An apparatus for determining a presence, a concentration or a change in concentration of a target material in an environment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first and second sensors configured to respond to the target material. The apparatus further comprises a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the environment, and a valve assembly having a first and second configuration. In the first configuration, the fluid inlet is in fluid communication with only the first sensor. In the second configuration, the fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the first sensor and the second sensor.

An apparatus for determining a presence, a concentration or a change in concentration of a target material in an environment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first and second sensors configured to respond to the target material. The apparatus further comprises a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the environment, and a valve assembly having a first and second configuration. In the first configuration, the fluid inlet is in fluid communication with only the first sensor. In the second configuration, the fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the first sensor and the second sensor.

A faucet assembly including a faucet body having a spout, a base, and hot and cold water flow control valves. The base houses a thermostatic mixing cartridge that tempers hot and cold water and has passageways that place tempered water from the thermostatic mixing cartridge and a cold water passageway in selective fluid communication with the outlet of the spout. During use, mixed water from the thermostatic mixing cartridge is regulated by the hot water control valve, cold water is regulated by the cold water control valve, and both the mixed water and the cold water are further mixed at a juncture of the mixed water passageway and the cold water passageway prior to exiting the faucet assembly via the outlet of the spout.

A hydraulic system includes at least one circulation pump assembly (2) provided with a speed controller (4, 26), at least one hydraulic circuit (A, B) connected to the circulation pump assembly (2) as well as at least one mechanical switch device (86, 88; 120, 122) which is mechanically subjected to pressure by a fluid in the hydraulic circuit (A, B) and which can be moved into at least two different switch positions. The mechanical switch device (86, 88; 120, 122) moves by the circulation pump assembly (2) hydraulic coupling via the fluid. The speed controller is configured to initiate a movement of the switch device (86, 88; 120, 122), by at least one hydraulic force acting upon the switch device (86, 88; 120, 122) and causing a movement of the switch device (86, 88; 120; 122) via the hydraulic circuit, via a speed adaptation of the circulation pump assembly (2).

A manifold has a fluid inlet, a plurality of fluid outlets, a movable conduit member, a first drive mechanism, and a control module in which the conduit member has a fluid path therethrough, in which the fluid inlet is fluidly connected to a first end of the fluid path, in which the conduit member is mounted for movement on a support member, and in which the first drive mechanism is configured to move the conduit member on the support member to selectively associate a second end of the fluid path with one of the plurality of fluid outlets according to commands issued by the control module.

A manifold has a fluid inlet, a plurality of fluid outlets, a movable conduit member, a first drive mechanism, and a control module in which the conduit member has a fluid path therethrough, in which the fluid inlet is fluidly connected to a first end of the fluid path, in which the conduit member is mounted for movement on a support member, and in which the first drive mechanism is configured to move the conduit member on the support member to selectively associate a second end of the fluid path with one of the plurality of fluid outlets according to commands issued by the control module.

A patient support is provided. The patient support may include a plurality of inflatable members that raise or lower portions of the patient support based on the status of a valve assembly. The patient support may also include a plurality of inflatable members positioned at a foot end of the patient support to support lower legs of a patient including their heels. Another valve assembly is provided to control a bleed rate of air from the heal bladders.

A patient support is provided. The patient support may include a plurality of inflatable members that raise or lower portions of the patient support based on the status of a valve assembly. The patient support may also include a plurality of inflatable members positioned at a foot end of the patient support to support lower legs of a patient including their heels. Another valve assembly is provided to control a bleed rate of air from the heal bladders.

A domestic pipe system for delivery of hot water includes hot water source (10) and a piping to a faucet (12). The piping comprises a splitter (14), two pipes (20, 22) and a controller (16), the controller having a housing, first and second inlets (24, 26), an outlet (28), and a thermally actuated valve. The first inlet is a permanently open inlet whereas the second inlet is opened depending on the temperature of water arriving at the controller. Stagnant water that cooled down only runs through the first pipe (20) until the temperature exceeds a preset threshold. Than the controller (16) opens the second inlet such that the stagnant cold water from the second pipe can be mixed gradually with the hot water from the first pipe. Thus, the user receives warm water earlier than if both pipes need to be emptied.

A water delivery system includes a mixing valve operable for delivering a water flow of adjustable temperature from a water source to a dispensing device downstream from the mixing valve; a thermochromic thermal indicator, fluidly coupled between the mixing valve and the dispensing device, that provides a visible indication of the water flow having achieved a predetermined temperature; and a diverter valve, fluidly coupled between the mixing valve and the dispensing device, and operable to direct the water flow selectively either to the dispensing device or back to the water source. The thermal indicator may be a thermochromic PVC conduit, or it may be a fitting having an inlet, an outlet, a thermochromic PVC element therebetween, and a barrier located between the inlet and the outlet so as to define a flow path that includes an interior surface of the thermochromic element.