Abstract: A method having the following steps: running a circulation valve comprising a reactive material into the well bore on the casing; reverse-circulating an activator material in the well bore until the activator material contacts the reactive material of the circulation valve; reconfiguring the circulation valve by contact of the activator material with the reactive material; and reverse-circulating a cement composition in the well bore until the reconfigured circulation valve decreases flow of the cement composition. A circulation valve for cementing casing in a well bore, the valve having: a valve housing connected to the casing and comprising a reactive material; a plurality of holes in the housing, wherein the plurality of holes allow fluid communication between an inner diameter of the housing and an exterior of the housing, wherein the reactive material is expandable to close the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A pressure washer gun is connectable to a source of fluid. The pressure washer gun includes a housing that defines an interior and a flow path disposed substantially within the interior. The flow path includes an inlet in fluid communication with the source and an outlet. A valve at least partially defines a portion of the flow path and is movable between a closed position and an open position in which fluid travels from the inlet to the outlet. A user interface is movable between an actuated position in which the valve is open and a non-actuated position in which the valve is closed. A lock member is substantially disposed within the interior and is movable in a substantially arcuate path between a locked position in which the lock assembly inhibits movement of the user interface, and an unlocked position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a malfunction prevention manual valve capable of preventing a malfunction while ensuring operability in opening and closing the valve. To achieve the object, a malfunction prevention manual valve 1 of the present invention includes a lock mechanism including a parallel pin 75 held against rotation relative to a housing 71, and a sub-handle 73 provided in a handle 72 in such a manner as to be engageable with the parallel pin 75. The parallel pin 75 or the sub-handle 73 is urged by a lock spring 77, bringing the sub-handle in engagement with the parallel pin 75 to restrain rotation of the handle 72. A malfunction prevention manual valve 2 of another aspect includes a lock mechanism including a spring pin 175 held against rotation relative to a housing 171, a cam groove 172a formed in a handle 172 to receive a spring pin 175, and a sub-handle 173 provided integral with the handle 172 and urged by a spring 177.

Abstract: A device and method for locking out an explosion suppressor that includes a discharge valve with a load end and a discharge end. The load end and the discharge end define a discharge path therethrough. The discharge valve includes a side opening transverse of the discharge path. A storage container is connected to the discharge valve at the load end. The storage container delivers a pressurized fluid to the discharge valve through the load end when the system is in a discharge mode. A lockout member is removably insertable into the side opening. The lockout member mechanically blocks the discharge path, whereby the lockout member prevents inadvertent fluid discharge through the discharge end of the discharge path. The presence of the lockout member is monitored by a magnetic switch.

Abstract: A quick opening drain plug assembly for automotive radiators that can be readily opened even when in a difficult to reach location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a valve during the detection of a hazard event. A hazard event is defined as an event that may endanger the health or safety of people or the environment from contamination of hazardous material carried by a vehicle. The hazard event may be detected from a condition of the vehicle, an input received from a vehicle operator, or a message received from a remote location. After detecting a hazard event, a valve located on the vehicle is controlled to prevent contamination from the hazardous material being transported.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a fluid chamber and a fluid inlet and fluid outlet. A poppet assembly is movably disposed within the chamber and includes a poppet head. The chamber includes a valve seat and is interposed between the fluid inlet and outlet. An actuator is attached to the poppet assembly. A lock-out mechanism is connected with the actuator for placing the valve into a closed position with the poppet head positioned against the valve seat. The lock-out mechanism includes a shaft member that is movably attached to the valve apparatus. When the shaft member is in a first position, the actuator is permitted to cause desired poppet assembly movement with the valve. When the shaft member is in a second position, the actuator and poppet assembly position within the valve is fixed with the poppet head seated against the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve opening-closing timing control device includes a housing member rotating together with one of a cam shaft and a crank shaft of a combustion engine, a rotor member rotatably attached to said housing member; and rotating together with the other of said crank shaft and said cam shaft, a hydraulic pressure chamber formed between said housing member and said rotor member, the hydraulic pressure chamber being divided into an advance angle hydraulic chamber and a retard angle hydraulic chamber by a vane integrally provided with said rotor member, a lock mechanism including a lock member movably provided at the housing member and a receiving portion formed at said rotor member for receiving the lock member, whereby the lock mechanism restricts a relative rotation between the rotor member and the housing member by advancing the lock member into the receiving portion and allows the relative rotation between the rotor member and the housing member by retracting the lock member from the receiving portion, a hydra

