A normally closed valve according to the invention comprises a closure delay system utilizing the effect of vacuum on a flexible suction cup to generate a force that keeps the valve open when in an open orientation for a preset time period. The valve further comprises a closure delay mechanism including an actuator shaft and a suction cup disposed in a cavity, being configured for downward reciprocating movement, wherein the suction cup engages the cavity top wall when the valve is in closed orientation thereby closing the valve, and adhering to a suction surface of the cavity when the actuator shaft moves under pressure for switching the valve from closed to open orientation thereby opening the valve. The suction cup automatically disengages the suction surface a preset time period after pressure ceases to be applied to the actuator shaft and reengages the cavity top wall thereby closing the valve.

A normally closed valve according to the invention comprises a closure delay system utilizing the effect of vacuum on a flexible suction cup to generate a force that keeps the valve open when in an open orientation for a preset time period. The valve further comprises a closure delay mechanism including an actuator shaft and a suction cup disposed in a cavity, being configured for downward reciprocating movement, wherein the suction cup engages the cavity top wall when the valve is in closed orientation thereby closing the valve, and adhering to a suction surface of the cavity when the actuator shaft moves under pressure for switching the valve from closed to open orientation thereby opening the valve. The suction cup automatically disengages the suction surface a preset time period after pressure ceases to be applied to the actuator shaft and reengages the cavity top wall thereby closing the valve.

A valve features an outer housing, in which there are provided inlet and outlet channels respectively reaching into the housing from inlet and outlet openings thereof. The two channels are axially closed at adjacent inner ends thereof, but feature perforated circumferential walls. A resiliently expandable sleeve is disposed around the circumferential walls in a position normally overlying the perforations, while leaving a gap between the sleeve and inner surfaces of the housing. A charging port communicates with the gap to enable pressurization thereof. Pressurization of the gap normally holds the sleeve tightly over the perforations to prevent flow from one channel to the other. When pressure in the inlet channel exceeds the pressure in the charging chamber, the sleeve radially expands from the circumferential walls of the channels to uncover the perforations and allow fluid to flow between the channels.

The invention provides a water purification and dispensing system, preferably for producing ultrapure water and offering the purified water at one or more dispensing sites in a desired volume. The water purification and dispensing system comprises a (closed) water recirculation loop including a water inlet for introducing water to be purified, pumping means for pumping water through said water recirculation loop in a flow direction, water purification means for purifying water downstream of said water inlet, a dispensing portion of the water recirculation loop including one or more outlet(s) for purified water branched from said water recirculation loop downstream of said water purification means, a first valve arranged between each outlet and said water recirculation loop, for controlled dispensing of the purified water from said recirculation loop through the respective outlet, a second valve arranged in said dispensing portion of the water recirculation loop downstream of said first valve(s) and upstream of said pumping means, a bypass passage branched from said water recirculation loop and bypassing said dispensing portion of the water recirculation loop including said first valve(s) and said second valve, and a third valve for controlling the flow rate through said bypass passage.

The invention provides a water purification and dispensing system, preferably for producing ultrapure water and offering the purified water at one or more dispensing sites in a desired volume. The water purification and dispensing system comprises a (closed) water recirculation loop including a water inlet for introducing water to be purified, pumping means for pumping water through said water recirculation loop in a flow direction, water purification means for purifying water downstream of said water inlet, a dispensing portion of the water recirculation loop including one or more outlet(s) for purified water branched from said water recirculation loop downstream of said water purification means, a first valve arranged between each outlet and said water recirculation loop, for controlled dispensing of the purified water from said recirculation loop through the respective outlet, a second valve arranged in said dispensing portion of the water recirculation loop downstream of said first valve(s) and upstream of said pumping means, a bypass passage branched from said water recirculation loop and bypassing said dispensing portion of the water recirculation loop including said first valve(s) and said second valve, and a third valve for controlling the flow rate through said bypass passage.

A hydraulic control and/or safety device, particularly for utility apparatuses or systems or appliances, which is preferably able to carry out a flow shut-off and/or limitation, particularly in the event of fault of the utility apparatus or system or appliance, and/or one or more features that improve the device and/or the apparatus performance. In particular, the device can carry out the function of the fluid treatment, so as to be particularly reliable, as it prevents at least the formation of deposits on its mechanical components designed to limit the water flow.

A hydraulic control and/or safety device, particularly for utility apparatuses or systems or appliances, which is preferably able to carry out a flow shut-off and/or limitation, particularly in the event of fault of the utility apparatus or system or appliance, and/or one or more features that improve the device and/or the apparatus performance. In particular, the device can carry out the function of the fluid treatment, so as to be particularly reliable, as it prevents at least the formation of deposits on its mechanical components designed to limit the water flow.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to valves that provide controlled inflation. The valves are designed to allow inflation of one or more inflatable devices and to stop inflation once a desired inflation level has been reached. This can allow the valve to be used with a single inflation source in order to inflate a plurality of inflatable devices. In a specific example, this disclosure provides systems and methods for inflating an ejector bag for door-mounted or fuselage-mounted inflatable evacuation slides or slide/rafts used for evacuating passenger vessels, such as aircraft. Other examples relate to sustaining the inflation of individual tubes that communicate with one another in evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, life rafts and/or other inflatable devices.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to valves that provide controlled inflation. The valves are designed to allow inflation of one or more inflatable devices and to stop inflation once a desired inflation level has been reached. This can allow the valve to be used with a single inflation source in order to inflate a plurality of inflatable devices. In a specific example, this disclosure provides systems and methods for inflating an ejector bag for door-mounted or fuselage-mounted inflatable evacuation slides or slide/rafts used for evacuating passenger vessels, such as aircraft. Other examples relate to sustaining the inflation of individual tubes that communicate with one another in evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, life rafts and/or other inflatable devices.

A fluid valve control system includes a linear actuator assembly with a linear actuator, a mechanical amplifier, and a mechanical output member; a fluid control valve, including: a valve body with a fluid chamber and an outlet aperture, a fluid supply line, a plunger member; a fluid reservoir with a pressurized fluid, and a fluid dispensing control unit; such that the fluid flows in a flow from the fluid supply line into the fluid chamber and out via the outlet aperture; such that plunger member moves vertically downward when the outer end of the plunger member is impacted by the mechanical output member, such that an inner end of the plunger member blocks the outlet aperture, such that the flow of the fluid is interrupted.