Abstract: A sensor assembly which is located within a wall is disclosed. The sensor assembly is typically attached to a unit for automatically flushing a toilet or urinal. The sensor assembly includes a housing, a flange, a fastening means, a face plate, a power source, and a sensor. The housing is located in a hole in a wall and fastened by flange and fastening means. The housing will hold the power source and the sensor, which will be enclosed by the face plate. A key which fits in indentations in the face plate and is used to attach and remove the face plate is disclosed. Finally, a method of installing the sensor assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a faucet having a first sensing arrangement adapted to detect a presence of one or more objects, in a first predetermined region, and adapted to turn a fluid flow on when the one or more objects is present, and further adapted to turn the flow off when the object is removed. Embodiments also include a second sensing arrangement adapted to detect a presence and/or a movement of one or more objects, in a second predetermined region and adapted to adjust a temperature of the fluid based on the presence, or movement of the one or more objects.

Abstract: A normally closed solenoid valve includes a fixed core, a valve portion including a valve seat and a valve body, a movable core disposed between the fixed core and the valve seat, a resilient biasing member for biasing the movable core in a valve-closing direction and a coil. When energized, the coil generates an attracting force between the movable core and the fixed core against a biasing force by the resilient biasing member to cause the movable core to retreat from an initial position where the valve seat is in a closed state. When a characteristic graph line of spacing distance/attracting force that defines the attracting force in relation with a spacing distance between the fixed core and the movable core provides an inclination A (N/mm) at the initial position, the compression resiliency coefficient of the resilient biasing member is set to A (N/mm).

Abstract: A hands-free faucet comprises a spout, a valve, a position sensitive device, and a logical control. The position sensitive device is positioned on the user's side of the spout, and has a trigger zone and an extended zone, each defined in part by a distance range from the position sensitive device. The logical control comprises a manual mode, wherein the position sensitive device is deactivated and the valve remains open, and a hands-free mode, wherein the valve is opened when the position sensitive device detects an object within the trigger zone, and wherein the valve is closed only when the position sensitive device does not detect an object within the trigger zone and does not detect an object that is moving within the extended zone.

Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.

Abstract: A multifunctional faucet has a dispensing faucet (2) for one or more fluids (18, 19), a sensor (3), a supply (10) for the fluids (18, 19) and a control (5). The multifunctional faucet (1) has at least one graphics-capable optical display (4), which is preferably arranged on the front side of the faucet head (36) and is connected to the control (5). The display (4) has a field display (29) or a display with a matrix of a plurality of luminous display elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and components thereof for intelligently watering an environment. The system comprises at least one sensor for monitoring particular environmental conditions, and at least one electrically powered valve that receives wireless information signals from the sensor and controls a watering device based on the signals. Power control units repeatedly toggle the sensor and valve between powered and unpowered states to conserve energy. The power control units are configured so that the powered states of the sensor and valve overlap in time to make it possible for the valve to receive the wireless information signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A safety valve system includes a control valve connected to a gas meter and intersecting a gas flow path downstream of the gas meter and upstream of an entry point of a building. The control valve is adaptable between open and closed positions based upon received stimuli. A main gas supply line is mated to the control valve and includes auxiliary lines branching to appliances. A plurality of sensors are coupled in series to the appliances and are in communication with the control valve. A mechanism is included for transmitting a control signal to the control valve and for eliminating a fully charged gas line when the stimuli are detected by one of the sensors such that the control valve can allow and restrict gas flow to the appliances during operating and non-operating modes. Each of the sensors generates a unique control signal when the stimuli are detected.

