Abstract: Check valve testing systems and leak detection methods using the same are disclosed. In embodiments the check valve testing system includes a check valve assembly and a pressure sensor. The check valve assembly includes a first pressure zone upstream of the check valve and a second pressure zone downstream of the check valve. An inlet valve and a drain valve may be fluidly coupled to the first pressure zone, an outlet valve may be fluidly coupled to the second pressure zone. The pressure sensor is configured to detect a fluid pressure in the second pressure zone. The controller is configured to communicatively couple to the pressure sensor, and is configured to determine whether there is a leak through the check valve, a leak downstream of then outlet valve, or a leak through the outlet valve when the inlet valve, drain valve, and outlet valve are in various conditions.

Abstract: A valve assembly with a spring retention assembly including an elongated cylinder portion having an open threaded end and a closed end and an elongated piston portion having a free end and a threaded tab end configured to thread through the open threaded end and, thereby, be slideably captured in the cylinder portion. A spring couples to the body portion and the piston portion to provide a force to urge the body portion and the piston away from one another, wherein the closed end and the free end are similarly shaped so that the spring retention assembly can be reversibly mounted to a valve member that can also be reversibly mounted.

Abstract: A method for coating a valve assembly including: providing a valve assembly including a metal susceptible to corrosion; cleaning an outside surface of the valve assembly; preparing a zinc primer by adding an anti-microbial agent to provide an anti-microbial zinc primer; applying a first layer of the anti-microbial zinc primer to the outside surface of the valve assembly; and applying a second layer over the first layer, the second layer including a topcoat for a two-layer coat; and curing the two-layer coat by heating the valve assembly. A valve assembly with protection layers including anticorrosion and antimicrobial protection is also described.

Abstract: Fluid detection systems and methods using the same are disclosed. In embodiments the fluid detection systems include a sensor module and an electronics module. The sensor module includes a sensor housing that includes a liquid flow path and a sensor element disposed around at least part of the liquid flow path. The sensor element can detect a capacitance of the liquid flow path and provide a sensor signal to a controller in the electronics module. The electronics module can determine a detected capacitance in the liquid flow path based at least in part on the sensor signal, and can determine whether a wet event has occurred based on a comparison of the detected capacitance to a threshold capacitance. Methods using the fluid detection systems and fluid supply systems including the fluid detection systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a plurality of sensors and a device. Each sensor is configured to measure data and communicate over a network using low power signal communication. The device is connected to an in-wall power source and configured to wirelessly communicate over the network using low power signal communication. Further, the device is configured to transmit data from the sensors to a remote gateway using high power signal communication.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a body forming a bucket having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end along a bucket axis. A first conduit and a second conduit extend from the sidewall, wherein the first and the second conduits extend along a conduit axis that is perpendicular to the bucket axis. A frame inserts into the bucket along the bucket axis and includes a valve seat and a valve member biased against the valve seat. A guide is provided in the bucket between the closed end and the frame and extends along a guide axis between a first opening arranged in a first plane and aligned to receive fluid flow from the first conduit and a second opening arranged in a second plane and aligned to direct fluid flow through the valve seat. The first and second planes are not parallel to one another.

Abstract: A leak detection and response system includes a valve assembly with a housing defining an internal passageway. The valve assembly includes an internal inlet port, an internal outlet port, a valve port assembly, an external inlet port, and an external outlet port each in fluid communication with the internal passageway. The valve assembly includes a first sensor port disposed either between the external outlet port and the internal inlet port, or between the external inlet port and the internal outlet port. The valve assembly includes a first leak sensor positioned in the first sensor port for generating a signal indicating a presence of water. The valve assembly includes a controller configured to receive the signal from the first leak sensor, and control the valve assembly to align the valve port assembly to block water flow from the external inlet port.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly includes a body forming two buckets, wherein flow passes through the body from an inlet to an outlet along an axis and consecutively through each of the buckets. A single zone test cover encloses a first of the buckets to form a single zone chamber. A dual zone test cover encloses a second of the buckets with a dual zone cartridge assembly therein. The dual zone test cover has two test cocks. The dual zone cartridge assembly includes a frame having a valve seat, wherein the frame includes a lumen providing fluid communication from a dual zone chamber upstream of the valve seat to a first of the two test cocks of the dual zone test cover, and wherein the second of the two test cocks of the dual zone test cover is in fluid communication with the dual zone chamber downstream of the valve seat.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly includes a body forming two buckets, wherein flow passes through the body from an inlet to an outlet along an axis and consecutively through each of the buckets. A single zone test cover encloses a first of the buckets to form a single zone chamber. A dual zone test cover encloses a second of the buckets with a dual zone cartridge assembly therein. The dual zone test cover has two test cocks. The dual zone cartridge assembly includes a frame having a valve seat, wherein the frame includes a lumen providing fluid communication from a dual zone chamber upstream of the valve seat to a first of the two test cocks of the dual zone test cover, and wherein the second of the two test cocks of the dual zone test cover is in fluid communication with the dual zone chamber downstream of the valve seat.

