Methods and devices for measuring the volume of a liquid sample transferred from a source to a destination by means of incremental dispensing of the sample into a destination vessel or by means of decremental aspiration of the sample from a source vessel, where the liquid sample is collected from a liquid having known optical absorbance at a known wavelength or within a defined part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The absorbance of the sample is measured by exposing the source or destination vessel to electromagnetic radiation before and after the transfer, and the liquid volume is determined on the basis of differential measurements of absorbance of the source or destination vessel.

A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.

Methods and devices for measuring the volume of a liquid sample transferred from a source to a destination by means of incremental dispensing of the sample into a destination vessel or by means of decremental aspiration of the sample from a source vessel, where the liquid sample is collected from a liquid having known optical absorbance at a known wavelength or within a defined part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The absorbance of the sample is measured by exposing the source or destination vessel to electromagnetic radiation before and after the transfer, and the liquid volume is determined on the basis of differential measurements of absorbance of the source or destination vessel.

A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.

A connection device for providing both a connection for liquid transport and a connection for the transport of electrical energy is disclosed. The connection device comprises a first part and a second part, which detachably connect to one another such that a first liquid conduit comprised in the first part connects with a second liquid conduit comprised in the second part, and a primary coil comprised in the first part inductively couples to a secondary coil comprised in the second part, wherein the first part further comprises a first electronic circuit electrically connected to the primary coil, and the second part further comprises a second electronic circuit electrically connected to the secondary coil.

The present disclosure relates to a fill level measuring device for measuring a fill level of a liquid material in a container, including at least two flexible wire probes that extend into the container, a signal generator, and an end weight for each flexible wire probe. The end-weights are joined together such that they can rotate with respect to each other and/or can move in an axial direction with respect to each other.

Systems and methods for providing remote notifications upon the detection of certain conditions. In one embodiment, a device comprising a housing, a power unit, a liquid sensor, and a communications unit detects the presence of a liquid and initiates an alert notification that is transmitted to a remote device.

A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.

A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.

Systems and methods for providing remote notifications upon the detection of certain conditions. In one embodiment, a device comprising a housing, a power unit, a liquid sensor, and a communications unit detects the presence of a liquid and initiates an alert notification that is transmitted to a remote device.