Abstract: A system for measuring electrical conductivity includes a fluid conduction measuring circuit and a temperature measuring element having at least one thermal contact portion with a temperature sensor and a temperature measuring circuit. A controller is configured to control the conduction measuring circuit and the temperature measuring element. A fluid circuit is configured to carry a fluid and has a wetted conductor inside a conductivity cell portion, the wetted conductor having a contact, external to the fluid circuit, for interfacing with the fluid conduction measuring circuit. Further, at least one temperature measurement portion has predefined thermal properties and is configured to touch the thermal contact portion. The controller controls the temperature measuring element and the conduction measuring circuit to generate and output at least one set of contemporaneous temperature and conduction measurements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating water conservation and smart water control are provided. Water conservation and smart water control can be achieved using a smart water apparatus having the ability to approximate distance, mass, and/or specific characteristics of an object such as a human or inanimate object and adjust flow rate of water and/or temperature of the water based on the approximated distance, mass, and/or specific characteristics of an object. The smart water apparatus can be embodied, for example, in a network connected shower head or a network connected faucet.

Abstract: A fail-safe water saving shower enclosure system includes a showerhead, shower faucet, power adapter, an active infrared sensor, electromagnetic activated fluid valve and shower walls. The infrared sensor installed on one shower wall aims at the opposite shower wall that has the showerhead. The enclosure is electronically partitioned into a restrictive flow zone and free flow zones. When a bather is not present within the restrictive flow zone, the showerhead flows at a free flow rate set at the shower faucet. When the bather does not need water, he simply moves towards the restrictive flow zone. The sensor signals the normally open electromagnetic valve to shut off water from reaching the showerhead. The free flow of water resumes when the bather moves towards the showerhead. The showerhead always receives a full flow of water without the presence of a bather, despite a failure of the disclosed components or power loss.

Abstract: An electronic converter unit for retrofitting to an external part of a housing of a pump unit is described. The housing comprises a light source for emitting light to display an operating status of the pump unit. The electronic converter unit comprises: a photo detector for measuring light emitted from the light source of the pump unit, a converter unit for converting optical signals to electrical signals, and transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting the electrical signals to an external communication unit.

Abstract: A faucet is provided that electronically controls the flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed. The faucet illustratively includes a faucet body and a faucet handle. The faucet illustratively includes an inertial motion unit sensor mounted in the faucet handle to sense spatial orientation of the faucet handle. The faucet illustratively includes an electronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed. The faucet illustratively includes a controller configured to receive signals from the inertial motion unit sensor and control the electronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed based upon the position of the faucet handle.

Abstract: A method for programming a water delivery device having a first optical communications interface is provided. The method includes physically coupling a communications bridge to the water delivery device. The communications bridge includes a second optical communications interface and a separate data communications interface. The method further includes transmitting information from a user device to the communications bridge using electronic data communications between the user device and the data communications interface; generating, by the communications bridge, an optical signal comprising the information received from the user device; and transmitting the optical signal from the communications bridge to the water delivery device using optical communications between the first and second optical communications interfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a temperature controlled stream of fluid via a shower controller or faucet controller under challenging, low-flow conditions using a predictive controller.

Abstract: Hot water heater systems and methods for monitoring electronic mixing valves of hot water heater systems are provided. An electronic mixing valve provides a flow of water in a mixed output line. A method includes determining whether an output flow event is occurring, determining a first temperature value for water in the mixed output line when the output flow event is occurring, comparing the first temperature value to a setpoint temperature value to obtain a first temperature error value when the output flow event is occurring, and generating a failure signal when the first temperature error value is outside of a predetermined error range and the output flow event is occurring.

Abstract: A method of controlling a water-pump of an air conditioning system used in an active air conditioning water circulating system includes: detecting an environmental parameter and a load value of the active air conditioning water system actively; adjusting a flow rate of a water-pump of the active air conditioning water system according to a first control logic when the environmental parameter is less than a first pre-default parameter and the load value is less than a load threshold; and, adjusting the flow rate of the water-pump according to a first control logic when the environmental parameter is not less than the first pre-default parameter or the load value is not less than the load threshold. The present disclosed example can enhance a flow control capacity for different environmental statuses via controlling the flow rate in the different environmental status according to the different control logic.

