Abstract: A method for operating a fluid additive control system to inject a fluid additive into a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes receiving a first control signal indicating that a fluid dispensation device within the fluid dispensation system is active, and determining a fluid additive quantity based upon the identity of the fluid dispensation device. The method also includes activating a fluid additive injection system, where the fluid additive dispensation system injects the fluid additive into the fluid dispensation system in response to the activation.

Abstract: A method for optimizing performance of a compressor by adjusting the position of an inlet guide vane and the speed of a drive unit. In one embodiment, the method can compare measured values for operating flow rate and operating pressure for a combination of operating settings for the position and the speed against threshold values for each of these measured values. In this way, the method can identify “how” the compressor is operating and equate such operation to one of a plurality of operation scenarios. In turn, the method can provide an adjustment to one or both of the speed and the position that corresponds with such operating scenario. The method can also vet the selected adjustment to avoid operation of the compressor outside of its safe operating configurations, as defined for example by minimum and maximum values for the position of the inlet guide vane and the speed of the drive unit.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and a process for adequately irrigating soil, wherein the apparatus has an irrigation unit for irrigating soil and a mobile microwave measurement unit for determining the water content of the soil along a measurement path. A control unit is used to irrigate the soil along the measurement path depending on the measured water content. The apparatus preferably also has a water tank and leaves an area of soil to be irrigated autonomously.

Abstract: A method is provided for regulating fluid pump pressures by detecting an elevation differential between a fluid flow control device and the distal end of a fluid line in communication with the fluid flow control device. A fluid flow control device, for instance a peritoneal dialysis device, is at a first height, a distal end of a fluid line is at a second height, and a valved outlet, when open, affords communication between the fluid flow control device and the distal end of the fluid line. The elevation differential is correlatable with a pressure measurable during a calibration procedure provided as a part of the methodology.

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: A system and method are provided for optimized decision-making in water supply networks and/or water supply operations. The system includes at least one central data processing device and a control system having at least one integration device. The system also includes at least one functional unit for identifying and/or processing status information affecting the respective network or operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with an applicator, systems for dispensing fluids, methods of using a nozzle (52), and a nozzle (52). The nozzle (52) includes a communication device (60) having a memory (86). The memory (86) stores data relating to the operational history and configuration of the nozzle (52). In response to receiving a query signal (90) from an interrogation device (24), the communication device (60) transmits the data residing in the memory (86). The communication device (60) also receives and stores data in the query signal (90) to the memory (86) so that the operational history of the nozzle (52) is maintained in the memory (86) of the communication device (60).

Abstract: A scent delivery system includes first and second scent delivery units and a central controller. The central controller is configured to generate command data capable of affecting operation of at least the first and second units based on one or more scenting schedules. The central controller is also configured to determine a relatedness and an order of priority between the units, and determine whether a desired activation time for the first unit overlaps at least partially with a desired activation time for the second unit. Based upon a determination that the first unit is related to the second unit and that a desired activation time for the first unit overlaps at least partially with a desired activation time for the second unit, the central controller is further configured to coordinate activity level of each of the first and second delivery units during the overlapping activation time according to the order of priority.

Abstract: A scent delivery system includes scent delivery units that are configured to deliver scent at a variable scent level by being turned on and off successively according to a variable duty cycle. The scent delivery units are associated with corresponding base scent settings. The scent delivery system also includes a central controller configured to control the scent delivery units by generating command data based on a scenting schedule that indicates a desired activation time for more than one implicated scent delivery unit. The scenting schedule is configured to further indicate a scent level bias to be applied to the base scent settings that are associated with different of the implicated scent delivery units.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting movement of an irrigation apparatus to help compensate for transient conditions occurring during operation of the apparatus to accomplish a substantially uniform fluid application rate, and including transient conditions such as a detected actual speed of movement of the span across the field is lesser or greater than expected or such as a detected actual flow rate of fluid to the irrigation system is lesser or greater than expected.

Abstract: An agricultural system which includes at least one agricultural implement with at least one application device for applying crop inputs, where the agricultural implement includes an agricultural harvester and/or an agricultural planter. A databus is connected to the at least one agricultural implement, and at least one input device is connected to the databus. At least one data storage device is connected to the databus, and an application controller is connected to the at least one application device. A processor is connected to the databus and the application controller, where the processor applies inputs to the application controller to adjust and/or optimize in real time a current operation of the application device(s) in order to efficiently and accurately apply the crop inputs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and an apparatus for at least one and including a network of enhanced drinking fountains that dispense water to the public while enabling a property owner or network operator to generate revenue from advertising, related promotional services and vending. The invention includes several embodiments of an apparatus that dispenses water, displays media content, facilitates user interactions and provides an efficient means for ensuring timely filter changes by transmitting water usage data to a server over a wide area network. By facilitating the generation of revenue, the present invention provides property owners and/or network operators with a way of offsetting the cost of purchasing, installing and maintaining enhanced drinking fountains. By improving upon the current state of the art, the present invention facilitates a faster and wider adoption of enhanced drinking fountains.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire hose coupling apparatus for self powered lighting of an area where a fire fighter is engaged in fires suppression with a fire hose, and for providing real time environmental data to fire fighters.

