A thermally activatable safety valve has at least one microwave transmitter and microwave transmitter component. The microwave transmitter and/or the microwave transmitter component is designed to heat at least one thermally activatable opening element.

A method of cooling or heating a plurality of computer processor heat sources, such as processors in a data center or the like, is disclosed with individual sources having a control valve associated therewith. Individual heat sources are in communication with a supply of a coolant fluid and individual control valves have an inlet for receiving coolant fluid from its respective computer processor heat source reflective of the heat source temperature. The control valve has a chamber with an inlet that receives coolant, and an outlet. A valve member within the chamber is movable in response to changes in temperature of the coolant fluid within the chamber between a closed position and an open position. The valve member is of a material that changes shape in response to changes in temperature. The coolant is carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) that is in its supercritical state as it passes through the heat sources.

A recirculation valve for use with a tankless water heater in a system that includes hot and cold water fixtures and a cold water supply. The recirculation valve includes a valve body having an inlet connection, a pair of outlet connections and an internal chamber; a thermostatic element that is disposed in a first portion of the internal chamber of the valve body and includes an actuation body that is responsive to water temperature; wherein the valve body further has a port opening that is disposed between the thermostatic element and a second portion of the internal chamber; wherein the thermostatic element further includes a piston constructed and arranged to operatively extend from said actuation body when the actuation body is heated, and a plunger that is carried by and is moveably responsive to the actuation body; and whereby, when the actuation body is heated, the valve transitions from an open position to a closed position by the piston moving the actuation body and plunger so that the plunger moves to seal against the port opening of the valve body.

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a balanced pressure two-zone fluidic valve (10) with a shape memory alloy control element wherein control of the valve (10) is achieved by deformation of a deformable element (14) upon actuation of a shape memory alloy wire (15) to move a plunger (16), and in a second aspect to the use of said valve for controlling a fluid flow.

A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) assembly or automatic temperature balanced actuator (ABA) assembly controls a manifold assembly through a push pin bearing mechanism. The push pin bearing mechanism comprises a push pin that moves in a linear direction responsive to rotational movement of a motor gear that is coupled through a helical gear. Rotational movement of the push pin is prevented by a ball bearing assembly. Movement of the push pin is transferred to a manifold pin, which in turn, controls the manifold assembly. Because the push pin moves in a linear rather than a rotational fashion, erosion of the mated manifold pin is substantially reduced with respect to transitional approaches.

There is provided a flow-blocking safety valve to prevent an explosion of a portable gas container, wherein, when the portable gas container overheats during use and the temperature rises above a predetermined level, a bridge hold supporting a pin of the safety valve melts and thus a pin or ball securely supported in the bridge holder becomes free to move to close a flow channel through which the gas flows, thereby blocking the gas discharge and preventing an accident occurring when the gas container bursts by overheating.

A closure mechanism and a method for plugging a flow control device of a well is provided. The closure mechanism includes a switch having a hollow interior and a U-shaped portion. The closure mechanism also includes a metal insert located within a portion of the hollow interior of the switch. The mechanism further includes a heating device positioned within the well. In the method, the heating device is activated in the well and melts at least a portion of the metal insert. The melted portion of the metal insert collects and re-solidifies within the U-shaped portion of the switch, thereby closing the switch and plugging the flow control device against flow.

Improved fluid supply assemblies for fluid systems are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved fluid supply assemblies and related features, systems and methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous faucet assemblies (e.g., electrically or mechanically actuated faucet assemblies) having an integrated anti-scald device and having an integrated temperature mixing valve. The present disclosure provides for a faucet assembly having an integrated temperature mixing valve, and/or having an integrated anti-scald device configured to stop the inlet flow of hot water in the event the mixed outlet water temperature exceeds a user-selected set point. Advantageous faucet assemblies of the present disclosure can prevent scalding as defined by ASSE 1070. Improved, convenient and effective systems and methods for utilizing improved faucet assemblies in fluid systems are provided.

Systems and methods are provided for controlling hydraulic valves. One embodiment is a method that includes blocking an orifice for a return line of a hydraulic valve via a flapper assembly, initiating a phase change in a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) at the flapper assembly, and opening the orifice for the return line via the flapper assembly in response to the phase change.

The subject innovation relates to a thermally triggered valve assembly that comprises a dual diaphragm subassembly which in turn employs a removeable thermal fuse configured to cause the valve assembly to close upon a predetermined temperature threshold being exceeded.