Systems and methods of sprinkler systems pressure control valves

Abstract

A valve can include a spring, a first member coupled with a first side of the spring, a channel in which a first member extends, a first port, a second port, and a second member. The channel can have the first port, which can be coupled with an interface. The second port can be coupled with the interface. The first member can have a first position to allow flow between the first port and the second port through the interface and a second position to prevent flow between the first port and the second port through the interface. The second member can be on a second side of the spring opposite the first side, and can be coupled with a pressure source to apply a load on the spring.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS PRESSURE CONTROL VALVESBACKGROUND

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to 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

[0002] Sprinkler systems can be used to address fire conditions. For example, the sprinkler system can include one or more sprinklers that receive fluid from a fluid supply and output the fluid to address the fire condition.SUMMARY

[0003] At least one aspect relates to a valve. The valve can include a spring, a first member coupled with a first side of the spring, a channel in which a first member extends, a first port, a second port, and a second member. The channel can have the first port, which can be coupled with an interface. The second port can be coupled with the interface. The first member can have a first position to allow flow between the first port and the second port through the interface and a second position to prevent flow between the first port and the second port through the interface. The second member can be on a second side of the spring opposite the first side, and can be coupled with a pressure source to apply a load on the spring.

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

[0005] At least one aspect relates to a fire protection system. The fire protection system can include one or more fluid distribution devices, a control valve coupled with the one or more fluid distribution devices, and a valve assembly coupled with the control valve to control a pressure of fluid provided to the control valve. The valve assembly can include aspring positioned to apply a load on the fluid and a movable member in a chamber of the valve assembly, the chamber coupled with a pressure source to cause the movable member to compress the spring.

[0006] At least one aspect relates to a method of providing a valve. The method can include providing a valve that includes a biasing member coupled with a channel extending between a first port and a second port, and a pressure-driven member coupled with the biasing member. The method can include adjusting a load member of at least one of the valve and the pressure controller can be adjusted to a setting corresponding to a target pressure.

[0007] These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component can be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a sprinkler system.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a valve assembly.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of an example of a valve of a valve assembly.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of providing a valve.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of systems and methods of valves, such as valves that can be implemented in sprinkler systems to perform pressure regulation operations. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below can be implemented in any of numerous ways, including in residential ceiling implementations.

[0014] Pressure reducing valves can be used to provide a steady outlet pressure given various inlet pressures. However, pressure reducing valves can be susceptible to drift of the outlet pressure as the inlet pressure and / or flow rate vary. For example, due to the structure of springs or other components that pressure reducing valves use to maintain a target value for the outlet pressure, the pressure reducing valves may not properly respond to transient variations in supply pressure; similarly, as flow rate out of the pressure reducing valve increases, it can be difficult for the corresponding outlet pressure to be maintained at the target value. In various systems including fire protection systems and / or sprinkler systems, the drift in the outlet pressure can affect operation of downstream components, including but not limited to downstream valves that control fluid delivery to sprinklers in response to a fire condition.

[0015] Systems and methods in accordance with the present disclosure can implement pressure reducing valves that are structured to more effectively mitigate (e.g., control, reduce, and / or minimize) drift, which can make the systems in which the pressure reducing valves are installed more predictable and efficient. By mitigating drift, a given pressure reducing valve can be used with a greater variety of operating conditions. For example, the pressure reducing valve can include a control structure, such as a hydraulic assembly, that can be pressurized from a source to allow varying force to be applied to a pilot valve of the pressure reducing valve. This can operate as a secondary control to regulate the pilot valve (e.g., bias the regulation action on the pilot valve) in response to varying inlet pressures or pressure differentials across the pressure reducing valve to mitigate drift. The hydraulic assembly can adjust the bias of the pilot valve in real time and in response to operating conditions (e.g., in response to changes in operating conditions) to mitigate drift.

[0016] For example, a valve (e.g., pressure reducing valve; valve assembly) can include a spring, a first member coupled with a first side of the spring, a channel in which a first member extends, a first port, a second port, and a second member. The channel can have the first port, which can be coupled with an interface. The second port can be coupled with the interface. The first member can have a first position to allow flow between the first port and the second port through the interface and a second position to prevent flow between the first port and the second port through the interface. The second member can be on a second side of the spring opposite the first side, and can be coupled with a pressure source to apply a load on the spring. By incorporating the second member, the force that the spring applies on fluidto control the pressure of the fluid can be more effectively regulated, such as to mitigate or minimize drift or other transient changes in the pressure.

