Abstract: A low-cost hot water use warning device, having the shape of an aerator housing, including a metallic housing inner core (2) with threads configured for attachment to a faucet and a ridged indented channel for accommodating a thermochromic belt (6) or band that may constitute several layers including an outer thermochromic layer (10) capable of changing its color at a certain temperature, a second high thermal conductivity layer (11) made of copper for evening out temperature gradients and a third low heat conducting polymeric layer (12) for imposing a controlled delay. At each vertical side of the thermochromic belt are flanking wedge-shaped isolation grooves (7). The device operates as an awareness indicator for informing a faucet user of excessive temperature and duration of hot water use.

Abstract: A low-cost hot water use warning device, having the shape of an aerator housing, including a metallic housing inner core (2) with threads configured for attachment to a faucet and a ridged indented channel for accommodating a thermochromic belt (6) or band that may constitute several layers including an outer thermochromic layer (10) capable of changing its color at a certain temperature, a second high thermal conductivity layer (11) made of copper for evening out temperature gradients and a third low heat conducting polymeric layer (12) for imposing a controlled delay. At each vertical side of the thermochromic belt are flanking wedge-shaped isolation grooves (7). The device operates as an awareness indicator for informing a faucet user of excessive temperature and duration of hot water use.

Abstract: A parallel kinematic manipulator system having three degrees of freedom and a method of controlling and visualizing work objects using force feedback and oscillation algorithms is provided. Three co-planar linear actuators operate symmetrically and parallel to an effector arm and are pivotally connected by three magnetic disc swivel joints to a base plate. The disc swivel joints each include a convex upper and lower swivel member having two dimensional gear patterns structured into their contacting and non-sliding surfaces. A pulsed illumination source consists of an annular LED array and is synchronized to the oscillation frequencies of the system to provide visual filtering capabilities. A control unit includes a method for keeping a work object balanced by force feedback and without the need for angle sensors at the end-effector, as well as methods for rotation of work objects and control of the pulsed illumination source. Sound trap ridges are included as part of the housing to reduce system noise.

Abstract: A low-cost fluid flow meter to conveniently measure the volume of a fluid, for example water, when expelled from a faucet includes a scale with markings for predetermined volumes of a fluid. A flow divider positioned in the main path of flow is used to redirect a small portion of the fluid flow into a separate measurement compartment. The fluid level is then registered optically as a representation of the accumulated fluid flow and presented through light-guiding optics to the user. The measurement compartment is automatically emptied through a pressure activated reset mechanism, so that when fluid flow is turned off the meter is nulled. The device is installed to the outlet of a faucet and operates as a substitute to many of the common measurement sets and containers used in a household for water dosage, as well as serves as an indicator of the water consumed each time the faucet is opened.