Abstract: An actuator for a release device of a motor vehicle has a control acting on the release device and at least one actuator element sending a signal wireless to the control for triggering a release action of the release device. The actuator element is a momentary-contact pushbutton and is part of a passive receiver. The passive receiver has a passive antenna arranged in a resonance circuit that is closed by actuating the actuator element.

Abstract: A self-aligning release assembly for a separation mechanism is provided. The separation mechanism has a protective housing for selectively releasably securing a fastener. The protective housing is mountable to a structure. The release assembly comprises a rotatable flywheel having an internal bearing race with the bearing race having a plurality of recessed portions. A plurality of bearing elements contact the bearing race and a positioning element is positioned within and adjacent the flywheel for aligning and retaining the bearing elements. A retaining mechanism releasably retains the fastener with the retaining means positioned within the flywheel with the outer surfaces of the retaining means abutting the bearing elements.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating a control mechanism by axially moving an actuating member against a force comprises a housing in which a reversible drive is arranged with a first rotatable part and a second rotatable part engagable with one another and acting on the actuating member for axially moving it in feed direction to the control mechanism upon rotation in one direction. An electric motor rotates the first rotatable part and the second rotatable part by engagement with the first rotatable part. A rotation prevention member prevents rotation of at least one of the rotatable parts in a second direction. A release releases the rotation prevention member to permit rotation of at least one of the rotatable parts to permit the actuating member to be axially moved in a direction opposite to the feed direction.

Abstract: A driving device for a rollover bar for motor vehicles has a piston-cylinder unit that, in a crash situation, extends the rollover bar out of a rest position into a supporting position. A further or second piston-cylinder unit is provided as an additional drive for the purpose of adjusting the first piston-cylinder unit. The influence of the further piston-cylinder unit on the first piston-cylinder unit can be cancelled in the presence of a crash signal. The piston of the first piston-cylinder unit has detent toothing formed on it which acts counter to a retraction movement of the first piston-cylinder unit and with which a controllable detent element is brought into engagement by means of a hydraulic cylinder in any extended position. A piston of the further piston-cylinder unit is held releasably in its retracted position by a controllable locking device.

Abstract: A highly reliable release apparatus which is used to stow or release desired devices such as, for example, solar arrays, antenna positioning mechanisms, reflectors, found on satellites, space stations or spacecraft. Deployment of the desired device is prevented or allowed by respectively restraining or releasing a first member under tension. The apparatus comprises a support member having an opening and a first face arranged about the opening. A second member is located within the opening when the first member is in tension and is adapted to be attached to an end of the first member. At least three locking members such as fuse wires are arranged on the first face of said support member for restraining the second member within the opening in order to maintain tension on the first member. The second member is attached to the first member in a manner such that at least two of the fuse wires must be severed before the restraint on the second member is released.

Abstract: A lever arrangement for transmitting a driving force to a switch contact of a power switch has parallel bearing plates with limiting parts mounted on them to reduce the distance between the bearing plates locally to a distance suitable for guiding hinge-connected levers. Hinge pins of the levers are guided so they slide along the limiting parts. Threaded pins are riveted to one bearing plate at one end and are secured on the other bearing plate with a nut.

Abstract: A valve actuating apparatus is provided for operating a valve between an open and closed position. The valve actuating apparatus includes an actuator having an output member with the actuator providing reciprocating motion to the output member upon energization of the actuator. A guide member having a detent therein is connected to the output member of the actuator. The apparatus includes a clutch assembly having a housing, an electromagnet assembly, an engagement member, and a housing opening with the engagement member disposed in the housing between the electromagnet assembly, and the housing opening. The housing opening is adapted to receive the guide member therein such that the clutch assembly and a portion of the guide member are slidably connected. The electromagnet assembly is selectively energized to force the engagement member against the guide member disposed in the housing opening.

Abstract: A scrolling device includes a first disk, a second disk and a middle disk wherein a shaft extends through the disks and two setting devices are respectively disposed between the middle disk and the respective one of the first and the second disk. A casing receives the three disks therein and is driven by a motor which is controlled by two control members disposed to the first and second disk. Each of the setting devices include a base gear and a plurality of wheels each of which has a toothed periphery and a cam member formed in a first side thereof, and two teeth extending laterally from a second side thereof, a setting member and a positioning member pivotally and respectively disposed between the middle disk and the respective one of the first and the second disk. The setting members each have gears engagable with the wheels and base gear, and a plurality of plates engagable with the cam members to set the wheels.

