Abstract: Wireless water purification systems and wireless remote dispensing devices for a water purification system. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: A fluid medication delivery monitoring device is disclosed. The device includes a memory configured to receive volume information indicating a volume of fluid medication in a container. The device also includes a processor configured to determine a time remaining value indicating an approximate amount of time remaining until the dispensable volume of fluid medication in the container reaches about zero, and configured to compare the determined time remaining value to a lead-time threshold to prepare a replacement container with a volume of fluid medication. The device further includes a display device configured to display a status of the container, the status includes the time remaining value and a description of the fluid medication in the container. A method for monitoring fluid medication delivery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus for detecting operation of a fan, includes a first current module disposed at an airflow path of the fan, a second current module insulated from the airflow, and an indicating module for giving an indicating signal, having a LED, and a transistor. The first and second current modules being mirror-images of each other. When the fan does not operate, the first and second current modules operate the same. The transistor of the indicating module is turned off, and the LED to be lit. When the fan operates, current flow of the first and second modules are different from each other producing a voltage greater than zero, the transistor of the indicating module is turned on, and the LED does not light.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical system 10 detects a change in a viscosity of a material being aspirated from an eye 32. The system 10 includes a control module 18 connected to an aspiration pump 20, and a flow meter 19 connected to the control module 18 and the aspiration pump 20. The flow meter 19 provides a flow rate of material aspirated from the eye 32 by the aspiration pump 20. A surgical handpiece 24 connected to the aspiration pump 20 and the control module 18 is inserted into the eye 32 during surgery. The control module 18, during surgery, detects a step change in the flow rate of material aspirated from the eye 32 and the control module 18 further causes the surgical system 10 to alert a surgeon that a change in viscosity of the material being aspirated has been detected indicating that the handpiece 24 has moved from a material of a first viscosity to a material of a second viscosity.

Abstract: A System manages IV pumps so that clinicians automatically receive alerts, decisions, and actions required to maintain a patient IV medication therapy according to a prescribed treatment protocol. An infusion pump monitoring system, includes an acquisition processor for acquiring fluid infusion parameters comprising a patient identifier, infusion fluid identifier and a rate of fluid infusion, for administration of an infusion fluid to a patient at a point of care using an infusion pump. The system also includes a repository of patient medical record information. A fluid infusion monitor uses acquired fluid infusion parameters for automatically searching a patient medical record in the repository for information concerning rate of fluid infusion of a particular infusion fluid and determining if a rate of a previously administered dose of the particular infusion fluid was lower than a rate indicated in the fluid infusion parameters.

Abstract: A fluid-level sensing device that uses the interaction of a first magnet attached to the distal end of an external micro switch arm and a second magnet positioned within the distal end of a pivoting float body to close a circuit within the micro switch and create a shut-off signal to stop fluid production. A single housing holds the micro switch and float body, wherein magnetic forces acting through the housing wall between them and other magnet-positioning materials that separate the two magnets cause signal production. After float body deployment, manual reset of the float body is accomplished via its lever-like distal end. The main body of the micro switch, which it is snap-fit into a fixed position within the upper housing chamber for use, is entirely encapsulated in waterproof material to protect it from corrosion. Alternative ways for quick mounting of the housing to a fluid-collecting pan are contemplated.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a multi-purpose piping system that provides water to both domestic uses and to fire sprinklers, the apparatus comprising: piping having an inlet and an outlet; a detector, located between the inlet and outlet, that distinguishes between a fire sprinkler water flow and a domestic use water flow; and a drain connection located between the inlet and the outlet. A multipurpose piping system using the apparatus in a system incorporating at least one fire sprinkler, the piping system also supplying at least one other use in the structure.

