Abstract: A valve system (10) includes a piezoelectric transducer (44) mounted on its housing (16). To change the valve's state, a microcontroller (54) causes a valve driver (58) to drive current through the actuator's coil (12) at a relatively high level. It continues driving current through the coil (12) at the high level until the transducer's output reaches a magnitude characteristic of the disturbance that typically results when the actuator's armature (22) reaches the end of its travel. At that point, the microcontroller (54) reduces coil drive.

Abstract: A remotely managed electronically operated dispensing apparatus having a transmitter for transmitting a detection 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 maintenance, status and other information and is received by a communication device.

Abstract: A system for remote operation of a personal hygiene appliance which includes any one of a toilet flush valve, a faucet, a shower head, a soap dispenser, a hand dryer, and a paper towel dispenser, includes an electric operator associated with each appliance for causing operation thereof. A radio receiver is associated with each appliance, which, upon receipt of a message unique to that appliance, will cause its operation. There is a triggering device, remote from the appliance, which may be for example an infrared sensor or a manually operated switch for signaling an intent to cause operation of the appliance. There is a transmitter and a receiver associated with the triggering device. Each triggering device associated transmitter is programmed to transmit a message unique to that specific appliance. There is an indicator located at each triggering device and a receiver associated with the indicator.

Abstract: An actuator base, bobbin, and pole piece form a pocket for an armature that a flexible membrane encloses to form an armature chamber filled with an incompressible fluid. The membrane protects the armature from exposure to corrosive fluids flowing in a conduit. Conduit flow can be stopped by driving the membrane against a valve seat. Pressure from the controlled fluid in the conduit is transmitted through the membrane to the fluid within the armature chamber so that the armature does not need to counteract force applied to the membrane by the conduit fluid's pressure.

Abstract: A modular water supply shut off and by pass system that can be installed in a standard water supply line and used to prevent water flow through the supply line except when the system is activated. The system includes a modular unit having main fluid flow line provided with a remotely actuated valve and a by pass fluid flow line provided with a manually operated valve. The system also has a control unit that includes a timing mechanism that be operated to actuate the remotely actuated valve and allow water to flow through the main fluid flow line for a period of time determined by the timing mechanism. A momentary switch is coupled to the control unit and used to actuate the timing mechanism.

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 motor control device for a flow control device includes an opening part through which an upstream side of a fluid flow passage is in communication with a downstream side of the fluid flow passage, a valve element that controls a flow of a fluid which passes through the opening part, a motor which includes a rotor and a stator that relatively moves the valve element with respect to the opening part and a drive control section by which the motor is rotationally driven and controlled. Drive pulses are outputted from the drive control section for rotationally driving the rotor of the motor and a stop pulse is outputted from the drive control section and set to be a period width longer than that of the drive pulse for stopping the rotor of the motor at a prescribed position. The stop pulse is applied to the motor and the rotor stops at the prescribed position by a magnetic detent torque between the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a spraying device including a first assembly provided with a spray nozzle and a second assembly incorporating means for controlling the first assembly. The first assembly is connected to the second assembly through a wireless communication system, for example by radio. The invention is applicable to hand-held powder-coating guns and sprayers associated with a multiaxial machine.

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, which includes a resilient element for retaining a valve stopper to normally close the water passage, 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: The present invention provides a means to add electronic control of temperature and flow rate for fluids in standard faucets. The device is self powered by means of the fluid flowing through it and generates sufficient power to operate the control electronics. Elimination of an external power source or internal battery, is important for simple retrofit installations as well as maintenance free operation for many years. The invention consists of two components that communicate with each other via either an RF (radio frequency), IR (infra red) or a wired link. The Mixing Unit serves to mix the incoming hot and cold fluids (typically water but any fluid can be mixed) to a desired temperature under control of the Main Control Unit. The Main Control Unit provides a means by which the user can adjust the temperature as well as automatically turn on and off the fluid flow.

Abstract: A temperature information detecting device for an angle sensor is provided for detecting only temperature-dependent components based on middle-point potentials when a constant current is supplied to a bridge circuit for an angle sensor, for acquiring a temperature of the angle sensor from the temperature-dependent components, for employing compensating information corresponding to the acquired temperature without separately providing any additional temperature sensor, and for making temperature compensation of the output of the temperature sensor in automatically controlling the valve opening of a flow control valve.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a household water supply incorporating motion-sensing for determining whether a house is occupied, provides protection of structures and fixtures from water damage due to plumbing failure or other causes. The household water supply is shut-off in conformity with a determination that the household is unoccupied and thereby provides automatic protection from water damage.

