System and method for spray system pressure control valve

Abstract

The invention provides a valve. The valve may include a spring; a first member coupled with a first side of the spring; a channel in which the first member extends; a first port; a second port; and a second member. The channel may have the first port, which may be coupled with an interface. The second port may be coupled with the interface. The first member may have a first position allowing flow between the first port and the second port through the interface and a second position preventing flow between the first port and the second port through the interface. The second member may be on a second side of the spring opposite the first side and may be coupled with a pressure source to apply a load to the spring.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 584,018, filed September 20, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Sprinkler systems can be used to respond to fire situations. For example, a sprinkler system may include one or more sprinklers that receive fluid from a fluid supply and output fluid to respond to a fire situation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] At least one aspect relates to a valve. The valve may include: a spring; a first member coupled to a first side of the spring; a channel in which the first member extends; a first port; a second port; and a second member. The channel may have the first port, which may be coupled to an interface. The second port may be coupled to the interface. The first member may have a first positioning that allows flow through the interface between the first port and the second port, and a second positioning that prevents flow through the interface between the first port and the second port. The second member may be located on a second side of the spring opposite to the first side and may be coupled to a pressure source to apply a load to the spring.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a valve assembly. The valve assembly may include a first pressure-reducing valve and a second valve. The second valve may include: a spring; a first member coupled to a first side of the spring; a channel in which the first member extends, the channel having a first port coupled to an interface and to the first valve; a second port coupled to the interface, the first member being movable to prevent flow between the first port and the second port; and a second member on a second side of the spring opposite to the first side, the second member being used to apply a load to the spring.

[0005] At least one aspect relates to a fire suppression system. The fire suppression system may include one or more fluid distribution devices; a control valve coupled to the one or more fluid distribution devices; and a valve assembly coupled to the control valve to control the pressure of fluid supplied to the control valve. The valve assembly may include a spring positioned to apply a load to the fluid and a movable member within a chamber of the valve assembly, the chamber being coupled to a pressure source to compress the spring by the movable member.

[0006] At least one aspect relates to a method of providing a valve. The method may include providing a valve comprising a biasing member coupled to a channel extending between a first port and a second port; and a pressure-driven member coupled to the biasing member. The method may include a load member adjusting at least one of the valves, and a pressure controller being adjustable to a setpoint corresponding to a target pressure.

[0007] These and other aspects, as well as embodiments, are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of the aspects and embodiments, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed aspects and embodiments. The accompanying drawings provide illustration and further understanding of the aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Similar reference numerals and names in the various drawings indicate similar elements. For clarity, not every part can be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a sprinkler system.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an example valve assembly.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an example valve in a valve assembly.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for providing a valve. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts and implementation schemes related to systems and methods involving valves (such as those that can be implemented in sprinkler systems for pressure regulation). The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, including residential ceiling implementation schemes.

[0013] Pressure reducing valves can be used to provide a stable outlet pressure under various inlet pressures. However, the outlet pressure of a pressure reducing valve may drift with changes in inlet pressure and / or flow rate. For example, due to the structure of the springs or other components used to maintain the target outlet pressure, the pressure reducing valve may not respond correctly to transient changes in supply pressure; similarly, as the flow rate from the pressure reducing valve increases, the corresponding outlet pressure may be difficult to maintain at the target value. In various systems, including fire protection systems and / or sprinkler systems, outlet pressure drift can affect the operation of downstream components, including but not limited to downstream valves that control fluid delivery to sprinklers in response to fire situations.

[0014] The systems and methods according to this disclosure can be used to implement pressure-reducing valves, the structure of which is designed to more effectively mitigate (e.g., control, reduce, and / or minimize) drift, thereby making the system in which the pressure-reducing valve is installed more predictable and efficient. By mitigating drift, a given pressure-reducing valve can be adapted to a wider range of operating conditions. For example, the pressure-reducing valve may include a control structure, such as a hydraulic assembly, that can be pressurized by a source, allowing different forces to be applied to the pilot valve of the pressure-reducing valve. This can act as an auxiliary control to adjust the pilot valve in response to changes in the inlet pressure or differential pressure across the pressure-reducing valve (e.g., biasing the adjustment action of the pilot valve), thereby mitigating drift. The hydraulic assembly can adjust the deviation of the pilot valve in real time and in response to operating conditions (e.g., in response to changes in operating conditions), thereby mitigating drift.