Abstract: A system for verifying fuel cap engagement utilizes a transducer coupled to a purge line of a fuel vapor recovery system to generate an electrical signal corresponding to one of the vapor pressure and the vapor flow rate in the purge line. A monitor receives the electrical signal and estimates the vapor pressure when the electrical signal corresponds to the vapor flow rate. The monitor likewise estimates the vapor flow rate when the electrical signal corresponds to the vapor pressure. The monitor also correlates the electrical signal and the estimate to generate a dataset relating vapor pressures to corresponding vapor flow rates at predetermined time intervals, computes a linear approximation of pressure versus flow rate, and computes a curve approximation of pressure versus flow rate. An indicator is actuated by the monitor when the difference between the computed linear and curve approximations is less than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An impulse line-clogging detecting apparatus. The apparatus is provide with: a differential pressure detecting unit that detects a differential pressure of a fluid, and outputs time-series data of the differential pressure. Fluctuations are determined by a differential pressure fluctuation calculating unit that calculates a differential pressure fluctuation, and a fluctuation variance calculating unit that calculates a variance of the differential pressure fluctuation. Based upon the calculated variance, a variance ratio calculating unit calculates a variance ratio of the differential pressure fluctuation variance to a differential pressure fluctuation variance obtained in advance in a normal state of the high and low pressure side impulse lines. A variance ratio correcting unit calculates a correction value for suppressing a change of the variance ratio.

Abstract: An engine includes an angular velocity detecting means 10 for detecting a rotation angular velocity of a crankshaft 11 of the engine, a torque generated by the engine detecting means for detecting a variability of the angular velocity amplitude obtained by the angular velocity detecting means 10 as the variability of the torque generated by the engine. The engine compensates a fuel injection quantity by comparing the angular velocity amplitude detected by the angular velocity detecting means with the adequate angular velocity amplitude.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for detecting the presence of slag in a shroud through which molten metal passed from a ladle to a tundish. An induced voltage generated at a receiving coil is compared with a defined voltage range. If the induced voltage has a value outside the defined voltage range, it is indicative of the presence of slag. The voltage range is defined in dependence of the flow of molten metal passing through the shroud. A casting plant is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a liquid blocking apparatus and a system thereof, wherein if the liquid contained in an IV bag or a liquid tank is oozed out completely, the flow of liquid is blocked, the alarm lamp is turned on, the alarm sound is generated, and then the supply of liquid is maintained for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A display device for a work vehicle having a work apparatus operated by an actuator, the device comprising: a flow rate limit setting unit for variably setting a maximum flow rate level of hydraulic oil supplied to and drained from the actuator by operating an operating member; and a display unit for displaying the maximum flow rate level of the hydraulic oil supplied to and drained from the actuator; wherein the hydraulic oil whose flow rate corresponds to a manipulated variable of the operating member is supplied to and drained from the actuator within a range defined by the maximum flow rate level that is set by the flow rate limit setting unit to cause the work apparatus to operate, with an operating member symbol for indicating the operating member being displayed in the display unit; and the maximum flow rate level of the hydraulic oil supplied to and drained from the actuator by operating the operating member is displayed in accordance with the operating member symbol.

Abstract: A system for distinguishing between a fire sprinkler water flow and a domestic use water flow by supplying water to a dwelling through a multipurpose piping system to at least one domestic use and at least one fire sprinkler and providing a means for distinguishing between the fire sprinkler and domestic flow.

Abstract: Material passing through a piping is laced with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. As the RFID tags pass an RFID sensor, which is either adjacent to or within the piping, a flow-rate of the material is determined by counting the rate at which the RFID tags pass the RFID sensor.

Abstract: Implantable infusion apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a sensor that is associated with the catheter outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a liquid blocking apparatus and a system thereof, wherein if the liquid contained in an IV bag or a liquid tank is oozed out completely, the flow of liquid is blocked, the alarm lamp is turned on, the alarm sound is generated, and then the supply of liquid is maintained for a predetermined time.

Abstract: An appliance control system is described for controlling a plurality of appliances. The system includes a control station located remotely from the appliances and having a control unit for controlling the plurality of appliances, at least one client station being associated with at least one of the plurality of appliances and being adapted for allowing a user to make requests to the control station for using the at least one of the plurality of appliances, actuators connected to the control station and the at least one of the plurality of appliances for receiving control signals from the control station and controlling the at least one of the plurality of appliances, and sensors connected to the water appliance and the control station for recording information about the at least one of the plurality of appliances and providing the information to the control station.

