Abstract: An electronic faucet includes a spout, a fluid supply conduit supported by the spout, and a valve assembly including an electrically operable valve. A controller is coupled to the valve assembly and includes a processor operative to control the electrically operable valve to control fluid flow through the fluid supply conduit. The controller includes a port in communication with the processor, the port being releasably coupled to electronics of a secondary device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a urinal system (10), a water consumer system having such a urinal system, and a method for operating a urinal system.

Abstract: Various examples relate to electrically actuated valves. Various examples relate to actuators to be used for valves, e.g., shape—memory alloy actuators or solenoid actuators (151) or piezoelectric actuators. Various examples relate to a modular concept in which a valve can be formed by attaching an actuator component (601) to a housing. Various examples relate to a further modular concept in which multiple valve blocks, each valve block including one or more valves, can be fluidly coupled with each other.

Abstract: A method of controlling an accumulation in a fluid system and associated apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises heating. The heating is adaptive or adaptable. The method comprises adapting the heating in accordance with a parameter associated with a development of accumulation. The parameter is monitored. An associated subsea heating system (20) for controlling an accumulation in a subsea flow line (28) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method and mirror are provided in order to more reliably detect the presence of an object, such as a person. In the context of a system, the system includes a sensor configured to emit signals having a predefined wavelength and to detect a reflection of the signals having the predefined wavelength. The system also includes a reflective surface positioned relative to the sensor such that the signals emitted by the sensor are directed toward the reflected surface. The system further includes a filter associated with the reflective surface and positioned relative to the sensor such that the signals emitted by the sensor are also directed toward the filter. The filter is configured to attenuate at least signals having the predefined wavelength.

Abstract: A sanitaryware system may include sensors to determine a status or condition of one or more sanitaryware fixtures in the sanitaryware system and perform a particular function, such as, for example performing a flush, closing the flush valve and/or angle stop, sending an alert, initiating a service ticket. The sanitaryware system may automatically perform the function. The sanitaryware system may communicate the status or condition to an internet connected device and/or user, the device may perform the function or may instruct the sanitaryware to perform the function. The sensed information, sanitaryware system status or condition, and/or initiated response may be logged and monitored to improve the overall efficiency and operation of the sanitaryware system and the sanitaryware fixtures within the system.

Abstract: A toilet seat apparatus according to an embodiment is a toilet seat apparatus to be placed on an upper part of a toilet bowl having a bowl unit that receives excrement, the toilet seat apparatus including: a toilet seat on which a user sits; a light emitting unit including one or more light emitting elements that emit light in a front direction; a light receiving unit including a light receiving element that receives light; and a housing in which the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged, in which the one or more light emitting elements are arranged in parallel with the light receiving unit or in front of the light receiving unit in a side view or a top view of the housing.

Abstract: A device is provided that is intended to simultaneously measure and identify at least two characteristics of multiphase fluid flows through the device and/or equipment attached to the device. The device has a lower measurement medium invasive compartment comprised of at least two ultrasonic and/or acoustic transducers, a piezo-resistive sensing element, and a resistance temperature detector (RTD) to make simultaneous independent measurement. A pathway connects to the device's upper electronic compartment comprised of an accelerometer array, multiple stacked circuit boards providing power, sensing interface, processing, calculation, and network communication functionalities. The device is capable of measuring, processing, and calculating simultaneous independent pressure, temperature, flow rate, and vibration measurement. The device reports data to an external system via either wired and/or wireless communication channel.

