Abstract: A system and method for obtaining environmental data—namely air quality information—from various devices contained within a structure is disclosed herein. The various devices contain sensors that can obtain environmental data, which is then analyzed by the system to determine if any level of a component within the data is outside of a predefined threshold range. If the system determines that the level of the component is outside of the predefined threshold range for that given component, the system will carry out certain steps in order to bring the level within the predetermined threshold range. These steps include selecting the appropriate appliance and the proper operating conditions to most efficiently bring the level back within the predetermined threshold range. Once the system has determined that the level is back within the predetermined threshold range, the system will instruct the selected appliance to turn OFF.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining environmental data—namely air quality information—from various devices contained within a structure is disclosed herein. The various devices contain sensors that can obtain environmental data, which is then analyzed by the system to determine if any level of a component within the data is outside of a predefined threshold range. If the system determines that the level of the component is outside of the predefined threshold range for that given component, the system will carry out certain steps in order to bring the level within the predetermined threshold range. These steps include selecting the appropriate appliance and the proper operating conditions to most efficiently bring the level back within the predetermined threshold range. Once the system has determined that the level is back within the predetermined threshold range, the system will instruct the selected appliance to turn OFF.

Abstract: A venting system in accordance with the present disclosure includes a ventilation fan and one or more sensors coupled to the ventilation fan. The ventilation fan is positioned to vent air from an indoor environment. The sensors are positioned to monitor conditions in the indoor environment and selectively operate the ventilation fan to condition air in the indoor environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for self-determining and verifying the operating performance of installed air ventilation systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for self-determining operating parameters, such as air flow rate and/or sound levels, of an installed air ventilation system, and then verifying compliance of the determined operating parameter with operating and performance standards set by local or state authorities, or other regulatory bodies, for presentment to a user. If there is no compliance with the operating and performance standards, then the user can take remedial measures in a prompt and efficient manner. The installed air ventilation system can be a bathroom exhaust fan, or a kitchen ventilation hood installed above a cooktop or range.

Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types. A beverage machine may thus comprise one or more systems selected from the group consisting of i) a conveyance system for the dispensing of particulate material; ii) a beverage selection system providing for the possibility of selecting from among a class of beverages; and iii) a hot water dispensing system which may have a system for detecting the absence of water in the fluid conduit component thereof.

Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types. A beverage machine may thus comprise one or more systems selected from the group consisting of i) a conveyance system for the dispensing of particulate material; ii) a beverage selection system providing for the possibility of selecting from among a class of beverages; and iii) a hot water dispensing system which may have a system for detecting the absence of water in the fluid conduit component thereof.

Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types. A beverage machine may thus comprise one or more systems selected from the group consisting of i) a conveyance system for the dispensing of particulate material; ii) a beverage selection system providing for the possibility of selecting from among a class of beverages; and iii) a hot water dispensing system which may have a system for detecting the absence of water in the fluid conduit component thereof.

Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types. A beverage machine may thus comprise one or more systems selected from the group consisting of i) a conveyance system for the dispensing of particulate material; ii) a beverage selection system providing for the possibility of selecting from among a class of beverages; and iii) a hot water dispensing system which may have a system for detecting the absence of water in the fluid conduit component thereof.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus, comprising a plurality of host computers, a plurality of storage devices and a switch; wherein each host computer and each storage device is connected to said switch such that each host computer is provided with switchable storage; each host computer has internal storage on which is stored first data that is necessary for said communication between itself and the storage devices to which it is connected, and second data that relates to at least one of said host computers and storage devices; and each host computer is configured to identify each of said host computers that is missing from said second data; and request said first data from each of said identified host computers in order to construct said second data.

Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types.