the proper CO.sub.2 solution in the beer.

Abstract: An actuating drive, particularly for control valves and shut-off valves or the like, comprising a safety device that automatically brings an actuation element into a safety position, particularly a closed position, given a limit temperature that upwardly exceeds the normal temperature range, particularly in case of fire, having a swelling compound that presses the actuation element in the direction toward the safety position when it expands and which multiplies in volume upon formation of cavities when the limit temperature is upwardly exceeded.

Abstract: A safety valve for a sealed vessel, for releasing pressurized gas from the sealed vessel in an abnormally heated state defined by a critical temperature. The safety valve includes an end plate for the vessel, the end plate having opposite concave and convex surfaces. A bore perforates the plate at a low point of the concave surface. A central portion of the plate surrounding the bore is bent toward the bore so as to define a cavity which opens toward the concave surface. An alloy material, having a melting point which is lower than the critical temperature, is provided in the cavity and plugs the bore so that if the temperature of the pressurized gas exceeds the critical temperature, the alloy material melts thereby opening the valve and relieving the pressure within the vessel.

Abstract: The freezing of water pipes in a dwelling in cold climates is prevented by separating some of the cold water delivered to the dwelling and conducting that separated cold water into heat exchanging relationship with a hot water tank. The thus-warmed water is caused to flow through a cold water main of the dwelling whenever an outlet is automatically periodically opened by means of a temperature sensing valve unit connected to the outlet. The water flowing through the cold water main warms the water in branch lines and at the outlet to prevent that water from freezing.

Abstract: Fire extinguishing sprinkler apparatus comprises a frame for connection to a source of fire extinguishing fluid and having a passage through which such fluid may flow along a path. The passage normally is sealed by a closure in contact with the fluid. The closure is maintained in its passage sealing position by a retainer which is held by a collapsible strut in such position as to bear upon the closure. When ambient temperature rises to a predetermined level, the strut collapses enabling automatic expulsion of the closure from the passage and flow of fire extinguishing fluid through the passage. The closure is formed from material of poor thermal conductivity thereby preventing cooling of the collapsible strut by the transfer of heat from the strut through the closure to the fire extinguishing fluid in the passage. In one embodiment no part of the sprinkler frame lies in the path of fluid discharged from the sprinkler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in a water-base system for at least partially avoiding an expected viscosity decrease or providing a viscosity increase upon a temperature increase, by using a system containing as viscosity-adjusting agents a nonionic cellulose ether in such an amount that the aqueous solution thereof has a viscosity of 10-10,000 cP, measured according to Brookfield LV, 12 rpm at 20.degree. C., and an ionic surface-active compound in an amount of 1-30 mmol per liter of water.

Abstract: In the Freeze Control Valve is situated a bellows that will contract at a temperature of 33 to 34 degrees F. thus triggering the valve to its position allowing the water or liquid to flow through a small discharge hole in the valve body, this in turn allows the water to heat to a higher temperature as it flows from the water line that are normally buried underground or an area that would have an above freezing temperature of 45 to 50 degrees F., the bellows at this temperature will expand, thus closing the Freeze Control Valve shutting off all exiting through the small discharge hole in the side of the valve body. When the water in the Freeze Control Valve drops again to 34 degrees F. the valve bellows repeats its action, this keeps the water from freezing.

Abstract: A retrofittable fire-stop device for use with PVC or other plastic piping is disclosed. The device includes drive means for forcing a cutting member through plastic piping in response to heat. The cutting member blocks the hole and also supports blocking means which expands within the remaining pipe to prevent fire and smoke from moving from room to room through the piping.

Abstract: An automatic water supply shut-off system includes a shut-off valve movable between opened and closed positions in a line leading from the water supply. An electric motor actuates the shut-off valve and is electrically connected to a power source through an electric circuit so that when the circuit is closed the electric motor actuates the shut-off valve into the open position to allow water flow through the line. At least one temperature sensor feeds a signal to a logic circuit that controls a switch. The switch cuts off the supply of power to the electric motor when the sensor senses a temperature corresponding to a freeze condition.

