Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for irrigating lands are disclosed. In one example, an irrigation system is disclosed. The irrigation system includes a gate and a microcontroller unit (MCU). The gate is configured for adjusting a water flow for irrigating a piece of land. The MCU is configured for controlling the gate to adjust the water flow based on environmental information related to the piece of land.

Abstract: The profiler system and method measure multiphase fluid with or without a container. The profiler includes at least one sensor module. Each sensor module extends a set distance from an upper end to a lower end of the module. This set distance determines proximal and distal measurement zones corresponding to different portions of multiphase fluid. The zones can be aligned within the container to define a sample volume with a relative position from top to bottom within the container. The profiler measures fluid characteristics with location data based on the sample volume or zones so that a profile of the multiphase fluid includes position of the portions of multiphase fluid measured. The safety and accuracy of storage in a container or active flow in a flow connector or open water can be maintained, even as the multiphase fluid dynamically changes while in storage and while in active flow.

Abstract: A preheater for a compressor that is capable of heating a lubricant oil efficiently with smaller power is provided. A preheater for a compressor includes: a capacitive oil surface sensor that is provided at a compressor used in a refrigerating cycle, and detects an oil surface of a lubricant oil A in the compressor; and a power supply unit that applies high-frequency voltage to the oil surface sensor.

Abstract: A sensor device has at least one first sensor element for detecting a touch and/or an approach, which is configured as a capacitive sensor element and which has a first electrode structure with a transmitting electrode and a reception electrode, wherein a first alternating electrical field emitted by the transmitting electrode may be coupled into the reception electrode,—at least one second sensor element, and—an evaluating device, which is coupled with the at least one first sensor element and with the at least one second sensor element, wherein the evaluating device is configured to evaluate a first signal tapped from the reception electrode of the first sensor element and at least one second signal provided by the second sensor element and to generate at least one detection signal dependent on the evaluation.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sensor having a sensing film and at least two electrodes; and a plurality of electronic components operably associated with the sensor. The sensing film is configured to provide a signal based on humidity immediately prior to contact with liquid water. The electronic components are configured to provide a change in output voltage to trigger an electronic switch that disconnects an electronic device from a power source.

Abstract: A relay (1) includes a motor (20) and a primary electrical switch assembly (132). Primary electrical switching attachment points (113) are switched by a moveable switching link (101) which is moved in and out of the switch on an switched off position axially by the motor (20) in response to electrical signals delivered to the coil (26) via the flexible leads (32, 33). The switching link (101) includes a mercury reservoir (119). A piezoelectric disk bender (105) displaces mercury to close the gaps between the attachment points (113).

Abstract: A system for preventing flooding caused by blockages in the drain lines of appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and the like included a sealed connection between a washing machine drain line and the sewer line drain, further including a washing machine drain line inlet attachment to a housing, the inlet line connecting to the sewer drain line and to a sealed vent pipe connected to the sewer line drain above the inlet attachment, and including a C-shaped loop in fluid communication with the sewer drain line and containing a float actuated control valve adapted to cut off power to the washing machine upon actuation; a kit containing components of the system and methods of installing the system and kit.

Abstract: An electronic control device has a resin case to which a circuit board having a terminal contact pad is fixed; a hydraulic unit having an electromagnetic solenoid which controls a hydraulic circuit and a pressure sensor which detects a pressure of the hydraulic circuit; a motor post having a current-carrying member which electrically connects a motor and the circuit board and extending from the resin case and inserted in the hydraulic unit; and a fixing member which is provided at the resin case and holds an outer periphery of the pressure sensor. Positioning between the pressure sensor and the terminal contact pad of the circuit board is made by the motor post inserted in the hydraulic unit and fixation of the pressure sensor by the fixing member.

