Fisher Controls Company, Inc.

William David Sumner

Patrick Eugene Bachelder

A valve mechanism is disclosed comprising valve body means with a fluid flow passage communicating an inlet and an outlet. A valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the fluid flow passage is connected to a stem which extends outwardly from the valve body. Handle means externally secured to the stem include a cam operable against the valve body for actuating the valve away from a seat within the valve body. A shut-off spring functions to urge the valve toward its valve seat. Cooperating latching means are provided on the handle means and stem to lock the parts with less than 90.degree. rotation of the handle means. Release means cooperate with the latching means to free the handle means for rotation and permit the stem to move so that the main spring can close the valve. The handle, latching means, and stem are arranged to rotate so as to permit actuation of the handle in any position about 360.degree. of the axis of rotation of the stem. Preferably, the latch incorporates a fusible member that will yield in the event a predetermined temperature is exceeded to permit release of the latch from the latch hook and enable the valve to be seated against the valve seat. The cooperating latching means will self-latch in operation upon actuation of the handle means. The release means may be mounted on the latch or pivoted on the stem and adapted to actuate the latch.

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Mc Kinney, TX, United States of America

William David Sumner