Abstract: A method and system for designing and controlling a hydronic apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the system includes a computing device having a first receiver that receives input data, in which the input data includes environmental data and hydronic apparatus data. The computing device also includes a first processor that communicates with the first receiver. The first processor processes the received input data into configuration data that includes a hydronic apparatus layout. The hydronic apparatus layout indicates a plurality of hydronic components and fluid connections between the hydronic components. The computing device also includes a transmitter that transmits the configuration data. The system also includes a controller that has a stored set of rules and a second receiver that receives the configuration data.

Abstract: A level sensor, associated with a bin, detects a particular reference level of an agricultural product in the bin and generates a calibration indicator. An input sensor determines an input rate of the agricultural product into the bin. A conveyer is capable of transporting the agricultural product out of the bin. An output sensor provides a status indicator that indicates whether the conveyer is in an active state or in an inactive state during one or more evaluation time windows. A data processor determines an output rate of the agricultural product based on the status indicator. The data processor comprises a level estimator for estimating an estimated bin level of the bin based on the input rate and an output rate. The data processor comprises a calibrator for calibrating the estimated bin level with reference to the particular reference level in response to the calibration indicator.

Abstract: A system that control levels of liquids in reservoirs may include a control component that causes a compressor to pump gas through a tube extending in a liquid in a reservoir to an air bell for a predetermined amount of time responsive to a pump pumping portions of a liquid from the reservoir. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time responsive to the control component determining that a predetermined amount of time has passed since the compressor was previously operated. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time, responsive to the control component determining that a pressure sensor component in fluid communication with the tube indicates a possible decrease in the liquid level to at least a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method and system for optimal model-based multivariable balancing for distributed hydronic networks based on global differential pressure/flow rate information. A simplified mathematical model of a hydronic system can be determined utilizing an analogy between hydronic systems and electrical circuits. Thereafter, unknown parameters can be identified utilizing the simplified mathematical model and a set of available measurements. Next, balancing valve settings can be calculated by reformulating the simplified mathematical model based on the parameterized model. The sum of pressure drops across selected balancing valves can be then minimized to achieve optimal economic performances of the system. The data can be collected and transferred to a central unit either by wireless communication or manually by reading the local measurement devices. Such a multivariable balancing approach provides a fast and accurate balancing of distributed hydronic heating systems based on a centralized and non-iterative approach.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring and signaling when a hot melt adhesive contained in a heated adhesive reservoir should be changed. A wheel is at least partially immersed in the adhesive in the reservoir and is rotated by a motor and a computer controls system controls the operation of the motor. From time to time, the computer control system operates the motor and compares the running current supplied to the motor at which the motor stalls to a predetermined stall running current corresponding to a predetermined viscosity level of the adhesive at which the adhesive exhibits a minimum level of binding characteristics and thus generates a signal to change the adhesive. A method of determining when the adhesive should be changed is also disclosed.

Abstract: A horticultural system which consists of a container for a plant which sits within a reservoir for irrigation liquid to allow flow of irrigation liquid between the container and reservoir. Irrigation liquid may be to said container and/or said reservoir. Sensor means are located in said reservoir to measure the volume of liquid in said reservoir and a second sensor means in said reservoir measures the electrical conductivity of liquid in said reservoir. A controller is programmed to control the supply of irrigation liquid to the container and/or reservoir using the measurement of liquid height and electrical conductivity in said reservoir.

Abstract: A method of determining a flow rate of a pump involves determining a volume capacity for a flow line carrying produced fluids from the pump, determining a starting pressure for the flow line and setting an arbitrary target pressure for the purpose of testing. The test is initiated by preventing flow in the flow line while continuing to operate the pump and monitoring pressure in the flow line to determine a time interval required to reach the target pressure. The method then involves performing calculations to determine flow rate using the volume capacity, the starting pressure, the change in pressure over the time interval required to reach the target pressure. The flow rate is equivalent to ?V divided by a change in time ?T. The method is preferably used as part of a manual or automated pump control strategy to keep the pump operating within flow rate ranges that provide optimum pump efficiency.