Abstract: An actuator assembly and method for making and using an actuator assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an actuator body having an actuator channel with a first region and a second region. An actuator is disposed in the actuator channel and is movable when in a flowable state between a first position and a second position. A heater is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to heat the actuator from a solid state to a flowable state. A source of gas or other propellant is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to drive the actuator from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a higher surface tension when engaged with the second region of the channel than when engaged with the first region. Accordingly, the actuator can halt upon reaching the second region of the channel due to the increased surface tension between the actuator and the second region of the channel.

Abstract: A hose separation transmitter system includes a shock sensor and a transmitter that are secured to the delivery hose. If the hose becomes disconnected, the shock sensor will generate a shock signal when the hose falls to the ground and the transmitter will respond to the shock signal by generating an encoded RF signal. A receiver at the vehicle receives the RF signal from the transmitter, determines that a hose disconnect has occurred, and automatically disables a fluid pump or closes a valve to stop the flow of fluid. The shock sensor preferably uses a strip of piezoelectric material. Related methods are also disclosed. For quick connect and disconnect, the shock sensor and transmitter are preferably secured to the hose by a hook and loop fabric material. The transmitter is immune to normal ambient vibration levels. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a valve having a valve member movable between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus includes an actuator assembly, a locking base, a locking shaft, and a locking pin. The actuator assembly moves the valve member between the open position and the closed position. The locking base has a through-bore extending from the lower portion to an upper portion, a first thread provided on the upper portion, and a first locking bore extending transversely therethrough. The locking shaft reciprocally extends through the through-bore of the locking base and includes an upper end having a second thread that is selectively engagable with the first thread of the locking base when the valve member is in a predetermined position, and a second locking bore extending transversely through the locking shaft.

Abstract: A portable beacon (8) for deterring damaging access to a deactivatable hazard comprises means for deactivating the hazard in the event of actual or impending damaging access to the hazard, deterrence means (12) and sensors (13, 23, 24) for sensing when damaging access is impending or actually occurring.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and abating an overpressure condition and an underpressure condition in a pressurized fluid. A collapsible buckling pin is supported between a valve assembly and a control assembly. The control assembly comprises a retractable support member moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. A biasing member applies a retraction force to urge the support member to the retracted position. A compressive force is applied to the pin by the valve assembly in relation to a pressure of the fluid, and this force nominally retains the support member in the extended position. When the pressure of the fluid exceeds an upper operational limit, the pin is mechanically deformed; conversely, when the pressure falls below a lower operational limit, the pin advances past the support member. In both cases the mechanical displacement of the pin allows the valve assembly to establish a secondary path for the fluid.

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: A mounting assembly for a container valve shut-off device such as a pneumatic ratchet consists of a holder for the ratchet, an articulation for controllably moving the ratchet holder so as to bring the ratchet into operational engagement with an exit valve on the container, and a stand for mounting the assembly on a support surface other than the container and valve. The assembly allows easy installation as well as temporary removal for maintenance and replacement work.

Abstract: An accommodation portion (53) is formed at a position where it faces a check valve member (42) through a chamber inlet (41a) of a check valve chamber (41). An opening means (51) is attached in the accommodation portion (53). This opening means (51) switches over between a valve opening position (Y) and a valve-opening cancellation position (X). A lock means (55) is attached between a peripheral wall of the accommodation portion (53) and the opening means (51). The lock means (55) changes over between a lock position (L) where it limits an advancement of the opening means (51) from the valve-opening cancellation position (X) and a lock cancellation position (M) where it allows the advancement. A valve-opening actuation means (60) is provided with a lock cancellation means (61). A magnetic force is made to occur between the lock cancellation means (61) and the lock means (55). The magnetic force changes over the lock means (55) to the lock cancellation position (M).

Abstract: A device for preventing the inadvertent rotation of a temperature selection dial associated with the temperature controller of a water heater. The device includes a spring-loaded prong that extends across the face of a rotatable dial so as to prevent rotation of thereof. The force required to pry the prong off of the dial is selected to be greater than what a small child is typically capable of exerting.

