Abstract: A sealing element is made up of a shut-off body with a sealing surface; a bonding layer component provided on the sealing surface of the shut-off body and containing silicon and carbon; and a sliding layer component provided on the bonding layer component and containing silicon and carbon. The bonding layer component has a silicon content greater than that of the sliding layer component so that the bonding layer component has more ductile properties than the sliding layer component. The sliding layer component is harder than the bonding layer component. The sliding layer component is thinner than the bonding layer component and less than one um so that the bonding layer component takes up stresses of the sliding layer component without impairing adhesion capability of the bonding layer component to the sealing surface.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture has a housing adapted to be secured to a support surface, forming a compartment dimensioned to snugly receive a battery, and formed with a passage extending from the compartment to the surface. Contacts exposed in the compartment are positioned to engage terminals of the battery. At least one feed conduit extends from the housing through a hole in the support surface so that liquid can be fed to the housing through the conduit. An electrically controlled valve in the housing is connected to the contacts and to the conduit for altering characteristics of fluid flow through the housing. A battery simulator is provided including a battery-replacement unit dimensioned like the battery, received in the compartment, and having terminals engaging the contacts. A flexible supply cable extends from the unit through the passage and surface and has an outer end outside the housing. A fitting on the outer end can fit with a standard line-voltage supply.