Abstract: A system for resource usage optimization employs an automatically controlled sensor suite providing data to a computer system for the analysis of spatial relationships of the sensors and resources. A control module incorporates an interactive logic, in an exemplary embodiment of well-stream coupled dynamic or game theory engines, operating in conjunction with the spatial data processing algorithms, GIS in an exemplary embodiment, receives as an input an objective function set for the use of the resource and constraint sets which are then monitored by the sensor suite.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically controlled pressure relief valve may use a soft position control loop to control the position of the valve. A pressure relief valve may also include a modified orifice shape to improve stability, to uniformly distribute the effective bandwidth over the valve operating range, and to provide a tunable default mode.

Abstract: A circuit compliance compensated volume control system in a patient respiratory ventilation system and method, including: a circuit compliance estimator, to provide a relationship between a circuit volume and a differential pressure between a circuit pressure and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of the respiratory circuit, a circuit volume estimator, operative to provide an estimated circuit volume based on the relationship between the circuit volume and the differential pressure, a patient volume observer, operative to provide an estimated patient volume by subtracting the estimated circuit volume from a measured machine delivered net volume, and a volume delivery controller, operative to update the machine delivered net volume based on the estimated patient volume and a set tidal volume.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid cassette-based membrane blood pump; a dialyzer in fluid communication with the blood pump; first and second dialysis fluid cassette-based balance chambers each having (i) a fresh dialysis fluid compartment in fluid communication with the dialyzer and (ii) a spent dialysis fluid compartment; a dialysis fluid cassette-based fresh dialysis fluid membrane pump in fluid communication with the fresh dialysis fluid compartments of the first and second balance chambers; a dialysis fluid cassette-based spent dialysis fluid membrane pump in fluid communication with the dialyzer and the spent dialysis fluid compartments of the first and second balance chambers; and which is configured to receive a data transfer including a prescription entry for the system.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating, predicting, and/or controlling a granulation process are disclosed. The method may account for changes in input water amount, how material responds to the water amount, batch size, power input, and particle size, specific surface area, or dynamic cohesion of the materials being granulated. The method may also account for an impeller load, relative impeller efficiency, and water content. The method may measure point where material being granulated is responding to the water addition. The method may predict tap density of the granules exiting a mill downstream of granulation, after a drying process. The method may predict tablet dissolution. The system may include a controller having a computer executable program embodied in a computer readable medium and configured to perform one or more steps of the method. The system may also control various processing equipment in response to estimates and/or predictions.

Abstract: A molding-system set-up process has: (i) a receiving operation, including receiving an attribute associated with a molded part, (ii) a determining operation, including determining a molding-system set-up parameter based on the attribute associated with the receiving operation, the molding-system set-up parameter being usable for setting up a molding-system operation, and (iii) a providing operation, including providing the molding-system set-up parameter.

Abstract: A controller assembly is adapted for regulating at least one valve having a valve positioner. The controller assembly comprises a digital controller having a plurality of data inputs and data outputs and includes at least one proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller operative to modulate the valve positioner in response to data received at the data inputs. The digital controller is configured to perform the following functions within a total time period of no greater than 10 ms: acquisition of data at the data inputs, processing of the data, and transmission of data from the data output in order to regulate the valve(s). The digital controller may include a quantity of at least sixteen digital inputs, at least sixteen digital outputs, at least eight analog inputs and at least eight analog outputs.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a mass flow controller is described. One embodiment validates the operation of a mass flow controller thermal sensor, including detecting zero drift and span drift in the sensor by comparing the thermal sensor output to a pressure sensor output. In one embodiment, each sensor provides a signal to a digital controller or other processing unit and the controller calculates the mass flow rates of a gas flowing through the unit as measured by the sensors. The mass flow rates may then be compared to determine if one of the thermal sensor is operating properly.

