Abstract: A monitor device is configured to monitor a system, such as a utility system and/or appliance. The monitor device includes sensor(s) that measure characteristic(s) of the system, and data storage that stores parameter data that is provided from a remote service. The parameter data includes thresholds, signatures, and/or other information that describes a typical operational state of the system. The monitor device includes software that executes locally to compare current sensor data to the parameter data and determine whether the current operational state of the system is within the bounds of the typical state as defined by the parameter data. In instances where the current state is atypical, indicating a possible problem with the system, a notification can be sent describing the anomaly. The monitor device can also perform other action(s) to correct the problem or mitigate possible damage, and can operate autonomously if a network connection is unavailable.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling power to a water heater. The method comprises providing the water heater in a locked state, wherein at least one heating element of the water heater is inoperable when the water heater is in the locked state, coupling a digital key module to a communications port of the water heater, and receiving a digital key from the digital key module through the communications port. The method comprises coupling an electrical grid controller to the water heater through the communications port and placing the water heater in an unlocked state, wherein the at least one heating element of the water heater is operable when the water heater is in the unlocked state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing purified water comprising a step (a) of passing water through a first mixed bed ion exchanger comprising beads having a diameter between 0.5 and 0.7 mm and a step (b) of passing water through a second mixed bed ion exchanger comprising beads having a diameter of less than 0.5 mm. The invention further relates to a module comprising the first and second mixed bed ion exchanger and to a water treatment system for producing ultrapure water comprising the first and second mixed bed ion exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention is a water meter and leak detection system that has a private or public property(ies) facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a water meter collection node system with shut-off/on mechanism that has wireless Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a private or corporate network, or internet connection that transfer water parameter data to a remote computer or server. Or the system can consist of a water meter collection node that communicates by Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a data communication hub whereby the communication hub is in wired or wireless communication with an internet router that communicates with an internet connection, or with a private or commercial network system, to a remote computer/server or a cloud-computing commercial service.

Abstract: An actuator of an environmental control system of a building including a motor and a drive device driven by the motor and configured to drive a valve within a range of positions. The actuator includes one or more printed circuit boards including one or more processing circuits configured to obtain a raw measurement data set from transducers and generate a flow signal based on the raw measurement data set. The flow signal indicates a flow rate of a fluid through a conduit. The one or more processing circuits are configured to determine an actuator position setpoint based on a flow rate setpoint and the flow signal and operate the motor to drive the drive device to the actuator position setpoint. The motor, the drive device, and the one or more printed circuit boards are located within a common device chassis.

Abstract: A timed touchless faucet assembly for indicating to a user a time remaining for a flow of water includes a spout that is coupled to a surface proximate to a basin. An upper end of the spout is positioned over the basin. A sensor, which is proximity type, and a barometer are coupled to the spout. A controller, which comprises a power module, is operationally coupled to the sensor, the barometer, the spout, and a water source. The controller is positioned to receive a signal from the sensor when a hand of the user is positioned between the upper end of the spout and the basin. The controller is configured to selectively fluidically couple the spout to the water source concurrently with coupling the barometer to the power module. The barometer provides an indication to the user of the time remaining for the flow of water through the spout.

Abstract: An actuation trigger including a housing; a piston in operable communication with the housing; a pressure source inlet to the trigger the piston being responsive to source pressure cycles; a first one-direction axial incrementing feature movable with piston movement; a rod movable with the piston and positionally restricted by the one-direction axial incrementing feature, the rod initially being part of a dynamic seal preventing actuation pressure access to a tool actuatable by the actuation pressure.

Abstract: Systems for analyzing and monitoring deionization tank system performance in a fluid flow system and generating delivery schedules for servicing deionization tanks can include a conductivity sensor and a fluid flow meter. Data regarding the amount and conductivity of fluid flowing through the deionization tank system can be used to predict a remaining capacity of the deionization tank system. A central server can determine the remaining capacity of deionization tank systems at a plurality of service locations. The central server can generate a delivery schedule for servicing deionization tank systems at each of the plurality of service locations based on the determined remaining capacities. Other parameters can be used to optimize efficiency of the delivery schedule while meeting the needs of each of the service locations.

