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: An actuator has been developed for actuating a valve for controlling fluid flow in a conduit, the actuator having, in one aspect a housing with a main interior housing space, a rod with a mid-portion, a top end and a bottom end, the mid-portion movably disposed in the housing, the bottom end movably extending from the housing and interconnected with the valve, a first piston member secured to the rod and movable in the housing as the rod moves, a second piston member movably disposed in the housing above the first piston member, the second piston member movable to contact the first piston member, first power apparatus for moving the rod to open or close the valve, and second power apparatus for moving the second piston member to contact the first piston member moving the first piston member and the rod to close the valve. In one aspect the rod has a stop shoulder above the first piston member, and the second piston member is movable to contact the stop shoulder to move the rod.

Abstract: An electronic water utility safety apparatus comprising a control box positionable within the house of a user. A display indicates a sensed water pressure. An indicator is mounted in the box to generate an audible signal upon the pressure being modified from an acceptable range. An electrical line is positioned from the box to a source of potential within the house. A second line is positioned from the box to a water line for the house. A sensor is mounted on the line to determine the pressure within the line and to allow the indicator to display such pressure read. A valve is located within the water line adjacent to the sensor to shut off the flow of water upon the pressure being outside of a predetermined range. An electrical circuit is provided for controlling the box.

Abstract: A moisture control system which overrides power supplied to electrically operated irrigation control valves such that a preset amount of moisture content of soil is not exceeded. The system is composed of two components, a remote detector, which is disposed in soil distant from its controller, and a controller which is placed near the valve it controls or the valve's source of power.The controller is electrically placed between the source of power for a valve, such as a time clock, or 24 VAC transformer and the valve. The controller receives its power from the source of power and the valve receives its power from the controller. The controller supplies electrically isolated power to the remote detector, sets the desired moisture level at the remote detector, and controls power to the valve.

Abstract: A water supply control apparatus for a household plumbing system having a main water supply line includes a shut-off valve disposed in the main water supply line, electric motor means for actuating the shut-off valve and being operable to move between open and closed positions, at least one temperature sensor adapted to be located in a position of exposure to cold temperatures, at least one moisture sensor adapted to be located in a position of exposure to water leaking from household appliances, control means, connected to the electric motor means, the at least one temperature sensor and the at least one moisture sensor, for actuating the shut-off valve to the closed position when either a freeze condition is detected by the at least one temperature sensor or a water leak is detected by the at least one moisture sensor.

Abstract: A fuel tank has a filler pipe to which a vent pipe is attached on one end and which divides into two openings on the other end within the fuel tank. One opening is positioned below the other opening relative to the top of the fuel tank and has means for preventing expulsion of fuel through the vent pipe when fuel tank pressure exceeds atmospheric. The other opening is positioned to be in vapor even when the tank is filled to maximum capacity. Fuel vapor vents through the openings during refueling until fuel entering the vent pipe through the lower opening blocks the flow of vapor, thereby limiting the fuel level within the tank.

Abstract: A micro-actuator includes force elements and compensation elements arranged on a bending element such that a change in the environmental temperature does not cause any flexing of the bending element.

Abstract: An automotive type fuel tank has a fuel fill pipe with automatic pressure responsive fuel shutoff means, and a vapor vent assembly. The assembly has a small tube extending down through the top of the tank to below the normal fuel level of a full tank. The lower end is upturned and extends upwardly to a point near the top of the tank with a large orifice opening to vent vapors freely therethrough through the tube. A small orifice is drilled in the bottom of the tube at the bend to slowly bleed fuel into the tube as the tank fills until the fuel level blocks the vent of fuel vapors, resulting in a shutoff of the fill fuel. During operations other than filling, the small orifice prevents/minimizes expulsion of liquid fuel out the vent tube. A weighted ball further seals against fuel leakage upon vehicle or tank rollover.

Abstract: A seismic shut off valve includes a cripple column responsive to seismic movement. A toggle spring overlies the cripple column. Latch pins extend from the toggle spring into a valve body to hold a popper valve in an open position. During an earthquake, the cripple column buckles causing the toggle spring to bow upwardly under spring force exerted on the toggle spring through the latch pins from the popper valve. The latch pins release the poppet valve which shifts to seal against a valve seat in a valve body. A ball joint connecting the valve body and cripple column allow the cripple column to be vertically aligned despite use of the valve on a non-vertical pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water piping system wherein when a predetermined time elapses after the flow of the water in a hose has stopped, the water is drawn out of the hose, thereby preventing proliferation of various bacteria in the water standing stagnant in the hose and when the temperature of the water drops, the water is completely drawn out of the hose, thereby preventing a water pipe from rupturing or cracking in the wintertime. The water pipe including a reducing valve which is at a position higher than a waterstop valve is connected with a hose through a first electromagnetic valve. The required number of second electromagnetic valves are located intermediate on the hose. When a predetermined time elapses after the flow of the water through the hose has stopped, the first valve is temporalily closed while the second valves are opened.