Abstract: A networked delivery system and method for controlling operation of a spraying system includes nozzles for emitting an agrochemical according to a predetermined spray pattern and flow rate; vibration sensors located adjacent an agricultural spray system component to sense vibrations of the agricultural spray system component, such as spray nozzles. The networked delivery system also includes a control area network with a computer processor in communication with the vibration sensors. The processor conveys information to an operator regarding the agricultural spray system component based on the sensed vibrations. The processor also actuates each of the agricultural spray system components such as the spray nozzles to selectively control each of the nozzles or a designated group of the nozzles.

Abstract: Systems for controlling a droplet microactuator are provided. According to one embodiment, a system is provided and includes a controller, a droplet microactuator electronically coupled to the controller, and a display device displaying a user interface electronically coupled to the controller, wherein the system is programmed and configured to permit a user to effect a droplet manipulation by interacting with the user interface. According to another embodiment, a system is provided and includes a processor, a display device electronically coupled to the processor, and software loaded and/or stored in a storage device electronically coupled to the controller, a memory device electronically coupled to the controller, and/or the controller and programmed to display an interactive map of a droplet microactuator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a computer program product including computer instructions that are executable to receive a set of process parameters, including fluid parameters and heat exchanger parameters, and determine a time for a dispense fluid to reach a target temperature. Additionally, the instructions can be executable to determine a set of process parameters that result in a time to reach the target temperature of below a predefined limit. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a set of computer instructions can calculate the time it takes for a dispense fluid to reach a target temperature for predictive flow control of a heating/cooling fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the separation by distillation of a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream comprising olefin monomer, co-monomer and hydrocarbon diluent. The present invention also relates to a distillation system comprising a distillation column for carrying out the process according to the invention.

Abstract: A control system monitors salt level in a brine tank having a water inlet. The control system comprises a memory device storing an amount representing actual salt level in the brine tank. A sensor determines water level in the brine tank. A control valve is operatively connected between a water supply and the water inlet for controllably supplying water to the brine tank. A logic circuit is operatively connected to the memory device, the sensor and the control valve for determining salt level in the brine tank. The logic circuit periodically operates the control valve responsive to sensed water levels to fill the brine tank with water, updates the stored actual salt level in the memory device responsive to water supplied to the brine tank, and provides an indication when actual salt level in the brine tank falls below a select salt level.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately measuring supply gas consumed by a particular process control component within a process control system is disclosed. Enhanced measurement accuracy is derived from measuring the consumption of the process control component in a normal operating mode of the process control system. The amount of fluid expended by one process control component is separated by a fluid control system from the amount of supply gas expended in actuating other process control components. The amount of fluid expended by each component may be determined by measuring a decrease in a fluid within a vessel having a known quantity that independently supplies supply gas to each component during its operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and auto-control system on improving pumping system performance. The system contains a pump, a pool, pipelines, a parameter setting module, a water level measuring module and a system control module. The parameter setting module is configured to preset a characteristic parameter and a control parameter of the pump and the pipelines. The water level measuring module is configured to measure, determine and compute a high level pool water level, a flow demand trend and a system instantaneous flow at regular intervals. The system control module is configured to receive the data sent by the water level measuring module that is measured and computed, and controls the operation of the system based on the data.

Abstract: A flush valve for a waste water system comprises a valve including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a main valve element adapted for movement to allow fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet based on a pressure differential across a portion of the main valve element. The valve also includes a vent system comprising a control chamber in flow communication with the fluid inlet of the valve and a vent outlet in flow communication with the fluid outlet of the valve, and a solenoid for venting fluid venting fluid from the control chamber to the fluid outlet. A pressure sensor, such as an electronic pressure transducer, senses the fluid pressure of fluid within the vent system and regulates water flow through the valve based on the sensed fluid pressure so as to deliver a predetermined quantity of water through the valve.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system for a dewatering pump configured to dewater a gas well is provided. A dewatering pump is driven at a first speed to pump fluid out of a well annulus. A fluid level detection device is configured to identify a change of fluid level in the well annulus occurring between a first time and a second, later time. A controller is configured to change the speed of the dewatering pump from the first speed to a second speed based upon the identified change in fluid level. Several embodiments of the fluid level detection devices are provided.

