Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of granting a remote device access to a smart home network connected device is disclosed. An example method includes receiving an access request including identifying information related to the remote device; generating a digital security token that is encrypted and provides the remote device with access to the smart home network connected device without divulging network credentials; transmitting the digital security token to the remote device; receiving the decrypted digital security token from the remote device, the decrypted digital security token validating permissions of the remote device to access the smart home network connected device; and transmitting a remote access authorization to the remote device based on the decrypted digital security token, the remote access authorization providing the remote device with access to the smart home network connected device to connect the smart home network connected device to the network.

Abstract: A method for managing a zone characteristics (e.g., for irrigation zones) including presenting on a user device a first user interfacing including a plurality of vegetation icons indicative of a type of vegetation growing within a first zone, receiving a first user selection of a vegetation for the first zone via selection by the user of a particular vegetation icon of the plurality of vegetation icons, presenting a second user interface including a plurality of exposure icons corresponding to a level of sun exposure for the first zone, receiving from the user device a second user selection of exposure for the first zone via selection by the user of a particular exposure icon of the plurality of exposure icons, and generating by a central controller in communication with the user device, a first zone profile based on the first user selection and the second user selection.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments can provide a system and method for controlling irrigation schedules for a sprinkler system for at least one irrigation zone. The embodiments include automatically updating irrigation schedules based at least in part on watering restriction data from a water authority, such as a water utility authority, and water usage data for a property including the at least one irrigation zone.

Abstract: An electronic marketplace provides a communication platform between consumer and sellers. Consumers create product wish lists and the wish lists are used as the basis for product advertising from the sellers. In addition, a consumer may invite friends to view the wish list and purchase particular products that are added to the wish list. Because wish lists are used as the basis for advertising, consumers can manage the types of product advertising that they see. Consumers have the ability to turn off individual product advertisements by removing that product from the wish list. Sellers utilize reverse bidding to compete for advertising space with each consumer and friend. One particularly advantageous feature of the embodiment is that wish lists serve as nameless and untraceable proxies for each member by keeping personal information removed from the sellers.

Abstract: An electronic marketplace provides a communication platform between consumer and sellers. Consumers create product wish lists and the wish lists are used as the basis for product advertising from the sellers. In addition, a consumer may invite friends to view the wish list and purchase particular products that are added to the wish list. Because wish lists are used as the basis for advertising, consumers can manage the types of product advertising that they see. In addition, consumers have the ability to turn off individual product advertisements by removing that product from the wish list. Sellers utilize reverse bidding to compete for advertising space with each consumer and friend. One particularly advantageous feature of the embodiment is that wish lists serve as nameless and untraceable proxies for each member by keeping personal information removed from the sellers.

Abstract: An electronic marketplace provides a communication platform between consumer and sellers. Consumers create product wish lists and the wish lists are used as the basis for product advertising from the sellers. In addition, a consumer may invite friends to view the wish list and purchase particular products that are added to the wish list. Because wish lists are used as the basis for advertising, consumers can manage the types of product advertising that they see. In addition, consumers have the ability to turn off individual product advertisements by removing that product from the wish list. Sellers utilize reverse bidding to compete for advertising space with each consumer and friend. One particularly advantageous feature of the embodiment is that sellers can create unlimited advertisements without creating advertising spam.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments can provide a system and method for controlling irrigation schedules for a sprinkler system for at least one irrigation zone. The embodiments include automatically updating irrigation schedules based at least in part on watering restriction data from a water authority, such as a water utility authority, and water usage data for a property including the at least one irrigation zone.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments can provide a system and method for controlling irrigation schedules for a sprinkler system for at least one irrigation zone. The embodiments include automatically updating irrigation schedules based at least in part on watering restriction data from a water authority, such as a water utility authority, and water usage data for a property including the at least one irrigation zone.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of granting a remote device access to a smart home network connected device is disclosed. An example method includes receiving an access request including identifying information related to the remote device; generating a digital security token that is encrypted and provides the remote device with access to the smart home network connected device without divulging network credentials; transmitting the digital security token to the remote device; receiving the decrypted digital security token from the remote device, the decrypted digital security token validating permissions of the remote device to access the smart home network connected device; and transmitting a remote access authorization to the remote device based on the decrypted digital security token, the remote access authorization providing the remote device with access to the smart home network connected device to connect the smart home network connected device to the network.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for improving performance of sprinkler control systems using aggregations of flow controllers. As an example, to facilitate control of multiple controllers, a system may generate a virtual flow controller by aggregating the two or more flow controllers. A schedule for the virtual controller is set or received and then translated into schedules for the aggregated controllers. In another example, schedules may be set for individual watering zones, which are then translated into watering schedules for flow controllers corresponding to the zones. The system then transmits these schedules to a respective flow controller, which then carries out an irrigation routine according to the schedule.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of granting a remote device access to a smart home network connected device is disclosed. An example method includes receiving an access request including identifying information related to the remote device; generating a digital security token that is encrypted and provides the remote device with access to the smart home network connected device without divulging network credentials; transmitting the digital security token to the remote device; receiving the decrypted digital security token from the remote device, the decrypted digital security token validating permissions of the remote device to access the smart home network connected device; and transmitting a remote access authorization to the remote device based on the decrypted digital security token, the remote access authorization providing the remote device with access to the smart home network connected device to connect the smart home network connected device to the network.