Abstract: A method for actuating a valve with an electromagnetic valve drive through which electric current is conducted to open or close the valve or to hold the valve in an open or closed position includes receiving an opening signal, determining an adapted opening signal which is adapted to physical limits of the valve or valve drive, and determining a feed-forward signal for feed-forward control of an electric current to drive the electromagnetic valve drive to open the valve in reaction to the adapted opening signal. The method further includes calculating an actuation signal for actuating the valve drive using the feed-forward signal, and outputting the actuation signal.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for solenoid valves includes detecting, at excitation of the solenoid, a variation rate of the supply voltage of the solenoid and comparing it with a predetermined value, generating an error signal if the variation rate is lower than the predetermined value, otherwise, detecting characteristics of the waveform of the solenoid current over a time interval between a moment of excitation of the solenoid and a moment wherein the movable core reaches end-stroke position, comparing the detected characteristics with threshold values, generating an alarm signal if the detected characteristics are lower than the threshold values, otherwise calculating the value of solenoid resistance and comparing it with a minimum resistance value and a maximum resistance value when the solenoid current is in steady state, and generating an alarm signal if the solenoid resistance value is lower than the minimum resistance value or greater than the maximum resistance value.

Abstract: A remote control unit of a remote control device wirelessly transmits a first instruction signal or a second instruction signal instructing to operate a solenoid valve, to a solenoid valve control unit. The solenoid valve control unit receives the first instruction signal or the second instruction signal and generates a first drive signal or a second drive signal on the basis of the received first instruction signal or the received second instruction signal, respectively. The solenoid valve is of a double solenoid type, and includes a first solenoid to which the first drive signal is supplied and a second solenoid to which the second drive signal is supplied.

Abstract: A field device coupling apparatus for coupling a field device to a higher-level controller, including a current interface with a first interface connection point and a second interface connection point, with which interface connection points the field device coupling apparatus can be connected to the higher-level controller in order to receive an interface current, further including a load circuit connected between the first interface connection point and the second interface connection point, the load circuit including a controllable load and being adapted to provide a supply voltage for the field device using the controllable load based on the interface current, wherein the load circuit includes an AC negative feedback path, which runs from an output branch of the load circuit to an input terminal of the controllable load and serves to increase the AC impedance between the first interface connection point and the second interface connection point.

Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.

Abstract: An integrated mixed tap water and conditioned water faucet assembly has a pull-out sprayer head and a spout. The spout has an upwardly extending portion, a downwardly extending dispensing portion and a bight extending between the upwardly extending portion and the downwardly extending dispensing portion. A conditioned water housing and the sprayer head are disposed at a lower end of the downwardly extending dispensing portion and extend downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tap cartridge that includes a routing of a cable that may transmit data and/or supply electricity, for a tap handle or lever with electronic functions, and which also relates to the tap containing said cartridge with the routing system, wherein the configuration of a parameter of the fluid supplied is performed by rotation of said handle or lever, all thanks to a positioning through the inner cartridge and of an extra accumulation of cable in a space of the cartridge prior to the connection of the lever.

Abstract: A temperature-regulating double-control automatic faucet includes a faucet body, a single-handle double-control mixed water valve core having a lever, a solenoid valve, a water pipe assembly, a controller, a magnetic induction device, and a proximity sensor. The single-handle double-control mixed water valve core is installed in the faucet body cylinder. The magnetic induction device is configured to detect a position change of the lever. The proximity sensor is configured to sense a manual operation. The automatic faucet has a manual control mode and a sensing control mode for use, which can be used conveniently.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum valve comprising a sensor assembly with at least one force sensor which has a deformation-sensitive element. The sensor assembly is designed such that a measurement signal relating to a compression of the seal (TO) which lies between a first and a second seal surface, said compression being produced by the first and the second seal surface, is detected by means of the sensor assembly.

Abstract: Improved process control systems may include shared safety control and process control components/elements, facilitating the sharing of sensors, actuators, and input/output (I/O) interface circuitry between the safety functionality of the system and the general operational (i.e. normal) functionality of the system. Components and/or circuitry corresponding to safety operations of the system may be designed to permit inputs to be monitored during normal operations at all times as there is typically no safety risk associated with monitoring. The components and/or circuitry corresponding (or dedicated) to the safety operations of the system may operate to prevent normal operational control of various designated outputs/actuators when there is a need to activate safety functions. When there is no need to activate safety functions, these same components and/or circuitry may allow normal operational control of the designated outputs/actuators.

