Abstract: The present invention an apparatus and system for remotely operating a combination water meter and shut off valve. The apparatus and system is operated by a computer at the utility sending a signal via phone line or radio modem to the meter. Once the meter receives the signal to close, a small solenoid will open. This will allow water to enter the fill chamber, causing the piston to rise. The top of the piston is connected to a gate valve. This valve may turn off the water supply to a customer's home. To turn the water back on, a signal can be sent again to the meter, opening the drain solenoid. This allows the water to leave the fill chamber. The piston is then lowered from the return spring, opening the gate valve, allowing water to flow.

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: A wave control circuit disclosed herein may be used to control the operation of various plumbing devices and appliances. The wave control circuit uses a sensor to sense presence of objects in the vicinity of the plumbing device and appliance using the wave control circuit and a control circuit to control the operation of the plumbing device or appliance.

Abstract: An inductance-type rotation angle sensor includes: a stator formed by printing an annularly formed magnetic conductor and a receiving conductor placed adjacent to the magnetic conductor on a glass-epoxy-resin substrate; and a rotor having an excitation conductor attached thereto in a manner opposing the magnetic conductor. In the sensor, a thermosetting-resin covering layer, which is connected together through a periphery of the substrate and a through-hole included in this substrate, is formed on both front and back surfaces of the substrate by molding; a portion of the covering layer covering the magnetic conductor and the receiving conductor is formed as a thin thickness part which is thinner in thickness than a remaining portion of the covering layer; and the stator is buried in a thermoplastic-resin control housing with the thin thickness part being exposed to an outside.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel optical sensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation. The novel optical sensors and the novel optical sensing methods are used, for example, for controlling the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensors and flow controllers (including control electronics and valves) require only small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. A passive optical sensor includes a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus includes a spout (12) located adjacent a sink basin (16). A fluid supply conduit (14) is supported by the spout (12). Capacitive sensors (29) and (41) are provided on the spout (12) and sink basin (16), respectively. A controller (26) is coupled to the capacitive sensors (29, 41) to control the amount of fluid supplied to the fluid supply conduit (14) based on outputs from the capacitive sensors (29, 41).

Abstract: A self-contained trap primer valve assembly is housed in a cabinet and includes a conduit for connection to a building's water main to carry water under pressure, a valve is operatively mounted in the conduit and a solenoid is operable for selectively opening and closing the valve, wherein a low voltage battery and a timer mechanism connected to the battery and preset for selectively actuating the solenoid, opens and closes the valve for preselected durations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microvalve for controlling a fluid flow in a microchannel, to a microfluidic circuit using the microvalve, and to a manufacturing method thereof. The microvalve has a first electrode located on a portion of the microchannel, a second electrode over the microchannel and substantially aligned with the first electrode forming a membrane with substantially no resilience. In function, upon application of an electric force on the first and second electrodes, the second electrode draws nearer the first electrode, thus obstructing the microchannel. The microfluidic circuit comprises multiple microchannels and at least one microvalve affixed to one of the multiple microchannels, wherein the at least one microvalve is adapted to indirectly actuate a flexible valve adapted to regulate a flow of fluid in another one of a multiplicity of microchannels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive mechanism for a down draft vent system (8) comprising a retractable down draft vent screen (10) which can be moved between an extended and a retracted position by means of a drive motor (3). The drive mechanism (1) is characterized in that the drive motor (3) is a synchronous motor with a reversing circuit (31, 32, 7) for load-dependent reversal of the driving direction. The present invention can thus provide a safety function against jamming of objects since the drive motor (3) reverses automatically when the load is fairly large.

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: In a method or device for function-monitoring an actuator in a process engineering plant, said actuator comprising a valve and an actuating drive for actuating said valve. A positioner is provided for setting a position of the valve, the positioner comprising a controller module. A predefined activation test signal is generated and applied to the controller module to position the actuator into a predefined function condition. A control signal is generated by the controller module for signalling the actuating drive in accordance with the activation test signal and an output control signal is sensed and monitored as compared to a reference control signal.

