Abstract: A leak detector is disclosed. The optical leak detector may include a sensor module for transmitting and receiving signals corresponding to the surface level of a monitored fluid and include leak detection logic for detecting a leak signature. The leak detection logic may be configured to determine if fluid contained in a tank is in a non-full state outside of a normal state and activate an alarm.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing damage and undesirable situations/conditions from occurring in point of use (POU) or point of entry (POE) water systems that are not in regular use. This invention may be implemented in residential, non-residential situations or constructions where it can add value, such as commercial properties that undergo seasonal and/or other periods of disuse. In cold climate areas, faucets should be turned on and run to prevent water in the pipes from freezing, which can cause pipes to burst or leak and result in significant property damage. In all climates rust, corrosion, particles, contamination, and biofilm, can develop and/or settle in the pipes if faucets are not turned on periodically, resulting in sub-standard water quality when the system is eventually used. Also, if water is left to sit in residential pipes, other effects/conditions can take place over time that generally effect color, taste and order of the water if it does not periodically move through the system.

Abstract: A computer based method for generating a pulsating water flow through a faucet in response to a filter status, comprising the steps of: determining a water flow rate through a first filter; determining a duration of water flow at said water flow rate; determining the filtered volume of water filtered by said first filter based upon said water flow rate and duration of water flow; determining the filter status by comparing said filtered volume of water and an expected rated service life value of said first filter; and causing the faucet to expel pulsating water when the faucet is in the on state, when the filter status represents that remaining filter life is below a first threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically monitoring water quality information directly by using sensors to test water in a plumbing system or indirectly by monitoring government or other warnings that can be received wireless or over wireline. In response the system and method identify a water treatment/enhancement protocol and perform this protocol on the water supply in the house/building.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically detecting unwanted continuous flow of water or other liquids, either from intentional use or from a leak in the faucet/plumbing system and for automatically turning off the water faucet or dispensing apparatus when unwanted flow conditions are detected to prevent water from being wasted, overflowing and/or causing property damage.

Abstract: A servosystem, in particular a servosystem for a motor vehicle, includes a display showing a list of clickable menu items, a rotary knob with a rotary element to operate the rotary knob, with a number of mechanical detents to alternately increase the rotary momentum necessary for rotating the rotary element, with a brake to brake the rotary element and with a rotation sensor to measure the rotation of the rotary element with a resolution that is the least four times, in particular at least six times, and with particular preference at least eight times the number of mechanical detents per rotation of the rotary element, and a control for converting the rotation of the rotary element into a scrolling motion through a list and for activating the brake when the last clickable menu item of the list is reached or the first clickable menu items of the list is reached.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a touch screen, which is disposed in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, for outputting a position signal. The position signal is dependent on the touch screen being touched. An actuator is provided for deflecting the touch screen. A control configuration evaluates the position signal for the purpose of recognizing a handwriting and for controlling the actuator in order to generate a haptic feedback for an operator of the touch screen.

Abstract: A door system for a motor vehicle is provided. The door system includes a door for closing the interior space of a motor vehicle, a sensor for determining an opening angle of the door, a man-machine interface for inputting a desired maximum opening angle of the door, a brake device for arresting the door, and a door control for arresting the door through the use of the brake device if the opening angle of the door reaches the set maximum opening angle of the door or if an opening speed of the door falls below a limit value. A method for operating a door system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle, said motor vehicle comprising a soft fabric arranged in a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle for emitting an output signal depending on pressure exerted on the soft fabric, wherein at least one electrical property of the soft fabric can be changed as a function of the pressure exerted on the soft fabric, and wherein the motor vehicle comprises a control unit for evaluating the output signal for the purpose of a text recognition.

Abstract: An input device, especially for a vehicle, includes a display for optical display of information, a touchscreen arranged above the display to input commands by touching an operating surface of the touchscreen, an actuator to move the touchscreen in at least one direction, essentially parallel to the operating surface, and a control to drive the actuator, so that the touchscreen is moved in a first time interval with a first movement function and in a second time interval connected to the first time interval with a second movement function different from the first movement function.

Abstract: A servosystem, in particular a servosystem for a motor vehicle, includes a display showing a list of clickable menu items, a rotary knob with a rotary element to operate the rotary knob, with a number of mechanical detents to alternately increase the rotary momentum necessary for rotating the rotary element, with a brake to brake the rotary element and with a rotation sensor to measure the rotation of the rotary element with a resolution that is the least four times, in particular at least six times, and with particular preference at least eight times the number of mechanical detents per rotation of the rotary element, and a control for converting the rotation of the rotary element into a scrolling motion through a list and for activating the brake when the last clickable menu item of the list is reached or the first clickable menu items of the list is reached.