Abstract: Among other things, systems and methods include a first sensor configured to detect operation of the sink; a second sensor configured to detect personal characteristics of a person operating the sink.

Abstract: A method and device detect the position of a device utilizing electronic sensors in applications with negligible power resources. The method utilizes an indicator circuit for monitoring a position of a device, the indicator circuit including a position sensor configured to detect a position of the device, a first position indicator operatively coupled to the position sensor and configured to provide a position output corresponding to the position of the device based on the position of the device as detected by the position sensor, a first sense line for receiving a sense voltage from a second position indicator different from the first position indicator; and an energy harvesting device operatively coupled to the first sense line, the position sensor and the first position indicator. The energy harvesting device is configured to harvest electric energy from the sense voltage, wherein the position sensor and the first position indicator obtain electric power from the harvested electric energy.

Abstract: An object is to provide a flow rate control device that can suppress a manufacturing cost and greatly reduce burdens of setting and maintenance. A flow rate control device 11 of the invention is comprised with a flow rate adjusting valve 21 that is installed in a flow path 13, a flow rate measurement part 41 that measures a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the flow path 13, a controller 61 that controls opening degrees of the flow rate adjusting valve 21 based on a measurement result of the flow rate measurement part 41, and a pressure deficiency detecting function that detects pressure deficiency when a limit sensor 246 (an opening detecting sensor) that detects the opening of the flow rate adjusting valve 21 detects the opening degrees are full.

Abstract: A solenoid device including pressure altering means for altering an output pressure of the solenoid device; and an actuator for providing an actuating signal to said pressure altering means; wherein the solenoid device further includes a sensor arranged to sense a control value of the solenoid device, and a controller which receives a request and is arranged to control delivery of power to the actuator with feedback from the sensor until the control value meets the request.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for electro-mechanically fluctuating the position of a ball valve/ball valve stem. The said apparatus can electronically turn the ball valve smoothly and effectively to any position in response to the input signal provided by a microcontroller interfacing with a motor driver controller. The apparatus control inputs will range from: voice command, push buttons, motion sensor, android, and/or touchscreen. An input means to send signals to the microcontroller, which send a signal to the stepper motor driver circuit, which send a signal to control the Stepper motor, which will maneuver a machined made driveshaft to operate the momentum of the ball valve/ball valve shaft for accurate and precise liquescent output.

Abstract: A circuit has a magnetic sensor that produces an uncompensated magnetic sensor output signal. A temperature sensor produces an ambient temperature signal. A compensation circuit is connected to the magnetic sensor and the temperature sensor. The compensation circuit is configured to add a computed temperature compensation signal to the uncompensated magnetic sensor output signal to produce a magnetic sensor temperature compensated output signal that reduces thermally induced variation of the uncompensated magnetic sensor output signal.

Abstract: A valve controller for controlling a valve and a valve comprising the valve controller are disclosed. The valve comprises an actuator and a flow controlling unit. The valve controller comprises equipment for controlling the function of at least one of the actuator and the flow controlling unit. The valve controller is further configured to obtain one or more first parameter values indicative of a functionality of the equipment at startup of the valve controller. The valve controller is configured to monitor the equipment during operation of the valve controller for determining one or more second parameter values indicative of the functionality of the equipment and determining if a change in functionality of the equipment has occurred based on a comparison of the one or more second parameter values with the one or more first parameter values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine housing for a multi-flow turbine with a first spiral and a second spiral. The first spiral comprises a first side conduit and the second spiral comprises a second conduit, wherein the first side conduit and the second side conduit are fluidically connected to one another in a connection area.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for controlling a flow of water through a faucet includes a shank and a head. The shank is configured to pass through an aperture in a wall and terminates at a flange at a first end of the shank. The head is configured to be coupled to the shank. The head includes a base, a top portion, and circuitry. The base has a first side configured to be supported by a first side of the wall and a second side configured to interface with a first side of the flange. The base includes an opening configured to receive the flange and a hole configured to receive a portion of the shank. The circuitry is configured to be positioned between the cover and a second side of the flange opposite the first side of the flange. The circuitry interfaces with the second side of the flange.