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 hands-free faucet comprises 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates controlling ratio of mixing hot and cold water of an electronic faucet by setting a mixing valve with an electronics actuator using two infrared sensors without touching to the faucet or its accessories. The system consists of two infrared sensors (IR), red and blue light emitting diodes, a mixing valve, an actuator, a temperature sensor and its display. When a user enters effective working range of the left or the right IR sensors the actuator actuate the mixing valve to change hot/cold water mixing ratio of the faucet. The IR sensors located on the left side of the faucet increase hot water ratio and IR sensor located on the right side of the faucet increase cold water ratio of the faucet when a user enters the effective working range of the IR sensors.

Abstract: A valve unit is disclosed for the interruption or release of a pressurized flow of a medium along a hollow duct, which flows along the hollow duct, as well as a preferred use of the valve unit in a dosing system and a method for the metered discharge of a medium from a cartridge-needle configuration, with a cartridge connected to the needle configuration via at least one hollow duct with an open cartridge end, to which a pressurizing means is applied, which is capable of driving the medium provided inside the cartridge in the direction of the needle configuration for discharge by applying pressure.

Abstract: An actuator including actuator base, bobbin, and pole piece forming a pocket for a ferromagnetic armature located therein. The actuator including a radial magnet and a solenoid coil constructed and arranged to cause a linear displacement of the armature upon application of a coil drive current from a control circuit. The actuator may include a flexible membrane that partially encloses the armature to form an armature chamber filled with an incompressible fluid. In a valve design, a fluid flow is 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. A fluid flow is opened by driving the membrane away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus comprises a spout, a fluid supply conduit supported by the spout, a valve assembly to supply fluid through the fluid supply conduit, and a capacitive touch sensor. The capacitive touch sensor is coupled to a controller. The controller is also coupled to the valve assembly. The controller is configured to detect a user touching the sensor and to control flow of fluid through the fluid supply conduit.

Abstract: A device for activating an electropneumatic valve of a pressure medium-operated position controller, in which the valve is activated by a manipulated variable. To achieve a blocking fail-safe behavior in case of a failure of a pressure medium, the device includes means for detecting the current position of a booster stage downstream of the valve and assigning the manipulated variable based on the detected position, and means for measuring a first variable to be influenced by the position controller. The device includes an evaluation unit configured to determine an expected directional reaction of the first variable to the assigned manipulated variable, compare the expected reaction with the measured reaction, determine a pressure medium failure as a fault situation if the expected reaction does not coincide with the measured reaction, and assign, as a new manipulated variable for the valve, an emergency signal generating a blocking fail-safe behavior of the valve.

Abstract: Systems and processes may provide improved performance for a pneumatic positioner during a safety override. In certain implementations, a system and process may include the ability to receive an input control signal, power control circuitry of the pneumatic positioner using the input control signal, and generate a control signal for a signal-to-pressure converter with the control circuitry based at least partially on the input control signal. The system and process may also include the ability to detect an unsafe operating condition for the pneumatic positioner based on an input signal and modify the control signal in response to detecting the unsafe operating condition, to cause the converter to transition to a safe state. The system and process may additionally include the ability to allow the control circuitry to continue being powered by the input control signal while the converter is in the safe state.

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: A detection system for a washroom device evaluates outputs from an active sensor and a passive sensor to determine whether to activate the device (e.g., operate a valve in a sink or a lavatory). The active sensor has a transmitter that directs a light beam to a selected zone and a receiver that detects whether the light beam is reflected back to the sensor. The passive sensor detects changes in a temperature signature around the washroom device. A controller evaluates the outputs from both the active sensor and the passive sensor to determine how to operate the washroom device.

Abstract: A control system for a pumping system of a pumping vehicle is disclosed. The control system includes a valve control unit communicatively connectable to a plurality of valve interface units of one or more pumping vehicles, the valve control remote from at least one of the one or more pumping vehicles and configured to independently exchange control and status data with the plurality of valve interface units regarding at least one pump valve associated with each of the plurality of valve interface units. The control system also includes a valve interface unit communicatively connected to the valve control unit, the valve interface unit configured to exchange control and status data regarding the pump valve with the valve control unit. Methods of communicating commands in a control system and a fire apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for a pumping system in a pumping vehicle is disclosed. The control system includes a valve controller unit having an addressable communication module configured to exchange control and status data regarding a pump valve with at least one valve interface unit. The control system also includes a valve interface unit having an addressable communication module configured to exchange control and status data regarding a pump valve with at least one valve controller unit. The control system further includes a serial communication link communicatively connecting the valve interface unit and the valve controller unit.

