Abstract: A system and method are provided and include an infrared emitter that emits a predetermined pattern of pulses of infrared light and an infrared receiver that detects the predetermined pattern of pulses of infrared light after the predetermined pattern of pulses of infrared light reflect off of a container. A proximity detection module is configured to determine a transmission time when the infrared emitter emits the predetermined pattern of pulses of infrared light, a detection time when the infrared receiver detects the predetermined pattern of pulses of infrared light, an elapsed time between the transmission time and the detection time, and a distance to the container based on the elapsed time. A control module for a dispenser is configured to receive the determined distance from the proximity detection module and to activate the dispenser when the determined distance to the container is less than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system and method are provided and include an infrared emitter that emits a predetermined pattern of pulses of infrared light and an infrared receiver that detects the predetermined pattern of pulses of infrared light after the predetermined pattern of pulses of infrared light reflect off of a container. A proximity detection module is configured to determine a transmission time when the infrared emitter emits the predetermined pattern of pulses of infrared light, a detection time when the infrared receiver detects the predetermined pattern of pulses of infrared light, an elapsed time between the transmission time and the detection time, and a distance to the container based on the elapsed time. A control module for a dispenser is configured to receive the determined distance from the proximity detection module and to activate the dispenser when the determined distance to the container is less than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A precise and versatile hybrid sensor system and method of use that senses the location of a movable element traveling along a linear path. The system includes a magnetostrictive sensor along with a tried and proven converting mechanism that converts the linear movement of the movable element to rotational movement and then to a greatly reduced linear movement of a magnet that is directly proportional to the movement of the movable element. The magnetostrictive sensor has a sensor probe having an active length that is in close proximity and parallel to the movement of the magnet such that the magnetostrictive sensor can sense the location of the magnet to determine the location of the movable element. The magnetostrictive sensor is located exterior to the vessel to eliminate wiring within the vessel itself so as to allow the hybrid sensor to be readily used in difficult, high pressure or subsea environments.

Abstract: A system and method are provided and include a sensor module and a control module for a dispenser. The sensor module has an infrared emitter that emits infrared light and an infrared receiver that detects the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitter and reflected off of a container. The sensor module determines a time period between emission of the infrared light by the infrared emitter and detection of the infrared light by the infrared receiver and determines a distance to the container based on the determined time period. The control module is configured to receive the determined distance from the sensor module, activate the dispenser when the determined distance to the container is less than the predetermined threshold, and deactivate the dispenser when the determined distance to the container is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system and method are provided and include a sensor module and a control module for a dispenser. The sensor module has an infrared emitter that emits infrared light and an infrared receiver that detects the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitter and reflected off of a container. The sensor module determines a time period between emission of the infrared light by the infrared emitter and detection of the infrared light by the infrared receiver and determines a distance to the container based on the determined time period. The control module is configured to receive the determined distance from the sensor module, activate the dispenser when the determined distance to the container is less than the predetermined threshold, and deactivate the dispenser when the determined distance to the container is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A linear position sensing system includes a sensor, a conduit and an enclosure. The sensor has a connector and a converting element, where the connector includes a first end attached to the converting element and a second end that passes through the conduit and is configured for attachment to a moveable element of an external device. The enclosure houses the sensor. The conduit includes a first end fitting that is attached to the enclosure and a second end fitting that is affixed at a port or other aperture of the external device. The second end of the connector is configured to be inserted in the port other aperture and attached to the moveable element without disassembly of the external device.

Abstract: Provided are mosquito larvicide compositions comprising a mineral oil and a methylated coconut oil. The compositions may further comprise a silicone and at least one surfactant. The compositions can kill mosquito larvae in swamps, floodwater areas, and other areas where mosquitoes develop. Further provided are methods for mosquito control. The methods may comprise coating the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: A linear position sensing system includes a sensor, a conduit and an enclosure. The sensor has a connector and a converting element, where the connector includes a first end attached to the converting element and a second end that passes through the conduit and is configured for attachment to a moveable element of an external device. The enclosure houses the sensor. The conduit includes a first end fitting that is attached to the enclosure and a second end fitting that is affixed at a port or other aperture of the external device. The second end of the connector is configured to be inserted in the port other aperture and attached to the moveable element without disassembly of the external device.

Abstract: A rotary spray head assembly includes a motor having an output shaft and a housing through which the output shaft at least partially extends. The housing includes an inlet communicable with a source of fluid. The rotary spray head assembly also includes an annular skirt extending from the housing, a passageway through the skirt having a first end in fluid communication with the inlet and a second end, and a hub coupled for co-rotation with the output shaft. The hub includes an annular groove into which the annular skirt at least partially extends, a circumferential interior surface at least partially defining the groove, and an aperture through the circumferential interior surface. Fluid introduced into the annular groove through the second end of the passageway is discharged outwardly through the aperture.

