Patent ID: 6199573
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: F17D,F23N,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for automatically shutting-off a gas supply line, comprising:a) providing an actuator having a means for receiving a status signal;b) providing a shut-off valve located on a gas line and connected to the actuator;c) providing an indication of a position of the shut-off valve;d) detecting a fire by means of a fire detector located inside a building structure and providing the status signal indicating a presence of fire to the actuator;e) moving the shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position; andf) indicating the position of the shut-off valve being in the closed position by an alarm indicator having an input in communication with the fire detector for receiving the status signal, such that when the status signal for the valve being in the closed position is received by the alarm indicator, the alarm indicator indicates receipt of the status signal, wherein the alarm indicator is selected from the group consisting of:a light located on an outside wall of the building structure,a sound generates located on an outside wall of the building structure,a light located a distance spaced frown but proximate to the building structure,a sound generator located a distance spaced from but proximate to the building structure, and combinations thereof;such that an innocent observer looking at the building structure is made aware that the fire detector has detected the presence of a fire either in or on the building structure, andwherein the innocent observer is not responsible for reporting the presence of the fire to an authority responsible for extinguishing the fire.