Abstract: A supply plenum connected to a source of compressed natural gas (CNG) and a control valve assembly for selectively turning on the flow of CNG through a sonic nozzle and out through a dispensing hose assembly. Pressure and temperature transducers connected to the supply plenum measure the stagnation pressure and temperature of the CNG and the ambient temperature, and a pressure transducer fluidically connected to the vehicle tank via the dispensing hose assembly monitors the pressure of the CNG in the vehicle tank.

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 supply plenum connected to a source of compressed natural gas (CNG) and a control valve assembly for selectively turning on the flow of CNG through a sonic nozzle and out through a dispensing hose assembly. Pressure and temperature transducers connected to the supply plenum measure the stagnation pressure and temperature of the CNG and the ambient temperature, and a pressure transducer fluidically connected to the vehicle tank via the dispensing hose assembly monitors the discharge pressure of the CNG.

Abstract: The fluid control device of the present invention combines a flow sensing unit in series with a control valve. The flow sensing unit is of the displacement piston type and the flow rate is electronically sensed. A single action poppet valve assembly facilitates the use of a self contained power supply for use in remote locations. A microprocessor monitors parameters including pressure, flow rate, temperature and flow volume, and is enabled to activate the control valve to the open or shut positions based upon any combination of the monitored parameters.

Abstract: There is provided a system for monitoring moisture level in soil and controlling application of water to the soil. The system includes a moisture level sensor which generates a small voltage through the Volta effect. This voltage is amplified and is then used to trigger a switch typically connected to a standard watering timer. The sensor signal may be compared to a present voltage level through a comparator, and in this way the amount of moisture in the soil which will determine the "on" condition can be selected. The preferred sensor in the present invention is a bimetallic element, the soil functioning as an electrolyte in contact with the bimetallic element such that a Volta effect electromotive force is produced in the bimetallic element. A temperature sensor is also included, and functions in parallel to the moisture sensor such that both moisture level and temperature level must be within a present range in order for the comparator to pass an output signal on to the switch.

Abstract: The fluid control device of the present invention combines a flow sensing unit in series with a control valve. The flow sensing unit is of the displacement piston type and the flow rate is electronically sensed. A single action poppet valve assembly facilitates the use of a self contained power supply for use in remote locations. A microprocessor monitors parameters including pressure, flow rate, temperature and flow volume, and is enable to activate the control valve to the open or shut positions based upon any combination of the monitored parameters.

Abstract: A water freeze guard valve having a water-filled actuator chamber and a linkage assembly for transmitting linear expansion movement, caused by ice formation within the actuator chamber, to force a poppet disc against the seat of the valve supply port and thereby close the valve when freezing conditions occur, a latch assembly for keeping the valve open prior to freezing weather, a spring to keep the valve closed during the subsequent thaw, and a lever for manually and selectively re-opening the valve. When installed in a water supply line for a building structure that is subject to freezing and thawing conditions, the valve shuts off the supply of water to the building structure during the freeze and prevents further supply of water to the building after the thaw occurs so that the interior of the building is not damaged by flooding.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive valve having a body with an internal valve chamber being open through said body, an inlet extending into the valve chamber, a control outlet communicating with said valve chamber, and a bleed outlet communicating with said valve chamber, a bonnet having a bore secured to said body in surrounding relationship to the opening of the valve chamber through the body, a control sleeve positioned in said valve chamber and in said bonnet bore, means for sealing between the control sleeve and the interior of the valve chamber above and below the entry of said inlet into the valve chamber, said control sleeve defining a first valve seat in its lower portion, a second valve seat surrounding the entrance of the bleed outlet into said valve chamber, a valve member extending through said valve sleeve and having valve seat engaging surfaces for engaging said first and second valve seats, a first temperature sensitive material supporting said valve member in position out of engagement with said first v

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: A temperature compensator for use on a gas pressure regulator which inflates an infatable aircraft slide. The temperature compensator is cooperative with a movable valve upon actuation, to control the flow of pressurized fluid past a discharge orifice. The temperature compensator has a plurality of nested tubes that have alternate ones of a different linear coefficient of thermal expansion to provide an expansion and contraction of the overall length of the tubes to effect an adjustment of the movable valve and its corresponding control of the opening of the discharge orifice.