Abstract: An electropneumatic position regulator for controlling a pressure-medium-operated actuating drive to which compressed air can be applied via a working connection of the actuating drive. Compressed air is made available to the position regulator via a feed pressure connection, and the pressure regulator includes an electronic control unit configured to assume a safety position in the event of a fault. When the electronic control unit assumes a safety position, a downstream signal output unit, which acts as a driver stage, generates at least one binary fault signal which is indicated in an externally perceptible manner (e.g., visually and/or audibly) by at least one signaling device fitted externally to a housing of the position regulator.

Abstract: A remotely activated shut-off and method of using the same for stopping a fluid flow in a fluid line by actuating an existing valve in fluid connection with the fluid line wherein the valve is within an existing valve body and includes an existing external element for the actuating of the valve between a valve open position and a valve closed position. The shut-off including an outer body having means for connecting the outer body to the valve body in a mounted position such that the external element is substantially covered when the shut-off is in the mounted position. The shut-off further including a coupler for mating engagement with the external element such that movement of the coupler is translated to the external element and a lever within the housing that is moveable between a first position and a second position and is selectively engageable with the coupler such that movement of the lever from the first position to the second position actuates the valve to the valve closed position.

Abstract: An actuator installation bracket is provided for a water shutoff system including a water line, a shutoff valve having a stem, and an actuator. The actuator includes a housing having first and second ends, sides, and a pivotable actuating member. The actuator installation bracket includes a first mounting portion having first and second ends and a base portion extending therebetween. The base portion includes a number of apertures and receives the actuator. A second mounting portion extends outwardly from the base portion and is coupled to one of the water line and the shutoff valve, in order that the pivotable actuating member of the actuator is aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base portion and with the stem of the shutoff valve. A key couples the pivotable actuating member to the shutoff valve stem to open and close the shutoff valve.

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: Electronic control system for a submarine actuator, said actuator comprising a container body, from which a drive shaft projects that is suitable for inserting in a seat of said submarine device. The system comprises an electronic control board for at least one electric motor arranged inside said container body suitable for moving said drive shaft.

Abstract: In a system, an actuator is linked to a valve rotatably installed in a passage through which gas flows. The actuator changes torque to be applied to the valve so as to adjust a rotational position of the valve based on a deviation between a current position and a target position. In the system, a first storing unit stores therein a first threshold. The first threshold is defined in a variation range within which a torque parameter is variable depending on change in the torque to be applied to the valve. The first threshold allows whether there is a possibility that an operation of the actuator is unstable. If the torque parameter substantially shifts either to or through the first threshold in the variation range, a restricting unit restricts variation in the torque parameter with the gas-flow being substantially kept through the passage.

Abstract: “Control system for a gas cooking device or any other gas device comprising at least one gas burner (1) and, for each gas burner (1), an electromagnetic valve (2) to open or cut off the gas flow to the gas burner (1), said electromagnetic valve (2) comprising magnetic means (10, 11, 12) to keep the gas flow open, and an actuator (3) that is operated manually so that it acts on the magnetic means (10, 11, 12) of the electromagnetic valve (2), thereby opening the gas flow. The control system (20) generates a current signal (I) that circulates through the magnetic means (10, 11, 12) of the electromagnetic valve (2) and detects when the actuator (3) is operated in accordance with the change in magnetic reluctance of said magnetic means (10, 11, 12).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing stiction in control devices are provided. In one aspect, a method for controlling dither in a control device includes coupling a signal input of the control device to an analog output module, generating an output signal, and transmitting the output signal from the analog output module to the signal input, wherein the output signal causes the control device to oscillate about an output position to facilitate preventing stiction within the control device.