Abstract: A quick relief mechanism including a sleeve having an external circumferential groove and a locking ring located on the sleeve and sized to seat in the groove. The locking ring is split at one location to provide split-end portions, and a rotatable clamping device is provided with a recess for receiving the split-end portions. The recess has narrow and wide dimensions that serve to engage and disengage the split-end portions of the locking ring to effect closing of the locking ring in the circumferential groove when the clamping device is rotated to present a narrow dimension to the split-end portions, and to open the locking ring when the wide dimension of the elongated slot is presented to the split-end portions.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving a member, such as a gate valve, or the like, between a retracted and extended position, and a locking device for locking the member in its extended position. A ball screw is connected to the member to be moved and is in threaded engagement with a ball nut so that, upon rotation of the ball nut, the ball screw, and therefore the member, moves between a retracted and an extended position. A gear train is connect able between a power source and the ball nut for transferring torque therebetween to rotate the nut member. The locking device cooperates with the actuator for quickly and easily locking the ball screw in an extended position at any time without requiring it to be retracted and then extended, and includes a plunger that moves axially in a housing in response to movement of the ball screw. The plunger has a reduced dimension portion, and a stem is provided that has a reduced dimension portion and a regular dimension portion.

Abstract: A release mechanism employing an actuating element of a shape memory alloy material. When the actuating element is heated through its phase-change transition temperature it applies a force which moves a latch to a position which activates the higher energy stored in a drive spring for moving a retaining element out of engagement with a structure. A detent when in a captured position releasably holds the retaining element in its locked position, and the detent is moved from a captured position to a retracted position to release the retaining element when the latch is moved by the actuating element.

Abstract: A controller (24) is provided to selectively release an initiator (12) having first and second members (14,16) that clampingly engage an object (18) preventing it from moving in an urged direction. A spring wire coil (20) holds the members (14,16) tightly about the object, one coil end affixed to one of the members and the other coil end is held by a pair of link wire loops (82,86) of the controller (24) which is also removably secured to one of the members (14,16) by a bolt (36). When it is desired to release the object (18) an electric current is passed through the link wire loops (82,86) of sufficient magnitude to cause the loops to break, releasing the coil (20) to unwind and, in turn, release the object for urged movement.

Abstract: A drive for an electric high voltage circuit-breaker has a revolving crank that is driven by an energy storage mechanism, such as a spring, between an upper dead center and a bottom dead center and a backstop that prevents the crank from moving backwards against the driving direction after it moves beyond the bottom dead center. The backstop is provided with a friction clutch with a first ring that is firmly coupled to the crank and the driving shaft and that can rotate in relation to a second return stop ring when a releasing force is exceeded.

Abstract: In a monitor control box drawing apparatus, a control box pulled out by torsion spring elastic force from a housing mounted on the front case of a monitor. The control box is guided, when pulled out, by an arcuately shaped guide and protrusion, to travel downwardly along a predetermined path, so that convenient manipulation can be made, by a simple push of control switches, on the control box. A damper is provided between the control box and the housing to slow down the speed at which the control box travels from the housing. Also, an aesthetic visual appearance of the exterior of the monitor is provided.

Abstract: A link wire (20) arrangement for use in a non-explosive initiator (10) includes a link wire (20) received within a pair of tubes (24,26), each tube having its outer end formed into a loop (28) and its opposite end crimped (30) to physically and electrically secure the tubes to the included link wire (20). The tubes (24,26) are encapsulated within an insulating body (16).

Abstract: The initiator (32) has a hollow spool housing (34) with sidewall slots (42,44) and within which is received a shaft (54) to be releasably retained. Spool segments (46,48) are placed within slots (42,44) and have parts extending into the housing bore (50) obstructingly engaging the shaft (54) preventing its removal. A spring coil (82) wound over the spool segments (46,48) holds them in place. Cartridge assembly (62) is releasably secured to the housing (34) and includes a link wire (72) for securing one end of the coil (82). The link wire (72) is destructible by passing an electric current therethrough exceeding a certain value.

