SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY VALVE

摘要

A valve apparatus employs a shape memory alloy. In another aspect, a shape memory member acts as a lock or trigger in combination with a separate actuator or spring to move a valve. Still another aspect uses an externally mounted shape memory member to rotate a valve if an unsafe condition causes movement of the member.

主权项

1. A valve apparatus comprising:
(a) a valve; (b) a housing including an internal passageway within which the valve is located; (c) a shape memory trigger movable in response to environmental and external heat; (d) an actuator automatically changing a flow condition of the valve based upon movement of the shape memory trigger; and (e) the heat causing the valve to move to a fail-safe position on at least one of the following:
(i) a vehicular fuel tube connected to the housing with the valve blocking fuel flowing from the tube;(ii) a manufacturing plant tube connected to the housing with the valve blocking chemicals flowing from the tube; or(iii) a building sprinkler connected to the housing with the valve opening to allow water to flow to the sprinkler.