Abstract: In consideration of a force acting on a valve, wear in the valve or in a valve seat is suppressed and thereby the frequency of lifetime use of a fuel injector is increased. In a control apparatus for controlling a driving current that is allowed to pass to a fuel injector including a solenoid, after a first injection pulse width for injecting fuel is finished and before a second injection pulse width, which is to be output subsequently to the first injection pulse width for injecting the fuel, is started, a third pulse width 421 for allowing the driving current to pass through the solenoid is output and the driving current that is to be allowed to flow through the solenoid by the third pulse 421 is controlled in accordance with one of a measurement value and a predictive value of a fuel pressure.

Abstract: A monitor system for an air conditioning unit having a suction refrigerant line and a liquid refrigerant line. The monitor system has two low pressure sensors mounted on the suction refrigerant line; a high pressure sensor mounted on the liquid refrigerant line; a back-up battery; an AC transformer; an AC to DC converter board having three connection points; two double DPDT relays; a terminal board having terminals for connection to the converter board, the relays, a warning device and the pressure sensors. For commercial size air conditioning systems, the monitor system has two 12-volt back-up batteries; two AC transformers; two 16 AC to DC converter boards, and three double DPDT relays.

Abstract: A power transfer apparatus includes: a casing into which liquid is injected; two metal plates disposed so as to come into contact with the liquid within the casing; and a power source configured to emit a current into the liquid with each of the two metal plates as an electrode; with power being supplied from the power source to a functional module to be mounted within the casing through the liquid such that each of two electrodes comes into contact with the liquid; and with the functional module being mounted such that the liquid can flow from one of the two metal plates to the other.

Abstract: A failure detection device for a hydraulic motor according to the present invention comprises a hydraulic pump 3 that is driven by a prime mover 2; a hydraulic motor 1 for traveling that is driven by hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 3; a transmission 7 that is connected with an output shaft of the hydraulic motor 1 for traveling; a stopping detection device 26 that detects that a traveling vehicle has stopped; a fluid level detection device 35 that detects an oil level in the transmission 7; and a warning device 39, 40 that issues a warning when the stopping detection device 26 detects that the traveling vehicle has stopped, and also the fluid level detection device 35 detects that the oil level in the transmission 7 has reached a predetermined value La.

Abstract: A water feeder controller for a boiler monitors a low water cutoff sensor in a boiler and uses a feed timer to feed water to the boiler for a predetermined feed period of time. The feed timer brings the water level in the boiler well above the low water cutoff sensor. The feed timer supplies water to the boiler only if the low water cutoff sensor continues to indicate a low water level for a delay period of time measured by a delay timer. A resettable display indicates the quantity of water supplied by the water feeder to the boiler based on a feed counter incremented during water feeding. A manual feed button allows water to be manually fed to the boiler. The quantity of water manually supplied to the boiler is also shown on the display. The feed timer and delay timer are preferably implemented in software in a microcontroller in the water feeder controller. A lockout loop in the software prevents overfeeding of water to the boiler in the event of a failure of the low water cutoff sensor.

Abstract: A building protection system includes a switch, a transmitter, a receiver and a controllable shut-off valve disposed within the inlet line of a utility, such as water or gas, provided to a building. The switch is used to close or open the shut-off valve to stop the flow of the utility into the building. The receiver is proximate the valve, while the transmitter and switch are remote from the valve. In one embodiment, the switch is a manual switch that can be used to generate a valve open or a valve closed signal. The switch and transmitter can be wall-mounted, such as in a garage, or can be integrated into a hand-held device, such as a remote control. In other embodiments, the switch is associated with a condition sensor, such as for sensing a utilities leak or for sensing a temperature outside a certain pre-determined limit value.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical circuit that measures the ground current due to insulation leakage in electrical heating elements. The circuit uses a CT to measure the current being supplied to at least one of a plurality of electrical heating elements. Using a comparator circuit and noise rejection circuitry to prevent erroneous tripping, once the current reaches a predetermined threshold, a signal is sent to a switch that causes a non-volatile memory device to clear thereby de-energizing the coil of the contactor that provides power to at least one of the heating elements.