Abstract: A flush valve system includes a sensor, a bias circuit, an electrical switch, a mechanical switch, and a flush valve. The bias circuit generates a bias signal when an activation signal is received from the sensor. The bias signal turns on the electrical switch. The mechanical switch turns on just before the electrical switch is turned off. The flush valve is coupled to the electrical and the mechanical switch to initiate fluid flow when the electrical switch is turned on and facilitate the flow until the mechanical switch is turned off. An automatic braking method includes receiving an actuation signal, actuating an electronic switch to initiate a rotation of a switch cam and the opening of a valve, actuating a mechanical switch when a cutout portion of the switch cam is in contact with a portion of the mechanical switch, and closing the valve when the portion of the mechanical switch is outside of the cutout portion.

Abstract: A digital valve positioner is controlled to automatically characterize a valve to provide a linear relationship between the valve control signal and the amount of flow.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown for attachment to a plumbing system for the rapid on-demand delivery of hot water through the plumbing system to an ultimate point of use. The apparatus includes a diverter valve located in a hot water supply line upstream of the point of use. The diverter valve is actuated for a predetermined interval by a user to initially purge cold water from the hot water line to a drain. After the preset interval, the valve automatically closes. The initial diversion of cold water standing in the water supply line causes rapid delivery of hot water to the point of use once the diverter valve has completed its cycle.

Abstract: A hands-free faucet includes a sensing plate, a capacitor-based sensor circuit, a non-conductive valve housing, a non-conductive seating ring, and a conductive connector. Preferably, the capacitor-based sensor circuit is electrically connected to said sensing plate. Furthermore, the non-conductive valve housing preferably further comprises a valve inlet and valve outlet. Preferably, said non-conductive seating ring is located between the valve inlet and valve outlet, and is traversed by the conductive connector. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive connector is a metal pin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rest room control system including one or more sensors configured to monitor or control a function associated with the rest room. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the one or more sensors, and configured to receive data therefrom associated with the function, and communicate a status condition associated with the function in response thereto.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an actuator of a microvalve, a controller is provided for supplying a voltage to the actuator. The controller provides an initial voltage to the actuator which is effective to actuate the microvalve. Then, the controller provides a pulsed voltage to the actuator which is effective to continue the actuation of the microvalve.

Abstract: A hands-free faucet comprises a proximity sensor, a logical control, a handle including a first touch control, a second touch control, and a mode indicator. The logical control has a manual mode (wherein the proximity sensor is inactive, and water flow is toggled on and off by positioning the handle) and a hands-free mode (wherein water flow is toggled on and off in response to the proximity sensor). The first touch control puts the faucet in the hands-free mode when touched by a user. The second touch control toggles the logical control between the hands-free mode and the manual mode when touched by a user. The mode indicator indicates which mode the faucet is presently in. The water flow has a temperature and a flow rate that are determined by the position of the handle.

Abstract: A remote controlled system for shutting off a water supply and testing for leaks, having within a sealed housing a motorized ball valve device with an electronic controller, antenna, power supply, battery-charging device and an evacuation/injection port. The controller receives signals through the antenna from a wireless remote control device, when either of two buttons on the remote control device is pressed the controller receives the wireless RF signal and activates the motorized ball valve device which either stops or starts the water flow through the water line. The battery-charging device is connected to a source of alternating current by a power plug. If the system is installed below-ground an external battery charging device that operates by solar means is connected using matching quick connectors and positioned on the outside of the sealed housing.

Abstract: A universal valve switch for signaling the operative state of a valve assembly is disclosed that is attached to the body of the valve assembly using a bracketing arrangement. The valve switch comprises a housing defining a chamber and an aperture formed through the housing that communicates with the chamber. The valve switch may include a contact arrangement having a spring-loaded plunger that is extendable through the aperture with the plunger being operatively associated with the contact arrangement for selectively transmitting a signal to a remote panel whenever the lever is rotated out of contact with the plunger. In other embodiments, the contact arrangement may be replaced with various types of sensor assembly.