[0017] The valve can be incorporated in various fluid flow control systems, including fire protection and / or sprinklers systems. For example, the valve can be provided between a fluid supply and a (main) header to sprinkler risers (wet, dry, etc.) upstream of risers to sprinklers or other fluid distribution devices (e.g., hoses, hose stations). The valve can be provided upstream of a control valve for controlling fluid flow to the fluid distribution devices. The valve can be provided in a fire protection system for sectional floor control fire protection. The valve can be coupled with one or more pipes, pumps, fluid supplies, or various combinations thereof. The valve can be provided for any of various ceiling-only, in-rack, and / or combined ceiling and in-rack sprinkler systems.

[0018] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a sprinkler system 100. The sprinkler system 100 can include a fluid supply 104. The fluid supply 104 can store fluids to be used to address a fire condition, which can include at least one of water and one or more fire suppression agents.

[0019] The sprinkler system 100 can include one or more pipes 108. The pipes 108 can be connected with the fluid supply 104 and extend from the fluid supply 104. The pipes 108 can extend through a structure, such as a building. Fluid from the fluid supply 104 can be present in the pipes 108 and flow through the pipes 108. The pipes 108 can include any of a variety of conduits that can be used to flow fluid (e.g., water or other fire suppression agents), including but not limited to piping, tubing, metal pipes, rigid pipes, or polymeric (e.g., chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)) pipes.

[0020] The sprinkler system 100 can include at least one sprinkler 112 or other fluid distribution device (e.g., hoses, hose stations, diffusers, open sprinklers). The sprinkler 112 can receive fluid from the fluid supply 104 through the one or more pipes 108 and output the fluid to address a fire condition. The sprinkler 112 can be a concealed sprinkler. The sprinkler 112 can have various K-factors, such as K-factors used for commercial or residential sprinkler applications.

[0021] The one or more pipes 108 can extend through at least a portion of a building structure. A cavity can be formed in the building structure to receive the sprinkler 112. The sprinkler 112 can be at least partially positioned in the cavity to be coupled with the one or more pipes 108. The cavity can be at least partially open to a space below the ceiling, such as a space that the sprinkler 112 is used to protect in the event of a fire condition. The sprinkler112 can be arranged in or coupled with a sprinkler box provided in the cavity. The sprinkler box can be a box used to support or install the sprinkler 112 in the ceiling, such as in a concrete ceiling installation.

[0022] The system 100 can include at least one control valve 116. The control valve 116 can selectively allow fluid flow from an inlet of the control valve 116 out of an outlet of the control valve 116. For example, the flow control valve 116 can be actuated from a closed state to an open state to allow fluid flow from the fluid supply 104 to the sprinklers 112. The control valve 116 can be any of various control valves, such as diaphragm, clapper, or solenoid-based control valves.

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts an example of a valve assembly 200. The valve assembly 200 can be a system that includes one or more valves. The valve assembly 200 can be used to control pressure of fluid between various points, such as between various points of the fire protection system 100. For example, the valve assembly 200 can be provided between the fluid supply 104 and control valve 116 described with reference to FIG. 1 to control pressure of fluid provided to the control valve 116 and / or to sprinklers 112 downstream of the control valve 116.

[0024] The valve assembly 200 can include a pressure controller 201. The pressure controller 201 can be a pressure reducing valve. The pressure controller 201 can be a reset valve, such as a remote resetting deluge valve. The pressure controller 201 can control an outlet pressure 202 of fluid outputted by the pressure controller 201 to meet a target pressure. The target pressure (and the outlet pressure 202) can be less than an inlet pressure 206 of fluid received by the pressure controller 201. For example, the target pressure can be a value for the pressure of the outputted fluid to be used by any of various components downstream of the valve assembly 200. The pressure controller 201 can be formed as an integral body and / or various components combined with one another. For example, the pressure control 201 can be a body or housing in which inlet 204, outlet 212, diaphragm chamber 220, and diaphragm 224 are provided. The pressure controller 201 can be or include components of the Model PRV-1 A Pressure Reducing Valve manufactured by TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS of Cranston, Rhode Island.

[0025] The pressure controller 201 can include an inlet 204, which can be on an exterior of the pressure controller 201, and an inlet chamber 208 fluidly coupled with and extending from the inlet 204. The inlet 204 can receive fluid (e.g., from fluid supply 104) at the inletpressure 206, which can be a supply pressure. The inlet pressure 206 can be susceptible to variations (e.g., fluctuations) over time, due to factors including but not limited to operation of components upstream of the inlet 204 and / or fluid flow through the valve assembly 200.

