Patent ID: 6581629
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A fluid-activatable shut-off valve comprising:a valve housing having a flow passage therethrough of a predetermined cross-sectional shape; and a valve body positioned within the valve housing and having a body portion and an end portion extending from the body portion, wherein the body portion and the end portion have surfaces that project into the flow passage, the valve body moveable between an open valve position, in which the valve housing supports the end portion and in which the valve body allows fluid flow from the end portion towards the body portion, and a closed valve position, in which the valve body portion and the end portion together block the flow passage, wherein in the open position, the end portion of the valve body is subject to a flow of a fluid passing through the flow passage in a predetermined flow direction from the end portion towards the body portion and along the surfaces of the end portion and the body portion, and in response to abnormal flow conditions in the predetermined flow direction of the fluid in the flow passage, the end portion is affected by a lifting force caused by at least one of increased fluid flow rate and changed fluid density so as to lift the end portion from the valve housing and to move the end portion towards the closed position to close the valve.