Abstract: A quick response frangible bulb sprinkler head includes a tubular body connected to a water line. The body has an outlet that is enclosed by a cap or closure, which is held in the closed position by a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a pair of lever arms which are disposed in an X-configuration, with one end of each arm engaged with the body and the opposite ends of the lever arms are spaced apart and engaged with the opposite ends of an elongated glass bulb. The axis of the bulb is disposed normal to the axis of the outlet in the body. A screw is threaded in the closure and the tip is engaged with a channel-shaped pressure member that is connected to the central portions of the lever arms. Through adjustment of the screw, the compressive force on the bulb can be varied.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve, which can be pressure activated or thermally activated, includes a valve housing with an inlet communicating with an interior of a pressure vessel, and a passage from the inlet, through the housing, to an outlet for communicating with the exterior of the housing. A seal plug has a passageway which communicates between an inlet side of the passage and an outlet side of the passage. The seal plug is disposed within a cavity of the housing and across the passage. The seal plug retains a frangible disk against a radial shoulder of the passage for sealing the passage. Excessive pressures within the pressure vessel cause the frangible disk to rupture, thereby exposing a flow path between the inlet and the outlet through which the gas can escape. A thermal trigger engages the seal plug within the cavity to restrict movement of the seal plug and maintain a seal of the passage when a temperature adjacent to the housing is below a predetermined temperature threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a fluid passage provide at least one sliding gate movable transversely to that fluid passage. The fluid passage or the gate is maintained open in a first position of the gate, and is closed in a second position of that gate. A detent detains the gate in one of its first and second positions against a bias acting continuously on that gate. Upon release from that detent, the gate slides by virtue of its bias to the other of its first and second positions. The gate and fluid passage may be incorporated in a frangible connection and the gate may be released from its detent for automatic closure by its bias upon breakage of that frangible connection. Alternatively, the gate may be provided with a slanted surface which abuts another slanted surface around the fluid passage in the first position of the gate.

Abstract: A connector with a safety shut-off feature for connecting a gas appliance to a source of gas. The connector comprises a tubular line, a first coupling adjacent the inlet end of the line for releasably coupling the line to the source of gas, a second coupling adjacent the outlet end of the line for releaseably coupling the line to the appliance, and a valve associated with the line movable between an open position for permitting passage of gas through the line and a closed position for preventing passage of gas through the line. An electric circuit controls the operation of the valve. The circuit comprises an electrical conductor on the line designed to break or otherwise become non-conductive in response to excessive heating or damage to the line, thereby causing an interruption in the flow of electric current through the electric circuit. The valve is responsive to such interruption to move to its closed position to prevent further passage of gas through the line.

Abstract: A method of sealing a pressure vessel so that pressurized gas in the vessel is released if the temperature of the gas approaches a critical temperature. An end plate having a concave upper surface and a convex lower surface, is provided with a bore perforating the plate at a low point of the concave surface. A central portion of the plate surrounding the bore bending downwardly to the bore so as to define a cavity in the plate. The plate is oriented with the concave surface facing in an upward direction. An alloy pellet, having a melting point which is lower than the critical temperature, is provided onto the concave surface so that the pellet is gravitationally drawn to rest in the cavity. The end plate is then heated at a temperature higher that the melting point of the pellet so that the pellet is melted and plugs the bore. The end plate is then cooled to solidify the melted pellet in the cavity and in the bore.

Abstract: An automatic water supply shut-off system includes a shut-off valve movable between opened and closed positions in a line leading from the water supply. An electric motor actuates the shut-off valve and is electrically connected to a power source through an electric circuit so that when the circuit is closed the electric motor actuates the shut-off valve into the open position to allow water flow through the line. At least one temperature sensitive switch is disposed in the electrical circuit and is operative to normally close the electrical circuit above a predetermined temperature and to open the electrical circuit at or below the predetermined temperature, whereby the shut-off valve moves to the closed position.

Abstract: The protective device prevents overheating, in particular by fire, of individual or batteries of pressure vessels of length equal to at least 1,5 m, employed for storage and/or transportation of gases under high pressure. The essentially cylindrical pressure vessels have at least one closure cap with a valve or a closure plug. Mounted on one closure cap is a pressure pipe which communicates with the interior of the pressure vessel, and is fitted with a controllable venting valve that under normal conditions closes off the pressure pipe or a common pressure pipe and has a venting pipe which terminates outwith the region of the pressrue vessel/vessels. Temperature sensitive actuating means are provdied in the axial direciton of the pressure vessel/vessels a spacing apart and connected to the venting valve. These means can individually actuate the venting valve should overheating occur.

