Seismic activated gas valve with pressure indicators
US5240025A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/8326
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seismic activated gas valve includes a valve body defining a vertically oriented interior chamber having a input port formed in the upper portion thereof and an output port formed in the lower portion thereof. A magnetical ball retainer is supported in the uppermost portion of the valve body and supports a steel closure ball by magnetic attraction under normal conditions. An annular steel washer and a spaced apart magnetic washer captivate a sealing O-ring to form a valve seat between the input port and output ports of the valve body. Under conditions of substantial seismic activity, the steel closure ball is separated from the magnetic ball retainer and falls downwardly through the vertical chamber and comes to rest against the valve seat in a sealing attachment. The magnetic washer beneath the sealing O-ring attracts the steel ball and resists subsequent reopening of the valve due to vibrations imparted to the closure ball. A slidable push rod is supported beneath the vertical chamber and may be extended upwardly into the chamber to lift the closure ball back up to the magnetic retainer to return the valve to its open condition. A plurality of pressure indicators are supported …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.