SmarTap has been developing a new technology for the next generation of thermostatic electronic faucets. This technology enables the user to monitor and control the water consumption in his property in real time. Shower systems based on this technology offer a unique shower experience combined with safety features and water and energy monitoring and saving capabilities. The systems supply water at the desired temperature and flow without wasting it: the shower will discharge water only at the desired temperature and flow.

An electronic scale is disclosed which has multiple overload protection features for protecting the load cell and a weight distribution plate from excessive strain due to vertical overload on the scale or from twisting resulting from an article being placed thereon which exceeds the load capacity of the scale or from excessive forces due to mishandling of the scale. A first overload protection is in the form of a boss molded into the base of the scale on which the free end of the load cell abuts if an excessive load is placed on the platter of the scale.

Nitrate is the most prevalent pollutant of ground water in the United States and is very common worldwide. Common sources of nitrates are fertilizers animal feedlots municipal wastewater and septic systems. The level of nitrate is regulated in drinking water because high nitrate levels are known to cause Methemoglobinemia a disease that prevents blood from collecting and carrying oxygen efficiently. Another disease caused by high nitrate levels is Blue Baby Syndrome this malady causes an increase in bacteria which convert the nitrate into nitrite and poisons infants.

Background: As electronic devices become increasingly complex and widespread so does the demand for portable electric power generation. Portable electronic devices powered by traditional batteries are limited by their short lifetime energy capacity and relatively limited accessibility. Portable generators run on hydrocarbon fuels including kerosene and diesel overcome the limitations of batteries but their engine-based design results in noise pollution and recurring maintenance.

Background: A piezoelectric transducer that can harvest electricity from mechanical energy along all three vibrational axes with high-energy transduction efficiency has been developed at the University of Michigan. Most extant micro- and meso-scale inertial energy harvesters operate along a single vibrational axis. However the ability to harvest electrical energy from vibrations applied along any spatial direction can improve the power output and extend the practical applications of inertial harvesters.

The present invention developed an environmentally-benign approach to the preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-electroactive polymer nanocomposites and their applications in spontaneous and energy-free recovery of precious metals from waste streams. The reducing capability of electroactive monomers and polymers together with the high surface area and excellent electrical conductivity of graphene benefits the interfacial electrochemical interaction with metal ions and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of precious metals recovery from waste streams.

Background: Batteries represent a large portion of required maintenance for electronic devices. It is expected that this maintenance burden will only increase with the number of sensors we employ. There is a clear need for a self-maintaining long lasting alternative to batteries. Imperial Innovations has filed patents for the designs of an energy harvester. These are simple and inexpensive devices able to collect inertial energy and convert it into electricity for output in the tens of microwatts range.

Biofuel cells represent a class of fuel cells whereby electrodes are modified by enzymes which help catalyze highly specific oxidation reduction reactions. The device of this invention converts chemical energy contained in the blood of an insect into electrical energy to power electronic circuitry mounted on the insect that can transmit signals wirelessly to an external receiver while allowing the insect to move freely.

Scientists working at NDSU are developing biodegradable sensors capable of directly monitoring and reporting the soil environment in which they are placed. The sensors are constructed by using NDSU’s patent-pending “direct write” electronic printing techniques to print circuit and antenna patterns directly onto renewable bio-based materials. The circuit patterns are printed with trace amounts of metallic materials such as aluminum that are safe for the soil when the sensors naturally biodegrade over time.

Stanford researchers have designed a novel pomegranate inspired hierarchical structure which improves the energy density cycle life Coulombic efficiency and cost efficiency of silicon-based anode for Li-ion Li-O2 and Li-S batteries. The prototype successfully demonstrated superior cycle life (1000 cycles with 97% capacity retention) low electrode/electrolyte contact area for improvement of Coulombic efficiency and increased tap density.