To provide a flow control system with build-down system flow monitoring that realizes flow monitoring close to real-time monitoring by combining build-down system flow rate measurement with the upstream side of the flow control system without using a thermal type flow sensor by effectively utilizing high pressure fluctuation resistance characteristics of the flow control system, and can be significantly downsized and reduced in cost.

The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting, such as an electronic faucet.

A valve assembly for a faucet assembly includes a housing, a thermal motor and a sealing element. The housing includes a first inlet that receives water from a first source, a spout outlet in fluid connection with the first inlet, and a second inlet that receives water from a second source. The thermal motor is within the housing and imparts linear force in an axial direction. The sealing element is operably coupled to move in response to the imparted linear force, and is configured to engage a seating element to form a seal between the second inlet and the spout outlet. The seating element is disposed axially between the motor and the sealing element, and movement of the sealing element in the axial direction breaks the formed seal to allow fluid flow within the housing between the second inlet and the spout outlet.

A gas distribution system for use in an enclosed volume wherein the system includes a distribution duct and a first inflatable duct portion in fluid communication with the distribution duct. The system further includes a passageway defining an opening which extends through the passageway, wherein: the opening is in fluid communication with the first inflatable duct portion; the passageway includes a valve with a flapper positioned within the opening of the passageway; and the flapper is moveable in relationship to the opening by way of a bi-metallic temperature sensing member. The system further includes an inflatable enclosure in fluid communication with the opening of the passageway, wherein the inflatable enclosure is configured to define a volume within and separated from the enclosed volume.

A multifunctional restrictive valve for controlling the flow of water therethrough. The valve has a main body with a flow channel through the main body. The main body receives water upstream thereof through an inlet port and, passes it out through an outlet port at the downstream end of the body. A flow control assembly is located in the flow'channel and includes a temperature sensor/actuator acting on a piston to move, when the temperature sensor heats up the piston, to block water flow control ports. The flow control assembly also includes an override feature wherein the piston is located within a slide and the flow control ports are located in the slide. By moving the slide away from thepiston when the piston is blocking the flow control ports, the temperature sensor and piston may be overridden and flow may resume through the main body.

A pressure and thermostatic relief valve for a pump housing is disclosed. The relief valve includes both a pressure relief valve mechanism and a thermostatic or temperature relief valve mechanism. A pump housing incorporating the pressure and thermostatic relief valve is also disclosed.

Fuel recirculation methods, fuel supply circuits and fuel recirculation valves for selectively mixing hot return fuel from a diesel engine with fuel from a tank before providing it to back to the engine. In exemplary disclosed embodiments of fuel recirculation valves, the valves are configured to selectively mix the fuel in a controlled manner using a temperature sensitive actuator within the valve such that, when the temperature of the fuel reaches a certain point, the valve restricts flow pathways to reduce heated fuel being mixed with fuel from the fuel tank, and eventually closes to prevent any heated fuel from being mixed and overheating the fuel provided to a fuel filter, a fuel pump and the engine. Disclosed fuel circulation valves are separate from the fuel filter and are placed upstream of the filter.

A gas distribution system is provided for use in an enclosed volume. This system includes a distribution duct and a first inflatable duct portion in fluid communication with the distribution duct. A passageway is provided defining an opening which extends through the passageway wherein the opening is in fluid communication with the first inflatable duct portion and wherein a cross-sectional area of the opening is less than a cross-sectional area of the first inflatable duct portion. Additionally, an inflatable enclosure is provided which is in fluid communication with the opening of the passageway wherein the inflatable enclosure is configured to form a volume within and separated from the enclosed volume.

A valve actuator, valve, and method of actuation of a valve are disclosed. The valve actuator includes a shape memory alloy element attachable to a valve body, capable of use with a valve to cause movement of the valve between first and second positions responsive to at least a threshold amount of temperature change of the shape memory alloy element. The valve actuator further includes a negative-differential spring applied to the shape memory alloy element, thereby reducing the threshold amount of temperature change needed to cause movement of the valve between the first and second positions.

A thermal expansion valve with one-way control function includes a valve body having an inlet passage and an out passage, a temperature sensor installed on one end of the valve body, and a first valve core component installed in an inside chamber of the valve body. The first valve core component includes a first valve core and a valve rod against the temperature sensor. The valve body also includes an accommodation component extending from said the inlet passage into the valve body and coaxially installed with the inlet passage. The accommodation component has a second valve port connected with the inside chamber. The accommodation component has a second valve core component having a supporting piece and a second valve core matching the second valve port. The processing of the structure is convenient and the assembly of the second valve core component is simple and reliable.