Abstract: A voice controlled device comprises a housing, a dock, a coupling mechanism, and a microphone. The dock is configured to connect the housing to a plurality of host appliances. The coupling mechanism is configured to receive an identification value indicative of docking between the voice controlled device and a currently connected host appliance of the plurality of host appliances. The microphone is configured to receive one or more voice inputs for the currently connected host appliance. A command is provided based on the one or more voice inputs and the identification value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sink assembly including a basin, an apron, and an apron module. The basin includes a floor and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the floor. The floor and the plurality of sidewalls together define a reservoir configured to receive fluid therein. The apron module is disposed within the volume and includes an audio system. The apron module may be sized to be fully received within the volume.

Abstract: A touchless faucet includes a faucet body having a first compartment and a second compartment, where the second compartment has a mixing chamber for mixing fluid and a flow passage. The faucet also includes an aerator coupled to the faucet body and configured to receive fluid from the flow passage, a control board disposed in the first compartment, a solenoid disposed in the second compartment and communicatively coupled to the control board, and an IR sensor disposed in the first compartment for sensing a presence of a user.

Abstract: An electric generator having a rotor with permanent magnets, configured for rotating about a rotation axis; a stator having at least one magnetic yoke with arms extending axially inside or outside of the rotor so as to be adjacent to a radial inner or outer side, respectively, of the rotor; wherein the arms of the at least one magnetic yoke are circumferentially distributed so as to form a slot between each pair of adjacent arms, each slot and each arm showing a width. The widths of the arms and/or the widths of the slots have different values distributed along the circumference. The invention is also directed to a valve having the electric generator equipped with a turbine wheel for being driven by a flow of gas in the valve.

Abstract: A sink system and methods of making and using sink systems including a sink basin and a discharge conduit coupled to the sink basin, which is positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet thereof. The flow of fluid through the discharge conduit may be activated via a motion sensor or switch coupled directly to the basin or a spacer ring positioned between the basin and the countertop. Controls for adjusting the temperature and/or flow rate of fluid through the discharge conduit may also be coupled to the basin or a spacer ring positioned between the basin and the countertop, or alternatively, to a surface of the countertop.

Abstract: An integrated bathroom electronic system including a plurality of sensors to detect conditions within a bathroom and to provide signals indicative thereof to a controller. A plurality of distinct and exclusive modules or subsystems are illustratively provided for integration into the system. Such modules may include a quick hot water module, a roman tub module, a custom shower module, a hands free faucet module, and a tub shower module. In certain illustrative faucet modules, a controller is configured to select between a manual mode of operation and a hands-free mode of operation in response to a mode signal, and is configured to control an electrically operable valve in response to a proximity signal during the hands-free mode of operation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device obtains sensor data captured by one or more sensors deployed in a washroom, the sensor data comprising audio signals. The device identifies, using the sensor data as input to one or more machine learning-based classifiers, one or more events associated with a user of the washroom. The device makes a decision as whether the one or more events comply with a hand hygiene protocol. The device provides data indicative of the decision for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A flush-mounted control panel system for a bathing installation. The panel system includes a control panel including a housing structure, the housing structure including a peripheral mounting flange, the panel and flange sized to fit within a tub mounting opening in a mounting surface. A support bracket supports the control panel within the opening, and is fabricated of a thin material. The bracket has a peripheral sidewall portion, a top lip portion extending outwardly from the sidewall portion, and a bottom lip portion extending inwardly from the sidewall portion. The top lip portion overlays a portion of the surface peripheral to the opening and the bottom lip portion underlays the peripheral flange of the panel housing to support the panel within the opening. Adhesive gaskets secure the bracket to the mounting surface and the panel flange to the bottom lip portion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a light source array, a communication interface, and a controller. The light source array comprises one or more directional light sources. The communication interface is configured to receive user data from at least one appliance, the user data indicative of an identity of a user. The controller is configured to analyze the identity of the user and activate the one or more directional light sources in response to the identity of the user.