Abstract: A system is provided for tracking, in a distributed water infrastructure, water usage by category. The system may comprise at least one processor configured to receive from at least one sensor associated with the distributed water infrastructure signals indicative of water usage in the distributed water infrastructure. The system may, based on the signals indicative of water usage, construct a plurality of profiles. The system may assign each profile to one of a plurality of water usage categories. The system may collect, from the at least one sensor, signals indicative of water usage for substantially all water delivered through the distributed water infrastructure in a time period. The system may construct a plurality of water usage profiles in the aggregate, encompassing substantially all water delivered through the distributed water infrastructure in the time period. The system may assign each constructed water usage profile to one of the plurality of water usage categories.

Abstract: A water temperature control system and a water temperature control method are provided. The water temperature control system includes a thermostatic spool, a temperature sensor, a controller, and a stepper motor. The thermostatic spool is configured to mix water at a first temperature and water at a second temperature to produce output water. The temperature sensor is configured to sense a current water temperature of the output water based on a sensing frequency to provide a current water temperature signal. The controller is configured to provide a step number control signal according to a target water temperature signal and a current water temperature signal. Based on a step frequency greater than the sensing frequency, the stepper motor is configured to provide a step number according to a step number control signal to adjust a flow rate of the water at the first temperature and a flow rate of the water at the second temperature.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to systems and methods for calculating a thermal sensitivity score. In some aspects, the method includes steps for receiving temperature information for a first geographic location, receiving resource consumption data for each of a plurality of similar consumption locations in the first geographic location, and generating, by the processors, a thermal sensitivity model based on the temperature information and the resource consumption data for each of the plurality of similar consumption locations. In some aspects, the steps can further include computing a thermal sensitivity score for each of the similar consumption locations using the thermal sensitivity model. Systems and machine readable media are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved filtering system and method for filtering effluent water for use in irrigation and other applications. The improved filtering system offers significant advancements to the flow rate, efficiency, and reliability of effluent water filtration. The present invention provides systems and methods for filtering of effluent water with a multi-staged filter system, which are self-cleaning, requiring less down time and nearly continuous filtration function.

Abstract: The present invention is a water meter and leak detection 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 (X10, Zwave, UPB) 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 an 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 retrofit dispenser monitor is disclosed. The dispenser monitor has a connector allowing it to be connected directly to one of a number of dispensers. The dispenser monitor also comprises a sensor configured to detect the dispensing action of the attached dispenser by learning the characteristics of the dispensing action. Information corresponding to the dispensing action is then transmitted to a remote location which allows the use of the dispenser to be monitored.

Abstract: A vaporized fuel treating device having a canister that is configured to adsorb vaporized fuel in a fuel tank and to feed the adsorbed vaporized fuel to an engine may include a pressure sensor that is configured to periodically detect an inner pressure of the fuel tank, and a pressure sensor failure determination device that is configured to determine that the pressure sensor has failed when a change of the inner pressure detected by the pressure sensor in a unit of time is not less than a predetermined pressure value that is greater than a maximum value of possible pressure changes within the fuel tank.

Abstract: A flush toilet has a reservoir tank, a toilet main unit, a water supply apparatus, a water discharge apparatus, and a control device for controlling flushing of the bowl portion of the toilet main unit; wherein this control device includes a time measurement device for measuring the time after the water discharge apparatus has been driven for a predetermined time to discharge flush water, until the water level rises from a dead water level inside the reservoir tank with the water discharge apparatus in an off state to a predetermined stopped water level prior to start of flush; and the driving time of the water discharge apparatus responsive to pressure losses in the toilet main unit is adjusted by comparing the water level rise time measured by the time measurement device with the water level rise time in a standard toilet.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a remote valve includes temporarily driving or activating a battery-powered pilot valve assembly to place an operatively coupled output valve assembly in a switch position. A processor energizes a bistable valve of the pilot valve assembly to enable a fluid supply to drive the output valve assembly to a desired switch position, whereupon the pilot valve assembly may be de-energized and the switch position of the output valve assembly maintained.