Abstract: A manual-automatic water faucet includes a shell installed inside with a water intake base, a water outlet valve, an electromagnetic valve, an induction device and a control device. The control device is composed of a valve rod, a spindle and a revolving button. The revolving button is able to actuate the valve rod to rotate or actuate the spindle to shift axially. When the valve rod is actuated to rotate, it can control water temperature, and when the spindle is actuated to shift axially, it can control the faucet to supply water automatically or manually.

Abstract: A conventional fuel injection system meters fuel by varying the time for which the injector is open. This is an empirical rather than fundamental method of metering the fuel. The amount of fuel delivered for a given injector opening time will depend on the pressure difference across the injector orifice and the exact dimensions of the injector orifice. Both these parameters are subject to variation. An injector (1) which comprises a plunger (2), a solenoid coil (3), and a conical return spring (11) which is driving a primary high pressure pump assembly consisting of a primary piston (4) within a primary cylinder (5) together with primary inlet valve (8) and primary outlet valve (7). The plunger (2) is also driving a secondary low pressure pump assembly consisting of a secondary piston (22), secondary cylinder (23), secondary inlet valve (24) and secondary outlet valve (25).

Abstract: A valve device and a method for operating at least two valves is actuated by an actuator and arranged for controlling fluid flow in at least two separate fluid lines. The two valves are preferably diaphragm operated valves, but may be also piston valves. The valve device includes a pressure release mechanism constructed to change pressure in a diaphragm chamber of each diaphragm operated valve and thereby open or close the valve. The pressure release mechanism may include a fluid passage in communication with each diaphragm chamber, where it is simultaneously controlled by a movement of a single sealing member actuated by a single actuator. The valve device may also include a manual actuator.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator that detects the position or speed of a drive unit, a valve drive unit and a position or speed sensor that employs the electromagnetic actuator are provided. In the electromagnetic actuator, a magnetic flux generator generates and distributes the magnetic flux. When the magnetic flux changes because of movement of a movable unit, a magnetic path is formed in a magnetic path component that is provided along the direction of movement of the movable unit. The magnetic path passes through a magnetic component. The magnetic flux distributed to the magnetic component is then detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic, reciprocating rotary driving mechanism unit for operating a shut-off member in a shut-off valve, comprising a substantially closed housing, in which a drive shaft (30) is journalled, a pneumatic control valve (39-42) for controlling said drive shaft and first signal transmitting means (54, 55) for delivering control signals to said pneumatic control valve, wherein the housing consists of a base part (48), in which the drive shaft and the pneumatic control valve are present, and a first function part (53), in which the first signal transmitting means are present, which first function part is detachably and exchangeably connected to said base part so as to make it possible to exchange said first function part for a second function part containing second signal transmitting means of a type for the purpose of changing the manner in which the drive shaft can be controlled.

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 displacement member arranged to externally activate the converted flush valve.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling one or more utility systems includes a utility system main supply line for supplying a utility to at least one of a structure, an area and a building and a controlled shut-off device on the utility system main supply line. The controlled shut-off device is bias toward an open position and is movable toward a closed position upon receipt of an actuation signal wherein the utility is prevented from passing by the controlled shut-off device. A main utility sensor is on the utility system main supply line and a motion sensor that detects occupancy is in the building. A processor communicates with the controlled shut-off device, the main utility sensor and the motion sensor. The processor sends the actuation signal to the controlled shut-off device to move the controlled shut-off device toward the closed position when input from the main utility sensor and the motion sensor indicates occurrence of an abnormal event.

Abstract: A method of operating a butterfly valve that includes defining the stem stroke of the butterfly valve into a first, a second and a third operation regions, wherein the first operation region corresponds to a lower stem stroke, and the third operation region corresponds to a higher stem stroke of the butterfly valve, providing a first set of PID parameters for the first operation region such that the butterfly valve functions as an on/off control valve in the first operation region, providing a second set of PID parameters for the second operation region such that the butterfly valve functions as a percentage control valve in the second operation region, and providing a third set of PID parameters for the third operation region such that the butterfly valve functions as an on/off control valve in the third operation region, wherein the first and third sets of PID parameters produce a greater output level than the second set of PID parameters.

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: 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 liquid flow control valve has a valve body 10 in which is mounted a valve member 41 moveable between valve open and closed positions. A turbine 15 senses liquid flow through the valve body 10 and generates electrical pulses which are counted by a control circuit, over a pre-set period. An electro-magnet 54,55 controls operation of the valve member 41 and is driven by the control circuit so as to close the valve in the event that flow continues for longer than the pre-set period or the flow is greater than at a pre-set rate. The valve may also be closed should the temperature fall to about 0° C.

