Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A confined, fully or partially liquid-filled container having at least one flexible wall, utilizing the effect of gravity on liquid in the container to generate a force that acts on an actuator mechanism to operate a normally-closed control valve. In preferred embodiments, the container is a simple sealed bag partially liquid-filled and air-free. The flexible-walled container contains a predetermined quantity of liquid. The bag is confined by walls of a housing formed of a non-flexible material, and is affixed to the housing preferably to an upper wall of the housing in any conventional way. The housing is disposed in a vessel for holding a liquid and is having one or more apertures, which are in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel and through which liquid can enter from the vessel into the housing to a level corresponding to a desired level of liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: Sanitary-ware coupled to a mains water supply, the sanitary-ware including a flushing assembly including a tank having a first chamber having a first volume and an inlet, and a second chamber having an outlet and a second volume, larger than the volume of the first chamber; the inlet coupled to a source of water at high pressure receiving a first quantity of water at an inlet pressure from the source; and a pressure exchange mechanism disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein a first quantity of water in the first chamber causes a second quantity of water in the second chamber, larger than the first quantity, to be pushed out of the second chamber through the outlet at a pressure lower than the inlet pressure by the pressure exchange mechanism. Preferably, the source of water at high pressure is a mains water supply.

Abstract: A confined, fully or partially liquid-filled container having at least one flexible wall, utilizing the effect of gravity on liquid in the container to generate a force that acts on an actuator mechanism to operate a normally-closed control valve. In preferred embodiments, the container is a simple sealed bag partially liquid-filled and air-free. The flexible-walled container contains a predetermined quantity of liquid. The bag is confined by walls of a housing formed of a non-flexible material, and is affixed to the housing preferably to an upper wall of the housing in any conventional way. The housing is disposed in a vessel for holding a liquid and is having one or more apertures, which are in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel and through which liquid can enter from the vessel into the housing to a level corresponding to a desired level of liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: Sanitary-ware coupled to a mains water supply, the sanitary-ware including a flushing assembly including a tank having a first chamber having a first volume and an inlet, and a second chamber having an outlet and a second volume, larger than the volume of the first chamber; the inlet coupled to a source of water at high pressure receiving a first quantity of water at an inlet pressure from the source; and a pressure exchange mechanism disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein a first quantity of water in the first chamber causes a second quantity of water in the second chamber, larger than the first quantity, to be pushed out of the second chamber through the outlet at a pressure lower than the inlet pressure by the pressure exchange mechanism. Preferably, the source of water at high pressure is a mains water supply.