Abstract: Methods and devices for biological sample preparation and analysis are disclosed. A device may have a linear or circular arrangement of containers, with a connecting structure such as a bar or disk. Fluidics channels between containers allow the performance of different techniques for sample preparation, such as lysing, washing and elution. Different functional elements, such as grinders or mixers, may be attached to the containers.

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: Methods and systems control an irrigation system that includes an irrigation controller, a valve actuator, and at least one irrigation sensor connected by a communication circuit. A sensor charging pulse having a temporal duration less than a solenoid actuation time threshold for a solenoid is provided over the communication circuit. The sensor charging pulse charges a charge storage device in at least one irrigation sensor. A series of addressing pulses is also generated over the communication circuit, which indicate a device identifier of at least one irrigation sensor. The series of addressing pulses activate at least one irrigation sensor having the device identifier indicated by the series of addressing pulses such that the activated irrigation sensor provides a sensor signal indicative of an irrigation condition to the irrigation controller via the communication network.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to manipulating pressure-related hysteresis in a pressurized flow system by setting the pressure of the system to a predetermined location in the hysteresis band to advantageously minimize an effect of the pressure related hysteresis on the pressure of the system or to advantageously benefit from the effects of the hysteresis on the pressure of the system.

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

Abstract: Method and device for detecting the flow of liquid, in particular water, in a consuming installation, comprising at least one opening/closing means (3) for supplying liquid, this installation being supplied via an inlet pipe (2) fitted with a solenoid valve (5), a pressure sensor (6) upstream of the solenoid valve and a pressure sensor (7) downstream of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A household tap water monitor includes a water meter, an electrical control valve, a single chip micyoco, an LCD, an electrical source circuit, a photoelectric detector connected to a first input port of the SCM, a reset switch connected to a second input port of the SCM and a keyboard connected to a third input port of the SCM. The water meter and the electrical control valve are connected in series between a tap water pipe and a main tap water inlet pipe. A control port of the electrical control valve is connected to a first output port of the SCM, and the LCD is connected to a second output port of the SCM. The photoelectric detector is used for monitoring the rotation of a small impeller in the water meter. The electrical source circuit is used to supply electricity for the components mentioned above.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a control arrangement which receives field information relating to an area to be irrigated and source information relating to one or more water sources which supply water to the irrigation system. The control arrangement optimizes an irrigation plan based on the field information and source information and then controls one or more irrigators in accordance with the plan. The control arrangement may pulse valves positioned on the irrigator on and off in order to control the amount of water applied to the land by individual outlets on the irrigator. Latching valves may be used.

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: A valve unit for adjusting gas flow to a two-stage combustion apparatus includes a valve member that is moved by a magnetic field generated by a coil to vary gas flow rate through the valve unit, and first and second connectors configured to receive a high-stage activation signal and a low-stage activation signal, respectively. The valve unit includes a valve controller that is configured to control the coil to establish a high-stage gas flow rate while the high-stage activation signal is present, and configured to control the coil to establish a low-stage gas flow rate while the low stage activation signal is present up to a predetermined low stage time limit. The valve controller is further configured to establish at least one gas flow rate between the low-stage and high-stage gas flow rates when the low stage activation signal is present beyond the predetermined low stage time limit.