Abstract: A fluid overfill detection and control system for controlling the transfer of fluid into a transport vehicle having multiple fluid compartments includes a plurality of overfill sensors that are connected in series with one another and that each produces an output pulse when the fluid level in its associated compartment is below a threshold level. A diagnostic line connected to each of the overfill sensors provides a diagnostic signal indicative of the number of overfill sensors that generate an output pulse, while a module on the vehicle provides an indication of the total number of overfill sensors located in the vehicle. To prevent a hazard due to the possible bypass of a overfill sensor, the controller compares the overfill sensor count signal to the diagnostic signal and inhibits the transfer of fluid into the vehicle if the values do not match.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling a system for transporting blood, and a method for transporting blood in a blood line of an extracorporeal blood circuit of an extracorporeal blood treatment system. The present invention also relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment device comprising such a system for transporting blood. The method and device according to the present invention are based on the fact that a defined threshold value for the pressure in the blood line should not be exceeded. The system for transporting blood is controlled in such a way the blood in the blood line is transported in a pre-determined volume flow as long as the pressure in the blood line is below the pre-determined threshold value. When the pressure in the blood line reaches the pre-defined threshold value, however, the system for transporting blood is controlled such that a pressure value corresponding to the threshold value is set when the blood is transported in the blood line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for handling liquid and a method for the same. The system includes a container capable of holding a liquid. An electronic storage device is coupled with the container for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna.

Abstract: A networked delivery system and method for controlling operation of a spraying system includes nozzles for emitting an agrochemical according to a predetermined spray pattern and flow rate; vibration sensors located adjacent an agricultural spray system component to sense vibrations of the agricultural spray system component, such as spray nozzles. The networked delivery system also includes a control area network with a computer processor in communication with the vibration sensors. The processor conveys information to an operator regarding the agricultural spray system component based on the sensed vibrations. The processor also actuates each of the agricultural spray system components such as the spray nozzles to selectively control each of the nozzles or a designated group of the nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for measuring and controlling an amount of flow and volume of liquid fluid and/or electrical energy consumed by an electro-pump. The method and system obtains a plurality of values for electrical parameters of the electro-pump including voltage value, currents value and active/reactive energy value; calculates the plurality values; and determines and controls the amount of instant flow and volume of said liquid fluid based on said calculated values. The system/method gathers these two measuring and controlling features (i.e. measuring and controlling the volume of liquid and amount of energy) in one casing, thereby, where applicable, provides a secure reference for policy making of both two parameters at the same time (e.g. for underground water resources).

Abstract: An apparatus for on-site manufacturing of lightweight concrete used for insulation in roof decks and roof systems of building structures. The apparatus is supported on a transportable trailer frame and includes a mixer, a concrete pump, and one or more tanks for holding a mixture of water and chemical products, such as foaming agents. The chemical agents/water solution is mixed with pressurized air according to a desired foam density and volume and is pumped through a foam cylinder ejector. The air/solution mixture exiting the ejector is directed into a carburetor which generates a foam product by mechanical impact of the air/solution mixture with beads contained in the carburetor. Concrete and the foam product are combined in the mixer, in accordance with a predetermined mixture ratio, and released into the concrete pump for forced discharge from the apparatus and application to a roof structure.

Abstract: A fluid flow monitoring, evaluation, and control system providing accurate dispensing of fluids in low volume, high pressure systems. The system includes one or more fluid flow sensors mounted on positive displacement dispensing valves and a processor that receives cycle signals from the fluid flow sensors to determine fluid flow information. If the fluid flow is not within specified limits, a signal is sent to a pump control device to adjust the pump to return the fluid flow to desired level. A dispensing valve can include a display to show cycle time or other fluid flow measurement. The system can include dispensing valves having single inputs and single outputs for measuring fluid dispensed at a point of use, which measurement can be compared to measurements taken at a divider block earlier in the hydraulic path to verify that fluid sent into the path was actually dispensed.

Abstract: Pipeline flow optimization systems, software, and methods that emulate transient optimization are disclosed. A pipeline flow optimization system includes an upset condition handler that is adapted to provide a multivariable controller with pipeline flow adjustments to handle one or more upset conditions. The optimization system may be used with fluid pipeline systems, including gas pipeline systems and liquid pipeline systems. Systems, software, and methods according to embodiments of the invention may further include linepack transition handling capabilities and administrative tools.