Abstract: A method of managing fluid supply in a process control system is provided. The method includes identifying, via a controller of a pilot device, a predetermined minimum source pressure, the predetermined minimum source pressure being the minimum pressure required at a fluid supply source to permit a simultaneous operation of all of a plurality of process lines. The method also includes determining, via the controller, whether a pressure of the fluid supply source is less than the predetermined minimum source pressure. The method further includes determining, via the controller, that the fluid supply source is to be changed when the pressure of the fluid supply source is less than the predetermined minimum source pressure.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing pressure in an intelligent regulator assembly is provided. The method includes receiving, at an on-board controller of a pilot device, a request to activate a suspend control mode. The method also includes activating, via the on-board controller, the suspend control mode. The activation of the suspend control mode includes adjusting an inlet valve and an exhaust valve of the pilot device, and suspending control of the inlet valve and the exhaust valve.

Abstract: A system for substance control flowmeter, level meters and other sensors to determine problem events and communicate problem events to a control unit. A valve may be turned off in the event of a leak and system status may be viewed. Embodiments employing battery power during loss of power such as a power blackout and as a main source of power. Problems can be wirelessly communicated with a control unit. Problems that exist may be displayed on the control panel or remote via the internet including alarm conditions sensors, low battery, poor signal, leak detected, communication failure, or flowmeter failure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining substantially a baseline pressure in a chamber of a pumping apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention may serve to control a motor to compensate or account for a pressure drift which may occur in a chamber of the pumping apparatus. More specifically, a dispense motor may be controlled to substantially maintain a baseline pressure in the dispense chamber before a dispense based on a pressure sensed in the dispense chamber. In one embodiment, before a dispense is initiated a control loop may be utilized such that it is repeatedly determined if the pressure in the dispense chamber is above a desired pressure and, if so, the movement of the pumping means regulated to maintain substantially the desired pressure in the dispense chamber until a dispense of fluid is initiated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for monitoring and controlling an industrial paint operation, where a five-sided intermodal shipping container is painted with a water-based coating composition. The system includes a paint application system, a drying system with a chamber configured to handle one or more intermodal shipping containers, and modules for monitoring and controlling the application of paint and the drying of the applied paint.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes an actuating device that actuates first and second containers, respectively, and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the actuating device is inactive, in a second period the actuating device actuates the first container at a first frequency, and in a third period the actuating device actuates the second container at a second frequency. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the actuating device actuates the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, device and method that can control the rates of seed dispensation and fertilizer application as a function of forward speed as well as across all rows. Thus, the system and control device allow control of each individual row unit, whereby dispensation and application are effected, by a central controller which controls a plurality of pulse width modulation valves, each of which controls a hydraulic motor with an integrated rpm reduction and which drives a stub drive shaft which rotates at the proper speed in order to provide the desired seed and fertilizer metering. Each of the stub drive shafts may rotate at completely different speeds and/or may be shut down while the remaining stub drive shafts rotate at the desired speed. The integrated rpm reduction within each hydraulic motor allows very fine rotational control of the dispensation and application rates.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a diffusion appliance to treat the atmosphere within an enclosed space. The method may include programming the operation of the appliance according to a control scheme specifying a flow rate of liquid to a diffusion means and a periodic operation of the diffusion means. Control schemes may be associated with different volumes of spaces to be treated by the appliance, the rate of decay of the liquid within the space to be treated and the level of concentration of the liquid desired within the space.

