Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acoustically and electronically isolating a smart speaker to prevent unauthorized persons from using the smart speaker microphones to eavesdrop and intrude into a personal space.

Abstract: A mixing valve (10) includes a valve body (12) having a hot fluid inlet (14), a cold fluid inlet (16), a mixed fluid outlet (18), and a cavity (20) in the valve body (12) between the inlets (14, 16) and the outlet (18). Mixing valve (10) includes a liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) positioned in valve body (12) and a valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840) movable therein between a first position restricting the flow of hot fluid and a second position. Liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) includes a downstream valve seat (74, 174, 274, 474, 574, 674, 774) that, when engaged by valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840), restricts flow of hot fluid past valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840).

Abstract: A mixing valve (10) includes a valve body (12) having a hot fluid inlet (14), a cold fluid inlet (16), a mixed fluid outlet (18), and a cavity (20) in the valve body (12) between the inlets (14, 16) and the outlet (18). Mixing valve (10) includes a liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) positioned in valve body (12) and a valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840) movable therein between a first position restricting the flow of hot fluid and a second position. Liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) includes a downstream valve seat (74, 174, 274, 474, 574, 674, 774) that, when engaged by valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840), restricts flow of hot fluid past valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrated emergency wash systems. Various embodiments include thermostatically controlled mixing valves arranged so as to permit load carrying by the body of the valve. Further, the integrated wash systems are especially suited for use in laboratories and manufacturing settings in which available space is at a premium.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing fluid such as water at a controlled temperature. In some embodiments, hot and cold fluid is provided to a thermostatically controlled mixing valve, which then provides fluid at a mixed temperature to a plumbing system. The thermostat provides a first loop for closed-loop control of fluid exit temperature, and preferably there is a second, electronically controlled closed loop for adjusting the temperature of fluid exiting the valve. In yet other embodiments the electronic control loop is fail-fixed, such that a loss of electrical communication to the actuator results in the actuator maintaining its last position. In yet other embodiments there is a system including a flow sensor and a recirculation pump such that the temperature of the fluid exiting the valve cannot be adjusted if there is insufficient flow, or if the pump is actuated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for tempering the temperature of a liquid in a fluid conducting system. More particularly, some embodiments of the invention relates to tempering the temperature of water supplied to a fixture from a water heater in a fluid conducting system. The system can include a heater for heating the fluid and a diffuser for slowing the rate at which water provided to a decontamination fixture is heated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for washing systems, both industrial and residential. Some embodiments pertain to face washing systems that provide a gentle upward flow of water for washing a person's face, but which can be easily reconfigured to provide a downward flow of aerated water for washing of the user's hands. Other embodiments pertain to visual indicators to help a user in a dark environment in the use of an emergency eyewash system. Yet other embodiments pertain to eyewashing systems incorporating filters that are automatically flushed of debris. Still further embodiments pertain to emergency eyewashing systems in which a mixing chamber is located downstream of a thermostatically controlled valve to reduce the possibility of a hot temperature spike being provided to the eyewashing outlet apertures, which could be harmful to users.

Abstract: Mixing valve turbulence generators and methods are disclosed. Embodiments include turbulence generation apparatuses and methods that increase the turbulence of, impart swirl to, reverse the direction of, create tortuous paths for, and/or accelerate the mixing of hot and cold fluid within a valve assembly. Alternate embodiments include angled radial slots, angled surfaces and fin-like baffles to enhance the mixing of hot and cold fluids.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrated emergency wash systems. Various embodiments pertain to integrated shower and eyewash emergency wash systems, including those that are particularly space efficient. Other embodiments pertain to emergency shower nozzles that provide sprayed water in sheets, especially a cylindrical sheet that generally describes the perimeter of the shower spray area, providing the user a significantly quicker removal of contaminant material during a shower. Still further embodiments pertain to improved flushing systems, especially flushing systems adapted for the space efficient, low flow integrated systems described herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for washing systems, both industrial and residential. Some embodiments pertain to face washing systems that provide a gentle upward flow of water for washing a person's face, but which can be easily reconfigured to provide a downward flow of aerated water for washing of the user's hands. Other embodiments pertain to visual indicators to help a user in a dark environment in the use of an emergency eyewash system. Yet other embodiments pertain to eyewashing systems incorporating filters that are automatically flushed of debris. Still further embodiments pertain to emergency eyewashing systems in which a mixing chamber is located downstream of a thermostatically controlled valve to reduce the possibility of a hot temperature spike being provided to the eyewashing outlet apertures, which could be harmful to users.

