Abstract: The system includes a spout and a portable handheld activator insertable around the spout. The spout includes a valve member made of a magnetically-conductive material. The valve member is movable between a closed position and an opened position so as to close or open a fluid passage inside the spout. The spout also includes a core plate made of a magnetically-conductive material. The activator includes a housing made of a magnetically-conductive material, and at least one coil located into the housing to selectively generate an electromagnetic field capable of moving the valve member to the opened position against a spring force biasing the valve member into the closed position. In use, the spout and the activator are configured and disposed so that the electromagnetic field, using only a relatively small amount of electrical energy, creates a substantially uninterrupted toric magnetic circuit for actuating the valve member.

Abstract: The system includes a spout and a portable handheld activator insertable around the spout. The spout includes a valve member made of a magnetically-conductive material. The valve member is movable between a closed position and an opened position so as to close or open a fluid passage inside the spout. The spout also includes a core plate made of a magnetically-conductive material. The activator includes a housing made of a magnetically-conductive material, and at least one coil located into the housing to selectively generate an electromagnetic field capable of moving the valve member to the opened position against a spring force biasing the valve member into the closed position. In use, the spout and the activator are configured and disposed so that the electromagnetic field, using only a relatively small amount of electrical energy, creates a substantially uninterrupted toric magnetic circuit for actuating the valve member.