Abstract: A water flow valve positioned within a waterline preferably just past a building's water meter. The valve compresses air bubbles into the water at the point where the water enters the meter, thus improving the accuracy of the meter reading. The internal passageway of the valve is non-linear and causing the water traveling therethrough to go through a plurality of turns. A blocking disk and spring are used to close off communication between a first portion of the internal passageway and a second portion of the passageway in a valve closed position. With enough water flow pressure the spring is compressed which causes the blocking disk to retract and allow water to travel through the passageway, while creating the backpressure in the waterline to collapse the air bubbles prior to the bubbles being read by the water meter. A laminar flow for the water can also be created which can reduce the wear and tear on the water meter possibly extending the useful life for the water meter.

Abstract: An actuator position control system includes an electronic controller and encoder that control and monitor an actuator's position between its position limits, while mechanically actuated limit switches prevent attempts to exceed the actuator's position limits, even if there is a loss of calibration, software error, or electronic controller failure. When actuated, the limit switches provide position calibrating information to the electronic controller. Embodiments can control linear and/or rotary actuators. The encoder can include intermeshed gears and magnetic Hall-effect position sensors. A mechanically driven position indicator can visually indicate the actuator's position. An electromechanical control system can be included that can transition the actuator between its limits even in the event of electronic controller failure. Embodiments can alert a user if the electronic controller fails.

Abstract: An electrically controlled valve for the circulation of hot fluids is made up of an electromagnetic actuator and a valve. The valve has an opening provided with a movable sealing member driven by a rotation shaft perpendicular to the axis of the opening, the electromagnetic actuator driving the rotation of the shaft, the output shaft of the actuator being substantially coaxial with the rotation shaft. The front end of the rotation shaft and the front end of the output shaft are not in direct contact. The coupling between the rotation shaft of the valve and the output shaft of the actuator is provided by a coupling member placed between the front end of the output shaft and the front end of the shaft. The coupling member transmitting rotation torque with a misalignment tolerance between the output shaft and the rotation shaft of the valve. The valve also having thermally insulation for mechanical connection between peripheral areas of the body of the actuator and the body of the valve.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide an electric actuator including a fail-safe mode of operation. The electric actuator includes a mechanical stop coupled to the output through the transmission, and a brake coupled to the second driving source through the transmission, the brake being engaged to establish the first pathway through the transmission between the first driving source and the output, the brake being disengaged to establish the second pathway through the transmission between the second driving source and the output, and the mechanical stop being engaged to restrict the output from rotating beyond the fail-safe position and the brake being disengaged to establish the third pathway through the transmission between the first driving source and the second driving source.

Abstract: A four-chamber cylinder comprises a first piston device including a first piston and a first piston rod, the first piston delimiting a first chamber and a second chamber, a second piston device including a second piston and a second piston rod aligned with the first piston rod, the second piston delimiting a third chamber and a fourth chamber, and a compressive-elastic emergency element. The first piston, via the first chamber, and the second piston, via the fourth chamber, are configured to move towards each other and held with each other to tension the compressive-elastic emergency element. With the four-chamber cylinder according to the disclosure, an actuating movement is possible via the emergency spring even in the case of a supply failure, wherein the four-chamber cylinder can be installed and operated bi-directionally.

Abstract: An automatic vent valve and method for use is provided equalizing the pressure in at least two lines. A housing has a first piston that compresses a bias device when the second pressure source supplies sufficient pressure. Upon a sufficient reduction in pressure the first piston releases a second internally held coaxial piston to allow fluid to flow from a first pressure source towards a second pressure source, thereby equalizing the pressure between the two pressure sources.

Abstract: A fire hydrant break off valve includes an offset pivot and a lateral trigger captured between a fire hydrant and fire hydrant break off riser. When a collision breaks the break off bolts holding the fire hydrant to the hydrant break off riser, the lateral trigger is released and the valve rotates to a closed position. Force of water attempting to escape rotates the valve around the offset pivot. The edge of the valve is tapered and after rotating, the valve is pushed against a matching seat to close the valve. The match of the tapered valve against the tapered seat stops or nearly stops all flow of water from the broken hydrant.

