A device and method to improve accuracy of a water meter where a fluid is introduced into a valve assembly having an external casing. The fluid contacts a toggle stopper having a shaft, plate, and guides. A calibrated spring positioned around the shaft in contact with the plate assesses if the desired fluid meets a predetermined pressure. If yes, the calibrated spring compresses thereby toggling the plate within the chamber to allow desired fluid to enter the chamber. If no, the calibrated spring remains in an expanded state to seal the valve assembly. Upon such seal, there is an equalizing of both the desired and undesired fluids to the same pressure by decreasing the volume of the undesired fluid, causing the calibrated spring to compress and reopen.

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.

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.

An anti-scald device, fluid supply system including an anti-scald device and methods are provided. The anti-scald device can be configured to provide scald protection as well as configured to allow hot water disinfection.

An anti-scald device, fluid supply system including an anti-scald device and methods are provided. The anti-scald device can be configured to provide scald protection as well as configured to allow hot water disinfection.

An accumulator assembly having a wastewater retention tank defining an interior chamber. A fluid level sensor is coupled to the waste retention tank and configured to sense a level of liquid in the chamber. An extraction pipe extends into the chamber and is coupled to an extraction valve. Coupled to the fluid sensor is a controller that is also coupled to the fluid level sensor and to the extraction valve. The controller is configured to open the extraction valve upon receipt of a signal from the sensor. The accumulator assembly also includes an odor mitigation subassembly in fluid communication with the chamber. The odor mitigation subassembly further includes an air displacement port, an odor filter and an overflow prevention device, the overflow prevention device being in fluid communication with the chamber and located downstream of the air displacement port and upstream of the filter.

A flow channel switching system (1, 1′) including: a first on-off valve (10) which is disposed between a merging portion (6) and a branching portion (5) and in a raw water path (4); a second on-off valve (11) which is disposed in an outward path for raw water (7); and a sensor (13) that measures a state of water flowing through the raw water path, in which control is performed so as to open the second on-off valve and close the first on-off valve if a signal indicating that water is flowing in the raw water path is received from the sensor, then a signal indicating that no water is flowing in the raw water path is received, and then, within a predetermined time period, a signal indicating that water is flowing again in the raw water path is received.

A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.

An apparatus and method for valve cartridge extraction from a valve assembly, wherein the assembly includes a valve member body, a cartridge, and a valve cartridge extraction (VCE) tool comprising at least one pin disposed on the upper surface of the VCE tool. During cartridge removal, the VCE tool is uncoupled from the valve member body and is coupled to the cartridge with the at least one pin. The cartridge is rotated with the coupled VCE tool to assist in cartridge removal. The valve assembly may also include a hood covering the VCE tool.

A vacuum breaker valve assembly includes valve body defining a hollow main chamber, which communicates with a plenum opening, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening. A valve cap is attached to the valve body and defines a plenum, which communicates with the plenum opening, and a vent opening communicating with atmosphere. A drainage plug is connected to the vent opening, and an overflow conduit defines an elongated flexible hollow tube having one end connected to the drainage plug. A cap fixture is connected to the valve cap and defines a countersunk shallow recess that receives therein a thin label that is adhesively attached to the cap fixture.