Abstract: An asset tracking system has a plurality of anchors. A tag communicates with the anchors as it is moved by a user being tracked by the system, and data based on communication between the tag and at least one of the anchors is transmitted to a server. The server determines a location of the tag based on the data and detects an occurrence of an event based on the location. The server also transmits to each of the anchors a tag alert message having a tag identifier identifying the tag and an event indicator associated with the occurrence of the event. At least one of the anchors transmits the tag identifier and the event indicator to the tag, which issues a warning to the user in response to tag alert message.

Abstract: A water heating system includes a tank, one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system, and a first controller mounted on the tank. The first controller is coupled to the one or more heating elements and includes logic to activate and deactivate the heating elements according to a first threshold value. The water heater also includes a second controller that is selectively coupled to the first controller and configured to communicate the first threshold value to the first controller, and perform an additional function related to the operation of the water heater. The first controller is configured to receive the first threshold value from the second controller and control the one or more heating elements based on the received threshold value, and to control the one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system in a physical absence of the second controller.

Abstract: In a tag identification system, active tags are configured to emulate at least one passive tag so that existing passive identifications systems, such as passive radio-frequency (RFID) systems or near field communication (NFC) systems, can be retrofitted to operate with the active tag without having to make expensive hardware updates to the readers within the system. The active tag permits continuous monitoring of its movement or status, as may be desired, regardless of its proximity relative to the readers thereby allowing a system to capture more data regarding the tag's location and use. In addition, the active tag may be compatible with different passive identification systems thereby permitting it to operate with disparate passive identification systems and obviating the need of the user to carry multiple passive tags.

Abstract: An asset tracking system has a plurality of anchors. A tag communicates with the anchors as it is moved by a user being tracked by the system, and data based on communication between the tag and at least one of the anchors is transmitted to a server. The server determines a location of the tag based on the data and detects an occurrence of an event based on the location. The server also transmits to each of the anchors a tag alert message having a tag identifier identifying the tag and an event indicator associated with the occurrence of the event. At least one of the anchors transmits the tag identifier and the event indicator to the tag, which issues a warning to the user in response to tag alert message.

Abstract: In a tag identification system, active tags are configured to emulate at least one passive tag so that existing passive identifications systems, such as passive radio-frequency (RFID) systems or near field communication (NFC) systems, can be retrofitted to operate with the active tag without having to make expensive hardware updates to the readers within the system. The active tag permits continuous monitoring of its movement or status, as may be desired, regardless of its proximity relative to the readers thereby allowing a system to capture more data regarding the tag's location and use. In addition, the active tag may be compatible with different passive identification systems thereby permitting it to operate with disparate passive identification systems and obviating the need of the user to carry multiple passive tags.

Abstract: A tray appliance of the present disclosure has a first dissolvable sheet and a first substance formed within a second dissolvable sheet. The first dissolvable sheet is laid on the second dissolvable sheet and is formed into a first dissolvable negative impression of a person's teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue, such that when first dissolvable negative impression is worn by a person, the first dissolvable negative impression dissolves and releases the first substance into the person's saliva, teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue.

Abstract: A tray appliance of the present disclosure has a first dissolvable sheet and a first substance formed within a second dissolvable sheet. The first dissolvable sheet is laid on the second dissolvable sheet and is formed into a first dissolvable negative impression of a person's teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue, such that when first dissolvable negative impression is worn by a person, the first dissolvable negative impression dissolves and releases the first substance into the person's saliva, teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue.

Abstract: An asset tracking system has a plurality of anchors. A tag communicates with the anchors as it is moved by a user being tracked by the system, and data based on communication between the tag and at least one of the anchors is transmitted to a server. The server determines a location of the tag based on the data and detects an occurrence of an event based on the location. The server also transmits to each of the anchors a tag alert message having a tag identifier identifying the tag and an event indicator associated with the occurrence of the event. At least one of the anchors transmits the tag identifier and the event indicator to the tag, which issues a warning to the user in response to tag alert message.

Abstract: A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.