Abstract: A valve assembly disposed within a water supply line upstream of a water meter and structured to reduce or significantly eliminate the passage of air through the meter including a housing having an interior channel and a valve body movably disposed within the channel. The valve body includes a sealing structure which is biased, under a predetermined force, into sealing relation with an inlet of the interior channel. The predetermined force is sufficient to prevent displacement of the sealing structure out of the sealing relation with the inlet, but insufficient to prevent displacement of the sealing structure when force from a normal water flow is exerted thereon from within the water supply line. Air flow within the water supply line will be compressed or otherwise be prevented from passing through the meter, thereby preventing unnecessary charges being made to the metered facility.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a valve system that includes a valve having a spool moveable from an un-actuated position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the valve. The valve system also includes a wire to secure the valve in the un-actuated position, a first resistor electrically coupled with the wire and configured to release the wire to actuate the valve and move a first component coupled to the wire toward a second component, and a second resistor electrically coupled with the wire to detect connection of the first component with the second component.

Abstract: A valve release mechanism has an actuator, a ring, a plurality of ball bearings, and a retainer. The retainer is positioned adjacent an inner diameter of the ring and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes therein. Each circumferentially spaced hole receives one of the plurality of ball bearings, which are movable therein. The ring has channels and lands along its inner diameter that allow the ball bearings to move varying distances relative to the retainer. The lands contact the ball bearings when the ring is in a first position and the channels receive the ball bearings when the ring is in a second position. The poppet has a groove that is vertically aligned with circumferentially spaced holes in the retainer when the poppet is in a first closed position. The ball bearings are pressed into the groove in the poppet by the lands of the ring. The resulting interference of the ball bearings with poppet locks the poppet in the first closed position.

Abstract: A leak stopping sprinkler head includes a hollow body that has an upper portion and a lower portion fluidly connected to a valve body. The upper portion has a spraying nozzle and a first internal diameter. The lower portion has a second, larger internal diameter. The valve body includes a valve seat fluidly connected to the lower portion and a water supply. A hollow spheroid is larger than the first diameter, smaller than the second diameter and has perforations for passage of water. A rigid rod connects the spheroid and a sealing disk for the valve seat. The rod is sized to hold the disk away from the valve seat when the hollow body is intact. Destruction of the hollow body permits the spheroid to move out of the hollow body, pulling the rod and the disk upwardly, causing the disk to seal the valve, stopping the flow of water.

Abstract: A water sensor and activation assembly including a paper element to sense the presence of water leaks from appliances such as clothes washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and the like, and to cause an associated water shutoff valve to turn off the source of water leakage. The water sensor, in conjunction with the shutoff valve, operates without any electrical power requirement. The design allows the water sensor to operate in a high humidity environment.

Abstract: An assembly is for extremely fast opened lids systems, where compressed gases or liquids or oils are used. Mainly, the removable lid is comprised of a lid, a lid platform, a dynamic hinging mechanism, and a releasing mechanism. A final action could be via means of mechanical or electrical via an action of a solenoid.

Abstract: Disclosed are a water tank and a refrigerator having the same. The water tank includes a tank main body provided with a water storage space formed therein and a discharge hole; a tank cover connected to the tank main body for opening and closing the water storage space; a valve movably installed in the tank main body for opening and closing the discharge hole; and a valve driving unit moving the valve using magnetic force so as to cause the valve to open and close the discharge hole. The water tank is opened and closed by the magnetic force of magnets and the restoring force of elastic members, and thus it is possible to prevent water stored in the water tank from leaking out in a process of attaching or detaching the water tank to or from the rear surface of a door or a refrigerator.

Abstract: A housing has a passageway containing a valve seat. A valve element seals against the valve seat to maintain the valve in the closed position. A release rod extends from the valve body and a shell surrounds the release rod, preventing its movement. The shell is formed in several sections, maintained together by a wire. The wire is connected to a frangible initiator which, upon failure, releases the wire from the shell, allowing these sections to move away from one another. When this occurs, the release rod and valve body are able to move, opening the valve, allowing fluid flow between the inlet and outlet of the valve.