Abstract: A flow control device, such as a valve, has a valve body which has a fluid holding chamber therein. An inlet in the valve body couples the chamber to a source of pressurized fluid. An outlet in the valve body couples the chamber to downstream devices such as sprinkler heads. The outlet has an outlet opening which opens to the valve chamber. A collapsible tubing is sealingly attached at a first end to the outlet opening. The collapsible tubing has an opposite end which extends into the chamber. The opposite end of the collapsible tubing has an inlet which opens into the chamber. A mechanism is provided for blocking and unblocking the inlet of the opposite end of the collapsible tubing to cause the collapsible tubing to collapse and uncollapse to block and unblock fluid flow from the chamber through the outlet. The mechanism has a piston for insertion into and withdrawal from the inlet of the collapsible tubing to block and unblock the inlet.

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: A reusable emergency gas shutt-off valve for terminating the supply of fuel to a dwelling is adapted for fluid pressure actuation at a location outside of the dwelling, manual actuation on the valve itself, and thermal actuation from heat in the vicinity of the valve or via a signal received from a temperature-sensing device at a location remote from the valve. The valve is resettable only by utilizing a specially-constructed reloading tool.

Abstract: A two fill level system uses a valve within the tank interior having a pair of different height venting inlets to the vent pipe, with a fuel level responsive seal at one inlet and a temperature responsive seal at the other inlet.

Abstract: A flow control device, such as a valve, has a body with two portions which define two valve chambers, an inlet, which is coupled to a source of pressurized fluid and which opens into one of the valve chambers, and an outlet coupled to downstream devices, such as sprinkler heads, and which opens into the other valve chamber. A piece of collapsible tubing couples the two valve chambers. A shaft extends into the valve and is provided with a mechanism for pinching the collapsible tubing shut which causes the collapsible tubing to collapse due to the pressure exerted on its exterior by the pressurized fluid surrounding it. A coil spring is attached to the shaft and the valve body. When the valve is closed, i.e., the collapsible tubing collapsed, the coil spring is biased to cause the shaft to rotate if released. The shaft is prevented from rotating by a fusible link. When the temperature to which the valve is exposed reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, the fusible link melts.

Abstract: In a thermal responsive relief valve, an elongated tubular valve body axially contains a strut secured at one end portion to the bore of the valve body and axially contained at its other end by a piston sealed with the valve body bore at one of its ends. A fusible material is interposed between one end portion of the strut and the valve member surrounding the last mentioned strut end portion.

Abstract: For freeze protection of a water line, a T fitting in the line is provided with a removable threaded bushing having a plug with radially projecting balls which engage J-shaped slots in the bushing to provide a bayonet joint. The plug is released when freezing conditions threaten by retraction of the balls in response to movement of a cam inside the plug by a thermal actuator also inside the plug.A check valve in the T fitting is closed automatically when the threaded bushing is removed.Modified versions include a plug having dual actuators in series, a plug combined with a flanged bushing for use in freeze protection of a compressor head, a plug combined with a valve to provide a snap-action drain valve with a more easily replaceable actuator assembly, and a plug using a water-filled glass vial as an actuator. A building protection system and a locomotive coolant system both use freeze protection devices in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: Self actuating valve systems for fluid line networks comprising a main valving stem (3) with a driving-to-close bias spring (14) which is blocked by a detent ball (15) from closure against a valve seal (8), the ball itself being held by a removable pilot stem biassed to such holding action by a spring (17), the force of which can be automatically overcome at emergency temperature use condition by high force action of a shape memory spring (21). The main valving stem is manually resettable and the shape memory drivable pilot stem and related drive system are manually testable. A plurality of such valve systems are distributed in a fluid flow network for isolating an emergency temperature rise (e.g., fire region).

Abstract: An automatic shut-off safety valve comprising a movable poppet held in a stable position by magnets and a movable weight. On the occurrence of an abnormal condition, such as a seismic event, the movable weight is displaced and gravity carries the poppet downward until it engages a valve seat, closing off fluid flow. Magnets may also be used to hold the poppet in its closed position. Modifications include using the fluid flow itself to assist in displacing the poppet from its stable position.