Abstract: Various methods are described for measuring parameters of a stratified flow using at least one spatial array of sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of unsteady pressure created by coherent structures convecting with the flow. In one aspect, a signal processor determines, from the signals, convection velocities of coherent structures having different length scales. The signal processor then compares the convection velocities to determine a level of stratification of the flow. The level of stratification may be used as part of a calibration procedure to determine the volumetric flow rate of the flow. In another aspect, the level of stratification of the flow is determined by comparing locally measured velocities at the top and bottom of the pipe. The ratio of the velocities near the top and bottom of the pipe correlates to the level of stratification of the flow. Additional sensor arrays may provide a velocity profile for the flow.

Abstract: The water-cooling heat dissipation alarm system according to the present invention comprises a water-cooling heat dissipation system and an alarm device, in which the water-cooling heat dissipation system is mutually connected to a water block, a heat exchanger, a water tank and a circulation pump through the pipe, wherein the circulation pump outputs a frequency signal being in proportional to the rotation speed thereof. The alarm device is placed in the circulation pump, which receives the frequency signal outputted from the circulation pump and determines action conditions in the water flow and the circulation pump, then performs alarm operation based the determination in order to provide precise system abnormality alarm.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fuel filter performance and transmitting performance information. The performance information may be transmitted wirelessly to a computer or a wireless telephone and then transmitted to a technician. The performance information is preferably transmitted with location information which identifies the location of the filter for which maintenance is required. The information may also be transmitted to a web server which can store the information in a database and also send information via text messaging or telephone voice transmission or other automatic electronic transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A tankless water heater includes a sensitive flow sensor that has a magnetic sensor and a plunger with an imbedded magnet. The plunger is configured to lift in a direction of the magnetic sensor in response to the flow of water thereby changing the state of an output of the sensitive flow sensor. There are electric water heating elements situated within water heating chambers. The sensitive flow sensor and the water heating chambers are fluidly connected in series between a supply of water and at least one hot water spigot. In response to the flow of water, a change of the output of the sensitive flow sensor energizes the electric water heating elements, thereby heating the water.

Abstract: A flow detection sensor has a manifold with an inlet on a bottom surface and an outlet on a side surface. A movable partial blockage rests near the bottom surface of the manifold and is movable upward in response to a flow of liquid from the inlet to the outlet. A sensor detects the position of the movable partial blockage within the manifold.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to detecting a flow condition in a fluid supply system. The invention is particularly useful for detecting flow in a toilet system. The flow detection device comprises a processor associated with a flow sensor. Predefined flow criteria are stored in a memory associated with said processor. When the processor detects flow through the fluid supply system, the processor uses the flow criteria to characterize the detected flow. If such flow complies with predefined flow conditions, a flow event is noted and an alert is issue. Such alert is configured according to predefined alert-criteria stored in a memory.

Abstract: A remotely-actuated residential water supply cut-off system is disclosed. A remotely-actuated cut-off valve interposed in a residential water line downstream of a pressure-reducing valve. An electronic actuator is mounted on the cut-off valve and is remotely actuated to drive a DC motor in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to open or close the cut-off valve in response to a received signal. The electronic actuator includes a transceiver, a microcontroller and a motor. The microcontroller drives the motor to open or close the valve in response to a wireless signal received by the transceiver. A handheld transceiver unit sends a signal to the actuator to open or close the cut-off valve, or operate in automatic mode.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing, a first heat-generating member provided in the housing, a heat-radiating member thermally connected to the first heat-generating member, a first fan module guiding air to the heat-radiating member, a second heat-generating member provided in the housing, a second fan module discharging air out of the housing, and a wall section provided in the housing, located between the first fan module and the second fan module.

Abstract: A system for distinguishing between a fire sprinkler water flow and a domestic use water flow by supplying water to a dwelling through a multipurpose piping system to at least one domestic use and at least one fire sprinkler and providing a means for distinguishing between the fire sprinkler and domestic flow.

