The invention provides a radio frequency (RF) valve control system that replaces
mechanical systems that physically links a button or a handle to a flush valve
or hard wired electronic control systems that physically links a sensor/electronic
switch to a valve actuator within a plumbing installation. The new system is characterized
by two modules, a user interface module (UIM) for locating at or adjacent a plumbing
fixture (such as a water closet or urinal), and a valve interface module (VIM)
operatively connected to a flush valve actuator or a valve in the water supply
line of the plumbing fixture. The UIM generally has the function of providing an
RF valve control signal to the VIM and the VIM has the functions of receiving,
analysing, and responding to the RF valve control signal and sending a signal to
the valve actuator to initiate a flush cycle or initiating a valve control process
to control a valve within the water supply line to start or stop water flow to
the fixture. The system may be deployed as a single UIM/VIM pair or as multiple
UIM/VIM pairs within a multi-fixture installation. In each case, each UIM/VIM pair
communicates with its respective UIM or VIM in both a learning and active mode.