Abstract: An air diffuser adapted for mounting in a building for controlling air pressure within a space, the diffuser comprising a tile such as can be placed in a ceiling and having an air inlet side and an air discharge side, a wall providing an air flow port in the tile for allowing the flow of air from the inlet side to the discharge side, a damper adapted in one position to substantially seal against the wall adjacent the port to prevent air flow through the port, and in other positions removed from the wall to allow variable air flow through the port, an electrically operated actuator connected to the building and/or the tile, and to the damper for moving the damper toward or away from the wall, guide posts on the tile extending generally axially of the direction of movement of the damper toward and away from the wall, and follower apertures in the damper slidable over the guide posts to allow substantially only linear movement of the damper.

Abstract: A solenoid valve comprising: a stator; a coil responsive to current into thereto, and magnetically connected to the stator. The coil characterized such that its resistance changes with temperature to increase or decrease, as the case may be to vary the amount of flux generated. A valve seat positioned about one end of the stator defining a valve seating surface positioned at a predetermined distance for the one end and a flat armature movable relative to the valve seat and when seated thereon is spaced from the one end. The armature fabricated of a bi-metallic, thermally responsive element for causing a portion of such armature to move closer to or farther from the stator to vary the distance between such portion on the one end as a function of temperature to compensate for the changes in magnetic flux.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for regulating a pressure differential between a fuel pressure and an intake manifold vacuum, which includes a casing member, a diaphragm dividing the casing member into a vacuum chamber and a fuel pressure chamber, a valve member associated with the diaphragm, and a spring biasing the diaphragm and constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory alloy.

Abstract: An automatic irrigation control includes a pilot needle valve with a slidable stem and a block of material the dimensions of which change when exposed to moisture, arranged in a framework so that when the block expands it bears against the valve stem, closing the valve and shutting off a connected hydraulic valve. Preferably, an override lever, connected to a temperature-responsive device, is interposed between the block and the valve in such a way that when the temperature is above a predetermined height, the lever overrides the block and prevents the actuation of the hydraulic valve when the temperature is too high. An adjustable canopy regulates the rate of drying and wetting of the block.

Abstract: An automatic liquid flow control unit is adapted to be attached to an externally threaded spigot to enable liquid to trickle therethrough in order to avoid liquid freeze-up. The unit includes a rigid conduit which includes an internally threaded fastener which can be directly coupled to the threaded spigot. The conduit carries a solenoid actuated valve and a thermal switch which is electrically coupled to the valve to open the latter to a water trickling mode. The thermal switch senses the outside temperature of the conduit and thus is virtually directly responsive to the temperature of liquid within the conduit. The valve can be opened independently of the thermal switch to provide a normal water flow without removal of the unit from the spigot.

Abstract: A hydraulic control valve having a piezoelectric actuator comprises an expansible sleeve loosely received within a bore of the valve housing, with one end thereof being fixedly or stationarily mounted relative to the housing and the other end thereof being expansibly mounted within the bore. A slidable first piston is mounted within the bore of the valve housing and is urged against the other end of the expansible sleeve. This first piston floatingly supports one end of the piezoelectric actuator, the other end of which is supported by a second piston which is slidably mounted within the sleeve and is coupled to a valve member operable to cooperate with a valve seat to open and close an inside fuel passage communicating an inlet port with an outlet port.

Abstract: A freeze protection valve can be reset under cold ambient conditions without the need for artificial heating of the valve's temperature sensor. An auxiliary latch is used to hold the valve element closed. The auxiliary latch is automatically released as the primary latching mechanism of the valve becomes operative upon an increase in temperature of the liquid system served by the valve. Release of the auxiliary latch is effected by virtue of a small downward movement of the valve stem resulting from a camming action inherent in the operation of the valve's primary latch.In one version of the valve, a simple, drop-away key temporarily holds the valve stem down until the primary latch becomes operative. In another version, the valve stem is reset remotely through a bowden wire, and the resetting mechanism automatically engages an auxiliary latch.

Abstract: A damper assembly is provided which comprises a duct having an opening and a blade movable between a closed position in covering relation to a portion of the opening and an open position. A fusible retainer holds the blade in its open position and releases the blade when the retainer is sufficiently heated. When released, the blade is urged to its closed position by a hinge member which connects the blade to the duct. The blade in its closed position cooperates with the hinge member to substantially prevent flow of fluid through the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling a watering system in response to a comparison of an ambient condition with a time-varying reference level having an adjustable maximum value is disclosed. The invention includes an electrical circuit for monitoring and sensing the magnitude of the ambient condition and for converting the sensed magnitude into a proportional electrical signal. The invention further includes a first timer circuit for generating a triggering signal when the time-varying reference level exceeds the magnitude of the proportional electrical signal. This triggering signal is applied to a second timer circuit which actuates the watering system for a predetermined period of time in response to the triggering signal.