Abstract: A sensing faucet used in sanitary wares is provided. The sensing faucet has a sensor and a battery compartment fixed onto the faucet shell. A valve body control system has valve control components fixed onto the valve body. There is a plug seat in the faucet shell, and a corresponding plug is installed on the valve body. During installation, the faucet shell is aligned with the valve body and the plug can be seated within the plug seat. The plug is provided with a spring-loaded electrical pin to make contact with an electrical panel in the plug seat.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to bypass the existing pneumatic thermostats/controllers providing on off auto operation for VAV boxes, reheat coils, classroom unit ventilators, fan coil units, fin tube radiators, damper actuator's, water control valves and the like, with a remotely controlled three way valves and wireless controlled and self-contained power.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic faucet with a movable cam assembly for mounting the senor and sensor window inside of the faucet body. The cam has an obliquely angled surface and can be moved up against a spring to provide space for assembling the sensor inside the faucet. Once the sensor is properly positioned, the spring drives the wedge-like cam back down to apply a holding force against the sensor and the window. Back pressure against the sensor or window can be absorbed to some extend by the spring to reduce the chance of damaging the window and/or sensor from impact.

Abstract: A shielded solenoid for a solenoid operated valve having a solenoid body and an annular coil of electrical wire in the solenoid body. An armature of magnetic material is rectilinearly movable with respect to the body. A magnet holder is fastened to the armature and has a permanent magnet fixedly oriented thereon. A shield member covers the magnet holder and the permanent magnet. The shield member is configured to shield a Hall effect sensor from any significant electromagnetic field produced by the coil when effecting rectilinear movement of the armature. The hollow shield member has a non-metallic plug closing one end thereof. The plug has the Hall effect sensor oriented therein to closely oppose the magnet on the magnet holder so that movement of the armature and resulting corresponding movement of the magnet will cause the Hall effect sensor to produce a signal indicative of movement of the armature.

Abstract: A battery compartment assembly includes a housing and a lid configured to be removably attached to the housing. The lid includes a pair of hinges that engage a corresponding pair of openings in the housing, and a latch that engages a ridge on the housing when the lid is in the closed position. The lid also includes a pair of contacts that extend from the lid to mate with connectors of a control unit to be powered by the batteries in the assembly. A spring is included in the housing for connecting to a positive terminal of a first battery and a negative terminal of a second battery.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow comprising a body (100) provided with a fluid passageway having an inlet (10) an outlet (90), a valve member for inhibiting fluid flow through the passageway, and means for moving the valve member (40, 50) so as to provide for controlled flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the valve member is in the form of a blade, one end of which is mounted at a location (41, 51) remote from the passageway; and wherein the means (60) of moving the valve member is arranged to act on the other end of the blade whereby to control fluid flow through the passageway.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an electrically controlled hydraulic valve having a known relationship between flow rate through the valve and displacement of a valve element is disclosed. The method includes ascertaining a first current level for actuating the electrically controlled hydraulic valve to move the valve element to a position adjacent an inlet port, and a first displacement of the valve element responsive to the first current level. The method also includes ascertaining a second current level for actuating the electrically controlled hydraulic valve to move the valve element from the position adjacent the inlet port to a position permitting flow through the inlet port, and ascertaining a second displacement of the valve element responsive to the second current level. The method further includes establishing a relationship between current and displacement associated with the electrically controlled hydraulic valve.

Abstract: A valve actuator has a set of sensors (2) for detection of the internal parameters of the actuator, a controller (3) for recording and storing the parameters and the operations performed by the actuator, a wireless module (5) to temporarily and omnidirectionally connect the actuator with a PDA (Personal Data Assistant) or a PC (pocket PC) (6) which controls the actuation thereof. The wireless module (5) further allows to download the collected data for analysis and to achieve an early diagnosis of any failure and/or inefficiency of the actuator. The wireless module (5) includes a transceiver operating at the frequency of 2.4 GHz.