Abstract: A flexible drive mechanism for a flushing apparatus actuated by movement of a flush handle via an actuation element is disclosed. The drive mechanism includes a housing and flexible drive system in the housing, the flexible drive system including an actuating element operable to move the flush handle between a non-actuating position and a full stop actuating position. The housing further includes first and second bracket halves and first and second removable insert halves for adapting the first and second bracket halves to substantially enclose and engage a bushing and nut and thereby secure said electromechanical flexible actuator to the flush lever of the sanitary fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling cutting fluid of a processing machine is disclosed to include a cylindrical rotor, a power source for driving said rotor to rotate, a control mechanism having an encoding device and a sensor, and a processor. The rotor has a main passage and a branch passage both in communication with a cutting fluid supply loop of the processing machine. The encoding device is fixedly mounted on the rotor. Once the sensor detects a code from the encoding device identical to a built-in control serial code of the processor when the processor orders the power source to drive the rotor to rotate based on the built-in control serial code, the power source is ordered by the processor to stop said rotor at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An alternating pressure valve system is provided comprising a blower with an air intake and an air outlet; a rotor valve assembly connected to the air outlet from the blower where the rotor valve assembly comprising: a housing with an air intake, a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a circular chamber; and a wedged shaped rotor valve rotatably contained within the circular chamber of the housing such that the rotor valve can rotate to partially block the first air outlet, partially block the second air outlet, or block neither air outlets; The rotor valve is preferably controlled by a gearmotor and pressure sensors to detect the relative pressure in each outlet.

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 valve structure of an infrared operated automatic water supplier includes a three-branch tube, a solenoid valve, and a pressure-balance switch unit wherein the three-branch tube has a projected tube flange protruding at the inner side of an actuation opening therein correspondingly matched to a water outlet thereof. The pressure-balance switch unit, made up of a membrane, an actuation ring plate, a sealing sleeve, a spring element, and a retaining mount, is adapted at the actuation opening of the three-branch tube therein with the membrane thereof correspondingly located on top of the projected tube flange thereof to form a first layer of sealing effect thereof, and a conic guide face of the sealing cap smoothly forced into the projected tube flange in abutting engagement therewith.

Abstract: A bathroom flusher (10) includes a body having an inlet (12) in communication with a supply line and an outlet (16) in communication with a flush conduit, a valve assembly in the body positioned to close water flow between the inlet and the outlet upon sealing action of a moving member (60, 60A, 60B, 60C, 130, 210, 215, 526, or 628) at a valve seat (70, 70A, 140, 209, 251A, 526 or 625) thereby controlling flow from the inlet to the outlet, and an actuator (62) for actuating operation of the moving member. The bathroom flusher includes one of several novel sensors and is controlled by one of several novel controllers, as described. The controllers may execute a novel control algorithm.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for measuring and displaying protected against risks of being frozen, comprising a fluid metering assembly (1) connected to a fluid supply pipe (2) and a fluid outlet pipe (3). Said fluid metering assembly (1) is mounted in an inspection window (4) below the frost line, said pipes extending in a trench produced in the ground (13) and connected to the inspection window (4). The metering assembly (1) is removable with or without interrupting pressurised fluid. A metering plate (8) retains flexible junction means (9, 10) connecting the intake and the outlet pipes (2, 3) to the metering assembly (1). The installation comprising the fluid metering assembly (1) is useful for maintaining protected against frost and accessible standard valves and fittings, in particular straight or coaxial meters (1).

Abstract: A method is for the continuous control of a position of a control valve. A control deviation from a position of the control valve, is determined as a controlled variable, in relation to a reference variable being determined. A manipulated variable is determined from the control deviation, by which manipulated variable the control valve is positioned and/or maintained in the position predefined by the reference variable. The improved method for the control of the position of a control valve, has the effect that failure of a valve position transmitter does not result in failure of the position control loop.

Abstract: A bathroom flusher includes a flusher body, a valve assembly, an electronic control system, and a flusher cover. The flusher body includes an inlet and an outlet, and is designed to accommodate the valve assembly that controls water flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve member movable with respect to a valve seat providing a sealing action based on applied pressure on the valve assembly. The bathroom flusher also includes an external cover designed for enclosing an electronic control module comprising a battery, a sensor, and an actuator for controlling operation of the flush valve, wherein the external cover includes at least two cover parts separately removable, and wherein the external cover is attachable with respect to the valve body in a manner also allowing removable attachment of the control module.