Abstract: A valve with a smart handle including a memory module to log relevant data. A sensor on the handle determines when the valve is open, and this triggers the start of timers and recording of the “open” event in a log in the memory module. When the valve is closed, the sensor triggers stopping of the timers and recording of the “closed” event in the log. The timer information is used to calculate the duration of the time “open” event, and this, together with the actual date and time of the opening and closing of the valve are recorded in the log. Other relevant information, such as cylinder fill date, cylinder I.D. number, batch number, and patient name or account number may also be logged in the memory module. The log of the events and the corresponding dates and times may be used to prepare invoices for billing gas treatments, for inventory control, and for other record-keeping and control functions.

Abstract: A municipal water supply control system includes an underground water main, at least one water consumer station downstream from the water main, and an underground water delivery channel joining the water main to the water consumer. Underground valve means may be located either in the underground water main, the underground water delivery channel or in between the two for controlling the passage of water to each water consumer. Underground valve actuation means responsive to an activation signal activate the underground water valve means between a closed condition and an open condition. A data channel means establishes a wired or wireless data channel between a valve activation control means for issuing the activation signal and the underground valve actuation means.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having an; electromagnetically driven intake valves for a vehicle. With the method, deviation of an opening operation of the electromagnetically driven intake valve in response to a command signal for opening the intake valve from a predetermined characteristic is detected, and at least one of parameters used for controlling operation of the internal combustion engine is corrected so as to reduce a change in an intake air charging state in which the internal combustion engine is charge with the intake air. A valve closing timing of the intake valve or a valve closing timing of the exhaust valve that cooperates with the intake valve may be used as parameters to be corrected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for controlling and/or regulating the supply of a medium using a supply unit for an impingement device. Said supply unit comprises at least one shut-off member and each shut-off member can be moved into a closed position and at least one open position by means of an actuating element. The device comprises a sensor unit (50) for determining in a contactless manner the presence of a material that is to be impinged by the medium. The inventive device (2) is characterized in that said sensor unit (50) is additionally configured for the contactless determination of the relative position of the material in relation to the impingement device (10) and for the output of signals, which act on the actuating elements in such a way that the later moves the shut-oft members into a position that corresponds with the presence and the location of the material to be impinged by the medium.

Abstract: An adapter for retrofitting a conventional gooseneck faucet to allow for touch-free activation. The sensor unit of the adapter is attached by simply passing it over the spout of the gooseneck faucet and towards the base of the faucet where it is locked in place by a clamp. Once in place, the sensor unit uses infrared light to sense the proximity of hands under the faucet. When hands are sensed, the control unit mounted under the sink will activate the faucet for as long as hands remain under the faucet.

Abstract: In a dynamic flow rate adjusting method, a press-fitting degree of an adjusting pipe is adjusted to regulate a load applied to a needle by a spring in a direction for closing an injection hole. Thus, a dynamic injection quantity of an injector is adjusted. An injection command signal having one-minute long pulse width is applied to the injector to measure a static flow rate, from which the press-fitting degree is calculated. Thus, the press-fitting degree, in which variation in the static flow rate is taken into consideration, can be calculated. Therefore, variation in the dynamic flow rate of each injector, which is calculated from the press-fitting degree, includes only a dynamic flow rate error, while a static flow rate error is eliminated from the variation in the dynamic flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniaturized device controlled by electromagnetic signals in the radiofrequency range for controlled release of substances or for controlled sampling of specimens, comprising a reservoir, and a closing system associated to said reservoir, where said closing system is constituted by a valve structure, closing-opening of which is controlled by the electromagnetic signal in the radiofrequency range.