[0015] For example, a valve (e.g., a pressure reducing valve; a valve assembly) may include: a spring; a first member coupled to a first side of the spring; a channel in which the first member extends; a first port; a second port; and a second member. The channel may have the first port, which may be coupled to an interface. The second port may be coupled to the interface. The first member may have a first positioning that allows flow through the interface between the first port and the second port, and a second positioning that prevents flow through the interface between the first port and the second port. The second member may be on a second side of the spring opposite to the first side and may be coupled to a pressure source to apply a load to the spring. By incorporating the second member, the force exerted by the spring on the fluid can be more effectively regulated, thereby controlling the pressure of the fluid, such as mitigating or minimizing pressure drift or other transient changes.

[0016] This valve can be integrated into various fluid flow control systems, including fire protection systems and / or sprinkler systems. For example, it can be installed between the fluid supply and the (main) manifold leading to the sprinkler riser (wet, dry, etc.), upstream of the riser of the sprinkler or other fluid distribution equipment (e.g., hoses, hose stations). It can be installed upstream of a control valve used to control fluid flow to the fluid distribution equipment. It can be installed in fire protection systems used for floor-level zone fire control. It can be connected to one or more pipes, pumps, fluid supplies, or various combinations thereof. It can be used in any of various ceiling-only sprinkler systems, rack-mount sprinkler systems, and / or combined ceiling and rack-mount sprinkler systems.

[0017] Figure 1 An example of a sprinkler system 100 is depicted. The sprinkler system 100 may include a fluid supply 104. The fluid supply 104 may store fluid for responding to fire situations, the fluid may include at least one of water and one or more extinguishing agents.

[0018] The sprinkler system 100 may include one or more conduits 108. Conduits 108 may be connected to and extend from a fluid supply 104. Conduits 108 may extend through structures such as buildings. Fluid from the fluid supply 104 may be present in and flow through conduits 108. Conduits 108 may include any of a variety of conduits suitable for flowing fluids (e.g., water or other extinguishing agents), including but not limited to piping systems, pipe systems, metal conduits, rigid conduits, or polymer (e.g., chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)) conduits.

[0019] The sprinkler system 100 may include at least one sprinkler 112 or other fluid distribution equipment (e.g., hose, hose station, diffuser, open sprinkler). The sprinkler 112 may receive fluid from the fluid supply 104 via one or more pipes 108 and output fluid to respond to a fire situation. The sprinkler 112 may be a concealed sprinkler. The sprinkler 112 may have various K-factors, such as those used for commercial or residential sprinkler applications.

[0020] One or more pipes 108 may extend through at least a portion of the building structure. A cavity may be formed in the building structure to accommodate a sprinkler 112. The sprinkler 112 may be at least partially located within the cavity and connected to one or more pipes 108. The cavity may be at least partially open to a space below the ceiling, such as a space that the sprinkler 112 would protect in the event of a fire. The sprinkler 112 may be arranged in or connected to a sprinkler box disposed within the cavity. The sprinkler box may be a housing for supporting or mounting the sprinkler 112 in the ceiling, such as in a concrete ceiling installation.

[0021] System 100 may include at least one control valve 116. Control valve 116 may selectively allow fluid to flow from its inlet to its outlet. For example, flow control valve 116 may be actuated from a closed state to an open state to allow fluid to flow from fluid supply 104 to sprayer 112. Control valve 116 may be any of a variety of control valves, such as diaphragm control valves, flap control valves, or solenoid control valves.

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates an example of valve assembly 200. Valve assembly 200 can be a system including one or more valves. Valve assembly 200 can be used to control the pressure of fluid between different points, such as between various points in fire protection system 100. For example, valve assembly 200 can be positioned at a reference... Figure 1 The fluid supply 104 described herein is located between a control valve 116 and a control valve 116 to control the pressure of the fluid supplied to the control valve 116 and / or the sprayer 112 downstream of the control valve 116.

