Abstract: An example water usage monitoring system includes at least one sensor communicating at least one parameter relating to water usage. At least one microcontroller represents a location with each microcontroller in communication with at least one of the sensors and having at least one input for selectively receiving said parameters, a counter, an accumulator that utilizes said counter and said parameters received from the at least one input for a discrete count to create a data packet in response to a change in at least one of said parameters, and a transmitter for wirelessly sending said data packet. The system also includes a data collection device configured to receive and combine at least one data packet from the at least one microcontroller into an information set. The data collection device is configured to transmit the information set. A storage device is configured receive the information set from the data collection device.

Abstract: A flush valve utilizes a sensor to determine how close a user is to a toilet to determine whether to utilize a longer flush with more water to remove, typically, solid waste or a shorter flush with less water to remove, typically, liquid waste. If a user is in a zone that is closer to the toilet, a longer flush is deemed necessary and if a user is in a zone farther from the toilet, a shorter flush is deemed necessary. Users sometimes move between one zone or the other and the flush valve determines whether a user spends more or less time in the zones to determine whether to provide a shorter or a longer flush.

Abstract: An exemplary control system has an input connector operable to connect to a power source and at least one output connector operable to connect to either a load or a power source. A first solid state switch is also provided, operable to control a flow of current between the input connector and the output connector. A second solid state switch communicates with the first solid state switch and is operable to command the first solid state switch to prevent the flow of current between the output connector and input connector in response to the power source being connected to the output connector.

Abstract: An example water usage monitoring system includes at least one sensor communicating at least one parameter relating to water usage. At least one microcontroller represents a location with each microcontroller in communication with at least one of the sensors and having at least one input for selectively receiving said parameters, a counter, an accumulator that utilizes said counter and said parameters received from the at least one input for a discrete count to create a data packet in response to a change in at least one of said parameters, and a transmitter for wirelessly sending said data packet. The system also includes a data collection device configured to receive and combine at least one data packet from the at least one microcontroller into an information set. The data collection device is configured to transmit the information set. A storage device is configured receive the information set from the data collection device.

Abstract: A mechanism for minimizing shock in a fluid has a housing, a valve disposed in the housing for regulating a flow of the fluid, a spring that urges the valve to oppose the fluid flow, and, a reservoir disposed in the housing downstream of the valve. The valve meters the flow of fluid from the reservoir if the valve moves in reaction to the flow of the fluid.

Abstract: An exemplary control system has an input connector operable to connect to a power source and at least one output connector operable to connect to either a load or a power source. A first solid state switch is also provided, operable to control a flow of current between the input connector and the output connector. A second solid state switch communicates with the first solid state switch and is operable to command the first solid state switch to prevent the flow of current between the output connector and input connector in response to the power source being connected to the output connector.

Abstract: A flush valve utilizes a sensor to determine how close a user is to a toilet to determine whether to utilize a longer flush with more water to remove, typically, solid waste or a shorter flush with less water to remove, typically, liquid waste. If a user is in a zone that is closer to the toilet, a longer flush is deemed necessary and if a user is in a zone farther from the toilet, a shorter flush is deemed necessary. Users sometimes move between one zone or the other and the flush valve determines whether a user spends more or less time in the zones to determine whether to provide a shorter or a longer flush.