Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning system which is suitable for micrometric regulating valves. The invention comprises a micro-regulating valve which is connected to the shaft of a servomotor by a flexible coupler and which is fixed to the same using a support. The aforementioned motor is, in turn, coupled to a potentiometer which transmits the position of the shaft of the motor and, consequently, of the rod of the valve to a control system which compares a signal received from an external control system with the position of the value, the position of the valve being corrected with a movement of the motor. In this way, a quick and precise positioning system can operate at high pressures and with very low flow rates.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a control arrangement which receives field information relating to an area to be irrigated and source information relating to one or more water sources which supply water to the irrigation system. The control arrangement optimizes an irrigation plan based on the field information and source information and then controls one or more irrigators in accordance with the plan. The control arrangement may pulse valves positioned on the irrigator on and off in order to control the amount of water applied to the land by individual outlets on the irrigator. Latching valves may be used.

Abstract: A hose control system is provided. A flow controller has an inlet, an outlet, a fluid flow path defined between the inlet and outlet, and an electrically actuated valve positioned to selectively open or close the fluid flow path. A hose reel device comprises a rotatable spool member onto which a hose can be wound. An electrically controllable motor is connected to rotate the spool member in wind and unwind directions. A hose has a proximal end connected to the spool member. The hose is in fluid communication with the outlet of the flow controller and is configured to be wound upon the spool member. Electronic components are in communication with the valve and the motor. A wireless remote control is configured to transmit wireless command signals to the electronic components for controlling the valve and the motor. The remote control is mounted near a distal end of the hose.

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: When a valve body is rotated toward a full-close position in a valve-close mode, a control portion controls an electric motor so that the rotating speed of the valve body is lower than that in a valve-open mode. A rotating speed of the valve body around the shaft in the valve-close mode is lower than that in the valve-open mode. Thus, when the seal ring is brought into contact with the inner wall surface, an impact generated therebetween can be moderated. While the valve body is rotated toward the full-close position, a seal ring is gradually elastically deformed. A sliding friction between the seal ring and the inner wall surface can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of sensing a reduction in fuel screen area in a fuel system. The method includes detecting an engine shutdown, initiating an electronic engine control (EEC) built in test, shifting a metering valve from a first position to a second position, determining a travel time of the metering valve, and sensing a reduction in fuel screen area based on the travel time of the metering valve.

Abstract: A compact electrical plug characterized as a receptacle with a self-contained programmable, networkable controller which can be installed directly onto an electromechanical valve or relay. The plug has a controller built into the receptacle housing. It can be configured to run autonomously based on an internal closed loop feedback algorithm or manually controlled based on commands received remotely by a computer or custom control interface. The invention can be networked with other plugs like it providing a streamlined network where multiple electromechanical valves and\or relays can be controlled at one time. The plug has multiple visual indications providing the operating status and error states of the connected component and contained controller.

Abstract: An automatic toilet flushing system, for use with conventional toilets, includes a sensor, an actuator and a flushing mechanism. The actuator has a gear train, a motor, a pivotal arm connected to the gear train, and a power source connected to the motor for rotating the shaft of the motor which rotates the gear train for pivotal movement of the arm. The flushing mechanism includes a flapper valve and the pivotal arm is connected to the flapper valve via a bead chain and a handle swivel or a tab mounted on the pivotal arm. The sensor may replace the flush handle or the flush handle and the sensor may both be provided. A kit and a method for converting a manual flushing system to the automatic toilet flushing system are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are associated with the discovery of methods for operating rotary valves that reduce or minimize wear of the seal sheet, which is often the limiting factor in overall processing capability of the valve. The control of certain parameters associated with the rotary valve operation, and particularly the seating pressure of the seal sheet (e.g., the dome pressure), can extend the useful life of the seal sheet, thereby avoiding excessive maintenance and downtime costs. In preferred embodiments, control is on a real time basis.

Abstract: An aircraft electrical actuator arrangement includes a plurality of actuators and a master power converter to convert power from the electrical power distribution network for supply to each actuator. The actuators include an environmental control system actuator, an aileron actuator, a flap actuator, a slat actuator, a landing gear actuator, a thrust reverser actuator, a brake actuator and a taxiing actuator. A controller is coupled to the master power converter and is arranged to allow the supply of power from the master power converter to the environmental control system actuator during a first mode of operation of the aircraft. The controller is arranged to allow the supply of electrical power from the master power converter to at least one of the aileron, the flap, the slat, the landing gear, the thrust reverser, the brake actuator or the taxiing actuator during a second mode of operation of the aircraft.