Abstract: A system includes a tank containing a fluid to be heated; a U-shaped pipe disposed proximate a bottom of the tank, a majority of the extent of the U-shaped pipe being disposed within an interior of the tank; a catalyst unit embedded within the U-shaped pipe, the catalyst unit comprising a catalyst wrapped, natural gas filled, perforated pipe that is configured to enable a catalytic reaction on its exterior; a vent pipe attached to the U-bend pipe which allows air to circulate; and mechanical controls disposed proximate the U-shaped pipe configured to vary temperature output.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for optimizing and adjusting water usage are described. An example method may include receiving water usage data and determining a peaking factor for water usage. The peaking factor may be associated with water usage at a flow controller. A flow controller can control various types of water outlets, such as a water sprinkler for a residential home. The flow controller may be positioned along a main water supply to a property or home. The method may also include determining that the peaking factor passes a threshold water usage for the flow controller and adjusting a watering schedule of the flow controller based partly on the determination that the peaking factor passed the threshold water usage.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of granting a remote device access to a smart home network connected device is disclosed. An example method includes receiving an access request including identifying information related to the remote device; generating a digital security token that is encrypted and provides the remote device with access to the smart home network connected device without divulging network credentials; transmitting the digital security token to the remote device; receiving the decrypted digital security token from the remote device, the decrypted digital security token validating permissions of the remote device to access the smart home network connected device; and transmitting a remote access authorization to the remote device based on the decrypted digital security token, the remote access authorization providing the remote device with access to the smart home network connected device to connect the smart home network connected device to the network.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of controlling a sprinkler system is provided. An example method includes receiving an access request to grant control of the sprinkler system to a device, responsive to receiving the access request, transmitting an authorization including a first digital security token, storing a local copy of the first digital security token, receiving a request to control the sprinkler system from the device, wherein the request includes a second digital security token, comparing the second digital security token to the local copy of the first digital security token to determine whether the second digital security token matches the local copy of the first digital security token, and responsive to determining that the second digital security token matches the local copy of the first digital security token, granting control of the sprinkler system to the device based.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments can provide a system and method for controlling irrigation schedules for a sprinkler system for at least one irrigation zone. The embodiments include automatically updating irrigation schedules based at least in part on watering restriction data from a water authority, such as a water utility authority, and water usage data for a property including the at least one irrigation zone.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments can provide a system and method for controlling irrigation schedules for a sprinkler system including automatically updating irrigation schedules based on qualitative and quantitative feedback and meteorological data as well as matching optimal or near-optimal irrigation schedules to other sprinkler zones based on characteristics of the landscape and sprinkler system as well as other characteristics.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a flow detection system. The system may include a flow detection hub fluidly connected to a fluid supply pipe including a flow sensor that detects a flow rate of fluid flowing through the fluid supply pipe and a processing element in communication with the flow sensor and a user device. The processing element performs the following operations: determining a first delta based on a first flow rate data from the flow sensor; determining a second delta based on a second flow rate data from the flow sensor; correlating the first delta and the second delta to a first event; and transmitting a message to a user device corresponding to the first event.

Abstract: A system includes a tank containing a fluid to be heated; a U-shaped pipe disposed proximate a bottom of the tank, a majority of the extent of the U-shaped pipe being disposed within an interior of the tank; a catalyst unit embedded within the U-shaped pipe, the catalyst unit comprising a catalyst wrapped, natural gas filled, perforated pipe that is configured to enable a catalytic reaction on its exterior; a vent pipe attached to the U-bend pipe which allows air to circulate; and mechanical controls disposed proximate the U-shaped pipe configured to vary temperature output.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a flow detection system. The system may include a flow detection hub fluidly connected to a fluid supply pipe including a flow sensor that detects a flow rate of fluid flowing through the fluid supply pipe and a processing element in communication with the flow sensor and a user device. The processing element performs the following operations: determining a first delta based on a first flow rate data from the flow sensor; determining a second delta based on a second flow rate data from the flow sensor; correlating the first delta and the second delta to a first event; and transmitting a message to a user device corresponding to the first event.