Abstract: A decision support system and method can be used to control a water treatment or distribution system. The decision support system collects data from multiple water system operators and analyses the data for a selected water system according to one or more rules or algorithms. The system returns data, optionally including alerts or predictions, to the system operator. Optionally, the decision support system uses machine learning applied to (i) historical data from a selected water system and/or (ii) data from other water systems to modify the rules or algorithms used to analyze current data from a selected water system. In some embodiments, the data collected includes microbial population data such as ATP data, optionally including derivatives of microbial population data; microbial speciation information; or, metagenomic data.

Abstract: A method is provided to extract genetic material of a virus, for example the SARS-CoV-2 virus, from a wastewater sample. The wastewater sample is in the range of 0.5 to 5 mL in volume. The wastewater sample may be prefiltered, but is not separated to concentrate the virus in a solids fraction. A lysis buffer is added to the sample, followed by a waiting period of at least one minute, followed by the addition of an alcohol. 1.5-4.5 mg of magnetic beads are added per mL of wastewater sample. The magnetic beads are later separated from the sample. Genetic material is eluted from the magnetic beads, optionally at a temperature of at least 45° C. A test kit is provided for use in performing the method.

Abstract: A decision support system and method can be used to control a water treatment or distribution system. The decision support system collects data from multiple water system operators and analyses the data for a selected water system according to one or more rules or algorithms. The system returns data, optionally including alerts or predictions, to the system operator. Optionally, the decision support system uses machine learning applied to (i) historical data from a selected water system and/or (ii) data from other water systems to modify the rules or algorithms used to analyze current data from a selected water system. In some embodiments, the data collected includes microbial population data such as ATP data, optionally including derivatives of microbial population data; microbial speciation information; or, metagenomic data.

Abstract: An increment sensor assembly inquires an microcontroller as to the last known increment when a vehicle is started. The last known increment data is used to rotate the sensor backward to reach a lower mechanical stop position or forward to reach an upper mechanical stop position. A timer tracks the sensor to ensure that one of the known stop positions is reached within a predetermined time period or performs a system check to determine what error has occurred. Once the sensor reaches one of the known stop positions an increment counter is reset and the sensor assembly begins normal operation.

Abstract: An engine actuator includes a sensor assembly driven by an electric motor through a worm gear. An output gear is also driven by the electric motor about an axis transverse to the electric motor output shaft. A bearing located between the actuator housing and the output gear shaft limits gear shake of the output gear during operation of the engine actuator. A coupling mounted on the output gear shaft outside the actuator housing limits axial movement of the output gear shaft.

Abstract: An increment sensor assembly includes a two-pole magnet mounted to an output shaft and a Hall effect sensor located parallel to the output shaft. As the output shaft rotates the first Hall effect sensor senses the rotational position of the magnet and correlates that to the rotational position of the output. A second Hall effect sensor is located adjacent to the first Hall effect sensor and is used to determine the direction of rotation of the output shaft.

Abstract: An engine actuator includes a sensor assembly driven by an electric motor through a worm gear. An output gear is also driven by the electric motor about an axis transverse to the electric motor output shaft. A bearing located between the actuator housing and the output gear shaft limits gear shake of the output gear during operation of the engine actuator. A coupling mounted on the output gear shaft outside the actuator housing limits axial movement of the output gear shaft.

Abstract: An increment sensor assembly includes a two-pole magnet mounted to an output shaft and a Hall effect sensor located parallel to the output shaft. As the output shaft rotates the first Hall effect sensor senses the rotational position of the magnet and correlates that to the rotational position of the output. A second Hall effect sensor is located adjacent to the first Hall effect sensor and is used to determine the direction of rotation of the output shaft.

Abstract: An increment sensor assembly inquires an microcontroller as to the last known increment when a vehicle is started. The last known increment data is used to rotate the sensor backward to reach a lower mechanical stop position or forward to reach an upper mechanical stop position. A timer tracks the sensor to ensure that one of the known stop positions is reached within a predetermined time period or performs a system check to determine what error has occurred. Once the sensor reaches one of the known stop positions an increment counter is reset and the sensor assembly begins normal operation.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Festuca plant named ‘Glow Sticks’ that is characterized by its light yellow flower stalks and inflorescences that rise above a dark green tuft of foliage and its foliage that is dark green in color with a subtle central stripe that is white in color.