Abstract: The invention provides a bathroom fixture in the form of an electronic mirror with a touchlessly operated fluid dispenser. The device provides visual cues to assist in the touchless operation thereof.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling fluid flow between a fluid source and an outlet includes an electrically operable valve interposed between the fluid source and the outlet, the valve being actuatable between an open position and and a closed position; and an activator device comprising (i) a user-activatable sensor configured to detect a stimulus when the stimulus enters a detection zone, (ii) a transmitter configured to transmit a signal upon activation of the sensor by a user to a controller for actuating the valve, and (iii) an orientation detector configured to detect among at least two orientations of the activator device. When the activator device is in a first orientation, a zone of detection of the sensor may extend no farther than a predetermined distance from the sensor, and when the activator is in a second orientation, the zone of detection may extend farther than the predetermined distance from the sensor.

Abstract: A water heater appliance includes an electronic mixing valve configured for adjusting a ratio of cold water from a cold water inlet conduit to hot water from a hot water outlet conduit at a mixed water outlet of the electronic mixing valve. A cold water bypass conduit extends between the cold water inlet conduit and the mixed water outlet conduit. A cold water bypass valve is on the cold water bypass conduit. A controller is configured to close the cold water bypass valve when a temperature measurement from a mixed water temperature sensor is less than a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A human body sensor has a light emitting portion to emit light to an object, a light reception portion to receive the light reflected from the object, a light reception amount determiner, a distance measurement determiner, a moving object determiner, and a detection determiner. When an amount of the reflected light is a threshold or more under the detection state, the detection determiner determines to switch the determination from the detection state to the non-detection state under a condition that the distance measurement determiner determines that the detection target does not exist, and when an amount of the reflected light is less than the predetermined threshold under the detection state, the detection determiner determines to switch the determination from the detection state to the non-detection state under a condition that the moving object determiner determines that the object does not exist.

Abstract: A system and method are provided and include a sensor module and a control module for a dispenser. The sensor module has an infrared emitter that emits infrared light and an infrared receiver that detects the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitter and reflected off of a container. The sensor module determines a time period between emission of the infrared light by the infrared emitter and detection of the infrared light by the infrared receiver and determines a distance to the container based on the determined time period. The control module is configured to receive the determined distance from the sensor module, activate the dispenser when the determined distance to the container is less than the predetermined threshold, and deactivate the dispenser when the determined distance to the container is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A method includes receiving a desired water temperature selection, and causing water to be flowed through a valve assembly to a nozzle, the nozzle operable to flow water into a tub of the washing machine appliance. The method further includes receiving, when the desired water temperature selection is an unregulated water temperature, an initial sensed water temperature from a temperature sensor, and causing the valve assembly to adjust a temperature of the water flowed through the valve assembly when the desired water temperature selection is an unregulated water temperature and the initial sensed water temperature is below a predetermined temperature threshold.

Abstract: A water faucet system including a faucet having a neck comprising a water passageway and liquid soap delivery line, both integrated within the neck assembly. The water faucet system features a streamlined neck assembly that includes a water outlet or spout, located at the distal portion of the neck assembly, and additionally includes a separate soap outlet located at a predetermined location. The soap delivery (soap dispensing) is initiated by a user performing an activation event directed to a sensor system located in the neck assembly. In preferred embodiments, the sensor system utilizes touchless type sensors so to avoid any physical contact with the neck assembly.

Abstract: A water heater appliance includes a tank and a heated water conduit that extends from the tank. A mixing valve is coupled to the heated water conduit, and a mixed water conduit extends from the mixing valve. A thermal mass is positioned on the mixed water conduit, and a thermal safety sensor is positioned at the thermal mass.

Abstract: A control system includes a water delivery device and a communications bridge. The water delivery device includes a mixing valve, a controller configured to control the mixing valve, and a first optical communications interface coupled to the controller. The communications bridge includes a second optical communications interface and a separate data communications interface. The communications bridge is configured to exchange information with the water delivery device using optical communications via the first and second optical communications interfaces, and to exchange information with a user device using electronic data communications between the user via and the data communications interface.

Abstract: A multifunctional restrictive valve for controlling the flow of water therethrough. The valve has a main body with a flow channel through the main body. The main body receives water upstream thereof through an inlet port and passes it out through an outlet port at the downstream end of the body. A flow control assembly is located in the flow channel and includes a temperature sensor/actuator acting on a piston to move, when the temperature sensor heats up the piston, to block water flow control ports. The flow control assembly also includes an override feature wherein the piston is located within a slide and the flow control ports are located in the slide. By moving the slide away from the piston when the piston is blocking the flow control ports, the temperature sensor and piston may be overridden and flow may resume through the main body.

Abstract: A method for supplying a process with an enriched carrier gas. A first apparatus and a second apparatus are provided. The first apparatus has a precursor and is configured to bring a carrier gas into contact with the precursor and to enrich the carrier gas with the precursor. The second apparatus has a precursor and is configured to bring a carrier gas into contact with the precursor and to enrich the carrier gas with the precursor. The first apparatus supplies the second apparatus with an enriched carrier gas. The second apparatus supplies the enriched carrier gas for the process. A temperature of the first apparatus is controlled as a function of a quantity of precursor in the second apparatus.