[0023] Valve assembly 200 may include a pressure controller 201. Pressure controller 201 may be a pressure reducing valve. Pressure controller 201 may be a reset valve, such as a remotely reset deluge valve. Pressure controller 201 can control the outlet pressure 202 of the fluid output by pressure controller 201 to meet a target pressure. The target pressure (and outlet pressure 202) may be lower than the inlet pressure 206 of the fluid received by pressure controller 201. For example, the target pressure may be a value of the pressure of the output fluid used by any of the various components downstream of valve assembly 200. Pressure controller 201 may be an integral structure and / or may be formed by combining various components together. For example, pressure controller 201 may be a body or housing in which inlet 204, outlet 212, diaphragm chamber 220, and diaphragm 224 are provided. Pressure controller 201 may be or include components of a PRV-1A type pressure reducing valve manufactured by TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS of Cranston, Rhode Island.

[0024] The pressure controller 201 may include an inlet 204 that may be external to the pressure controller 201, and an inlet chamber 208 that is fluidly connected to and extends from the inlet 204. The inlet 204 may receive fluid at an inlet pressure 206 (e.g., from a fluid supply 104), which may be a supply pressure. The inlet pressure 206 may vary over time (e.g., fluctuate) due to factors including, but not limited to, the operation of components upstream of the inlet 204 and / or fluid flow through the valve assembly 200.

[0025] The pressure controller 201 may include an outlet 212 that may be external to the pressure controller 201, and an outlet chamber 216 that is fluidly connected to and extends from the outlet 212. The outlet 212 may output fluid at an outlet pressure 202.

[0026] Pressure controller 201 may include a diaphragm chamber 220. Diaphragm chamber 220 may be arranged in fluid connection between inlet chamber 208 and outlet chamber 216, and pressure controller 201 may include a diaphragm 224 in diaphragm chamber 220. Diaphragm 224 is movable between a first position and one or more second positions, in which the diaphragm 224 contacts seat 226 to block one or more ports 230 connecting diaphragm chamber 220 to at least one of the inlet chamber 208 and outlet chamber 216, and in which the diaphragm 224 is disengaged (e.g., as shown in the first position). Figure 2(As depicted) Seat 226 and / or one or more ports 230 to allow fluid to flow from inlet chamber 208 to outlet chamber 216 and out of pressure controller 201. For example, diaphragm 224 may be made of an elastic material and may move between a first position and one or more second positions based on a pressure differential across diaphragm 224 (e.g., the difference between the pressure on a first side of diaphragm 224 facing seat 226 and / or inlet chamber 208 and on a second side of diaphragm 224 opposite to the first side).

[0027] like Figure 2 As depicted, the diaphragm chamber 220 may include or be coupled to a diaphragm port 232. The diaphragm port 232 may allow fluid communication between the diaphragm chamber 220 (e.g., a portion of the diaphragm chamber 220 on the second side of the diaphragm 224) and a remote component (such as valve 250). For example, as the pressure of the fluid applied to the second side of the diaphragm 224 in the diaphragm port 232 varies relative to the inlet pressure 206 on the first side of the diaphragm 224, the diaphragm 224 may move between a first position and one or more second positions, such as moving from the first position to one or more second positions in response to a pressure ratio on the second side of the diaphragm 224 being below a threshold ratio, thereby allowing fluid to flow as... Figure 2 The passage depicts the flow through the oral cavity chamber 216.

[0028] Pressure controller 201 may be coupled to one or more valves 250. Valve 250 may operate as a pilot valve, such as to regulate the pressure of fluid flowing through and / or out of pressure controller 201. Valve 250 may have one or more fluid-driven (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic) components, such as member 344 in chamber 340. Valve 250 may be used to mitigate fluctuations in outlet pressure 202, which may be caused by factors such as fluctuations in inlet pressure 206 or flow through valve assembly 200. For example, valve 250 may include port 254 for connection to diaphragm port 232, such as to allow valve 250 to apply pressure to a second side of diaphragm 224, or otherwise manage fluid pressure in valve assembly 200, including outlet pressure 202. Valve 250 may include at least one of a first port 258 and a second port 262, the first port being connected to an inlet pressure line 236 connected to an inlet chamber 208, and the second port being connected to an outlet pressure line 240 connected to an outlet chamber 216. Therefore, valve 250 can operate pressure controller 201 based on at least one of an inlet pressure 206 and an outlet pressure 202.

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates an example of valve 250. As described above, valve 250 can be used to regulate the pressure of fluid in one or more components (such as pressure controller 201) connected to valve 250.

