Abstract: A dump bailer actuator mechanism is disposed in a dump bailer having an elongated body and a longitudinal bore therethrough. The actuator mechanism has a collet rod which is moved longitudinally between a first, lower position and a second, upper position, by an electric motor turning a threaded shaft, on which rides a nut assembly connected to a push rod, which in turn contacts the collet rod. In the first, lower position, the collet rod keeps the collet fingers of a collet finger assembly, which have external shoulders, engaged with a shoulder profile within the bore of the main body. A weight bar assembly is attached to the collet finger assembly. When the collet rod is moved to the second, upper position, the collet fingers disengage from the profile, and the weight bar assembly is moved forcefully downward, striking a swab piston and forcing cement out of the dump bailer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting with a flow module, such as an electronic faucet with a flow module.

Abstract: A plug-in pump includes a cylinder and a pump housing, wherein the cylinder has a cavity in which a movable piston is accommodated, wherein a first end of the piston delimits a pump chamber, and a second end of the piston is connected to a drive device for the piston. An inlet valve is arranged in the cylinder, which inlet valve connects the pump chamber to a feed line for a first fluid, and an outlet valve connects the pump chamber to an outlet. The pump housing has a cavity that forms a first chamber connected to a feed line for the first fluid, and at least one second chamber which is separated from the first chamber and which is connected to a fluid system of a second fluid. The first chamber is fluidically sealed off with respect to the second chamber.

Abstract: By monitoring pressure transients in a liquid within a liquid distribution system using only a single sensor, events such as the opening and closing of valves at specific fixtures are readily detected. The sensor, which can readily be coupled to a faucet bib, transmits an output signal to a computing device. Each such event can be identified by the device based by comparing characteristic features of the pressure transient waveform with previously observed characteristic features for events in the system. These characteristic features, which can include the varying pressure, derivative, and real Cepstrum of the pressure transient waveform, can be used to select a specific fixture where a valve open or close event has occurred. Flow to each fixture and leaks in the system can also be determined from the pressure transient signal. A second sensor disposed at a point disparate from the first sensor provides further event information.

Abstract: A lime slaker system for converting quicklime to a lime slurry includes: a lime feeder; a base slaker that includes a slaking chamber and a dilution chamber; a grit remover; and a modular water panel with a piping assembly in fluid communication with at least the base slaker and grit remover. The modular water panel is configured to independently control water distributed to the slaking compartment, the dilution chamber, and the grit remover.

Abstract: The water treatment system, particularly reverse-osmosis system, comprising a water line with a plurality of filter stages, is characterized in that before and after at least one filter stage a respective line branches off from the water line, which is provided with a valve adapted to be switched by a control device and leads to a pressure sensor device.

Abstract: A soil moisture sensor includes a capacitive probe configured to be inserted into soil, a series RLC circuit electrically coupled to the capacitive probe, a microcontroller configured to determine the capacitance value of the soil and determine the moisture content of the soil from the capacitance value of the soil.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing hand cleaning fluid material including a dispenser with a rechargeable battery powered by a solar generator, a remote electrically powered light source spaced from the dispenser directing light onto the solar panel of the dispenser and a control mechanism controlling the operation of the light source in relation to the status and operation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A scent delivery system includes scent delivery units that are configured to deliver scent at a variable scent level by being turned on and off successively according to a variable duty cycle. The scent delivery units are associated with corresponding base scent settings. The scent delivery system also includes a central controller configured to control the scent delivery units by generating command data based on a scenting schedule that indicates a desired activation time for more than one implicated scent delivery unit. The scenting schedule is configured to further indicate a scent level bias to be applied to the base scent settings that are associated with different of the implicated scent delivery units.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating the risk of and/or suppressing fires caused by lithium battery-powered personal computing devices used on the flight deck or in crew and passenger compartments onboard an aircraft. A fire detection and suppression pack is attached to a lithium-ion battery-powered portable personal computing device. The fire detection and suppression pack has a weight and volume consistent with and does not impair the use of the portable personal computing device. The fire detection and suppression pack is a full-time fire suppression system that is on hot standby at all times, independent of the computing device's power mode. The fire detection and suppression pack uses gases stored in canisters to provide cool-down, displacement suppressant to control and extinguish any fire source and associated burnable fuel required to sustain the fire event.