Abstract: Automation control for water leaks is provided. First sensor readings from first sensors disposed about water supply lines at a home to detect a first type of metrics indicative of water flow may be received and recorded over a first time period. Second sensor readings may be received from a second sensor. A first correlation between the first sensor readings and the second sensor readings may be identified. A first activity profile may be generated based on the first correlation. A first water use profile may be generated based on the first activity profile. First thresholds may be identified based on the first water use profile and may be retained in association with the first activity profile. Water use at the home may be monitored with the first sensors and activity at the home may be monitored with the second sensors. A water leak condition may be determined.

Abstract: A method for operating a water heater appliance includes determining a temperature, Ttank, of water within a tank of the water heater appliance, a temperature, Tcold, of water at an inlet conduit of the water heater appliance and an actual position, VMPactual, of a mixing valve of the water heater appliance. The method also includes calculating a theoretical position, VMPtheoretical, of the mixing valve of the water heater appliance and establishing a lower flow rate limit for water exiting the water heater appliance and an upper flow rate limit for water exiting the water heater appliance.

Abstract: There is proposed a water fitting having a fitting housing, having a water outlet commonly assigned to at least two water inlets, wherein at least two parallelly guided water lines are provided between one or more water inlets and the common water outlet, and wherein, in the parallelly guided water lines, there is provided in each case one control element for opening and closing the water flow path, which water fitting can be used in a flexible manner for the greatest possible number of sanitary applications, for example in kitchens, bathrooms, swimming facilities, sauna facilities, toilet facilities, abattoirs or the like, both in (semi-) public and also private areas. This is achieved according to the invention in that, when a control element in one of the parallel water lines is open, the one or more further control elements in the one or more further parallel water lines are closed.

Abstract: A water delivery device includes a body, a user interface, a micro-mixing valve, first and second capacitive sensors, and a controller. The body includes a base and a spout. The user interface is provided on the spout. The micro-mixing valve is contained within the body and is in fluid communication with a hot water source and a cold water source. The first capacitive sensor is provided below the user interface. The second capacitive sensor is provided below the user interface and is spaced apart from the first capacitive sensor. The controller is operatively connected to the first capacitive sensor, the second capacitive sensor, and the micro-mixing valve. Each of the first and second capacitive sensors is configured to be independently activated by a user to transmit a signal to the controller to increase or decrease a temperature of a flow of water flowing from the micro-mixing valve.

Abstract: A water faucet system including a faucet having a neck comprising a water passageway and liquid soap delivery line, both integrated within the neck assembly. The water faucet system features a streamlined neck assembly that includes a water outlet or spout, located at the distal portion of the neck assembly, and additionally includes a separate soap outlet located at a predetermined location. The soap delivery (soap dispensing) is initiated by a user performing an activation event directed to a sensor system located in the neck assembly. In preferred embodiments, the sensor system utilizes touchless type sensors so to avoid any physical contact with the neck assembly.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting having at least one first actuating element, in particular for setting the temperature and/or volume of mixed water, and having at least one second actuating element for setting the volume of hot water. In order to set the volume of hot water, a valve element, in particular a solenoid valve, which is electrically controllable by the second actuating element, is arranged in the hot water flow path.

Abstract: A system includes a cold water supply, a water heater, a mixing valve, and one or more water use fixtures. The water heater includes a tank, a first temperature sensor configured to output a first temperature signal indicative of a water temperature of water in the tank, a heating device, and a water heater controller configured to control the water heater based on the first temperature signal and an operating temperature setting. The mixing valve outputs a mixed water flow, which is a combination of a hot water flow and a cold water flow, to the water use fixtures. A second temperature sensor outputs a second temperature signal indicative of a water flow temperature of the mixed water flow or the hot water flow, and a system controller selectively deactivates the water heater based on the second temperature signal.

Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component. The first operational setting and the second operational setting are pre-programmed in association with the selected ambiance setting.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a downward-facing outlet for dispensing a material, a mechanism causing material to be dispensed, a first sensor facing in a first horizontal direction, adapted to detect a person approaching the dispensing device, and an alert mechanism. The first sensor, detecting an approaching person, activates the alert mechanism, signaling the approaching person of the presence of the dispensing device.