Abstract: A digital programmable driver for a solenoid valve comprises at least one valve driver circuit for opening and closing the valve and a controller capable of sending an output signal to the valve driver circuit. The valve driver circuit comprises a power switch for providing current to the valve in order to open the valve. The output signal sent by the controller directs the power switch of the valve driver circuit to provide current to the valve, thereby causing the valve to open. The controller receives a plurality of parameter values, and responsive to the plurality of parameter values, calculates a rise time, a pull-in duty cycle, a fall time, and a hold duty cycle so as to modify the output signal sent to the valve driver circuit. The plurality of parameter values comprises valve resistance, valve inductance, supply voltage, valve pull-in current, valve hold current, and valve pull-in time.

Abstract: A mini-sized side dump trailer comprising a wheeled frame having a pair of wheels supporting the rearward end thereof and a steerable front wheel assembly of the forward end thereof with a forwardly extending tongue extending from the front wheel assembly for connection to a small vehicle such as a utility terrain vehicle, an all terrain vehicle or a small tractor. The small side dump body may be pivoted to either the first side of the trailer or to the second side of the trailer.

Abstract: Provided is a needle valve in which a gap between a valve casing and a needle is reliably sealed and an origin of the needle can be readily obtained with high precision. A needle (6) is screwed into a cylindrical rotor (44) of a stepping motor (7) so as to be retractable, and a rotation regulating member (47) prevents the needle (6) from rotating together with the rotor (44). Accordingly, in a case of driving the motor (7) to rotate the rotor (44), the needle (6) vertically moves without rotating. A lower limit sensor (61) and an upper limit sensor (60) detects a detection target piece (49) provided to the rotation regulating member (47), so a lower limit position and an upper limit position of the needle (6) are obtained. The motor (7) is controlled such that, after the motor (7) is driven until the lower limit sensor (61) detects the detection target piece (49), an origin sensor (71) monitors an origin detection plate (62) so as to stop at a predetermined rotation stop position.

Abstract: A water delivery system includes a water input port, a control circuit, and a valve device. The water input port is constructed to be coupled to a water conduit receiving water from a remotely located water source. The valve device includes an actuator located near and connected to the water input port; wherein the valve device is constructed to receive control signals from the controller for providing water to a water delivery unit. The controller may be battery operated. The actuator may be a latching actuator, a non-latching actuator, or an isolated latching actuator. The controller may include a microcontroller coupled and to a sensor. The system may include a communication interface constructed and arranged to provide data to the microcontroller. The control circuit may include a power consumption controller. The control circuit includes a voltage regulator.

Abstract: A valve actuator has a set of sensors (2) for detection of the internal parameters of the actuator, a controller (3) for recording and storing the parameters and the operations performed by the actuator, a wireless module (5) to temporarily and omnidirectionally connect the actuator with a PDA (Personal Data Assistant) or a PC (pocket PC) (6) which controls the actuation thereof. The wireless module (5) further allows to download the collected data for analysis and to achieve an early diagnosis of any failure and/or inefficiency of the actuator. The wireless module (5) includes a transceiver operating at the frequency of 2.4 GHz.

Abstract: An emergency shutdown system includes an emergency shutdown valve, a control line to carry a signal determinative of positioning of the emergency shutdown valve, a solenoid assembly coupled to the control line to effectuate the positioning of the emergency shutdown valve, and a junction device coupled to the control line and the solenoid assembly. In some embodiments, the junction device includes a switch, such as a relay, responsive to the signal to control whether the solenoid assembly is coupled to the control line and, therefore, energized.

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: 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: An apparatus for dispensing a post-foaming gel soap is disclosed. The dispenser includes a housing containing a first actuator and a second actuator. A motor is operatively connected to said first and second actuator. A circuit is connected to said motor, as well as a sensor assembly and a power supply. In operation, said first and second actuator moves a stem valve and a cylindrical pump located on a reservoir containing a gel soap and an inert propellant gas. The cylindrical pump operates on a piston principle and also closes to prevent any dripping after use. Further disclosed are various methods of accurately dispensing a consistent dose of gel soap.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprises a rotatable valve, an electrically operated actuator, and an overstroke device. The actuator comprises a component configured to move in a direction to an actuator position so as to cause corresponding rotation of the valve to a valve position in response to electrical operation of the actuator. The overstroke device is configured to enable the component to move in the direction beyond the actuator position to an overstroke position while the valve remains in the valve position in response to electrical operation of the actuator.

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.