Patent ID: 6634618
Filing Date: 2003-10-21
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
An energy-saving electrically-powered automatic fluid control valve assembly for supplying and blocking a flow of fluid in response to the proximity of an object, the valve assembly comprising:a) a valve body having a valve seat; b) a diaphragm that is moveable between a first closed position in contact with the valve seat to prevent the passage of a fluid through the valve and a second open position to permit the passage of fluid through the valve; c) an actuator shaft that operatively engages the diaphragm to move the diaphragm between the first and second positions; d) a drive motor that is operatively connected to the actuator shaft to cause said actuator shaft to move between the first and second positions when said drive motor is activated; e) a battery connected to said drive motor; f) a control circuit connected to said battery and motor, said control circuit components comprising: i. an emitting means connected to said battery comprising: a pulse generator for generating a pulsed signal; and a bias controller connected to said pulse generator for transmitting a bias signal synchronous with said pulsed signal; and ii. receiving means for receiving the emitted pulsed signal and activating said drive motor in response to said pulsed signal, said receiving means comprising: a receiver for receiving the emitted pulsed signal; and a comparator for comparing the received pulsed signal with said bias signal and determining whether an object is detected and outputing a driving signal in response to a detected object, whereby said drive motor is driven in response to the driving signal from said comparator, and wherein all of the control circuit components except said pulse generator are operated only during a high state portion of said pulsed signal.