Abstract: A hot water heater includes a hot water tank having a cold water inlet line and a hot water outlet line, an electronically controlled mixing valve fluid coupled to the cold water inlet line and the hot water outlet line and mixed output line and a controller operatively coupled to the mixing valve. A temperature sensor is operatively coupled to the mixed output line and the controller, the controller being operative in response to the sensor to detect a temperature of the water in the mixed output line, compare a setpoint temperature to the detected temperature of the water in the mixed output line, and regulate a flow of one or both of cold water from the cold water input line and hot water from the hot water output line through the electronically controlled mixing valve to maintain the detected temperature at the setpoint temperature.

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

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance that includes alternately supplying hot and cold water to maintain the temperature of the mixed water to a preset temperature.

Abstract: A water delivery system operable hands-free by, for example, a foot-operated pedal controller, or a non-contact controller, such as a presence and voice actuated circuit that are operatively connected through a power source, transmission and valve assembly in cooperation with a water spout at a water basin or bowl.

Abstract: A pressure-control valve includes a housing, a coil carrier, a coil wound on the coil carrier, a first bearing, an armature comprising a valve member. The armature is configured to be axially displaced in the first bearing. A core. A flux guiding device. A connection sleeve comprises a valve seat for the valve member. A first connection bore is configured to be connected with a tank and with the connection sleeve. A second connection bore is configured to be connected with a consumer. An end of the connection sleeve distant from the core comprises a control bore with a control member supported therein. The armature and the control member are configured to be in a force-transmitting operative connection at least in an opening direction of the pressure-control valve.

Abstract: A regulating valve has a dome, a discharge sheet and a flow deflector. The dome has a base and a circumferential wall. The discharge sheet and the flow deflector are set in the dome in sequence. A discharge portion, a cold water portion, a hot water portion and a warm water portion are set on the base. A discharge slot, a cold water slot, a hot water slot and a warm water slot are set on the discharge sheet correspondingly. A guide slot is extended outwards from the center of the circle on the surface of the flow deflector. The end point of the center of the guide slot is set correspondingly to the discharge slot. When the flow deflector is rotated, there may occur either of a water shutdown state, or a hot, lukewarm, warm, chilly or cold water discharge state, enabling to switch water discharge efficiently.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes: a bypass valve; a stack of standard tubes; and, in the stack, a pair of stacked-together adapter tubes. Each standard tube end has spaced-apart walls including openings. Each adapter tube end has: a wall including an opening; and a passage. At one end of the pair, the passages communicate with one another and the openings communicate with the openings in adjacent standard tubes; at the other end, the openings communicate with the openings in adjacent standard tubes. The valve includes a plug with opposed plug walls, one plug wall having one of an inlet and outlet, the plug being disposed with its walls between and at said other end of the pair and with the inlet and outlet communicating with the passages. An actuator is adjacent to the plug and has a reciprocating plunger for selectively blocking at least said one of the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an intelligent thermostatic water outflowing device in the field of sanitary wares. By using said intelligent thermostatic water outflowing device, the defects of the current thermostatic water outflowing devices are overcome, such as a relatively complicated whole structure, a high cost and a poor applicability to ordinary valves. The intelligent thermostatic water outflowing device of the invention comprises a body provided with a hot water inflowing passage, a cold water inflowing passage and a water outflowing passage, and a valve core assembly provided between the cold water inflowing passage, the hot water inflowing passage and the water outflowing passage within the body. The present device further includes a motor, a water temperature control circuit and a temperature sensor. The valve core rod of the valve core assembly is connected with the output shaft of the motor fixed within the body.

Abstract: A device and a method for operating a drive having a mechanically commutated electric motor, is provided, wherein a rotary position of the drive is determined by a circuit from a ripple of a motor current of the electric motor, wherein at least one correction value is determined for an error characteristic of the electric motor, wherein at least one correction value is determined for an error characteristic of the electric motor, in that the drive is moved to a reference position that can be sensed by means of a position sensor, in that the drive is moved from the reference position into a plurality of positions at a distance from the reference position and at least one position deviation is determined by the circuit, and in that the correction value is determined from the particular position deviation and stored.

Abstract: A water heater system including two or more water storage tanks plumbed in series, parallel or a combination thereof and methods of controlling said water heater systems. The water heater systems may include one or more mixing valves and one or more temperature sensors for providing water at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting includes a joint arrangement having a support connection piece that defines an abutment face that is at least approximately flat; a joint part that rests flat against the abutment face by way of an at least approximately flat mating face, and defines a neutral position; a spring that is supported at one end against the support connection piece and at the other end against the joint part, the spring using a spring force to push the joint part against the abutment face by way of the mating face; and a rod-like extremity that is arranged on the joint part at a fixed angle in relation to the mating face.