Abstract: Provided is a water spout control device that has a target object detector configured to: detect whether a target object exists in a first detection region and to determine a position of the target object when the target exists in the first detection region according to an image information of a regional image; a holding object detector configured to detect whether a holding object holding the detection target exists in a second detection region different from the first detection region and to determine a position of the holding object when the holding object exists in the second detection region; and a controller configured to control water discharging according to a detection result by the target object detector and a detection result by the holding object detector, wherein water spout conditions in the plurality of detection regions for controlling the water discharging from a faucet spout are different from each other.

Abstract: A wearable computing device may be used to track the efficacy of one or more cleaning actions performed. The device can include one or more sensors that detect and measure motion associated with a cleaning event. In different examples, the movement data generated by the device can be compared to reference movement data to determine if the individual has cleaned all the objects they were expected to clean and/or if the individual has cleaned a given object sufficiently well. As another example, the movement data generated by the device can be analyzed to distinguish cleaning and non-cleaning movement actions as well as to distinguish different types of cleaning actions during cleaning movement. The quality of each cleaning action can be evaluated. In any configuration, the device may perform an operation in response to determining that ineffective cleaning is being performed, causing corrected cleaning action to be performed.

Abstract: An optical proximity sensor with a digital calibration circuit and a digital calibration method are provided. In a test mode, a test light emitted by a light transmitter is reflected by a cover of an electronic device to form a first reflected analog signal to a light receiver. A digital calibration circuit counts the first number of pulse waves of a first reflected digital signal. In a calibration mode, a light is emitted to a detected object through the cover and then is reflected by the detected object to form a second reflected analog signal to the light receiver. When the digital calibration circuit counts the number of pulse waves of a second reflected digital signal up to the first number, the digital calibration circuit clears the first number and then recounts the number of pulse waves of the second reflected digital signal to obtain the second number.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for smart water systems. In one example, a method for providing water through a faucet includes detecting a voice request from a user; providing an indication of the voice request to control circuitry of an electrically operated valve coupled to a water supply line of the faucet; and activating the electrically operated valve to provide water through the faucet. In another example, a method includes detecting a request for water from a user; providing an indication of the request to control circuitry of an electrically operated valve coupled to a water supply line of the faucet; and activating the electrically operated valve to provide a specified amount of water through the faucet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for managing water consumption when a user engages in a specified water using activity. In an embodiment, the method comprises detecting user movement during said activity; detecting water usage during said activity; creating a pattern associating said user movements with said water usage over a specified period of time; and using said pattern to control a supply of water for the user when the user engages in the water using activity. In an embodiment, movement sensors are used to generate data representing movement of the user during the water using activity; water sensors are used to generate data representing water usage during the water using activity; and the movement data and the water data are processed to generate a data structure correlating the user movement data with the water data.

Abstract: An electronic faucet device includes a water discharge port for discharging water mixed at a faucet main body; a valve for electrically opening and closing a passage on an upstream side of the water discharge port; a first operation unit and a second operation unit for opening and closing the valve; and a control unit for controlling the valve based on an electrical signal transmitted from each of the first and second operation units, in a case where a water discharge and stop operation is performed on one operation unit among the first operation unit and the second operation unit in a state where the water discharge and stop operation is performed on the other operation unit, the control unit controls the valve by prioritizing an electrical signal transmitted from the one operation unit so as to enable discharge and stopping of water at the water discharge port.

Abstract: An oven appliance is provided that includes an antenna device for a wireless probe system. In one exemplary aspect, the antenna device includes features that allow the antenna device to function as an antenna for the wireless probe system as well as an oven cavity air temperature sensing device.

Abstract: A method for operating a sanitary fitting, and to a sanitary fitting. The sanitary fitting is equipped to deliver a water jet and has at least one manual actuator for manual regulation of at least one water jet flow rate or a water jet temperature, and a sensor arrangement that is equipped for sensor-controlled regulation of a predefined water jet flow rate and a predefined water jet temperature. The sensor arrangement is equipped to detect the presence of an object in an external detection area and a control unit is provided to distinguish whether the object detected first is a water jet or a different object.