Abstract: An fluid control valve and actuator assembly includes a valve configured to control a flow of liquid, and a valve actuator configured to control opening and closing of the valve, and further configured to provide both a maximum flow rate and a minimum flow rate of the liquid through the valve. In a particular embodiment, the valve actuator has a communications module configured to facilitate communication with the valve actuator over a network, and further configured to allow both remote monitoring of the flow through the valve, and remote control of the valve actuator.

Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly including a process control valve plumbed within a hazardous environment; a solenoid coil mated to the valve and configured to operate the valve, the solenoid coil located within the hazardous environment; a valve coil configured to receive power and transfer that power to the solenoid coil, thereby operating the valve, the valve coil located within the hazardous environment; and a controller coil configured to transmit power to the valve coil, the controller coil located in the hazardous environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oxygen concentrator which allows the flow rate setting to be changed safely and securely by the patient using a remote control device, the oxygen concentrator comprising a control means which does not allow the operation of the flow rate setting change button unless the remote control device receives the information on the flow rate setting value of the oxygen-enriched gas supplied by the current oxygen concentrator main body.

Abstract: An actuator control system including a servo-actuator comprising: at least one coil; a solenoid core within the at least one coil; a rod within the solenoid core having a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first end and the second end, the first end coupled to a sensing core pin having a profile; a moveable member coupled to the second end of the rod; a moveable armature within the solenoid core surrounding a portion of the length of the rod and biased by a spring; and a noncontact sensor integral with servo-actuator and aligned with the first end of the rod coupled to the sensing core pin. A selected position of the servo-valve actuator may be set by the ECU by sensing the position of the sensing core pin using the non-contact sensor.

Abstract: A method for detecting a closing moment of a valve having a coil drive includes impressing an electrical voltage in the exciter coil to generate an exciter current through the coil, which attracts the movable armature and lifts the valve element off its valve seat. After the exciter current decays to zero, the voltage profile at the exciter coil is sampled and read out over time in the form of time value/voltage value pairs. The detected voltage values and time valves are transformed by the formation of a logarithm to form a transformed function. The transformed function is subsequently derived numerically with the formation of a derivation function. A transformed time value corresponding to the valve closing moment is detected based on the derivation function of a predetermined threshold value S being undershot, and the closing moment is calculated therefrom by inverse transformation.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a valve having a spring, a pin, and an actuator for actuating the pin. A current having a specified current profile is applied to the actuator, starting from an initial current value at which the pin is in an initial position in which the pin allows the valve to move between open and closed positions. The current profile includes a section or several consecutive sections, wherein each section defines an initial current value and a final current value, a first time interval having a continuously falling current, and a subsequent second time interval having a continuously rising current. For each section, the final current value is less than the initial current value. After the specified current profile has been passed through, the pin is in a final position in which the pin prevents the valve from moving between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A low-cost safety valve for gas lines and similar supply lines that can be remotely activated via a secure wireless link employing a low leakage sealing mechanism that is compatible with low energy actuators to for extended battery life. A miniaturized controller and wireless electronics assembly provides the control mechanism for actuating the valve, as well as reporting data regarding the valve status to wireless interrogators or external networks via an ad hoc wireless network. A variety of simple magnetic valve operating mechanisms can be implemented with the miniaturized electronic control circuits and the valve body. Such control actuation mechanisms enable automatic resetting or manual resetting valves. The gas line shut off valve can provide important safety benefits at an affordable price.

Abstract: An internal pressure sensor detects an internal pressure of the fuel tank, which stores fuel. A solenoid valve is configured to close to seal the fuel tank and is configured to open to open the fuel tank. An internal pressure acquisition unit is configured to acquire an internal pressure of the fuel tank from the internal pressure sensor. A drive control unit is configured to control the solenoid valve to open when the internal pressure of the fuel tank is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, which is a negative value, and is less than a second predetermined value, which is 0 or a positive value.