[0026] The pressure controller 201 can include an outlet 212, which can be on the exterior of the pressure controller 201, and an outlet chamber 216 fluidly coupled with and extending from the outlet 212. The outlet 212 can output fluid at the outlet pressure 202.

[0027] The pressure controller 201 can include a diaphragm chamber 220. The diaphragm chamber 220 can be arranged in fluid connection between the inlet chamber 208 and the outlet chamber 216, and the pressure controller 201 can include a diaphragm 224 in the diaphragm chamber 220. The diaphragm 224 can move between a first position in which the diaphragm 224 is in contact with a seat 226 to block one or more ports 230 that connect the diaphragm chamber 220 with at least one of the inlet chamber 208 and the outlet chamber 216, and one or more second positions in which the diaphragm 224 is away from (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2) the seat 226 and / or the one or more ports 230 to allow fluid to flow from the inlet chamber 208 into the outlet chamber 216 and out of the pressure controller 201. For example, the diaphragm 224 can be made from a resilient material and can move between the first position and the one or more second positions based on a pressure differential across the diaphragm 224 (e.g., a differential between pressure on a first side of the diaphragm 224 facing the seat 226 and / or the inlet chamber 208, and a second side of the diaphragm 224 opposite the first side).

[0028] As depicted in FIG. 2, the diaphragm chamber 220 can include or be coupled with a diaphragm port 232. The diaphragm port 232 can allow for 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 pressure of fluid in the diaphragm port 232 applied to the second side of the diaphragm 224 changes relative to the inlet pressure 206 on the first side of the diaphragm 224, the diaphragm 224 can move between the first position and the one or more second positions, such as to move from the first position to the one or more second positions responsive to a ratio of the pressure on the second side of the diaphragm 224 to the pressure on the first side of the diaphragm 224 falling below a threshold ratio, which can allow for fluid to flow through the outlet chamber 216 as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0029] The pressure controller 201 can be coupled with one or more valves 250. The valve 250 can operate as a pilot valve, such as to regulate pressure of fluid flow through and / or out of the pressure controller 201. The valve 250 can have one or more fluid-driven (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic) components, such as member 344 in chamber 340. The valve 250 can be used to mitigate fluctuations of the outlet pressure 202 that may result from factors such as fluctuations of the inlet pressure 206 or flow through the valve assembly 200. For example, the valve 250 can include a port 254 to connect with the diaphragm port 232, such as to allow the valve 250 to apply pressure on the second side of the diaphragm 224 or otherwise manage fluid pressures of the valve assembly 200 including the outlet pressure 202. The valve 250 can include at least one of a first port 258 to couple with an inlet pressure line 236 coupled with the inlet chamber 208 and a second port 262 to couple with an outlet pressure line 240 coupled with the outlet chamber 216. As such, the valve 250 can operate on the pressure controller 201 according to at least one of the inlet pressure 206 and the outlet pressure 202.

[0030] FIG. 3 depicts an example of the valve 250. As described above, the valve 250 can be used to regulate pressure of fluid in one or more components coupled with the valve 250, such as the pressure controller 201.

[0031] The valve 250 can include a housing 304 extending from a first end 301 to a second end 302. The housing 304 can be a housing in which various components of the valve 250 are formed or otherwise arranged. The housing 304 can include one or more subcomponents mounted with one another to form the housing 304.

[0032] The valve 250 (e.g., the housing 304) can include at least one first body 308, which can form a chamber 312. For example, the first body 308 can 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 can be a resilient member, such as a membrane or a diaphragm, such that the second wall 320 can change in at least one of position and shape relative to the first wall 316.

[0033] The valve 250 can include a biasing member 324 (e.g., spring) in the first body 308. The biasing member 324 can apply a force on the second wall 320 to move the second wall 320 towards the second end 302.

[0034] The valve 250 can include or be coupled with a load member 266 (e.g., load screw). The load member 266 can apply a load on the biasing member 324, which can correspond to the force that the biasing member 324 applies on the second wall 320. For example, as the load member 266 is moved towards the biasing member 324, the force that the biasingmember 324 applies on the second wall 320 can increase. The load member 266 can apply the force as a compression force on the biasing member 324. The load member 266 can be coupled with the first body 308, such as to be received through an opening 328 of the first wall 316. The load member 266 can be engaged with the first wall 316 (e.g., with threads, with tabs or stops), which can allow the load member 266 to be moved towards the biasing member 324 by being rotated in a first direction and prevented from being moved away from (or towards) the biasing member 324 unless rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. This can allow the load member 266 to be moved to a position corresponding to a target amount of the load to apply to the biasing member 324.