Abstract: A sensor for attachment to an inflatable air cell cushion to detect a change in immersion depth and bottoming out of the user seated on the cushion. The sensor includes an airflow conduit for attachment to the cushion inflation tube. The airflow conduit comprises a cylindrical body having a longitudinal inner bore. There is an opening through the conduit body in fluid communication with the bore. A transducer is positioned at the opening to detect changes in air pressure within the airflow conduit. The transducer is operatively connected to a warning light, an audible sensor and a mode set button. The functions of the electronic components are preprogrammed into a computer chip. A battery powers the sensor. The recited components are secured within a housing.

Abstract: A coffee making and music or movie playing apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising a water reservoir and a brewing station; a container for receiving the brewed coffee; a compact disc player and/or an MP3 player and/or a DVD, and at least one speaker; and a sensor that senses when the coffee starts to brew and activates said compact disc player to start playing music or movie.

Abstract: A stray voltage detection and reduction system. The stray voltage detection portion of the system includes a vessel configured to hold a liquid, such as water. An electrode is suspended in the water, and another electrode is positioned below the vessel in contact with the earth. A meter is coupled to the electrodes in such a manner that when an animal drinks from the vessel the presence or absence of stray voltage is detected by the meter. The stray voltage reduction portion of the system electrically isolates a water distribution system. A water source is connected to non-electrically-activated valves. The valves feed a plurality of storage tanks. The storage tanks connect to non-electrically-activated valves which are coupled to a booster pump. A control system ensures that the water source remains electrically-isolated from the booster pump.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for measuring airflow speed of a computer system fan includes an air guide sleeve having one end configured for connecting to an air outlet of the computer fan for guiding the airflow of the computer fan therethrough; a fixed loop connected to another end of the air guide sleeve for the airflow guided by the air guide sleeve passing therethrough; and a plurality of anemometers adjustably mounted to the fixed loop and extending into a central through hole of the fixed loop to determine airflow speed information. The apparatus is used to measure the airflow of the computer system fan by being positioned at an exit of the computer fan for expediently evaluating fan performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a meter box for housing a utility meter and configured for associating a customer service line to a utility service line. The meter box may be configured to fit within an existing meter box and may be configured with side sections in a telescopic arrangement. Flow control components at an input of the meter box prevent backflow. The meter box comprises an electronic module that includes a variety of selectable features including datalogging, AMR, environmental monitoring, and resource monitoring. A remote monitor is provided for allowing a customer to view selected data including consumption data, pressure, pH, temperature, warnings, remote turnoff, and provide secured bill paying services. Imaging/audio components provide visual and audio data which may include an image of an analog readout for a meter register, images of the metering environment, and sound data for metering environment.

Abstract: An air velocity sensing system not requiring external power supply is applied to an air duct system, comprising: (1) a sensor module disposed in the air duct for measuring the air velocity therein and for saving the measured air velocity value; and (2) a control module for wirelessly transmitting a signal to the sensor module, which sends the measured air velocity value back to the control module after receiving the signal from the control module, so as to have the air velocity value displayed on control module. The present invention also provides an air velocity sensing method not requiring external power supply.

Abstract: In an exemplary implementation of a method and system for determining the direction of fluid flow, one or more sound transducers are positioned in proximity to a conduit, each such sound transducer generating a signal representative of a selected characteristic of acoustic waves emanating from the conduit. Such signals are collected and analyzed to determine a threshold value for the selected characteristic (e.g., frequency) indicative of a change in the direction of fluid flow through the conduit. Based on whether subsequent measurements of the selected characteristic (e.g., frequency) are above or below the threshold value, the direction of fluid flow can be predicted and/or a change in the operational state of a component associated with the conduit can be identified.