Abstract: A power supply assembly and method for a plumbing fixture includes a control circuit that controls operation of the plumbing fixture, and a wireless power receiving circuit coupled to the control circuit that wirelessly receives energy and provides the energy to the control circuit.

Abstract: A method and system for user hand washing compliance is described. An exemplary embodiment of the method may comprise the steps of: receiving a request from a user to enter a hand-washing-compliance-area, wherein the request is received by an entry-sensor; the entry-sensor may cause initiation of a hand-washing-cycle log entry; releasing water from a washer for pre-rinsing hands of the user; releasing soap from a soap-dispenser for soaping the hands of the user; releasing water from the washer to rinse the soaped hands of the user; and providing a means-to-dry-hands from a hand-dryer for drying the hands of the user. The user may initiate each step with a user-transmitter based on physical proximity and/or by appropriate hand-gestures before a gesture-recognition-camera. Upon the user initiating each step, the gesture-recognition-camera optionally records each step. And at least one server may receive said recordings and validate each step as compliant or non-compliant.

Abstract: An electronic showerhead device for automatically controlling water flow includes a showerhead body and a presence detector located in a bottom surface of the showerhead body. The presence detector provides a presence interrogation beam area that is located above and adjacent to a parabolic water flow trajectory area of the showerhead body. Interruption of the presence interrogation beam area by a person or an object turns the water flow on.

Abstract: A hand-washing monitor and hand washing monitoring system are provided. The hand-washing monitoring system includes a motion detector mounted near, to or in a sink and configured to detect a scrubbing motion near a location of an outlet of a sink faucet. Both the hand-washing monitor and the hand-washing monitoring system include a processor coupled to the motion detector and a memory coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to monitor the motion detector for signals indicative of the scrubbing motion that is continuous during a predetermined scrubbing interval and to provide signal indicating a successful scrubbing operation when the scrubbing motion is continuously detected during the entire interval. The hand-washing monitor includes a housing containing the processor, the motion detector, the memory and proximity sensors for detecting the application of soap.

Abstract: The faucet includes a detector including: a frequency analyzer to convert a sensor signal into a frequency domain signal, and extract, by use of a group of individual filter banks with different frequency bands, signals of the individual filter banks from the frequency domain signal; a recognizer; and a database device, for storing sample data. The recognizer performs a recognition process of detecting a detection object based on detection data containing a frequency distribution of signals based on the signals of the individual filter banks. The recognizer performs the recognition process based on comparison between the detection data and the sample data.

Abstract: A dispensing system adapted for repeated activation of an aerosol can is described. The dispensing system includes components that improve the ability to receive and secure aerosol cans of different sizes within the dispensing system as well as improving the reliability and energy efficiency of the system.

Abstract: An automatic water faucet device 1 includes: an electrolysis tank 37 that electrolyzes water to generate electrolyzed water; a second water discharge part 13 for discharging the electrolyzed water, a second flow path 18 that extends from the electrolysis tank 37 to the second water discharge part 13; a second solenoid valve 28 that switches between supply and blocking of normal water with respect to the electrolysis tank 37, and a controller 40 that controls the electrolysis tank 37 and the second solenoid valve 28. The controller 40 energizes the electrolysis tank 37 to discharge the electrolyzed water and thereafter stops the energization of the electrolysis tank 37 and maintains an open state of the second solenoid valve 28, to stop the supply of the electrolyzed water to the second flow path 18 and to supply normal water to the second flow path 18.

Abstract: A human body detection sensor includes: a detection decision unit that decides whether a state is a detection state or a non-detection state of a detection target; a specular reflection decision unit that decides whether or not reflected light that is incident onto a line sensor is specularly-reflected light; and a continuation decision unit that decides whether or not a state in which the detection target exists is ongoing, wherein, when specularly-reflected light is detected while a determination is made indicating the detection state, the detection decision unit keeps the result of a determination indicating the detection state without change if the result of the decision by the continuation decision unit indicates that the state is ongoing and changes the determination to a determination indicating the non-detection state if the result of the decision shows any other states.