Abstract: A failure detection device for a hydraulic motor according to the present invention comprises a hydraulic pump 3 that is driven by a prime mover 2; a hydraulic motor 1 for traveling that is driven by hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 3; a transmission 7 that is connected with an output shaft of the hydraulic motor 1 for traveling; a stopping detection device 26 that detects that a traveling vehicle has stopped; a fluid level detection device 35 that detects an oil level in the transmission 7; and a warning device 39, 40 that issues a warning when the stopping detection device 26 detects that the traveling vehicle has stopped, and also the fluid level detection device 35 detects that the oil level in the transmission 7 has reached a predetermined value La.

Abstract: A water feeder controller for a boiler monitors a low water cutoff sensor in a boiler and uses a feed timer to feed water to the boiler for a predetermined feed period of time. The feed timer brings the water level in the boiler well above the low water cutoff sensor. The feed timer supplies water to the boiler only if the low water cutoff sensor continues to indicate a low water level for a delay period of time measured by a delay timer. A resettable display indicates the quantity of water supplied by the water feeder to the boiler based on a feed counter incremented during water feeding. A manual feed button allows water to be manually fed to the boiler. The quantity of water manually supplied to the boiler is also shown on the display. The feed timer and delay timer are preferably implemented in software in a microcontroller in the water feeder controller. A lockout loop in the software prevents overfeeding of water to the boiler in the event of a failure of the low water cutoff sensor.

Abstract: A flood prevention system includes a double-latching solenoid valve that shuts off a water supply line in response to a moisture sensor detecting a leak in a plumbing system. The double-latching feature provides the solenoid's plunger with two positions of equilibrium. This minimizes electrical power consumption so that the flood prevention system can be battery operated. To minimize a buildup of hard water deposits, the valve includes a flexible diaphragm and is cycled periodically regardless of whether flooding occurs. The sensor includes multiple methods of mounting to a floor.

Abstract: The invention is system and method for detecting a leak and operating an existing valve in response to the detected leak. In this regard, a receiving unit may be installed on an existing shutoff valve. The valve may control the flow of a fluid into a site. A transmitting unit may be installed in the vicinity of an appliance receiving the fluid. The transmitting unit may include a detector capable of detecting the fluid. In response to the detector detecting the fluid, the transmitting unit may transmit a signal including a unique 32 bit code. A receiver within the receiving unit may be capable of receiving the signal. Additionally, a PIC microprocessor within the receiving unit may be configured to receive the signal from the receiver and determine if the signal contains the code. In response to determining the signal contains the code, the PIC may control a motor to operate (e.g., turn off) the valve. The motor may be configured for attachment to the valve via a coupler.

Abstract: An overflow prevention mechanism for use in association with liquid transfer systems of the type including an electrically controllable flow control device such as a pump connected between a source of liquid and a liquid tank, the mechanism including a backup liquid level sensor and a shunt trip breaker or other normally-closed switching device. The backup liquid level sensor senses if the level of liquid within the tank reaches an extreme high level. When the liquid level within the tank reaches the extreme high level the backup liquid level sensor produces an output indicative of the liquid having reached such extreme high level. The shunt trip breaker is connected between the source of electrical energy and the flow control device.

Abstract: To enable a fluid state of a fluid substance flowing through a path in a piping, for example a liquid state or a froth state of beer, to be surely and easily judged while keeping a sanitary condition, allowing a take out to be surely and easily performed, a piping fluid decision device is constituted with an electrostatic capacity sensor (15) disposed outside of a piping (1) adapted for a fluid substance to flow through a path therein, for detecting a variation of electrostatic capacity of the path in the piping (1), reference value storage means for storing in advance a reference variation of electrostatic capacity of the path to provide for a decision on a fluid state of the fluid substance flowing through the path in the piping, and fluid decision means for comparing the detected variation of electrostatic capacity and the stored variation of electrostatic capacity to make the decision on the fluid state of the fluid substance flowing through the path.