Abstract: The valve assembly disposed within a water supply line upstream of a water meter. The valve assembly is structured to reduce or significantly eliminate the passage of air, separate from water flow, through the meter and includes a housing having an interior channel and a valve body movably disposed within the channel. The valve body includes a sealing structure which is biased, under a predetermined force, into sealing relation with an inlet of the interior channel. The predetermined force is sufficient to prevent displacement of the sealing structure out of the sealing relation with the inlet, but insufficient to prevent displacement of the sealing structure when force from a normal water flow is exerted thereon from within the water supply line. As a result any air flow within the water supply line will be compressed or otherwise disbursed and prevented from passing, independently, through the meter, thereby preventing unnecessary charges being made to the metered facility.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a confined space having a vent aperture for relief of an overpressure condition and provided with a vent unit having a pressure relief portion normally closing the vent aperture is provided with recloser structure for generally closing off the vent aperture in the event of opening of the pressure relief portion of the vent unit. The recloser structure includes a resilient, flexible, spring steel recloser panel that is normally held in a bent condition out of closing relationship to the vent aperture. Releasable mechanism engages the recloser panel for normally retaining the panel in its open position. An actuator is connected to the releasable mechanism for actuating the latter to release the recloser panel for movement as a function of its inherent resilience into substantially closing relationship to the vent aperture after the relief portion of the vent unit has opened.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus having a multipart, separable needle that can be easily repaired should the needle becomes distorted or damaged.

Abstract: A valve mechanism which is resiliently biassed towards a first position but is normally retained in a second position by means of a linkage including a chemically sensitive device which is arranged to release in the presence of a contaminant.

Abstract: The motor-operated valve for regulating a gas flow is the lift type with a modulating valve cut-off member (11), coupled to a valve spindle (10,10a) sliding linearly along a central gas flow conduit (5). A flame safety valve is open initially due to the pressure of the spindle (10a) and in case of the movement of the spindle being locked because of the change in the direction of rotation of the motor, safety cut-off means (5a, 21-24, 21?-22?) drawn by the spindle (10) are interposed between the valve inlet conduit (6) and the outlet conduits (7,8,20) to prevent gas escaping, while the modulating cut-off member (21,21?) is still not actuated.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for controlling an external member, such as the shut off valve of a steam turbine, from a remote location according to which latching and tripping devices are connected to the plunger of a solenoid so that the control of the external member is achieved by energization of the solenoid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fail-safe valve having a valve element, and a control motor being connected with the valve element via a driveline. It is endeavoured to ensure the tightness of the refrigeration system in a simple manner. For this purpose, it is ensured that the valve element is located inside and the control motor outside a closed valve housing, that the drive line has a magnetic coupling, which acts through the housing, and that the valve element is pressure-released. In addition, a resetting device is provided that causes the valve element to be returned to a predetermined position upon the undesired cessation of control motor operation.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus having a multipart, separable needle that can be easily repaired should the needle becomes distorted or damaged.

Abstract: An automatically operating valve for use for example in a forecourt fuel pump has a body (10) defining a flow passage (20) within which is formed a valve seat (22), the body having a weakened zone (16) around the flow passage (20) such that an impact on the body will fracture the body at the weakened zone. A valve member (30) is mounted for movement within the flow passage (20) and is engageable with the valve seat (22) to close the valve. A closing mechanism effects movement of the valve member (30) to its closed position in the event that the body (10) is fractured at the weakened zone. Further, the valve member (30) is configured to move to its closed position under the influence of excessive flow of liquid through the flow passage (20).

Abstract: This invention relates to a memory cell which comprises a capacitor having a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric layer. Such dielectric layer comprises a layer of a semi-insulating material which is fully enveloped by an insulating material and in which an electric charge is permanently present or trapped therein. Such electric charge accumulated close to the first or to the second electrode, depending on the electric field between the electrodes, thereby defining different logic levels.