Abstract: A fluid flow monitor, typically for water, includes the combination of a fluid conduit including a magnet displaceable within the conduit when fluid flows therethrough, an electric circuit having a power supply, a magnetic sensor switch positioned in the electric circuit located adjacent to the conduit and positioned at a predetermined distance from the magnet when the magnet is not displaced and a timer connected to the electric circuit. When the magnet is displaced the predetermined distance, the magnetic sensor switch closes the electric circuit activating the timer and when the magnet is not displaced to the predetermined distance, the magnetic sensor switch opens the electric circuit deactivating the timer.

Abstract: System and method for controlling leakage and/or testing of pipe systems and discharge points for incompressible fluids, said system including one or more automatic valve arrangements (10) arranged in a pipe system in connection with the fluid supply to a processing plant or building comprising rooms (16) having one or more discharge points (17) to open and close the fluid supply. The system includes a control device (13) provided with communication devices and arrangements (24) to detect activity in rooms (16) with discharge points (17) or the processing plant. The system comprises a pressure control arrangement (20) arranged between the automatic valve arrangement (10) and rooms (16) having discharge points (17) or the processing plant. The pressure control arrangement (20) is arranged for increasing the pressure in the pipe system.

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: 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 portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline including a plurality of control valves at the sprinkler pipeline. The control valve has a main body; a memory and drive unit positioned within the mounting body; and a portable control instrument movably and electrically connected to the memory and drive unit of the different control valve. According to the data saved in the microprocessor and the different requirements of the control valves, the preset instructions can be saved in the memory and drive unit for controlling the activation time of the electromagnetic solenoids, respectively. In this way, many control valves can be set and controlled by only one portable control instrument. Accordingly, the cost can be saved and it is not necessary to be placed outside for the protection from damage. Meanwhile, it is easy to connect to the personal computer for a mutual data transmission, thereby achieving a more convenient and accurate control of the sprinkling process.

Abstract: A hot water system includes cold water pipes, hot water pipes, a water heater, a pump, a pump control unit and a connection valve unit. The pump is used to increase the pressure of the hot water pipes to a preset higher level than the pressure in the cold water pipes. When hot water is needed, the connection valve unit at the user side is opened to connect the cold water pipes and the hot water pipes, and when the cold water pipes and the hot water pipes are connected, the water pressure difference between them will become smaller. When the pressure difference change is detected, the pump control unit will activate the pump to pump the water in the hot water pipes into the cold water pipes, so the water in the pipes starts to circulate, and the water will flow through the water heater and will be heated. When the heated hot water reaches the user, the pump is stopped. After the hot water is being served or when the water temperature drops down, the pump is again put into normal operation.

Abstract: A centralized automatic fluid or gas spill prevention and shut-off valve system that prevents line ruptures comprising means to reduce fluid pressures, such as gas, to appropriate levels, a continuous monitoring of downstream conditions, an immediate stop system of major spillage caused by excessive flow wherein said immediate stop system automatically shuts off the flow of fluids, means for timed shut off of minor fluid flows that exceed a predetermined amount of time and a restarting system that restarts when overflow conditions are corrected, wherein said restarting system works automatically or manually.

Abstract: A gas supply control device for an apparatus, particularly a coking apparatus, includes timing means (20) and a first command means (12) for manually setting a an opening time interval of a safety valve of a gas tap (1), equipped with a second command means (6). In an installed condition of the control device (10), the command means (6, 12) are operable from outside the structure (7) of the apparatus, with the first command means (12) and the second command means (6) substantially rotating around one same axis, one independent from the other. The timing means (20) of the control device (10) belong to a functional unit (10a) which is coupled or configured for coupling with a portion of the body of the tap (2) which portion, in the above mentioned installed conditions, is located inside the structure (7) of the apparatus.

