Abstract: A fluid dispensing system comprises a first pipe, a second pipe and a thermoelectric generator. The first pipe is configured to carry fluid to the fluid dispensing system. The second pipe is configured to carry fluid to the fluid dispensing system. Temperature of the fluid carried by the first pipe is higher than temperature of the fluid carried by the second pipe. The thermoelectric generator comprises a first side and a second side. The first side of the thermoelectric generator is in thermal contact with the first pipe. The second side of the thermoelectric generator is in thermal contact with the second pipe. Temperature gradient is established between the first side and the second side due to difference in temperature in the first pipe and the second pipe. Electric current is generated by the thermoelectric generator as a result of the temperature gradient.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system comprises a first pipe, a second pipe and a thermoelectric generator. The first pipe is configured to carry fluid to the fluid dispensing system. The second pipe is configured to carry fluid to the fluid dispensing system. Temperature of the fluid carried by the first pipe is higher than temperature of the fluid carried by the second pipe. The thermoelectric generator comprises a first side and a second side. The first side of the thermoelectric generator is in thermal contact with the first pipe. The second side of the thermoelectric generator is in thermal contact with the second pipe. Temperature gradient is established between the first side and the second side due to difference in temperature in the first pipe and the second pipe. Electric current is generated by the thermoelectric generator as a result of the temperature gradient.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of devices in a public washroom facility having a controller with an integrated circuit including at least one logic block providing one or more predetermined control instructions to one or more of the plurality of devices via at least one control block; the at least one control block defining a communication interface between the integrated circuit and the plurality of devices; at least one communication block receiving data from a communications interface for programming the integrated circuit to modify the one or more predetermined control instructions.

Abstract: A card, such as a credit or identification card, including an authenticating element for authenticating the card with a service provider, a fingerprint reader integral with the card for reading a fingerprint provided by a user of the card, and a processing element for comparing the fingerprint provided by the user to a fingerprint of an owner of the card to confirm that the user is the owner. In one variation, there is also provided a means for determining whether an object presented to the fingerprint reader is a finger of the user presenting the card.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of devices in a public washroom facility having a controller with an integrated circuit including at least one logic block providing one or more predetermined control instructions to one or more of the plurality of devices via at least one control block; the at least one control block defining a communication interface between the integrated circuit and the plurality of devices; at least one communication block receiving data from a communications interface for programming the integrated circuit to modify the one or more predetermined control instructions.

Abstract: A card, such as a credit or identification card, including an authenticating element for authenticating the card with a service provider, a fingerprint reader integral with the card for reading a fingerprint provided by a user of the card, and a processing element for comparing the fingerprint provided by the user to a fingerprint of an owner of the card to confirm that the user is the owner. In one variation, there is also provided a means for determining whether an object presented to the fingerprint reader is a finger of the user presenting the card.

Abstract: A drive system for an electric battery powered vehicle including a chassis having a rigid frame, a front axle and a rear axle; a battery system mounted on said chassis; left and right wheels on left and right sides of each of the front axle and the rear axle; one or more motors attached to at least one of the wheels. Each of the one or more motors is driven by rotation of a respective wheel to produce a charge for said battery system.

Abstract: A drive system for an electric battery powered vehicle including a chassis having a rigid frame, a front axle and a rear axle; a battery system mounted on said chassis; left and right wheels on left and right sides of each of the front axle and the rear axle; one or more motors attached to at least one of the wheels. Each of the one or more motors is driven by rotation of a respective wheel to produce a charge for said battery system.