Abstract: A closed loop pressure controller system that sets, measures and controls the process pressure within a semiconductor process is shown. The system is commonly composed of a pressure sensor to collect the pressure information, a controller box that hosts the control electronics, and a valve to physically affect the conductivity of the inlet or outlet gas line and accordingly the process pressure. The present invention differs from the prior art by using closed-loop motor control of the valve, rather than the method of the prior art, where the valve position is controlled by a stepper motor actuator driven in an open loop fashion. It is demonstrated that the utility of such prior art open-loop configurations is limited by the fact that the achievable precision of the valve position is hindered by static friction in the valve system, and the non-linear character of the torque versus shaft-angle of the motor (among other error components).

Abstract: In a servo controller 3a, it is confirmed whether or not the voltages from amplifiers G1 through G3 are within the range of normal performance in the comparators 32a through 32c after alternating current voltages generated individually in a primary coil 22a and secondary coils 23a and 24a of an LVDT 2a are converted into direct current voltages and output from the amplifiers G1 though G3. When a voltage out of the range of normal performance is confirmed in at least one of the comparators 32a through 32c and a high voltage is output, the servo controller 3a is brought into a stand-by state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the switching movement of a valve, by means of which the device carries out the above in a simpler fashion than with conventional devices, manipulation advantages are achieved and the recognition of defined, fixed valve positions is more certain. The above is achieved in a method whereby both end positions and the intermediate position(s) of the valve are clearly fixed by indirect or direct arrangement or the valve rod(s) at fixed positions (A1, A2, A3, A4), whereby, during the first switching movement of the valve, the fixed positions (A1, A2 . . . ) are each arrived at and the resulting fixed positional signal (y1, y2, y3, y4) is stored, a given tolerance range (&Dgr;T1i; &Dgr;T2i; &Dgr;t3i; &Dgr;T4i) is assigned to each value (y1, y2 . . . ) and both threshold values (y1o, y1u; y2o, y2u; y3o, y3u; y4o, y4u) for the given tolerance range (&Dgr;T1i, &Dgr;T2i, . . . ) are calculated.

Abstract: The present invention is a fluid control switch which includes an adapter element for engagement with a switch housing assembly in a fluid control system. The switch housing assembly has a switch orifice surrounded by a switch orifice rim. The adapter element also includes an activation portion in communication with a signal switch, which creates a analog/digital data signal when the activation portion is activated. When the adapter element is engaged with the switch housing assembly, the activation portion of the adapter element extends at least flush with the switch orifice rim of the switch housing assembly.

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: A valve (1) for supplying fuel gas to a fuel gas appliance comprises a valve housing (2) which defines a valve chamber (3) within which a main carrier member (20) is axially moveable along a main central axis (4). The main carrier (20) carries a primary valving member (21) and a secondary valving member (22) for co-operating respectively with a primary valve seat (10) and a secondary valve seat (15) for controlling the flow rate of the fuel gas through the valve chamber (3) from a fluid inlet (5) to a main fluid outlet (6). A pilot fluid outlet (7) supplies fuel gas to a pilot jet. A stepper motor (35) comprising a rotor (70) and four independently powered magnetic coils (67) disposed at 90° intervals around the rotor (70) urges the main carrier (20) between a fully open and a closed position in the direction of the arrows B and A, respectively through a screw-drive transmission (37).

Abstract: A method of operating a butterfly valve that includes defining the stem stroke of the butterfly valve into a first, a second and a third operation regions, wherein the first operation region corresponds to a lower stem stroke, and the third operation region corresponds to a higher stem stroke of the butterfly valve, providing a first set of PID parameters for the first operation region such that the butterfly valve functions as an on/off control valve in the first operation region, providing a second set of PID parameters for the second operation region such that the butterfly valve functions as a percentage control valve in the second operation region, and providing a third set of PID parameters for the third operation region such that the butterfly valve functions as an on/off control valve in the third operation region, wherein the first and third sets of PID parameters produce a greater output level than the second set of PID parameters.

Abstract: A venting methodology and system for rapid shutdown of a fuel cell apparatus of the type used in a vehicle propulsion system. H2 and air flows to the fuel cell stack are slowly bypassed to the combustor upon receipt of a rapid shutdown command. The bypass occurs over a period of time (for example one to five seconds) using conveniently-sized bypass valves. Upon receipt of the rapid shutdown command, the anode inlet of the fuel cell stack is instantaneously vented to a remote vent to remove all H2 from the stack. Airflow to the cathode inlet of the fuel cell stack gradually diminishes over the bypass period, and when the airflow bypass is complete the cathode inlet is also instantaneously vented to a remote vent to eliminate pressure differentials across the stack.

