Patent · US Active

Shock actuated responsive mechanism for vertical and horizontal valve assemblies

US7918239B1 · kind B1 · utility

7Cited by
6References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 4, 2008
Grant dateApr 5, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 9, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/8275
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A horizontal and vertical shock responsive fluid valve assembly which are capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The assemblies are comprised of a respective horizontal and vertical shock and vibration force triggering mechanism working in a similar fashion. The mechanism has a respective cradle comprising a generally concave transverse surface that holds a movable ball and when it is energized by the forces can rotate 360 degrees in any direction and rolls out of the surface such that the ball ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and activates the mechanism only when the external forces reach a predetermined magnitude.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.