Seismically sensitive safety device

Claim 2

A seismically sensitive safety device comprisng sensing means for detecting horizontal and vertical seismic impulses in excess of a predetermined threshold and translating such a detected impulse whether horizontal or vertical into an electric signal, said sensing means including an inertial mass mounted for movement by the seismic impulses in excess of the threshold and the sensing means further including means mounted adjacent to the mass for the generation of electrical energy upon movement of the mass; an electrically operable flow control means adapted for connection to a supply line through which fluid, electricity or the like is conducted; and electrically conductive means interconnecting the sensing means and the control means for conducting the electric signal from the sensing means to actuate the control means.

Claim 3

The safety device of claim 1 in which the flow control means comprises an electrically operated shut off valve.

Claim 4

The safety device of claim 1 in which the flow control means includes an electric shut off switch connected in controlling relation to an electric supply line.

Claim 5

A seismically sensitive safety device adapted for connection to a supply line comprising a seismic sensor for perceiving a seismic impulse of predetermined magnitude and translating the perceived impulse into an electrical impulse; an electrically operable flow control valve connected to the supply line; electrically conductive means interconnecting the sensor and the valve for actuating the valve in response to receipt by the sensor of a seismic impulse of predetermined magnitude including a relay operably connected to the sensor and a source of additional electrical energy connected in series with the relay and the valve; and an electrical generating means included in the sensor actuated by a seismic impulse received by the sensor to produce an electrical impulse and said generating means is connected to the relay to close the relay upon receipt of the impulse from the generating means to complete the series circuit through the relay, the source of additional electrical energy and the valve.

Claim 6

A seismically sensitive safety device adapted for connection to a supply line comprising a seismic sensor for perceiving a seismic impulse of predetermined magnitude and translating the perceived impulse into an electrical impulse; an electrically operable flow control valve connected to the supply line; electrically conductive means interconnecting the sensor and the valve for actuating the valve in response to receipt by the sensor of a seismic impulse of predetermined magnitude including a relay operably connected to the sensor and a source of additional electrical energy connected in series with the relay and the valve; and an electrical generating means included in the sensor actuated by a seismic impulse received by the sensor to produce an electrical impulse and said generating means is connected to the relay to close the relay upon receipt of the impulse from the generating means to complete the series circuit through the relay, the source of additional electrical energy and the valve.

Claim 7

The safety device of claim 4 in which the source of additional electrical energy is a battery.

Claim 8

The safety device of claim 5 in which an electrically operable power shut off switch is connected to an electrical power supply and to the circuit in parallel to the valve for simultaneous actuation with the valve.

Claim 9

A seismically sensitive safety device comprising a seismic sensor including electrical generating means actuated by seismic impulses of at least a predetermined magnitude; a normally open relay connected to the generating means closed by actuation thereof; and a series circuit including an electrically actuated, normally open safety valve, an additional source of electrical energy and the relay, said circuit being completed by the closing of the relay to close the safety valve and being interrupted by opening of the relay.

Claim 10

A seismically sensitive safety device comprising a seismic sensor including electrical generating means actuated by seismic impulses of at least a predetermined magnitude; a normally open relay connected to the generating means closed by actuation thereof; and a series circuit including an electrically actuated, normally open safety valve, an additional source of electrical energy and the relay, said circuit being completed by the closing of the relay to close the safety valve and being interrupted by opening of the relay.