Abstract: An architecture to supply electrical operating power in fluid flow measurement applications, apparatus and associated systems, computer program products, and methods include a receiver tunable to various radio frequencies to capture radio frequency (RF) energy that may be used to supply regulated voltage to electronic fluid flow measurement data processing circuitry. In an example implementation, the power module searches for at least one RF signal that contains substantial energy. The received energy may be converted to a rectified waveform. The converted energy may be, for example, used to supply operating power to circuits in the fluid flow measurement circuitry, and/or it may be stored, such as in a capacitor or in a battery. Preferred embodiments may store signal strength information for one or more frequencies in at least one range of frequencies, and may tune the receiver to a frequency selected from the stored frequency information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, article of manufacture, and system of detecting a cryogenic leak. In one embodiment, the method includes calibrating an infrared camera by detecting one or more first areas of low temperature in a first infrared image of a location received from the infrared camera wherein the low temperature is lower than an ambient temperature, detecting one or more second areas of low temperature in a second infrared image of the location received from the infrared camera wherein the low temperature in the second infrared image is lower than the ambient temperature and indicative of the cryogenic leak, and wherein the one or more second areas are not the one or more first areas, and in response to detecting the one or more second areas of low temperature in the second infrared image, generating an alarm message which indicates the cryogenic leak.

Abstract: To provide a fault-tolerant architecture to supply electrical operating power in fluid flow measurement applications, apparatus and associated systems, computer program products, and methods include an intelligent power module with redundant and electrically independent battery strings to supply regulated voltage to electronic fluid flow measurement data processing circuitry. In a preferred implementation, the intelligent power module transmits operating power and battery status information over a two wire interface. Circuitry may encode information about the status of individual battery strings in a DC supply voltage. The fluid meter processing circuitry operates from the DC supply voltage and decodes the battery status information. Preferred embodiments may also include a switched-mode power supply capable of extracting substantially all available stored energy capacity from each of the battery strings, each of which is electrically isolated by a unidirectional current circuit.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology claimed herein seeks to reduce the risk of the excessive admixing of water during a concrete wetting operation by providing a system that alerts, with at least one water flow indicator, at least one individual having the ability to readily terminate the water admixing operation either that water is currently being added and/or perhaps that a certain time of water addition has elapsed. At least one embodiment of the inventive technology includes a proximity switch.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more monitoring devices, positioned in sewer manholes, storm drains, etc., and a remote monitoring station that communicates wirelessly therewith. The monitoring device may be an integrated unit, including sensors, a two-way telemetry unit, a power supply, a processor, and supporting hardware, all located in an enclosed, waterproof housing. The monitoring device is placed within a manhole cavity to obtain depth (e.g., water level) measurements and report the measurements back to the remote monitoring station, which analyzes the data and responds to alert messages when a dangerous water level is detected. The sample and reporting rates of the device, as well as the water level threshold values, may be remotely programmable via commands transmitted from the remote monitoring station. An additional sensor may monitor the manhole cover for security purposes.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for measuring water speed and water temperature then periodically transmitting said data during controlled depth fishing wherein an underwater probe is secured to and insulated conductive downrigger cable and gathers and relays data though the cable to a remote receiver/display unit disposed on the watercraft.

Abstract: An alarm is associated with a device for dispensing volatile anesthetics. The alarm and device is designed such that an alarm is triggered whenever the operating voltage is interrupted and an assembly unit that determines the dispensing of at least one anesthetic is not in a prescribed state of operation.

Abstract: Method for eliminating or reducing reading errors of a non-contact microwave solids flow meter measuring solid particulate flow. The method is particularly suitable for calibration procedures prior to installation into an operating system. The flow meter is very sensitive and may pick up backscatter from dust and/or particulate clouds of the particulate product that builds up in the space above the collected particulate of the delivered product in the collecting bin. Readings that include backscatter from the dust cloud are in excess of the actual flow rate. The invention reduces or eliminates backscatter readings that include the particulate dust cloud by attaching a sheath reflective to backscatter energy and made for example from wire mesh to the delivery end of the output duct. The sheath extends toward the build up of the particulate material. During the calibration procedure, the reflective sheath is continuously moved so that it does not contact the material as it builds up.

Abstract: A fluid flow indication apparatus is provided for monitoring and giving an indication of fluid flow.