Abstract: A control system for stopping a plumbing-related flooding situation in a building includes at least one sensor for accumulating water and producing a low voltage electrical control signal when sufficient water is accumulated. An actuating system receives the control signal and in turn routes 110 volt current to an electrically activated valve located in a main feed conduit of the plumbing system. The reopening of the valve is achieved by a manually operated electrical switch.

Abstract: A water shut-off system incorporates a water shut-off valve utilizing a pair of adjacently disposed electrodes, a transmitter and a receiving means. The water shut-off valve is in the form of a ball valve. A timing logic causes current to flow to a valve driving motor as electric pulses.

Abstract: Improved overflow protection for washing machines and other applications in which a liquid from a controllable valve fills a tub is achieved by a circuit in which a single pulse train generated cooperatively by a pressure sensor and a controller is monitored by a lockout timer. If an interruption in the train of pulses occurs that is longer than a predetermined time-out period indicating a failure of either the pressure sensor or the controller that would otherwise prevent the valve from shutting off the flow of liquid into the tub, the lockout timer will cause the valve to turn off. The controller is also able to override the lockout timer and cause a relay to shut off power to the controllable valve to force it off if the pressure sensor detects a continued rise in liquid level after the controller has signalled the controllable valve to shut off.

Abstract: In a method of controlling a duty-cycle type solenoid valve having a valve body that is driven at a controlled duty ratio and a valve seat on which the valve body rests when the solenoid valve is closed, an additional pulse is applied to the solenoid valve upon a lapse of a predetermined time from an ON/OFF switching point at which a level of a driving pulse is changed to drive the valve body in a direction to close the solenoid valve, so as to reduce the speed of the valve body when resting on the valve seat. The additional pulse has the same phase as the driving pulse applied before the ON/OFF switching point, and has a pulse width that is smaller than that of the driving pulse having the same phase.

Abstract: A valve assembly is operative for automatically shutting off both a water supply line and gas supply line to a gas-fired hot water vessel upon detection of water discharge, leak or overflow, from the water vessel. The valve assembly is connected in the water supply line and generally includes a valve body, a sliding valve member which is spring biased to a normally closed position, and a water softenable latch which maintains the valve member in an open position against the bias of the spring. The valve assembly is preferably positioned in a drip pan located under the water vessel such that water leaking from the water vessel will accumulate in the drip pan and submerge the valve assembly. Upon exposure to water accumulated in the drip pan, the water softenable latch at least partially softens and releases the valve member to move from its open position to its closed position to cut off water supply through the valve body.

Abstract: An electrically actuated flow control device for use with an electrical household appliance includes a single body defining first and second flow passages. Inlet ends of the flow passages connect to pressurized sources of hot and cold water, and outlet ends of the flow passages connect to hoses for delivery of hot and cold water to the appliance. Hot and cold water actuators are each adapted to move between a first position resisting flow through the flow passages and a second position permitting flow through the flow passages. A sensor detects whether current is being drawn by the appliance, and a controller controls the positions of the actuators dependant upon whether current is being drawn. The inlet ends of the flow passage each include a connector arranged at a desired spacing from each other corresponding to the connector spacing in a mechanical flow control device.

Abstract: A valve system for use in conjunction with a hot water heater where the water line to the hot water heater passes through the valve system which, when a leak is detected by an electrical sensor, causes a motor to drive a gear which moves a gear rack laterally to pull a rod attached to a gate which gate moves over a valve outlet to block further flow of water to the hot water heater.

Abstract: A system for use with a normally open manually actuated water valve, or any other suitable manually actuated device, for automatically closing the valve, or device, upon sensing water. The system includes at least one water sensor electrically connected to a motorized actuator mounted on the valve, or device, whereby a signal is transmitted either by electrical conductor, or in an alternate embodiment by RF transmission, to the motorized actuator upon sensing water, whereby said manual valve is automatically actuated to its closed position. The system may be installed on an otherwise conventional manual shut-off valve, without replacing the valve or otherwise interrupting flow through the valve.