Abstract: An actuator assembly and method for making and using an actuator assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an actuator body having an actuator channel with a first region and a second region. An actuator is disposed in the actuator channel and is movable when in a flowable state between a first position and a second position. A heater is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to heat the actuator from a solid state to a flowable state. A source of gas or other propellant is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to drive the actuator from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a higher surface tension when engaged with the second region of the channel than when engaged with the first region. Accordingly, the actuator can halt upon reaching the second region of the channel due to the increased surface tension between the actuator and the second region of the channel.

Abstract: An actuator assembly and method for making and using an actuator assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an actuator body having an actuator channel with a first region and a second region. An actuator is disposed in the actuator channel and is movable when in a flowable state between a first position and a second position. A heater is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to heat the actuator from a solid state to a flowable state. A source of gas or other propellant is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to drive the actuator from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a higher surface tension when engaged with the second region of the channel than when engaged with the first region. Accordingly, the actuator can halt upon reaching the second region of the channel due to the increased surface tension between the actuator and the second region of the channel.

Abstract: An actuator assembly and method for making and using an actuator assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an actuator body having an actuator channel with a first region and a second region. An actuator is disposed in the actuator channel and is movable when in a flowable state between a first position and a second position. A heater is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to heat the actuator from a solid state to a flowable state. A source of gas or other propellant is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to drive the actuator from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a higher surface tension when engaged with the second region of the channel than when engaged with the first region. Accordingly, the actuator can halt upon reaching the second region of the channel due to the increased surface tension between the actuator and the second region of the channel.

Abstract: A control device test system including an electrical switch and a device controller, wherein the device controller has a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and an auxiliary input coupled to the processor and adapted to receive a binary signal from the electrical switch. A routine is stored in the memory of the processor and is adapted to be executed on the processor to cause a control device test to be performed in response to the receipt of the binary signal at the input.

Abstract: A linear spring-loaded actuator (10) for a valve (12) comprises a housing (14) and an actuating spindle (16) slidably supported in the housing (14). A cap (22) is associated with the housing (14). Spring means (36), arranged in the housing (14), bear on the cap (22) and the actuating spindle (16), so as to exert a spring force on the actuating spindle (16). A thread (26) on the housing (14) cooperates with a thread (24′, 24″) on the cap (22) for screwing the cap (22) on the housing (14) so as to preload the spring means (36) in the housing (14). At least one lock means (40) is associated with one of the threads (24′, 24″) and is capable of deforming this thread (24, 24″) so as to lock it in any position on the cooperating thread (26).

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for locking a knife gate valve in a position, such as an open and/or closed position. The locking device has a pair of first posts disposed substantially parallel to the shaft. A swivel lock member is mounted to rotate substantially about the axis of the shaft and to reciprocate together with the shaft and the knife. The swivel lock member is selectively rotatable between an unlocked position at which the swivel lock member does not engage the first engageable portions and a locked position at which the swivel lock member engages both of the first engageable portions to prevent the swivel lock member from movement in at least one of the back and forth directions along the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A locking device for a butterfly type valve is provided with an actuating shaft extending through a bore provided in a conduit in which the valve is located; the inner end of the shaft carries a locking arm that is movable upon rotation of the shaft between a locking and unlocking position relative to the valve.

Abstract: A valve for a tank containing anhydrous ammonia has a valve mechanism joined to a flow chamber from the tank. The valve mechanism has a bonnet with a hole through a sidewall of the bonnet. A stem valve portion and a stem handle portion are mounted in the bonnet. The stem valve protion is connected to the valve. The stem handle portion is connected to a handle. The handle may be raised or lowered with respect to the bonnet to selectively engage or disengage the stem handle portion from the stem valve portion. A hasp pin may be passed through the hole in the bonnet and locked in such position for preventing the handle from being lowered.

Abstract: An aerosol spray can (12) that can only be operated when connected to an a-c utility power source provided by a power cord (50A) connected to an external activator (40). The can is modified by adding internally, a movable armature (19) that operates a valve assembly (16) connected to a spray head (20). When the armature is not energized by the attached activator (40), the valve assembly (16) remains in a closed position, preventing the flow of paint. Conversely, when the movable armature (19) is energized by the activator (40), the valve assembly (16) opens allowing paint to be sprayed when the spray head (20) is depressed.

