A self-energized programmable timer valve is provided in embodiments of this invention that can be used in watering and other systems, such as lawn watering systems and agricultural watering systems. The invention provides one or more components that serve the functions of a clock, a valve and an energizer (e.g., turbine) (i.e., a clock function, a valve function, and an energizing and/or turbine function) to control the flow of media (e.g., water) through the valve.

A timer-operated tap or timer cartridge for a device forming a timer-operated tap includes at least one opening for the inlet of the supply fluid and at least one opening for the outlet of the supply fluid. A main closure member is received in a main seat formed in at least one outlet or inlet opening to close the tap and is removed from the main seat to open the tap and allow the passage of the supply fluid between the inlet and outlet openings. Control means for controlling the movement of the main closure member by means of a control rod; and timer means intended for moving the main closure member into the seat thereof at the end of a given time interval preceding the removal thereof. An element forming an intermediate closure member and an associated intermediate seat may also be provided.

A garden hose flow control valve has a main body, a positioning block, a connecting disk and a timer. The main body has an intake opening and at least an outlet opening, and a pivoting portion is provided on one side. The pivoting portion includes two trunnions. The trunnion has a limiting protrusion, and the positioning block has a through hole and is provided with a plurality of first positioning recesses. The connecting disk is provided with a first positioning pin pushed by the first spring. A protrusion is provided on the side surface and a sleeve is extended, and the second positioning recess is provided on the outer ring of the sleeve. The timer is installed in a movable housing, and a connecting opening is on one side of the movable housing. The connecting opening is provided with a second positioning pin pushed by the second spring.

Exemplary embodiments of dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser for dispensing soap, sanitizer or lotion includes a housing, an actuator, a processor, a battery power supply and a sensor for detecting a user. The sensor for detecting a user operates in first duty cycle or a second duty cycle. Operating in the second duty cycle consumes less power than operating in the first duty cycle. The sensor operates in the first duty cycle if a user is detected and the sensor operates in the second duty cycle if the sensor does not detect a user and a selected period of time has elapsed.

A garden hose flow control valve has a main body, a positioning block, a connecting disk and a timer. The main body has an intake opening and at least an outlet opening, and a pivoting portion is provided on one side. The pivoting portion includes two trunnions. The trunnion has a limiting protrusion, and the positioning block has a through hole and is provided with a plurality of first positioning recesses. The connecting disk is provided with a first positioning pin pushed by the first spring. A protrusion is provided on the side surface and a sleeve is extended, and the second positioning recess is provided on the outer ring of the sleeve. The timer is installed in a movable housing, and a connecting opening is on one side of the movable housing. The connecting opening is provided with a second positioning pin pushed by the second spring.

A system for delivering pulses of a desired mass of gas to a tool, comprising: a mass flow controller including flow sensor, a control valve and a dedicated controller configured and arranged to receive a recipe of a sequence of steps for opening and closing the control valve so as to deliver as sequence of gas pulses as a function of the recipe. The mass flow controller is configured and arranged so as to operate in either one of at least two modes: as a traditional mass flow controller (MFC) mode or in a pulse gas delivery (PGD) mode. Further, the mass flow controller includes an input configured to receive an input signal; an output configured to provide an output signal; a communication port configured to receive program instructions; memory configured and arranged to receive programming data determining the programmed configuration of the mass flow controller as either a digital or analog configuration; and a processor/controller for operating the mass flow controller in accordance with the programmed configuration.

A digital water timer may include a main body, a water valve, a locating base, a driving base, and a timer. The main body has a water inlet and a water outlet, and a valve tube protrudes from a lateral side of the main body. The water valve connected to the main body is controlled by the timer to achieve on/off operation of channels inside the main body. The locating base is secured on the main body, and the driving base is adapted to have rotation relative to the locating base and be secured at a specific position after rotated. The timer installed in the driving base comprises a display panel and an operation interface which are exposed externally for operation. The driving base with the timer is rotated relative to the locating base, and the display panel is adjusted as needed to provide an optimal view for operation.

A digital water timer may include a main body, a water valve, a locating base, a driving base, and a timer. The main body has a water inlet and a water outlet, and a valve tube protrudes from a lateral side of the main body. The water valve connected to the main body is controlled by the timer to achieve on/off operation of channels inside the main body. The locating base is secured on the main body, and the driving base is adapted to have rotation relative to the locating base and be secured at a specific position after rotated. The timer installed in the driving base comprises a display panel and an operation interface which are exposed externally for operation. The driving base with the timer is rotated relative to the locating base, and the display panel is adjusted as needed to provide an optimal view for operation.

A timer-operated tap or timer cartridge for a device forming a timer-operated tap includes at least one opening for the inlet of the supply fluid and at least one opening for the outlet of the supply fluid. A main closure member is received in a main seat formed in at least one outlet or inlet opening to close the tap and is removed from the main seat to open the tap and allow the passage of the supply fluid between the inlet and outlet openings. Control means for controlling the movement of the main closure member by means of a control rod; and timer means intended for moving the main closure member into the seat thereof at the end of a given time interval preceding the removal thereof. An element forming an intermediate closure member and an associated intermediate seat may also be provided.

A method of controlling actuation of a flush apparatus includes the steps of configuring a control module to actuate the flush apparatus for completing a flushing cycle periodically; and after a given unused time period of the flush apparatus, enabling the control module to enter into a sleep mode to stop an actuation of the flush apparatus. Therefore, during the rush hours, the control module is configured to actuate the flush apparatus frequently and during the off rush hours, the control module is configured to actuate the flush apparatus seldom.