Abstract: A mixing valve includes a first inlet for receiving a first fluid, a second inlet for receiving a second fluid, and a mixing chamber having a fluid outlet for outputting the first fluid or the second fluid or a mixture thereof. The mixing valve includes a first flow control valve for controlling the flow of the first fluid into the mixing chamber and a second flow control valve, separate from the first flow control valve, for controlling the flow of the second fluid into the mixing chamber. At least one of the first or second flow control valve includes at least two separate outlets into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A device for dispensing water includes a water tank for keeping water at a tank temperature higher than the desired temperature of the water to be dispensed. A tank inlet is connected to a source of water. device includes a mixing device with a first water supply, a second water supply and a water discharge connected to a dispensing point. The first water supply is connected to a hot water pipe originating from a central hot water source arranged at a distance, and the second water supply is connected to a tank outlet. The mixing device includes a control device which is designed to mix water from the first and second water supply in such a manner that the water to be dispensed substantially has a desired temperature.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting includes a cold water connection; a hot water connection; a mixed water outlet; a valve device for setting a mixed water temperature and a mixed water throughflow rate, wherein the valve device is connected to the cold water connection and the hot water connection at one end and is connected to the mixed water outlet at the other end; an electrical controller for actuating a valve; and a control signal transmitter for generating an input signal to the controller, wherein the valve is an integral constituent part of the valve device, and the controller actuates the valve device as a function of the input signal of the control signal transmitter such that a mixed water temperature and a mixed water throughflow rate are set.

Abstract: To provide a water spouting device capable of switching between spouting and stopping, flow volume adjustment, and spouted water temperature adjustment with a single operating portion. The present invention is a water faucet device (1) furnished with a flow volume adjustment function and a temperature adjustment function, including: an operating portion (6) capable of being pressed and rotated by a user; and flow volume/temperature adjustment means (10), whereby in a stopped water state, spouting is commenced when the operating portion of this flow volume/temperature adjustment means is pressed; in a spouting state, spouted water flow volume is changed when the operating portion is pressed continuously for a predetermined long-press determining time; and water flow is stopped when pressing of the operating portion ceases in less than the long-press determining time.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and apparatus for controlling water flows into and/or out of a bath, shower or other similar bathroom fixture. A water mixing system for a bathroom fixture includes a conduit having a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet, and an outlet, as well as a flow controller for controlling the flow rates of water entering the conduit through the hot and cold water inlets, a temperature sensor downstream of the flow controller and upstream of the outlet, and a system controller which receives a signal from the temperature sensor and controls the flow controller in order to adjust the flow rates of hot and cold water in use, so the combined water flows have a required temperature at the outlet, wherein the hot water inlet and cold water inlet are provided with solenoid operated shut-off valves which are normally closed.

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: The invention relates to a fitting, in particular a washstand or bathtub fitting comprising an electronic control device for controlling a mixing device or a shut-off device for closing a pipe and an operating device, which is formed by a plate which is contact-sensitive and/or which is provided with proximity switches, for operating the control device. The plate is embodied in such a manner that at least two parameters from a group comprising a temperature parameter, a dispensing parameter, a volume flow rate parameter and a time parameter can be set at the same time by means of a sweeping motion, which is executed on the surface of said plate, by means of selectively touching different areas of the surface thereof and/or by means of a contact-free motion in front of the surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device for tap water, comprising a mixing valve and a flow control valve that can each be actuated by a spindle and are arranged one behind the other. Sensors (21, 22) are provided for determining the volume and temperature of the water flow, the sensors being connected to a control and regulating device used to adjust the volume and temperature of the water flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shower monitor to alert a person how long they have been in the shower by emitting a short audible sound at preset intervals and by emitting a continuous audible sound when a preset time limit has been reached. The shower monitor is provided with security features to prevent unauthorized users from by passing the device. The monitor may have a liquid crystal display providing a visual indication of the time remaining. The monitor has a thermal sensor for activation of a timing cycle. The monitor may employ a flow sensor in combination with or in lieu of the thermal sensor for activation of the timing cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing fluid such as water at a controlled temperature. In some embodiments, hot and cold fluid is provided to a thermostatically controlled mixing valve, which then provides fluid at a mixed temperature to a plumbing system. The thermostat provides a first loop for closed-loop control of fluid exit temperature, and preferably there is a second, electronically controlled closed loop for adjusting the temperature of fluid exiting the valve. In yet other embodiments the electronic control loop is fail-fixed, such that a loss of electrical communication to the actuator results in the actuator maintaining its last position. In yet other embodiments there is a system including a flow sensor and a recirculation pump such that the temperature of the fluid exiting the valve cannot be adjusted if there is insufficient flow, or if the pump is actuated.