Abstract: A push-pull coupling for coupling a valve spool to a coaxial cable includes a lost-motion connection which operatively disconnects the coaxial cable from the valve spool when in a first mode and positively connects the coaxial cable to the valve spool when in a second mode. Switching from the first mode to the second mode is accomplished by energizing an electromagnetic actuator within the coupling which locks components to one another to transmit push and pull motion. When the actuator is deenergized, the components move relative to one another, disconnecting the coaxial cable from the valve spool. The push-pull coupling is used in hydraulic machines to prevent operation of hydraulic cylinders when a driver is not seated on the machine so as to close a seat operated switch which energizes the electromagnetic actuator.

Abstract: A valve having a flow blocking rotary system comprising: a main body divided in two body sections, a rotary dosing body to regulate or interrupt the flow of fluid, located between the two body sections and locking means to prevent that an unauthorized person could change the flow rate set for the valve, and by which the rotary dosing body may be set at a desired position to regulate the flow of fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising an emergency shutoff valve of a steam turbine and methods for installing and operating the same. A frame of the apparatus mounts on top of an emergency shutoff valve body and spans the axis of a valve stem of the emergency shutoff valve. A plunger is suspended from the frame and connects to the top of the valve stem of the emergency shutoff valve. The emergency shutoff valve, which is biased to spring closed, is held in place by the apparatus. With the valve thus secured, the tripping mechanism for the emergency shutoff valve can be disconnected from the valve stem and exercised, tested, or serviced. Additionally, the valve stem can be moved or exercised to assure its operability and to dislodge deposits or corrosion from the valve stem. Movement of the plunger is limited by retainer means that restrict movement of the plunger relative to the frame.

Abstract: The aerosol valve of this invention comprises a unitary valve housing, a valve stem disposed in said housing having a lower portion with a recess for a gasket, which gasket seals against the interior of the lower portion of the housing to form a valve blocking chamber, the valve stem further having a recess in its base for receiving an incompressible, free-falling object when the valve is in a predetermined orientation that permits actuation on opening of the valve, the gasket on the lower portion of the valve stem being integrally formed with the recess of the valve stem.

Abstract: An improved capping mechanism which self-aligns as it is tightened irregardless of alignment at the initiation of capping. The capping mechanism being for use with any valve such a pressure relief valve with an outlet including radial vents. The valve body having a plurality of truncated threads about its periphery in between the vents. These truncated threads work in unison with internal threads on the cap.

Abstract: A solenoid operated pneumatic valve comprises a mechanical latch device movable between three positions, a disabled position, in which an outlet port is connected to exhaust, an enabled position, in which the valve operates normally, and an override position in which the outlet port is connected to a supply of compressed air.

Abstract: A utility-power operated tamper-proof pressurized spray can (10) which can only be operated when connected to a utility a-c Power source. Thus, its use to spray graffiti is prevented or at least minimized. The spray can (10) is presented in two design configurations. In the first design, a solenoid/valve assembly is mounted on the top cover of a spray can and on the second design the solenoid/valve assembly is located on the can's lower cover. The first design utilizes a housing (12) that encloses the solenoid/valve assembly which consists of an upper fixed armature (20), a moving armature (36) and a lower fixed armature (58). Between the upper fixed armature (20) and the moving armature (36) is inserted a compliant leaf (48) that functions as a valve. Around the housing (12) is removably attached an electric coil (86) that when connected to a utility a-c power source produces a magnetic field that is applied to the solenoid/valve assembly.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a body having a bore with an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat therebetween. A valve stem has a seal to selectively engage the valve seat to open and close the bore to a flow of beverage between the inlet and outlet. A serving lever is pivotally connected to the body and selectively coupled and decoupled to the valve stem by a clutch which is operated by a solenoid. Operating the serving lever may move the seal away from the valve seat only when clutch couples the serving lever to the valve stem. A control circuit operates the solenoid to cause the clutch to decouple the serving lever from the valve stem when the beverage has been dispensed continuously for greater than a defined period of time.

