Abstract: A liquid sensor device, system and method depends on the structural deformation of a trigger material in contact with a liquid, such as water, to convert potential energy of a resilient material to kinetic energy that triggers a mechanical response in an activated state. A transfer arm is biased toward the activated state and may be retained in a deactivated state, against urging of a spring, by a trigger material that may be structurally rigid while substantially dry. Upon contact with a liquid, such as water, the trigger material may relinquish structural rigidity and be substantially deformed. Upon substantial deformation of the trigger material, the transfer arm may be urged into the activated state by activating a locking mechanism or electronically, such as by activating a switch such as a micro switch. In the activated state, the triggered mechanical response may activate an alarm, and may trigger an electrical response to close a valve, such as a natural gas valve on a gas-heated hot water tank.

Abstract: The bag insert of the present invention is an apparatus for aiding in the management of a waste collection bag during waste collection. In one embodiment, the bag insert is placed inside the waste collection bag and then expanded. Once expanded, the bag insert maintains the bag in an upright and open position. Further, the bag insert forms a hollow rectangular tube such that waste can be placed inside the bag by dropping the waste through the open top of the bag insert. The waste collection bag may be placed inside the expanded bag insert, wherein the bag insert maintains the bag in an upright and substantially open position. After waste collection is complete, the bag insert is capable of being folded along several axes such that the size of the bag insert is reduced for storage.