Abstract: A water heating system includes a tank, one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system, and a first controller mounted on the tank. The first controller is coupled to the one or more heating elements and includes logic to activate and deactivate the heating elements according to a first threshold value. The water heater also includes a second controller that is selectively coupled to the first controller and configured to communicate the first threshold value to the first controller, and perform an additional function related to the operation of the water heater. The first controller is configured to receive the first threshold value from the second controller and control the one or more heating elements based on the received threshold value, and to control the one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system in a physical absence of the second controller.

Abstract: A water heating system includes a tank, one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system, and a first controller mounted on the tank. The first controller is coupled to the one or more heating elements and includes logic to activate and deactivate the heating elements according to a first threshold value. The water heater also includes a second controller that is selectively coupled to the first controller and configured to communicate the first threshold value to the first controller, and perform an additional function related to the operation of the water heater. The first controller is configured to receive the first threshold value from the second controller and control the one or more heating elements based on the received threshold value, and to control the one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system in a physical absence of the second controller.

Abstract: A water heater having a modular control system. The water heater includes a tank, a heating element, a first controller, and a second controller. The heating element is coupled to the tank. The first controller is supported by the tank and includes a housing, a first communication port, a processor, and a first memory storing executable instructions that are executed by the processor. The first controller determines whether the first controller is connected to the second controller through the communication port. The first controller controls an operation of the water heater according to a first algorithm when the first controller is not connected to the second controller. The operation of the water heater is controlled based on an algorithm stored on the second controller when the first controller is connected to the second controller.

Abstract: A water heating system, comprises a tank, a bracket, a heating element, and a controller. The bracket has a hole and a notch. The heating element is mounted on the tank, and the heating element passes through the hole. The controller is inserted into the notch. Further, the controller comprises a relay coupled to the heating element and logic configured to control a state of the relay. The logic resides in a portion of the controller that is inserted into the notch.

Abstract: A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.

Abstract: A water heating system includes a tank, one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system, and a first controller mounted on the tank. The first controller is coupled to the one or more heating elements and includes logic to activate and deactivate the heating elements according to a first threshold value. The water heater also includes a second controller that is selectively coupled to the first controller and configured to communicate the first threshold value to the first controller, and perform an additional function related to the operation of the water heater. The first controller is configured to receive the first threshold value from the second controller and control the one or more heating elements based on the received threshold value, and to control the one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system in a physical absence of the second controller.

Abstract: A water heater has a modular control system. The water heater comprises a tank, a heating element, a first controller, and a second controller. The heating element is coupled to the tank. The first controller is mounted on the tank and has a first communication port. The second controller has a second communication port communicatively coupled to the first communication port of the first controller. The first controller is configured to control the heating element in accordance with any desired algorithm in an absence of the second controller, and the second controller is configured to perform at least one function in addition to or in lieu of the first controller.

Abstract: A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Through improved filtering of consecutive distance measurement values taken between the base unit and the collar, errant measurement values are discounted in terms of their contribution to the current estimate of the dog's distance from the base unit. These filtering techniques, in combination with improved signal strength and antenna diversity in the communication between the base unit and the collar, improve the accuracy and consistency with which the dog's distance from the base unit is tracked so that unwanted corrections are not administered to the dog.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for controlling nodes in a communication network, such as a wireless sensor network. In one exemplary embodiment, a node, referred to herein as a “coordinator node,” controls the operation of various nodes, referred to herein as “sensor nodes,” that are configured to monitor various parameters. The coordinator node from time-to-time broadcasts a beacon to the sensor nodes. The beacon can include various information that is used by the sensor nodes for control. In one exemplary embodiment, the beacon includes node-specific information that informs at least some nodes that they are to transition to a sleep state for a certain period of time. Such nodes, based on the beacon, transition to a sleep state, thereby conserving electrical power.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for estimating and indicating temperature characteristics of temperature controlled liquids. A system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has a tank filled at least partially with a liquid, such as water, and the system has a plurality of temperature sensors mounted on the tank. During operation, a controller compares temperatures sensed by these temperature sensors to a predefined temperature profile for the liquid within the tank in order to estimate the likely temperature characteristics of such liquid. The controller then reports these estimated temperature characteristics via a user interface. As an example, the controller may estimate and report the amount of liquid above a threshold temperature that can be drawn from the tank. Based on the reported temperature characteristics, a user may make decisions about whether or how to use liquid drawn from the tank.