[0030] Valve 250 may include a housing 304 extending from a first end 301 to a second end 302. Housing 304 may be a housing in which various components of valve 250 are formed or otherwise arranged. Housing 304 may include one or more sub-assemblies mounted on each other to form housing 304.

[0031] Valve 250 (e.g., housing 304) may include at least one first body 308 that may form a chamber 312. For example, the first body 308 may include a first wall 316 and a second wall 320 extending across the first wall 316 to form the chamber 312. The second wall 320 may be an elastic member, such as a diaphragm or membrane, such that the second wall 320 may change in at least one of its positioning and shape relative to the first wall 316.

[0032] Valve 250 may include a biasing member 324 (e.g., a spring) in the first body 308. The biasing member 324 may apply a force to the second wall 320 to move the second wall 320 toward the second end 302.

[0033] Valve 250 may include or be coupled to a load member 266 (e.g., a load screw). The load member 266 may apply a load to the bias member 324, the load corresponding to a force exerted by the bias member 324 on the second wall 320. For example, as the load member 266 moves toward the bias member 324, the force exerted by the bias member 324 on the second wall 320 may increase. The load member 266 may apply a force, such as pressure, to the bias member 324. The load member 266 may be coupled to the first body 308, such as being received through an opening 328 in the first wall 316. The load member 266 may engage with the first wall 316 (e.g., using threads, lugs, or stops), which allows the load member 266 to move toward the bias member 324 by rotation in a first direction and prevents the load member from moving away from (or toward) the bias member 324 unless rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. This allows the load member 266 to move to a position corresponding to the target amount of load applied to the bias member 324.

[0034] like Figure 3 As depicted, valve 250 may include a load wall 332 between load member 266 and bias member 324. For example, load member 266 may contact or otherwise engage with load wall 332 such that movement of load member 266 causes movement of load wall 332. Load wall 332 may contact bias member 324, or as... Figure 3 As depicted, the plate 336 between the contact load wall 332 and the bias member 324 can facilitate the distribution of the force applied by the load member 266 onto the bias member 324.

[0035] The load-bearing wall 332 may extend in one or more directions (e.g., it may have multiple wall portions extending in multiple directions, such as...). Figure 3 (As depicted in the image) to form chamber 340. Chamber 340 can extend inward from chamber 312. Chamber 340 can be defined by at least one of load wall 332 and plate 336 and biasing member 324, such as being defined as a liquid-tight chamber. For example, load wall 332 can be between chamber 312 and chamber 340.

[0036] Chamber 340 can be connected to any of a variety of pressure sources with sufficient pressure to apply force to bias member 324 in various compression / extension states (in Figure 3 (in the reference frame downwards). By connecting chamber 340 to a pressure source, variations in the force exerted by bias member 324 on second end 302 corresponding to the compression or extension of bias member 324 (e.g., the force on member 370 as further described herein) can be mitigated, thereby reducing corresponding pressure fluctuations.

[0037] Valve 250 may include at least one member 344. Member 344 may extend across chamber 340 (e.g., in a direction across the first end 301 and the second end 302) and may contact at least one of plate 336 and bias member 324. Member 344 may apply a force to bias member 324 based on the pressure of the fluid in chamber 340, such as compressing (e.g., recompressing) bias member 324 as bias member 324 moves toward second end 302. Member 344 may be movable relative to load wall 332 in chamber 340. For example, in response to bias member 324 extending toward second end 302, pressure from a pressure source may drive member 344 toward second end 302 (e.g., as the stress exerted by bias member 324 on member 344 decreases), which may allow member 344 to compress bias member 324 (e.g., compress bias member 324 back to the compressed state initially set by load member 266).

[0038] Valve 250 may include a seal 348 (e.g., an O-ring seal). Seal 348 may be positioned between member 344 and load wall 332 and may seal fluid in chamber 340 from the space between member 344 and bias member 324.

[0039] Valve 250 may include at least one second body 360. The second body 360 may be coupled to the second wall 320. For example, the second body 360 may include at least one third wall 364 coupled to and extending from the second wall 320 toward the second end 302. Figure 3As depicted, the third wall 364 may have a larger diameter than the first wall 316.

[0040] The second body 360 may form at least one channel 366. The channel 366 may be connected to a port 262 (which may be formed on a third wall 364) and may extend inward from the port 368 into the second body 360.

