Abstract: This application generally relates to systems and methods for authenticating a bulk quantity of a consumable product with a corresponding product. More specifically, the invention associates a bulk quantity of the consumable product with a product parameter such as a consumption rate of the consumable product within the corresponding product; provides and authorizes a key and/or reader with the bulk quantity and consumption rate data to a specific corresponding product wherein the bulk quantity and consumption rate data are correlated to a maximum consumption quantity value; monitoring consumption of the consumable product within the corresponding product until the maximum consumption quantity value is reached; and providing an event output to the corresponding product when the maximum consumption quantity value is realized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for differentiating the spectral response of various optical coatings between a transmitter and receiver are described. The system is effective in determining if an optical coating produces an authorized spectral response for determining if a product having that optical coating is authorized to be used with another product.

Abstract: A dispensing system adapted for repeated activation of an aerosol can is described. The dispensing system includes components that improve the ability to receive and secure aerosol cans of different sizes within the dispensing system as well as improving the reliability and energy efficiency of the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for differentiating the spectral response of various optical coatings between a transmitter and receiver. The system is effective in determining if an optical coating produces an authorized spectral response for determining if a product having that optical coating is authorized to be used with another product.

Abstract: A dispensing system adapted for repeated activation of an aerosol can is described. The dispensing system includes components that improve the ability to receive and secure aerosol cans of different sizes within the dispensing system as well as improving the reliability and energy efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A method for processing a PCBa panel to individualize the PCBa's on the PCBa panel and depanel the PCBa panel in substantially one step is described. The PCBa panel initially comprises a number of PCBa's having components and traces common to a number of different product SKUs. During processing, the PCBa panel is loaded into a machine containing a first and second laser. The first laser severs extra traces on each PCBa to individualize the PCBa's for specific SKUs and the second laser cuts the links between each PCBa, thereby depaneling the PCBa panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for differentiating the spectral response of various optical coatings between a transmitter and receiver. The system is effective in determining if an optical coating produces an authorized spectral response for determining if a product having that optical coating is authorized to be used with another product.

Abstract: A dispensing system adapted for repeated activation of an aerosol can is described. The dispensing system includes components that improve the ability to receive and secure aerosol cans of different sizes within the dispensing system as well as improving the reliability and energy efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A power management system for dispensers is described. The system includes a controller connected to a lower power zero net voltage (ZNV) power source. A power rectification circuit (PRC) converts ZNV power to higher voltage direct current (HVDC) power. An energy storage system connected to the HVDC power source receives and stores HVDC power within the energy storage system which is selectively provided to a dispenser motor load connected to the energy storage system. The system provides an effective solution to the problem of transferring power from a low power battery source on a disposable product to a dispenser as well as providing a system that minimizes corrosion at the electrical interface between the disposable product and the dispenser particularly in higher humidity environments.

Abstract: This application generally relates to systems and methods for authenticating a bulk quantity of a consumable product with a corresponding product. More specifically, the invention associates a bulk quantity of the consumable product with a product parameter such as a consumption rate of the consumable product within the corresponding product; provides and authorizes a key and/or reader with the bulk quantity and consumption rate data to a specific corresponding product wherein the bulk quantity and consumption rate data are correlated to a maximum consumption quantity value; monitoring consumption of the consumable product within the corresponding product until the maximum consumption quantity value is reached; and providing an event output to the corresponding product when the maximum consumption quantity value is realized.

Abstract: This application generally relates to systems and methods for authenticating a bulk quantity of a consumable product with a corresponding product. More specifically, the invention associates a bulk quantity of the consumable product with a product parameter such as a consumption rate of the consumable product within the corresponding product; provides and authorizes a key and/or reader with the bulk quantity and consumption rate data to a specific corresponding product wherein the bulk quantity and consumption rate data are correlated to a maximum consumption quantity value; monitoring consumption of the consumable product within the corresponding product until the maximum consumption quantity value is reached; and providing an event output to the corresponding product when the maximum consumption quantity value is realized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for differentiating the spectral response of various optical coatings between a transmitter and receiver. The system is effective in determining if an optical coating produces an authorized spectral response for determining if a product having that optical coating is authorized to be used with another product.

Abstract: An on-demand electronic faucet system for providing a faucet with a flow of water in response to a stimulus. A sensor unit is positioned remote from the faucet and in wireless communication with a wireless valve control unit. The wireless valve control unit controls a valve in the water supply line that feeds the faucet. In response to a stimulus, the sensor signals the wireless valve control unit to change the status of the valve in the water supply line from open to closed or closed to open and other states affecting flow and temperature.