Abstract: The gas refuelling device for a motor vehicle comprises a compressor unit, a gas distributor unit and a control unit inside a housing and an external operating unit. At least one temperature sensor and one pressure sensor deliver measured values to the control unit, which has stored set values which are adapted to the changing environmental and operating conditions. When actual values deviate from their set values, the operating state of the gas refuelling device is altered. The operating states are selected such that the device closes down if there are serious incorrect manipulations or components fail and can only be made ready for operation again with auxiliary devices.

Abstract: A gas generator for inflating an inflatable article such as a safety bag or raft, has a reaction chamber (1) surrounded by a ring-shaped filter chamber (2). First gas exit openings (10 to 15) permit generated gas to flow from the reaction chamber into the filter chamber. Second gas exit openings (22) lead from the filter chamber into the inflatable article. A temperature responsive flow control is provided to make sure that the inflation efficiency or the inflation pressure inside the inflated article is substantially constant and substantially independent of the temperature of the gas generator at which the ignition of a gas generating fuel begins.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting plants against the effects of a drop in ambient temperature by causing the formation and preservation of dew or rime, according to the circumstances. The apparatus comprises a "dew box" which measures the ambient temperature and the dew point temperature, a set of comparators for triggering the start of spraying and the start of water heating as a function of ambient temperature, and a control system, including a calculating device, for regulating the temperature of the spraying water.

Abstract: An automatically activated fire extinguishing device for a stove. The device is installable in a hood over the stove and has a compact design which substantially hides portions of the device from normal viewing. The invention also includes an automatic stove shut-off which shuts off the electricity and/or gas to the stove in the event of a fire.

Abstract: The filling device houses a compressor which is connected via a suction line comprising an inlet shut-off valve to a source of gaseous fuel, and is adapted to be connected to a gaseous-fuel container via a supply line equipped with a pressure-limiting valve and a discharge valve. The inlet valve and the discharge valve are connected to a control device which together with the pressure-limiting valve, the discharge valve and, if required, the inlet valve is disposed in a pressure-resistant casing connected to a discharge line leading away from the device. The control device is adapted to be influenced in dependence on control signals from a temperature sensor detecting the environmental temperature, a pressure sensor detecting the pressure at which the compressor is supplied, and a pressure-difference sensor disposed in front of the inlet valve and detecting the difference between the pressure in the suction line and in the casing.

Abstract: A melting safety device for discharging gas from the gas system of a hydropneumatic pressure reservoir or accumulator has a blocking element of a material which melts when exposed to an undue temperature increase. A normally closed valve can be opened by a control member which is prebiased for controlled movement by the force of a power drive. The blocking element is a mechanical blocking member which blocks the controlled movement of the control member prior to its melting, but permits the controlled movement of the control member upon melting.

Abstract: An improved coupling device (e.g., 134) has a first section (e.g., 135), a second section (e.g., 136), and a sleeve member (e.g., 138) mounted on one of the coupling sections and arranged to selectively engage the other coupling section. The sleeve member is provided with a weakened portion (e.g., 156). The weakened portion is formed of a suitable material and is so configured and arranged as to permit the two coupling sections to be physically separated from one another through thermally-induced flexural deformation of the weakened portion, without rotation of the sleeve member relative to either section, when the temperature of the weakened portion is greater than about 200.degree. F. but less than about 300.degree. F., and preferably about 266.degree. F.

Abstract: A .[.connector.]. .Iadd.device .Iaddend.with a safety shut-off feature for .[.connecting a gas appliance to a source of gas.]. .Iadd.preventing the flow of a gas in the event of an occurrence which might cause gas leakage or a fire hazard.Iaddend.. The .[.connector.]. .Iadd.device .Iaddend.comprises a tubular line .[., a first coupling adjacent the inlet end of the line for releasably coupling the line.]. .Iadd.adapted for connection .Iaddend.to .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.source of gas, .[.a second coupling adjacent the outlet end of the line for releasably coupling the line to the appliance,.]. and a valve associated with the line movable between an open position for permitting passage of gas through the line and a closed position for preventing passage of gas through the line. An electric circuit controls the operation of the valve. The circuit comprises an electrical conductor on the line designed to break or otherwise .[.become non-conductive.]. .Iadd.undergo a change in electrical resistance .Iaddend.