Quake plug

Abstract

An original apparatus that will react and shut off a main fluid source during a severe earthquake. A steel ball is held at an elevated position by a secured magnet within the housing. It is a preferred embodiment that all materials, for the exception of the steel ball are made of a non-magnetic substance, so that no internal parts interfere with the operation of the apparatus. In the event of a severe earthquake, the seismic vibrations will cause the steel ball to shake and break away from the magnet. Gravity will cause it to fall down. The steel ball will then fall onto the slide trigger. The weight of the steel ball and slide trigger will be pushed down completely and the bottom portion of the slide trigger shall make contact and engage a momentary switch. The momentary switch, in the engaged position will send direct current voltage to a normally open motorized ball valve and cause it to close. Preventing fluid to pass through said ball valve. The apparatus can be reset by manually pulling upward the lift handle towards the top cap. This will allow for the weight of the steel ball to be lifted off the momentary switch and get magnetically attached back to the magnet. Resulting in the momentary switch to disengage and the voltage will seize to power the normally open motorized ball valve, causing it to go back to its normally open state. Thus allowing the fluid to pass through the ball valve. This apparatus can be used repetitively.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.