Abstract: A mixing valve (10) includes a valve body (12) having a hot fluid inlet (14), a cold fluid inlet (16), a mixed fluid outlet (18), and a cavity (20) in the valve body (12) between the inlets (14, 16) and the outlet (18). Mixing valve (10) includes a liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) positioned in valve body (12) and a valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840) movable therein between a first position restricting the flow of hot fluid and a second position. Liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) includes a downstream valve seat (74, 174, 274, 474, 574, 674, 774) that, when engaged by valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840), restricts flow of hot fluid past valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrated emergency wash systems. Various embodiments include thermostatically controlled mixing valves arranged so as to permit load carrying by the body of the valve. Further, the integrated wash systems are especially suited for use in laboratories and manufacturing settings in which available space is at a premium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving emergency wash systems. Various embodiments pertain to compact, low flow emergency eyewash systems that provide tepid water at low flow rates. Still further embodiments pertain to emergency washing systems that are adapted and configured to reduce the exposure of users to Legionnaire's Disease with washing system features that permit quick, efficient, high flow rate flushing of the plumbing providing water to the washing system. Still further embodiments pertain to emergency eyewash systems that provide tepid water from a thermostatically controlled mixing valve that has a multi-function body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing fluid such as water at a controlled temperature. In some embodiments, hot and cold fluid is provided to a thermostatically controlled mixing valve, which then provides fluid at a mixed temperature to a plumbing system. The thermostat provides a first loop for closed-loop control of fluid exit temperature, and preferably there is a second, electronically controlled closed loop for adjusting the temperature of fluid exiting the valve. In yet other embodiments the electronic control loop is fail-fixed, such that a loss of electrical communication to the actuator results in the actuator maintaining its last position. In yet other embodiments there is a system including a flow sensor and a recirculation pump such that the temperature of the fluid exiting the valve cannot be adjusted if there is insufficient flow, or if the pump is actuated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving emergency wash systems. Various embodiments pertain to compact, low flow emergency eyewash systems that provide tepid water at low flow rates. Still further embodiments pertain to emergency washing systems that are adapted and configured to reduce the exposure of users to Legionnaire's Disease with washing system features that permit quick, efficient, high flow rate flushing of the plumbing providing water to the washing system. Still further embodiments pertain to emergency eyewash systems that provide tepid water from a thermostatically controlled mixing valve that has a multi-function body.

Abstract: A mixing valve (10) includes a valve body (12) having a hot fluid inlet (14), a cold fluid inlet (16), a mixed fluid outlet (18), and a cavity (20) in the valve body (12) between the inlets (14, 16) and the outlet (18). Mixing valve (10) includes a liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) positioned in valve body (12) and a valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840) movable therein between a first position restricting the flow of hot fluid and a second position. Liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) includes a downstream valve seat (74, 174, 274, 474, 574, 674, 774) that, when engaged by valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840), restricts flow of hot fluid past valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for washing systems, both industrial and residential. Some embodiments pertain to face washing systems that provide a gentle upward flow of water for washing a person's face, but which can be easily reconfigured to provide a downward flow of aerated water for washing of the user's hands. Other embodiments pertain to visual indicators to help a user in a dark environment in the use of an emergency eyewash system. Yet other embodiments pertain to eyewashing systems incorporating filters that are automatically flushed of debris. Still further embodiments pertain to emergency eyewashing systems in which a mixing chamber is located downstream of a thermostatically controlled valve to reduce the possibility of a hot temperature spike being provided to the eyewashing outlet apertures, which could be harmful to users.