Abstract: A water heating system has a tank, a first heating element, a first temperature sensor, and a controller. The first heating element is mounted on the tank, and the controller is electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor. The controller is configured to detect a stacking condition based on the first temperature sensor and to disable the first heating element in response to detection of the stacking condition.

Abstract: A water heating system has a tank, a heating element, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The heating element is mounted on the tank, and the temperature sensor is mounted on the heating element. The controller is coupled to the temperature sensor and is configured to detect a dry fire condition associated with the heating element based on the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A reason code and token facilitate linking of a primary and secondary merchant to allow the secondary merchant to make an offer to a customer of the first merchant. The website linking system has a reason code, a token, a schema defining information to be passed from a first website, and a validator. The token is constructed to indicate a particular customer of the first website. The reason code correlates to a specified parameter to be used when making an offer to the customer indicated by the token, and the validator and the token are constructed to indicate the schema is a valid schema to the first website. The linked merchant transaction method involves receiving a reason code from a primary merchant for a customer in response to a transaction between the primary merchant and the customer; providing an offering to the customer based upon the reason code; receiving an acceptance from the customer; and in response to the acceptance, receiving customer identifying information from the primary merchant.

Abstract: A system for controlling a temperature of a liquid residing within a tank comprises a temperature sensor, a temperature control element, memory, and logic. The temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the liquid residing within the tank, and the temperature control element is coupled to the tank. The memory stores data indicative of a usage history of the tank, and the logic is configured to automatically control the temperature control element based on the data.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperature control elements used to alter temperatures of a liquid comprises a temperature sensor, a first temperature control element, a second temperature control element, and logic. The temperature sensor is configured to sense temperatures of the liquid, and the first and second temperature control elements are each configured to alter a temperature of the liquid. The logic is configured to selectively control, based on the sensed temperatures, activation states of the first and second temperature control elements such that a total activation time associated with the first temperature control element is substantially equal to a total activation time associated with the second temperature control element.

Abstract: A system for preventing IR reflection ghosting in a fluid-dispensing device having a transmitter/receiver pair and control logic. The control logic interfaces with the transmitter and the receiver, activating the fluid-dispensing device when an object is present within the transmitter detection range by comparing a set predefined value with the IR value obtained. When the reflection is above the detection level, the control logic further evaluates two consecutive pulses to detect movement between said two consecutive pulses. An increase in IR value indicates movement, thereby causing the fluid-dispensing device to be activated.

Abstract: A data communication system for facilitating communication between infrared devices having an initiating optical interface port that includes an IR emitter and an optical sensor. A receiving optical interface port includes an active IR emitter that emits a pulse at a predetermined interval and an optical sensor. A software application causes an Attention Signal to be emitted from the initiating IR emitter where the initiating IR emitter is positioned in detection range of the receiving optical sensor. The receiving optical interface port is controlled by a firmware application. The firmware is designed to discontinue the pulse of the active IR emitter upon detection of the Attention Signal. Once the normal pulse cycle is discontinued, the active IR emitter is then employed for transmitting data signals to the initiating optical interface port, thereby establishing an optical link between the initiating optical interface port and the receiving optical interface port.

Abstract: A remotely managed electronic dispensing apparatus having a transmitter for transmitting a detection signal and a receiver for receiving a reflected signal and a communication signal is disclosed. When the detection signal is reflected from an object, the dispensing apparatus opens a valve allowing fluid to flow. The communication signal may contain software update or other information for the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A remotely managed electronically operated dispensing apparatus having a transmitter for transmitting a detection signal and a communication signal is disclosed. When the detection signal is reflected from an object, the dispensing apparatus opens a valve allowing fluid to flow. The communication signal may contain maintenance, status and other information and is received by a communication device.

Abstract: A method for dynamically calibrating automatic infrared sensing devices in commercial use having an IR detector. Randomly reflected emitted IR radiation is detected by the IR detector which sends as IR detector output to a control module. The control module measures whether the detector output is too high or too low compared to a standard range of output values stored in the control module. An IR emitter input value is then determined to maintain IR detector output within the standard output range of values. This IR emitter input value is stored in the control module as a calibration standard until the next calibration cycle.

Abstract: An electronically controlled fluid dispensing apparatus is disclosed. An electronically controlled fluid dispensing apparatus of the present invention includes a user interface configured to deliver an electronic signal in response to a user selected temperature and flow rate, a controller communicating with the user interface to receive the electronic signal, and a valve assembly including a motor and a valve coupled to the motor. The controller includes logic configured to process the electronic signal to create a control signal indicative of the user selected temperature and flow rate. The motor is configured to drive the valve in response to the control signal to open the valve a sufficient distance to achieve the selected flow rate and temperature. A method of electronically controlling fluid dispensation and an apparatus and method for mixing fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless data exchange system is disclosed. The system includes an electronically operated appliance including a transmitter, a receiver, and a control module configured to communicate with the transmitter and receiver. The control module provides a primary mode of operation and a secondary mode of operation and includes control logic configured to selectively change the mode of operation of the electronically operated appliance. A communication device adapted to be held in the hand of a user is configured to cooperate with the transmitter and the receiver to impart instructions wirelessly to the control logic in order to change the mode of operation of the electronically operated appliance upon receipt of a command from a user. A method of exchanging data wirelessly between an apparatus and a communication device is also disclosed.