Abstract: A valve opening and closing system includes: a site/center switching manual valve; a manual valve for opening and closing operation; an opening/closing switching electric driving valve that opens and closes a manual valve and that nullifies the manual valve for opening and closing operation; a center wireless transmitter that accepts and transmits an operation instruction including an opening and closing operation instruction and a forced closing operation instruction; and a site wireless transmitter, and a contact signal converter, the site side valve control device transmits both of the opening and closing operation instruction and the forced closing operation instruction to the contact signal converter when the site/center switching manual valve is switched to the center control side, and interrupts the opening and closing operation instruction and transmits the forced closing operation instruction to the contact signal converter when the site/center switching manual valve is switched to on site.

Abstract: A safety valve is outfit with sensors to monitor performance. The safety valve may include valve mechanics comprising a closure component moveable relative to a seat. The device may also have a pre-load unit coupled with the closure component. The pre-load unit may utilize a coiled compression spring to generate spring force to keep the closure component in contact with the seat. A strain gauge may be disposed on the compression spring to measure strain, for example, shear strain in the compression spring. Analysis of this data may predict set pressure (or “set point”). This prediction may, in turn, form a basis for an alert or other indicator that the safety valve requires maintenance or repair.

Abstract: A sanitary device includes a radio wave sensor, a control section. The radio wave sensor is configured to obtain information on a sensing target by a reflection wave of an emitted radio wave. The control section is configured to control operation of an instrument based on a sensing signal including a first signal and a second signal outputted from the radio wave sensor. Difference between a phase of the second signal and a phase of the first signal is not less than 60° and not more than 120°. The control section is configured to determine presence or absence of the sensing target based on sum of square of difference between a value of the first signal and a first reference value and square of difference between a value of the second signal and a second reference value.

Abstract: A sensing device for a plumbing fixture includes an electronics housing including a rear wall. The rear wall includes a tool passage therethrough and a fastener head pocket in communication with the tool passage. The device further includes a fastener including head carried in the fastener head pocket of the rear wall of the electronics housing and a body extending away from the head and establishing a fastener axis. The device further includes a sensor assembly including a sensor housing having a first portion coupled to the electronics housing and a second portion carried on the body of the fastener and configured for movement relative to the electronics housing along the body of the fastener.

Abstract: A detachment sensor detects attachment and detachment of a water discharger to and from a retainer. An object sensor detects presence of an object. A controller causes water discharge triggered by detection of an object by the object sensor while the water discharger is attached to the retainer and suppresses water discharge triggered by detection of an object by the object sensor while the water discharger is detached from the retainer. The controller suppresses water discharge triggered by detection of an object by the object sensor after attachment of the water discharger to the retainer until a non-detection state of an object by the object sensor continues for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention recites a control method for a controller of a water faucet particularly for a battery operated water faucet. The method comprises the step to detect the change of back electromagnetic voltage in the driving circuit. The present invention also provides a control circuit of a controller for a water faucet particularly for a battery operated water faucet. The controller comprises a controller body having an electric solenoid formed therein, a sensor to emit and receive an Infrared signal so as to generate and transmit an operating signal, a microprocessor to receive and process the operating signal from the sensor, a driving circuit to control the switching ON-OFF of the solenoid, and a detecting means associated with a detecting circuit to detect the change of back electromagnetic voltage of the power applied to the solenoid so as to accurately control the water flow.

