DESCRIZIONE
A valve (6) comprises a valve body (8) having an inlet (15) for fluid communication with a space or source (4) containing pressurised gas, and at least one outlet (17). A membrane (20) is arranged between the inlet (15) and the at least one outlet (17). A membrane puncturing element (30) is arranged for movement between a retracted, inoperative position and an extended position in which it punctures the membrane (20). An actuating piston (32) is operatively coupled to the membrane puncturing element (30) for moving the membrane puncturing element (30) between its retracted and its extended positions, the actuating piston (32) being received in a piston bore (36) of the valve body (8). The valve body (8) also includes a cartridge receiving chamber (80) for receiving a sealed actuating gas cartridge (82). A cartridge puncturing device (90) is provided for puncturing the actuating gas cartridge (82). An actuating gas flow passage (100) communicates actuating gas released from the actuating gas cartridge (82) to the actuating piston bore (36) upon puncturing the actuating gas cartridge (82) for moving the actuating piston (32) and thus the membrane puncturing element (30) from its retracted to its extended position. [Image Omitted] [Image Omitted]