Abstract: A positioner operating mode identifying function and an use parameter selecting function are provided in a calculating unit. A positive operating parameter and a negative operating parameter are stored in a storing portion. The positioner operating mode identifying function identifies the operating mode of a positioner or from the direction of change of a control output and the direction of change of an amplified pneumatic pressure signal Pout, and the identification result is set automatically as the current operating mode of the positioner. In accordance with the current operating mode identified for the positioner, the use parameter selecting function selects, as the use parameter from the storing portion, the positive operating parameter if the positive operating mode, and the negative operating parameter if the negative operating mode, and sets the selected use parameter automatically.

Abstract: Method for controlling the position of an electromechanical actuator for reciprocating compressor valves. The actuator includes a member (302) movable in a direction parallel to the direction for opening and closing the obturator of the valve (12), between a position corresponding to the closed position and a position corresponding to the open position of the obturator (11). The member (302) is provided with a mechanism (322) able to act on the obturator (11) and with a magnetizable portion (312) co-operating with two electromagnets (102, 202) and being arranged in equilibrium between the latter via a suitable mechanism.

Abstract: A positioner operating mode identifying function is provided in a calculating unit. A pressure value of an amplified pneumatic pressure signal, from a single-mode pilot relay, is detected by a pressure sensor and sent to the calculating unit. The calculating unit, through the positioner operating mode identifying function, monitors a change in the amplified pneumatic pressure signal corresponding to a change in the control signal, and if the direction of change in the control output and the direction of change of the amplified pneumatic pressure signal are the identical direction, identifies the operating mode of the positioner as the positive operating mode. The operating mode of the positioner is identified as the negative operating mode if the direction of change in the control output and the direction of change of the amplified pneumatic pressure signal are the opposite directions. The identification results displayed on a screen of a display unit.

Abstract: Methods for communicating with an automatic flush valve device. The automatic flush device having a variety of operational modes which can be selected from to control the operation of the device. The communication from the automatic flush device providing a user with information regarding the status of the flush valve device.

Abstract: A valve drive system has a valve drive device and a hand-operated apparatus to trigger control actions in the valve drive device. The hand-operated apparatus includes a magnet arrangement, and the valve drive device includes a magnetic field sensor arrangement adjusted to the magnet arrangement of the hand-operated apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are a position sensor unit and a valve arrangement comprising such a position sensor unit, wherein a sensor housing of the position sensor unit is fixed in position with respect to a housing of an actuating magnet or a valve by an adjusting nut and a counter nut. The counter nut is mounted on the sensor housing and supported at the housing.

Abstract: A variable flow valve with position feedback is disclosed. The variable flow valve includes a housing having an inlet port and a discharge port and one or more control ports, and also includes a piston connected to a primary valve to open and close fluid communication between an inlet port and a discharge port of the housing. The housing and the piston intermesh to define an inner chamber and an outer chamber each in fluid communication with its own control port. A control port valve opens and closes at least one of the control ports to control access to a source of pressure change. A position sensor is part of the position feedback and communicates the position of the primary valve, relative to the discharge port, to a controller that operates the control port valve to hold the primary valve in a position where the discharge port is partially open.

Abstract: A faucet (10) includes a spout (12), a passageway that conducts fluid flow through the spout (12), a electrically operable valve (22) located within the passageway, a manual valve (20) located within the passageway in series with the electrically operable valve, and a manual handle (14) that controls the manual valve (20). The faucet (10) also includes a first touch sensor (26) on the manual valve handle (14), a second touch sensor (28) on the spout (12), a capacitive sensor (30) directly coupled to one of the first and second touch sensors (26, 28) and capacitively coupled to the other of the first and second touch sensors (26, 28), and a controller (24) coupled to the capacitive sensor (30). The controller (24) is configured to monitor the output signal from the capacitive sensor (30) and to distinguish between a user tapping one of the spout (12) and the manual valve handle (14), a user grabbing the spout (12), and a user grabbing the manual valve handle (14).

Abstract: Non-contact torque, thrust, strain, and other data sensing of a valve actuator or valve is disclosed. A sensor may include a surface acoustic wave device.

Abstract: A water discharge system capable of preventing a mistaken detection to surely perform the stop of water discharge or continue the start of water discharge is provided. The water discharge system includes: a water discharge unit; a sensor unit configured to obtain information about an object to be detected through a reflected wave of a radiated radio wave; a control unit configured to control the start of water discharge from the water discharge unit based on a detective signal from the sensor unit; and a storage mechanics.

