Abstract: A method for calibrating automatic infrared sensing devices having control modules, an IR detector, and an IR emitter by using a select infrared emitter/detector pair to calibrate a plurality of control modules wherein an appropriate infrared emitter input value to the select infrared emitter is obtained to provide a given output from the select infrared detector in response to infrared radiation reflected from a known test object, and the appropriate infrared emitter input value is then determined and stored permanently in one or more control modules as a calibration standard.

Abstract: A method for dynamically calibrating automatic infrared sensing devices in commercial use having an IR detector. Randomly reflected emitted IR radiation is detected by the IR detector which sends as IR detector output to a control module. The control module measures whether the detector output is too high or too low compared to a standard range of output values stored in the control module. An IR emitter value is then determined to maintain IR detector output within the standard range of values. This IR emitter input value is stored in the control module as a calibration standard until the calibration cycle.

Abstract: An improved control valve for a pressurized water closet, having a housing, a spool rotatable within the housing, a valve stem threading engaging the spool but fixed from rotating relative to the housing and a needle valve extending from the valve stem and into the housing orifice, creating a self cleaning valve adjustable by rotating the spool, which adjusts the depth of the needle valve in the orifice, and thus adjusting the effective opening of the orifice.

Abstract: A cartridge-type faucet valve is provided which includes a housing with an inlet, an outlet and an insert assembly (or cartridge) seat interposed between the inlet and outlet and for cooperating with a portion of an insert assembly or cartridge to provide a seal between the inlet and outlet. The insert assembly or cartridge includes a stationary elongated sleeve and a stem mounted within the sleeve which is longitudinally movable over a range of travel between a closed position and a fully open position. One section of the stem co-acts with the sleeve to control the longitudinal position of the stem. Another section of the stem cooperates with an internal surface portion of the sleeve to provide a longitudinally extending flow passage for communicating from the inlet to the outlet. A seal piece is mounted on the stem and is adapted for engagement with a stationary seating surface adjacent one end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A metering valve for controlling fluid flow is provided which includes a piston assembly disposed between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and mounted for relative movement within a tubular unit between a first open mode, a second open mode connecting the fluid inlet and outlet and a close mode. The assembly is biased to assume the close mode and assumes the first open mode when a predetermined first external form is applied to a valve actuating element forming a component of the metering valve. The assembly assumes the second open mode when the first external force is enhanced by a predetermined second external force applied to the valve actuating element. When the external forces are released, the piston assembly automatically returns to the close mode upon successively moving through first and second segments of travel relative to the tubular unit. The rate of travel during the first segment is substantially less than the rate of travel during the second segment.

Abstract: A metering valve is provided having a piston assembly mounted for movement between open and close modes. The piston assembly is biased to assume a close mode. The piston assembly assumes an open mode only when a predetermined external force is applied to a valve actuating element forming a component of the metering valve. When the external force is removed, the piston assembly automatically returns to the close mode. The rate of movement of the piston assembly during a first segment of travel from the open mode to the close mode is substantially slower than the rate of movement during a second segment of the travel.

Abstract: A metering valve is provided having a piston assembly mounted for movement between open and close modes. The piston assembly is biased to assume a close mode. The piston assembly assumes an open mode only when a predetermined external force is applied to a valve actuating element forming a component of the metering valve. When the external force is removed, the piston assembly automatically returns to the close mode. The rate of movement of the piston assembly during a first segment of travel from the open mode to the close mode is substantially slower than the rate of movement during a second segment of the travel.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for use in controlling the maximum flow of a pressurized fluid through a hollow body. The hollow body includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet separated from one another by a partition having an aperture formed therein. The valve assembly includes a sleeve member which is disposed within the hollow body so that one end of the sleeve member is disposed adjacent to and in substantial alignment with the partition aperture. The sleeve member is provided with a discharge port which is spaced from the one end and is in communication with the fluid outlet. Sealingly engaging the portion of the partition defining the aperture is an adjustable seating piece. An elongated valve stem is mounted within the sleeve member for axial movement between open and closed positions.