초록 ▼

A valve system in which a magnetic valve is in series with a manually-operated valve and contact with the handle of the manually-operated valve initiates flow via the electronic controller whereas, upon loss of contact, a proximity detector controls the magnetic valve when an object, such as a user'

A valve system in which a magnetic valve is in series with a manually-operated valve and contact with the handle of the manually-operated valve initiates flow via the electronic controller whereas, upon loss of contact, a proximity detector controls the magnetic valve when an object, such as a user's hand, is in range. The manual contact is superordinate and proximity detection is subordinate and the proximity detector remains permanently switched on during the operating duration.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A valve system comprising:a manually controlled valve having a handle for controlling flow between an inlet and an outlet; an electrically controlled valve hydraulically in series with said manually controlled valve and openable to permit flow through said manually controlled valve and closable t

1. A valve system comprising:a manually controlled valve having a handle for controlling flow between an inlet and an outlet; an electrically controlled valve hydraulically in series with said manually controlled valve and openable to permit flow through said manually controlled valve and closable to limit flow through said manually controlled valve; a contactless proximity detector responsive to presence of an object in a vicinity of said manually controlled valve; a contact sensor responsive to contact of said handle by a hand of a user; and an electronic controller connected to said electrically controlled valve, said proximity detector and said contact sensor and constructed and arranged so that: said sensor is hierarchically superordinate to said detector and maintains said electrically controlled valve open as long as there is contact with said handle by the hand of the user, said detector is hierarchically subordinate to said sensor and maintains said electrically controlled valve open even in an absence of contact with said handle by the hand of the user, and said detector is continuously activated.