Abstract: A sump pump system detects backflow from an outlet pipe in a sump pump system and implements control of the sump pump in light of the detected backflow (or lack thereof). The sump pump system may detect the backflow (or lack thereof) by detecting and comparing water rise rates in a sump basin before activation or engagement of the sump pump (e.g., immediately before the pump starts pumping) and after the pump has disengaged or deactivated (e.g., immediately after the pump stops pumping). The rises rates may be detected via sensors configured to detect motion or acceleration (e.g., accelerometers, inertial measurement units, or force acceleration sensors) placed in the sump basin such that detect motion of water in the basin corresponding to changing water levels.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predictively generating an insurance claim in response to detecting an imminent insurance-related event are provided. According to certain aspects, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may store a first set of data received from smart devices disposed on, or proximate to, a property. This data may be analyzed to detect that an insurance-related event is imminent and calculate a likelihood that a property owner will file an insurance claim in response to damage caused by the imminent insurance-related event. If there is a sufficient likelihood that an insurance claim will be filed, the smart home controller or remote processor may store a second set of data received from the smart devices. Subsequently, according to certain aspects, the second set of data may be analyzed to prepopulate an automatically generated insurance claim with information detailing damage to the property caused by the insurance-related event.

Abstract: A sump pump system may implement adaptive learning and machine learning techniques to facilitate improved control of sump pumps. A sump pump system may implement the described techniques to generate, train, and/or implement a machine learning model that is capable of predicting or estimating one or more conditions of the sump pump system (e.g., water level in the basin, motor malfunction, stuck impeller, geyser effect, blocked outlet pipe, faulty level sensor/switch, faulty bearing, failure to engage pump at high-water mark, etc.) based on one or more detected input variables (e.g., acceleration or vibration patterns detected in water, on a pump, or on a pipe; capacitance values of water; audio signatures; electrical signatures, such as power or current draw; pump motor rotation speed; water pressure signatures or values, such as those detected at the bottom of a sump basin; etc.).

Abstract: Methods and systems for homeowner-directed risk mitigation for damage to a property associated with insurance-related events are provided. A smart home controller may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, or proximate to, a property as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of property damage exists, the smart home controller may transmit an alert to a homeowner detailing the risk. The homeowner may respond to the alert by transmitting an instruction to mitigate or prevent damage associated with the risk back to the smart home controller. Subsequently, the smart home controller may transmit information about the actual or potential risks and any homeowner-directed mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider may interpret the transmitted data and perform insurance activities, such as providing discounts and adjusting an insurance policy associated with the property.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to managing the operation of devices within a home or other property based upon electrical usage data. With customer knowledge or consent, a home controller may retrieve and analyze electrical usage data corresponding to a device, such as by comparing it to certain threshold data. If the analysis results in a trigger condition, the controller may generate a command, and transmit the command to the device for implementation, allowing modification of device operation to address any issues indicated in the electrical usage data. In some implementations, the controller may notify a home owner/occupant. As a result, faulty devices may be managed prior to their faults causing damage to the device and/or the property, and/or property owners may be timely prompted to investigate, repair, and/or replace a failing device. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon the risk mitigation/prevention functionality.

Abstract: A sump pump system enables automatic determination and utilization of frequencies for mechanical shakers for sump pumps. These techniques may be implemented to detect a fault (e.g., a stuck impeller) with a sump pump and to identify a desirable frequency at which a mechanical shaker for the sump pump should vibrate to correct the fault.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predictively generating an insurance claim in response to detecting an imminent insurance-related event are provided. According to certain aspects, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may store a first set of data received from smart devices disposed on, or proximate to, a property. This data may be analyzed to detect that an insurance-related event is imminent and calculate a likelihood that a property owner will file an insurance claim in response to damage caused by the imminent insurance-related event. If there is a sufficient likelihood that an insurance claim will be filed, the smart home controller or remote processor may store a second set of data received from the smart devices. Subsequently, according to certain aspects, the second set of data may be analyzed to prepopulate an automatically generated insurance claim with information detailing damage to the property caused by the insurance-related event.

Abstract: Managing the operation of devices within a home or other property based upon electrical usage data. With customer knowledge or consent, a home controller may retrieve and analyze electrical usage data corresponding to a device, such as by comparing it to certain threshold data. If the analysis results in a trigger condition, the controller may generate a command, and transmit the command to the device for implementation, allowing modification of device operation to address any issues indicated in the electrical usage data. The controller may notify a home owner/occupant. As a result, faulty devices may be managed prior to their faults causing damage to the device and/or the property, and/or property owners may be timely prompted to investigate, repair, and/or replace a failing device. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon the risk mitigation/prevention functionality.

Abstract: Methods and systems for homeowner-directed risk mitigation for damage to a property associated with insurance-related events are provided. A smart home controller may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, or proximate to, a property as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of property damage exists, the smart home controller may transmit an alert to a homeowner detailing the risk. The homeowner may respond to the alert by transmitting an instruction to mitigate or prevent damage associated with the risk back to the smart home controller. Subsequently, the smart home controller may transmit information about the actual or potential risks and any homeowner-directed mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider may interpret the transmitted data and perform insurance activities, such as providing discounts and adjusting an insurance policy associated with the property.

Abstract: A sump pump system enables automatic determination and utilization of frequencies for mechanical shakers for sump pumps. These techniques may be implemented to detect a fault (e.g., a stuck impeller) with a sump pump and to identify a desirable frequency at which a mechanical shaker for the sump pump should vibrate to correct the fault.