[0041] Valve 250 may include a member 370 that can be engaged (e.g., attached) to a second wall 320 and extends from the second wall 320 toward a second end 302. Member 370 may be positioned inwardly from a third wall 364, such as to be at least partially aligned with an axis passing through member 344. Member 370 may be rigid (or more rigid than the second wall 320) such that movement of the second wall 320 corresponds to movement of member 370. Figure 3 As depicted, component 370 may be made of a plurality of continuous sub-components (e.g., extension 372, end portion 374) extending in multiple directions.

[0042] Component 370 may include an extension 372 coupled to the second wall 320, the extension 372 extending to an end portion 374 at its end opposite the second wall 320. Extension 372 may be an elongated component (e.g., its length along the direction between the first end 301 and the second end 302 is greater than its width across the span). End portion 374 may be wider than extension 372 (e.g., having a greater width in a direction perpendicular to the axis between the first end 301 and the second end 302).

[0043] The end portion 374 may be positioned in an interface 376 of a channel 366, which is located between a port 368 and a conduit 378 (e.g., channel 378). The conduit 378 may extend between a port 254 (which may be formed on a third wall 364) and an interface 376. The interface 376 may allow fluid connection between the channel 366 and the conduit 378 based on the positioning of the end portion 374 relative to the interface 376.

[0044] The conduit 378 may include a throttling orifice 382 between port 254 and interface 376. The throttling orifice 382 may have a smaller diameter than the portion of the conduit 378 on one or both sides of the throttling orifice 382, ​​which may result in a pressure drop across the throttling orifice 382 (e.g., a pressure reduction on the port 254 side of the throttling orifice 382 relative to the interface 376 side of the throttling orifice 382).

[0045] like Figure 3As depicted, the third wall 364 may form a seat 384 facing the interface 376. For example, the seat 384 may include one or more walls extending into the portion of the wall defining the second end 302 relative to the portion forming the channel 366 in the second body 360. For example, the seat 384 may be sized to allow the end portion 374 to move into or out of the seat 384 (e.g., toward or away from the second end 302). The end portion 374 may be positioned between the interface 376 and the seat 384 such that movement of the member 370 may allow the end portion 374 to contact the interface 376 or be received in the seat 384. The end portion 374 may be wider than the interface 376 (e.g., wider than the opening in the interface 376 into the conduit 378) such that contact between the end portion 374 and the interface 376 may seal the conduit 378 and the channel 366. Depending on the positioning of the end portion 374 relative to at least one of the interface 376 and the seat 384, the channel 366 may be in fluid communication with or sealed to the line 378. For example, the end portion 374 may have a first positioning in which the end portion 374 contacts the interface 376 to seal the interface 376 to the channel 366; and at least one second positioning away from the interface 376 to allow fluid to flow between the channel 366 and the line 378 via the interface 376.

[0046] like Figure 3 As depicted, the pressure of the fluid in channel 366 (e.g., fluid received through port 368) can exert a force on at least a portion 322 of the second wall 320 adjacent to channel 366 in a direction toward the first end 301. The pressure of the fluid in line 378 can exert a force on the end portion 374 in a direction toward the second end 302, and thus on the second wall 320 in that direction. At least one of the load member 266, member 344, and bias member 324 can exert a force on the second wall 320 in a direction toward the second end 302. Various such components can operate individually or in combination on the second wall 320 and the member 370 extending from the second wall 320, which can affect the positioning of the end portion 374 relative to the interface 376; depending on the positioning of the end portion 374, the magnitude and / or direction of one or more such forces can be changed (or relatively small compared to other forces). Therefore, the valve 250 can be constructed in a manner that allows the biasing member 324 to respond to fluctuations in fluid pressure from one or more components connected to the valve 250, such as to restore the force on the fluid corresponding to the pressure set by the load member 266 (e.g., restore the force on the fluid to match the target pressure indicated by the positioning of the load member 266).