Abstract: A system allowing the wireless transfer of data between a fluid filtering apparatus having a controller and a filter when the filter is positioned within the fluid filtering apparatus is described. The system includes a reader circuit and tag circuit in which the tag circuit includes read-only information and an enable bit responsive to a disable signal from the reader circuit to permanently de-authorize use of the filter with the fluid filtering apparatus. The controller is operatively connected to the reader circuit for interpreting the coded information and may modify or eliminate fluid flow within the fluid filtering apparatus, and/or provide a visible or audible warning to the user on the basis of filter manufacturer specifications such as volume and/or time of filter use.

Abstract: A system allowing the wireless transfer of data between a first device having a microcontroller and a second device when the first and second devices are positioned adjacent each other is described. The system includes a reader circuit and tag circuit. The reader circuit is operatively connected to the first device and provides oscillation energy to the tag circuit when the tag circuit is coupled to the reader circuit. The reader circuit receives coded information from the tag circuit and delivers the coded information to the microcontroller. The tag circuit includes a coil and logic enabling patterned oscillation at least two discrete frequencies such that the patterned oscillation is representative of coded information within the tag circuit. The system may be configured to a variety of product pairs, including consumer product pairs, to control the operation of the product pair or collect information about the operation of the product pair.

Abstract: An on-demand electronic faucet system for providing a faucet with a flow of water in response to a stimulus. A sensor unit is positioned remote from the faucet and in wireless communication with a wireless valve control unit. The wireless valve control unit controls a valve in the water supply line that feeds the faucet. In response to a stimulus, the sensor signals the wireless valve control unit to change the status of the valve in the water supply line from open to closed or closed to open and other states affecting flow and temperature.

Abstract: A system allowing the wireless transfer of data between a first device having a microcontroller and a second device when the first and second devices are positioned adjacent each other is described. The system includes a reader circuit and tag circuit. The reader circuit is operatively connected to the first device and provides oscillation energy to the tag circuit when the tag circuit is coupled to the reader circuit. The reader circuit receives coded information from the tag circuit and delivers the coded information to the microcontroller. The tag circuit includes a coil and logic enabling patterned oscillation at least two discrete frequencies such that the patterned oscillation is representative of coded information within the tag circuit. The system may be configured to a variety of product pairs, including consumer product pairs, to control the operation of the product pair or collect information about the operation of the product pair.

Abstract: The invention provides a radio frequency (RF) valve control system that replaces mechanical systems that physically links a button or a handle to a flush valve or hard wired electronic control systems that physically links a sensor/electronic switch to a valve actuator within a plumbing installation. The new system is characterized by two modules, a user interface module (UIM) for locating at or adjacent a plumbing fixture (such as a water closet or urinal), and a valve interface module (VIM) operatively connected to a flush valve actuator or a valve in the water supply line of the plumbing fixture. The UIM generally has the function of providing an RF valve control signal to the VIM and the VIM has the functions of receiving, analysing, and responding to the RF valve control signal and sending a signal to the valve actuator to initiate a flush cycle or initiating a valve control process to control a valve within the water supply line to start or stop water flow to the fixture.

Abstract: The invention provides a radio frequency (RF) valve control system that replaces mechanical systems that physically links a button or a handle to a flush valve or hard wired electronic control systems that physically links a sensor/electronic switch to a valve actuator within a plumbing installation. The new system is characterized by two modules, a user interface module (UIM) for locating at or adjacent a plumbing fixture (such as a water closet or urinal), and a valve interface module (VIM) operatively connected to a flush valve actuator or a valve in the water supply line of the plumbing fixture. The UIM generally has the function of providing an RF valve control signal to the VIM and the VIM has the functions of receiving, analysing, and responding to the RF valve control signal and sending a signal to the valve actuator to initiate a flush cycle or initiating a valve control process to control a valve within the water supply line to start or stop water flow to the fixture.

Abstract: An on-demand electronic faucet system for providing a faucet with a flow of water in response to a stimulus. A sensor unit is positioned remote from the faucet and in wireless communication with a wireless valve control unit. The wireless valve control unit controls a valve in the water supply line that feeds the faucet. In response to a stimulus, the sensor signals the wireless valve control unit to change the status of the valve in the water supply line from open to closed or closed to open and other states affecting flow and temperature.