Abstract: An external control unit to be connected between a power source and an electrically driven pump to act as a smart switch to convert a “dumb” pump into a smart pump. The control system of this invention comprises a microcontroller-operated switch, located between the power source and the pump, or other fluid flow control device to be operated by electricity, and which can be programmed to record usage data of, e.g., hot water, by the household; it sets up the operating times in accordance with such usage. A temperature sensor is connected to the microcontroller to sense a temperature change, in a hot water system is turned on, by measuring an increase in temperature to indicate flow through the hot water pipe, and to record such data. This will determine, in the context of a hot water system, when the pump should be activated to bring up hot water.

Abstract: A zone valve control system for a flow valve comprising a direct current rotary electric motor connected to a valve shaft, an electronic control system comprising a microprocessor, an electric measuring device for signaling the presence of a predetermined electrical stall current, a rectifier and a regulator to convert and regulate external AC voltage to a desired DC power output; and an electrical storage system having a total storage capacity sufficient to power the DC electric motor to move the valve between the closed and opened positions; an external sensor for signaling when a certain condition exists in an external zone; the microprocessor controlling the flow and polarity of DC current to the motor; whereby the electronic control system controls movement of a valve operably connected to the output shaft to open or close a valve to maintain a desired predetermined condition in the external zone.

Abstract: A zone valve control system for a flow valve comprising a direct current rotary electric motor connected to a valve shaft, an electronic control system comprising a microprocessor, an electric measuring device for signaling the presence of a predetermined electrical stall current, a rectifier and a regulator to convert and regulate external AC voltage to a desired DC power output; and an electrical storage system having a total storage capacity sufficient to power the DC electric motor to move the valve between the closed and opened positions; an external sensor for signaling when a certain condition exists in an external zone; the microprocessor controlling the flow and polarity of DC current to the motor; whereby the electronic control system controls movement of a valve operably connected to the output shaft to open or close a valve to maintain a desired predetermined condition in the external zone.

Abstract: An external control unit to be connected between a power source and an electrically driven pump to act as a smart switch to convert a “dumb” pump into a smart pump. The control system of this invention comprises a microcontroller-operated switch, located between the power source and the pump, or other fluid flow control device to be operated by electricity, and which can be programmed to record usage data of, e.g., hot water, by the household; it sets up the operating times in accordance with such usage. A temperature sensor is connected to the microcontroller to sense a temperature change, in a hot water system is turned on, by measuring an increase in temperature to indicate flow through the hot water pipe, and to record such data. This will determine, in the context of a hot water system, when the pump should be activated to bring up hot water.

Abstract: A water pump controlled by a microcontroller and operated to pump hot water for specific recirculation periods during a multi-day cycle. The recirculation periods are determined from hot water usage data logged by the microcontroller during a logging period occurring in the previous multi-day cycle. A preferred cycle is during a seven-day, or one-week, period.

Abstract: A water pump controlled by a microcontroller and operated to pump hot water for specific recirculation periods during a multi-day cycle. The recirculation periods are determined from hot water usage data logged by the microcontroller during a logging period occurring in the previous multi-day cycle. A preferred cycle is during a seven-day, or one-week, period.

Abstract: A water pump controlled by a microcontroller and operated to pump hot water for specific recirculation periods during a multi-day cycle. The recirculation periods are determined from hot water usage data logged by the microcontroller during a logging period occurring in the previous multi-day cycle. A preferred cycle is during a seven-day, or one-week, period.

Abstract: A water pump controlled by a microcontroller and operated to pump hot water for specific recirculation periods during a multi-day cycle. The recirculation periods are determined from hot water usage data logged by the microcontroller during a logging period occurring in the previous multi-day cycle. A preferred cycle is during a seven-day, or one-week, period.

Abstract: A water pump controlled by a microcontroller and operated to pump hot water for specific recirculation periods during a multi-day cycle. The recirculation periods are determined from hot water usage data logged by the microcontroller during a logging period occurring in the previous multi-day cycle. A preferred cycle is during a seven-day, or one-week, period.

Abstract: An electrical current is passed through a thermistor to raise its temperature above the temperature of oil flowing in pulses past the thermistor. A change is measured in the temperature of the thermistor occurring with respect to one or more of the pulses. A level of oil flow is determined corresponding to the measured change in temperature. A signal is issued based on the determined flow level.