Abstract: Improvements in an electronic valve control system is disclosed where the valve is a spring diaphragm irrigation control valve where the flow rate is controlled with pulsed signal to a control solenoid. This device functions as hydraulic amplifier where the input signal is characterized by the duty cycle ratio of the applied electrical signal, and the output is the flow rate through the irrigation valve. The pilot path of the solenoid on the valve is rapidly alternated between enabled and disable states. This is achieved by installing an electrically actuated valve at some point along pilot path. The electrical signal to this valve is rapidly pulsed. This causes the irrigation valve to be held in a partially opened state. The duty cycle of the pulse signal controls the flow rate of water through the irrigation valve.

Abstract: A sub sea valve actuator system including a piston and cylinder assembly and a return spring arranged in an actuator housing, a hydraulic pump and electric motor assembly associated with the piston and cylinder assembly, and hydraulic flow lines for hydraulic medium driving the piston and cylinder in relative displacement against a force of the return spring. The valve actuator system includes a detector configured to detect an end-of-stroke position of the piston and cylinder assembly. The detector includes at least one of: a motor current monitoring circuit unit, a hydraulic medium pressure sensor unit, a position sensor unit, and a linear variable differential transformer unit. An electromechanical arresting mechanism is arranged to be energized for releasably arresting the return spring in a compressed state in result of the detected end-of-stroke position.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring operation of a valve assembly includes a valve element movable between open and closed stops. A position of the valve element between the stops establishes the extent to which the valve is open. The valve assembly includes a DC motor for moving the valve element in response to an electric signal; a position sensor for detecting an actual position of the valve element; and a controller configured to receive data corresponding to a desired position of the valve element, and to supply a calculated electric signal to the motor to move the valve element from the actual position to the desired position. The method comprises: measuring the electric signal output from the controller for input to the motor when the valve element is stationary, and comparing the measured electric signal with a reference electric signal in order to identify a fault.

Abstract: A heat exchanger structure including multiple fluid circuits, through which respective streams of a first fluid pass from a stream inlet to a stream outlet to transfer heat to or from a second medium. The fluid circuits are arranged into at least a first group and a second group, at least the first group consisting essentially of only fluid circuits that perform substantially similarly according to at least one selected performance criterion. A control sensor for at least the first group generates a signal representative of a parameter of the first fluid in the associated group. A valve for at least the first group is in fluid communication with of all the streams of the associated group so as to be able to control the flow of fluid through the streams of the associated group in parallel.

Abstract: A method for controlling an actuator, such as the type used to drive valves, vanes, and other variable position devices. In one exemplary embodiment, a method may improve the accuracy of actuator feedback by periodically or dynamically resetting the position of a lower hard stop, which can then be used as a future point of reference.

Abstract: A gas flow modulator for gas appliances has electronic control to regulate the flow of gas by means of a control mechanism. The control mechanism is situated transversely to the flow of gas. The control mechanism also includes features to insure a minimal flow of gas and a maximum flow of gas as selectable by a potentiometer.

Abstract: An arrangement in which a valve assembly is provided between the supply air inlet and the magnetic valve that is activated by a position threshold sensor that can be activated by the actuator element and/or a pressure threshold sensor registering the actuating pressure on the magnetic valve and connects the magnetic valve directly to the supply air to increase the availability of the actuator device when the position threshold sensor detects the attaining of a specified operation position of the actuator element or the pressure threshold sensor detects the failure to attain a specified minimum pressure.

Abstract: A water discharge system capable of preventing a mistaken detection to surely perform the stop of water discharge or continue the start of water discharge is provided. The water discharge system includes: a water discharge unit; a sensor unit configured to obtain information about an object to be detected through a reflected wave of a radiated radio wave; a control unit configured to control the start of water discharge from the water discharge unit based on a detective signal from the sensor unit; and a storage mechanics.

Abstract: A low-cost safety valve for gas lines and similar supply lines that can be remotely activated via a secure wireless link employing a low leakage sealing mechanism that is compatible with low energy actuators to for extended battery life. A miniaturized controller and wireless electronics assembly provides the control mechanism for actuating the valve, as well as reporting data regarding the valve status to wireless interrogators or external networks via an ad hoc wireless network. A variety of simple magnetic valve operating mechanisms can be implemented with the miniaturized electronic control circuits and the valve body. Such control actuation mechanisms enable automatic resetting or manual resetting valves. The gas line shut off valve can provide important safety benefits at an affordable price.