Abstract: In a device for restoring a rotary member to a defined basic position, having a three-dimensionally fixed fixation cam that predetermines the basic position and having a slaving cam, which is coupled with the rotary member and is movable past the fixation cam, of which cams, each has one stop face each on sides facing away from one another, and having a clamp spring, which embraces the cams with prestressing by way of two bent-away spring legs, in order to achieve a freedom of play in rotation between the spring legs and the cams in the basic position, at least one spring leg is countersunk, with at least one leg segment, in at least one of the cams so far that in the basic position, with a leg segment fitting over the other cam, it rests without play on the stop face of the other cam.

Abstract: A multi-stage pedal valve structure relates to a flow regulator on the valve opening located between the two compartments inside the body of the one-way pedal valve. The device includes a valve jacket, a piston rod, a graduating disc and a spring, while the valve jacket possesses a concave channel guide and a one-way tilting wedge. The graduating disc is a cylindrical unit on the opposite of the valve jacket. The piston rod comes in the form of a trapezoid, of which the outer section increases from top to bottom, and the middle section of the piston rod features circular channels, of which the end and the lower section come in increasing pitches and the perimeter of the lower section comes with slant blocks in reduced numbers and in even numbers in proportion to the channels on the valve jacket. The device keeps water from flowing.

Abstract: A firefighting monitor having an acceleration sensitive shut off valve that responds to acceleration of the monitor to reduce water flow through the monitor. The acceleration sensitive shut off valve is self-contained and requires no contact with an external surface or device. The valve closing speed may be modulated by a dampener device that slows the rate at which the valve closes to avoid damage from water hammer.

Abstract: In producing a semiconductor device by annealing with laser light irradiation, while a linear laser light is scanned in a direction perpendicular to a line, the annealing is performed for a semiconductor material. In this state, since an anneal effect in a beam lateral direction corresponding to a line direction is 2 times or more different than that in the scanning direction, a plurality of semiconductor elements are formed along a line direction in which the linear laser light is irradiated. Also, a line direction connecting the source and drain region of a thin film transistor is aligned to the line direction of the linear laser light.

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: The invention relates to a pressure fitting (1) having a flow channel (42), a valve cone (5), a sliding element (43), and a locking device (12). The sliding element (43) is disposed displaceably along a main axis (41) of the pressure fitting (1). The valve cone is disposed on one end (44) of the sliding element (43). The flow channel (42) is closable by the valve cone (5) and the locking device (12) can be moved into a locking position, so that in a position of the valve cone (5) that opens the flow channel (42) the locking device (12) engages the valve cone (5) and/or the sliding element (42) and keeps the valve cone (5) in the position that opens the flow channel (42). Thereby a pressure relief in a pressurized system, in particular in a pressurizer (47) of a pressurized water reactor, can be assured even to a pressureless state. The pressure fitting is particular useful as a pressure relief valve or as a combined pressure relief and safety valve.

Abstract: A pressure relief device that is thermally triggered by a shaped memory alloy element. The pressure relief device has a valve body with a passageway that is exposed on one end to a high pressure fluid and on another end to a low pressure fluid. A closure element is moveably mounted with respect to the valve body and operates between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the closure element preferably prevents communication between the high pressure fluid and the low pressure fluid. In the open position, the high pressure fluid is in communication with the low pressure fluid. The shaped memory alloy element either directly or indirectly interferes with movement of the closure element. The shaped memory alloy element preferably interferes with the closure element to retain the closure element in the closed position. Upon thermal activation, the shaped memory alloy element deforms and allows the closure element to move from the closed position toward the open position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conduit that is at least partially encased within a containment housing. The containment housing provides structure for containment of fluids from a leaking or totally failed conduit and for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid through the leaking conduit. More particularly, the apparatus comprises at least one conduit that is at least partially received within a containment housing. A valve is attached to the conduit so that it is in fluid flow relationship with the conduit. The valve is biased toward a closed position, but is held in the open position by a block located within the containment chamber defined by the space between the exterior of the conduit and the interior of the containment housing. When a predetermined fluid leaks from the conduit into the containment chamber the fluid structurally alters the block and the valve moves to the closed position blocking the flow of fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus including a monitor and a portable ground base comprising a liquid-carrying conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is adapted to receive a liquid (such as water) from a supply, and the outlet end is attached to the intake of the monitor. The conduit of the base includes an intermediate portion that is normally close to the support or ground when the ground base is in the normal operating position. Mounted within the conduit is a valve that is movable between a closed position and an open position. The valve is biased toward the closed position by a mechanism including liquid flow through the conduit and a spring. A trip catch is connected between the valve and the conduit for releasably holding the valve in the open position to permit flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A safety cut-off device, comprises a valve for controlling fluid flow. The valve has a body with a passageway therethrough and inlet and outlet communicating with the passageway. The valve includes a closure member disposed within the passageway, the closure member having an open position for permitting fluid flow through the body and a closed position for shutting off the fluid flow. A stop has an operative position engaging the closure member in the open position and an inoperative position when the closure member is in the closed position. The stop is biased in the operative position. A vibration sensitive member is secured to the valve body, the vibration sensitive member being adapted to move the stop to the inoperative position in response to vibrations in the environment, whereby the closure member is permitted to move to the closed position.