Abstract: An automobile ignition system that includes an ignition key lock cylinder mechanism and an ignition switch mechanism located within an automobile steering column and interconnected by an ignition actuator rod that includes two detachably interconnected sections adapted to separate from each other, when tampered with, to help prevent the operation of the ignition system without a proper ignition key.

Abstract: Fire control systems and release mechanisms. The release mechanisms of the present invention comprise a digital logic circuit for processing signals which are indicative of a condition in an outside environment, and for providing a trigger that will actuate the mechanical release mechanism in response to the condition, a power circuit for providing regulated power to the electronic circuit in response to the input power, the regulated power being used to operate the digital logic circuit, and a power backup circuit interfaced to the power circuit for providing the regulated power for a predetermined time in the event of an input power failure so that the digital logic circuit can be operated for the predetermined time during the input power failure.

Abstract: A preloader apparatus includes a base member, an acceleration detector fixed on the base member, a rod movably mounted on the base member, a first link pivotably mounted on the base member and operatably connected with the acceleration detector, a second link pivotably mounted on the base member, wherein the second link is normally connected to the first link but able to be disconnected from the first link so as to be rotated to let the rod become movable, and a force member for forcing the first link to be kept normally connected with the second link.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful operating springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts is made automatically by means of an electric motor. The circuit breaker operating handle connects with the operating springs through a motor operator interface unit to allow manual charging of the operating springs upon stalling of the electric motor.

Abstract: A circuit switching mechanism for use in a high voltage circuit breaker is disclosed. The disclosed mechanism comprises a charging system (12); trip latch mechanism (14); an opening spring (16); a closing spring (18) positioned coaxially with the opening spring; a support structure (22) supporting the open and closing springs; and a first rod member (24) operatively associated with a circuit interrupter, the first rod member being operatively coupled to the open and closing springs such that discharging of the opening spring effects the movement of the first rod member in a first direction and discharging of the closing spring effects the movement of the first rod member in a second direction.

Abstract: A circuit switching mechanism for use in a high voltage circuit breaker is disclosed. The disclosed mechanism comprises a charging system (12); trip latch mechanism (14); an opening spring (16); a closing spring (18) positioned coaxially with the opening spring; a support structure (22) supporting the open and closing springs; and a first rod member (24) operatively associated with a circuit interrupter, the first rod member being operatively coupled to the open and closing springs such that discharging of the opening spring effects the movement of the first rod member in a first direction and discharging of the closing spring effects the movement of the first rod member in a second direction.

Abstract: A device for releasing a mechanical energy storage device from an initial locked position in a release situation is comprised of a housing having a bearing connected thereto, a locking device for securing the energy storage device in the initial locked position and a supporting device deflectable in the release situation and connected to the bearing. The locking means is connected to the housing and rests on the supporting device in a prestressed manner in the initial locked position, whereby the supporting device is deflected in the release situation by forces created by its own inertia. The supporting device may be in the form of a spring, two springs with an inertia member therebetween, two bodies with an inertia member therebetween, or a ball in a ball socket. Another embodiment uses rollers and roller bearings.

Abstract: A valve actuator comprises a stem extending through the actuator body for coupling to a valve such that axial movement of the stem opens and closes the valve. An outer shaft is arranged coaxially around, and in threaded engagement with the stem and is coupled to an electric motor for conveying rotational drive to the shaft and thus axial movement of the shaft relative to the stem against a spring bias. The shaft is releasably retained in a predetermined position by a solenoid-actuated latching mechanism with the spring in a compressed state, such that further rotation of the shaft causes axial movement of the stem relative to the shaft to actuate the valve. Deactuation of the mechanism releases the shaft to allow axial movement of both the shaft and the stem, under action of the spring in order to close the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switching device for a tap changer comprising an input lever and an output lever rotatably attached to a shaft. The output lever is provided for making contact with a selected one of a first tap and a second tap. The output lever has a cammed surface at its base for securing a position of the output lever to make contact with the first tap and for preventing the output lever from rotating about the shaft. The device also includes a spring for pulling the output lever toward the input lever, and a clutch, rotatably attached to the shaft, which has a slot. A latching apparatus engages the clutch. The device further includes a pin which is fixedly attached to the input lever and disposed within the slot. The pin drives the clutch to engage the latching apparatus. In operation, after the input lever has been pulled away from the output lever by a predetermined angle, the pin drives the clutch to engage the latching apparatus, thereby freeing the cammed surface from the latching apparatus.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a manually operated load break switch having an over center spring drive moved by an operating handle to open and close the switch. The operating mechanism includes a shaft rotatable by the operating handle, a follower rotatably mounted on the shaft, an elongated forked plate pivotally mounted intermediate its length to the follower at a location radially outwardly of the shaft, an operating lever for the switch pivotally mounted on the shaft and movable by engagement with the follower and a driver affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith and positioned to engage and rotate the follower and the forked plate. An over center spring drive is pivotally connected to the forked plate at a location radially outwardly of the pivotal mounting of the forked plate to the follower.