Abstract: An overflow control system includes a vessel having a liquid input and output, the vessel having a top and bottom defined by the gravity vector. The system further includes a housing peripherally surrounding the vessel about all surfaces, other than the bottom, to provide a fluid and thermal insulation region between the vessel and the housing. The system also includes a liquid collection chamber formed integrally beneath the vessel and housing, and in fluid communication with the insulation region. A leak or fracture of the vessel will result in an accumulation of liquid in the collection chamber. The system further includes a normally open electrically actuatable solenoid disposed within the liquid input. Within the liquid output of the vessel is provided a check valve for closing the output responsive to any gradient of fluid pressure in the direction of the vessel in excess of a reference level.

Abstract: A fail-safe fluid transfer control apparatus has full redundancy in the response to various inputs such as overfill probe signals, ground detection signals, and the like. Independent microprocessor controllers independently evaluate the inputs and each output control signals to close a respective relay when the inputs indicate that fluid transfer may commence. The relays are arranged in series such that both must be closed for a fluid transfer to commence. The control signals from each controller include a static signal and an alternating signal, both of which must be properly output to close its respective relay. Each controller monitors the state of each relay, and discontinues its control signals if either relay appears to be malfunctioning. Each controller runs an different, independently written firmware program to process the detected inputs to prevent a common firmware error.

Abstract: A safety control valve for a domestic water supply system is described. It includes a valve body having a flow passage therethrough comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertical flow channels and a top flow cavity connecting these vertical flow channels. The top ends of the spaced flow channels open into a flat bottom face of the top flow cavity, which flat face forms a valve seat. A closure flap is mounted in the top cavity and is spring biased downwardly against the flat bottom face to close the valve. A central cylindrical cavity extends vertically between the bottom of the top flow cavity and the bottom of the valve body with a thin elastic diaphragm closing the top end of the cylindrical cavity. A solenoid is mounted on the bottom of the valve body concentric with the central cylindrical cavity.

Abstract: An overflow protection shut-off device for use with a water heater for shutting off a supply of water to the water heater when a leaking or an overflow condition occurs, the device including a valve mechanism coupleable to an input water line of a water heater and having an opened orientation for allowing flow of water within the input line and a closed orientation for preventing such flow; a water sensing mechanism positionable at a location proximal to the water heater for providing a signal when it is placed in contact with water when the water heater experiences the leaking or the overflow condition; and a switching mechanism coupled to the valve mechanism and the water sensing mechanism and with the switching mechanism being responsive to receipt of the signal from the water sensing mechanism for placing the valve mechanism in the closed orientation.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for a water purification system. The solenoid valve contains a fluid valve which can move between an opened position and a closed position, and a coil which moves the valve to the open position when a first voltage is supplied to the coil and maintains the valve in the open position as a second voltage is supplied to the coil. The coil is coupled to a control circuit which initially supplies the first voltage to the coil when the valve is to be opened, and then reduces the first voltage to the second voltage after the valve is in the open position.

Abstract: A sewage grinder pump system for use in moving sewage, having a vertically oriented cylindrical pump motor housing, a bottom plate affixed to and closing the pump motor housing, a motor supported by the bottom plate within the pump motor housing, the motor having a shaft extending through an opening in the bottom plate, a grinder pump supported to a lower end of the bottom plate and connected to the motor shaft, a closure member affixed to the pump motor housing top end and having a level detector receiving portion providing a liquid level detector opening therein externally of the pump motor housing, an elongated liquid level detector having an upper end received within the liquid level detector opening, and a circuit connecting the liquid level detector to control the motor to thereby drive the grinder pump in response to detected liquid level.