Abstract: Please replace the originally filed abstract with the substitute abstract provided below. A temperature and pressure relief valve apparatus including a body having a first conduit connected to a water heater and a second conduit connected to a discharge pipe. A valve member, positioned between the first and second conduits, is normally biased closed to prevent flow between the conduits. The valve member is configured such that when a temperature or pressure within the water heater exceeds a predetermined level, the valve member opens to relieve pressure and, in turn, water is released through the second conduit. A sensor is disposed about the second conduit and coupled to a controller. The controller measures a capacitance value of the second conduit, detects a change in the capacitance value indicating a presence of water in the second conduit, and asserts an alarm condition upon detection of the change in the second conduit capacitance value.

Abstract: A valve assembly with a spring retention assembly including an elongated cylinder portion having an open threaded end and a closed end and an elongated piston portion having a free end and a threaded tab end configured to thread through the open threaded end and, thereby, be slideably captured in the cylinder portion. A spring couples to the body portion and the piston portion to provide a force to urge the body portion and the piston away from one another, wherein the closed end and the free end are similarly shaped so that the spring retention assembly can be reversibly mounted to a valve member that can also be reversibly mounted.

Abstract: A test cock for determining an operating condition of a backflow prevention system includes a body portion having a distal end and a proximal end and a space defined within the body portion. A distal opening is provided on the body portion at the distal end and a proximal opening is provided on the body portion at the proximal end and the proximal opening is in fluid connection with the body portion space. A body portion fitting is disposed in the body portion and is providing a fluid connection with the body portion space. A fluid sensor is coupled to the body portion fitting and is in fluid connection with the body portion space. A rotating system fitting has a first end and a second end where the second end is provided in the body portion proximal opening.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a bolt with a through hole for a security wire includes at least one valve of the valve assembly mechanically coupled to a pipe or to a section of another component of the valve assembly by a coupling or by a pair of mating flanges. At least one hollow bolt is bolted through a closing bolt hole of the coupling or a joining bolt hole of the pair of mating flanges. The at least one hollow bolt accepts a safety wire run completely through the hollow bolt in a longitudinal direction of the hollow bolt and extending completely through the closing bolt hole of the coupling or the joining bolt hole of the pair of mating flanges.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a plurality of sensors and a device. Each sensor is configured to measure data and communicate over a network using low power signal communication. The device is connected to an in-wall power source and configured to wirelessly communicate over the network using low power signal communication. Further, the device is configured to transmit data from the sensors to a remote gateway using high power signal communication.

Abstract: A check cover assembly for a backflow prevention assembly having a body defining an interior housing a test cock. The check cover assembly includes a ball with a central aperture and a complementary groove in an outer circumference of the ball as well as a base including a shroud portion housing the ball to create a ball valve. The shroud portion defines an access gap for accessing an actuation feature slot with a landkey of the ball valve and a threaded opening. A coupling is attached to the threaded opening in fluid communication with the interior for connecting to testing equipment. The actuation feature is used to open and close the ball valve.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly has a body having a first bucket with a sidewall extending between a closed end and an open end along a first bucket axis, a first conduit extending from an inlet of the sidewall of the first bucket, and a second bucket having a sidewall extending between a closed end and an open end along a second bucket axis. A second conduit extends between an outlet of the sidewall of the first bucket and an inlet of the sidewall of the second bucket, and a third conduit extends from an outlet of the sidewall of the second bucket. The conduits extend along a conduit axis that is perpendicular to the bucket axes. The valve assembly includes covers secured over the open ends of the buckets and a valve member located in each bucket that is biased to prevent reverse flow through the inlets of the buckets.

Abstract: A water heater includes a heat exchanger. A controllable three-way proportional valve provides a proportionally controllable flow to the hot water inlet of the heat exchanger and a boiler return water outlet. A mixing tank mixes a cold water and a hot water. The mixing tank provides a time delayed mixed water. A temperature sensor is disposed in or on the mixing tank to measure a temperature of the time delayed mixed water to provide a time delayed mixed water temperature. A feedforward control process running on a processor adjusts a proportional operating position of the controllable three-way proportional valve to regulate a temperature of hot water at the hx domestic hot water outlet based on the temperature of the time delayed mixed water temperature. A method for controlling a hot water temperature of a water heater a water heater using a flowmeter based feedforward control are also described.