Abstract: Provided are mosquito larvicide compositions comprising a mineral oil and a methylated coconut oil. The compositions may further comprise a silicone and at least one surfactant. The compositions can kill mosquito larvae in swamps, floodwater areas, and other areas where mosquitoes develop. Further provided are methods for mosquito control. The methods may comprise coating the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: A switching mechanism includes a housing, an actuator retained within the housing, and an electrical switching apparatus. The actuator includes an actuation element retained by the housing, where at least a portion of the actuation element is positioned for receiving an actuation load, and a plunger substantially in contact with the actuation element and operable to translate when an actuation load is applied to the actuation element. A sealing element placed around a second cylindrical portion of the plunger contacts inner surfaces of the housing to provide a seal between a first end and second end of the housing. The actuator also includes a spring operable to apply a force to resist translation of the plunger. An electrical switching apparatus is retained by the second end of the housing.

Abstract: Insecticidal compositions have at least one active agent and at least one insecticide. The active agent can include perilla oil, a component found in perilla oil, or a perillaldehyde or carvone analog. The insecticide can include a pyrethrum, pyrethrin, pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, chlofenapyr, ethiprole, sulfoxoflor, carbamate, organophosphate, or organochlorine. Methods for controlling insects include contacting an insect with an effective amount of a composition described in this specification. Modified plants that produce an active agent can be contacted with an insecticide.

Abstract: Insecticidal compositions have at least one active agent and at least one insecticide. The active agent can include perilla oil, a component found in perilla oil, or a perillaldehyde or carvone analog. The insecticide can include a pyrethrum, pyrethrin, pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, chlofenapyr, ethiprole, sulfoxoflor, carbamate, organophosphate, or organochlorine. Methods for controlling insects include contacting an insect with an effective amount of a composition described in this specification. Modified plants that produce an active agent can be contacted with an insecticide.

Abstract: Insecticidal compositions have at least one active agent and at least one insecticide. The active agent can include perilla oil, a component found in perilla oil, or a perillaldehyde or carvone analog. The insecticide can include a pyrethrum, pyrethrin, pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, chlofenapyr, ethiprole, sulfoxoflor, carbamate, organophosphate, or organochlorine. Methods for controlling insects include contacting an insect with an effective amount of a composition described in this specification. Modified plants that produce an active agent can be contacted with an insecticide.

Abstract: A switching mechanism includes a housing, an actuator retained within the housing, and an electrical switching apparatus. The actuator includes an actuation element retained by the housing, where at least a portion of the actuation element is positioned for receiving an actuation load, and a plunger substantially in contact with the actuation element and operable to translate when an actuation load is applied to the actuation element. A sealing element placed around a second cylindrical portion of the plunger contacts inner surfaces of the housing to provide a seal between a first end and second end of the housing. The actuator also includes a spring operable to apply a force to resist translation of the plunger. An electrical switching apparatus is retained by the second end of the housing.

Abstract: A fuel pump for deployment in a fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprises a 3-phase brushless direct current motor, a sling vane impeller with blade-shaped sling vanes, sensorless electronic motor drive and an electronic controller. The controller is adapted to receive analog or pulse-width modulation inputs to control pump speed.

Abstract: Provided are cap layer compositions and base layer compositions, providing quick and extended release of an active ingredient, respectively, when placed in water. Further provided are dual release compositions including a base composition and a cap composition. The base composition may include a plaster and an active agent, and it may further include at least one of a water-soluble binder, a non-water-soluble binder, and a lubricant. The cap composition may include a plaster and an active agent, and it may further include at least one of a disintegrating agent, a non-water-soluble binder, and a lubricant. The compositions may be heated and mixed and formed into a tablet. Further provided are methods of making the compositions. Further provided are methods of controlling or eliminating pests and methods of increasing the potability of water. The compositions are effective for controlling or eliminating pests such as mosquitoes when applied at an application site.

Abstract: A linear position sensor is installed inside the pressure vessel of a hydraulic accumulator to provide positional information for the moveable element inside of the accumulator. The positional information provides accumulator charge condition data for use in hydraulic systems such as vehicular regenerative braking systems and generalized industrial accumulator systems. Charge condition data allows for optimized control and operation of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: In a fluid transmission line, a valve comprising a housing that establishes a lumen for transmission of a fluid through said valve; a drive mechanism and a drive gear mounted in said housing to be selectively driven in a first or second rotational direction by said drive mechanism. The drive gear has a central throughhole and a plurality of pins around the central throughhole. A plurality of leaves are pivotally mounted on the pins, and oriented to extend radially inward into said central throughhole. A fixed extension has an annular aspect disposed in the drive gear, and has a plurality of engagement members disposed to operatively engage one of said leaves. The engagement members bias the leaves to close an orifice when said drive gear rotates in said first direction and to open the orifice when said drive gear rotates in said second direction. Each of the leaves maintains a substantially sealing engagement with each adjacent leaf throughout a range of motion of the leaves.

Abstract: A return-flow electronic fuel pressure regulator for a fuel-injected engine fuel system is plumbed to the fuel rail and return line of the fuel system. The regulator includes a fill chamber connected to the fuel rail, a return chamber connected to the return line and a return reservoir disposed between the fill chamber and return chamber. Fuel flow from the fill chamber to the return reservoir is regulated via a diaphragm valve assembly. Fuel flow from the return reservoir to the return chamber is subject to restriction by an adjustable valve. Integral comparative pressure sensing means measures the fuel pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber. An electronic control module, preferably programmed to maintain a constant pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber, receives a signal from the pressure sensing means and outputs a power supply signal to the fuel pump to control pump speed.