Abstract: A leak detector and circuit interrupter for detecting the presence of a liquid in the base of a dispenser containment box and interrupting the supply of electrical power when such liquid is detected is disclosed. There is a user enableable circuit for selectively enabling the pump and an override circuit which is operable when enabled to disable the user enableable circuit. An optical liquid sensing probe is positioned near the bottom of the containment box with optical coupling to the override circuit. The optical probe is coupled to a light emitting diode, a photosensitive transistor, and includes a light path with at least one total internal reflection surface normally coupling the light emitting diode and the photosensitive transistor. The probe normally maintains the override circuit in an ineffective state, but, when the light path is interrupted by an accumulation of liquid in the bottom of the containment box, changes state thereby enabling the override circuit and disabling the pump.

Abstract: An H-5 relay air valve emulating circuit for use in an electropneumatic railway brake control equipment including an operational amplifier comparator and a solenoid relay. The operational amplifier comparator includes a positive and a negative input and an output. The positive input is connected to an automatic brake cylinder request terminal, while the negative input is connected to a reference signal terminal. The output of the operational amplifier comparator is connected to the electrical coil of the solenoid relay which has a movable heel contact as well as a front and a back contact. The front contact is connected to an independent brake cylinder request terminal, while the back contact is connected to a zero reference terminal. The movable heel contact of the solenoid relay is connected to an independent contact point of a J-relay emulating circuit which is conditioned to either produce 160% of the simulated control pressure signal or to produce 100% of the simulated control pressure signal.

Abstract: A water supply control apparatus for a household plumbing system having a main water supply line includes a shut-off valve disposed in the main water supply line, electric motor means for actuating the shut-off valve and being operable to move between open and closed positions, at least one temperature sensor adapted to be located in a position of exposure to cold temperatures, at least one moisture sensor adapted to be located in a position of exposure to water leaking from household appliances, control means, connected to the electric motor means, the at least one temperature sensor and the at least one moisture sensor, for actuating the shut-off valve to the closed position when either a freeze condition is detected by the at least one temperature sensor or a water leak is detected by the at least one moisture sensor.

Abstract: A rainfall detector for detecting a set amount of rainfall and which functions to interrupt the normal operation of an automatic sprinkler or irrigation system upon detection of the set amount of rainfall, includes a rainwater-collection tray having an opening and mounted so that the portion of the opening exposed to rainwater during a rainstorm is adjustable. The rainwater-collection tray may be slidably mounted below a detector housing which houses a switching circuit with two sensors extending into the tray, and which serves to block the rain from the open portion of the tray beneath the housing. Thus, the portion of the tray opening exposed to rain is adjusted by sliding the tray so that more or less of the opening is covered by the housing. The tray may also include posts extending upwardly from the bottom of the tray and terminating below the top edge of the tray for preventing debris from filling the rain-collecting portion of the tray.

Abstract: A fluid level responsive switch apparatus used in a tank to monitor fluid level in the tank. The apparatus has a float buoy attached to a tilt switch containing three conductors activated by a conductive sphere. The first conductor activates the fluid controller for restoring fluid to the tank when the conductive sphere is in a low fluid level position, the second conductor delays the switching between the activating and deactivating conductors when the conductive sphere is in an intermediate level position and the third conductor deactivates the controller when the conductive sphere is in a high fluid level position.

Abstract: This method comprises the following steps, which are compatible with thin-film technology: forming a bottom electrode (2) on an insulating substrate (1), depositing a humidity-sensitive polymer layer (5) of uniform thickness on the bottom electrode (2) leaving contact areas (3a, 3b) uncovered, activating surface bonds of the polymer layer (5), applying a colloidal dispersion of SiO.sub.2 or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 particles (6) of uniform grain size as a thin layer to the polymer layer (5) and subsequently drying it, depositing a cover electrode (7) on the particles (6) still evenly distributed on the polymer layer (5) after the drying of the dispersion, and removing the particles (6) together with the portions of the cover electrode (7) overlying them.