Abstract: A system connectable to a water line for controlling the flow of water includes an underground housing, a shut-off mechanism disposed within the housing and connected to the water lines, and a controlling mechanism including a wand for sending a signal to the shut-off mechanism and thereby open and close the system. The shut-off mechanism includes a motor, an actuator interface, and a drive shaft operably connected to each other wherein the drive shaft rotates based upon the signal from the wand so that water flow can be adjusted as desired by an operator. The controlling mechanism includes an antenna and transceiver for communicating with the wand. The actuator interface is coupled to the antenna for processing and communicating a signal received from the wand and transmitting same to the motor and drive shaft.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the flow of a predetermined fluid, including a tube having an open end forming an outlet port, and wherein the tube is made of a material that is porous with respect to the predetermined fluid, an outer wall forming a fluid chamber coaxially surrounding the porous tube and including an inlet port, and a valve member made of non-porous material received for sliding movement within the porous tube. Sliding movement of the valve member within the tube and towards the open end of the tube reduces the flow of the predetermined fluid from the fluid chamber, through the porous tube and through the outlet of the valve assembly, while sliding movement of the valve member within the tube and away from the open end of the tube increases the flow of the predetermined fluid from the fluid chamber, through the porous tube and through the outlet of the valve assembly.

Abstract: An electronic faucet (10) mounted on a countertop (12) includes a housing, at least one fluid inlet line (24a, 24b) extending into the housing, a fluid outlet (46) from the housing, a solenoid (142, 143) for operating a valve controlling the fluid flow between at least one inlet line and the outlet, and a control circuit (206) for controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: The invention provides a proportional directional control valve having a valve operating mechanism that permits communication between a first and a second channel through a linear motion of a valve element of the valve operating mechanism, a magnetic assembly operatively connected to the valve element where the magnetic assembly provides a magnetic field responsive to the linear motion of the valve element, a linear Hall-effect sensor assembly configured to generate an electrical signal responsive to a change in the magnetic field, and a control system that controls the linear movement of the valve element in response to a comparison of the electrical signal and a command electrical input signal. The valve operating mechanism includes a valve assembly configured with a chamber housing the valve element. The linear motion of the valve element within the chamber allows fluid to be selectively conveyed through channels of the valve assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a valve shut off device that is easy to install and remove. The valve shut off device has at least one sensor, a receiver a set of interchangeable adapters, and a motor unit. The motor unit is attached to a valve handle by an adapter, and the sensor can communicate to activate the motor. When the sensor detects a leaking substance, the motor unit is activated and turns the valve handle to the “off” position. The adapters allow easy installation and removal of the valve shut off device. Additionally, the adapters accommodate a variety of valves making the system universal. Among other things, the valve shut off device allows a property owner to be absent from his or her property without the risk of a leak causing extensive damage.

Abstract: In an assembling structure for assembling a pressure sensor device to a solenoid, the pressure sensor device comprises a pressure sensor and an electromagnetic valve, and the solenoid is electrically connected to an electrical circuit device and has a cylindrical inner space. The pressure sensor device is detachably inserted into the cylindrical inner space of the solenoid. The pressure sensor has a first set of terminals, whereas a second set of terminals is provided to the solenoid, wherein the first set of the terminals is respectively and electrically connected to the second set of the terminals through spring contact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for converting or retrofitting manually-operated flush valves. A conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve includes a power module, a control module, and a driver module mechanically coupled to a manual handle to externally activate the converted flush valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the contactless detection of the position of a butterfly-valve shaft of a butterfly valve connecting piece, the butterfly-valve shaft being driven by an electric actuator and having a magnet at one end, which is aligned in a contactless manner with a sensor that is located on a cover. An aim of the invention is to reliably guarantee the detection of the position of the butterfly-valve shaft, even over particularly long periods of time using a contactless position detection device. To achieve this, the sensor has a first and a second magnetoresistive sensor element, an approximately sinusoidal signal being generated in the first sensor element and an approximately cosinusodial signal being generated in the second sensor element by means of the magnet, during the rotation of the butterfly-valve shaft. According to the method, an approximately arc tangential signal is generated in the butterfly-valve connecting signal.

Abstract: A method for the control of the switching operation of a valve by the fact that the two end positions and the intermediate position(s) of the valve are clearly determined each by the valve rod(s) bearing directly or indirectly on fixed position limiters, the fixed position limiters each are moved to in the course of the first switching operations of the valve, and the respective fixed position messages resulting therefrom are stored.

Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.

