Abstract: A fresh water control system comprises a fresh water supply line having a plurality of spaced outlets. At least first and second fresh water manifolds are provided. Each manifold comprises an inlet in flow communication with an associated one of the outlets and at least a first remotely operable valve for selectively supplying fresh water to a remote fixture. At least first and second check valves are provided. The check valves are intermediate the supply line outlets. Each of the check valves permits fresh water to flow therebeyond in a first direction while preventing water from flowing therebeyond in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: The method of controlling operation of a plurality of fixtures comprises the steps of establishing a maximum fluid flow rate and determining which of the fixtures requires operation. A determination is then made of the fluid flow rate of the fixture requiring operation and a calculation is made of whether operation of the fixture requiring operation will cause the maximum flow rate to be exceeded. The fixture requiring operation is caused to operate if the maximum flow rate will not be exceeded and is prevented from operating if the maximum flow rate will be exceeded.

Abstract: A pinch valve control system for regulating the flow of water through the water distribution network of a building. Remote-controlled, fluid-operated pinch valves are spaced at various locations throughout the water distribution network of the building and may be selectively operated from a remote station to stop the flow of water in any pipe throughout the building's water distribution network. The use of pinch valves permits water flow to be increased or decreased gradually and reduces or eliminates water hammer. The pinch valve is operated by compressed fluid which enters the sleeve around the pinch valve to stop the flow of water in the pipe. To resume the water flow, the fluid in the pinch valve is released.

Abstract: A pinch valve control system for regulating the flow of water through the water distribution network of a building. Remote-controlled, fluid-operated pinch valves are spaced at various locations throughout the water distribution network of the building and may be selectively operated from a remote station to stop the flow of water in any pipe throughout the building's water distribution network. The use of pinch valves permits water flow to be increased or decreased gradually and reduces or eliminates water hammer. The pinch valve is operated by compressed fluid which enters the sleeve around the pinch valve to stop the flow of water in the pipe. To resume the water flow, the fluid in the pinch valve is released.

Abstract: A modular system for automatically controlling the operation of a water faucet comprises an electrically operable valve for installation in line of a water supply line to the faucet for controlling water flow to the faucet; a sensor for detecting the presence of an individual within a predetermined range of the sensor; a controller for connecting to the valve and the sensor for receiving a detection signal from the sensor and for operating the valve in response to the signal; and releasable connectors for connecting the valve and the sensor to the controller.

Abstract: A wash station comprises a sink and a faucet. A source of water and a source of soap are provided. An electrically operated valve is interposed between the water source and the faucet for selectively supplying water thereto, and a pump and valve are interposed between the soap source and the faucet for selectively supplying soap thereto. An electrically operated roll towel dispenser is disposed proximate the sink. A first infrared sensor is operably associated with the sink for determining the presence of a user. A control mechanism is operatively associated with the valves, the pump, the roll towel dispenser and the sensor for causing water and soap to be selectively supplied to the faucet and for thereafter causing a length of roll towel to be dispensed.

Abstract: A flushing control system for prisons and the like includes a fixture and a source of water. A solenoid operated valve is interposed between the fixture and the source for regulating the flow of water to the fixture. A capacitance sensor is operably associated with the fixture for requesting operation of the valve. A control mechanism is operably associated with the capacitance sensor and with the valve for causing operation of the valve to be delayed for a selected period after the sensor has been operated and for limiting the number of operations of said valve per unit time.

Abstract: A solenoid operated flush valve has a main flush valve body including water inlet and outlet means. The main flush valve body includes generally horizontally extending nipple means which is in fluid communication with the water inlet and outlet means. A flow control means is removably mounted within the nipple means and includes valve insert means and solenoid means in cooperative engagement with the valve insert means. The valve insert means includes first and second ends and a side. The valve insert means includes a first passageway extending axially between the first and second ends thereof and a second passageway extending between one of the first and second ends and the side of the valve insert means. The second passageway is in fluid communication with the water outlet means through the side of the valve insert means. Means cooperate with the solenoid means for selectively blocking the second passageway to thereby regulate the flow of water flushing through the flush valve.

Abstract: A dispenser for roll toweling and the like includes a housing having an aperture. A roll of toweling is rotatably mounted within the housing, a drive system cooperates with the roll for causing the roll to rotate so that toweling is dispensed through the aperture. A non-contact passive sense system is operably associated with the drive system for monitoring that portion of the infrared spectrum associated with animate bodies so that the presence of an animate body may be detected, and for causing selective operation of the drive system upon the animate body being detected.

Abstract: The method of controlling operation of a plurality of fixtures comprises the steps of establishing a maximum liquid flow rate and determining which of the fixtures required operation. A determination is then made of the liquid flow rate of the fixture requiring operation and a calculation is made of whether operation of the fixture requiring operation will cause the maximum flow rate to be exceeded. The fixture requiring operation is caused to operate if the maximum flow rate will not be exceeded and is prevented from operating if the maximum flow rate will be exceeded.