Abstract: The present specification is directed to a valve that has an orifice closing member adjacent to an orifice through which fluid can flow, a displacement member having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the orifice closing member when the valve is in an open position, a first magnet and a second magnet where the first and second magnets are sufficiently proximate to the displacement member to exert a magnetic force on the displacement member, and an actuator for generating a magnetic field to move the displacement member toward the first magnet, cause the first portion to press against the orifice closing member, and cause the orifice closing member to close the orifice.

Abstract: A controller sets a target operation position and controls an operation position of a wastegate in accordance with the target operation position in a position control mode. The controller sets a target drive force and controls a drive force of the wastegate in accordance with the target drive force in a drive force control mode. The controller controls the wastegate in the position control mode when a boost pressure of an engine is less than or equal to a preset value and controls the wastegate in the drive force control mode when the boost pressure is greater than the preset value.

Abstract: A leak-detecting shut-off device has a holding mount, a valve seat and an operating set. The holding mount has a connecting segment, a mounting segment, an expansion element and a pushing rod. The expansion element is mounted in the mounting segment. The pushing rod is mounted in the mounting segment, is mounted around the expansion element, and has a mounting cover and multiple pushing panels. The valve seat is connected to the holding mount and has a body, an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The body is mounted in the connecting segment and has two connecting boards. The operating set is connected to the valve seat and has a valve shaft, a spring and an operating tab. The valve shaft is movably mounted in the body. The operating tab is connected to the connecting boards, is selectively moved above the pushing rod and abuts against the valve shaft.

Abstract: A control device has a control drive for operating a valve or some other apparatus, for example an adjustment device for the pitch angle of a wind rotor, by means of a control element. This control drive is associated with an emergency operating device, via which the control element can be reset in the event of a disturbance, essentially independently of the operation of the control drive. This emergency operating device has an energy store, whose stored energy can be released for resetting. The emergency operating device has a piston, on one side of which the energy store acts and on the other side of which a pressure in a pressure area acts, which pressure area can be connected via a switching valve to a tank or the like, in order to release the energy stored in the energy store. In this case, the piston is designed such that it moves the control element in a resetting direction when the pressure in the pressure is relieved.

Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring.

Abstract: Failsafe apparatus for use with linear actuators are disclosed. A failsafe apparatus for use with a linear actuator includes a spring to urge a first stem of a device to be operated by the linear actuator toward a failsafe position and a clutch to operatively couple a second stem of the linear actuator to the first stem. The clutch includes a frame coupled to one of the first stem or the second stem and jaws moveably coupled to the frame. The jaws are to engage the other one of the first stem or the second stem to enable the linear actuator to operate the device and to disengage the other one of the first stem or the second stem to enable the spring to move the first stem toward the failsafe position.

Abstract: A safety valve for interrupting the flow of fuel through a fuel line includes a housing member and a safety valve insert, wherein the housing member houses a portion of the safety valve insert and the valve insert includes a connection end for connecting to a grounding surface to draw electrical current through the safety valve insert, a fusible link, which is broken by electrical current, and a plunger, which is released when the fusible link is broken and interrupts the flow of fuel through a fuel line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and preventing electrically induced fires in a gas tubing systems constructed of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) and Gas Appliance Connectors (GAC). The system of the present invention may include one or more energy detection schemes to detect electrical energy surges on the gas line. When such a surge is detected, the control circuitry of the present invention causes an electric main gas valve de-energize into a closed position. In addition, the system of the present invention further includes a residual gas dispersal system that automatically vents the residual downstream gas pressure remaining in the gas tubing system after the closure of the main gas valve.

Abstract: An earthquake triggered and electronically controlled shutoff valve for allowing or preventing a flow of a fluid. The shutoff valve incorporates a weight positioned on a pedestal and disengaged from a surrounding moveable tube. Upon sufficient vibrational force, the weight moves from its resting position on the pedestal and engages with the moveable tube to block the flow of the fluid through the shutoff valve. In addition to vibrational forces, the shutoff valve may be electronically triggered via a connector electrically connected to one or more solenoids positioned within the shutoff valve. The solenoids may engage with the weight upon electrical stimulation or may engage with a moveable member coupled to the moveable tube. An energy storage unit provides power for the solenoids such that the solenoids may function in the absence of external power to the shutoff valve.

Abstract: A smart drain valve comprises a support plate, a bolt passing through a center of the support plate, an outer plate connected to a first end of the bolt, an inner plate connected to a second end of the bolt, and a spring positioned between the inner plate and the support plate. The spring is made of a shape memory material.

