Abstract: An electronic faucet comprises a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a single capacitive sensor 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 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 valve assembly comprises a conduit having a throughbore and defining a longitudinal axis, a sealing member that is moveable between an open configuration in which the throughbore of the conduit is open, and a sealing configuration in which the sealing member is arranged to substantially obturate the throughbore of the conduit, wherein in the sealing configuration, the sealing member seals the throughbore along a sealing line at least a part of which is angled relative to a direction perpendicular to the axis of the throughbore.

Abstract: A method for controllably delivering hydrocarbon gas, comprises selectively opening and closing a valve to control the flow of hydrocarbon gas from a pressure vessel to a supply line for a hydrocarbon gas-fueled device, detecting any airborne hydrocarbon gas, attempting to move the valve from an open state to a closed state in response to detecting airborne hydrocarbon gas while the valve is in the open state, and releasing a liquid sealant to the supply line in response to detecting escaped gas after at least attempting to move the valve to the closed state.

Abstract: An electronic faucet (10) mounted on a countertop (12) includes a housing, at least one fluid inlet line (24a, 24b) extending into the housing, a fluid outlet (46) from the housing, a solenoid (142, 143) for operating a valve controlling the fluid flow between at least one inlet line and the outlet, and a control circuit (206) for controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control device featuring a control module featuring one or more modules configured to provide a first control signal for controlling a first device in order to open or close a second device; and also configured to respond to a change in a parameter sensed in relation to controlling the first device, and to provide a second control signal for controlling the first device based at least partly on the change in the parameter in relation to time. The first device may be a motor; the second device is a valve; and the parameter may be current. In operation, the first control signal is for turning on the motor in order to open or close the valve, and the second control signal is for turning off the motor in order to open or close the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for lubrication of a work vehicle, which device includes: a tank (1) for storage of lubricant; a number of delivery points (8a-g) at which lubricant is supplied to the tools of the work vehicle or other parts that need to be lubricated; a distribution block (5) including a number of branching points (6a-g) that all are connected to a delivery point (8a-g); a pump (2) for delivering lubricant from the tank (1) to the distribution block (5) and further on to the delivery points (8a-g); a control system (3), for regulating the supply of lubricant.

Abstract: A passive cycle skipping valve comprising a pawl and a wheel comprising a first plurality of pins, wherein a distal end of the pawl is configured to engage any of the first plurality of pins where when the second pin is separated from the first pin by at least a threshold pin separation distance, the valve opens and when the second pin is not separated from the first pin by at least the threshold pin separation distance, the valve does not open.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining endpoint of a fluid supply vessel in which fluid flow is controlled through a flow passage disposed in an interior volume of the fluid supply vessel with a static flow restricting device and a selectively actuatable valve element upon establishing fluid flow. The endpoint determination can be employed to terminate fluid supply from the fluid supply vessel and/or to switch from a fluid-depleted supply vessel to a fresh vessel for continuity or renewal of fluid supply operation. The apparatus and method are suitable for use with fluidutilizing apparatus such as ion implanters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system and method for controllably delivering hydrocarbon gas to a hydrocarbon gas-fueled device. According to one embodiment, a valve having an open state and a closed state is used to control the flow of hydrocarbon gas from a pressure vessel to a supply line. A hydrocarbon gas sensor detects airborne hydrocarbon gas and generates a signal in response. A controller automatically moves the valve to the closed state in response to the signal from the hydrocarbon gas sensor while the valve is in the open state. The controller automatically releases liquid sealant to the supply line in response to a continued signal from the hydrocarbon gas sensor after at least attempting to move the valve to the closed state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism, intended for assembly on an irrigation emitter, which includes a cylindrical housing (2) in which the pressure of the water flowing through the emitter moves a first disc-shaped part (3), thus rotating a tubular body (7) which in turn rotates a cylindrical part (9) which is connected to a second disc-shaped part (12), to which end screws (15) are connected, the extent to which said screws are tightened defining in the displacement and rotation of the parts the operation of the emitter during either one of the possible time periods relative to the total time commanded by the irrigation controller.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, methods of implementing irrigation control are provided that detect a presence of a first module coupled with a control unit of an irrigation controller, the control unit operating in accordance with a bootloader set of code and a first set of code to implement irrigation control, identify that the first module stores a second set of code, and activate the bootloader set of code to replace the first set of code with the second set of code. Also described are various different types of modular controllers, expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of the controller and these modules in the controller.

