Abstract: A pressure-driven fire-suppression valve wherein a single electrical switch is mechanically actuated by coaxially related first and second sealed piston components, which are compliantly loaded in the direction away from switch actuation. The first piston component is of lesser area and has its switch-actuating relation via abutment with the second (larger-area) piston component; this first piston component continuously responds to suppressant-charge pressure, via a pressure-fluid connection to the upstream valve chamber, i.e., to the upstream side of the closed position of the valve member (poppet). As long as this upstream-sensed pressure is above predetermined threshold, the compliant-load force will be overcome, and the switch will be mechanically actuated, but upon leakage below threshold, the mechanical actuation is released, for a change of state at the switch.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a quick-opening valve for release of pressurized gas to suppress a hydrocarbon or the like fire and/or explosion. A piston or poppet-valve member is retained by mechanical-latch mechanism in its readiness condition, normally closing off pressurized liquified suppressant gas against release for fast discharge via a discharge port. Latch release is via short low-friction, low-inertia direct action which is independent of the pressure differential across the valve member.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a system of relatively wide-range solenoid control of pressure-fluid flow from a high-pressure upstream source to a downstream load. In a first range of relatively low rates of flow, the system utilizes the solenoid to actuate a pilot valve for controlled exclusive delivery of pressure fluid to the load, via a throttling orifice; in a second range of higher rates of flow, the pressure drop across the throttling orifice becomes sufficiently great to enable pilot-delivery pressure, upstream from the throttling orifice, to open a main-valve line from the source to the load. The arrangement is such that solenoid-actuating force variation within the first range produces a first characteristic of flow-rate delivery to the load, and is also such that solenoid-actuating force variation beyond the first range produces a second and steeper characteristic of flow-rate delivery to the load.

Abstract: The valve element of this invention is generally cylindrical and has poppet valves at both ends for contact with seats at opposite ends of a chamber in which the valve element moves. Cylindrical side walls at each end of the chamber prevent interflow between ports during movement of the valve element from one end of its stroke to the other. For sub-sea use on offshore drilling well heads, a spring that moves the valve element in one direction is in a chamber sealed from an adjacent chamber to which the ambient sea water has access. Apparatus for pilot operation of the valve element has spaced, aligned bearing guides for guiding the valve element on opposite sides of an intervening chamber that holds the sea water.