Abstract: Methods and systems for homeowner-directed risk mitigation for damage to a property associated with insurance-related events are provided. A smart home controller may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, or proximate to, a property as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of property damage exists, the smart home controller may transmit an alert to a homeowner detailing the risk. The homeowner may respond to the alert by transmitting an instruction to mitigate or prevent damage associated with the risk back to the smart home controller. Subsequently, the smart home controller may transmit information about the actual or potential risks and any homeowner-directed mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider may interpret the transmitted data and perform insurance activities, such as providing discounts and adjusting an insurance policy associated with the property.

Abstract: A portable fuel metering system (PMU) is described. The PMU has one or more flow meters capable of metering the flow of fluids, such as fuel, as the fluid is transferred from a source to a receiver. The PMU may include a telemetry unit configured to transmit parameters related to the fuel transfer to remote location. The PMU may be configured in a light, portable package that may be carried by one or two people. The PMU may include a power generator that is configured to use the flow of fluid to the PMU to generate power for the PMU's operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems that manage building code compliance are provided. A smart or interconnected home may be populated with multiple smart or other devices that are in wired or wireless communication with a central controller. The smart devices may be covered by an insurance policy, such as a homeowners, renters, or personal articles insurance policy. The controller may receive building code compliance information associated with the smart devices, and may update an inventory list to include the building code compliance information. The controller may detect that one or more devices do not comply with building code requirements. The controller may transmit a notification to a customer about possible corrective actions to remedy non-compliant conditions and to facilitate building code compliance. The smart devices may be associated with appliances, electronics, wiring, pipes, ducts, or other equipment or personal belongings.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a synthesis engine having a controller, and a storage medium for storing instructions to be executed by the controller. The instructions, when executed by the controller, can cause the controller to retrieve collected information associated with a behavior of an individual, synthesize from the information a measure of a mood of the individual to interact with others, and transmit the measure to a system associated with the individual to manage requests between the individual and the entity. The measure of the mood of the individual can indicate an availability of the individual and a receptiveness of the individual to accept a request to interact with an entity. The measure can be described by a plurality of dimensions. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to detecting instances of individuals being in peril within an independent or assisted living environment. According to certain aspects, with an individual's permission or affirmative consent, a hardware controller (such as a smart or interconnected home controller, or even a mobile device) may receive and analyze sensor data detected within the independent or assisted living environment to determine whether an individual may be in peril. In this circumstance, the hardware controller may generate a notification that indicates the situation and may communicate the notification to a proper individual, such as a family member or care giver, who may be in a position to mitigate or alleviate any risks posed by the situation. The foregoing functionality also may be used by an insurance provider to generate, update, or adjust insurance policies, premiums, rates, or discounts, and/or make recommendations to an insured individual.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically mitigating risks of insurance-related events to a property are provided. According to certain aspects, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, within, or proximate to a property, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of property damage exists, the smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may automatically issue commands to one or more smart devices to take actions that mitigate the risk. The smart home controller may also transmit information about the actual or potential risks and any mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider remote processor may interpret the transmitted data to perform insurance activities, such as providing a discount and/or adjusting an insurance premium or policy associated with the property.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing insurance policies associated with properties may be provided. A property may be populated with a plurality of smart devices or devices that are connected to a central controller, such as via wired or wireless communication, whereby the plurality of devices are covered by an insurance policy, such as a homeowners, renters, or personal articles insurance policy. The central controller may receive identifications for the devices, and may update an inventory list to include the plurality of devices. A total market value of the devices may be calculated, and the central controller may estimate any modification to the insurance policy based upon the total market value. The controller may facilitate the modification to the insurance policy with a customer and an insurance provider. The smart devices may be, or be associated with, appliances, electronics, computers, televisions, jewelry, vehicles, furniture, or other equipment or personal belongings.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically mitigating risks of water damage to a property caused by insurance-related events are provided. A smart home controller and/or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a smart device disposed on, within, or proximate to a property associated with monitoring water flow, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of water leakage exists, the smart home controller or remote processor may automatically issue commands to the smart device to take actions that mitigate the risk of water damage. The smart home controller may transmit information about the actual or potential water leakage risks and any mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider remote processor may interpret the transmitted data and perform insurance activities, such as providing a discount or premium, and/or adjusting an insurance policy associated with the property.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assigning damage to a property to causes of loss are provided. A smart home controller and/or an insurance provider remote processor (or server) may generate a time sequence of events for damage associated with an insure-related event. The time-sequence of events may be analyzed to identify causes of loss associated with damage to the property. The smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may further analyze the time-sequence of event to determine a portion of the overall damage associated with each cause of loss. Subsequently, according to certain aspects, the smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may automatically generate a prepopulated insurance claim for damage associated with the insurance-related event, and/or transmit the automatically prepared insurance claim to an insured for their review, approval, and/or modification, such as via wireless communication to a mobile device associated with the insured.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to detecting instances of individuals being in peril within an independent or assisted living environment. According to certain aspects, with an individual's permission or affirmative consent, a hardware controller (such as a smart or interconnected home controller, or even a mobile device) may receive and analyze sensor data detected within the independent or assisted living environment to determine whether an individual may be in peril. In this circumstance, the hardware controller may generate a notification that indicates the situation and may communicate the notification to a proper individual, such as a family member or care giver, who may be in a position to mitigate or alleviate any risks posed by the situation. The foregoing functionality also may be used by an insurance provider to generate, update, or adjust insurance policies, premiums, rates, or discounts, and/or make recommendations to an insured individual.