Abstract: A faucet comprises a spout, a passageway that conducts water flow through the spout, and an electrically operable valve disposed within the passageway. A first capacitive sensor has a first detection field that generates a first output signal upon detection of a user's hands in the first detection field, and a second capacitive sensor has a second detection field that generates a second output signal upon detection of a user's hands in the second detection field. A controller is coupled to the first and second capacitive sensors and the electrically operable valve. The controller is programmed to actuate the electrically operable valve in response to detecting the user's hands in the first detection field and not in the second detection field for a predetermined period of time surrounding the detection of the user's hands in the first detection field.

Abstract: A sanitary device includes a wet area device includes a radio wave sensor, a control section and a controlled section. The radio wave sensor is configured to output a sensing signal concerning a water flow. The control section is configured to determine a state of the water flow based on phase information of the sensing signal and to output a control signal based on a determination result. The controlled section is configured to be controlled based on the control signal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining off-temperature behavior of a solenoid fluid control valve. The method comprises performing a current sweep at a first temperature. The method further comprises choosing a first and second characterization control pressure for characterizing the solenoid fluid control valve. A first current may be determined that corresponds to the first characterization control pressure based on the current sweep, and a first metric may be assigned to the solenoid fluid control valve based on the first current. A second current corresponding to the second characterization control pressure may be determined based on the current sweep, and a second metric may be assigned to the solenoid fluid control valve based on the second current. Information regarding the behavior of the solenoid fluid control valve at a second temperature may be determined based on the first and second metrics.

Abstract: Proposed is a monitoring apparatus for a sanitary installation, comprising a first sensor for monitoring the presence of persons in a first spatial region in the surroundings of the sanitary installation and comprising a second sensor for monitoring a second spatial region in the surroundings of the sanitary installation, wherein the first sensor comprises an operating mode and a standby mode and the second sensor is embodied to switch the first sensor from a standby mode into an operating mode in the case of a predetermined detection. In order to avoid faults in the operating procedure, the first sensor is embodied as a distance sensor, in particular as a TOF sensor.

Abstract: A sensor-operated pull-out faucet can include a spout having a hose disposed therein, a pull-out spray head fluidly coupled to the hose and configured to dock at an end of the spout, and a sensor assembly disposed at least partially in the spout proximate the end of the spout. The sensor assembly can include a sensor and a shutter disposed adjacent the sensor. The shutter can be operable to obscure the sensor in a closed state and expose the sensor in an open state. The faucet can also include a control unit communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to control fluid flow through the hose and the pull-out spray head based on control signals generated by the sensor.

Abstract: A flushometer system having an integrated control stop and three ports. The piston or flush control device is accessible through an actuation opening. The flushometer system may be utilized in a behind-the-wall installation with a face plate exterior for user interaction. The interior of the flushometer may be accessed through the actuation opening behind the face plate.

Abstract: A transmission unit is caused to transmit a first wave from a transmission unit that transmits waves, and a second wave. Based on a first reflected wave of the first wave and a second reflected wave of the second wave, it is determined whether there is an object outside of the apparatus.

Abstract: A linearly actuated pinch clamp is provided, including a housing, a motor connected to the housing, a mechanical drive unit connected to the motor for converting a rotary motion of the motor to a linear motion and for introducing a mechanical advantage to the motion of the motor, and a pinching element having a body and a pinching surface. The pinching element body is coupled to the mechanical drive unit. In certain versions of the pinch clamp, the pinching element is slidably mounted to the housing such that the pinching element is linearly displaceable by the mechanical drive unit between a first position and a second position where the pinching surface cooperates with a fixed surface to pinch closed a flexible tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical module. In an embodiment, the optical module includes a carrier, a light source, a light detector, and a first polarizer. The light source and the light detector are disposed adjacent to a first surface of the carrier. The first polarizer is disposed on the light detector. The optical module is configured to polarize light emitted from the light source into a first polarization direction substantially perpendicular to a second polarization direction of light permitted through the first polarizer.