Abstract: A controller assembly for an automatic flush valve provides economical approach to transforming a manual flush valve into an automatic flush valve. The controller assembly includes a base for holding a battery set and a sensor into a combination, and a cap covering the combination. A solenoid valve and a membrane below the combination are receiving in a socket of a foundation. A ring is rotatably mounted around a bottom of the foundation. A sleeve passing the cap is mounted around the foundation and stands on the ring. The ring allows the controller assembly to be easily assembled with a valve body of any type into an automatic flush valve or to be easily removed from the automatic flush valve and replaced by a manual controller assembly so as to form a manual flush valve. Thereby, the transformation can be economical accomplished without replacing the existing valve body.

Abstract: An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes: a housing; a piston longitudinally movable relative to the housing; a flapper carried by the piston for operation between an open position and a closed position, the flapper operable to isolate an upper portion of a bore of the valve from a lower portion of the bore in the closed position; an opener connected to the housing for opening the flapper; and an abutment configured to receive the flapper in the closed position, thereby retaining the flapper in the closed position.

Abstract: A fluid supply system includes a tank, a shutoff valve, a fluid fill channel, a fluid supply channel, a fill detector, a pressure detector, and a controller. The shutoff valve includes a shared channel to enable fluid to flow from a fill hole to the tank and to flow from the tank to a fluid usage device. The pressure detector is provided in the fluid supply channel. The controller is configured to output a close instruction to the shutoff valve and configured to execute a processing to determine open valve malfunctions in the shutoff valve based on changes in pressure values which are input from the pressure detector. The controller stops the processing to determine open valve malfunctions when the fill detector detects that the fluid supply system is in the supplying state.

Abstract: A water flow control device (27) that may, for example, deliver water to a domestic dwelling (10). The device (27) includes a plurality of valves, which may include three valves (12, 13, 14). The valves (12, 13) are connected to an outlet conduit (16) by means of a flow restriction device (15). The valves (12, 13, 14) are electronically operated and are controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) (17).

Abstract: The safety protection device contains a control unit, a transmission unit, and a throttle unit. The control method contains the following steps: step A: setting a condition parameter X of the control unit; step B: engaging the safety protection device into an operational mode; step C: determining if an external condition X0 satisfies the condition parameter X; if yes, continuing to the step D; otherwise, returning to the step B; and step D: turning off the throttle unit through the transmission unit driven by the control unit. A valve is configured inside the throttle unit and connected to a base through a driving device and to the transmission unit. The control unit contains an energy storage/release device configured on the throttle unit. A moveable block is configured inside the energy storage/release device. The transmission unit, together with the block, controls the open and close of the valve.

Abstract: The present application provides a control valve actuator cooling system for providing a flow of cooling air to a control valve actuator. The control valve actuator cooling system may include a pressurized air source with the flow of cooling air, an air timing valve system, and a cooling air discharge port positioned about the control valve actuator such that the air timing valve system provides the flow of cooling air to the control valve actuator on an intermittent basis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stimulating an udder during milking, made up of a housing with a first connection (350, 351) and a second connection (352, 353), which housing can be grasped by a hand. The first connection connects the housing to a pulsator and the second connection connects the housing to a teat cup. A throttle valve (305, 306) is interposed between the first connection and the second connection. A control device (309) is housed in the housing and is adapted to bring the throttle valve, after a defined duration, from a partially open to an open position.

Abstract: A water rationing device that controls and manages municipal household water usage including a signal conveying wired pipe having electrically conductive wires, a flow sensor coupled to the signal conveying wired pipe, a flow gauge, a first and a second control valve coupled to the signal conveying wired pipe, a first and a second pipe connector having push connectors, a converter connected to the electrically conductive wires via the push connectors, a power supply connected to the converter, and a first and a second transceiver connected to a controller that receives the water flow signal from the water flow gauge, sends and receives control signals to the first control valve and the second control valve, and sends and receives signals from the first and second transceiver.

Abstract: A water timer is revealed. The water timer includes a base assembly, a valve assembly and a display module. The base assembly consists of a first housing and a second housing. The valve assembly having a conducting tube and a valve member is for turning on or off water supply. The display module is composed of a first space, a circuit board, an input member, and a rectangular column connected to t first space and used for receiving a battery box. The water timer features on that the display module is arranged with an integrated rectangular column used for receiving a battery box and the display module is locked on the first housing.