Abstract: A hot water heater sensor can be configured to determine a level of hot water available for resident use. A set of facets can control a distribution of hot water within a residence. Communication transceivers can be communicatively linked to the hot water heater and the facets to exchange digital information regarding hot water availability and consumption to a home-automation communication hub. A user device with a graphical user interface can present information derived from the hot water heater sensor and the facets to control, monitor, regulate, or change hot water availability to resident members via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A control system for stopping or reversing movement of an irrigation system comprises an electronic proximity sensor and a control device. The electronic proximity sensor is configured for mounting to the irrigation system and operable to detect a target. The control device is responsive to the electronic proximity sensor for stopping or reversing movement of the irrigation system when the electronic proximity sensor detects the target.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for applying liquid substances, including gaseous/liquid substances using an adjustable pump control system. In certain examples, an example liquid application apparatus can include, a metering device to provide a flow of a first substance, one or more distribution branches to receive the flow of the first substance and release the first substance through an orifice of one of the one or more distribution branches; and an applicator controller including memory configured to store an application map, the applicator controller configured to receive speed information and position information of the apparatus, to determine application rate information of the first substance for each distribution branch using the speed information, the position information and the application map, and to provide a flow command to the metering device using the application rate information.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a pressure gain combustor comprises: determining a fuel injector duty cycle and a combustion frequency that meets a target load set point and a target fill fraction of the combustor; determining a fuel supply pressure setting, a fuel injector timing setting and an ignition timing setting that achieves the determined fuel injector duty cycle and combustion frequency; and sending a fuel supply pressure control signal with the fuel supply pressure setting to a fuel pressurizing means of the combustor, a fuel injector control signal with the fuel injector timing setting to a fuel injector of the combustor, and an ignition timing control signal with the ignition timing setting to an ignition assembly of the combustor.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for applying an active ingredient to a geographic area includes a chassis, and at least one active ingredient tank. Each active ingredient tank is removably positioned on and carried by the chassis. Each active ingredient tank contains an active ingredient therein which is to be applied to the geographic area. Each active ingredient tank has an identification (ID) tag representing data associated with the active ingredient. An electrical reader carried by the chassis is configured for reading the ID tag and providing an output signal. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the reader and receives the output signal.

Abstract: Embodiments include a modular fuel pump apparatus for an aircraft refueling chassis and related devices, systems and methods. In one exemplary embodiment, a pump module includes a hydraulic motor driven by a hydraulic pump connected to a chassis motor. A chassis engine is operated at a substantially constant RPM, which causes the hydraulic pump to output hydraulic fluid to the pump module at a substantially constant hydraulic pressure. The speed of the hydraulic motor can be varied by a proportional flow control valve disposed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor, thereby varying the speed of the fuel pump and the flow rate of the fuel. A controller is configured to operate the pressure control valve such that the flow of the fuel is maintained at a predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A method of feeding livestock using a mobile feed preparation apparatus is presented. The method comprises dispensing from the mobile feed preparation apparatus a first feed ration comprising a base feed and a first feed additive and a second feed ration comprising the base feed and a second feed additive, where the first feed additive and the second feed additive differ.

Abstract: A method and system of facilitating development of fluids having a variety of elemental compositions are disclosed. A graphical user interface allows user interaction with a lab deposition system to control fluid drop ejection of fluids through multiple nozzles. Fluid drop ejection and drop formation can vary from fluid to fluid, and require adjustments to waveform parameters of a drive pulse applied to the multiple nozzles. The system implements a drop watcher camera system to capture real-time still and video images of fluid drops as they exit the multiple nozzles. The captured drop formation of the fluid drops are displayed to the user, and based on the images the waveform parameters are adjusted and customized specific for individual fluid. In addition to adjusting the drive pulse that effects fluid drop ejection, a tickle pulse can also be adjusted and customize to prevent clogging of the nozzles.

Abstract: A controllable multiple-channel chemical transport bus routes and transports fluids, gasses, aerosols, slurries and the like within a larger system. The system and methods are applicable for use in Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) technology, and can be useful in the implementation of reconfigurable LoC devices. Routes through the bus are determined by control signals and/or sequences of control signals issued under algorithmic control. Several independent flows may occur simultaneously. Adaptations of Clos, Banyan, and other related multi-stage switching architectures in the flow topology can be supported. Sensors are placed at various locations along bus path segments. Information gathered by the sensors can be used for one or more of controlling measured flows, clearing operations, cleaning operations, and control of the timing flow transport.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for fluid identification and tracking. At least one embodiment of a method includes determining that a vehicle is discharging a fluid, determining an ingredient of the fluid, and determining a first vehicle location. Some embodiments include determining, based on the ingredient, whether discharge of the fluid at the first vehicle location is allowable and in response to determining that discharge of the fluid at the first vehicle location is not allowable, performing, by a computing device, a first preventative measure.

Abstract: The disclosure describes systems and methods relating generally to filtration. Even more particularly, this disclosure relates to controlling the operation of a pump using filter information. A removable filter can include an electronically readable tag storing filter information. The filter information can be read by a tag reader and rules applied to the filter information to determine whether or how to operate a pump.

