Abstract: A door closer with an automated calibration mode is disclosed. The door closer that can be self powered and includes a control unit to intelligently control a valve within the door closer to vary the operating characteristics of the door closer as needed. The control unit includes a calibration mode that can be invoked to match the control unit to the mechanical door closer assembly. A plurality of positional values being output encoders coupled to an arm of the door closer and the motor for the valve can be determined. The positional values from the encoders and the positions that they indicate can then be stored in a memory within the controller for use during normal operation of the door closer.

Abstract: A door closer comprises a piston cooperating with a rotating pinion. Upon rotation of the pinion in the door opening direction, the piston moves toward the second end of the housing forcing fluid from a second variable volume chamber through a passage to a first variable volume chamber and compressing a spring assembly for storing energy. The spring assembly urges the piston toward the first end of the housing for forcing fluid from the first variable volume chamber to the second variable volume chamber and rotating the pinion in the door closing direction. A controller controls the position of a valve in the passage based on the sensed angular position of a door and the position of the valve for determining the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve.

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 water heater controller for a water heating system comprises a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a relay, and logic. The relay an controls an activation state of a heating element. The logic is configured to receive temperature data from the first temperature sensor, and the temperature data is indicative of at least one temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor. The logic is further configured to compensate the temperature data for heat from the relay based on at least one temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor.

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 water heating system has a controller that is electronically actuated. In this regard, the controller controls an activation state of at least one heating element by providing an electrical control signal to a relay. In one embodiment, the controller has an emergency shut-off apparatus that is mechanically actuated. Further various features can be optionally implemented to help heat related problems plaguing many conventional water heater controllers that are electronically actuated.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to water heating systems capable of detecting for dry fire conditions. A water heating system In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a controller that determines at least one ambient condition, such as ambient temperature, and that then checks for a dry fire condition based on the ambient condition. For example, the controller may dynamically determine a sampling interval for a dry fire test based on the ambient condition. In another example, the controller may dynamically determine a threshold used for sensing a dry fire condition based on the ambient condition. Various other parameters used for testing for a dry fire condition may be based on the ambient condition in other examples.

Abstract: A system for controlling a temperature of a liquid residing within a tank comprises a tank, a first heating element, a first switch, a temperature-based switch, and logic. The first heating element is mounted on the tank, and the temperature-based switch is coupled to the first heating element and to the first switch. The logic is configured to control a state of the first switch based on a temperature of a liquid residing in the tank.

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.

Abstract: A system for controlling a temperature of a liquid residing within a tank comprises a temperature sensor, a temperature control element, memory, and logic. The temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the liquid residing within the tank, and the temperature control element is coupled to the tank. The memory stores data indicative of a usage history of the tank, and the logic is configured to automatically control the temperature control element based on the data.

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 a first algorithm in an absence of the second controller, and the second controller is configured to control the heating element in accordance with a second algorithm.

Abstract: A data communication system for facilitating communication between infrared devices having an initiating optical interface port that includes an IR emitter and an optical sensor. A receiving optical interface port includes an active IR emitter that emits a pulse at a predetermined interval and an optical sensor. A software application causes an Attention Signal to be emitted from the initiating IR emitter where the initiating IR emitter is positioned in detection range of the receiving optical sensor. The receiving optical interface port is controlled by a firmware application. The firmware is designed to discontinue the pulse of the active IR emitter upon detection of the Attention Signal. Once the normal pulse cycle is discontinued, the active IR emitter is then employed for transmitting data signals to the initiating optical interface port, thereby establishing an optical link between the initiating optical interface port and the receiving optical interface port.

Abstract: A remotely managed electronic dispensing apparatus having a transmitter for transmitting a detection signal and a receiver for receiving a reflected signal and a communication signal is disclosed. When the detection signal is reflected from an object, the dispensing apparatus opens a valve allowing fluid to flow. The communication signal may contain software update or other information for the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A remotely managed electronically operated dispensing apparatus having a transmitter for transmitting a detection signal and a communication signal is disclosed. When the detection signal is reflected from an object, the dispensing apparatus opens a valve allowing fluid to flow. The communication signal may contain maintenance, status and other information and is received by a communication device.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperature control elements used to alter temperatures of a liquid comprises a temperature sensor, a first temperature control element, a second temperature control element, and logic. The temperature sensor is configured to sense temperatures of the liquid, and the first and second temperature control elements are each configured to alter a temperature of the liquid. The logic is configured to selectively control, based on the sensed temperatures, activation states of the first and second temperature control elements such that a total activation time associated with the first temperature control element is substantially equal to a total activation time associated with the second temperature control element.