Patent ID: 7273062

Claim:
A shut-off valve for preventing the flow of liquid through a conduit, comprising: a) a valve body, defining a longitudinal fluid passage having an inlet and an outlet; b) a flow barrier, having a dimension sufficient to selectively block the flow of fluid through the fluid passage of the valve body, and said flow barrier contacting a surface within the fluid passage, and being movable between an open position which allows fluid flow through the passage, and a closed position which prevents such flow; c) a target for detecting liquid flow, and comprising a plate having a planar surface, wherein the is target is pivotally attached to a portion of the flow barrier, and is movable between a first position which coincides with the open position of the flow barrier, and a second position which coincides with the closed position of the flow barrier, wherein the planar surface of the target, in the first position, is substantially perpendicular to the flow of fluid through the conduit; such that the flow of liquid above a predetermined force value is capable of shifting the target from the first position to the second position, thereby pivotally moving the flow barrier to the closed position, and preventing additional fluid flow through the conduit.