Abstract: A use condition of gas equipment is monitored. An abnormality determination unit 26 determines whether or not a use flow volume obtained by detecting a flow velocity obtained by measuring a signal transfer time in a medium using a flow velocity detection unit 17 and converting the detected flow velocity into a flow volume using a flow volume calculation unit 25. When the shutoff unit 27 shuts off a fluid path 1 when it is determined that there is abnormality, a return signal is output from a return unit 28 to a shutoff unit 27 in order to use the gas again by opening the fluid path. Simultaneously, when a return time-counting unit 29 starts the time-counting operation, and then, a predetermined time period has been elapsed, the flow volume calculation unit 25 determines whether or not a predetermined flow volume of greater flows in order to identify whether or not all of the gas plugs of the gas equipment connected to the downstream of the gas shutoff apparatus 27 are closed.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a housing in which fluid flow control components are located and a fluid conduit completing a fluid flow path between a fluid storage tank and a nozzle coupled to the housing. The fluid dispenser further comprises a control system, at least one controllable valve in and a fluid flow meter located along the fluid flow path. The fluid dispenser further comprises a fluid temperature conditioning subsystem located along the fluid flow path upstream of the flow meter. The control system is selectively operates the fluid temperature conditioning subsystem upon detection of a predetermined temperature. At least one controllable recirculation valve may also be provided, and the control system may selectively actuate the controllable recirculation valve such that the fluid flows back to the fluid storage tank. A method of measuring the flow rate of a fluid in the fluid dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A local logic solver that operates with a local smart valve controller to control, test and monitor performance characteristics of a local field-mounted emergency isolation valve device, outputting a local indication of trouble on the device, which is mounted in the field away from the facility's central control panel for the process. The local logic solver includes a recording function and memory for retrieval of detected faults that are time-stamped and recorded locally to generate documentation and to track the elapsed time, starting when the degraded state of the device was detected and first signaled as a problem; other performance data is also recorded. Accordingly, the operation of the overall system is simplified by eliminating the need for an external computer to diagnose any problems.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include stroking a valve member and measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke. Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include measuring a force acting on a valve member in the presence of fluid flow over a period of time and evaluating at least one of the frequency of changes in the measured force over the period of time and the magnitude of the changes in the measured force over the period of time to identify the presence of an anomaly in a fluid flow and, optionally, its estimated location. Methods of evaluating a valve condition may include directing a fluid flow through a valve while stroking a valve member, measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke, and comparing the measured force to a reference force. Valve assemblies and related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Excess flow valve devices, which are responsive to pressure and flow conditions in a bi-directional system, including structures to restrict flow in one direction through openings of a stopper of an excess flow valve based on balancing forces from at least a spring and a frictional force caused by the flow. Bi-directional system employing at least one pressure delayer responsive to pressure and flow impulses to protect a tank valve of a storage tank or a regulator during a refill phase or a discharge phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intelligent water management irrigation system for monitoring the total water usage for a billing site and preventing cumulative water usage from exceeding a water budget by adjusting the amount of water used for irrigation. Irrigation zone priority values are selected for each irrigation zone that specify a percentage of the full water need that the foliage in the zone can survive and are saved in an intelligent water management irrigation (IWMI) controller. The IWMI controller receives water usage information originating from a property's water meter and compares the measured water usage with the allowable water budget. Water usage is tracked separately for the household use and landscape use (irrigation). Prior to each irrigation cycle, the IWMI controller estimates the amount of water that will be needed by the landscape and for household use during the remainder of a billing cycle; household use is given precedence over landscape use.

Abstract: The present invention features an intelligent sprinkler irrigation system for delivering fluid to an arbitrarily-shaped area in a precise manner. In general, the system comprises (a) a fluid source comprising a pressurized fluid; (b) at least one programmable sprinkler head fluidly connected to the fluid source; and (c) a computer system configured to control the sprinkler head to precisely deliver fluid according to a pre-determined sprinkler function. The computer system comprises a teach mode, wherein a plurality of drive parameters are learned and recorded. These drive parameters function to dictate the specific vector positioning of the sprinkler head during execution of the sprinkler component. The teach mode is further configured to learn and record a plurality of flow parameters, which function to control the fluid delivery component of the sprinkler head (e.g., the valve or nozzle), and more particularly, the manner in which the fluid is delivered or emitted from this component.

