Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.

Abstract: Metastable state spore incubation mixing systems are described. An example system includes a spores container to store spores, a nutrient container to store nutrients, a water supply line, a syringe tank, a syringe pump, an adjustable valve, a heater, and a controller. In a drawing phase of the system, a controller can cause the syringe pump and the adjustable valve to draw into the syringe tank a volume of spores, nutrients, and water to form a mixture. The controller causes the heater to heat the mixture for a period of time. In a dispensing phase of the system, the controller can cause the syringe pump to expel the mixture through the adjustable valve and into a water distribution system. The controller can direct the system through a number of other phases of operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of an external hair strainer. The external hair strainer can have a number of components. For example, the external hair strainer can include a rim positioned on a first plane. The external hair strainer can also include a button positioned on a second plane parallel to the first plane. In some instances, the external hair strainer can include a suction cup protruding from the button in the direction of the rim. Moreover, the external hair strainer can have a plurality of spokes connecting an inner diameter of the rim to an outer diameter of the button, each of the plurality of spokes comprising a bend.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a garbage disposal strainer and stopper. The garbage disposal strainer and stopper can include a base. It can also include a top that includes a cavity and a first shaft. The garbage disposal strainer and stopper can also include an insert that is configured to fit within the cavity of the top. The insert further can also include a second shaft. Moreover, the garbage disposal strainer and stopper can include a cap configured to fit through the first shaft in the top and the second shaft in the insert and engage the base. The cap can include a rim extending past an external wall of the first shaft.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for smart water systems. In one example, a method for providing water through a faucet includes detecting a voice request from a user; providing an indication of the voice request to control circuitry of an electrically operated valve coupled to a water supply line of the faucet; and activating the electrically operated valve to provide water through the faucet. In another example, a method includes detecting a request for water from a user; providing an indication of the request to control circuitry of an electrically operated valve coupled to a water supply line of the faucet; and activating the electrically operated valve to provide a specified amount of water through the faucet.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for patent analysis applications. A computing device may parse an electronic version of a patent document by identifying a reference numeral in the at least one drawing and identifying portions of the detailed description of the claims section that comprises the reference numeral. The computing device may generate at least one user interface that comprises a textual reproduction of at least a portion of the patent document; identify a user interaction with the reference numeral in the portion of the at least one drawing as shown in the at least one user interface; and, in response to the user interaction with the numeral, cause at least a portion of the detailed description or claims that corresponds to the at least one reference numeral to be presented proximate to the numeral.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus includes a toilet horn receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. A sealing rim is positioned at an upper end of the toilet horn receptacle, and at least a portion of the sealing rim extends inwardly from the upper end of the toilet horn receptacle towards a center axis of the sealing rim. A funnel extends from the lower end of the toilet horn receptacle, and a channel wall circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle. The channel wall and at least the toilet horn receptacle form a continuous annular receptacle. A foam sealing component is disposed in the continuous annular receptacle such that an inner wall of the foam sealing component circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle and such that the channel wall circumscribes at least a portion of an outer wall of the foam sealing component.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for an external hair catcher. The external hair catcher can include a rim positioned on a first plane. In some instances, the external hair catcher can include a button positioned on a second plane parallel to the first plane. In other instances, the external hair catcher can include a suction cup protruding from the button in the direction of the rim. Moreover, the external hair catcher can include a plurality of spokes connecting an inner diameter of the rim to an outer diameter of the button, each of the plurality of spokes comprising a bend.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a toilet bowl fill valve includes a valve body that has a cavity. A valve may be inserted into the cavity of the valve body. A handle may be integrated with the valve, and the handle may facilitate manual adjustment of the valve. The valve body attached directly to a body of a toilet fill valve.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described for a squeegee apparatus configured to facilitate a removal of paint or other debris in an annular recess of a can, such as a paint can. The squeegee apparatus may include a body having a first recess to receive a first lip of a can, a second recess to receive a second lip of the can, and a projection to extend into an annular recess of the can. The squeegee apparatus may include a guard wall projecting laterally from the body and a ramp at least partially defined by a distal end of the projection. The ramp and the projection can be positioned such that, when the body of the squeegee apparatus is pulled along the annular recess of the paint can, paint or other debris residing in the annular recess is forced up the ramp and redirected towards an interior chamber of the can.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for an applicator configured to receive a stick. In one embodiment, the applicator includes a pad and an adapter. The adapter includes a top side and a bottom side, where the adapter retains the pad on the bottom side. The adapter also includes a retaining cage on the top side. The retaining cage includes a first end and a second end, where the retaining cage extends from the adapter at the first end. The retaining cage comprises an opening at the second end for receiving a stick.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for smart water filter systems. In one example, a smart water filter system includes a solenoid valve (or other electrically operated valve) in a water supply line of a faucet, and a filter bank coupled to the water supply line. Activation of the valve can stop the flow of unfiltered water through the faucet while allowing the flow of filtered water through the faucet. In another example, a smart water filter system includes a three-port solenoid (or electrically operated) valve coupled to a faucet, and a filter bank coupled to the water supply line and to a second inlet port of the three-port solenoid valve. Activation of the three-port valve can stop the flow of unfiltered water through the faucet while allowing the flow of filtered water through the faucet.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for patent analysis applications. A computing device may be directed to parse an electronic version of a patent document having a detailed description, a claims section, and at least one drawing. In various embodiments, parsing the electronic version of the patent document may include applying an OCR process to the electronic document, obtaining a list of claim terms used in the claims section, identifying instances of the claim terms used in the detailed description, identifying a reference numeral corresponding to the claim terms from the detailed description, and identifying portions of the drawing that includes the reference numeral. In response to user interaction with a claim term, a dialog may be shown proximate to the claim term, where the dialog includes a portion of the detailed description that includes the claim term and/or the drawing that comprises the reference numeral corresponding to the claim term.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for smart water filter systems. In one example, a smart water filter system includes a solenoid valve (or other electrically operated valve) in a water supply line of a faucet, and a filter bank coupled to the water supply line. Activation of the valve can stop the flow of unfiltered water through the faucet while allowing the flow of filtered water through the faucet. In another example, a smart water filter system includes a three-port solenoid (or electrically operated) valve coupled to a faucet, and a filter bank coupled to the water supply line and to a second inlet port of the three-port solenoid valve. Activation of the three-port valve can stop the flow of unfiltered water through the faucet while allowing the flow of filtered water through the faucet.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus includes a toilet horn receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. A sealing rim is positioned at an upper end of the toilet horn receptacle, and at least a portion of the sealing rim extends inwardly from the upper end of the toilet horn receptacle towards a center axis of the sealing rim. A funnel extends from the lower end of the toilet horn receptacle, and a channel wall circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle. The channel wall and at least the toilet horn receptacle form a continuous annular receptacle. A foam sealing component is disposed in the continuous annular receptacle such that an inner wall of the foam sealing component circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle and such that the channel wall circumscribes at least a portion of an outer wall of the foam sealing component.