Abstract: A wall-mountable hand dryer for drying one side of a user's hands at a time, the dryer having two nozzle sections—one for each hand—which nozzle sections are positioned towards the front of the dryer so that they are spaced away from the wall in use, the nozzle sections each extending to span the width of a user's open hand and being arranged for directing drying air down onto the front or back of said hand as it is inserted lengthwise underneath the nozzle sections from the front of the dryer, wherein the dryer comprises a downwardly pitched guide part positioned behind each nozzle section for guiding the pitch of the user's hands underneath the nozzle sections.

Abstract: An arrangement comprises a sink and a sink fixture. The fixture has a water spout arranged to project over the basin of the sink, the water spout having a water nozzle arranged for connection through the spout to a water supply. The fixture also incorporates an elongate air-knife discharge outlet connected to an air supply for discharging an air-knife onto a user's hand. The air-knife discharge outlet is angled downwards so that the air-knife is directed down into the basin of the sink.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing hand-washing compliance can include: sensing a user's hand-wash motions; estimating hand-wash scrubs per minute based on the user's hand-wash motions; counting a total hand-wash scrubs based on the user's hand-wash motions; estimating hand-wash vigor based on the user's hand-wash motions; calculating a hand-wash score based on the hand-wash vigor; displaying the hand-wash vigor, the total hand-wash scrubs, and the hand-wash scrubs per minute on a display; and displaying a timer that counts down based on the hand-wash vigor.

Abstract: A faucet comprises a spout, a passageway that conducts water flow through the spout, and an electrically operable valve disposed within the passageway. A first capacitive sensor has a first detection field that generates a first output signal upon detection of a user's hands in the first detection field, and a second capacitive sensor has a second detection field that generates a second output signal upon detection of a user's hands in the second detection field. The first and second detection fields overlap to define a detection zone. A controller is coupled to the first and second capacitive sensors and the electrically operable valve. The controller is programmed to actuate the electrically operable valve in response to detecting the user's hands in the detection zone.

Abstract: A touchless faucet including a tubular spout having a curved portion including an inlet end through which a fluid flow enters the spout and an outlet end through which the fluid flow exits the spout. The outlet end is located forward and downward of an apex of the curved portion and the inlet end is located rearward and downward of the apex. The faucet also includes an electronic valve for controlling the fluid flow and a sensor disposed completely within the spout along an underside of the curved portion adjacent the apex. The sensor includes a transmitter for emitting a signal and a receiver for detecting an interruption of the signal within a detection zone that does not intersect with the fluid flow from the outlet end of the spout. The sensor communicates with the electronic valve to control the fluid flow when the interruption of the signal is detected.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide touchless temperature and/or flow control for water faucets utilizing the movements of a user's hand toward or away from to a dispensing area of the faucet. One embodiment comprises a water faucet that provides touchless control of water dispensed by the water faucet. The water faucet comprises a controller and a spout head. The spout head includes a sensor electrically coupled to the controller that detects a movement of a user's hand toward or away from the spout head. The controller initiates dispensing of the water from the spout head at a pre-defined rate, and varies the flow rate based on the movement of the user's hand toward or away from the spout head.

Abstract: An arrangement incorporates a sink and a hand dryer which extends over the sink. The hand dryer is of the type which uses an air-knife mechanically to wipe the water from the user's hands. The hand dryer comprising two elongate air-knife discharge outlets—each outlet discharging a respective air-knife forwardly onto a hand of the user—the air-knife outlets being arranged side-by-side over the basin of the sink. Each air-knife outlet extends along a part of the hand dryer which is swept back at an angle such that the inboard end the air-knife outlet is in front of the outboard end of the air-knife outlet.