Abstract: A control module and method for operating the same includes a diurnal control valve module that opens a diurnal control valve (DCV) and an evaporative leak check module (ELCM) diverter valve control module that switches on an ELCM diverter valve. The control module includes a correlation module performs a correlation of a ELCM pressure signal and a fuel tank pressure signal and that generates a fault signal in response to the correlation when the DCV valve is open and the ELCM diverter valve is on.

Abstract: A volumetric metering smart valve shuts down automatically when a certain amount of liquid has passed through the valve. This valve has a water wheel which is rotated by the liquid and which drives a disc via a gear train. If the flowing amount exceeds a preset limit, the disc operates a ratchet and spring acting on a column in a closing direction to shut down the valve.

Abstract: A flamer may be used to sterilize poultry litter, soil, concrete, etc. The stationary or mobile flamer disclosed comprises a hood to contain the heat, an external frame, and burners. A fuel tank may be carried on the flamer or on a tractor. An additional embodiment provides for mounting the flamer on wheels, permitting the unit to be towed by a truck, four-wheeler, tractor, etc. The burners are adjustable as to angle, and fueling rate. A pressure in the fuel system is controlled by selectively switching between the liquid and vaporous components of the fuel. By limiting how low the pressure may fall, the flow of fuel from the tank to the torches is more consistent.

Abstract: The present invention an apparatus and system for remotely operating a combination water meter and shut off valve. The apparatus and system is operated by a computer at the utility sending a signal via phone line or radio modem to the meter. Once the meter receives the signal to close, a small solenoid will open. This will allow water to enter the fill chamber, causing the piston to rise. The top of the piston is connected to a gate valve. This valve may turn off the water supply to a customer's home. To turn the water back on, a signal can be sent again to the meter, opening the drain solenoid. This allows the water to leave the fill chamber. The piston is then lowered from the return spring, opening the gate valve, allowing water to flow.

Abstract: An irrigation device including an actuator configured to control water flow to at least one water delivery device, a first stored energy source configured to power the actuator to effect irrigation via the at least one water delivery device, and a second stored energy source which is separate from the first stored energy source, wherein the second stored energy source is configured to power the actuator to terminate the irrigation via the at least one water delivery device. The irrigation devices further includes a controller configured to cause the first stored energy source to power the actuator to effect the irrigation, responsive to an instruction to provide irrigation, and to cause the second stored energy source to power the actuator to terminate the irrigation responsive to a termination condition.

Abstract: An inflatable flag display includes a shaft having a hollow core and a sealed upper end. An aperture is located in the upper portion of the shaft and penetrates from an outer surface to the hollow core. A supporting base is connected to the shaft. A gas input connection is affixed to the shaft or the base and is in fluid communication with the core. An inflatable flag member is affixed to the shaft, formed of flexible material and has at least one inflatable chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the aperture and has an exhaust vent. A compressed gas source is in fluid communication with the gas input connection. A compressed gas modulator controls pressure or duration of gas flow, causing the flag to undulate. A variant includes means for rotating the shaft as the flag is inflated. Another variant includes an inflatable column replacing the shaft.

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: The present invention is directed to an intelligent water management irrigation system for monitoring the total water usage for a billing site and preventing cumulative water usage from exceeding a water budget by adjusting the amount of water used for irrigation. Irrigation zone priority values are selected for each irrigation zone that specify a percentage of the full water need that the foliage in the zone can survive and are saved in an intelligent water management irrigation (IWMI) controller. The IWMI controller receives water usage information originating from a property's water meter and compares the measured water usage with the allowable water budget. Water usage is tracked separately for the household use and landscape use (irrigation). Prior to each irrigation cycle, the IWMI controller estimates the amount of water that will be needed by the landscape and for household use during the remainder of a billing cycle; household use is given precedence over landscape use.