The claimed method and system develops a useful lifetime profile for a component of a process control device, such as a valve, and uses that lifetime profile to determine a projected remaining lifetime for the device component in operation. The lifetime profile is developed from using real world operational data of similar process control devices, used under substantially the same operating conditions as to be experienced during operation. Profiles may be developed for numerous device components, from which a projected lifetime profile for the entire process control device is developed. Based on the projected remaining lifetime, notification warnings may be sent to remote computers and maintenance scheduling may be automatically achieved.

The invention provides methods for assessing one or more predetermined characteristics or properties of a microfluidic droplet within a microfluidic channel, and regulating one or more fluid flow rates within that channel to selectively alter the predetermined microdroplet characteristic or property using a feedback control.

A flow imaging and monitoring system for synchronized management of wide area drainage that includes an interposer for supporting monitoring and management equipment in a manhole, a module for illuminating water flowing in pipes at the base of the manhole, a module for monitoring responses to reflected light, a sealed and rechargeable battery pack, and a data analysis and management system to interpret data streams in real time. The interposer can be adjusted to fit the diameter of the manhole and can be adjusted to be placed under the manhole cover. The module for illuminating the flowing water can be adjusted to generate various frequencies. The support structures for the modules can be adjusted for varying pitch, roll and yaw with respect to the manhole. The data analysis and management system is supported by cloud computing.

A sanitary water faucet handle has multiple levers, or grasping regions. Each lever includes an associated indicator, identifying whether the particular grasping region is intended for use in turning the faucet's water supply on, or off. The indicator may be in the form of indicia applied to a portion of at least one of the levers, a coloration of at least one of the levers, a variation in the relative length of at least one of the levers, or a variation of the height of at least one of the levers relative to a bottom surface of the handle. The handle is attachable to a conventional water valve, permitting the handle to be retrofitted as a replacement handle in existing faucet systems. A supplemental lever or grasping region may be attachable or releasably attachable to a preexisting lever of a faucet system. A powered faucet lever may be provided that reconfigures itself to automatically present one of two separate sets of grasping regions, depending upon whether the associated faucet is activated or deactivated.

A flow imaging and monitoring system for synchronized management of wide area drainage that includes an interposer for supporting monitoring and management equipment in a manhole, a module for illuminating water flowing in pipes at the base of the manhole, a module for monitoring responses to reflected light, a sealed and rechargeable battery pack, and a data analysis and management system to interpret data streams in real time. The interposer can be adjusted to fit the diameter of the manhole and can be adjusted to be placed under the manhole cover. The module for illuminating the flowing water can be adjusted to generate various frequencies. The support structures for the modules can be adjusted for varying pitch, roll and yaw with respect to the manhole. The data analysis and management system is supported by cloud computing.

A diaphragm assembly for a diaphragm valve is described, which has a diaphragm which includes a functional portion adapted to cooperate with further components of the diaphragm valve and to separate opposite chambers. The diaphragm further includes a tab projecting laterally from the functional portion and having a through-opening provided therein. A marking element is fastened in the through-opening. In addition, a diaphragm valve having such a diaphragm assembly is presented.

In one aspect, a system for use in processing a fluid comprises a reservoir for holding the fluid and one or more bioreactors for receiving the fluid from the reservoir. One or more sensors are provided for sensing one or more parameters of the fluid, and corresponding control measures may be initiated. Regulators may also be provided for regulating various parameters of the fluid processing operation. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

An assembly for use with a water meter includes: a housing including a meter portion integrally formed with a valve portion; and a valve positioned in the valve portion and in sealable communication with an inner surface of the housing, the valve defining a valve inlet portion and a valve outlet portion, the valve inlet portion defining a vertical portion and separated from the valve outlet portion by a top edge portion defined in the vertical portion, the valve inlet portion sealable from the valve outlet portion by a diaphragm assembly of the valve, the diaphragm assembly defining a water leak passthrough configured to allow passage of water from a first side of the diaphragm assembly to a second side of the diaphragm assembly opposite from the first side.

A multiply-redundant system that prevents a driver from starting and/or moving a vehicle if a compressed natural gas fill system is not correctly and completely disconnected from the vehicle. One or more sensors in combination with one or more optional microswitches combine to lock-out the vehicle's ignition or otherwise prevent it from starting and/or moving. For different levels of safety, different combinations of sensors can be used with the lowest level having a single proximity sensor sensing the presence or absence of a high-pressure fill hose. The highest level of safety being achieved by having separate proximity sensors on the fuel fill hose fitting, the gas cap cover and a manual safety valve along with a redundant microswitch. An optional override that may be restricted as to the number of times it can be used can allow starting with a faulty sensor in order to allow maintenance.

An apparatus for sealing an opening in a metal sheath surrounding an insulated pipe is provided, the apparatus including a base comprising an outer flange securable within the opening, and defining an inner passage therethrough, the base having an annular ridge extending into the inner passage; a flexible waterproof body positionable within the inner passage, the body having a periphery therearound and a groove located within the periphery adapted to engage around the annular ridge; and a flexible metal element within the base.