Abstract: A noise-reducing valve structure includes a unitary spindle-shaped body having a central lumen for receiving a fluid flow and a poppet member, the body having an inner diameter adjacent the central lumen and an outer diameter and a circumferentially and axially distributed plurality of radial passages adapted to be opened and closed in accordance with a guided position of the poppet member, the plurality of radial passages extending through the spindle-shaped body from the inner diameter to the outer diameter and having a gradually increasing area from the inner diameter to the outer diameter.

Abstract: A noise-reducing valve structure includes a unitary spindle-shaped body having a central lumen for receiving a fluid flow and a poppet member, the body having an inner diameter adjacent the central lumen and an outer diameter and a circumferentially and axially distributed plurality of radial passages adapted to be opened and closed in accordance with a guided position of the poppet member, the plurality of radial passages extending through the spindle-shaped body from the inner diameter to the outer diameter and having a gradually increasing area from the inner diameter to the outer diameter.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed and comprises a main valve body having first and second ports and a movable poppet positioned within the main valve body. The movable poppet is moveable from a first closed position in which the poppet establishes a fluid-tight seal with a sealing member, which is effective to prevent fluid flow from the first port to the second port, to a second open position in which the poppet is spaced apart from the sealing member and fluid is permitted to flow from the first port to the second port. The valve also has a piezoelectric actuator engaged with the poppet and effective to move the poppet from the first closed position to the second open position. Methods of use of the valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system is disclosed in which the system comprises a fire extinguisher having an opening, and a valve assembly covering the opening. The valve assembly includes a valve movable from a first position in which the valve seals the opening of the fire extinguisher to a second position in which the valve exposes the opening to allow expulsion of fire suppression material(s) from the fire extinguisher. A release mechanism, which may be in the form of a solenoid or a manual release mechanism, is provided for moving the valve to its open position. Methods of using the aforementioned fire extinguisher to suppress a fire are also disclosed.

Abstract: A noise-reducing valve structure includes a unitary spindle-shaped body having a central lumen for receiving a fluid flow and a poppet member, the body having an inner diameter adjacent the central lumen and an outer diameter and a circumferentially and axially distributed plurality of radial passages adapted to be opened and closed in accordance with a guided position of the poppet member, the plurality of radial passages extending through the spindle-shaped body from the inner diameter to the outer diameter and having a gradually increasing area from the inner diameter to the outer diameter.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed and comprises a main valve body having first and second ports and a movable poppet positioned within the main valve body. The movable poppet is moveable from a first closed position in which the poppet establishes a fluid-tight seal with a sealing member, which is effective to prevent fluid flow from the first port to the second port, to a second open position in which the poppet is spaced apart from the sealing member and fluid is permitted to flow from the first port to the second port. The valve also has a piezoelectric actuator engaged with the poppet and effective to move the poppet from the first closed position to the second open position. Methods of use of the valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system is disclosed in which the system comprises a fire extinguisher having an opening, and a valve assembly covering the opening. The valve assembly includes a valve movable from a first position in which the valve seals the opening of the fire extinguisher to a second position in which the valve exposes the opening to allow expulsion of fire suppression material(s) from the fire extinguisher. A release mechanism, which may be in the form of a solenoid or a manual release mechanism, is provided for moving the valve to its open position. Methods of using the aforementioned fire extinguisher to suppress a fire are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system is disclosed in which the system comprises a fire extinguisher having an opening, and a valve assembly covering the opening. The valve assembly includes a valve movable from a first position in which the valve seals the opening of the fire extinguisher to a second position in which the valve exposes the opening to allow expulsion of fire suppression material(s) from the fire extinguisher. A release mechanism, which may be in the form of a solenoid or a manual release mechanism, is provided for moving the valve to its open position. Methods of using the aforementioned fire extinguisher to suppress a fire are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system is disclosed in which the system comprises a fire extinguisher having an opening, and a valve assembly covering the opening. The valve assembly includes a valve movable from a first position in which the valve seals the opening of the fire extinguisher to a second position in which the valve exposes the opening to allow expulsion of fire suppression material(s) from the fire extinguisher. A release mechanism, which may be in the form of a solenoid or a manual release mechanism, is provided for moving the valve to its open position. Methods of using the aforementioned fire extinguisher to suppress a fire are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed whereby a propellant driven water stream is used in the formation of materials made from high tensile strength alloys. High pressure developed in liquid flowing through a tubular work piece is employed to achieve desired forms. The high pressure results from superposition of compression waves generated in the course of the impact of the liquid by products of propellant combustion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed whereby a propellant driven water stream is used in the formation of materials made from high tensile strength alloys. High pressure developed in liquid flowing through a tubular work piece is employed to achieve desired forms. The high pressure results from superposition of compression waves generated in the course of the impact of the liquid by products of propellant combustion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed whereby a propellant driven water stream is used in the formation of materials made from high tensile strength alloys. High pressure developed in liquid flowing through a tubular work piece is employed to achieve desired forms. The high pressure results from superposition of compression waves generated in the course of the impact of the liquid by products of propellant combustion.