Abstract: A water preconditioner system comprising a user interface for manually or automatically receiving inputs from a user, a mixing assembly including a plurality of control valves coupled to hot and cold water supply lines, and a controller in communication with the plurality of control valves and the user interface for controlling the operation of the system. The controller is configured to operate in a plurality of modes to precondition the water to one of a desired preset water dispensing temperature or a target temperature different from the desired preset water dispensing temperature.

Abstract: A water preconditioner system comprising a user interface for manually or automatically receiving inputs from a user, a mixing assembly including a plurality of control valves coupled to hot and cold water supply lines, and a controller in communication with the plurality of control valves and the user interface for controlling the operation of the system. The controller is configured to operate in a plurality of modes to precondition the water to one of a desired preset water dispensing temperature or a target temperature different from the desired preset water dispensing temperature.

Abstract: An air conditioner for an automobile having a passenger compartment comprising is provided, including an air control system to control a property of air entering the passenger compartment, a manual setting member through which the property of the air is manually controlled, and a control system that automatically controls the property of the air based on a control characteristic. The control system updates the control characteristic based on an input from the manual setting member and based on a variable learning rate. The variable learning rate may be based on a time value measured between a first adjustment of the manual setting member and a second adjustment of the manual setting member and based on a magnitude of the second adjustment of the manual setting member. The property of the air entering the passenger compartment may be volumetric flow rate or temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling the climate of a hybrid vehicle. The system includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a valve. The thermoelectric module includes thermoelectric elements powered by electric energy. The thermoelectric elements emit or absorb heat energy based on the polarity of the electrical energy provided. A tube containing coolant runs proximate the thermoelectric elements. To aid in the transfer of heat energy, a blower is provided to generate an air flow across the thermoelectric elements and the tube. The coolant is provided from the thermoelectric module to a heat exchanger that heats or cools the air flow provided to the cabin of the vehicle. The pump and valve are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and thermoelectric module. The pump pressurizes the coolant flow through the tube and coolant lines. In a cooling mode, the valve is configured to selectively bypass the engine coolant system of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air conditioner for an automobile having a passenger compartment comprising is provided, including an air control system to control a property of air entering the passenger compartment, a manual setting member through which the property of the air is manually controlled, and a control system that automatically controls the property of the air based on a control characteristic. The control system updates the control characteristic based on an input from the manual setting member and based on a variable learning rate. The variable learning rate may be based on a time value measured between a first adjustment of the manual setting member and a second adjustment of the manual setting member and based on a magnitude of the second adjustment of the manual setting member. The property of the air entering the passenger compartment may be volumetric flow rate or temperature.