[0035] As depicted in FIG. 3, the valve 250 can include a load wall 332 between the load member 266 and the biasing member 324. For example, the load member 266 can contact the load wall 332 or otherwise be engaged with the load wall 332 such that movement of the load member 266 causes movement of the load wall 332. The load wall 332 can contact the biasing member 324 or, as depicted in FIG. 3, contact a plate 336 between the load wall 332 and the biasing member 324, which can facilitate distributing the force applied by the load member 266 over the biasing member 324.

[0036] The load wall 332 can extend in one or more directions (e.g., can have multiple wall portions extending in multiple directions as depicted in FIG. 3) to form a chamber 340. The chamber 340 can be inward from the chamber 312. The chamber 340 can be bounded by the load wall 332 and at least one of the plate 336 and the biasing member 324, such as to be a fluid-tight chamber. For example, the load wall 332 can be between the chamber 312 and the chamber 340.

[0037] The chamber 340 can be coupled with any of various pressure sources having sufficient pressure to apply a force (downward in the frame of reference of FIG. 3) on the biasing member 324 at various states of compression / extension of the biasing member 324. By coupling the chamber 340 with the pressure source, changes in the force applied by the biasing member 324 (e.g., on member 370 as described further herein) towards the second end 302 corresponding to compression or extension of the biasing member 324 can be mitigated, which can allow for corresponding pressure fluctuations to be mitigated.

[0038] The valve 250 can include at least one member 344. The member 344 can extend across the chamber 340 (e.g., in a direction across a direction between the first end 301 and second end 302) and can contact the at least one of the plate 336 and the biasing member 324.The member 344 can apply force on the biasing member 324 based on pressure of fluid in the chamber 340, such as to compress (e.g., re-compress) the biasing member 324 as the biasing member 324 moves the second wall 320 towards the second end 302. The member 344 can move in the chamber 340 relative to the load wall 332. For example, responsive to the biasing member 324 extending in a direction towards the second end 302, the pressure from the pressure source can drive the member 344 towards the second end 302 (e.g., as the corresponding force applied by the biasing member 324 on the member 344 decreases), which can allow the member 344 to compress the biasing member 324 (e.g., to compress the biasing member 324 back towards a state of compression initially set by the load member 266).

[0039] The valve 250 can include a seal 348 (e.g., o-ring seal). The seal 348 can be positioned between the member 344 and the load wall 332, and can seal the fluid in the chamber 340 from the space between the member 344 and the biasing member 324.

[0040] The valve 250 can include at least one second body 360. The second body 360 can be coupled with the second wall 320. For example, the second body 360 can include at least one third wall 364 coupled with the second wall 320 and extending from the second wall 320 towards the second end 302. The third wall 364 can have a greater diameter than the first wall 316 as depicted in FIG. 3.

[0041] The second body 360 can form at least one channel 366. The channel 366 can be coupled with the port 262 (which can be formed on the third wall 364), and can extend inward from the port 368 into the second body 360.

[0042] The valve 250 can include a member 370, which can be coupled with (e.g., attached to) the second wall 320, and can extend from the second wall 320 towards the second end 302. The member 370 can be positioned inward from the third wall 364, such as to be at least partially aligned with an axis through the member 344. The member 370 can be rigid (or more rigid than the second wall 320), such that movement of the second wall 320 corresponds to movement of the member 370. The member 370, as depicted in FIG. 3, can be mad of multiple contiguous sub-members (including, for example, extension 372, end portion 374) extending in a plurality of directions.

[0043] The member 370 can include an extension 372 coupled with the second wall 320, which can extend to an end portion 374 at an opposite end of the extension 372 from the second wall 320. The extension 372 can be an elongated member (e.g., a greater length alonga direction between the first end 301 and the second end 302 than a width across the length). The end portion 374 can be wider (e.g., have a greater extent in a direction perpendicular to an axis between the first end 301 and the second end 302) than the extension 372.