Abstract: A device for calibrating a spray gun and an associated method are provided. The spray gun has a nozzle that is opened and closed by moving an internal needle out of and into sealing engagement therewith. A virtual position of the needle is tracked and recorded. The control system is recalibrated when the virtual position and the actual position of the needle do not correspond. The device includes a sensor structured to detect characteristics of the current used to power the solenoid, and to identify an anomaly in solenoid current characteristics associated with an actuator member seating against the solenoid. The solenoid is placed in a calibration configuration and the identifiable anomaly is detected. When the identifiable anomaly is detected, the spray gun is returned to an initial configuration and the virtual needle position is reset. The virtual needle position and the actual needle position are then calibrated.

Abstract: Control devices for use in decoder-based irrigation control systems, and related methods, are provided herein. In one implementation, an irrigation control device comprises decoder circuitry located within a first housing and having an electrical connection configured to couple the decoder circuitry to a control wire path of a decoder-based irrigation control system; a coil located within a second housing; a first wire electrically coupling the decoder circuitry to a first connection of the coil; and a second wire electrically coupling the decoder circuitry to a second connection of the coil. The coil is configured to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of a device controlling irrigation equipment in response to signaling from the decoder circuitry. The first housing, the second housing, the first wire and the second wire are non-separably and functionally connected together.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved analytical method that can be utilized by hydrogen filling stations for directly and accurately calculating the end-of-fill temperature in a hydrogen tank that, in turn, allows for improvements in the fill quantity while tending to reduce refueling time. The calculations involve calculation of a composite heat capacity value, MC, from a set of thermodynamic parameters drawn from both the tank system receiving the gas and the station supplying the gas. These thermodynamic parameters are utilized in a series of simple analytical equations to define a multi-step process by which target fill times, final temperatures and final pressures can be determined. The parameters can be communicated to the station directly from the vehicle or retrieved from a database accessible by the station. Because the method is based on direct measurements of actual thermodynamic conditions and quantified thermodynamic behavior, significantly improved tank filling results can be achieved.

Abstract: A wildfire prevention system is described. The system includes a data measurement station for measuring environmental factors relevant for determining the likelihood of a wildfire in a prescribed area, a control station configured to receive data measured by the data measurement station and to determine the likelihood of a wildfire by comparison of the data received with predetermined data values representing likelihood of a wildfire, the predetermined data values including data values for each of the environmental factors individually and in combination with other environmental factors, and a moisture induction system including a water reservoir, configured for induction of moisture in the prescribed area on activation by the control station on the determination of the likelihood of a wildfire in the prescribed area. A method of preventing a wildfire is also described.

Abstract: Marking information relating to use of a marking device to perform a marking operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a marking device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the marking information may include environmental information and operational information derived from such sensors. Environmental and/or operational information may be used to control operation of the marking device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the marking device, and/or provide alerts or other feedback. Additional enhancements are disclosed relating to improving the determination of a location (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method reduce lateral movement of a car in an elevator system by detecting vibration of the car as a vibration signal. A damping coefficient for a feedback signal is determined according to the vibration signal and a state of the elevator system. A semi-active actuator is arranged between the car and a roller guide assembly. The semi-active actuator includes a rheological fluid, and flow characteristics of the rheological fluid are actuated according to the feedback signal to reduce the lateral movement of the car.

Abstract: A system for dispensing fuel may include a fuel dispenser and a server configured to communicate directly with a plurality of fuel dispensers that are remote from one another. The fuel dispenser may include a housing, a fuel dispensing apparatus mounted in the housing, a controller operatively coupled to the fuel dispensing apparatus, a nozzle operatively coupled to the fuel dispensing apparatus and the controller, and an interface operatively coupled to the controller and configured to receive information from the server. Responsive to information received from the server at the interface, the controller may selectively permit the dispensing of fuel through the nozzle.

Abstract: A module including a case; an electrical switching device configured to control power to a load; and a controller coupled to the electrical switching device. The electrical switching device and the controller are substantially encapsulated by the case. Functionality of the module can be exposed through a communication interface in the case.

Abstract: Provided is a process, including: receiving, via the network interface, from a remote user device, a command to change a state of the fluid-handling device to a target state; translating the received command into a translated command operative to cause a local controller of the fluid-handling device to drive the fluid-handling equipment to the target state, the local controller being responsive to the command and feedback from the fluid-handling device indicative of whether the fluid-handling device is in the target state; and sending the translated command to the local controller

Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.