Abstract: An abnormal warning apparatus and detecting device that can be applied widely in a fluid circulating system is provided. The abnormal warning apparatus essentially includes a brightness tuning device, a light detecting unit, an analysis circuit, a light emitter, and an alarm. The ray of the light emitter penetrates through the tube having the brightness tuning device and enters the light detecting unit on the other side. After that, the various voltages transformed from the received ray with strong or week brightness or no light received are entered into the analysis circuit, then the voltages are determined to be normal or abnormal by comparing them with a standard voltage. The alarm goes off to warn with sound or light based on an output of abnormal voltage if the flow stops or becomes insufficient.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring gas flow in a semiconductor manufacturing equipment, includes an exhaust line, a flow amount measuring unit, and a controller unit having a first input electrically connected to the flow amount measuring unit and a second input having a predetermined reference value, the controller unit having the capability of comparing data in the first input to the predetermined reference value in the second input and generate a signal when the data in the first input exceed the predetermined reference value. The apparatus of the present invention may be incorporated into a gas delivery system employed in semiconductor manufacturing to detect gas leaks.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a spatial array of pressure sensors disposed at different axial locations x1. . . xN along the pipe. Each of the pressure sensors provides a pressure signal P(t) indicative of unsteady pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. A signal processor receives the pressure signals from each of the pressure sensors and determines the parameter of the fluid using pressure signals from selected ones of the pressure sensors. By selecting different pressure sensors, the signal processor can configure the array to meet different criteria. In one embodiment, the array of pressure sensors may be formed on a single sheet of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) that is wrapped around at least a portion of an outer surface of the pipe. This arrangement allows a large number of pressure sensors to be quickly and economically installed.

Abstract: A method is performed in an electronic system having (i) hardware configured to perform electronic operations and (ii) an air filter configured to remove contamination from an air stream that cools the hardware. The method, which identifies when to change an air filter, involves obtaining, from a set of particle sensors, a set of sensor signals in response to sensed particles in the air stream. The method further involves generating particle count data and processing the data based on the set of sensor signals, and providing an output signal having one of a first value and a second value based on the particle count data. The output signal indicates that the air filter should be changed when the output signal has the first value. The output signal indicates that the air filter should not be changed when the output signal has the second value.

Abstract: Method of monitoring water conservation in an apartment complex by positioning infrared cameras with motion sensors in the clean outs of the waste water discharge lines leading to public sewer systems wherein each camera image is displayed on a computer screen and the motion sensors, which start and stop the digital video recorders (DVR), are adjusted by circumscribing the area of the camera image and the pixel sensitivity setting for motion sensors activation, which triggers the DVR recordings. In this arrangement the intermittent or constant flow of waste water is detected in real time indicating normal or abnormal flow of waste water, respectively. Further, an infrared camera may be positioned on the apartment complex side of the water meter to determine in real time if water is being supplied to the complex and the waste water flow out is little or none then loss of water outside the plumbing system from overflowing commodes, tubs, lavatories or broken pipe is indicated.

Abstract: A wireless wastewater system monitoring apparatus generally comprising a processor/transceiver unit, housed within a synthetic protective enclosure formed outside of the wastewater system, and a fluid level sensor configured to send an overflow signal to the processor/transceiver unit when an overflow condition in the wastewater system is detected. The processor/transceiver unit is configured with at least one microprocessor wired between the sensor and a power supply and with a transceiver so as to detect the overflow signal from the sensor and, in response, transmit a wireless alarm signal. The processor/transceiver unit is further configured such that only a portion of its circuitry is constantly powered so as to continuously monitor the sensor, while the remainder of its circuitry, including the transceiver, is only powered and a wireless signal sent from the unit when an overflow condition is detected or a routine status-check is being conducted.

Abstract: A flow sensor having an inlet and an outlet comprising: a plate moving in response to fluid flow therethrough, being displaced further as flow increases; a sensor for determining moving plate's position and creating an electronic signal related thereto; a biasing means for biasing the plate towards the sensor's inlet end. The sensor may include a sealing means for preventing flow therethrough until a specified differential pressure is reached allowing the device to be used as a bypass mechanism. The sealing means may also constitute a check valve means to prevent flow in an undesired direction.