New forms of self-cleansing surfaces are provided. In some embodiments, a self-cleansing surface is provided, which is configured to be handled by a human user, as a user interface. The self-cleansing surface may comprise one or more surface device(s), with surface-covering pores configured to release a cleanser upon physical contact or actuation of the user interface, and configured to clean the self-cleansing surface. In some embodiments, the release is mediated by a physical trigger. In some embodiments, the surface device includes a control system that monitors surface handling with a sensor, and mediates the release with an actuator. The invention may be provided on or in any form of user interface that may be physically touched by a user. For example, in some embodiments, the invention may be provided on door handles or controls, appliance handles or controls, and any other user interfaces bearing a risk of carrying microbes.

A ultrapure water supply system 10 includes a pure water tank 16 provided vertically below a use point 30, a return pipe 32 through which ultrapure water is returned from the use point 30 to the pure water tank 16, a first pressure regulating valve 40 that is provided at a first position H1 of the return pipe 32 and adjusts a first pressure upstream of the first position H1 and a second pressure regulating valve 42 that is provided at a second position H2 downstream of the first position H1 and vertically below the first position H1 of the return pipe 32 and adjusts a second pressure downstream of the first position H1 and upstream of the second position H2.

A water conservation system includes a showerhead, a water conservation tank, and a sensor. The system further includes a first valve configured to direct water towards the conservation water tank in an open position and configured to prevent water from flowing towards the conservation water tank when in a closed position. The system further includes a second valve configured to direct water towards the showerhead in an open position and configured to prevent water from reaching the showerhead in a closed position. A controller is configured to direct the first valve to the open position and the second valve to the closed position upon the detection of water flow by the sensor and the configured to direct the first valve to the closed position and the second valve to open position upon the occurrence of an event that occurs after the initial detection of water flow by the sensor.

The present invention relates to a connector (100) for a water system. The connector comprises an inlet connector (105), a connector body and an outlet connector (120) arranged in sequence. The connector body is open-sided so as to form a tundish having an open air gap between the inlet and outlet connectors (105, 120), through which water can fall in use. The connector (100) further comprises a sensor for detecting the presence of water within the connector body.

A water use management system may be installed in a setting that contains a primary infrastructure for water use to provide an alternate, modular infrastructure for water use. Fresh water used at various points of use, such as a shower or sink, may be modified by a point of use water conditioner. Water may be modified at the point of use based upon pre-configured routines or manual user selections. Treatments performed on the water may include quality treatments, such as modifying the pH or mineral content, and may also include experience treatments, such as the addition of scents, colors, carbonation, or health and beauty supplements. Additives used during treatment are provided in cartridges that may be inserted and removed from the water conditioner. Cartridges may self-identify when inserted, to aid in compatibility and usability determinations and recycling/recertification processes.

A cool water draining switch valve includes a valve body, a valve spool and a thermal module disposed in the valve body; the valve body has an inlet passage and a first outlet passage and a second outlet passage respectively connected to the inlet passage; the valve body is further disposed with a cool water draining passage connected to the inlet passage; the first outlet passage is connected to the cool water draining passage by a water draining hole, the second outlet passage is connected to the draining passage in unidirectional way by a check valve; a thermal port of the thermal module detects the water temperature of the draining passage, a retractable port of the thermal module opens or closes the water draining hole; when the valve spool is switched to a cool water draining mode, cool water in the inlet passage is drained to the draining passage.

A hot and cold water switching valve includes a valve body, a switching valve element, a switch valve element and a thermal sensing valve element, wherein the valve body has an inflow channel, a recovery channel and an outflow channel; one end of the three channels is communicated in the valve body; the switching valve element is provided in such a position where the three channels are communicated with each other and used for switching the outflow mode; the switch valve element is provided in the outflow channel and used for opening or closing the outflow, and the thermal sensing valve element is provided in the recovery channel and used for closing the channel when the water temperature is higher than the set temperature; and a sprinkler used for automatic outflow of cold water, comprising a sprinkler body and the above-mentioned hot and cold water switching valve.

Surface disinfecting and sterilizing devices, systems and methods are provided. Surface disinfecting systems provided include a control system with one or more camera(s) and an aimable, rapid disinfecting and/or sterilizing device(s), all of which may be installed within a public or other high-traffic environment, and configured to monitor and treat all touched surfaces within the environment. The control system determines a cooling time for each such touched surface and type of treatment, and prevents treatment from occurring when treated surface(s) are accessible by human body part(s) or other objects within the environment. The invention may be provided on or in any form of user interface that may be physically touched by a user. For example, in some embodiments, the invention may be provided to treat, disinfect and sterilize door handles, touchscreens, or other user controls, and any other user interfaces bearing a risk of carrying microbes and pathogens.

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 conservation system includes a shower that may deliver a fluid. The shower has a pair of intersecting walls, a shower head and a drain. The shower head may be fluidly coupled to a fluid source thereby facilitating the shower head to deliver the fluid. A storage unit is positioned in the shower and the storage unit is fluid communication with the shower head. The storage unit is positioned in an open position when the shower is initially turned on. Thus, the storage unit stores cold fluid until heated fluid travels to the shower head thereby inhibiting the cold fluid from passing through the drain. The storage unit retains the cold fluid to be used at a later time.