Abstract: An adaptable surface system including a plurality of individually adjustable surface units and a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor corresponds to one of the adjustable subsurface units and is positioned to measure an amount of pressure exerted upon the subsurface unit. The system also includes a controller that receives a first pressure value from a pressure sensor, compares the value to a threshold, and adjusts the height of the first subsurface unit based on the comparison. The controller also receives a second pressure value from a second pressure sensor, compares the second pressure value to the threshold, and adjusts the height of a second subsurface unit based on the comparison.

Abstract: An integrated pressure and flow ratio control system includes N mass flow controllers MFCi (i=1, . . . , N) that each control the flow rate of a fluid Fi (i=1, . . . , N) flowing into a processing chamber. These N mass flow controllers are linked together by a digital communication network. One of the mass flow controllers is a master MFC, and the remaining N?1 MFCs are slave MFCs. The master MFC receives a pressure set point and a plurality N of flow ratio set points from a host controller, and communicates these set points to all the slave MFCs. In this way, the pressure in the chamber is maintained at the pressure set point and the flow ratios Qi/QT are maintained at the flow ratio set points, where Qi is flow rate of the i-th fluid Fi, and QT=Q1+Q2+ . . . QN is the sum of all N flow rates.

Abstract: A secure reader system (SRS) for containers housing material to be employed in an application. A container is provided having an information storing mechanism. A connector of the SRS having a reader is provided to physically couple to the container for periodically reading information there from. The connector is configured to physically couple to the container and may draw material from the container simultaneous with the reading.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a level of a conductive liquid, is provided. The sensor includes at least two electrodes that can be positioned in a holding tank so as to be partially submerged in the conductive liquid, sensor leads coupled to the at least two electrodes, and circuitry and a controller for determining the properties of the electrolyte, the circuitry being coupled to the at least two electrodes via the sensor leads, and the controller being coupled to the circuitry. The sensor may be used as an electrolyte level sensor in a flow battery system.

Abstract: A business method is disclosed of increasing the probability of timely receiving payment for financing renewable energy consumer premises equipment (CPE) by a consumer for power generation at a consumer premises, the renewable energy CPE adapted to deliver power onto a power grid. The method comprises creating an agreement between a consumer and an entity financing renewable energy CPE, wherein creating the agreement includes creating a provision that allows the entity to control power at the consumer premises if a default of the agreement by the consumer occurs.

Abstract: A method for the monitoring, control and optimization of filling equipment for foods and beverages, such as, for beverage bottles. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining refrigerant charge in a vapor compressor system (VCS) of an aircraft. The methods and apparatus comprise the following steps of, and/or means for, generating a data set from historical data representative of a plurality of VCS operating conditions over time, identifying one or more steady-state data points in the generated data set, forming a revised data set that includes at least the steady-state data points, using principal components analysis (PCA) to derive values for a plurality of minimally correlated input variables, supplying the derived values for the plurality of minimally correlated input variables and the corresponding values for the VCS refrigerant charge in the revised data set to a nonlinear neural network model, and deriving a simulator model characterizing a relationship between the plurality of minimally correlated input variables and the VCS refrigerant charge.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient, such as a hospital bed, is provided. The apparatus includes a patient support surface and at least one fluid containing bladder. A pressure control assembly is operably coupled with the bladder. When the fluid pressure within the bladder falls outside of an acceptable range of pressure values, the active adjustment of the pressure within the bladder is initiated by the pressure control assembly if the pressure does not return to the acceptable range of pressure values within a time period, e.g., a time delay, that has a variable length.