[0047] For example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As depicted, outlet pressure line 240 can be connected to port 262, and diaphragm port 232 (and thus one side of diaphragm chamber 220 between diaphragm 224 and diaphragm port 232) can be connected to port 254. Initially, fluid pressure from outlet chamber 216 can exert sufficient force on end portion 374 to hold it against interface 376, thereby sealing line 378. In response to the opening of pressure controller 201 (e.g., in response to the opening of control valve 116 to achieve an opening pressure differential), pressure in channel 366 can be reduced, and pressure drop across orifice 382 can be reduced. This can modify the force balance on second wall 320, causing second wall 320 to move toward second end 302 and bias member 324 to extend. As the bias member 324 extends, the force exerted by the bias member 324 on the second wall 320 (and therefore the pressure exerted by the valve 250 on the fluid exiting from the outlet 212) can be reduced (e.g., in the absence of member 344). Simultaneously, the fluid pressure in the chamber 340 on member 344 can be actuated against the bias member 324 to drive member 344, thereby restoring the pressure on the fluid exiting from the outlet 212 and thus mitigating pressure fluctuations in the fluid.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a method 400 for providing a valve. Method 400 can be performed as part of installing a valve in a sprinkler system or fire protection system. Method 400 can be performed using any of the various systems and / or devices described herein, including but not limited to system 100, pressure controller 201, and valve 250. Method 400 can be performed to control the pressure of fluid in one or more parts of a sprinkler system. In 405, a valve can be provided. The valve may include a biasing member coupled to a passage extending between a first port and a second port; and a pressure-driven member coupled to the biasing member. In 410, the valve may be coupled to a pressure controller, such as a pressure reducing valve (e.g., a diaphragm pressure reducing valve). In 410, the load member of at least one of the valve and the pressure controller may be adjusted to a setpoint corresponding to a target pressure. The valve and / or pressure controller may be coupled to a fluid source and one or more components of the sprinkler system, such as control valves and / or one or more sprinkler risers.

[0049] Several illustrative embodiments have now been described, and it is obvious that the foregoing, presented with the aid of examples, is illustrative and not restrictive. Specifically, while many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method actions or system elements, those actions and elements can be combined in other ways to achieve the same objective. The actions, elements, and features discussed in connection with one embodiment are not intended to exclude similar effects in other embodiments or implementations.

[0050] The wording and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The use of “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “characterized as,” “featured in,” and variations thereof is intended to cover the items listed thereafter, their equivalents, and additional items, as well as alternative embodiments comprised of the items specifically listed thereafter. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, more than one, each combination of, or all of the described elements, actions, or components.

[0051] Any reference in the singular to an embodiment or element or action of a system and method herein may also cover embodiments that include multiple such elements, and any reference in the plural to any embodiment or element or action herein may also cover embodiments that include only a single element. References in either the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the currently disclosed system or method, its components, actions, or elements to a single or multiple configuration. References to any action or element based on any information, action, or element may include embodiments in which the action or element is at least partially based on any information, action, or element.

[0052] Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment or example, and references to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” etc., are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment or example. Such terms as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Any embodiment may be combined inclusively or exclusively with any other embodiment in any manner consistent with the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein.

[0053] Where reference numerals follow technical features in the drawings, detailed description, or any claim, reference numerals are included to enhance the comprehensibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Therefore, reference numerals, or their absence, do not have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim element.

[0054] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their characteristics. Further descriptions of relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical, or other positioning or orientation include variations within a range of + / -10% or + / -10 degrees for purely vertical, parallel, or perpendicular positioning. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, references to "approximately," "about," "generally," or other terms of degree include variations of + / -10% from a given measurement, unit, or range. Connecting elements may be electrically, mechanically, or physically connected to each other, directly or through intervening elements. Therefore, the scope of the systems and methods described herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to those of the claims are included therein.

[0055] The term "connected" and its variations encompass two components joined together directly or indirectly. Such connection can be fixed (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such connection can be achieved by: two components being directly connected to or linked to each other; two components being connected to each other using a single intervening component and any additional intermediate component connected to each other; or two components being connected to each other using an intervening component that forms a single integral entity with one of the two components as a whole. If "connected" or its variations are modified by an additional term (e.g., direct connection), the above-provided definition of "connected" is modified by the common linguistic meaning of the additional term (e.g., "direct connection" means two components joined without any separate intermediate component), resulting in a definition that differs from the above-provided definition of "connected." This connection can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

[0056] A reference to “or” can be interpreted as inclusive, such that any term described using “or” can refer to any one, more than one, or all of the terms described. A reference to at least one of a combination list of terms can be interpreted as inclusive or used to refer to any one, more than one, or all of the terms described. For example, a reference to “at least one of 'A' and 'B'” can include only 'A', only 'B', or both 'A' and 'B'. Such references used in conjunction with “include” or other open terms can include additional items.