Abstract: An impact sensing apparatus includes a container, a weight swingably supported in the container and which is swung by an impact exceeding a predetermined value, an output member rotatably supported in the container and which engages the weight, the output member disengages the weight by the swing movement of the weight. A spring member is disposed between the container and the output member, which biases the output member so as to be rotated, and urges the weight so as not to swing. The weight includes a stopper portion for contacting the container so as to hold the weight at an initial position. The stopper portion is disposed at an outside edge of the weight and spaced from the pivotal axis of the weight so that the spring member presses against the container in an upwardly direction substantially vertical to a surface of the container.

Abstract: An electrical initiator (10) includes spool halves (12,14) releasably held together by a coiled retaining wire (42). A link wire (42) also holds a spool (46) fixed to spool half (12) against connector body 16 and the other spool half (16). A cavity on the interior of the two spools physically retain a tensilely loaded shaft (18). An electric current passing through the link wire (42) causes it to become brittle and break releasing the spool halves and contained shaft (18).

Abstract: An actuator suitable for use as an ejection jack for deploying an aircraft mounted ram air turbine is provided. The actuator utilizes a spring powered ballscrew operatively coupled to a centrifugally actuated brake in such a manner that the brake limits the speed of reciprocating movement of the ballscrew. The problems of fluid leakage and slow deployment at cold temperatures, often encountered in prior ejection jacks utilizing hydraulic dashpots for speed control, are thus eliminated. The actuator also includes a locking device for locking the actuator in either an extended or a retracted position. Features are also provided for attaching an external drive mechanism in a manner allowing the ballscrew to be utilized for resetting the actuator to an initial non-extended position.

Abstract: A device for releasing a mechanical energy storage device from an initial locked position in a release situation is comprised of a housing having a bearing connected thereto, a locking device for securing the energy storage device in the initial locked position and a supporting device deflectable in the release situation and connected to the bearing. The locking means is connected to the housing and rests on the supporting device in a prestressed manner in the initial locked position, whereby the supporting device is deflected in the release situation by forces created by its own inertia. The supporting device may be in the form of a spring, two springs with an inertia member therebetween, two bodies with inertia member therebetween, or a ball in a ball socket. Another embodiment uses rollers and roller bearings.

Abstract: An impact sensing apparatus is comprised of a housing having therein an inner space, and a unitary assembly independent of the housing upon constitution thereof, accommodated within the housing so as to be secured thereto, and including a frame accommodated within the inner space of the housing, a weight supported on the frame so as to be transferred upon receipt of an impact through the housing, and a firing lever pivotally mounted to the frame and set to be rotated for being extended outside the housing upon transfer of the weight.

Abstract: An impact sensing apparatus includes a housing having a wall portion which is parallel with the applied direction of an outside shock and a hole which is formed in the wall portion, a weight disposed in the housing and moved by an outside shock which is more than a predetermined value, an output member rotatably disposed in the housing and rotated in response to the movement of the weight and an urging member interposed between the housing and the output member for urging the output member so as to project from the hole. According to this improved impact sensing apparatus, it is possible to lengthen the stroke of the rotational motion of the output member and therefore it is possible to effectively utilize the urging force of the urging member as a kinetic energy of the output member. Thus, it is possible to improve the reliability for igniting the ignition element such as a primer due to a striking operation of the output member.