Abstract: A sprinkler head wherein an engagement face for engagement by a locking member is formed on the inner surface of an inwardly raised portion of a frame, and locking protrusions are formed on the upper and lower sides of the engagement face for preventing disengagement of the locking member from the engagement face, in order to ensure accurate and positive locking engagement of the locking member, and wherein an elastic member is interposed between the lower end of a sprinkler head body and the plug member, with a screw member being put in thread engagement with the inner periphery of the plug member, so that by threaded disengagement of the screw member from the plug member the plug member is allowed to shift toward an outlet port, whereby the elastic member is tensioned under a predetermined pressing force to enable the plug member to effect satisfactory descending movement.

Abstract: A shock or vibration activated safety shut off apparatus includes a housing, an ON/OFF member drive mechanism, a first member movable rectilinearly from a first position to a second position, a second member movable rectilinearly from a third position to a fourth position, and an inertia responsive mechanism for forcing the first member into its second position in response to vibration or shock imparted to the housing. The inertia responsive mechanism includes an inertia cup having an indented upper surface, and an inertia ball normally resting on the indented surface, a lever pivotably mounted to the inertia cup and a permanent magnet mounted beneath the free end of the lever, such that when a shock or vibration causes the inertia ball to jump onto the lever and roll toward its free end, the inertia ball will be attracted to the permanent magnet and will cause the lever to be pivoted downwardly.

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 valve includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway that connects the inlet and the outlet in fluid communication. A valve member on the housing for opens and closes the passageway and an actuator on the housing that is responsive to movement such as may accompany an earthquake causes the valve member to close the passageway automatically in the event of such movement. The actuator may include a spring for driving the valve member from an open position to a closed position, and a trigger mechanism responsive to movement such as may accompany an earthquake for holding the valve member in the open position until the occurrence of such movement and then enabling the valve member to move to the closed position under influence of the driving means.

Abstract: A motor driven ball valve may be driven in two modes of operation; those modes are a normal or testing mode and an emergency mode. The ball valve, when in its full open position, has an air passage that allows for the rapid exhaust of air in the air pipe of the air brake system to atmosphere, thereby inducing the emergency application of the brakes. The rotating ball valve assembly is capable of infinite variation between its full closed and its full open positions. Thus, the motor drive, which is remotely controlled, can effectively modulate the reduction in air pressure in the air pipe for a variety of purposes, including normal operation of the brakes and testing the air brake system. The motor drive mechanism may be in a cam, gear, or follower configuration. When an emergency application of the brakes is required, the motor drive mechanism is disengaged to allow a spring or other torsion device to rapidly rotate the ball to full open position, while drawing minimal electrical power.

Abstract: A shock responsive device for automatically actuating a valve or other controlled unit in response to earthquake forces, including a weight which is displaceable from a pedestal or other support by shock forces, an element at a first side of the support actuable by the weight to operate the controlled unit, and a guide structure onto which the weight can fall at a second side of the support and which is constructed to direct the weight from that side to the first side for actuation of the element and controlled unit. The guide structure preferably extends circularly about the support and is inclined to direct the weight by gravity to the first side of the support from any other location thereabout. The guide structure may be vertically movable relative to the support to return the weight to the normal position on the support for resetting of the mechanism.