Abstract: A novel operator is disclosed for use in combination with a butterfly fire and volume control damper, which operator may be concealed behind a standard concentric diffuser. Only a screwdriver aperture need be provided in the diffuser to facilitate the volume adjustment of the butterfly damper. In response to excessive heat in the vicinity of the damper, the blades of the damper will move to their fully closed position. Once activation conditions have passed, the damper may be reset by replacing the releasing device which separated in response to said heat.

Abstract: An arm operatively interconnecting the float and float valve in a carburetor adapted to compensate for changes in ambient temperature to adjust the air-fuel ratio thereof includes a first arm portion having one end operatively associated with the float and a second arm portion of substantially arcuate configuration fixed to or integral with said first arm portion operatively associated with the float valve, the first and second arm portions being substantially entirely formed of a bimetallic construction.

Abstract: A novel operator is disclosed for use in combination with a butterfly fire and volume control damper, which operator may be concealed behind a standard concentric diffuser. Only a screwdriver aperture need be provided in the diffuser to facilitate volume adjustment or resetting of the bufferfly damper. In response to excessive heat in the vicinity of the damper, or alternatively, in response to a remote signal received by the operator, the blades of the damper will move to their fully closed position. Once activation conditions have passed, a screwdriver is used to reset the damper to resume its volume control function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a four-port thermally responsive valve for valving two pairs of isolated fluid ports in response to predetermined temperatures. A single valve member is movably contained within a housing passageway and spring biased in a first position so that sealing surfaces at either end of the valve member are respectively engageable with and spaced from corresponding seating surfaces in the passageway for achieving initially open or closed valved conditions within each pair of fluid ports. A seal ring mounted in the passageway and surrounding the valve member isolates the first pair of fluid ports from the second pair of fluid ports thereby preventing fluid interaction therebetween. When predetermined temperatures are encountered, a thermally responsive actuator connected to the valve member by a rod overcomes the biasing force generated by the spring and moves the valve member to a position that simultaneously reverses the valved condition of each pair of fluid ports.

Abstract: Method of and means for accurately measuring the calorific value of combustible gases wherein a mixture of combustible gas and combustion-supporting gas is burned in a pair of flames, the temperatures of the burned gases in both flames being monitored and the volume ratios of the combustion-supporting gas to the combustible gas fed to both burners being adjusted so as to maintain the average of said temperatures at substantially maximum; the volume ratio of said gases which produces said maximum average temperatures varying substantially directly with the calorific value of said combustible gas; the aforesaid calorific value being proportional to said volume ratio of said gases which maximizes said average temperatures; the flow rates of said gases being measured by a single flow sensing system, preferably, of the turbine flowmeter types, or the volumetric flow rate of said combustion-supporting gas being maintained at a constant value while the volumetric flow rate of said combustible gas is being measured;

Abstract: A heat actuated valve comprises a base adapted to be mounted on a fire extinguisher container. The base includes a passsage communicable with the container interior. A pair of stop fingers extend forwardly from the base. A fusible element interconnects the stop fingers. The base, stop fingers and fusible element are of one-piece, integral construction. A plunger is slidably mounted in the passage and includes a passage-blocking portion which blocks the passage when the plunger abuts the stop fingers during a fire sensing mode of operation. The plunger is slidable rearwardly to shift the passage-blocking portion to a first passage-opening position to allow the container to be filled. The plunger is operable, in response to melting of the fuse, to spread the stop fingers apart and travel forwardly sufficiently to shift the passage-blocking portion to a second passage-opening position, enabling the container contents to be discharged.

Abstract: The invention comprises a watering device for watering gardens and the like without constant attention. The device has a box-like construction and has an L-shaped passageway therethrough with an inlet and outlet for connection between the sprinkler and a source of water at the opposite ends of the passageway. A solenoid operated valve is mounted in the passageway, with a solenoid upon actuation moving the valve to open the passageway. A timer is mounted on top of the box to actuate the solenoid at a selected hour of the day to thereby allow water to flow through the passageway to the sprinkler for sprinkling, which timer will maintain the solenoid actuated for a selected amount of time. A thermostat is mounted to the top of the box which actuates the solenoid when the temperatures reach the danger of frost (35.degree. F.