A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser that includes low cost electronic components that can read and write to the tag of a refill cartridge. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. In another embodiment, the controller utilizes an internal comparator to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. The dispenser in both embodiments also includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag of the refill cartridge. A dispenser according to the invention also includes the capability to read and/or write to tags upon cartridges employed by the dispenser, and augmenting the operation of the dispenser as a function thereof. Additionally, a dispenser of variable size is presented that is adaptable, through adjustable partitions or a telescoping cup, to receive and maintain cartridges of various sizes.

A monitoring system for distributed utilities. A generation device is provided for converting an available resource to a desired utility; the resource may be water, in which case the generator is a purifier for providing potable water, or, alternatively, the generator may convert a fuel to electrical power. In either case, an input sensor is provided for measuring input to the generation device, while an output sensor is provided for measuring consumption of output from the generation device. The monitoring system has a controller for concatenating measured input and consumption of output on the basis of the input and output sensors. Measured parameters are telemetered to a remote site where utility generation and use are monitored and may also be controlled.

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. The central controller is configured to generate the command data, based upon a variation in the scent level bias, that takes into account a corresponding variation to duty cycles that are associated with different of the implicated scent delivery units and to communicate the command data to the different implicated scent delivery units.

An exemplary time fault circuit interrupter for interrupting a power supply to an equipment unit upon the occurrence of a trip condition may include a sensor configured to monitor a current flow to the equipment unit. The circuit interrupter may also include a trip mechanism configured to interrupt the current flow. The circuit interrupter may further include a processor in communication with the sensor and the trip mechanism, and the processor may be configured to cause the trip mechanism to interrupt the current flow when a current flow time has reached a predetermined time limit.

Filling methods and systems are provided for a conformable fuel tank. In one example, a system comprises an active thermal management arrangement for the conformable fuel tank. The active thermal management arrangement comprises one or more recirculation passage for mixing hot fuel distal to an inlet port of the conformable fuel tank with cool incoming fuel flowing to the inlet port.

An irrigation controller is disclosed together with associated methods and computer program products. The watering schedule may be formulated based on catch cup data for one or more watering zones of a property to be watered.

In a flow rate controller unit (1) it is thus provided to generate a temporal profile (22) of a volumetric flow, in which temporal profile (22) a switching profile by way of which at least one flow controller (6) is actuated for varying the defined volumetric flow is run.

A pump controller has a signal processor that receives signaling about an instant water level AI.sub.L of a liquid in a container and generated by a water level transducer during an empty/fill application; and determines corresponding signaling to control a pump during the empty/fill application based upon the signaling received using a liquid level control algorithm that turns ON the pump when the instant water level AI.sub.L rises above a maximum empty water level during an empty application, or falls below a maximum fill water level during a fill application; turns OFF the pump when the instant water level AI.sub.L falls below a minimum empty water level for the empty application, or rises above a second maximum fill water level during the fill application; controls the pump when the instant water level AI.sub.L is in a liquid level region above the minimum empty water level and below a second maximum empty water level for the empty application, or falls below the second maximum fill water level and above a second minimum fill water level during the fill application based upon a respective desired adaptive pressure set point SP* being defined from a respective adaptive liquid level control curve with respect to the instant water level AI.sub.L.

A pneumatically actuated computer input device comprises an input device circuit member having a hollow body, at least one switch member within the hollow body adapted to send electronic signals to a computer terminal, and a pneumatic actuator within the hollow body adapted to be inflated and press against and activate the at least one switch member. A pneumatic hose connected at a distal end to the pneumatic actuator and extending outward from the hollow body at a predetermined length and adapted to supply air thereto, and a foot pedal connected to the pneumatic hose at an opposite end from the distal end and adapted to control the air supply through the pneumatic hose and to the pneumatic actuator, such that when the foot pedal is pressed the pneumatic actuator is filled with air, expands, and presses against the at least one switch member which then sends an electronic signal to the computer terminal.

Systems and methods for controlling a fluid-based system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include generating a model output using a model processor, processing a model input vector and setting a model operating mode, and setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode. Synthesized parameters are generated as a function of the dynamic states and the model input vector based on a series of utilities, where at least one of the utilities is a configurable utility including one or more sub-utilities. An estimated state of the model is determined based on at least one of a prior state and the synthesized parameters. An actuator associated with the control device is directed as a function of a model output, where the model output includes an estimated thrust value for the control device.