Abstract: To resist mechanical forces tending to unseat a fluid valve applied to seal against a high fluid pressure, a fluid valve assembly is equipped with a valve block that, in response to the high fluid pressure, causes a locking member to be forcibly wedged into clamping engagement with the stem of a valve, thereby securing the valve in its closed, seated position. When the high fluid pressure is relieved, the valve stem is unclamped, and the valve can then be readily lifted to an open position.

Abstract: An anti-graffiti device includes a spray can with an activation base having a recess for receiving the spray can wherein the recess contains a way for controlling the dispensing flow from the spray can. The spray can has a liquid delivery tube for conducting liquid to be dispensed to an outlet and a selectively controllable interruption plunger for preventing liquid dispensing flow from the spray can. The plunger, for selectively preventing liquid flow, is independent from the finger-pressure spray can dispensing valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a holding device that is used for holding and maintaining a conventional gasoline pump in an opened position. The holding device consists of a retaining mechanism and a C-shape clamp. The retaining mechanism is used to provide for the holding device to be removably secured in the proximity of the opening of the gasoline fuel line of a vehicle. The C-shape clamp includes a back portion that is attached to the retaining mechanism. This C-shape clamp further includes a pair of identical arms extending from opposite ends of the back portion. This arrangement provides for the arms of the C-shape clamp to engage the lever and handle of a gasoline fuel pump and maintain the gasoline fuel pump in an opened position.

Abstract: A flood prevention valve including a rotary valve assembly having an input line, an output line, a rotating valve vane including an internal magnetic coupling ring affixed to the rotating valve vane, an external magnetic coupling ring having a coupling gear secured concentrically thereto, and a gearing linkage having at least one linking gear enmeshed with the coupling gear; a gear stop mechanism including a solenoid having a stop member positionable by the solenoid in a manner such that the stop member engages and prevents a linking gear from rotating in response to a first electrical signal to the solenoid and disengages and allows a linking gear to rotate in response to a second electrical signal to the solenoid, a timer circuit having a magnetic sensor capable of detecting rotation of the internal magnetic coupling ring; a timing circuit for timing the rotation intervals of the internal magnetic coupling ring; and, an output circuit in electrical connection with the solenoid that puts out a first predeter

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve of minimized length comprises a tubular valve housing with a valve closure member therein movable between an open and a closed position, an axially shiftable flow tube for opening the valve closure member, a plurality of longitudinally disposed springs radially spaced about the housing for biasing the flow tube to a closed position, and a piston and cylinder assembly to move the flow tube to an open position, with a portion of the assembly longitudinally overlapping at least one of the springs. The safety valve includes simple mechanisms to lock out the safety valve, and to establish secondary hydraulic communication with a wireline set secondary valve set within the locked out safety valve.

Abstract: A chimney damper is provided with a locking mechanism which prevents the chimney damper from closing in the event of a chimney fire.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve housing with a spool valve mounted for reciprocation within the valve housing, with a detent mechanism disposed on the spool valve and the valve housing for selectively locking the spool valve against reciprocal movement, and for providing an externally observable indicator of valve position. In an illustrative embodiment, the detent assembly of the present invention includes at least one detent pin disposed on the spool valve, with at least one guide flange disposed on the valve housing. The guide flange is adapted to at least partially surround the detent pin. At least one retaining clip is provided which is adapted for insertion through the guide flange to engage the detent pin. When the retaining clip is inserted through the guide flange and in engagement with the detent pin, the spool valve is locked into a predetermined stationary position, and cannot reciprocate.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device which upon activation, maintains the braking function of the braking fluid by preventing reverse flow thereof from the wheel cylinder back to the master cylinder once the brake pedal of the vehicle has been pushed. Improvements over prior art are; no brake fluid is trapped between the wheel cylinder and the one-way valve upon activation of the device until after the brake pedal of the vehicle has been pushed; no indication exists either with the switching device or with the mechanism itself, to indicate to other than to an authorized user, the state in which the valve is currently set.