Abstract: Methods for managing power consumption of a battery-powered device such as a fluid dispenser are disclosed. One method includes setting a duty cycle of a sensor used by the device to a first range and setting a timer upon detection of a triggering event and also setting the duty cycle to a triggering event and also setting the duty cycle to a second range. The method continues by checking for another triggering event during the second range. The checking step is repeated if the timer has not lapsed, but if the timer has lapsed the process returns to the setting step. Related methods may be used to adjust the duty cycle based upon a detected characteristic such as light, sound, motion or time.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a building heating system. The system includes a controller that operates the heating system in three modes of operation. The controller controls a valve that regulates the flow of steam to the building water loop. By maintaining a constant steam flow rate during peak demand periods, steam consumption during peak demand periods are reduced while maintaining a comfortable environment within the building.

Abstract: An automatic excess water flow saving system reduces the water loss by water outlets in houses and other water consuming installations. The system controls the water flow through an outlet by toggling the water flow rate. An actuator activates a timer which opens and closes a valve intermittently and continuously while a water outlet is open.

Abstract: An automatic rain barrel is disclosed, providing the ability to easily use a mix of rainwater and water from another source for tasks such as watering landscaping.

Abstract: A control device for a solenoid valve that controls a solenoid valve included in a hydraulic control device using a control signal set through feedback control such that an actual current that flows through a solenoid of the solenoid valve matches a command current, including a command current setting device for setting the command current within a range of an upper-limit current. The command current setting device is operable for changing the upper-limit current from a first upper-limit value to a second upper-limit value that is smaller than the first upper-limit value in accordance with a reduction in voltage of a battery that supplies electric power to the solenoid.

Abstract: A system including a hydraulic accumulator, a pressure sensor, a fluid source and a data processor to detect a pre-charge pressure is provided. The hydraulic accumulator includes first and second fluid chambers and a separator therebetween. The hydraulic accumulator has an associated pre-charge pressure. The pressure sensor is connected to the first fluid chamber. The data processor is connected to the pressure sensor. The data processor is configured to determine a first and second rate of pressure changes, and a transition pressure between the first and second rates. The approximate pre-charge pressure is determined based on the transition pressure.

Abstract: A faucet assembly including a handle that rotates about a rotational axis extending perpendicular to an angled interface for adjusting a water parameter.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating valve having an electrical control unit mutually connected by a first plug connector. The electrical control unit controls the pressure-regulating valve using a regulated current signal and also renders possible the connection to at least one additional device. The electrical control unit includes two additional plug connectors. Electrical energy is supplied to the electrical control unit by way of a second plug connector and a signal-carrying connection is produced, by a data bus, to a higher-priority controller or to a set-point generator. A third plug connector connects the electrical control unit to one or several bus-compatible electrical devices, or connects the electrical control unit to an additional pressure-regulating valve without a dedicated electrical control unit. The system can be used in electro-hydraulic feedforward controllers of direction-control valves, variable hydraulic pumps and variable hydraulic motors, and in vehicular work machines.

Abstract: A valve arrangement including a valve and a valve actuation arrangement is provided. The valve has a known flow profile. The valve includes a valve member and a valve stem operably coupled to the valve member for adjusting the position of the valve member. The valve actuation arrangement is operably coupled to the valve stem. The valve actuation arrangement includes a drive arrangement and a control arrangement. The drive arrangement is operably coupled to the valve stem and configured to adjust an actual stem position of the valve stem based on an actual stem positional signal. The control arrangement is configured to generate the actual stem positional signal. The control arrangement is configured to generate the actual stem positional signal based on an input control signal representing a desired stem position based on a desired flow profile being different than the known flow profile.

Abstract: A wave generation component during an off cycle when the on-off valve is closed to build pressure from the process gas in an accumulation volume. During an on cycle when the on-off valve is open the wave generation component releases the process gas according to a time constant. A flow restrictor installed downstream in a throat of the on-off valve, outputs the rapid square waves to the conduit at a predefined magnitude. The flow restrictor is selected to have an impedance that is high enough to significantly raise the time constant during the on cycle such that pressure decay in each square wave pulse over the on cycle decreases to within a tolerance, wherein the time constant is at least in part a function of the flow restrictor impedance.