Abstract: A groundwater control system and method for regulating the level of groundwater in an agricultural field according to selected criteria including a drainage tile line having a water flow regulator that is computer controlled through a communications link in response to the selected criteria to provide a water table profile for the field.

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 groundwater control system and method for regulating the level of groundwater in an agricultural field according to selected criteria concerning the purity of the groundwater including a drainage tile line having a water flow regulator that is computer controlled through a communications link in response to the selected criteria.

Abstract: A programmable automated water flushing system (PAWFS) allows for two way communication and remote flushing unit management through a secure web access point or a secure interface in signal communication with a supervisory control and data acquisition system. The PAWFS is configurable to provide and log real time data. The PAWFS can be integrated with exterior water management devices. The PAWFS is configurable to cause flushing of water retention areas when disinfectant residual falls below selectable parameters. The PAWFS can be programmed to flush or clear liquids in accordance with at least one time-based function.

Abstract: A water-and-hot-water mixing device includes a mixing valve unit which mixes hot water and water and discharges mixed water therefrom, an operation part which sets a predetermined temperature, a mixed water thermistor which detects a temperature of mixed water, a hot-water thermistor which detects a temperature of hot water supplied to the mixing valve unit, and a controller which performs a feedback control of a discharge water temperature by controlling the mixing valve unit. The controller starts the feedback control when the controller determines that a change amount of the temperature of the hot water per unit time detected by the hot-water thermistor is not more than a fixed value and the temperature of the hot water detected by the hot-water thermistor is not lower than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A fluid transferer, including a volume changing part; a reciprocating member configured to reciprocate to expand a volume of the volume changing part to draw a fluid from an upstream side of a transfer direction and compress the volume thereof to transfer the drawn fluid to a downstream side thereof with pressure; and a drive controller configured to control reciprocation of the reciprocating member such that a time for compressing the volume of the volume changing part is longer than a time for expanding the volume thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a water damage prevention system that has a residential or industrial/commercial facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a remotely controllable base station with shut-off/on mechanism that is in wireless or wired communication with a convenient controller. The base station with shut-off/on mechanism is interposed within a water line from a water main to the living or operating quarters portion of a residential or a industrial/commercial facility or building, such that activation of the base station with shut-off/on valve operates to prevent flow of water from the water main to the living quarters when the residential home or industrial/commercial facility or building is vacated or unsupervised. In this manner, damage to the living quarters or the industrial/commercial facility or building from failure of water pipes running through the living or working quarters is prevented during times that the shut-off mechanism is activated.

Abstract: A gas valve control device, including at least: a timing controller, and a valve, including at least a rotating button, a contact plate, an electromagnetic valve, a pressing spring, a valve cover, a valve pole, a fixing pin, a plug bar, and a valve body having a cavity. Advantages of the gas valve control device include: integration of a timing controller and a control valve; timing control can be implemented mechanically or electrically; compact structure and good appearance; easy operation; safe and reliable; and accurate timing.

Abstract: An expandable irrigation controller for controlling a plurality of watering stations in an irrigation system includes a removable front panel and an inner housing, connected to the front panel. The removable front panel includes a plurality of manual controls operable to input instructions for a watering program, a memory operable to store the input instructions and a controller operable to execute the watering program. The inner housing includes a control connectors which are connected electrically to the controller and a station module operable to provide an ON/OFF signal to at least one watering station of the irrigation system. The control connectors are positioned in a substantially continuous line extending across the inner housing such that the station module is connectable to the control connectors at substantially any desired location. Multiple modules of different sizes may be mounted in the inner housing as desired.