Abstract: The title flow regulator disclosed is used for regulating the level of water in the fields of an agricultural operation according to seasonal needs by a mechanism for adjusting the outflow of water from the tile line. The regulator includes a housing through which water from the tile line is directed and in which a partition with at least one aperture is positioned. At lease one vertically movable gate is associated each aperture and with a motor, an electric cylinder, and at least one actuator bar such that, upon actuation of the motor, the gate moves either open or close the aperture. If two apertures are included, the regulator can be fully open (both apertures open), fully closed (both apertures closed), or partially open (bottom aperture open, top one closed) to achieve the desired moisture level. Dates on which the gates will be moved can be pre-selected by remote signaling.

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 bathroom flusher includes a flusher body, a valve assembly, an electronic control system, and a flusher cover. The flusher body includes an inlet and an outlet, and is designed to accommodate the valve assembly that controls water flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve member movable with respect to a valve seat providing a sealing action based on applied pressure on the valve assembly. The bathroom flusher also includes an external cover designed for enclosing an electronic control module comprising a battery, a sensor, and an actuator for controlling operation of the flush valve, wherein the external cover includes at least two cover parts separately removable, and wherein the external cover is attachable with respect to the valve body in a manner also allowing removable attachment of the control module.

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 control system for determining and controlling position and velocity of a valve member relative to a valve contact surface in a valve system preferably having an actuator comprised of a piezoelectric device. The control system includes an actuator control circuit for applying a control signal to the actuator to move the member relative to the contact surface. The control system further includes a seat detection circuit for determining when the member impacts the contact surface. The control system further includes a velocity control circuit which utilizes the output of the seat detection circuit from the previous actuation cycle to control the position and velocity of the member relative to the contact surface in the subsequent actuation cycle.

Abstract: A motor control device for a flow control device includes an opening part through which an upstream side of a fluid flow passage is in communication with a downstream side of the fluid flow passage, a valve element that controls a flow of a fluid which passes through the opening part, a motor which includes a rotor and a stator that relatively moves the valve element with respect to the opening part and a drive control section by which the motor is rotationally driven and controlled. Drive pulses are outputted from the drive control section for rotationally driving the rotor of the motor and a stop pulse is outputted from the drive control section and set to be a period width longer than that of the drive pulse for stopping the rotor of the motor at a prescribed position. The stop pulse is applied to the motor and the rotor stops at the prescribed position by a magnetic detent torque between the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: A feedback mechanism includes a feedback pin, feedback shaft, feedback sensor, and connecting member. The feedback pin displaces interlocked with a motion of an actuating shaft of a valve that opens and closes. The feedback shaft pivots interlocked with displacement of the feedback pin. The feedback sensor outputs a feedback signal, to be used for opening/closing the valve, in accordance with a pivoting amount of the feedback shaft. The connecting member connects the feedback pin and the feedback shaft, and has a cylindrical first bearing through which the feedback pin is inserted, and a cylindrical second bearing through which feedback shaft is inserted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a throttle valve housing comprising a housing having a continuous throttle hole that can be cross flown by a gaseous medium in a main flow direction, wherein said throttle valve shaft can be pivoted by an actuating drive and wherein the throttle hole is connected to an inlet line on the inlet side and to an outlet line on the outlet side. The invention aims at ensuring particularly reliable detection of the mass of gaseous medium coming in through the throttle hold, using particularly simple means. This is achieved in that a first temperature sensor for temperature T of the gaseous medium is arranged upstream of the throttle valve and in that a second pressure sensor for pressure P of the gaseous medium is arranged downstream of the throttle valve.

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 system and method for controlling and monitoring operation of a valve are disclosed. The system includes an actuator and a switch that, upon being actuated, provides a control signal to the actuator designed to cause the valve to change from a first state to a second state. The system further includes a sensor positioned downstream of the valve, an indicator, and a detection device coupled at least indirectly to the switch, the sensor and the indicator. When not detecting a sensor failure, the detection device allows the indicator to indicate that the valve has changed its state in response to the switch being actuated when the sensor indicates that the valve has so changed. Upon detecting a sensor failure, the detection device prevents the indicator from indicating that the valve has changed its state in response to the switch being actuated.