Abstract: A low-cost safety valve for gas lines and similar supply lines that can be remotely activated via a secure wireless link employing a low leakage sealing mechanism that is compatible with low energy actuators to for extended battery life. A miniaturized controller and wireless electronics assembly provides the control mechanism for actuating the valve, as well as reporting data regarding the valve status to wireless interrogators or external networks via an ad hoc wireless network. A variety of simple magnetic valve operating mechanisms can be implemented with the miniaturized electronic control circuits and the valve body. Such control actuation mechanisms enable automatic resetting or manual resetting valves. The gas line shut off valve can provide important safety benefits at an affordable price.

Abstract: A high speed valve has a valve body having a flow passage therethrough, and a poppet disposed within the valve body. The poppet is movable between a first position in which the poppet blocks the flow passage and a second position, and the poppet has a piston connected to a stem at a proximal end of the stem. The valve also has a rotating lever release mechanism adjacent a distal end of the stem.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a valve actuator is provided, where an electrical motor is operatively connected to the valve actuator operatively connected to the valve. The system can include a main motor driver connecting the electrical motor to a primary power source, a first sensor to monitor the primary power source, a second sensor to monitor the flow of current to the electrical motor, a third sensor to monitor the angular rotation of the valve, and an emergency shut down (“ESD”) controller to operate the main motor driver in the event of an alarm condition to actuate the valve to a fail-safe position. The method includes the steps of providing the system, actuating the valve, monitoring the rotation of the valve and generating an alarm if the valve does not rotate in response to the step to actuate it.

Abstract: A valve actuation mechanism for a high rate discharge valve has a collet with fingers adjacent a valve member that provides restraint against displacement of the valve member at angularly spaced locations symmetrical about the axis of the valve member. Each collet finger has at least one projection adjacent a first end. The valve actuation mechanism also has a collet sleeve release mechanism with a main body portion having a first end and a second end. The main body portion contains an aperture with at least one land portion that secures each projection of the collet fingers. The main body portion also has an actuation pad at the second end, as well as a hinge mechanism for allowing rotational movement of the main body portion connected to the first end of the main body portion, and an actuation device that contacts the actuation pad.

Abstract: A valve actuation mechanism has a plurality of links. Each link has a proximal end and distal end, and the links are disposed adjacent a valve member. The actuation mechanism also has at least one roller connected to the distal ends of at least two links. The roller contacts a surface of the valve member. In addition, at least one pivot for each link is present in the valve, wherein each pivot is positioned on the proximal end of each of the plurality of links.

Abstract: A sub sea valve actuator system including a piston and cylinder assembly and a return spring arranged in an actuator housing, a hydraulic pump and electric motor assembly associated with the piston and cylinder assembly, and hydraulic flow lines for hydraulic medium driving the piston and cylinder in relative displacement against a force of the return spring. The valve actuator system includes a detector configured to detect an end-of-stroke position of the piston and cylinder assembly. The detector includes at least one of: a motor current monitoring circuit unit, a hydraulic medium pressure sensor unit, a position sensor unit, and a linear variable differential transformer unit. An electromechanical arresting mechanism is arranged to be energized for releasably arresting the return spring in a compressed state in result of the detected end-of-stroke position.

Abstract: A low-cost safety valve for gas lines and similar supply lines that can be remotely activated via a secure wireless link employing a low leakage sealing mechanism that is compatible with low energy actuators to for extended battery life. A miniaturized controller and wireless electronics assembly provides the control mechanism for actuating the valve, as well as reporting data regarding the valve status to wireless interrogators or external networks via an ad hoc wireless network. A variety of simple magnetic valve operating mechanisms can be implemented with the miniaturized electronic control circuits and the valve body. Such control actuation mechanisms enable automatic resetting or manual resetting valves. The gas line shut off valve can provide important safety benefits at an affordable price.