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: A water flow metering device for use as a handheld or ground-based sprinkler includes a device body having a water inlet, a water distribution head in fluid communication with the device body, and a flow pattern selector. The flow pattern selector is coupled to the water distribution head and meters the amount of water sprayed onto the surrounding area. The flow pattern selector includes indicia that provide flow rate information to an operator. A pressure control valve regulates the flow rate in accordance with the information provided by the flow pattern selector. The water flow metering device may also include a timing mechanism having a timer which closes the water supply after a set period of time. A pressure transducer or other flow rate measuring device may allow the timer to operate the device for a predetermined amount of water distribution in inches per hour.

Abstract: A hose hanger device for use in combination with a water timer comprises a housing defining a hose support surface for supporting a hose coiled thereon, and a receptacle sized to receive the base assembly of the water timer therein with receptacle openings corresponding to the inlet and outlet of the base assembly. An opening is defined in the front face of the housing to permit passage of the base assembly therethrough for placement within the receptacle. The receptacle is configured to support the base assembly so that an input and display module may be removably mounted on the base assembly with the module substantially flush with the front face of the housing. The receptacle supports the base assembly with its outlet fitting accessible for engaging a water hose. An angled water conduit situated within the housing is coupled between the inlet fitting of the base assembly and a conduit segment connected to a hose bib.

Abstract: A water sensing device for positioning at or over a waste outlet to provide an indication of the duration of water flow out of the outlet. The device may be configured as a plug or waste cover. The indication may be by light sources on the top surface of the device.

Abstract: A system for processing one or more substrates according to the present invention includes a diversion valve that can deliver two or more process fluids to a dispensing device through a common line/pipe. The present invention also includes related methods.

Abstract: Improving the accuracy of the flow rate of a valve in a fiuidic delivery device in which a desired flow rate may be achieved by varying the duty cycle of the valve. The flow rate of fluid delivery from the valve over its lifetime is stabilized by minimizing the voltage OPENING time of the valve to account for valve and piezoelectric actuator drift. Also, the valve OPENING time of one or more fiuidic parameters that impact on the flow rate delivery by the valve and differ among fiuidic delivery devices is compensated to optimize the flow rate accuracy.

Abstract: A timing device includes a timer and a flow meter mounted on the timer. The timer has a water inlet port and a water outlet port. The flow meter includes a first guide pipe mounted on the water outlet port and provided with a mounting chamber, a detector mounted on the first guide pipe, a rotation ring rotatably mounted in the mounting chamber, a magnetic member mounted on the rotation ring and movable to pass the detector, and a second guide pipe mounted on the first guide pipe. Thus, the water flow rate in the flow meter is calculated according to the times of the magnetic member passing the detector so that when the flow rate of the water passing through the flow meter reaches a preset value, the timer stops operating so as to control the water flow exactly.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrically driven actuator having a power supply that has an energy storage unit (7) is provided. At the energy storage unit, an energy quantity meter (8) continuously adds up the amount of energy stored and withdrawn. An actuating process is only carried out when there is sufficient energy available in the energy storage unit to carry out the actuating process in full.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing air (3) into a hydropneumatic reservoir (1) connected to pipework (2) comprising a sensor (6) of the pressure in the reservoir, a valve (9) controlled by a signal from the sensor and opening into the open air on one side, a tube (8) connected at one end to the valve and at the opposite end to the pipework (2), a first check valve (11) arranged in the tube to prevent liquid from travelling towards the open air, and a second check valve (5) arranged in the pipework between the reservoir (1) and the tube (8), the second check valve (5) being in the closed state when the pressure in the pipework (2) on the side nearest the tube (8) is less than the pressure in the reservoir (1).

Abstract: A flush valve actuator includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and a passage therebetween. A diaphragm is disposed within the passage and is movable between two positions so as to control a flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet. A variable flow control is positioned between the inlet and the diaphragm and adjusts a flow rate of fluid through the passage. A filter is positioned between the inlet and the variable flow control and removes debris from fluid flowing through the passage. A solenoid is activated for a certain time period so as to cause the diaphragm to move between the two positions. The flow rate and the activation time are defined so as to allow approximately one-eighth of a gallon of water to enter the outlet per activation of the solenoid.