Abstract: A display unit for a fluid delivery device which outputs water includes a printed circuit board, a diffuser supported by the printed circuit board, and a display screen electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The display unit further includes a first light source electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, and a second light source electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The first and second light sources define backlighting for the display screen. Operation of the first and second light sources is adjusted in response to a change in temperature of the output water of the fluid delivery device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enforce an effective hand washing technique at a wash station. A hand cleanser controller receives a hand cleanser trigger and responds to receiving the hand cleanser trigger by dispensing hand cleanser and transmitting a reset command. A water dispensing device includes a water dispensing trigger component that detects a user's hand proximate to a water faucet. A controller receives a reset command from the hand cleanser device based upon dispensing of a hand cleanser at a wash station, resets a timer in response to receiving the reset command, receives a water dispensing trigger from a water dispensing trigger component, and in response to receiving the water dispensing trigger, actuates the electrically-actuated water valve to dispense water based upon a determination that the timer has expired. Furthermore, the was station may include audio, video or both for use in training, monitoring and advertising presented to the user having to wash their hands for a period of time.

Abstract: A lavatory system includes a hand dryer with a first plenum above a basin and a second plenum incorporated within the basin. A display screen, which may be a touch-screen, can display operational data such as run time, energy consumed, water consumed, soap dispensed, soap remaining, etc. A noise-cancelling feature may actively and/or passively suppress noise from the hand dryer. Electrical energy spent by the hand dryer may also be re-captured with the use of a device within the air plenums that converts the kinetic energy of moving air into electric energy.

Abstract: A water usage device for sensing, measuring, collecting, and transmitting water usage data to a remote processing device via a cloud-based communication network and a system for and a method of monitoring and managing water usage in commercial and residential settings that include scheduling preventive maintenance based on current and accumulated water usage data and historical data correlating water usage to repairs.

Abstract: A touch-free faucet provides control over flow and/or temperature by detecting object presence in one or more detection zones. In one embodiment, the faucet provides for continuous-flow water flow wherein the spout of the faucet pours water for a period of time regardless of whether an object is detected in a detection zone, such as the sink, during that time. The faucet may initiate continuous-flow based on the detection of an object in another detection zone, and may cause continuous-flow operation for a determined period of time based on the amount of substantially uninterrupted time during which an object is detected in a detection zone associated with initiating continuous-flow mode. Furthermore, the faucet may provide for user-programmable sensitivity affecting the amount of continuous-flow time that is determined based on the amount of time that the faucet detects object in the continuous-flow mode detection zone.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system and method for a hand washing lavatory system is disclosed. The lavatory system comprises a receptacle defining a hand washing area, a fixture configured to deliver water to the receptacle, and a capacitive sensing system configured to detect the presence of a user and actuate the fixture. The capacitive sensing system comprises a first sense electrode coupled to the receptacle and configured to measure a first capacitive value, a second sense electrode coupled to the receptacle spaced apart from the first sense electrode and configured to measure a second capacitive value, and a circuit configured to control operation of the fixture in response to a change in the first capacitive value relative to the second capacitive value.

Abstract: A manual and automatic integrated faucet, comprising a faucet main body, a water outlet component, a handle, a handle switch, a displacement sensing element, a touch sensing element, an action sensing element, a control element and an electromagnetic valve; the water outlet component is connected with the faucet main body at one end, and provided with a water outlet at the other end; the handle switch is arranged on the faucet main body, and the electromagnetic valve is arranged on a water outlet passage of the faucet; the water outlet is controlled to let water out by simultaneously turning on the handle switch and opening the electromagnetic valve; and manual and automatic integration can be achieved by applying the handle switch, a touch sensing switch, a displacement switch, an infrared sensing switch and a timer to one faucet.

Abstract: A hand-drying device for an aircraft can be integrated into a washing stand, so that the hand washing and hand drying process can be performed within the washbasin of the washing stand. Corresponding sensors make this process contactless.

Abstract: A modular sensor activated faucet assembly provides a spout that can be coupled and removed from its mounting base quickly and easily for installation and service. A water tight connection can be established between the mounting base and the spout without the use of tools or additional mechanical connections, thus allowing the spout to be installed by simply plugging into its base. A seamless spout construction defining a hollow interior bifurcated by integral internal wall structure provides a wet chamber between its mounting end and the outlet and a flow pipe inside the spout. The modular base provides a cooperating flow pipe. When the spout is mounted onto the base, the flow pipes are configured to nest together in close relation such that one or more seals can be disposed between the flow pipes to provide a water tight seal between the spout and base.