Abstract: A shock activated shut-off device which can be used in any position includes a housing, a drive member rotatably mounted within the housing, a first member movable rectilinearly from a first position to a second position and a second member movable rectilinearly from a third position to a fourth position. An inertia ball engages the first member to move it from the first position to the second position in response to a vibration or shock imparted to the housing, and movement of the first member causes movement of a trigger ball disposed between the first member and the second member. Movement of the trigger ball allows the second member to move from the third position to the fourth position and thus to release engagement between a locking ball and a locking ball receiving seat in the housing. A torsion spring is connected between the drive member and the housing, whereby the drive member can be rotated against the force of the torsion spring to load the device.

Abstract: A damper for an air handling system in which the blade or blades are normally positioned to permit air to flow through the damper by a pneumatic cylinder which, when pneumatically actuated, overcomes the force of a spring within the pneumatic cylinder which would otherwise position the blade or blades to close the damper to air flow. The pneumatic cylinder normally receives air through a primary outlet of a three-way valve, the three-way valve also having a vent outlet and a valve member which is movable to permit pneumatic flow either from a source of pneumatic fluid through the primary outlet or from the pneumatic cylinder back through the three-way valve for venting through the vent outlet.

Abstract: A pinch valve mechanism for a parenteral infusion system is provided which includes a spring-loaded pinch valve. The pinch valve is manually latched to its open position. A bobbin and cam mechanism includes a length of wire which contracts when a current is applied to it. The cam has two positions, one which holds the pinch valve in its open position and one which enables to pinch valve to close. When it is desired to automatically close the pinch valve, a current is applied to the wire. The contraction of the wire moves the cam from its valve open position to its alternate position, permitting the pinch valve to spring closed.

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 earthquake tremor responsive valve closing assembly that includes a magnetically suspended pendulous weight adapted to be dropped upon a cocked trigger assembly for an internally spring biased gas line valve in response to a decrease in magnetic retention force resulting from tremor induced displacements.

Abstract: A heat sensitive valve including a body having an inlet, an outlet, a valve chamber and a valve seat surrounding the opening between the inlet and the outlet, a bonnet connected to the body with a bore therethrough in communication with the valve chamber, a valve member positioned in said valve chamber and coacting with said valve seat to open and close flow through said valve, a stem connected to said valve member extending through the bore of said bonnet, a pressure responsive actuator connected to said stem with means of supplying and venting pressure fluid to an from said actuator, a housing secured to the bonnet, a linkage supported by said housing in an extended position, having means for engaging the outer end of the stem, heat sensitive means for retaining the linkage in its extended position supporting the stem and means biasing the linkage away from its extended position when said heat sensitive means releases the linkage to thereby remove support retaining said valve member in its innermost positio

Abstract: An auto-fill flow valve for use in providing valving action in a conduit, the valve having a releasable locking mechanism which prevents the valving element from moving to seat against the valve seat until the locking mechanism is released. Also provided is a valve guide for receiving the releasable locking mechanism and holding it against the valving element.

Abstract: An apparatus which is provided for closing a fluid valve in response to initial movement, as for example caused by a seismic disturbance, which is removably mountable to existing inline valves, such as gas valves. The apparatus includes a trigger which is responsive to seismic movement, particularly at a resonant frequency, to release a pressurized fluid supply which in turn drives a mechanical actuator to actuate the subject valve through the existing valve coupling. The existing valve coupling is typically a valve stem which must be rotated approximately ninety degrees from an open position to a closed position. The pneumatic drive is sufficiently powerful to actuate valves which are noticeably difficult to actuate manually. The force required to actuate the trigger mechanism is independent of the force required to actuate the valve, in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: An engine shutdown valve comprises a substantially circular gate valve movable about an axis between open and closed positions within a valve housing mounted in an engine induction manifold. A gate lever connects the gate valve with the axis and a movement mechanism acts to move the lever between the two positions. A latching mechanism holds the gate lever and gate valve in the open position and a release mechanism is operable to release the latching mechanism when desired. The latching release and movement mechanisms are all located in a latch housing which is located exterior of the valve housing and manifold.