Abstract: A water timer system includes a base assembly and an input and display module. The base assembly includes (i) a conduit structure defining an inlet, an outlet, and a passage extending therebetween, (ii) a first housing defining a first chamber, (iii) a motor located within the first chamber and having an output member, (iv) a gear set located within the first chamber, (v) a valve member movable between a first valve position in which the valve member is positioned to prevent water flow through the passage and a second valve position in which the valve member is positioned to enable water flow through the passage, wherein movement of the gear set causes the valve member to move between the first valve position and the second valve position, and (vi) a receptacle structure defining a first aperture and a second aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved dewatering tank system that allows for safely controlling a water stream exiting the dewatering tank system. The apparatus can include a sound velocity detector, a control system, and a control element. The sound velocity detector can include a transducer, a detector, and a transmitter. The control system can include a computer and a program product. The apparatus can optionally include a dewatering tank, a drain line, and a controllable valve. The apparatus allows for transmitting sound energy through the water stream flowing in the drain lined that is connected to the dewatering tank, calculating the velocity of the sound energy as the sound energy travels through the water stream, monitoring the velocity of the sound energy for a period of time, and controlling the position of the controllable valve depending on the calculated velocity of the sound energy.

Abstract: The invention is a system named FLO-NO-MO. FLO-NO-MO prevents waste of water associated with toilets which do not properly retain their supply water as is common when a flapper does not seal properly or another toilet component fails. This is accomplished by integrating a mechanical style water supply timer at the point of water supply entry in a toilet tank and interconnecting the mechanical style water supply timer to a custom-made flush handle. The water supply valve in a FLO-NO-MO system opens only upon the actuation of the toilet tank flush handle without respect to the water level in the tank. The water supply valve closes automatically after passage of time requisite to fill the tank regardless of whether the tank held the water.

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: The water hammerless opening device comprises an actuator operating type valve installed on the fluid passage, an electro-pneumatic conversion device to supply the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa to the afore-mentioned actuator operating type valve, a vibration sensor removably fixed to the pipe passage on the upstream side of the actuator operating type valve, and a tuning box to which the vibration detecting signal Pr detected by the vibration sensor is inputted, through which the control signal Sc to control the step operating pressure Ps? of the afore-mentioned 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa is outputted to the electro-pneumatic conversion device, and with which the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa, of the step operating pressure Ps? which makes the vibration detecting signal Pr nearly zero, is outputted from the electro-pneumatic conversion by adjusting the control signal Sc.

Abstract: With a gas shutoff device in the related art, a non-uniform gas layer can be produced by mixing of a gas of a different type from the gas currently in use during a shift in the amount of heat or installation or replacement, and an unexpected flow rate may be detected due to a disruption in the propagation of ultrasonic waves, thereby causing an erroneous determination of a flow rate abnormality or a sensor abnormality. With the gas shutoff device according to the invention, a valve-closing timer section 14 starts to time based on a valve-closing signal which is output by the flow rate abnormality or the sensor abnormality, and outputs a valve-opening signal to a valve driving section 12 if a release input is accepted from outside within a setting time period.

Abstract: A timing device includes a timer and a flow meter mounted on the timer. The timer has a water inlet port and a water outlet port. The flow meter includes a first guide pipe mounted on the water outlet port and provided with a mounting chamber, a detector mounted on the first guide pipe, a rotation ring rotatably mounted in the mounting chamber, a magnetic member mounted on the rotation ring and movable to pass the detector, and a second guide pipe mounted on the first guide pipe. Thus, the water flow rate in the flow meter is calculated according to the times of the magnetic member passing the detector so that when the flow rate of the water passing through the flow meter reaches a preset value, the timer stops operating so as to control the water flow exactly.

Abstract: A water supply apparatus of a hydrotherapy device is disclosed. The water supply apparatus includes a motor, a control module, a pressure switch, an ozone module, a first magnetic valve, a second magnetic valve, and a water outlet module. The control module is for driving the motor to retrieve water, and for turning the first magnetic valve and the second magnetic valve on or off and for determining the release of ozone. And by controlling the on/off of the magnetic valves, the operation mode of the water supply apparatus, such as a spa mode and a micro-bubble mode, is changed. Additionally, the control module further includes a leakage detection unit and an overload detection unit, in order to detect a power leakage and a power overload.