Abstract: A touch sensitive tap includes a tap main body; a support pipe rotatably assembled to the tap main body and disposed with a touch sensing area for a user to touch; a conductive silicone ring sealingly connecting the tap main body and the support pipe and electrically connecting the tap main body and the support pipe to form an integral conductor therebetween; an outlet portion connected to the support pipe; a waterway at least connected from the tap main body to the support pipe and connected to the outlet portion; and an on-off control portion coupled to the waterway to control opening and closing of the waterway. The integral conductor acquires a touch signal from the touch sensing area and transmits the touch signal to the on-off control portion, and the on-off control portion controls opening and closing of the waterway after receiving the touch signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting with an electronic valve having a low seal force, such as an electronic faucet with an electronic valve having a low seal force.

Abstract: A steam turbine includes a turbine body; a steam flow passage; a regulating valve which regulates opening and closing of the steam flow passage with a linear motion; a switching drive mechanism which drives the regulating valve; an electronic governor which controls at least the switching drive mechanism; and a controller unit. The switching drive mechanism has an electric motor which rotates when supplied with power, a conversion mechanism which converts a rotary motion of the electric motor into a linear motion of the regulating valve, and a brake which brakes the rotary motion of the electric motor. At least one of the controller unit and the electronic governor performs control such that the brake is actuated and the position of the regulating valve is maintained when at least one of the electric motor and the controller unit breaks down.

Abstract: A reprogrammable testing circuit for testing different types of valves may obtain a direction limit for a valve; obtain a test direction input for the valve; determine whether the direction limit of the valve has been reached or when there is an attempt to exceed it based on a current position of the valve, the test direction input, a valve test procedure; run a customized test on the valve in a direction of the direction input based on determining that the direction limit has not been reached; actively comparing the current position of the valve with the direction limit while running the customized test; and discontinue the customized test when the current position of the valve reaches the direction limit.

Abstract: A subsea tool assembly includes a subsea tool and a subsea drive module connected to and configured to provide drive power to the subsea tool. The subsea drive module includes a housing configured for operation in a subsea environment, an electrical motor deployed in the housing, and an electrical power supply deployed in the housing. The electrical motor is configured to rotate a magnetic coupling which is sized and shaped to magnetically engage a corresponding magnetic coupling in the subsea tool. The electrical power supply is electrically connected to and configured to provide electrical power to the motor. Rotation of the magnetic coupling rotates the corresponding magnetic coupling in the subsea tool thereby providing drive power to the subsea tool.

Abstract: A faucet configured for touchless actuation that includes a spout; a mechanical valve configured to move between an open state and a closed state and having a member radially movable between an open position and a closed position in response to operation of the mechanical valve between the open state and the closed state; an electronic valve configured to move between an open state and a closed state; and a system configured to detect and communicate a state of the faucet in response to the position of the member.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for controlling a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve controlling the flow of water through a faucet, is described. The sensor assembly includes a head including a bottom portion configured to be supported by a wall and a top portion. The sensor assembly also includes a proximity sensor including a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter projects a beam into a detection zone. The sensor assembly also includes processing electronics configured to cause the solenoid valve to open in response to a receiver detecting a reflection from an object in the detection zone.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing malfunctions in a variable valve actuation device. The system has a rocker arm assembly with first and second arms attached at a first end and a hydraulically operated latch assembly to secure the first arm to the second arm when latched. The rocker arm assembly pivots upon a hydraulic lash adjuster and includes a source of pressurized fluid connected to a hydraulic valve providing high or low pressure fluid to the hydraulically-operated latch. The latch may be operated by a remote device. A pressure transducer positioned within the hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) is adapted to create a signal indicating fluid pressure in the HLA. A control unit coupled to the hydraulic valve and the pressure transducer is adapted to sense engine operating parameters, actuate the hydraulic valve, read the signal from the pressure transducer and identify malfunctions of the rocker arm assembly based upon the signal.