Abstract: A method of controlling actuation of a flush apparatus includes the steps of configuring a control module to actuate the flush apparatus for completing a flushing cycle periodically; and after a given unused time period of the flush apparatus, enabling the control module to enter into a sleep mode to stop an actuation of the flush apparatus. Therefore, during the rush hours, the control module is configured to actuate the flush apparatus frequently and during the off rush hours, the control module is configured to actuate the flush apparatus seldom.

Abstract: A mole delivery system and method provide pulses of known molar quantities as a function of the time duration of each pulse, which in turn is derived as a function of the ideal gas law. In one embodiment of the system, the system comprises: a chamber of known volume and controlled and known temperature; a pressure sensor to measure the pressure in the chamber; an outlet valve to a process tool; an inlet valve to charge the chamber with the delivery gas; and a control system configured and arranged so as to control the operation of the outlet valve, control the amount of each gas pulse by controlling the timing of the valve to the process tool.

Abstract: A secondary toilet reservoir water shutoff system and method for use in the water tank of a toilet assembly. The secondary toilet reservoir water shutoff having a beneficial use with toilets to prevent the wasting of water in a failing system. The secondary toilet reservoir water shutoff being activated by a toilet flush handle causing rotation of a timing device thereby opening of a secondary valve for a period of time allowing for the passage of water, the time determined by the degree of rotation of the timing device.

Abstract: An electronic faucet (10) comprises a spout (12) having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a single capacitive sensor (26) coupled to a portion of the faucet. The single capacitive sensor provides both a touch sensor and a proximity sensor for the electronic faucet.

Abstract: A system for delivering pulses of a desired mass of gas to a tool, comprising: a mass flow controller including flow sensor, a control valve and a dedicated controller configured and arranged to receive a recipe of a sequence of steps for opening and closing the control valve so as to deliver as sequence of gas pulses as a function of the recipe. The mass flow controller is configured and arranged so as to operate in either one of at least two modes: as a traditional mass flow controller (MFC) mode or in a pulse gas delivery (PGD) mode.

Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation controllers comprising: a housing; a control unit including a first microcontroller configured to execute irrigation programs and a first set of code; and a removable plug-in device that removably mates with a portion of the irrigation controller and communicationally couples to the first microcontroller, wherein the plug-in device comprises a memory storing a second set of code to replace at least a portion of the first set of code, wherein the plug-in device is configured to re-flash at least a portion of the first set of code allowing a copy of the second set of code to overwrite at least the portion of the first set of code; wherein the first set of code comprises a bootloader that writes the copy of the second set of code over the first set of code with the exception of the bootloader that is not written over.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve for use in in-floor pool cleaning systems. The valve has a housing with an inlet port, an internal cavity and multiple outlet ports. A drive source, which can be an impeller positioned in the cavity and in fluid communication with the inlet port, is directly or indirectly (such as by a gear assembly) connected to a fluid control plate that has one or more apertures. As fluid enters the cavity through the inlet port the drive rotates the fluid control plate. As the plate rotates the aperture(s) rotate to allow the fluid to pass through the aperture(s) and into the respective outlet ports.

Abstract: A system comprising a system comprising a valve; a controller adapted to actuate the valve; a pressurized source connected to the valve; a hose and nozzle assembly connected to the pressurized source through the valve; and a switch connected to the nozzle assembly; wherein a flow from the pressurized source to the nozzle may be interrupted by the valve and by the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient, such as a hospital bed, is provided. The apparatus includes a patient support surface and at least one fluid containing bladder. A pressure control assembly is operably coupled with the bladder. When the fluid pressure within the bladder falls outside of an acceptable range of pressure values, the active adjustment of the pressure within the bladder is initiated by the pressure control assembly if the pressure does not return to the acceptable range of pressure values within a time period, e.g., a time delay, that has a variable length.

Abstract: A water management control device is configured to operate in a time mode and a depth mode to control the flow of water through an internal passageway based on user-selected programming inputs relating to watering by time or watering by depth.