Abstract: A water flow regulation system provides for the distribution of water between one or more water sources and one or more water distribution destinations based on a set of rules. Some embodiments provide for systems and methods of regulating water flow based on various status information, such as weather, cost, under-ground moisture, time or season.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow that includes a chamber having a first valve and a second valve; a sensor that senses a pressure parameter associated with the chamber; and a controller programmed to operate the first valve and the second valve in response to the sensed pressure parameter may be used to control for flow and to obtain data relating to a formation and/or formation fluid.

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 closed system water conservation apparatus for connection to a hot water supply and delivery system includes a first valve disposed along the hot water conduit upstream of the delivery opening for selectively directing water between a first path for receipt and distribution by the delivery opening and a second path for use by a toilet; a second valve disposed along the hot water conduit upstream of the toilet, the second valve being in fluid communication with the cold water source and the first valve for selectively directing water to the toilet from at least one of the second path and the cold water source, and a water transfer conduit extending in fluid communication between the first valve and the second valve along the second path for intermediate cold water flow therethrough between the first valve and the second valve.

Abstract: A commercial hot water system includes a boiler, a storage tank, and a hot water delivery line connected between the storage tank and at least one plumbing fixture along with a cold water delivery line connection between said plumbing fixture, a cold water source and said boiler. A pump, interconnected between the hot and cold water delivery lines, enables circulation of water to the fixtures. A timer and controller provides for turning on the pump and a temperature sensor, connected to the controller, is effective in stopping the pump to prevent heated water from being circulated through the cold water line.

Abstract: An electronic faucet has controller is configured to selectively open and close a valve to provide fluid flow through the valve and a passageway of the faucet. The controller is programmed to monitor a maintenance condition of the electronic faucet and to selectively open and close the valve to generate a fluid flow pattern through the passageway to provide an indication to a user of an existing maintenance condition.

Abstract: A reducing agent tank, which is intended for providing a reducing agent to an exhaust gas system and which has a first tank for storing the reducing agent, a second tank for storing the reducing agent, a line for recirculating the reducing agent from the second tank into the first tank and a check valve for closing the line in a selective fluid-tight manner, includes a diagnostic device, with which an incorrect function of the check valve can be detected.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a first liquid within a device including fabricated microstructures for transporting the first liquid through a system of capillary channels and cavities with a closed configuration. The method including transporting the first liquid through the system by capillary force only, stopping a flow of the first liquid temporarily at a capillary stop, switching on the flow of the first liquid after a desired stop time is elapsed, adjusting the stop time of the first liquid by a length and a cross-section of the control capillary between a beginning of the control capillary and its end at the capillary stop, metering the first liquid to be manipulated, and holding a metered amount of the first liquid during the stop time within a cavity.

Abstract: A dust collector system including a plurality of air filters that are at least partially self-cleaning via a pulsed air system. The dust collector system presents a self-aligning, tool-free assembly for providing the pulsed air. The pulsed air system comprises an air distribution assembly including an air distribution manifold having a plurality of purge pipes and a frame for supporting at least some of the purge pipes, wherein at least two or more of the purge pipes are coupled together in a generally unitary assembly; and a positioning assembly for selectively positioning and removably locking the air distribution manifold in either of a service position or an operational position.

Abstract: An optical system includes one or several passive optical detectors sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling, for example, the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers. The passive optical sensors provide signals to flow controllers, including control electronics and flow valves and require only very small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. To control the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers based on ambient light, the controller executes novel algorithms.

Abstract: A programmable fluidic device for generating droplets with resolutions of micrometer in size and milliseconds in generation timing is provided. The programmable fluidic device has a valve forming a droplet cutter, which contains a fluid deflectable membrane capable of controlling the flow of a dispensing fluid from a fluidic dispensing channel. The programmable fluidic device is able to perform temporal control over the droplet generation independent from the size control.