[0044] The end portion 374 can be positioned in an interface 376 of the channel 366 between the port 368 and a line 378 (e.g., channel 378). The line 378 can extend between the port 254 (which can be formed on the third wall 364) and the interface 376. The interface 376 can allow for fluid connection between the channel 366 and the line 378 based on the position of the end portion 374 relative to the interface 376.

[0045] The line 378 can include a choke 382 between the port 254 and the interface 376. The choke 382 can have a lesser diameter than the portions of the line 378 on one or both sides of the choke 382, which can cause a pressure drop across the choke 382 (e.g., a decrease in pressure on the port 254 side of the choke 382 relative to the interface 376 side of the choke 382).

[0046] As depicted in FIG. 3, the third wall 364 can form a seat 384 facing the interface 376. For example, the seat 384 can include one or more walls extending into the portion of the second body 360 that defines the second end 302 relative to a wall of the portion forming the channel 366. For example, the seat 384 can be sized to allow the end portion 374 to move into or out of the seat 384 (e.g., towards or away from the second end 302). The end portion 374 can be positioned between the interface 376 and the seat 384, such that movement of the member 370 can cause the end portion 374 to contact the interface 376 or be received in the seat 384. The end portion 374 can be wider than the interface 376 (e.g., wider than the opening of the interface 376 into the line 378), such that contact between the end portion 374 and the interface 376 can seal the line 378 from the channel 366. Depending on the position of the end portion 374 with respect to at least one of the interface 376 and the seat 384, the channel 366 can be in fluid communication with the line 378 or can be sealed from the line 378. For example, the end portion 374 can have a first position in which the end portion 374 contacts the interface 376 to seal the interface 376 from the channel 366, and at least one second position away from the interface 376 to allow fluid to flow between the channel 366 and the line 378 via the interface 376.

[0047] As depicted in FIG. 3, pressure of fluid in the channel 366 (e.g., from fluid received through the port 368) can apply a force in a direction towards the first end 301 against at least a portion 322 of the second wall 320 adjacent to the channel 366. Pressure of fluid in the line378 can apply a force against the end portion 374 in a direction towards the second end 302, and thus can apply the force in the direction towards the second end 302 against the second wall 320. At least one of the load member 266, the member 344, and the biasing member 324 can apply force(s) against the second wall 320 in the direction towards the second end 302. Various such components individually or in combination can operate on the second wall 320 and the member 370 extending from the second wall 320, which can affect the position of the end portion 374 relative to the interface 376; depending on the position of the end portion 374, the magnitude and / or direction of one or more such forces may vary (or be relatively low compared to other forces). As such, the valve 250 can be structured in a manner so that the biasing member 324 can react to fluctuations of fluid pressure from one or more components with which the valve 250 is connected, such as to restore forces on the fluid corresponding to the pressure set with the load member 266 (e.g., restore forces on the fluid to match the target pressure represented by the position of the load member 266).

[0048] For example, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outlet pressure line 240 can be connected with the port 262, and the diaphragm port 232 (and thus the side of the diaphragm chamber 220 between the diaphragm 224 and the diaphragm port 232) can be connected with the port 254. In an initial state, fluid pressure from the outlet chamber 216 can apply sufficient force on the end portion 374 for the end portion 374 to be held against the interface 376, sealing the line 378. Responsive to the pressure controller 201 opening (e.g., reaching a cracking pressure differential responsive to the control valve 116 opening), pressure in the channel 366 can decrease, and a pressure drop across the choke 382 can decrease, which can modify the force balance on the second wall 320 such that the second wall 320 moves towards the second end 302 and the biasing member 324 expands. As the biasing member 324 expands, the force that the biasing member 324 applies on the second wall 320 (and thus the pressure that the valve 250 applies on the fluid outputted from the outlet 212) may decrease (e.g., in the absence of the member 344). At the same time, the fluid pressure in the chamber 340 on the member 344 can drive the member 344 against the biasing member 324, restoring the pressure on the fluid outputted from the outlet 212, and thus mitigating pressure fluctuation of the fluid.

[0049] FIG. 4 depicts an example of a method 400 of providing a valve. The method 400 can be performed as part of installing the valve in a sprinkler system or fire protection system. The method 400 can be performed using any of various systems and / or apparatuses described herein, including but not limited to the system 100, the pressure controller 201, andthe valve 250. The method 400 can be performed to control pressure of fluid in one or more portions of the sprinkler system. At 405, a valve can be provided. The valve can include a biasing member coupled with a channel extending between a first port and a second port, and a pressure-driven member coupled with the biasing member. At 410, the valve can be coupled with a pressure controller, such as a pressure reducing valve (e.g., a diaphragm pressure reducing valve). At 410, a load member of at least one of the valve and the pressure controller can be adjusted to a setting corresponding to a target pressure. The valve and / or the pressure controller can be coupled with a fluid source and one or components of a sprinkler system, such as a control valve and / or one or more sprinkler risers.