Abstract: A gate valve actuator including a stem that is movable linearly in an actuator housing connectable to the gate valve. The stem acts on the gate valve to shift the gate valve between open and closed positions, respectively. The stem is driven by a motor in a first direction into a steady state operation position. In the position the stem is biased in a second opposite direction towards a shutdown position by a spring member acting on the stem. A trigger mechanism is arranged for holding the spring member in a compressed state. The trigger mechanism includes an electrically controllable trigger that is arranged for release of the spring member in result of de-energizing the electrically controlled trigger. A method for shifting a gate valve between a steady state operation mode and a shutdown mode utilizing the gate valve actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides a solenoid interlock coupled to a booster actuator. The booster actuator and solenoid interlock operate with a low energy input and a high energy output using mechanically stored energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides failsafe system for cutting gas off gas flow in response to electrical insults that may damage gas tubing. The invention uses an inductive sensor to detect electrical surges along a ground conductor that provides a ground path for gas tubing. The sensor is coupled to control circuitry that provides a continuous pulse train to a solenoid that forms part of a valve that controls gas flow through the gas tubing. The pulse train from the control circuitry keeps the valve open. In response to an electrical surge detected along the ground conductor (e.g., from lightning), the control circuitry stops the pulse train to the solenoid, which in turn causes the gas valve to close and stop the gas flow through the tubing.

Abstract: An actuator device comprising an actuator housing with a fitting for connecting the actuator to an object, a motor, which via transmission elements, drives an output actuator shaft of the actuator, where the actuator shaft is rotationally disconnectable from the motor, the actuator shaft being rotatable between two angular positions where the one angular position may correspond to the object being in a first condition and the other angular position may correspond to the object being in a second condition, and where the actuator is provided with an element for storage of mechanical energy, the element by energy cut-off to the actuator being releasably arranged to be able to displace a nut being prevented from rotating around its longitudinal axis, along a screw thread complementary fitting to the nut, and connected to the actuator shaft, whereby the actuator shaft is rotated between the two angular positions.

Abstract: A deployable automated vent cover device includes a vent cover and a telescopic pole. The vent cover includes a vent base, a first vent door, a second vent door and a release mechanism. The release mechanism includes a solenoid, a pivot release, a first latch device and a second latch device. The vent base preferably includes a base plate with two openings, and a vent seal. The first and second vent doors are pivotal attached to the base plate. The first latch device is retained on the base plate and the second latch device is retained on the base plate. The first and second latch devices retain the first and second vent doors in a closed orientation. The pivot release is pivotally connected to the solenoid and to the first and second latch devices. The solenoid is actuated to open the first and second vent doors through the pivot release.

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: A valve actuator has a set of sensors (2) for detection of the internal parameters of the actuator, a controller (3) for recording and storing the parameters and the operations performed by the actuator, a wireless module (5) to temporarily and omnidirectionally connect the actuator with a PDA (Personal Data Assistant) or a PC (pocket PC) (6) which controls the actuation thereof. The wireless module (5) further allows to download the collected data for analysis and to achieve an early diagnosis of any failure and/or inefficiency of the actuator. The wireless module (5) includes a transceiver operating at the frequency of 2.4 GHz.

Abstract: Methods and devices for utilizing an electrically-actuated wireline insert safety valve (WLSV) within a wellbore. Power is delivered to an electrically actuated WLSV to actuate the WLSV via inductive charging and without the use of wired contact.

Abstract: A remotely-operated selective fracing system and valve. The valve comprises a casing with at least one casing hole; an inner sleeve nested within the casing and having at least one sleeve hole alignable with the at least one casing hole; actuator means engagable with the inner sleeve for moving the inner sleeve relative to the casing to selectively align the at least one sleeve hole with the at least one casing hole; and receiver means electrically connected to the actuator means and having a sensor for detecting a seismic or electromagnetic signal generated by a remote source. The system further includes source means for generating an acoustical signal receivable by the receiver means.

Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a flow detection switch monitors water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A suspension system includes four electronically controlled actuators, one at each of the four wheels. The actuators are each controlled by an electronic control unit. The left front and right front actuators are mechanically connected with each other. The left rear and the right rear actuators are also mechanically connected with each other. The only connection between the front two actuators and the rear two actuators is an electronic communication through the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A valve actuator has a set of sensors (2) for detection of the internal parameters of the actuator, a controller (3) for recording and storing the parameters and the operations performed by the actuator, a wireless module (5) to temporarily and omnidirectionally connect the actuator with a PDA (Personal Data Assistant) or a PC (pocket PC) (6) which controls the actuation thereof. The wireless module (5) further allows to download the collected data for analysis and to achieve an early diagnosis of any failure and/or inefficiency of the actuator. The wireless module (5) includes a transceiver operating at the frequency of 2.4 GHz.

Abstract: A gas meter installation including gas supply plumbing and point of use plumbing will have a gas meter therebetween. A valve can be installed with the gas meter for shutting off the flow of gas to the point of use. This valve is preferably a gate valve mounted with the a gas meter, and can be retrofitted into existing installations, or installed with the new plumbing installation. The valve can be shut off by remote activation for example due to a seismic sensor causing a controller to send a signal to activate the valve. The control can also interact with electricity shut off apparatus, automatic meter reading apparatus and point of use security systems.

Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined manually set value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly. Preferably, the valve assembly indicates whether the valve is in an open or closed position.

Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined manually set value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly. Preferably, the valve assembly indicates whether the valve is in an open or closed position.

Abstract: A gate valve has a body with a gate chamber intersected by a flow passage and a stem chamber extending from the gate chamber. A gate is carried in the gate chamber. A stem, when rotated, causes linear movement of the gate between open and closed positions. A neck on the gate extends into the stem portion of the chamber. The neck has a cylindrical outer diameter, and a seal seals the neck to the stem portion of the chamber. The stem extends into engagement with a cavity in the neck. A ball screw interface is located between the stem and the cavity of the neck.

Abstract: A valve housing 1 with valve seat 10 incorporated in a fluid line features a closing element 2 with a valve disk 11 and a valve stem 12 extending through and sealed in the housing wall which, on the outer side, is locked by means of a locking pin 17 actuated by a solenoid. Owing to the geometry of the valve disk and the annular gap 20 as well as the action of a spring element 23, the inlet-side pressure acting upon the closing element 2 exceeds the outlet-side pressure, as a result of which the fluid flow via the annular gap is interrupted in only a few milliseconds merely by the permanently present, higher mechanical pressure if the valve stem is released merely by the movement of the locking pin effected by a small and lightweight solenoid 18, actuated on the basis of a signal indicating an event.

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: A disclosed is a 2-way 2-position fluid control valve assembly operable to manually open and automatically block fluid flow therethrough. The fluid control valve assembly includes a valve and an electromagnetic actuator having an armature and a pole piece. The valve is biased to its closed position whereat the armature is spaced away from the pole piece. The armature is manually movable to contact the pole piece while opening the valve. The armature and the pole piece are latchable together, with only residual magnetism, only when there is zero air gap or substantially zero air gap between the armature and the pole piece. When latched, the armature and the pole piece remain in that state until they are delatched by canceling at least enough of the residual magnetism so that the biased valve closes while the armature moves away from the pole piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the multifunctional urgent shutoff safety valve for preventing accidents such as gas explosion, fire, etc. in advance. It is installed at the gas supply path. The spool assembly run by earthquake accelerations in case of an earthquake of stronger than a fixed level shuts off the gas circulation path to stop gas supply, or the spool assembly shuts off the gas circulation path to stop gas supply when an excessive amount of gas is flowed out in a short time due to blowing-out of the rear end pipe of the present valve. In the configuration of the multifunctional urgent shutoff safety valve of the present invention, a permanent magnet, which is mounted on the upper end of the spool assembly installed at the valve room in the main body in the vertical state to pen and close the outlet port, is suspended apart from the bottom surface of the pendulum (acceleration sensor) at a fixed interval, when the valve outlet port is open.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method and apparatus for closing off a live fluid line. This apparatus consists of a plunger which is held open by detents and a spring which biases the plunger closed against an opening in a live fluid pipeline. This apparatus is fed into a live fluid pipeline. The apparatus also contains a battery and a solenoid. In operation, when the fluid line leading to a building or home is to be closed, this may be accomplished by merely depressing a button on a transmitter which releases the spring and plunger from the detent stop in the open position, thereby closing the pathway from the main to the fluid outlet in the building or home. This apparatus and method therefore allow for the blocking and stopping of fluid to the house without excavation.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system having a housing and cover member with a throttle valve, gear mechanism, motor, and failsafe or default mechanism. A spring member positioned between the housing and sector gear member which is attached to the throttle valve shaft, biases the throttle valve plate member toward the closed position. A spring-biased plunger member biases the throttle plate member from its closed position to a default or “limp-home” position. In order to reduce contact between the spring member of the default mechanism and the plunger member, the spring member can have an hourglass shape and/or the outer surface of the plunger member can be minimized.

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

Abstract: A 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: An automatic shutoff valve for shutting off the main water supply to a building in the case of detected water leak. A ball valve is provided with a mounting kit for rendering the valve automatic. The apparatus includes a housing adapted to fit over the valve body and secured directly to the pipes with adjustable clamps. The kit includes a two-section lever member pivotally mounted to the valve. The one-quarter turn movement of the lever member determines the opening and the closing of the valve. A spring-loaded cable and a system of pulleys control the lever member. A retaining member is pivotally mounted to the floor of the housing and a pair of arms extends outwardly therefrom with one arm of the retaining member engaging a slot in the upper end of the internal section of the lever member to retain the valve in the opened position.