Abstract: A failsafe limit switch with automatic reset for a rolling fire door is usable together with a rolling door with a brake. There is a movable plunger between a secured position and a triggered position which compresses a spring as it moves from its triggered position to its secured position. A movable catch between the engaged position and the released position holds the plunger in the secured position when the catch is in the engaged position under the impetus of the spring when the catch is in the released position. When the catch is in the released position, it also closes the contacts of a normally open switch; and if the catch is in the engaged position, it allows the contacts of the switch to open. The switch is wired in series with a solenoid; the movable arm of the solenoid acts to move the plunger from the triggered position to the secured position when the solenoid is energized.

Abstract: An acceleration-responsive magnetic device for closing a valve or operating a switch or the like in response to a disturbance such as an earthquake. A pendulum operates to increase the length of a magnetic path, releasing a magnetic element to perform the desired actuation.

Abstract: A device for power actuating a valve or other controlled unit, including a member operable by movement in opposite directions to move the controlled unit to different positions, a spring yieldingly urging the member in one of those directions, and a latching mechanism which is urged by the pressure of a body of fluid to a condition releasably retaining the member against movement by the spring. The latching mechanism is constructed to have a mechanical advantage enabling a relatively small force exerted by the body of fluid to resist a much greater force exerted by the spring. The latching mechanism includes two latching elements which are interengageable to releasably retain the member against movement by the spring, with one of the elements being shiftable in opposite directions by a manual operating member to manually actuate the member and also to vary the position in which the latching mechanism retains the member.

Abstract: A pneumatic/electric actuator for precisely positioning a workpiece and for applying a force to the workpiece. The pneumatic/electric actuator includes an electric actuator in the form of a voice coil motor having an output rod coupled to the cylinder rod of a pneumatic cylinder. The output rod is mounted for extremely precise and measured movements by the electric actuator and can be adapted to contact and precisely position the workpiece. After precise positioning of the workpiece the pneumatic cylinder can be actuated to extend the cylinder rod and exert a force through the output rod to the workpiece. In an alternate embodiment the electric actuator is mounted directly on a pneumatic cylinder and can be moved by the pneumatic cylinder to increase an effective stroke of the output rod of the electric actuator.

Abstract: A mechanical disconnect for the pedal operating rod of an attaching machine comprises a stationary trip slide having a downwardly inclined cam surface and a housing enclosing the trip slide and reciprocable thereon. The housing is connected to the clutch operating rod. The housing also includes a transverse trip spacer pin and a latch having a follower nose engaging the cam and a central L-shaped opening receiving the pin in the horizontal leg of the opening. A spring urges the latch toward the slide. When the pedal is depressed, the latch pulls down the housing so that the clutch activating pull down rod moves away from the clutch dog. Further downward movement of the pedal cams the latch away from the slide so that the spacer pin aligns with the vertical leg of the "L" permitting the housing to pop up and the pull down rod to engage a clutch dog.

Abstract: A resettable fail-safe fire door release mechanism which allows normal powered operation of a fire door is disclosed. A solenoid having a first open state in the absence of an applied electric current and a second closed state in the presence of an applied electric current is incorporated into the motor-operator unit of an overhead door. Brake actuator utilizes the spring force of a normally disengaged brake to keep the brake actuator in a first position. The plunger of the solenoid acts through the brake actuator in opposition to the spring so that energizing the solenoid overcomes the force of the spring, moving the brake actuator, and engaging the brake; deenergizing the solenoid causes the spring to again disengage the brake. A normally closed switch having a mechanical actuator is wired in series with the solenoid. The melting of a fusible link releases a spring loaded plunger which depresses the actuator opening the switch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a contact movable between open and closed positions, includes a closing spring assembly having a closing spring and first and second brackets. The closing spring assembly is chargeable when in a reset position in which the first bracket is hooked by a first hook. The closing spring is charged, manually or electrically, with support of the second bracket being transferred to a second hook. The closing spring is discharged to close the circuit breaker, with the closing spring assembly moving from the reset position to a discharged position in the process. The closing spring assembly is then moved as an integral unit, back to the reset position, with the closing spring again being charged, enabling the circuit breaker to immediately reclose in the event of a trip due to a transient condition. An improved breaker operating mechanism and power operated charging mechanism, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle seat belt system comprises a casing, a drive mechanism including a spring having an operating end and an output member coupled to the operating end, a trigger mechanism for restraining the drive mechanism in a preloaded state and including a toggle linkage engaged between the casing and the drive mechanism, and a sensor mechanism having a output member for releasing the trigger mechanism upon acceleration in excess of a predetermined value by causing articulation of the toggle linkage about a pivot axis such that it ceases to be engaged between the drive mechanism and the casing and thereby releases the drive mechanism from the preloaded state.