[0050] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements can be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations.

[0051] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0052] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element can include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0053] Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation can be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation can be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0054] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0055] Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / - 10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / - 10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

[0056] The term “coupled” and variations thereof includes the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly with or to each other, with the two members coupled with each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled with each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without anyseparate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0057] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0058] Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A valve, comprising: a spring; a first member coupled with a first side of the spring; a channel in which the first member extends, the channel having a first port coupled with an interface; a second port coupled with the interface, the first member having a first position to allow flow between the first port and the second port through the interface and a second position to prevent flow between the first port and the second port through the interface; and a second member on a second side of the spring opposite the first side, the second member coupled with a pressure source to apply a load on the spring.

2. The valve of claim 1, comprising: the first member comprises an elongated extension coupled with an end portion opposite the spring, the end portion sized to contact the interface to seal the interface.

3. The valve of claim 1, comprising: the second member comprises at least one of a piston or a bellows.

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

5. The valve of claim 1, comprising: a first housing comprising a first wall and a membrane extending across the first wall, the spring and the second member positioned in the first housing.

6. The valve of claim 1, comprising: a wall comprising at least one of a diaphragm and a membrane, the first side of the spring coupled with a first side of the wall, the first member coupled with a second side of the wall opposite the first side.

7. The valve of claim 1, comprising:a choke orifice between the second port and the interface.

8. The valve of claim 1, comprising: a first wall coupled with a diaphragm, the spring coupled with the diaphragm; and a second wall inward from the first wall to form a chamber coupled with the pressure source, the first member between the chamber and the spring.

9. The valve of claim 1, comprising: a load screw coupled with the spring to set a load of the spring on the first member.

10. A valve assembly, compri sing : a first, pressure reducing valve; and a second valve, comprising: a spring; a first member coupled with a first side of the spring; a channel in which the first member extends, the channel having a first port coupled with an interface and with the first valve; a second port coupled with the interface, the first member movable to prevent flow between the first port and the second port; and a second member on a second side of the spring opposite the first side, the second member to apply a load on the spring.

11. The valve assembly of claim 10, comprising: the second port is coupled with an outlet of the first valve.

12. The valve assembly of claim 10, comprising: the first valve comprises a diaphragm chamber having a diaphragm port and a diaphragm in the diaphragm port, the diaphragm to move between a first position to seal an inlet of the first valve from an outlet of the first valve and one or more second positions to allow flow from the inlet to the outlet, the first port coupled with the diaphragm port.

13. The valve assembly of claim 10, comprising: a load screw coupled with the spring to set a load of the spring on the first member, the load corresponding to a target pressure of fluid outputted from an outlet of the first valve.

14. The valve assembly of claim 10, comprising: the first member comprises an elongated extension coupled with an end portion opposite the spring, the end portion sized to contact the interface to seal the interface.

15. The valve assembly of claim 10, comprising: a first housing comprising a first wall and a second wall extending across the first wall, the spring and the second member positioned in the first housing, the spring coupled with the second wall; and a second housing comprising a third wall forming at least a portion of the first port, the channel, and the second port, the third wall coupled with the second wall.

16. The valve assembly of claim 10, comprising: a choke orifice between the second port and the interface.

17. The valve assembly of claim 10, comprising: a first wall coupled with a diaphragm, the spring coupled with the diaphragm; and a second wall inward from the first wall to form a chamber coupled with a fluid source, the first member between the chamber and the spring.

18. A fire protection system, comprising: one or more fluid distribution devices; a control valve coupled with the one or more fluid distribution devices; and a valve assembly coupled with the control valve to control a pressure of fluid provided to the control valve, the valve assembly comprising a spring positioned to apply a load on the fluid and a movable member in a chamber of the valve assembly, the chamber coupled with a pressure source to cause the movable member to compress the spring.

19. The fire protection system of claim 18, comprising: the one or more fluid distribution devices comprise at least one of a sprinkler and a hose.

20. The fire protection system of claim 18, comprising:the valve assembly is to control the pressure of the fluid provided to the control valve to be less than a pressure of fluid received by the valve assembly.

Images