Abstract: A method for actuating a dispensing system, wherein the system includes a dispenser cavity and a dispenser is provided.

Abstract: A faucet device includes a shank coupled to a water reservoir and having two outlets, a solenoid valve is coupled to one of the outlets of the shank, a faucet housing includes a chamber and includes an outlet spout. A valve casing is disposed in the faucet housing, and includes two passages coupled to the other outlet of the shank and an exit of the solenoid valve. An actuating device may selectively communicate either passage of the valve casing with the spout of the faucet housing, to allow the water from the shank and the solenoid valve to selectively flow out through the spout of the faucet housing, and to allow the faucet device to be selectively operated automatically or manually by users.

Abstract: A control apparatus of electromagnetic valve includes a valve body functioning as an intake valve or an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine and an electromagnet for affecting an electromagnetic force relative to an armature provided on the valve body for actuating the valve body. A controler determines a target value regarding a force affecting the valve body when displacing the valve body from one displacement end to the other displacement end or a state quantity of the valve body varied in accordance with the force and controls the electromagnetic force of the electromagnet for attracting the armature to the one displacement side based on a deviation between the force or the state quantity and the target value so that the force or the state quantity conforms to the determined target value when displacing the valve body from the one displacement end to the other displacement end.

Abstract: A control method with variable feedback gain for energization of an electro-magnetically driven intake/exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine increases opening and closing speeds of the intake/exhaust valve driven with electromagnets having small capacity and brings the final speed of the opening and closing action of the valve close to zero. A target moving speed of the armature relative to the electromagnets is determined dependent upon a spacing distance of the armature from the electromagnet; at least a part of energization of the electro-magnetically driven valve is controlled through feedforward control so as to make an actual moving speed of the armature relative to the electromagnets in conformity with the target moving speed while at least the other part of the energization is controlled through feedback control based upon a deviation of the actual moving speed from the target moving speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic servo valve, and more particularly, to a pneumatic servo valve, wherein displacement of a spool due to flow force of a fluid is prevented by firmly holding the spool just after position control for the spool is completed, thereby ensuring the stability of a valve system, and an encoder is employed as a spool position detecting means.

Abstract: A servo-valve control device for controlling servo-valve opening. The servo-valve opening follows a target by inputting signals of a servo-valve opening target value and of an actual servo-valve opening. The control device has a controller, which is constructed to receive a signal of difference between the servo-valve opening target value and the actual servo-valve opening, and to generate a servo command signal for driving the servo valve. The control device also has an extended observer, which is constructed to receive the actual valve opening signal and the servo command signal, and to estimate an input-terminal disturbance signal added on the servo valve. The control device also has a modification part, which is constructed to modify the servo command signal by subtracting the estimated input-terminal disturbance signal output from the extended observer, from the servo command signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote measurement, control, and supervision, via a wired or wireless network connection, of the flow of gas, allowing fully opening or closing a valve in case of an emergency or for administrative purposes. The apparatus also provides for flow pressure, barometric pressure, and a temperature compensated gas flow meter. The apparatus obtains the number of revolutions of a rotor which delivers a fixed amount of gas per revolution and compensates for gas bypassing the rotor. The apparatus is self-powered by the energy produced by an electric generator coupled to the flow measurement rotor. The surplus energy not used by the electronic components in measuring and reporting is stored for the operation of the rotary control valve. The apparatus is housed in a planar base plate that allows servicing from one side of the system. The apparatus uses an energy storage management system for the controlled charging and use of the apparatus in an intrinsically safe manner.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls an electromagnetically driven valve, which includes at least one of an electromagnetically driven exhaust valve for opening or closing an exhaust valve and an electromagnetically driven intake valve for opening or closing an intake valve in an internal combustion engine. The control apparatus is provided with: a first judging device for judging whether or not the electromagnetically driven valve fails in seating for valve-opening; and a fail-safe device for controlling the electromagnetically driven valve to perform an operation of valve-opening again in a same stroke if it is judged by the first judging device that the electromagnetically driven valve fails in the seating for valve-opening.