Abstract: A control circuit for a sump pump or other pump that controls the liquid level in a vessel. The liquid is maintained between upper and lower levels defined by probes in the vessel. The probes are associated with comparators and connect with one comparator input. The upper limit comparator connects with the gate of an SCR which supplies current to the lower limit comparator and also to a relay which controls the on/off condition of the pump. The output of the lower limit comparator controls a switching transistor which is arranged in a series circuit with the SCR and relay coil. Once the SCR is conductive, it is latched in the conductive state until the transistor is made nonconductive by the lower limit comparator. In a sump pump application, latching of the SCR allows the pump to remain activated after the liquid level is reduced below the upper probe.

Abstract: A water sensing type power breaker circuit is incorporated into an electric appliance such as a hair dryer or the like and is used to cut off a power supply to prevent an accident due to an electric shock immediately when the electric appliance is dropped into the water.A water sensing type power breaker circuit includes first and second contacts having one polarity connected to a power supply and the other polarity connected to a load, an impedance element circuit including first and second impedance elements connected in series each other and which is connected in parallel with the load, a water sensing element made of an electrical conductor connected to an intermediate point between both the impedance elements through a conductor, and a relay for detecting a current flowing through the conductor to open the first and second contacts when the current flows through the conductor. The relay is held by itself so that the first and second contacts are opened.

Abstract: An actuator with a built-in reed switch includes a solenoid, a plunger made of magnetic material and movable within a coil of the solenoid, a plunger receiver made of magnetic material and fixedly mounted in the solenoid coil, a magnetic responsive reed switch connected in series to the solenoid coil and disposed near a gap between the plunger and the plunger receiver, and a sensor terminal branched from a junction between the solenoid coil and the reed switch, whereby contacts of the reed switch are closed by a magnetic field generated when a current flows through the sensor terminal in the solenoid coil. The actuator shifts from high sensitivity to lower sensitivity and supplies a sufficient driving force as an actuator.

Abstract: The present invention describes a safety device for a socket portion of an electrical cord. The safety feature involves the positioning of a conducting ring around the positive slot on the receiving socket. The conducting ring is grounded, and when used in conjunction with a ground fault interrupter, prevents the completion of an electrical circuit through the child's saliva from the positive contact in the socket and the flesh of the child's mouth.

Abstract: There is provided a system for blocking the inflow of water to an appliance such as a hot water tank in the event of a leak in the appliance or water supply thereto. A low voltage current solenoid selectively blocks said inflow in response to a leak. No current is drawn during normal operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A fluid level controller flexibly set up according to the number of level steps to be controlled and the pitch between such level steps, which comprises a plurality of joint pipes connected in series to form a pipe assembly; a ring-shaped magnetic floating member sleeved on such a pipe assembly to follow fluid level to move up and down; a plurality of reed elements having each a reed switch connected in series with one another and received in the joint pipes; a main control circuit comprising latching relays in quantity one less than the quantity of the reed elements and a plurality of controlled actuators respectively connected to the reed elements.

Abstract: A personal appliance, such as hair dryer, with enhanced shock hazard protection, and including a housing formed of two complementary and interfitting sections, electrical units mounted within the housing, a power cord leading to the housing, an IDCI on the power cord, and a sensing wire associated with the power cord leading from said housing to said IDCI, electroconductive coating on the internal surfaces of the housing sections, with the coating being electrically connected to the sensor wire, whereby water contacting the coating and the power cord or any of the electrical units will cause a voltage in the sensing wire and thereby trigger the IDCI.

Abstract: A safety device adapted for use in a hand held tool for minimizing electrical shock from an AC power supply to a user includes a gound plane disposed inside the electrical tool, which, should the tool become immersed in water or become unreasonably wet, provides a path for electrical current, which energizes a solenoid which, in turn, disconnects the AC power supply. The safety device is encased in a cartridge or module. The safety device contains a power supply, such as a electret and/or a battery, that is independent of the AC power supply. Thus, the safety device can be tripped even if the tool is not plugged in or turned on.

Abstract: There is provided a method and an apparatus for adapting a conventional freeze and rain sensors to be used with a water irrigation system in which a water valve is retracted by a latching solenoid.