Abstract: A hole 13 though which a firing pin 6a of a firing lever 6 is projected outside a housing 1 is formed in a wall 1c of the housing which is in parallel with a direction of an external shock applied to the housing 1. This structure ensures the rotational angle of the firing lever 6 and a biasing force of a spring 9 which urges the firing lever 6 can be used effectively as kinetic energy thereof.

Abstract: A trigger for a spring-type pretensioner providing pretension to a vehicle seat belt upon release of a preloaded spring comprises a first toggle and a second toggle connected to the first toggle. The first toggle is engaged with the operating end of a spring, and the second toggle is connected to an output member for transmitting sensor output. The first toggle supports the spring load while it is beyond its toggle dead point, and the second toggle engages the first toggle while it is not beyond its toggle dead point and restricts the operation of said first toggle. The second toggle receives the sensor output and upon being moved thereby beyond its dead point releases the first toggle, whereupon the spring preload is released and the pretensioner is operated.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting power in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a worm-gear mechanism for reliable control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts are movable for interrupting the power provided to the load. The worm gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the movable contact so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The worm gear mechansim controls the movable contact using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the movable contact and a second part coupled to the gear.

Abstract: A reversible plow having a plurality of spring-biased trip assemblies for mounting moldboards to a tool bar, the trip assemblies having angled, elongate slots and a pivot pin extending therethrough and adapted to allow a tripped assembly to be reset without compressing a compression spring.

Abstract: In a spring operated mechanism, the recharge device (1) is adapted to wind the spring (4) during idle times when the drive mechanism (4,16) is not operating. The recharge device has a lever member (48,50) operated by a shape memory alloy member (46) and adapted to turn a gear (8,26) for winding the spring.

Abstract: An impact sensing apparatus includes a housing, a weight freely rotatably and movably supported within the housing at a position offset from the centroid of the weight, a firing lever pivotally supported on the housing for engaging the weight, and a spring stretched between the housing and the firing member for constantly biasing the firing member in a direction which engages it with the weight. The weight is held at a predetermined position, though its engagement with the firing pin, owing to the biasing force of the spring. When the apparatus is subjected to a prescribed acceleration under these conditions, the weight moves and rotates against the biasing force of the spring, thereby disengaging the firing pin and allowing it to turn. Erroneous operation ascribable to small, momentary shocks, as when a vehicle is traveling on a bumpy road, is prevented.

Abstract: Snap-action spring device for load-reversing switches of multiple contact switches whose spring can be loaded by a drive. In conventional load-reversing switches, a gear moves a cam disk to and fro between two end positions, so that the contacts which close last during the movement in one direction are the first to open during the reverse movement and vice versa. This rigid sequence of contacts is unsuitable for thyristor load-reversing switches. The invention proposes that the driven element be connected to a coupling element which can rotate in one direction only independently of the direction of rotation of the drive. This permits automatic contact sequence control and precludes switching errors, in a simpler manner.

Abstract: An energy storage device comprising a resilient member deformable to a stressed energy storing condition in which it is retained by a latch which is displaceable to release the stored energy and displace an actuating member in a first direction. A lost motion connection between the resilient member and setting is displaceable to deform the resilient member to the stressed energy storage condition, the lost motion connection absorbing displacement of the setting when the resilient member is in the stressed energy storage condition, wherein the actuating member is movable in the first direction independently of the resilent member.

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 releasable mechanical abutment consisting of a profile made of a resilient, thin, and elongated material (1, 30, 42, 70, 90, 107) at least partly bent over itself along a longitudinal axis, a force or effort being applied and exerted on ends of the profile, and at least one triggering element (22, 46, 64, 76, 93, 113) adapted for acting generally perpendicularly on one or several determined sections (10, 38, 50) of the profile by creating a deformation of the profile which materializes a preferential flexural zone, in a manner that abrupt buckling of the profile according to the zone and section is such that it does not exceed the resilient limit of the material, and causes the immediate relaxation of the applied force or effort.