Thermo-electric valve

A thermo-electric valve is described for scuttling floating devices comprising, a cylindrical sleeve affixed to and passing through a bulkhead separating a pressurized medium on one side from a lower pressure space on the other side, a piston moveably mounted within the sleeve bore and exposed to the pressurized medium having a portion thereof blocking the sleeve bore, an O-ring sealing the gap between the piston head and the sleeve bore, a fully compressed spring pressing against the piston, a rigid dielectric washer and a low power resistor holding the piston against the spring. In operation a low current is passed through the resistor, disintegrating it and releasing the spring's stored energy. This actuates the valve by expelling the piston which allows the pressurized fluid or gas to enter the lower pressure space.