Abstract: A safety device for shutting off a gas valve at the detection of a gas leak has an add-on adaptor device having a first knob mounted over an existing gas knob and affixed thereto; a spindle coupled to the first knob, capable of rotating the fist knob, and the gas valve knob, between an open position and a closed position. A second knob is rotatably mounted substantially perpendicular to the spindle, and is provided with firm cantilever which is extended to provide a firm support along side the gas valve knob so as to cause rotation of the gas valve knob when the second knob is rotated in one direction. A spinning is attached to the second knob and is in a wound state when the second knob is parallel to the first knob when the first knob is in the open position, and in an unwound state when the first knob is in the closed position.

Abstract: A fluid detection and shutoff actuation apparatus includes a rotatable plate mountable over a shaft of a shutoff valve, a linear actuator spaced from the plate, a trigger disposed between the actuator and plate, a fluid detector, and a control mechanism connecting the fluid detector to the actuator for activating it in response to detection of a fluid at a location monitored by the detector. The actuator is movable between extended and retracted positions toward and away from the plate. The plate rotates with the shaft between first and second positions in which the shutoff valve is respectively in opened and closed conditions and the plate is biased by a coil spring to rotate from the first to second position and change the valve from the opened to closed condition. The trigger is connected to the actuator and is pivotally movable toward and away from the plate in respond to movement of the actuator between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapidly changing the state of a device from an active state to an inactive state. The apparatus includes an inner member slidably contained in an outer member. The member is connected to an actuator and the other to a control for changing the state of a device. A latch mechanism normally holds the two members locked together so that the control means responds to the actuator. When a potentially dangerous situation is sensed, the latch mechanism is opened and the two members are rapidly forced apart by a heavy release spring thus rapidly changing the state of the device from an active state to an inactive state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic valve having a passage therethrough and a closure member which is reciprocable between first and second positions in whoch the passage is openend and closed. An electromagnectic controllable actuator effects movement of the closure member against a spring force from the first position into the second position. The valve includes a retainer which retains the closure member in the second position. The retainer is formed by a piezoelectric bending element which locks the closure member positively in the second position.

Abstract: A fire suppression valve for use with a cannister of fire suppression material. The valve has a housing with a central connection for attachment to the cannister and communicating with a central chamber. The central chamber has a relatively smaller outlet port on one side and diametrically opposite thereto a concentric and relatively larger piston port. A two-stage piston operates inside the central chamber to control access to the outlet port. In the closed position, the pressure of the fire suppression material serves to bias the two-stage piston toward the open position. The two-stage piston is oriented along an axis that is angled with respect to the orientation of the central connection, to thereby minimize the amount of vertical space required by the valve maximize cannister size for a given space limitation.

Abstract: A fire suppression valve for use with a cannister of fire suppression material. The valve has a safety shuttle valve located in a discharge port for preventing unintended discharge of fire suppression material in the absence of connection to a discharge hose. The shuttle valve has an actuating surface and a body portion with shuttle ports. An outside end of the body portion projects into an outlet connection sized to receive the discharge hose. When the hose is connected, it abuts the outside end to support the shuttle valve in an open position. When the hose is removed, the shuttle valve is free to slide to a closed position, in which the actuating surface substantially blocks the discharge port. Accordingly, when the valve is triggered without an attached hose, the pressurized suppression material pushes against the actuating surface to move the shuttle valve to the closed position.

Abstract: The invention is a shut-off device for a gas or liquid conduit that closes the conduit upon receiving a signal from a leak detector. The shut off device is a spring biased full flow ball valve positioned in the fluid conduit that closes upon receiving a signal from the leak detector that a fluid leak has occurred. The detector may be a conductivity detector for liquids or a specific gas detector, and may be hard wired or remote signaling in operation. Multiple detectors may be used in the system. An audible alarm is also activated when a leak is detected.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve suitable for fitting to the fuel line (16, 18) of an internal combustion engine has a valve member (12) and a spring (14) urging the valve member (12) to a closed position where the valve member seals against a valve seat (13). A key-actuated setting mechanism (20, 21) allows the valve member (12) to be moved away from its closed position to an open position and a latch (31, 32) then holds the valve member in that open position. An electrically operated release (33) moves the latch (31) to free the valve member and permits the valve to close under the action of the spring (14). When fitted to a vehicle, energy may be provided to the release (33) automatically whenever the vehicle is left unattended so as to immobilise the vehicle.