Abstract: In order to improve the operating capabilities of a plug-in coupling for hoses comprising a sleeve, into which a hose stem can be sealingly inserted, a U-shaped, elastically deformable locking element which is held on the sleeve for displacement at right angles to its longitudinal axis and engages with its two arms behind a projection on the hose stem and hereby prevents its withdrawal, and wedge surfaces arranged on the sleeve, on which the two arms of the locking element abut and which spread these arms elastically apart during displacement of the locking element to such an extent that the hose stem is released, it is suggested that the locking element be formed by a U-shaped housing which has an upper wall and two side walls and surrounds the sleeve essentially over its entire length, that the arms be projections formed on the side walls and that the upper wall of the housing be designed as a pressure surface.

Abstract: A fire hydrant locking arrangement which is intended for utilization on a conventional fire hydrant. Moreover, also disclosed is a method of producing a fire hydrant locking arrangement through a heat-meltable locking ring which will inhibit the unauthorized opening of fire hydrants while facilitating the ready servicing of the internal components of the fire hydrant.

Abstract: A tap head for keg fittings having an actuating lever pivotally mounted on a housing and connected to a slide movable in the housing and detent members positively engaging in one another to lock the actuating lever and with one of the detent members directly biased toward the stop position and in which the detent members are formed of plastic and are made up of an elastically self-biasing tongue cooperating with a detent edge with one of the tongue and detent edge formed integrally on the housing and the other of the tongue and detent edge integrally formed on the actuating lever and with connections for gas and liquid connectable via the slide with corresponding passages in the keg fittings.

Abstract: A waste gate brake device (50,110,200) for controlling a waste gate (34) of a turbocharger (20) comprising: a housing (52, 112) defining a chamber (54;116) and first opening (58a,b;122) into the chamber; a shaft (60) adapted to be connected to and movable with the motion of a waste gate (34); a magnetically responsive plate or clamp (72; 140) interacts with an electromagnetic assembly (92; 130) within a common magnetic path in response to an electromagnetic force in such path and for preventing the shaft (60) from moving, thereby preventing the waste gate from moving.

Abstract: A closure of a liquid container, such as plastic bottles or chemical bottles, has a cap made of a resilient material and provided with a central opening-and-closing protrusion erected. By fitting a stopper of a relatively hard material onto the cap and provided with an engagement part onto the cap, the contents of the container can be poured and kept at its pouring or dispensing condition after the protrusion is rotated and engaged or hooked with the engagement part by a thumb and finger of the operator or user of the bottle. It is easy to release the hooked or engaged condition of the protrusion of the cap to the lever of the stopper, permitting the contents to be stopped from dispensing instantly.

Abstract: A manual operator which is useful when used with a valve or other type of device to provide either manual operation of the valve in one direction or to provide a stop against the movement of the valve away from one of its extreme positions. The device includes a ball nut, screw shaft and balls positioned in facing grooves in the nut and shaft so that relative rotation has very low friction. Thus rotation of one of the nut or screw shaft results in axial movement of the screw shaft so that it can move or provide a stop. Aligned adjacent exterior surfaces are provided on a rotating part of the device and one a stationary part of the device which surfaces are engaged by a locking spring which can be release from such surfaces when it is desired that the manual operator cause an axial movement of screw shaft. In one form of the invention the screw shaft rotates and the ball nut is stationery. In another form the ball nut rotates and the screw shaft is stationary.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking and unlocking a reciprocating shaft includes a plate fixed to the shaft having an inclined surface. A housing surrounds the shaft and plate having a wall surrounding the inclined surface. A set of balls is located between the inclined surface and the housing wall. An assembly is translatable relative to the shaft and is biased by a spring to jam the balls between the inclined surface and the housing wall to lock the shaft against reciprocation. The assembly is movable against the force of the spring by a fluid pressure actuated cylinder to move the balls away from the inclined surface to unlock the shaft.

Abstract: There are provided coned disc springs and an intermediate transmission member in order between a thrust threaded member for generating the valve closing thrust and a valve body, and the intermediate transmission member is adapted to be urged by means of the coned disc springs toward the valve closing side with respect to the thrust threaded member. A contact receiving means is so arranged as to limit the movement of the thrust threaded member toward the valve closing side, and a contact receiving position of the contact receiving means is set at a midway position of the compression range of the coned disc springs. Wherein, the handle is adapted to be changed over between the handle held condition and the handle released condition by the relative movement of the intermediate transmission member with respect to the thrust threaded member.