Axelson, Inc.

Don Hiller

David E Snyder

Craig B Breaux

Dwight Duplantis

Denny Cawyer

An actuator shaft heat-sensitive locking apparatus is disclosed comprising a cylindrical housing having an axial bore. A shaft link is provided in the bore and is adjustable to contact gate valve actuator shafts of varying lengths. Once adjusted, the shaft link is movable axially between a first position and a second position, allowing the actuator shaft to close the gate valve. There is also provided a means movably extending through the housing for partially blocking the bore and a fusible element slidably mounted in the bore between the shaft link and the means for partially blocking the bore. The fusible element has both a solid state and a heat responsive state. In its solid state, the fusible elemnt prevents movement of the shaft link by enaging the bore blocking means; in its heat responsive state, the fusible element allows movement of the shaft link between the first position and second position. A mechanical release means is also provided surrounding the housing for axial movement in operative relation with the bore blocking means for remote operation. The mechanical release means allows the shaft link to move with the fusible element between the first position and the second position.

Adjustable, fusible, manually operable valve lock-open assembly

There is disclosed an apparatus for manually locking a pilot valve in an 'in service' position independent of an actuating, or pilot fluid pressure. The apparatus may be either manually disengaged or will be automatically disengaged whenever the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined level. The device includes a valve manipulating knob attached to the exterior end of a valving element for manually shifting the element from a normally closed position to the in service position. The knob includes an 'L' shaped locking member which conforms to the contour of the knob, and is adapted to pivot towards the valve body and lock the valving element out in the 'in service' position. This pivotal member includes an indicating surface visible from the front when the valving element is locked in an 'in service' position. The locking member is comprised of a fusible material selected to yield at a predetermined temperature so as to return the valve to an operating mode responsive to the pilot fluid pressure.

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Slidell, LA, United States of America

Don Hiller