Abstract: A liquid mixing station controlled by a computer to dispense predetermined amounts of liquid inputs based on parameters provided by an operator or program. Specifically, the invention is designed to accurately mix liquids and has an inner frame associated with a recipient tank, and an outer frame associated with the inner tank by load bars connected to the computer. The load bars signal the computer regarding weight change on the inner frame. Associated with the outer frame are minor input containers, each in fluid communication with a unique conduit and means to convey the fluid controlled by the computer. The parameters are used by a selected program and the CPU to provide appropriate ratio, sequence, and isolation of inputs. The station includes means for full removal and mix of all contents in a container, full removal of all contents from the recipient, and full clean-out of main conduit.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation controllers comprising: a housing; a control unit including a first microcontroller configured to execute irrigation programs and a first set of code; and a removable plug-in device that removably mates with a portion of the irrigation controller and communicationally couples to the first microcontroller, wherein the plug-in device comprises a memory storing a second set of code to replace at least a portion of the first set of code, wherein the plug-in device is configured to re-flash at least a portion of the first set of code allowing a copy of the second set of code to overwrite at least the portion of the first set of code; wherein the first set of code comprises a bootloader that writes the copy of the second set of code over the first set of code with the exception of the bootloader that is not written over.

Abstract: Methods include one or more of robotically positioning a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, using a power-driven device to move a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, and robotically applying a bonding material for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool. Robotic systems are used to robotically position a cutting element on an earth-boring tool. Systems for orienting a cutting element relative to a tool body include a power-driven device for moving a cutting element on or adjacent the tool body. Systems for positioning and orienting a cutting element on an earth-boring tool include such a power-driven device and a robot for carrying a cutting element. Systems for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool include a robot carrying a torch for heating at least one of a cutting element, a tool body, and a bonding material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein utilize a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) to drive a single-stage or a multi-stage pump in a pumping system for real time, smooth motion, and extremely precise and repeatable position control over fluid movements and dispense amounts, useful in semiconductor manufacturing. The BLDCM may employ a position sensor for real time position feedback to a processor executing a custom field-oriented control scheme. Embodiments of the invention can reduce heat generation without undesirably compromising the precise position control of the dispense pump by increasing and decreasing, via a custom control scheme, the operating frequency of the BLDCM according to the criticality of the underlying function(s). The control scheme can run the BLDCM at very low speeds while maintaining a constant velocity, which enables the pumping system to operate in a wide range of speeds with minimal variation, substantially increasing dispense performance and operation capabilities.

Abstract: A crossover protection system including a product transport vehicle having a tank compartment for containing a liquid product, a fluid property sensor positioned to contact liquid product stored in the tank compartment, a system controller, and a valve coupled to the tank compartment. The valve regulates a flow of liquid product from the tank compartment and has a normally locked state. The system controller may compare a received transported liquid type signal from the fuel property sensor indicative of the type of liquid product in the tank compartment and compare the type of liquid product to a stored liquid product type. If the two types match, the crossover protection controller transitions the valve to an unlocked state to allow the liquid product to unload from the tank compartment. If the two types do not match, the crossover protection controller will disable the valve from transitioning to the unlocked state.

Abstract: An engine control system may be implemented with a multi-tier, or multi-layer software hierarchy, or modular algorithms (algorithm modules) to control injection events. In a first hierarchy, the program instructions may be executed to define time periods during which a series of fuel injections of an engine take place. In a second hierarchy, the program instructions may be executed to generate control commands during the defined time periods. In a third hierarchy, the program instructions may be executed to adapt the control commands to a specified injector type. Finally, in a fourth hierarchy, the program instructions may be executed to map the adapted control commands to physical hardware configured to perform the series of fuel injections. Execution of the program instructions may be carried out in any desired combination of software executed by one or more processing elements, implemented in an FPGA, and/or coded in hardware.

Abstract: A fuel supply system includes: a fuel supply facility capable of supplying fuel; an earth-moving machine capable of traveling toward the fuel supply facility; and a control apparatus that acquires execution permission information indicating whether or not fuel can be supplied to the earth-moving machine, and is capable of executing control based on the acquired execution permission information, wherein when the control apparatus determines that fuel cannot be supplied to the earth-moving machine based on the execution permission information at a time of supplying the fuel to the earth-moving machine, the control apparatus executes entry restriction control for restricting an entry to the fuel supply facility by the earth-moving machine.

Abstract: A system, including an electrostatic spray system, including an electrostatic tool configured to spray a material with an electrostatic charge, and a target with a surface finish greater than or equal to a number 4 mirror finish configured to receive a material sprayed by the electrostatic tool.