Abstract: Detailed are actuators especially useful in connection with valves forming parts of water-recirculation systems of pools or spas. Transit times of components of the actuators may be measured or otherwise determined and signals sent to the actuators to cease movement of the components between boundary positions. Consequently, dynamic adjustment of the valving capabilities of the systems may be achieved.

Abstract: A hot water heater includes a controller, a hot water tank and a sensor operatively coupled to the hot water tank and the controller. The sensor is configured to detect use of hot water from the hot water tank. The controller is operative to determine an interval of non-use of hot water from the hot water tank; and enable a drain cycle to withdraw a portion of water from the hot water tank.

Abstract: A valve control system includes general-purpose valves arranged in a pipe that allows the flow of fluid, first and second sensors, and a safety controller. The general-purpose valves are valves that can be opened and closed according to electric signals, and may be, e.g., solenoid valves, respectively. The first and second sensors are sensors that detect a state of fluid flowing from the corresponding valves, and are formed of, e.g., pressure switches, respectively. The safety controller may satisfy safety standards, and outputs signals for controlling the valves based on signals provided from the first and second sensors, respectively.

Abstract: An electronic shower system comprises in major part a console and plumbing assembly and effective for reducing water use and cost by enabling the storage and use of preset shower settings, the shower console configured to adjust the flow of hot and cold water from hot and cold water lines fluidly attached to a shower faucet via the use of motors and water valves and where the console can further comprise such additional features as a radio unit.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices and methods for providing operational power to a solar-powered irrigation control system. In one aspect, a method includes producing electrical energy from light, storing the electrical energy in a capacitive module, and operating an irrigation controller using the stored electrical energy independent of another power source. In another aspect, a device includes a control system comprising a computer having a programmed irrigation schedule which operates at least one irrigation device, a photovoltaic power module, and a capacitive module connected to said photovoltaic power module to store the electrical energy provided by the photovoltaic power module, where the capacitive module provides power for the control system to operate the at least one irrigation device independent of another power source.

Abstract: A mesofluidic scale digital valve system includes a first mesofluidic scale valve having a valve body including a bore, wherein the valve body is configured to cooperate with a solenoid disposed substantially adjacent to the valve body to translate a poppet carried within the bore. The mesofluidic scale digital valve system also includes a second mesofluidic scale valve disposed substantially perpendicular to the first mesofluidic scale valve. The mesofluidic scale digital valve system further includes a control element in communication with the solenoid, wherein the control element is configured to maintain the solenoid in an energized state for a fixed period of time to provide a desired flow rate through an orifice of the second mesofluidic valve.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture includes a body and a mixing valve within the body. The mixing valve includes a first linear actuator for controlling a first flow control valve within the mixing valve and a second linear actuator for controlling a second flow control valve within the mixing valve. A controller is located within the body and is configured to send control signals to control actuation of the linear actuators.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for regulating the flow of a liquid from a liquid provider through a liquid distribution system. The distribution system has a major liquid distribution channel connected to a plurality of minor liquid distribution channels providing the liquid to a multiplicity of users. A plurality of controllable user valves are interposed in the multiplicity of user channels. A liquid monitor senses a liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel. A user control changes selective controllable user valves for restoring a desired liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel.

Abstract: An externally mounted mechanical device for mechanically closing a pressurized tank or cylinder valve, such as a grill tank, is provided. The device comprises a securing mechanism, a rotatable mechanism having a handle recess to receive a handle of pressurized tank or cylinder valve, and a torsional spring, wherein the torsional spring is configured to store potential torsional force and then release the torsional force by way of a timed release mechanism. The mechanical device comprises a securing device for securing the mechanical device to a tank or cylinder. Torsional force may be stored in torsional spring by way of a ratchet and pawl that also is configured to release the stored torsional force by way of a timed release.

Abstract: A method and a device for supply of a dialyser in a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid is disclosed. At least one dialysis fluid concentrate is mixed with water to produce the dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid concentrate is prepared in a reservoir unit in a given amount. A control and arithmetic unit calculates the dialysis fluid rate (Qd) such that, after a given treatment time (TB) has passed, a given residual amount of dialysis fluid concentrate or no residual amount remains in the reservoir unit. It is preferable to empty the reservoir unit by the end of treatment.