Abstract: A control system for controlling airflow through a vent. The system includes a vent assembly having a frame. The frame includes an opening to allow air to flow through the frame. The vent assembly also includes a movable damper for variably restricting the fluid flow through the opening in the vent assembly, a motor for controlling movement of the damper, and a sensor for determining the position of the damper. In addition, a controller is provided to control the motor to vary the position of the damper to thereby vary the airflow through the opening in the vent assembly.

Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.

Abstract: A digital valve positioning system is disclosed. The system comprises a valve, a valve controller having a controller microprocessor and a controller memory and a valve actuator having an output coupled to the valve to control the position of the valve over a range of motion in response to an output from the valve controller. The system further comprises a first position sensor for determining the position of the valve actuator and an intelligent limit switch for generating a limit switch state signal indicative of a state of the valve being above or below a threshold set point. The limit switch comprises a second position sensor generating an output signal indicative of the position of the valve, a limit switch memory, a limit switch microprocessor communicatively coupled to the limit switch memory, an isolated communication link between the controller microprocessor and the limit switch microprocessor for transferring the set point data from the controller to the limit switch.

Abstract: A faucet comprising a spout, a passageway, an electrically operable valve; a first manual valve; a first manual handle; and a bypass. The passageway conducts water flow through the spout. The electrically operable valve is disposed within the passageway. The first manual valve disposed within the passageway in series with the electrically operable valve. The first manual handle that controls the first manual valve. The bypass has a first end above the electrically operable valve, relative to the water flow, and a second end below the electrically operable valve, such that a portion of the water flow bypasses the electrically operable valve.

Abstract: The invention provides a radio frequency (RF) valve control system that replaces mechanical systems that physically links a button or a handle to a flush valve or hard wired electronic control systems that physically links a sensor/electronic switch to a valve actuator within a plumbing installation. The new system is characterized by two modules, a user interface module (UIM) for locating at or adjacent a plumbing fixture (such as a water closet or urinal), and a valve interface module (VIM) operatively connected to a flush valve actuator or a valve in the water supply line of the plumbing fixture. The UIM generally has the function of providing an RF valve control signal to the VIM and the VIM has the functions of receiving, analysing, and responding to the RF valve control signal and sending a signal to the valve actuator to initiate a flush cycle or initiating a valve control process to control a valve within the water supply line to start or stop water flow to the fixture.

Abstract: A remotely managed electronic dispensing apparatus having a transmitter for transmitting a detection signal and a receiver for receiving a reflected signal and a communication signal is disclosed. When the detection signal is reflected from an object, the dispensing apparatus opens a valve allowing fluid to flow. The communication signal may contain software update or other information for the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A capacitive touch-controlled automatic faucet comprises: a spout, a magnetically latching valve, a proximity sensor, a handle, a capacitive touch-control, and a logical control. The proximity sensor is sensitive to motion of objects within a detection zone of the proximity sensor. The handle determines a water flow rate and temperature. The capacitive touch-control is positioned in the spout and generates an output signal while the touch-control is in contact with a user. The logical control receives the output signal, and toggles the magnetically latching valve when the output signal begins and ends within a period of time less than a predetermined threshold, but does not toggle the magnetically latching valve when the output signal persists for a period longer than the predetermined threshold. The faucet has a manual mode, wherein the proximity sensor is inactive, and a hands-free mode, wherein water flow is toggled in response to the proximity sensor.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a fully-integrated actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes, within a single housing assembly, a torque source, a position sensor, a gear train, and an output shaft. The torque source is adapted to receive one or more position control signals and, in response, to supplies a drive force. The position sensor is coupled to receive the drive force and, in response, supplies a signal representative of valve position. The output shaft is coupled to receive the drive force from the torque source, and thereby selectively moves the valve, upon receipt of the drive force, between the open and closed positions.