Abstract: Metastable state spore incubation mixing systems are described. An example system includes a spore container to store spores, a nutrient container, an arrangement of valves and tubes, a reciprocating pump, a mixing tube, and a holding tank. In a drawing phase of the system, a controller can control the reciprocating pump to draw a ratioed volume of the spores, the nutrients, and water through the valves and tubes. During an expelling phase of the system, the controller can control flow control valves to direct the spores, nutrients, and water through the mixing tube and into the holding tank. The controller can also direct a heater to heat the mixture in the holding tank to a predetermined temperature. Once the mixture reaches the temperature, the controller can also direct the system through a number of other phases of operation, including cooling and purging phases.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a garbage disposal cleaning brush. The brush can include a brush head, a splash guard, and a rod. The splash guard can include a shaft, a circular channel well and a lip extending from the outer wall of the circular channel well. The rod may be connected to the brush head and extending through the shaft of the splash guard. The shaft can include a first inner wall and a first outer wall. The circular channel wall can include a hold on a bottom surface, a second inner wall, and a second outer wall.

Abstract: A detachable faucet connector can be used with a faucet to allow easy connection of hoses to the faucet. The detachable faucet connector can include an aerator, a funnel, and a hose adapter. The aerator can connect to a faucet to replace the faucet's existing aerator. The funnel can be inserted in to the aerator prior to the installation of the aerator in the faucet. The hose adapter can be connected to the funnel. The hose adapter can be attached to a hose.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a nested brush. The nested brush can include a first brush and a second brush. The first brush can include a first elongated handle and a first brush head. The first elongated handle can include a first end, a second end, and a brush receptacle extending from the first end of the first elongated handle along a portion of the first elongated handle. The first brush head can be attached to the first end of the first elongated handle. The second brush can include a second elongated handle and a second brush head. The second elongated handle can include a first end and a second end. The second elongated handle can be configured to fit within the brush receptacle of the first elongated handle. The second brush head can be attached to the first end of the second elongated handle.