An earthquake gas valve that uses an electro-mechanical battery powered actuation method to automatically close a gas valve when the movement caused by an earthquake is perceived, or if an extremely high temperature is perceived. A gear motor is activated by a plurality of shake switches which in turn cause a motor driven radial rack to rotate. The rack terminates in a closure plug which obstructs the gas outlet opening and prevents gas from entering the house or office when an earthquake occurs. A timing circuit delays the activation of the closure plug to make sure that the motion has been caused by an earthquake and not by an accidental brief jarring action. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism can be activated remotely by receiving a transmitted signal which is picked up by a receiving device within the valve enclosure, or the valve can send a signal to a central remote location telling of its open or closed condition.

Embodiments are directed to compressed gas storage units exhibiting one or more safety features. Particular embodiments employ a pressure relief mechanism to rapidly yet safely vent the contents of the tank in the event of a fire. The mechanism may comprise an internally piloted relief valve in communication with temperature-sensitive element(s) present along the tank dimensions. Under high temperature conditions indicative of a fire, the element communicates a signal to open the internally piloted relief valve. In some embodiments the element is configured to communicate a heat signal (e.g., by thermal conduction). In certain embodiments the element is configured to communicate a pressure change signal (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic). In other embodiments the element may communicate different signal types, such as electric (e.g., thermoelectric) or mechanical (e.g., shear or tension forces). Also disclosed is a module incorporating a plurality of tanks to offer enhanced storage capacity.

A system for reducing the risk of waterlines freezing provides a solenoid controlled valve which may be cycled twice an hour for a minute (or longer if desired) to avoid ice buildup in the lines. The control circuit allows the homeowner flexibility in determining whether to allow the cycle timers (preferably 3 inexpensive timers) to control the solenoid valve's cycling directly or to permit a thermostat to intervene, cycling only when the set point of the thermostat is reached.

A system for facilitating cloud formation and cloud precipitation includes a controller and a beam emitter that is responsive to the controller. The beam emitter is configured to emit a beam to form charged particles within an atmospheric zone containing water vapor. The charged particles enhance the formation of cloud condensation nuclei such that water vapor condenses on the cloud condensation nuclei forming cloud droplets. The system further includes a sensor configured to detect a cloud status and output a signal corresponding to the cloud status to the controller.

A system for reducing the risk of waterlines freezing provides a solenoid controlled valve which may be cycled twice an hour for a minute (or longer if desired) to avoid ice buildup in the lines. The control circuit allows the homeowner flexibility in determining whether to allow the cycle timers (preferably 3 inexpensive timers) to control the solenoid valve's cycling directly or to permit a thermostat to intervene, cycling only when the set point of the thermostat is reached.

A system for storing a pressurized gas in a motor vehicle is provided, having a storage container and at least one thermally activatable safety valve for emptying the storage container. The safety valve activates automatically at a corresponding high temperature. The storage container has an additional activatable emptying device, which has an interface for an external energy source. The interface can be connected to the external energy source in order to empty the storage container in a targeted manner. Also provided is a method for emptying a storage container for a pressurized gas in a motor vehicle.