Abstract: A system may use sensor data from a facility to generate tentative values associated with an event, such as the identification of an item removed from a shelf of the facility. A confidence value associated with each of the tentative values may be less than a confidence threshold. In response, inquiry data seeking confirmation of a tentative value from an associate is generated and sent to one or more associates in the facility. Responses from the associates are collected to determine a selection of one of the tentative values. The selected tentative value is designated as output data for the system. Thereafter, the output data and the original sensor data are designated as training data, which can then be used to train or update machine learning systems. Subsequent use of the updated machine learning systems can yield more accurate results.

Abstract: A system for controlling water delivery throughout a household water delivery network that includes bathroom and kitchen sinks, as well as other equipment for dispensing water, said system including a controller disposed at a site, the temperature of the water of which is to be controlled; said controller including a temperature probe for detecting the water temperature at the site; a pump for circulating water from a water heater to the site; and a wireless communication network that interconnects the controller with the pump in order to control hot water delivered from the water heater based on sensed temperature at the temperature probe. Also a process for controlling the water temperature of a water delivery system that includes a pump, either via a wifi hub or a system APP. Also disclosed is a novel adjustment ring associated with the valve.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel outdoor enclosure for circulating pumps for outdoor tankless heaters, outdoor boilers and other outdoor applications. The enclosure includes a body and a cover with the body attaching to the circulator motor. When closed, the enclosure keeps rainfall and other contaminates from entering the wiring space within the enclosure and the circulator motor. The body of the enclosure has multiple ports for electrical wiring inputs for power and for controls connections which can be made with flexible cords and/or hardwires. The outdoor enclosure can be equipped with a terminal strip to simplify wiring and/or with a timer to control when the circulator operates. To avoid problems associated with freezing, the enclosure may include a thermal device that turns the circulator on if temperatures drop. To secure the cover to the body, fastener tabs are included that can accept a screw or lock.

Abstract: Techniques for efficient and accurate data collection employing many sensors distributed over an area is disclosed. The many data collection and transmission devices transmit the data in a novel manner that is the combination of a set of digital data packets which convey the data, integrated with a set of analog packets that enable the receiver to determine the distance between the transmitter and the receiver is disclosed. The receivers of this data are arranged so that they can receive each broadcast sample, and distributed geographically so that tri angulation techniques can be used to precisely locate each transmitter. Highly accurate clocks located only in the receivers are used to timestamp the acquired data. This design of the combination data packet enables use of inexpensive sensors to collect high quality data with accurate two and three-dimensional location and time stamps provided by the network of receivers.

Abstract: A bypass valve is for support between hot and cold water lines that connect to respective hot and cold fixtures. The bypass valve includes a valve body having an internal chamber, a hot water inlet port, a hot water outlet port and a discharge port; a bi-metal spring; a support member for mounting the bi-metal spring within the internal chamber of the valve body; and a shuttle mounted to the bi-metal spring and constructed and arranged to mate with the hot water inlet port in a closed position of the bi-metal spring. The bi-metal spring assumes an open position to disengage from the hot water inlet port at a predetermined water temperature to enable the hot water to discharge through the discharge port to the cold water line.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for managing inventory as it transitions into a materials handling facility, as it transitions between locations within a materials handling facility and/or as it transitions out of a materials handling facility. In some instances, a total weight associated with a user pattern may be monitored by sensors of a base surface and weight of inventory items may be monitored by sensors at the inventory locations. When a user associated with the user pattern retrieves an item from an inventory location, the decrease in the weight at the inventory location will correspond with the increase in total weight associated with the user pattern. Accordingly, the item may be tracked from the inventory location and associated with the user pattern based on the corresponding changes in weight.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for associating multiple totes with a single profile so that items placed into any of the multiple totes are identified on a profile item identifier list. For example, if two users located in a materials handling facility are picking items that are to be consolidated or otherwise treated together, each user may select a different tote and move separately through the materials handling facility. As either user picks items and places those items into a corresponding tote, a profile item identifier list is updated to include an item identifier for each picked item.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques to present information to a user of a materials handling facility using a representative color. A representative color at an inventory location is determined based on one or more colors used at the inventory location. Once determined, the representative color may be used in the presentation of a user interface that includes item data and visual elements therein. The use of the representative color in the user interface facilitates the identification of items or an inventory location within the material handling facility.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for developing and dynamically updating user paths through a materials handling facility. A user path through a materials handling facility may be developed that will route a user past one or more items (e.g., pick list items, recommended items, wish list items, promotional items) planned for the user. If the user does not follow the user path, the user path may be dynamically updated to account for the current location of the user and/or to consider other actions performed by the user.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for recovering lithium ions from a brine source. The process can comprises increasing the pH of a brine source comprising lithium ions to at least about 5.5; contacting the pH-elevated brine source with a bed of protonated ion exchange media to produce a lithiated ion exchange media and a lithium-depleted brine stream; contacting the lithiated ion exchange media with an acidic aqueous wash liquid; and contacting the washed lithiated ion exchange media with an elution liquid comprising an acid. Also provided herein is a process for increasing the pH of brine comprising obtaining brine from a brine source comprising lithium ions; adding the brine to a continuously stirred tank reactor without preprocessing the brine to remove solid matter; adding a strong base to the continuously stirred tank reactor; contacting the brine with the base.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for propagating and synchronizing the presentation of user specific information across multiple output devices. In some implementations, a location of a user is determined and user specific information is provided to a plurality of output device controllers configured to control output devices at the determined location. Control instructions are also provided instructing the output device controllers to store, render, present and/or remove the user specific information.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques configured to provide a user interface for an unauthenticated user of a materials handling facility. A transient profile indicative of one or more user preferences may be created and associated with the unauthenticated user. As the unauthenticated user interacts with the facility, preferences may be determined and included in the transient profile. Subsequent operation of the facility may take into account the transient profile. As the unauthenticated user moves throughout the facility, the transient profile may “follow” them, providing an ongoing user experience. Should the unauthenticated user later be authenticated, the transient preferences may be incorporated into a persistent profile.

Abstract: Functionality of sensors on a shelf or other inventory location is tested by encouraging an interaction and determining if the output from the sensors on the shelf is consistent with the interaction. An interaction at the shelf can include, for example, a user adding or removing an item from the shelf. To encourage this type of interaction with the shelf or items therein, an announcement may be generated and presented to a user. The announcement may comprise an advertisement with some type of incentive for the user to add or remove an item from the shelf. Upon verifying such an interaction, sensor data before and after the interaction can be compared to generate diagnostic data for the sensor, which can indicate whether the sensor is operational or malfunctioning.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for managing inventory as it transitions into a materials handling facility, as it transitions between locations within a materials handling facility and/or as it transitions out of a materials handling facility. In some instances, a total weight associated with a user pattern may be monitored by sensors of a base surface and weight of inventory items may be monitored by sensors at the inventory locations. When a user associated with the user pattern retrieves an item from an inventory location, the decrease in the weight at the inventory location will correspond with the increase in total weight associated with the user pattern. Accordingly, the item may be tracked from the inventory location and associated with the user pattern based on the corresponding changes in weight.

Abstract: A recirculation valve for use with a tankless water heater in a system that includes hot and cold water fixtures and a cold water supply.