[0057] Modifications to the described elements and operations, such as the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, installation arrangement, material usage, color, and orientation of various elements, may be made without substantially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or changed. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0058] References to the positioning of elements (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below") herein are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A valve, the valve comprising: spring; A first component, the first component being connected to a first side of the spring; A channel, wherein the first member extends in the channel, and the channel has a first port for connection to an interface; A second port is connected to the interface, and the first component has a first positioning that allows flow between the first port and the second port through the interface and a second positioning that prevents flow between the first port and the second port through the interface. as well as A second component is located on a second side of the spring opposite to the first side, and the second component is connected to a pressure source to apply a load to the spring.

2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises: The first component includes an elongated extension that is connected to an end portion opposite to the spring, the end portion being sized to contact the interface to seal the interface.

3. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises: The second component includes at least one of a piston or a bellows.

4. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises: The pressure source includes a fluid source having a pressure greater than a threshold corresponding to the spring force.

5. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises: A first housing, the first housing including a first wall and a diaphragm extending across the first wall, the spring and the second member being positioned within the first housing.

6. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises: The wall includes at least one of a diaphragm and a sheet, the first side of the spring is connected to a first side of the wall, and the first member is connected to a second side of the wall opposite to the first side.

7. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises: A throttling orifice is located between the second port and the interface.

8. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises: The first wall is connected to the diaphragm, and the spring is connected to the diaphragm; as well as A second wall extends inward from the first wall to form a chamber connected to the pressure source, with the first component between the chamber and the spring.

9. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises: A load screw, which is connected to the spring, is used to set the load of the spring on the first component.

10. A valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising: First pressure reducing valve; as well as The second valve includes: spring; A first component, the first component being connected to a first side of the spring; A channel in which the first member extends, the channel having a first port for connection to an interface and for connection to the first valve; A second port, the second port being connected to the interface, and the first component being movable to prevent flow between the first port and the second port; and A second component is located on a second side of the spring opposite to the first side, and the second component is used to apply a load to the spring.

11. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve assembly comprises: The second port is connected to the outlet of the first valve.

12. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve assembly comprises: The first valve includes a diaphragm chamber having a diaphragm port and a diaphragm in the diaphragm port, the diaphragm being movable between a first position for sealing the inlet of the first valve to the outlet of the first valve and one or more second positions for allowing flow from the inlet to the outlet, the first port being coupled to the diaphragm port.

13. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve assembly comprises: A load screw, connected to the spring, is used to set a load on the first component by the spring, the load corresponding to a target pressure of the fluid output from the outlet of the first valve.

14. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve assembly comprises: The first component includes an elongated extension that is connected to an end portion opposite to the spring, the end portion being sized to contact the interface to seal the interface.

15. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve assembly comprises: A first housing, the first housing including a first wall and a second wall extending across the first wall, the spring and the second member being positioned in the first housing, the spring being connected to the second wall; as well as A second housing, the second housing including a third wall forming at least a portion of the first port, the channel and the second port, the third wall being connected to the second wall.

16. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve assembly comprises: A throttling orifice is located between the second port and the interface.

17. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve assembly comprises: The first wall is connected to the diaphragm, and the spring is connected to the diaphragm; as well as A second wall extends inward from the first wall to form a chamber connected to a fluid source, with the first component between the chamber and the spring.

18. A fire protection system, the fire protection system comprising: One or more fluid distribution devices; A control valve, which is connected to the one or more fluid distribution devices; as well as A valve assembly coupled to a control valve to control the pressure of fluid supplied to the control valve, the valve assembly including a spring positioned to apply a load to the fluid and a movable member in a chamber of the valve assembly coupled to a pressure source to compress the spring by the movable member.

19. The fire protection system according to claim 18, wherein the fire protection system comprises: The one or more fluid distribution devices include at least one of a sprayer and a hose.

20. The fire protection system according to claim 18, wherein the fire protection system comprises: The valve assembly is used to control the pressure of the fluid supplied to the control valve to be less than the pressure of the fluid received by the valve assembly.

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