Abstract: An electronic faucet comprises a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a single capacitive sensor coupled to a portion of the faucet. The single capacitive sensor provides both a touch sensor and a proximity sensor for the electronic faucet.

Abstract: System and method for controlling leakage and/or testing of pipe systems and discharge points for incompressible fluids, said system including one or more automatic valve arrangements (10) arranged in a pipe system in connection with the fluid supply to a processing plant or building comprising rooms (16) having one or more discharge points (17) to open and close the fluid supply. The system includes a control device (13) provided with communication devices and arrangements (24) to detect activity in rooms (16) with discharge points (17) or the processing plant. The system comprises a pressure control arrangement (20) arranged between the automatic valve arrangement (10) and rooms (16) having discharge points (17) or the processing plant. The pressure control arrangement (20) is arranged for increasing the pressure in the pipe system.

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: Flow rate control valve includes: a target probe formed of a magnetically-responsive substance and mounted to one end of a spool; a sensor housing mounted to the one end of the sleeve and having a cylinder section defining an inner space to permit entry therein of the target probe; and first and second coils provided around the cylinder section and axially spaced from each other by a predetermined distance. The probe is constructed so that magnetic response of the coils gradually varies in one direction in response to a linear position of the target probe. The first coil responds to the target probe, while the second coil does not respond to the target probe. Impedance of the first coil varies with a linear position of the probe (31), and the linear position of the probe is detected through differential synthesis performed between outputs of the first and second coils.

Abstract: A method for partially stroking an emergency valve apparatus is provided. The emergency valve apparatus comprises an actuator (103) and a valve member (101). The apparatus is movable between a first position and a second position. The method comprises the step of initiating a partial stroke movement of the apparatus from the first position towards the second position. A parameter of the fluid acting on the apparatus is measured. Once the measured parameter reaches a threshold value, the partial stroke movement is reversed.

Abstract: A valve switch unit has a detector configured to detect an input, such as current, from a machine controller. The valve switch unit also has a switching circuit configured to switch control of the one or more valves an automatic controller to the machine controller if the input from the machine controller exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the current detected exceeds the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control from the automatic controller to the machine controller. In a similar fashion, when the current falls below the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control back to the automatic controller.

Abstract: The rotary control unit to which the invention relates, in particular nominal value rotary control unit for a vehicle heating system and in particular vehicle air conditioning system, is provided with a rotatable rotary control element (14), an electric motor (16) with a driveshaft (17) which is mechanically coupled to the rotary control element (14), an control circuit (24) for supplying the electric motor (16) with power for the purpose of generating a holding moment in order to prevent undesired rotation of the rotary control element (14) and/or to build up a resistance as the rotary control element is rotated, and a sensor unit (22) for detecting a hand which is approaching the rotary control element (14) or is touching the rotary control element (14). The control circuit (24) for supplying power to the electric motor (16) can be activated if the sensor unit (22) detects a hand which is approaching the rotary control element (14) or is touching the rotary control element (14).

Abstract: A faucet includes a proximity sensor, a logical control, a handle, a spout, and a touch control operably coupled to at least one of the spout and the handle. The logical control includes a mode controller that changes the faucet between a first mode and a second mode in response to substantially simultaneous touching of the spout and the handle.

Abstract: A fail-freeze valve positioner system is disclosed. The system has a transducer with a first type output port connectible to a valve actuator, and a second type input port receptive to a valve position signal that is proportional to an output of the first type output port. In addition, the system has a monitoring circuit that generates a pilot activation signal while predefined conditions are met. A primary piloted valve in communication with the monitoring circuit is coupled to the first valve. The first type output port is disconnected from the valve actuator while the pilot activation signal and thus the first valve are deactivated, holding the valve actuator in place.

Abstract: A valve control apparatus sets a certain soft landing start target position to a drive control unit for carrying out driving of a DC motor 2 as a target open position in response to a fully close command, and sets the target open position which the valve control apparatus acquires by gradually decreasing the soft landing start target position to the above-mentioned drive control unit at a time when the difference between an actual open position and the soft landing start target position becomes equal to a first threshold.

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: 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: A coupling arrangement for fluid coupling a work tool to a machine comprising at least one coupler assembly slideably mounted for coupling a machine fluid circuit and a work tool fluid circuit at a connect position; an actuation circuit arranged to actuate the at least one coupler assembly from a disconnect position to the connect position; and a sensor to detect presence of the work tool for activation of the actuation circuit.