Abstract: A method and a device for processing and storing data generated in a fluid flow station, the data being read and put into a volatile memory allocated to a communicating module of the flow station. The data are analyzed according to predetermined relevancy criteria to select data corresponding to a type of event, and the selected data are analyzed according to a redundancy criterion to detect data having the same value during two successive readings. The data having a value unchanged in relation to the value of the previous reading are replaced by a mark and the data thereby compressed are stored in a non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a fluid level and/or output flow during operation of a centrifugal pump, are provided, which may be used for production of gas and/or oil from a well, and include a vector feedback model to derive values of torque and speed from signals indicative of instantaneous current and voltage drawn by the pump motor, a pump model which derives values of the fluid flow rate and the head pressure for the pump from torque and speed inputs, a pumping system model that derives, from the estimated values of the pump operating parameters, an estimated value of fluid level and other pumping system parameters. Controllers responsive to the estimated values of the pumping system parameters control the pump to maintain fluid level at the pump input, near an optimum level, or within a safe operating range and/or output flow from the pump.

Abstract: According to the invention, the device for utilising ocean-wave energy functions through appropriate pontoons (1) and an intermediate floating central unit (2) located just beyond them. These are interconnected by appropriate arms (3) using suitable hinges (4) and have suitable cylindrical, hydraulic power jacks (7) which alternately pump a liquid (10) under high static pressure to a turbine (11), preferably a constant pressure (Pelton) turbine. This converts the potential energy in the liquid into, for example, electric power when the arms are raised by the pontoons and the central unit sinks into the wave troughs, whereupon the pistons (12) on the opposite side of the power jacks again suck in the continually circulating, energy-bearing liquid as the arms sink when the pontoons enter the troughs and the central unit rises on the wave crests.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for handling liquid and a method for the same. The system has a container capable of holding a liquid. An electronic storage device is coupled with the container for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system also has an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. Finally, the system has a microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled substance delivery device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, a delivery device or related device may be placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. The concentration of a substance in the fluid to be delivered may be modified by a remote control signal. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.

Abstract: A level control algorithm for an HVAC refrigeration system is provided. The control algorithm utilizes a fuzzy logic methodology to automatically adjust a flow of refrigerant in the system to maintain a desired liquid level in the condenser. The fuzzy logic methodology incorporates a plurality of fuzzy logic control algorithms each having different membership functions and other control parameters that can provide different degrees of level control in the condenser. A particular fuzzy logic control algorithm is selected based on the amount a measured liquid level in the condenser deviates from the desired liquid level in the condenser.

Abstract: A control system for a concrete plant adds intelligent capabilities in the concrete plant that may enhance safety, localize control of the concrete plant, and assist with troubleshooting. The control system may also enhance accuracy for determining an amount of mixed concrete dispensed, or amounts of concrete ingredients to dispense, and may eliminate the need for equipment used to verify the amount of mixed concrete or concrete ingredients dispensed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention can include a flow control device comprising an inlet, an outlet, a pressure loss element between the inlet and outlet, a pressure sensor located upstream from the constriction configured to measure a first pressure of a fluid flowing through the flow control device, a pressure sensor located downstream from the constriction, configured to measure a second pressure of the fluid flowing through the flow control device; and a controller coupled to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to generate a valve drive signal. The controller can generate a valve control signal based on a differential between the first pressure and the second pressure during a first mode of operation. The controller can also generate a valve control signal based on a measured pressure at a particular pressure sensor during a second mode of operation. The mode of operation can automatically switch.

Abstract: A hot water supply device has a host remote controller 27 and a bath remote controller 20 capable of establishing a call with the host remote controller 27. In the normal mode, the call signal of the interphone function is prioritized over the operation signal. The operation signal is transmitted after the call signal ends. An attention calling function to output an attention calling signal during a failure or misuse is provided. The attention calling signal is prioritized over the call signal.

Abstract: A method for operating a converter for the energy conversion of fuel from at least one main fuel supply, and from at least one auxiliary fuel supply for operating the converter directly and/or by operating an auxiliary unit, comprises: detecting the amount of fuel in the main fuel supply; detecting the amount of fuel in the auxiliary fuel supply, at least with respect to a predetermined minimum amount; in response to the minimum amount being reached, generating a signal that blocks at least one of a) filling of the main fuel supply, and b) startup of the converter via a control unit; and deactivating the blocking in response to the auxiliary fuel supply being replenished.