Abstract: A touch free automatic faucet is provided. The faucet includes a faucet housing including many sensors for controlling water flow and water temperature. A processor is connected to the sensors. A first control valve assembly is connected to the processor. A second control valve assembly is connected to the processor. A power source is connected to the processor, the first control valve assembly and the second control valve assembly. Water flow and water temperature are controlled by the sensors without touching of the faucet housing.

Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a base for mounting adjacent a basin of a sink and a spout projecting upward and outward away from the base and terminating at a water outlet. A light emitter is mounted to one section of the spout and emits a beam of light directed toward another section of the spout, wherein the beam of light does not intersect a region beneath the outlet. A light sensor, mounted to the spout, produces a signal indicating whether the beam of light is striking the light sensor. A control circuit responds to the signal by opening a valve that thereby conveys water to the spout.

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

Abstract: Provided is an automatic faucet using a radio wave sensor, which is capable of preventing erroneous stop of water spouting, with a simple configuration. The automatic faucet (1) has a radio wave propagation space, a radio wave emitting port (27), and directivity setting device. The directivity setting device is configured to direct a radio wave being emitted from the radio wave emitting port (27), in such a manner that, during a water stopping state, the emitted radio wave lies along a spouting direction (A) along which washing water is to be spouted from a spout port (26), and, during a water spouting state, a part of the radio wave emitted disposed offset in a direction C, with respect to the spout port (26) interferes with a region of a peripheral surface of a stream (W) facing in the direction C.

Abstract: A lavatory is provided. The lavatory includes at least one wash station, at least one electrically operated fixture associated with the wash station, a control system configured to control a flow of a fluid through the at least one electrically operated fixture, a power source selectively coupled to the control system, and a power management system coupled to the power source to control the power provided to the control system. The power management system includes a detector configured to monitor the output voltage of the power source, and a switch configured to electrically disconnect the power source from the control system when the output voltage of the power source drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device including an electronic faucet having a plurality of faucet components, and a primary capacitive sensor coupled to at least one of the faucet components and providing a primary output signal. At least one secondary capacitive sensor is located on or near an item which causes unintended effects on the output signal from the primary capacitive sensor and provides a secondary output signal. A controller determines a difference signal between the primary and secondary output signals of the primary and secondary capacitive sensors to control operation of the electronic faucet.

Abstract: A system and method of Touch Free Automatic faucet controlled by electronic sensors provides a Primary-Water-Flow-Mode, a Continue-Water-Flow-Mode, a Temperature-Control-Mode, a Faucet-Pause-Mode, an Adjust-Water-Flow-Mode and a Flow-Temperature-Default-Setting-Mode for users to control faucet water flow and water temperature without touching any parts of faucet body. The system comprises at least three electronic sensors, a logical processor circuit board, an electricity power supply package, a water flow control valve assembly, a temperature control valve assembly, at least one faucet body housing and at least one inlet fluid line. From the outputs of the sensors, the logical processor responds to the flow control valve assembly and to the temperature control valve assembly to control water flow and temperature to the faucet spout.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel optical sensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation. The novel optical sensors and the novel optical sensing methods are used, for example, for controlling the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensors and flow controllers (including control electronics and valves) require only small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. A passive optical sensor includes a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers.

Abstract: A system and associated processes monitor hand hygiene compliance. The system includes hand hygiene product dispensers positioned within areas of concern (AOC) in a facility in which hand hygiene events are to be monitored. The dispensers detect dispense events initiated at the dispenser and transmit a dispense event signal indicative that a dispense event occurred along with dispenser identification information. The system also includes a plurality of compliance badges, each worn by a different person in the facility. Each compliance badge receives dispense event signals corresponding dispenser identification information associated with dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge. The badges store dispense event records associated with each dispense event initiated by the wearer and thus keep track of all dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge.