APPLIANCES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

10001] This application claims the benefit of .U.S. f ^} rovisiojial Application No. 62/267,472, fifed Deeeraber 1-5. _» 2015, U.S. Palest Application No. 3,5/232,105. fifed August 9, 2016. U.S. Patent Application No. 15/232,1 37, filed August 9, 201 , and I.J.S. Patent Application No. 1.5/377,2:33, filed December 1.3 _» 2016, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Of THE INVENTION

Field of the In vention

0O62] This invention relates generally to restroom appliances and, in one particular embodiment, to a system, method, and apparatus for monitoring and/of managing multiple restroom appliances.

Technical Considerations

03} In most waste water systems, such -as the flushing systems for urinals, commodes, and the like, the valves associated with these systems are prone to wear, leaks, and other maintenance issues. With continued or prolonged use over time, o as the internal components of th vaiye wear,: it is not uncommon for these known fiusii valves to provide different amount of water per flush than they were originally designed to provide. For example, a flush valve originally designed to provide 1. gallons per flush when new may eventually provide 2 or more gallons per flush due ^' to valve component wear Of use. .For large applications, such, as hospitals, prisons, stadiums, apartment buildings, and the like, this can lead to a increase in water iisage and. cost. Additionally, ^· these .known flush valves cannot compensate for variations in water pressure during the flushing cycle that can also affect the amount of water per flush the valve provides, in addition to valves, other restroom appliances wear with continued usage and require regula maintenance.

0004] Moreover, flush valves hi certain locations may experience variations in usage. While a particular flush time may be appropriate for standard usage, . ^' frequent usage of multiple flush valves in one facility or restroom. may cause a drop in water pressure that limits or prevents additional flushes from occurring.

{0005] Therefore, it would he advantageous to provide a system, method, and apparatus that reduces or eliminates at least some of the problems associated with known restrOom appliances. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIO

jjO006] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, provided is a system for monitoring flush valves, comprising: a plurality of flush valves arranged in at least one restroom of a building, each flush valve of the plurality of usli valves comprising a communication device configured, to transmit flush valve data; and at least one controller in communication with each, flush, valve of the plurality of flush valves, the at least one controller programmed or config red to: collect the flus valve data from each flush valve of the plurality of flush valves; and determine if a first flush valve of the plurality of flush valves is in need of servicing or replacement based at least partially by comparing flush valve data for the first flush valve with, flush, valve data for at least one other flush valve of the plurality of flush valves. O007) I non-limiting embodiments, each flush valve of the plurality of flush valves may comprise a pressure sensor, and the flus valve data of eac flush valve of the plurality of flush valves ma comprise a pressure associated with that flush valve. Moreover, the- at least one controller may be further programmed or configured to determine that the first flush valve is in need, of servicing or replacement by determining that a pressure associated with the first flus valve differs by mo e than a predefined tolerance from a value comprising at. least one of the following: a pressure of the at least one other flush valve, art average of pressures of the plurality of flush valves or a subset of flush valves of the plurality of flush valves, a median pressure of the plurality of flush valves or a subset of flus valves of ^' the plurality of flush valves, or any combination thereof

jOOeSJ in fton-iimifhig embodiments, the at least one controller i programmed or configured to determine that the firs flush valve is in need of servicing or replacement by determining that the flush valve is used less frequently than at least one of the following: the at leas one other flush valve, an average number of uses of the plurality of flush valves or a subset of flush valve of the plurality of flush valves, a median number of uses of the plurality of flush valves or a subse of flush valves of the plurality of flush valves, or any combination thereof In other non-limiting embodiments, the at least one controller ma be programmed -or configured, to determine thai the first flush valve is in need of servicing or replacement by determining- that the flush valve is used less frequently than other restroom appliances in the restroom, the other resiroom. -appliances- comprising. at least one of the -following: a faucet, a hand dryer, a towel dispenser, a soap dispenser, or any combination thereof.

)O009) in non-limiting embodiments, the at least one controller may comprise a control ler internal to the first flush valve and/or a central controller. In some non-limiting embodiments, each flush valve of the plurality of flush valves may comprise an individual, controller, and the at least one controller may comprise at least one individual controller of at least one flush valve of the plurality of flush valves.

j JO] According to another non-limiting embodiment, of the present invention, provided is a system for monitoring resiroom ^■ appliances, comprising: a plurality of resiroom appliances arranged in at least one restroom of a building,- each- restroom appliance of the plurality of restroom appl iances comprising a communication device configured to transmit appliance data; and at least one controller in communication with eac restroom appliance of the plurality of restroom appliances, the at least one controller programmed or configured to: receive the appliance data from each resiroom appliance of the pluralit of restroom appliances; and determine if a first restroom appliance of the plurality of restroom appliances Is in need of servicing or replacement based at least partially by comparing appliance data for the first restroom appliance with appliance data for at least one other restroom appliance of the plurality of restroom appliances ;

10(111] In non-limiting embodiments, the at least one controller may be programmed or configured to determine that the first resirtxxm appliance is in need of servicing or replacement by determining that the first -restroom -appliance is used les frequently than other restroom. appliances of the plurality of restroom appliances. Determining that the first restroom apphance is used 1 ess frequently than other restroom appliances may comprise determining that a numbe of uses of the first restroom appliance is less than, or less than b more than a predefined tolerance, at least one of the following: a number of uses of the a least one other restroom appliance, an average number of uses of the plurality of restroom. appliances or a subset of resiroom appliances of the plurality of restroom. appliances, a median number of uses of the plurality of resiroom appliances or subset of restroom appliances of the plurality of restroom, appliances,, or any combination thereof.

001.2] in non-limiting embodiments, the plurality of restroom appliances may comprise at least one of the following: a flush valve, a faucet, a hand dryer, a towel dispenser, a soap dispenser, or an combination thereof Moreover, the at least one controller may comprise a t least one .of the following a controller internal to the first flush valve, a. central, controller, at least one controller of a plurality of controllers internal to each of the pluralit of restroom. appliances, or any combination thereof,

|00i3J According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention _* provided is a method for monitoring a pluralit of restroom appliances arranged in a restroom, each restroom appliance -of the plurality of restroom appliances comprising a communication device configured to transmit appliance data, comprising; collecting, with, at least one controller, appliance data from each restroom -appliance of the plurality of restroom appliances; comparing, with at least one controller, appliance data received from a first restroom appliance of the plurality of restroom appliances to appliance data received from at least, one other restroom apphance of the plurality of restroom appliances; ^' determining, with at least one controller, if the first, .restroom appliance is m ^" seed of servicing or replacement based at. least partially on th comparison of appliance data; and in response to determining that the first restroom .appliance, is in need of servicing or replacement, generating, with at least one controller, a least one alert or message identifying the first restroom appliance data.

|00i4J I non-limiting embodiments, determining if the first, restroom appliance is in need of servicing or re lacement may comprise determining that the first restroom appliance is used less frequently than other restroom appliances of the plurality of restroom appliances. Moreover, determining that the first restroom appliance is used less frequently than other restroom appliances may comprise detennining that a number of uses of the first restroom ^• appliance is less than, or Jess than by more than, a predefined tolerance, at least one of the following: a number of uses of the at least one other restroom appliance, an average .number of uses of the _: -piurality of restroom appliances or a subset of restroom appliances: the plurality of restroom appliances, a median numbe of uses of the plurality of restroom appliances or a subset of restroom -appliances of the plurality of restroom appliances,, or any combination thereof.

jOO .15] in non-limiting embodiments, the plurality of restroom appl iances may comprise a plurality of .flush valves, wherein each Hus valve of the plurality of flush valves comprises a pressure sensor, and wherein the appliance data of each flush valve of the plurality of flush valves comprises a pressure of that flush valve.

00 J 6] in non-limiting embodiments, determining if the- first -restroom appliance is in need of servicing or replacemen t may comprise determining that a pressure assoc iated with the first restroom appliance differs by more than a predefined tolerance from a value comprising at least one of the following: a pressure of the at least one other restroom appliance, an average of pressures of the plurality of restroom appliances or a subset of restroom appliances of the plurality of restroom. appliances, a median, pressure -of the. pluraliiy of restroom appliances or a subset of restroom appliances of the plurality of restroom appliances, or any combination thereo Moreover, determining that the pressure associated with the first ^' flush valve differs by more than the predefined threshold from the value may comprise determining that the pressure associated with the first flush valve is less than the value by at least the predefined tolerance. |.(MH 7] According to a ^' further non-limiting embodiment of the present Invention, provided is a system for optimizing a timing of a flush -valve- to provide a consistent flush volume, comprising: (a) a flush valve comprising a flow area and a solenoid configured to open the flush valve; (b) at least one pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure in the flush valve; and ^' (c) at least one controller in .communication with the at. least one pressure- sensor and the solenoid, the at least one controlle programmed or configured to: (1) control the solenoid to open the .flush, valve for a. fl ush time in response to a flush request; 01) measure a pressure In the flush valve to obtain at least one flush valve pressure; (Hi) adjust the flush time based at least, partially on the at least one flush valve pressure, resulting in an -adjusted flush time; and (iv) control the solenoid to open the flush valv for the adjusted flush time -in response to a flush request.

f0ftl8] in non-limiting embodiments of the system for optimizing a timing of a flush valve, the flush time may be adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partially on a number of uses of the flush valve. Further _* the at least -one ^' controller may be further programmed or configured to increment a counter each time the flush valve is flushed, wherein the number of uses is based on. the counter. In some non-limiting embodiments, the at least one: controller measures the. pressure in the flush valve to obtain the at least one. flush valve pressure by obtaining at least one static pressure prior to a flush of the flush valve and at least one dynamic pressure during a flush of the flush valve. The flush time may be adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partially on the at least one static pressure, the at least one dynamic pressure, and the flow area of the flush valve. The flush time ma also be adjusted to the adjusted flush time ^' based at leas partially on a numbe of uses of the flush valve.

f.(MH9| in non-limiting embodiments of the system for optimizing a timing of a flush valve, the adjusted flush time is less -than the flush time to provide a consistent flush after the flow area of the flush valve has worn wi th usage. Moreover, i non-limiting embodiments, the at least controller may be further programmed or eon figured to determine a water volume usage per Rush, and determine the adjusted flush time based at least partiall on the water volume usage per flush. The water volume usage per flush may be based at least partially on the .at leas one flush valve: pressure and a number of uses of the flush valve.

{0Θ20 j According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, provided is a flush valve controller for optimizing timing of a flush valve to provide a consistent flush volume, the flush valve controller configured to execute program instructions stored thereon or in communication therewith thai cause the flush valve controller to: receive, from a pressure sensor disposed in the flush valve, at least one flush valve pressure within the flush valve;: control a solenoid disposed in the flash val e to cause the flush valve to open for a flush time; adjust th flush time based. at least partially on the at le st one flush valve pressure, resulting i.n. an adjusted .flush time; and control the solenoid disposed, in the flush valve to cause the flush valve to open for the adjusted flush time.

[092-1 { in nou-!imiting embodiments of the flush valve controller for ^" optimizing a timing of a flush valve, the flush time may be adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partially on a number of uses of the: flush valve. Further, in non-limiting embodiments the flush valve controller may be further programmed or configured to: determine a water volume usage per flush, and determine the adjusted flush time based at least partially on the water volume usage per flush. The water volume usage per flush may be determined based at least partially on the at least one flush valve pressure and a number of uses of die flush valve,

jW22] in non-limiting embodiments, of the. flush valve controller for opt im ng a timing of a flush valve, the at least one flush valve pressure within the flush valve that is received from the at least one pressure sensor comprises at least one static pressure prior to a flush o ^' die flush valve and at. least one dynamic pressure during the flush of the flush valve, The flush time may be adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partially on the at least one static pressure., the at least one dynamic pressure:, and a llow area of the ^' flush, valve. The flush time may also be -adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partially on a. number of use of th ^' flush valve.

[0023] in non-liniitiiig embodiments of the flush valve controller for optimizing a timing of flush valve, the flush valve controller may comprise at least one controller disposed in the flush valve or at least one Central controller in communication with a plurality of flush valves, and the flush valve controller may be further programmed or configured to store the at least one flush valve pressure in at least one data storage device.

[ Θ24] According to a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, provided is a method for optimizing a timing of a flush valve to provide ^' a consistent flush volume, the flush valve comprising a flow area, a solenoid configured to open the flush valve to provide a flush through the- flow area, and at least one pressure sensor arranged, in the flush valve, comprising: measuring at least one flush valve pressure within the flush valve from, data received from the at least one pressure sensor; controlling the solenoid to cause the flush valve to open for a flush time; adjusting the first flush time based at least partially on the at least one flush valve pressure, resulting in an adjusted flush, time; and controlling the solenoid to cause the flush valve to open for the adjusted flus time. 1.0025] in non-limiting embodiments of the method tor optimizin a timing of a flush valve, the flush time may be adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partially on a number of vises of the flush valve. Further, measuring the at least one flush, valv pressure may comprise obtaining, from the at least one pressure s nsor* at least one static pressure prior to a flush of the flush valve and at least one dynamic pressure during a flush of the Slush valve. The flush time may be adjusted to th adjusted flush time based at least partially on the at least one static pressure, the at least one dynamic pressure, and the flow area of the flush valve. The flush time may also be adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partially on a number of uses of the flush valve.

10026] In non-limiting embodiments of the method for optimizing a timing of a flush valve, the method may include the further steps of detem ning water volume per usage of the at least one flash valve, and detemiining the -adjusted flush time based at least partially on the water volume per usage.

16027] A summary of the present invention, is provided in the following numbered clauses: f0028] Clause 1 : A system for monitoring flush valves, .comprising;, (a) a plurality of flush vaive arranged in at least one restroom of a building, each flush valve of the plurality of flush vaives comprising- a communication device configured to transmit flush valve data; and (b) at least one controller in- communication with- each flush valve of the plurality of flush vaives, the at least one controller programmed or configured to: (i) receive the flush valve data from each flush valve of the plurality of flush valves; and (ii) determine if a. first flush valve of the plurality of .flush valves is in need of servicin or -replacement based at least partially by comparing flush valve data for the first flush valve with flush valve dat for at least one other (lush valve of the plurality of flush valves.

10029] Clause 2: The system of clause 1, wherein each flush valve of the plurality -of flush valves comprises a pressure sensor, and wherein the flush valve data of each flush valve of the plurality of flush valves comprises a pressure associated with that flush valve.

10030] Clause 3 : The system of clause 2, wherein the at least one controHeris programmed or configured to determine that the first flush valve is in need of servicing or replacement by determining- that a pressure associated with the first flush valve -differs by more- than a predefined tolerance from a value comprising at least one -of the following: a pressure of the at least, one other flush valve, an .average of pressures of the plurality of flush valves or a subset of flush vaives of the plurality of flush valves, a median pressure of the plurality of flush valves or a subset of flush valves of the plurality of flush valves, or any combination thereof. {(1031) Clause 4: The system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the at least one controller is programmed or configured to determine -that the- first flush valve is m need of servicing or replacement by determining that usage of the flush val ve is less than,, or less than, by more than a predefined tolerance, at least one of the following; the at least one other flush valve, an average raimber of uses of the plurality of flush valves or a subset of flush val es of the plurality of .flush valves, a median number of uses of the plurality of flus valves or a subset of flush valves of the plurality of flush valves, or any combination thereof

0Θ32 | Clause 5: The system of any of clauses I «4, wherein the at least one controller is programmed or configured to determine that the first flush valve is in need of servicing or replacement by determining that -the flush valve is used less frequently than other restroom appliances in the restroom, the other restroom appliances comprising at least one of the following: a faucet, a hand dryer, a towel dispenser, a soap dispenser, or any combination thereof.

16033] Clause- 6: The system of any of clauses 1 -5, wherein the at least one controller comprises, a .controller internal to the first flush valve.

034] Clause 7: The system of an of clauses 1-6, wherein the at least on controller comprises a central controller.

|0935f Clause 8: The system of .any of clauses 1-7, wherein each flush valve of the plurality of flush valves comprises an individual controller, and wherein the at least one controller comprises a central, controller or at least one individual controller of at least one flush valve of the plurality of .flush valves.

10036] Clause 9; A system for monitoring restroom appliances, comprising: (a) a plurality of restroom appliances arranged in at least one restroom of a building, each restroom appl iance of the pluraliiy of restroom appliances, comprising a communication device configured to transmit appliance data for thai respective restroom appliance; and (b) at least one controller in eomrauni cation with each restroom appliance of the pluraliiy of restroom appliances, the at least one controller programmed or configured to: (i) receive the appliance data from each restroom appliance .of the- plurality .of restroom appliances; and {«) determine if a first restroom appliance of the plurality of restroom appliances -is in need of servicing or replacement based at least partially by comparing appliance data for the first restroom appliance with appliance data for at least one other restroom appliance of the plurality of restroom. appliances,

10(137] Clause .1.0: The system of clause 9, wherein the at least one controller is programmed or configured to determine that the first restroom appliance is in need of servicing or replacemeni by determining thai tli.e first resiroom appliance is used less frequently than other resiroom appliances of the plurality of restroorn appliances,

10038) Clause 1 1 : The system of clause 10, wherein determining that the first resiroom appliance is used less frequently than other resiroom appliances comprises determining that a number of uses of the first resiroom appliance is less than, or less tha by more, than a predefined tolerance, at least one of the following; a number of uses of the at least one other resiroom appliance, an average number of uses of the plurality of restroorn appliances or a subset of resiroom appliances of the plurality of restroorn appliances, a median number of uses of the plurality of restroorn appliances or a subset of restroorn appliances of the plurality of restroorn. appliances, or any combination thereof.

10039) Clause 1 : The system of any of clauses 9-1 1, wherein the plurality of restroorn appliances comprises at least one of the following; a. flush valve, a faucet, a hand dryer, a towel dispenser, a soap dispenser, or any combination thereof.

16040] Clause- 13: The system of any of clauses 9-12, wherein, the at least one controller comprises, at least one of the following: a. controller internal to the first flush valve, a. central controller, at least, one .controller of a plurality of controllers internal to each of the plurality of restroorn appliances, or any combination thereof

100411 Clause 14: A method for monitoring a plurality of restroorn appliances arranged in a resiroom, each restroorn appiiance of the. plurality of restroorn appliances .comprising a communication device configured to transmit appliance data, comprising: collecting, with, at least one controller, appliance data from each restroorn appliance of the plurality of restroorn appliances; comparing, with a least one controller, appliance data received from a first restroorn appliance of the pluralit of .resiroom appliances to appliance data received from at least one other restroorn ap liance of the plurality of restroorn appliances;■ .determining, with at least one controller, if the first restroorn appliance i in need of servicing or replacement based at least partially on the comparison o -appliance data; aid in response to deiemtining that the first restroorn appiiance is in need of servicing or replacement, generating, with at least one controller, at least one alert or message identifying the first restroorn appliance data,

100 2) Clause 15: The method of clause 14, wherein deiennining if the first restroorn appliance is in need of servicing or replacement comprises determining that the firs resiroom appliance is used less frequently than other restroorn appliances of the plurality of restroorn appliances.

10043) Clause 16: The method, of clause 15, wherein determining that the first restroorn appliance i used less frequently than, other resiroom appliances comprises determining that a number of uses of the first restroom appliance is less than., or less than by more than a predefined, tolerance, .at least one of the following: a number of uses of the at least one other restroom appliance, an average number of uses of the plurality of restroom. appliances or a subset of restroom appliances of the pl urality of restroom app liances, a median number of uses of the plurality of restroom appliances or a subset of restroom appliances of the plurality of restroom. appliances, or any combination thereof.

(0044) Clause 17: The method of any of clauses 14-16, wherein the plurality of restroom appliances comprises a plurality of flush valves, wherein each flush valve of the plurality of flush, valves comprises a pressure sensor, and wherein the appliance data of each flush valve of the plurality of flush, valves: comprises a pressure of that flush val ve.

0045) Clause 18: The method of clause 17, wherein deiemiking if the first restroom appliance is. in need of servicing.; or replacement comprises determinin that a pressure associated with the first restroom appliance differs by more than a predefined tolerance from a value comprising at least one of the following: a pressure of the at least one other restroom appliance, an average of pressures of the plurality, of restroom appliances or a subset of restroom appliances of the plurality of restroo appliances, -a median pressure of the plurality of restroom appliances o a subset of restroom appliances of the plurality of restroom appliances, or an combination thereof

(0046) Clause 19: The method of clause 18, wherein determining that the pressure associated with the first flush valve differs fey more than the predefined threshold from the value comprises determining that the pressure associated with the first flush valve is less than the value by at least the predefined tolerance.

f.0047) Clause .20: A system for optimizing a timing of a flush valve to provide a consistent flush volume, comprising: (a) a flush valve comprising a flow area and a solenoid configured to open the flush valve; (b) at least one pressure sensor 'configured to measure a pressure in the flush valve; and (c) at least one controller in communication with the at least one pressure sensor and the solenoid, the at least one controller programmed or configured to: (i) control the solenoid to open the flush valve for a flush time In response to a flush request; (li) measure a pressure in the flush val ve to obtain at least one flush valve pressure; (hi) adjust the flush, time based at least partially on the at least one flush valve pressure, resulting in an adjusted flush time; and (iv) control the solenoid to open, the flush valve for the adjusted flush time In response to a flush request

(0040) Clause 21 : The system of clause 20, wherein the flush time, is adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partially on a number of uses of the flush valve. {.0049] Clause 22: The system of clause 21, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed or ^■■ configured to: increment a counter each time the flush valve i flushed , and wherein the number of uses is based on the counter.

0 59] Clause- 23: The system of ^' any of clauses 1 -21, wherein the at least one controller measures the pressure in the flush valve to obtain the at least one flush valve pressure by obtaining at least one static pressure prior to a flush of the flush valve and at least one dynamic pressure during a flush of the. flush valve,

[0051] Clause 24: The system of clause 23, wherein the flush time is adjusted to the adjusted flus time based ai least partially on the at least one static pressure, die at least one dynamic pressure, and the flow area of the flush, valve.

10052] Clause 25: The system of clause 24, wherein the flush time, is adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partial ly on a number of uses of the flush valve.

[0053] Clause 26; The system of any of clauses 1 -25, wherein the adjusted flush time is less than the flush time to provide a consistent flus -after the flow area of the flush valve has worn with usage.

[0054] Clause 27: The System of any of clauses 19-26..wherein the at least controller is further programmed or configured to: determine a water volume usage per flush; and determine the adjusted flush time based at least partially on the water volume usage per flush,

[0055] Clause 28: The system of clause 27, wherein the water volume usage per flush is based at least partiall on the at least one flush valve pressure and a number of uses of the flush valve.

[0056] Clause 29: A flush valve controller for optimizing a timing of a flush valve to provide a consistent flush volume, the flush valve controller configured to execute program instructions stored thereon or in communication therewith that cause the flush valve controller to: receive, from a pressure sensor disposed in the flush valve, at least one flush valve pressure within the flush valve; control a solenoid disposed in the flush valve to cause the flush valve to open for a flush time; adjust the flush time based at least partially on the at least one flush valve pressure, resulting in an adjusted flush time; and control the solenoid disposed in the flush valve to cause the flush valve to open for the adjusted flush time.

[0057] Clause 30: The flush valve controller of clause 29, wherein the flush time is adjusted to the adjusted flush time based a least partially on a number of uses of the flush valve.

[O05B] Clause 31 ; The flush valve controller of any of clauses 29-30, wherein the flush valve controller is further programmed or configured to: determine a water volume usage per flush; and determine the adjusted flush time based at least partially on the water volume usage per flush,

j¾059] Clause 32; The flush valve controller of clause 31, wherein the water volume usage per flush is determined based at least partiall on the at least one flush valve pressure and a number of uses of the flush valve.

|OO60] Clause 33: The flush valve controller of any of clauses 29-32, wherein the at least one flush valve pressure within the flush valve received from the at least one pressure sensor eoraprises at least one static pressure prior to a flush of the flush valve and at least one dynamic pressure during the flush of the flush valve,

(MH»1 j Clause 34: The flush valve controller of clause 33, wherein the flush time is adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partiall on the at least one static pressure, the at least one dynamic pressure, and a flow area of the flus valve,

[0Θ62| Clause lS: The flush valve controller of clause 34, wherein the flush time is adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partiall on. a number of uses of the flush valve.

|Θ063] Clause 36: The flush valve controller of any of clauses 29-35 _* wherein the flush valve -controller comprises, at least one .-controller disposed in th flush valve or a least one central controller in communication with a plurality of flush valves, and wherein the .flush valve controller is further programmed or configured to store the .at least one flush valve pressure In at least one data storage device.

{9964} Clause 37; A. method for optimizing a timing of a flush valve to provide consi stent flush volume, the flush valve comprising a flow area, a solenoid configured to open the flush valve to provide a flush through the flow area, and at least one pressure sensor arranged in the flush valve, comprising: measuring at least one flush valve pressure within the flush valve from data received from the at least one pressure sensor; controlling the solenoid to cause the flush valve to open for a flush time; adjusting the first flush time based -at least partially on the at least one flush valve pressure, resulting in an adjusted flush time; and controlling the solenoid to cause the flush valve to open for the adjusted flush time.

|βθ65) Clause 38:- The method of clause 37, wherein the flush time is adjusted to the adjusted- flush time based at least partially on a number of uses of the flush valve.

{0Θ66 j Clause 39: The method of any of clauses 37-38, wherein measuring the at least one flush valve pressure comprises obtaining, from the at. least one pressure sensor, at least one static pressure prior to a flush, of the flush valve and at least one dynamic pressure during a flush of the flush valve. j.00(*7] Clause 40; The method of clause 39, wherein the flush time is adjusted to the adjusted flush time based at least partially on the- at least one static- pressure:, the at least one dynamic pressure, and the flow area of the flush -valve.

6968 Clause 41: The method of clause 40, wherein the flush time is adjusted to the adjusted flush time based, at least partially on a number of ^' uses of the flush valve.

006 ] Clause 42: The method of any of clauses 37-41, further comprising: determining a water volume per usage of the at least one flush valve; and determining the adjusted Hush time based at least partially on the water volume per usage.

|0070] Clause 43 : A computer-implemented method of adjusting a timing of at least one flush valve based on demand, comprising: (a) detecting, with at least one network device, a number of mobile devices in an area associated with at least one restroom, the at least one restroom comprising the at least one flush valve; (b) determining, with at least one processor, that the number of mobile devices in the area meets or exceeds at least one predetermined threshold; and (c) in response to determining that the number of mobile devices in the area meets or exceeds the- at least one predetermined, threshold-: (i) determining,, with at least, one processor, an. adjusted flush time- .for the- at least one flush valve; and (ii) adjusting, with at least one processor, a flush time of the at least one flush valve to die adjusted flush time, such that the adjusted flush time- reduces an amount of water used, for a flush.

(0071] Clause 44: The computer-implemented method of clause 43, wherein the number of mobile devices is detected by: monitoring- wireless signals received by the at. least -one network device from, a plurality of sources; analyzing, with at feast one processor, the wireless signals to identify a plurality of device identifiers; -and determining, with at least one processor,- the number of mobile devices based at least partially on the plurality of device identifiers. 007l] Clause 45: The computer-implemented method of clause 44, wherein the wireless signals comprise at least one of the following: a signal configured to identify wireless networks, a signal configured to identify wireless devices, a signal responsive to a request signal, or any combination thereof

|O073] Clause 46: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 43-45, wherein the at least one restroom comprises the: area.

10074] Clause -47: ^' The.eompuier-implemented method of any of clauses 43-46, wherein the -at least one flush valve comprises a plurality of flush valves arranged in the at least one restroom. |.Θ 75] Clause 48: The eonmuieMmplemented method ^' of any ^' of clauses 43-47, wherein the area comprises a building, and wherein the at least one restroom comprises a plurality of restrooms arranged within the building

lWf$] Clause 49: The compnier-implemenied method of any of clauses 43-48, wherein the area -comprises a portion, of a bui lding, -and wherein the at least one restroom comprises a plurality of restrooms arranged within the portion of the building.

|0O77) Clause 50; The coniputer-implenieated method, of any of clauses 43*49 _> wherein the number of mobile devices is detected by: generating at least one request signal configured to activate at least one passive mobile device; and analyzing signals received from the at least one passive mobile device in response to the at least one request signal.

|ΘΘ78] Clause 51 : The computer-miplemented method of any of clauses 43-50, wherein the at least one predetermined threshold comprises a plurality of predetermined thresholds, wherein each predetermined threshold of the plurality of predetermined thresholds is associated with a different adjusted flush time, and wherein determining the adjusted flush time comprises identifying the adjusted, flush, time that corresponds to the at least one predetenuined threshold that the number o mobile devices is determined to meet or exceed.

[0079] Clause 52: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 43-51 , further comprising: determining, with at least one processor, whether the number of mobile devices In the area is equal to or less than at least one predetermined threshold; and in response to determining that the number of mobile devices in the area is _. equal t or less than the at least one predetermined threshold: determining, with at least one processor, a: new adjusted flush time for the at least one flush valve; and adjusting, with at least one processor, the adjusted flush time of the at least one flush valve ^' to the new adjusted flush time, such that the new adjusted flush time increases an amount of water used for a flush.

j¾080] Clause 53: A system for adjusting a timing of at least one flush valve based on demand, com prisi ng: a plural ity of flush valves arranged in at least one restroom, wherein each of the plurality of flush valves comprises a solenoid configured to open and close a respective flush valve based on a flush time; a network device- .arranged, in or proximate, to an area associated with the at least one restroom, the network device configured t receive: wireless signals; and at least one processor in communication with the network device and the plurality of flush valves, the at least one processor programmed or configured to: (i) detect, based on wireless signals received by the network device, a number of mobile devices in the area; (i.i) determine whether the number of mobile devices in the area meets or exceeds at leas one predetermined threshold; and (til) in response to determining that the number of mobile devices in the area meets or exceeds the at least one predetermined threshold, adjusting the flush time of each of the plurality of flush valves to an adjusted flush time, such thai ^' the adjusted flush time reduces an amount of water used, for a flush.

10081] Clause 54: Th system of clause 53 _» Wherein the at least ne processor is further programmed or configured to determine the adjusted flush time in response to determining that the number of mobile devices in the area meets or exceeds the at least one predetermined threshold,

0082] Clause 55: The system of clause 54, wherein the at least one predetermined threshold comprises plurality of predetermined thresholds, wherein each predetermined threshold of the plurality of predetermined thresholds s associated with a. different adjusted flush time, and wherein the adjusted flush time is determined by identifying the adjusted flush time that corresponds to the at least one predetermined threshold that the number of mobile devices is determined to mee or exceed.

10083] Clause- 56: The system of an of clauses 53-55, wherein the number of mobile devices is detected by; monitoring wireless signals received from a plurality of sources; analyzing the wireless signals to identify a plurality of device identifiers; and determining the number of mobile devices based at least partially on the plurality of device identifiers.

|008 j Clause 57: The system of any of clauses 53-56, wherein the wireless signals comprise at least one of the following: a signal coniigured to identify wireless networks, a signal configured t identit wireless devices, signal responsive to a request signal, or any combination thereof.

£0085] Clause 58: The system of an of clauses 53-57, wherein ^' the ^' at least one restroom comprises the area.

f0O86] Clause 59: The system of any of clauses 53-58, wherein the area comprises a building or a portion of a building, and wherein. the at least one restroom comprises a plurality of restroonls arranged within the building or the portion of the building.

10087] Clause 60; The system of any of clauses 53-59, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to determine the number of mobile devices by: generating at least one request signal configured to activate at least one passive mobile device; and analyzing signals received from the at least one passive mobile device in response to the at least, one request signal,

£0088] Cl use 61 : The system of an of clauses 53-60, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to; determine whether the number of mobile devices in the area is equal to or less than at least one predetermined threshold; and in response to determining thai the number of mobile devices in the area is equal to or less than the at least one predetermined threshold: determine a new adjusted flush time tor fee at least one flush val ve; and adjust the flush time of the at least one flush valve to the new adjusted flush time, such that the new adjusted flush time increases an amount of water used for a flush,

[0089] Clause 62: A computer program product for adj usting a timing of at least one flush valv based on demand, comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including program. ^' instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one proeessor to: detect, based on wireless signals received by a network device, a number of mobile devices in an are associated with at least one restroom, the at least one resiroom comprising a plurality of flush valves; determine whether the number of mobile devices in the area meets or exceeds at least one predetermined threshold; and in response to determining that fee number of mobile, devices in the area meets or exceeds the at least one predetermined threshold, adjust the flush time of each of the plurality of flush valves to an adjusted flush time, such that the adjusted flush time reduces an amount of water used for a flush.

J0O90] These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions.. of the related element of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended, claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures, It is to be expressl understood, however,, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration, and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used i the specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", " n", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise,.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0091] Additional advantages and details of the invention are explained in greater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying schematic, figures, in which;

j¾092 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for a system for monitoring restroom appliances according to the principles of the present invention;

|0 93] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram for a system for monitoring restroom appliances according to the principles of the present invention;

00 4] FIG, 3 is a further schematic diagram for another system for monitoring restroom appliances according to the principles of the present invention; |ΙΙίϊ95| FIG.4 is a flow diagram for a method of monitoring wear in a flush valve according to the principles of the present invention;

96] FIG. 5 is flow diagram for another method of monitoring wear In flush valve according to the principles of the present invention;

[θί)97| FIG. 6 is another flow diagram for a further method of monitoring xvear i a flush valve according to the principles of the present invention;

|0098] FIG, 7 Is a farther flow diagram for a method, of niomtoriog restroom appliances according to the principles of the present invention;

109 ] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for a method of adjusting a Hush time on a flush val ve according to the principles of the present invention;

00.1001 FIG, 9 is another flow diagram for a method of adjusting a flush time o a flush valve according to the principles of the present invention;

|00101 FIGS. 1 OA-IOC are charts illustrating the relationship between pressure, flow rate, flush volume, and flush time for flush valves;

{001021 FIG, .1 Ϊ is a schematic diagram for a system for adjusting a flush time on a plurality of ^' flush valves according to the principles of the present in vention; and

[001031 FIG. 2 is a flow diagram for a method of adjusting a flush time on a plurality of Hush valves according to the principles of the present Invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

100 0 1 As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as "up", "down", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", and the like, relate to the Invention as It is shown, in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly* such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like used in the specification and claims are to be understood as feeing modified in all instances by the term ^<4 abou \ Accordingly, unless indicated to the -contrary, the numerical values set forth in die following specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not a an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical value should at least be construed, in light of die number of reported significant digits and by applying .ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, -all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a slated range of "I to KF should fee considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, ail subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 o more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, &g. _t 1 to 6.1 , 3.5 to 7,8, 5,5 to 10, etc. All references referred to herein, such as but not limited to issued parents and published applieati ons, are to be understood to be incorporated by reference in their entirety. The term "mechanical relief refer to a relief device or system, that does not require electricity or electrical power to function in a pressure relieving capacity. The term "electronic relief refers to a relief device or system that util zes electricity or electrical power to function in a pressure relieving capacity.

[00105J As used herein, the terms "communication" and "communicate" refer to the receipt or transfer of one or more signals, messages, commands, or other type of data. For one unit or component ^' to he in communication with another unit or component means that the one unit or component is able to directly or indirectly receive data from and/or transmit data io the other unit or component. This can refer to a direct or indirect connection that may be wired and/of wireless in nature. Addit nally, two units or components ma be in communication with each other even though the data transmitted may he modified, processed, and/or routed between the ^• first and second unit, o component. For example, a first unit may be in communication with, a second unit even though the first unit passively receives data and does not actively transmit data to the second unit. As another example, a first unit may he in communication with a second unit if an intermediary unit processes data from one unit and transmits processed data to the second unit, it will he appreciated that numerous other arrangements are possible. }00106J It will, be appreciated that various types of restroom appliances may be used in connection with the present invention. The term "restroom appliance" may refer to, for example, one or more val es (flush valves, faucet valves, shower valves, etc.), paper towel or toilet paper dispensers, toilet paper holders, hand dryers, soap dispensers, and/or other like devices and/o components thereof used in a restroom environment, i some non-limiting embodiments, the restroom appliances may include flush valves. U.S. Patent No, 9339,157, entitled "Method of Monitoring Wear in a Diaphragm Valve Using Pressure Detection", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes valves that may be used in connection with the present invention, although, it will be appreciated that various other types of valves, plumbing equipment restroom appliances, and arrangements may be used hi connection with embodiments of the present invention,

|00107} Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 1000 for monitoring _, restroom appliances is shown according to a non-limiting embodiment As shown, restroom appliances .102, 108, 114 are arranged in a room 1.24, Each restroom appliance includes a respeciive controller 104, _. 110, 1.16 and a communication device 106, 112, 118. However, it will, be appreciated that one or more restroom appliances 102, 108, 114 may share a common controller .and/or communication device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. !,. the restroom appliances are arranged in a restroom 124 but it will be appreciated, that the appliances may also be arranged in multiple restxooms of one or more buildings. The -controllers 104, 110, 116 may include any suitable computing device, such as a microprocessor, CPU, and/or the like. The comi inication devices 106, 112, 118 may include any device capable of transmitting and/ox receiving data such as, but not limited to, a wireless network adapter, Bluetooth® ^' adapter, Ethernet adapter, radio transceiver, and/or any other wired or wireless mechanism for communicating data.

|00108} With continued reference to FIG. 1, the system 1000 also includes a central controller 120 and central data storage device 122. The central controller 120 ma be central to a particular restroom 124, a group of res.troo.ms in a building, or even one or more buildings. The central controller 120 is in communication with each of the communication devices 106, 112, 118 via another communication -device (not shown) associated with the central controller 120. in t his manner, the central contro ller 120 collect s appliance data from each of the restroom appliances 102, 108, 114 and stores it in the central data storage device 1.22, The central data storage device 122 may include any memory device capable of storing data in one or more data structures such as, for example, one or. ^' more hard drives having one or more databases stored thereon. The appliance data may include, for example, pressure data (e.g., an internal water pressure before, during, or after usage of the -appliance), usage dat (e.g^ a number of uses over a period of .time), a water usage (e.g.., an amount o water per usage or over a period of time), and/or any other data relating to the restroom appliances 102, 108, 114. ^' The appliance data ma be transmitted upon each usage of a restroom appliance or in batches, and may represent discrete usage information or aggregate (e.g., average or median) usage ^{■ '} information,.

00.109} Referring now to FIG. 2, a system 1000 for monitoring restroom appliances is shown according to another non-limiting embodiment. Here, the restroom appliances include flush valves 202, 210, Each flush valve 202, 210 of the system 1000 is associated with a flush toilet 200, 08, The flush valves 202, 2 0 are each controlled by a respective controller 204, 212, it will appreciated that -each controller 204, 21.2- may also control one or more flush valves of ^' other restroom appliances, and that, in some examples, a single controller 204 may be used. The controller 204 may be located directl in or o the valve 202 or at some other locatio (e.g., in a chase area, behind an appliance or wail, and/or the like). The -controller 204 i In communication with data storage device 2i¼ to store detected water pressures and other appliance data. It will be appreciated that, in some examples, the dat storage device 206 may be internal or external to the controller 204 and local or ^' remote to the controller 204, Ϊ» a preferred and non-limiting embodiment each flush valve 202, 210 has its own. controller -204, 212 and data storage device 206, 214. However, in other non-limiting embodiments and as described elsewhere herein, a central controller and/or a central data storage device common t multiple flush valves may also be used.

ββ! 10 Still referring to FIG. 2, the controller 204 i in communication with the controller 212 for another flush valve 21.0 installed in the same restroom.. facility, or region thereof. The controllers 204» 212 may also be in communication with other controllers (not shown) for several other restroom appliances in a given area, facility, or portion thereof. It will be appreciated that ll restroom appliances in a restroom, part of a room, group of rooms, building, or regio ma be in communication with one another, In this manner, the controller 204 may determine the water press ure a fter operation of the flush valve 202 and compare it to a previous water pressure stored in the data storage device 206. If the determined water pressure is less than the previous water pressure, or if the difference between the two pressures is greater than a predefined threshold, the. controller 204 may then obtain a water pressure stored in the data storage device 214 associated with another controller 212, iu.ihis manner, the water pressure of another flush valve 210 can he compared to the water pressure of the flush valve 202 to determine if an unexpected decrease in . water ^' pressure is specific to the flush valve 202 or due to some other problem affecting other flush valves 210 in the same facility. The previous pressure may include, for example, one or more pressures for a new flush valve kit The pressures for a new flush val ve kit may be in the form of a pressure profile curve representing water pressure over a time period to effectuate a desired flush volume (e.g., represented by the area under the curve). As the flush val e wears, the pressure profile curve will change (e.g., more time required at a lower pressure to achieve the sam flush voinme), indicating that, the flush val ve is in need of repair or replacement.

00111 _. In non-limiting embodiments, and with continued reference to FIG. 2, a controller 204 for a particular valve 202 may poll the pressures of other flush valves 210 or restroom appliances to determine if the valve 202 is faulty. This polling may occur in response to a determination, that a detected pressure of the val ve 202 is less than a previous detected pressure of the same valve 20 or m ay occur regardless of what the detected pressure is. For example, if the pressure of the valve 202 is detected to be 45 PSi, one or more flush valves 210 in proximity to the valve 202 may be polled for comparison. If the pressure(s) of one or more proximate flush valves 210 is 60 PSi then it can be determined that the valve 202 is faulty. Likewise, if the pressures) of one or more proximate flush valves 10 is also 45 .PS I, or within a predefined tolerance range from 45 PSI, it can be determined that the valve 202 is not faulty, £00112} Referring now to FIG. 3, a system 1.0(10 for monitoring restoora appliances is shown according to another noft-liitHthtg embodiment. In this embodiment, a plirrality of restroorn appliances :(e.g., _: Slush valves) 216, 218, 220, 222 each have associated controllers 224, 226, 28, 230, In this example, the controllers 224, 226, 228, 230 are in commoaicatioa with a central controller 232, such as a computer system _* server, or other type of data processor. The central controller 232 may be located local or remote to the controllers 224, 226, 28, 230 and ma be in communication with a central data storage device 234. It will be appreciated that, a shown In FIG. 2, the controllers 204 _» 21.2 may also be in communication with one another directly,

f 0113] With continued reference to FIG. , i operation, the. controllers 224, 226, 28, 230 communicate the water pressures detected within the respective flush valves 216, 218, 220, 222 to the centra! controller 232, and the water pressures are then stored in the central data storage device 234, la this- manner, a particular controller 224 may receive a water pressure of any other flush valve 218, 220, 22 to compare to the water pressure of its respective flush valve 216, For example, if the water pressure for the flush valve 216 is less than a previous water pressure, or if the ifference between the two pressures is greater than a predefined tolerance (e.g., n PSI), the controller 224 may then receive one or more water pressures stored in the central data storage device 23 for comparison. An average orraedian of water pressure stored in the central data storage device 234 may be calculated and compared t the water pressure of the flush, valve 216 to determine if an unexpected change in water pressure is specific t the flush valve 2.1.6 or due to some other problem that may- ffect other flush valves 218, 20, 222 in the same facility ^' (kg.,, a building-wide pressure drop).

001.14} The valves used in connection with the present invention may have pressure mohiidrmg capabilities sttch as those described by U.S. Patent No. 9,389,157, entitled "Method of Monitoring Wear in a Diaphragm Valve Using Pressure Detection", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, the valves may include a pressure transducer that con tinually monitors a fluid .pressure within the val ve. The pressure transducer may also monitor the pressure at specific times, such as when the actuato is activated, when the valve opens or closes, or at predefined intervals.: When the actuator is activated or at some other point during usage of a valve, a controller may send a signal to the transducer to sense the static fluid pressure, Based upon this static pressure, a flush time (in some examples, a solenoid activation time) is calculated to achieve a desired flush volume. The transducer ma remain p w'ered daring the flush to monitor the dynamic fluid pressure and to adjust the flush time. Moreover, the controller may be programmed to supply power to the pressure trans ucer at intermittent time periods, such as ever 10 minutes, to intermittently monitor the internal pressure within tiie valve.

lOdtlSj The pressure monitoring fti ^' neiion of t e transducer may be utilized as a maintenance function for the valve. For example, the internal components of diaphragm valves typically wear over time, -which can result in. prolonged, fluid flow therethrough, wasting substantial amounts: of water.. Often, such wear causes the valve to take a longer period of time in order to reseal the diaphragm based upon the time required to build up water pressure within the valve at the inlet side of the diaphragm.. The controller in communication with the pressure transducer may be programmed to detect the fluid pressure within the valve after a certain peri od o f time after a normal flush is requested and effected. The typical range o f time required to achieve the water pressure necessary to effect reseal trig of the diaphragm and c losure of the valve is known, based on normal operation of the valve, A comparison of the water pressure afte a normal flush at the known time period can provide information regarding th wear of the val ve. For example,, if the water pressure detected after the predetermined time period is lower than the typical water pressure value as known, the. valve, may require servicing or replacement. A. signal- including this information, may be transmitted to a centra! processing unit, which may then generate an. alert to notify the maintenance staff that servicin is required. 0β 1.16 In non-limiting embodiments, the valve may be determined to be in need of service o replacement by detecting the water pressure and comparin it to one or more values. For example, a controller may be associated with one or more flush valves. The controller may be in communication with a pressure transducer thai is located- within the flush valve and ^■ configured to detect water pressure internal to the valve after operation. In some non-limiting embodiments, the pressure ma be detected when a specified period of time elapses after operation of the flush valve. As an example, this period of time ma be a time which, during normal operation (e.g., when the valve is new or is otherwise in acceptable working condition), results In the flush valve being reseal ed. It will be appreciated that such, a period of time may be a preset value or, i other instances,; determined dynamicall from historical, data, time periods associated with past operation of the valve, time periods associated with other valves, and/or the like,

100117] In non-limiting embodiments, the value that is compared to the detected pressure may be determined and/or identified in various ways. For example, a comparison pressure value may be detected from the same flush valve before activation of the valve, when the valve is acti vated, and/or after a previous activation, of the flush valve and completion of the flush cycle. Farther, as explained herein, the. comparison pressure value may also be a pressure of one or more other flush valves, an average of pressures of one or more other .flush valves, and or the like. In some non-limiting examples, the comparison pressure may be based, on a previous or historical pressure for a particula valve in addition to a pressure of one or more other valves. In such examples, the pressure values of the one or more other valves ma be used to verit that a difference between a detected pressure of the valve and one or more previous pressures of the valve is not due to some external factor (e.g., a pressure drop affecting an entire building, facility, or portion t!iereot). The comparison pressure value ma also be set by a user through a controller associated with the flush valve or through a remote device or interface in communication with, the controller. Fo example, the comparison pressure may be set through a user interface of central controller, through controller local to the valve, and/or in various other ways. Further, as explained above, the comparison pressure may include a curve representing changes in pressure over a flush time period. The curve may be a profile for a new flush valve ^' kit determined from initial pressure readings, or may be an expected profile for a flush valve having a particular number of uses or history .

[ftOLlSj In non-limiting embodiments, the valve may be determined t be faulty and in need of servicing or replacement if two. or more detected pressures are- les than one or more previous pressures fo the valve or if the difference of two or more detected pressures is greater than a specified threshold, In these embodiments, false alarms and erroneous alerts can be avoided by waiting for at least one other comparison before determining if the valve is faulty. For example, if a first pressure is 60 PSl and the next detected pressure is 45 PSI, the dro in pressure could be determined to. be an. a mal . Accordingly,, in these non- limiting examples, a third pressure (or a predefined number of additional pressures) ma be detected before determining that the valve is faulty. For example, if a third pressure is also 45 PSI, it may be determined that the valve is indeed faulty and that the second .pressure of 45 PSJ was not an anomaly. Likewise, if the third pressure is 60 PSL it ma be determined that the second pressure of 45 PSl was .an anomaly and that the valve does not require .servicing or replacement Similarly, if a predefined number of additional pressures-are also 45 PSI or less than 6 PSI, it may be determined that the valve is .faulty.

|00il9J Referring now to FIG. 4, a method for determining that a flush valve needs to be serviced or replaced is shown according to a non-limiting embodiment. At a first step 400, a water pressure is detected within the flush valve at a. predetermined time after the flush valve is operated. As. explained above, the predetermined time may be preset in the system or determined in some othe way prior to detecting the pressure. The water pressur may also be detected at any time prior t a. subsequent operation of the Hush valve. For example, th water pressure may be -detected before activating the valve in response to receiving a command to activate the valve. After the water pressure is detected at the predetermined time, the pressure is compared with another water pressure value in a second step 403, As an example, the detected water pressure may be compared with a typical water pressure associated with normal (ag-., not- faulty) operation of the valve. As explained above, other values may also be compared to the detected water pressure such as, fo example, a previously measured water pressure for the flush valve, a pressure for another flush valve in the same facility as the flush valve, an average of pressures of a .plurality of flush valves* and/or the like.

00.1201 With continued reference to FIG. 4, the comparison of the detected water pressure with another water pressure at step 402 may result in a difference between the values of the respective pressures. At step 404 _» it is determined if the difference is greater than a threshold (or outside a predefined tolerance .range) such as, but not limited to, a predefined value. If the difference, between pressures does not exceed the threshold, or does not exceed the threshold by more than a tolerance amount, it may be determined that the valve is not faulty or thai any leaking or pressure differential is minimal and the valve does not need to be serviced or replaced.. It will be appreciated that, in other non-Limiting embodiments, a tolerance or threshold may not be used and any difference in pressure may result or factor into a determination that a valve Is faulty, If the difference does exceed the threshold, or if there is a difference between pressures, the method may proceed to step 406 at which it is determined that the flush valve needs to be serviced or replaced. At step 408, a alert ma be sent The alert may be in the form of an indicator light, email, phone call, text message, noti fication in a graphical user interface, record in a database, or by an other means. If there is no difference, or if the difference is not. -significant, the method may repeat after the next flush of the valve at step 410.

00121 } in non-limiting embodiments, and as described herein, one or more valves may share common controller. In such examples, a pressure detected in one valve may be used t de termine if another valve is faulty and in need of service or- replacement. However, in other examples, such as the non-limiting embodiment shown, in FIG. 1, different controllers may be used to operate a plurality of valves, and the respective controllers may be in communication with each other using various wired and wireless techniques and protocols. In further examples, the respective, controllers may be in communication with a common central controller. In non-limitin embodiments, Bluetooth©, WiFi®, near-field communication (NFC),. -and/or other wireless eommumcatiori protocols may be used to communicate among coatrollers. Using pressure readings from other valves may help .determine if a particular valve installed m the same facility Is faulty,, or If a difference in pressure is due to some other reason such as, for example, a pressure drop affecting the entire building or facility.

|0(iJ 22} Referring again to FIG. 2, In non-limiting embodiments the valves.202, 210 may be in comnmni cation with each other through their respective controllers 204, 212 in several different configurations. Restroom appliance data may be shared between the valves 202, 210 directl or through a local and/or remote controller that receives and distributes the data, in this manner, the controllers of the valves can detect an error by comparing its data with data from other valves. For example, if there are six valves in an area, those six. valves can be considered a group and one or more controllers of the valves can determine a anomaly or aberration (e.g.,. if one of the- valves is not being used but the others are) indicating that the valve may be faulty or in need of service (e.g., clogged toilet, needs to be cleaned, out of toilet paper, etc.). In this manner, faults that are not able to be detected mechanically or electrically, such as the need fo cleaning, toilet paper, or the like, can be determined based, on a number of uses (or lack thereof) relative to other appliances.

0123] Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous other devices used in a restroom, including but not limited to valves, hand, dryers, paper towel dispensers, toilet paper holders, soap dispensers, and the like, may be made self-aware using the systems ^' and methods described herein. In this manner, each device, or a central processor, can compare data from the other similarly equipped devices and detect and report anomalies and aberrations that indicate faulty operation. For example, if the system determines that the valves are being used to flush but that the hand dryers and/or paper towel dispensers are not being used at a similar frequency, it can be determined that thos appliances may need service or repair. Likewise, if ther -are multiple hand dryers and/or paper towel dispensers in a restroom and one or more of these appliances ^' are used less frequently than the others, it ma be determined that those appliances may need service or repair. It will be appreciated that various other comparisons between restroom appliance data for similar or different types of appliances may indicate the need for service or repair.

O0124| Referring again to FIG. 3, in a preferred and non-limiting embodiment the system 1000 Is used to gather information from various restroom appliances, and control and program such appliances and other devices (e.g., flush valves ^: 2.16» 218, 20, 222 and/or controllers 224, 226, 28, 230) through a communication protocol . For example, the collected restroom appliance data may be stored in a data storage device 234 and processed with one or more algorithms and/or software routines to determine water consumption, a number of operations, when maintenance is required (e.g,, batteries need replacing, device failure, etc), pressure- f the appiianees, mid other useful analytical information. This restroom appliance data ma also be used to schedule preventative maintenance, service calls, order parts, arid/or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments, such scheduling ay be at least partially automated. As an example, paper towels may be automatically ordered based on a number of uses of one or more dispensers.

0012 1 The restrootn appliance data thai may be- gathered from th -restroom appliances 21 218, 220, 222 and/or controllers 224, 226, 228, 230 includes, but is not limited to, flush counts, pressure _* light, RFID data, battery power, communication range, _, infeued (IR) pulse count solenoid current, communication staUis/mfonriation, location, and/or mode (e.g., automatic, manual override, etc.). It will be appreciated that, in non-limiting embodiments, restroom appliance data may also includ information sensed and/or collected concerning the environment in. which an appliance is installed. Such environmental data may include, for example, ambient light levels (e.g., luminosity), sound levels, humidity, and/or the like, as detected, by one -or more sensors in a restroom.

O01261 ¾- a preferred and non-limiting ^■ embodiment, the restroom appliance data comprises .a number of uses (e.g., flushes) of a flush valve or other restroom appliance in a given period of time. For example, a. programmatic counter could be incremented, each time a flush valve is used since a previous replacement of the valve or a component thereof (e.g., a diaphragm), i this manner, preventative maintenance can be -scheduled and performed prior to -failure of the flush valve s that water is not continually .running and being wasted. Replacements and repairs may be tracked by various means including, for example. RFID tegs, barcodes, unique identifiers in one or more databases, or the like. By knowing and tracking battery voltage, it can also be determined if batter is close to the end of its lifespan and the central controller 732, in response to such a determination, ma alert staff for replacement. Alerts .may be effectuated via email text message, pop-up or push notifications, status lights, arid/or the like..

10 1271 Moreover, restroom appliance data can be used to configure and optimize restroom appliances. For example, using a detected pressure and the number of uses flushes of a valve, tire timing of the valve can he adjusted to optimize water consumption. For example, one or more algorithms may be used to determine water usage from the water pressure and ihc number of uses. This information can be used to limit or set a timing of the valve. Timing systems are describe in U.S. Patent Application Publication o, 201 /03791 5, entitled ''Removable Time Adjusting Device, System, and Method for Adjusting an Electronic Plumbing Controller", the disclosure of which is. hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The timing of a flush valve may be determined, for example, based at least partially on a static pressure before a. flush, fee flow area of the flush valve, and fee dynamic pressure during the flush. In this manner, the flush time can be adjusted to provide a consistent amount of water per flush even if the building pressure fluctuates ^■ during the flush.

1081281 Referring back to FIG _* 2, a system 1000 of flush toilets 2», 2 8 and associated controllers 204, 212 is shown according to a non imidng embodiment The flush valves 202, 210 each have, disposed therein, one or more pressu e sensors (not -shown) tor measuring- one -or more pressures within one or more regions of the flush valve 202, 210 body, Pressure sensors ma also b associated with one or more flush valves 202, 210 but located outsid of the flush valve 202, 210 bodies, such as in. a control stop or other plumbing apparatus connected to the flush valves 202, 210, The controllers 204, 12 are respectively -programmed to cause the flush valve to operate {&g. _f open or close and to obtain measurements from the one or more pressure sensors. The controllers 204, 212 ma be initially programmed to cause the flush valves 202, 210 to flush with a given flush time (e.g., I .5 seconds). If flush valve 202 is -used more than flush valve 210, for example, the flush val ve 202 may have more wear. Thus, to provide a consistent flush volume it may he desirable to adjust the predefined flush time for one or more flush valves 202, 2l§. Such an adjustment may be made . automatically upon determining that the pressure and/or amount of usage is within a tolerance of one or more predefined values. The flush times ma be adjusted continuously or, in other examples, periodically at scheduled intervals. It will be appreciated that various arrangements are possible.

1001.29] The flow area of a flush val ve 202, 210 may include, for example, the flow area of a bypass hole in an upper chamber of the valve as described, in. U.S. Patent No. 9,389,157. As this flow area wears over time, it may cause the upper chamber to fill more quickly and therefore causes a shorter flush with less water. This can be seen based on the shut-off time from when the solenoid close and the upper chamber tills to seal the valve. Thus, the number of flushes ma also be used to determine -a flush time because, as the valve is worn with multiple uses, the algorithm may be adjusted with respect to the flow area of the flush valve to provide a consistent flush. As an example, if a normal shut -off time is 1 ,5 seconds, and the flow area has worn: to the point where th shut-off time is J .0 second, the flush tim can be adjusted by 0-5 seconds to provide a consistent flush . Conversely, if the bypass hol e is not worn but the valve body is worn where water flows from the main into the valve, the water usage will increase (for example, 1.7 gallons rather than a desired 1.6 gallons).

f 00130] The controller 204, 212 can determine that the dynamic pressure is lower than it has been historically and, in response to this determination, can adjust the flush time to a shorter flush time to compensate for the larger flow area to the fixture and maintain a decreased water usage. Accordingly, a fl ush time may be adjusted based upon on or more pressures in the valve, a usage amount of a flush valve, and/or any other restroom appliance data. As an example, an adj ustment ma be automatically made to a flush time in response to a progmmraatic counter reaching a predefined number of uses. Such a counter may be incremented each time the flush valve is operated, as indicated by actuation of an actuator, activation of a hands-free sensor, water pressure fluctuations, and/or (he like. Thus, the number of uses, may independently affect the flush time and, in other uon-limiting examples, may be factored into aa adjusted flush time along with one or more pressures obtained from one or more pressure sensors disposed in or associated with the flush valve, in another example^ an. adjustment to a flush time may be automatically made based o an amount of toilet, paper used and/or remaining (eg,, as detemrined by weight or mass), it will e appreciated that any type of restroom appliance data may be used to ad just die flush time.

[00131] hi non-limiting embodiments, an aggregate pressure for an area may be used to control appliance and/or water usage. For example, by knowing an aggregate water pressure for a plumbing network, the activation of valves can be limited or staggered to ensure optimal pressure. With reference to FIG.3 as an example, the pressure of a pluralit of flush valves 216, 218, 220, 222 may be monitored in a restroom and used to control the riming of the ^' flush valves. In such an example, if the water pressure for the restroom is low due to multiple uses, one or more controllers 224, 26, 228, 30, 32 ma limit the flushing of other valves until the pressure is stabilized or until a predetermined period of time elapses. For example, if valves 216, .218» 220· are being used and the total water pressure available to all valves is low, us of valve 222 may be limited until the pressure is stabilized. The pressures may also be analyzed to determine trends and/or patterns .based on one. or more parameters such as, but no limited to, time, usage, and/or the like. By comparing detected pressures with trends and/or historical data, the system can determine if a valve is running or leaking, as examples, aid generate an alert, to the emergency or need for repair.

f00l32] With reference to FIG.3. in a preferred and aon-!imitlng embodiment, the restroom appliance data received ^' from the plurality of flush valves 216, 218, .220 _» 222 may include solenoid currents for each of the flush valves, and the controller 232 may analyze the solenoid currents to determine trends and patterns of such currents, Using this current information, the controller 232 can be detem ii ed whether a solenoid is failing. For example, if past curren s are compared to an actual current, it may be determined based on this comparison that the current is increasing. Based on the increasing current trend, it can be determined that the solenoid is or may be failing, For example, if the trend of detected currents shows a significant increase in current it can foe determined that the solenoid did not open and no flush occurred. Current increases as power is supplied to the solenoid coil and a small "dip" in the current trend represents a ^' moment when the plunger moves off of the seat of the valve. The system can therefore ^■■ analyze historic current trends to determiue if there is an error or fault with ike solenoid, or the plunger and that service or replacement is needed. For example, if at 60 PSI the small "dip" in current consistently happens at 0.3 seconds, and then increases (for example, to 0,4 seconds and then 0,5 seconds), it can be determined that, there is an error or fault. If the system does not recogniz -the small "dt " in current, it can be determined that the plunger did not move and is therefore stuck _* or that the solenoid windings in the coil have failed, and that service or replacement is required. |00J33 Referring now to FIG. 5, a method for determining that a flush valve needs to be serviced or replaced is shown according to another non-limiting embodiment. At a first step 500, the at least one first water pressure is detected after at least one operation of t e flush valve. For example, this step may entail detecting a single water pressure at a time period followin operation of the flush valve or detecting a series of water pressures following a series of operations of the flush valve. The one or more water pressures are stored in memory at a second step 502. At a third step 504, a subsequent water pressure is detected after a subsequent operation of the flush valve. For example, the subsequent operation may be the next operation following the operation(s) in step 5Θ0, or may be otherwise subsequent to the operation(s) in step 500. At a next step 506, the subsequent, wa ter pressure is compared to the at least one first, water pressure that was stored in memory at step 502. This step 506 may entail comparing the subsequent water pressure to a previous water pressure, comparin the subsequent, water pressure t an average of previous water pressures, and/or the like. In ome examples, the previous water pressure, recorded at step 502 may immediately precede the subsequent operation of the flush valve and, in other examples, the previous water pressure^) recorded at step 502 may be from aa earlier operation of the flush valve. Various other arrangements are possible.

fOOJ 34J With continued reference to FIG. 5, at a. next step 508, it is determined whether- the subsequent water pressure detected is less tha the at least one first water pressure previously detected and recorded. This step 508 may, in some examples, entail determining if the subsequent water pressure is less than the at least one first water pressure, or if the difference In pressure exceeds a predefined threshold. For example, if the predefined difference is 5 PSI, the subsequen t water pressure is 58 PSI, and the prev ious water pressure (or average of previous water pressures) is 60 PSI,. the difference, between the subsequent water pressure and the previous water pressure Is within the 5 PSI threshold and It may therefore be determined that the flush valve is not faulty. However, it .will he appreciated that, i other examples, a predefined difference may not be factored into the determination, and any water pressur less than a previous water pressure may be enough to determine that the flush valve is faulty. Accordingly, if it is d ter ined that the subsequent water pressure is less than one or more previous water pressures (or if the difference exceeds predefined threshold), the method may proceed to step 510 at which it is determined that the flush valve needs servicing or replacement. At ste 512, an alert may be generated and/or■ transmitted to remote device indicating that the flush valve needs servicing or replacemen il at step 508, the water pressure is not less than, one or more previous water pressures (or if the difference is less than a threshold), the method may continue through the next flush 514 and repeat from step 504, In this example, the subsequent water pressure may become a previous water pressure, and a ne subsequent water pressure may be detected for the next operation of the flush valve. Other variations are possible,

1 0135} Referring now to FIG. 6, a method for determining that a flush valve needs to be serviced or replaced is shown according to a further non- limiting embodiment. At a first step 600, a plurality of water pressures are detected from each of a plurality of flush valves. The plurality of flush valves, for example, may fee Installed in a common facility. The plurality of water pressures are recorded in memory at a next step 602, At step 604, water pressure of a flush valve in the facility is detected at a time following operation of the valve, At a next step 606, the detected water pressure Is compared to one or more of the plurality o water pressures detected in step 600. The comparison of the water pressures may result in a difference between the water pressures, in some examples, an average of the plurality of water pressures may be used for comparison and, in other ex m le ;, one or more water pressures of the plurality may be used. At step 60S, it is determined if the difference between the detected water pressure and the water pressure(s) is greater than a predefined threshold value. If the difference is greater, the method may proceed to step 610 at which it is determined that the Slush valve needs servicin or replacement. At step 612, an alert may be generated and/or transmitted to a remote device indicating that the flush valve needs servicing or replacement. If, at step 608, the water pressure is not less than one o more previous water pressures (or if the difference: is less than a predefined, threshold), the method may continue through the next flush 614 and repeat from step 60 .

1001361 Referring now t FIG. 7, a method for deterruining that a flush valve needs to be serviced or replaced i shown according to another non-limiting embodiment. At a first step 700, usages of a plurality of restrooni appliances are detected with one or more sensors associated with each appliance. A usag may be, for example, a flush, a dispensing of a paper towel or soap, an opening of a faucet, and of the like. At step 702. the usage data for the appliances is stored in a central data storage device and/or memory local to the appliance., ft will be appreciated trial usage data may be immediately transmitted from an appliance upon a usage event or, in other examples, appliances may periodically communicate usage data for a time period. Further, in non-limiting embodiments _* usage of a restroom appliance may also be detected with one or more sensors external to the appliance, such as a sensor that detects a change in pressure- in a waterline attributable to an appliance or a set of appliances, At a next step 704, the usage data tor a restroom appliance is compared to usage data from at least one other restroom appliance. For example, it may be determined whether a number of uses for a restroom appliance in a time period is less than the number of uses of a nearby appliance or an average or median number of use of a pluralit of appliances ,

100137} With continued reference to FIG.7. at a next step 706, it is . ^' determined whether the difference. In usage data is greater than (or equal to) a predetermined tolerance value (e.g., n number of uses o » percent) to distinguish between, a small difference in usages and a significant difference in usage. If the difference is greater than (or equal to) a predetermined tolerance value, the method proceeds to step 708 where it is determined that the restroom appliance needs servicing or replacement. At step 710, an alert is generated to inform the appropriate personnel that the restroom appliance needs to be serviced or replaced. If, at step 706,. it is determined that the difference ^' in usage data is less than a predetermined tolerance value, and therefore not signiffoant enough to cause any concern, the method proceeds to the next restroom appliance at step 712 and restarts at step 704 with that next appliance.

{001381 Referring now to FIG. 8, a method for adjusting a flush time of a Hush valve is shown according to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment. At a first step 800, a static pressure is obtained when the flush valve is not being operated. The static pressure may be obtained before a flush or at a predetermined, time following completion of a flush. The static pressure may be obtained by one or more pressure sensors disposed in or associated with the flush valve. At step 802, operation of the flush valve i detected by, ^" for example, actuation of a flush, actuator, activation of hands-Tree signal,, and/or- the like. During the flush, a dynamic flush valve pressure is obtained at step 804. The dynamic flush valve pressure may be obtained Immediately following, the flush, operation or at a predefined interval from, detection of a flush operation. At step 806, a programmatic counter is incremented to count tlie number of times the flush valve has been used. This counter may represent a number of flushes over a given time period audi may be reset when the flush valve is repaired or replaced. At step 8! ft, the controller determines a volume of water -being used during a flush operation. This determination may be based on a number of parameters including, but not limi ted to, the static pressure, dynamic pressure, flow area of the flush valve, number of flushes, a flow racier measuring die wate volume, and/or die like.

|00139| As the flush valve is used, the amount of wate volume used may increase. Thus, in one non-limiting example, a model may be employed to determine tot, for a particular flush valve, x number of uses { .g., 1,000) typically results in a y increase in volume (e.g., 0.1 gallons). It will be appreciated that different types of valves, available water pressure, and types of use may all. factor into determining how much water is used per flush. Referring back to FIG. S, at step 812 it is determined whetherthe amount of water used per flush exceeds a threshold value n. For example, the threshold ma he a predefined tolerance from a typical volume of water usage (e.g„ 1.6 gal lons per flush) such that any difference equal to or greater than, For example,. 0.1 gallons or another tolerance, may be -significant enough to warrant adjusting the flush, time. Once it is -determined that the water usage is more than this threshold and/or tolerance, the method proceeds to step 8.14 where an. adjusted flush time is determined. The adjusted flush time may be based on a number of parameters -such as, for example, a volume of water used daring a flush, a flow area of the flush valve, a number of uses of the flush valve, one or more pressures (e.g., static and/or .dynamic pressure) obtained from within the valve, or other factors. It will also be appreciated, thai the- adjusted flush time may be predefined incremental changes based on water usage.. For example, for every 0.1 gallons of excess water usage,, the flush time may be decreased b 0.5 seconds. If Mil be appreciated, that the adjusted flush time may be determined in various other ways. At ste 816, the controller adjusts the flush time of the flush valve.

140| Referring now to FIG. 9, a method for adjusting a flush time of a flush valve is shown according to another non-limiting embodiment , hi this example, the number of uses ^' of the flush valve is correlated to a change in flush time. At step ^' 980, operation of the flush valve is detected. A programmatic counter is. incremented, at step .902. At step 904 the controller determines whether the counter has reached -a predefined value, -e.g., -». If the counter equals or exceeds this value, the method may proceed to step 906 and the flush time may be adjusted based on a predefined incremental change (e.g.. 0.5 seconds for ever}-' 1,000 uses) or on a dynamically determined flush time based on other factors such as, but not limited to, the number of uses,, one or more internal pressures, the flow area of the valve, a flow meter, and/or the like. j.0014I] Referring now to IGS. lOA-lOC, charts are shown according to non-limiting embodiments. The charts in FIGS. 10A~10C represent changes- i flow rate, pressure, and volume over a flush time period ibr valves, with differing pressures. The curves shown hi the charts represent the relationship between pressure, flow rate* and volume over a flush time, and can be used to compare, to operational flush valves to determine when the flus valves need to be replaced, or repaired or by what amount pressure and/or flush time need to be adjusted t obtain an. optimal flush volume, The curves in FIG, 10 A are for constant pressure valves, where curve (A) represents a flow rate for a single fixture valve at 55 psi, curve (B) represents a flow rate for a single fixture valve at 80 psi* curve (C) represents a change in pressure for a single fixture valve at 55 psi, curve (D) represents a volume for a single fixture valve at 55 psi, curve (E) represents a volume for a single fixture valve at 80 psi, and curve (F) represents a change in pressure for a single fixture valve at 80 psi. As can be seen. in. FIG. 1ΘΑ, at 3.27 seconds, the 80 psi fixture (curve (E)) has used 1.26 gallons of water, where the volume is represented by the area under the curve. At 3.79 seconds, the 55 psi. fixture (curve (D)) has also used t he same volume of water (1.26 gallons).

0I.42J The curves shown in FIG, I0B are for constant pressure valves operating substantially simultaneously, where -curve (A) represents a flow rate for a single fixture valve at 55 psi, c rve (B) represents a flow rate for. a single fixture valve at 55 psi operating substantially simultaneously to the valve represented by curve (A), curve (C) represents a change in pressure for a single fixture valve at.5.5 psi, curve (D) represents a volume for a single fixture valve at 55 psL curve (B) represent a volume for a single fixture valve at 55 psi operating substantially simultaneously to the valve represented by curve (A), and curve ^' (F) represents a change in pressure for a single fixture valve at 55 psi operating substantially simultaneously to the valve represented by curve (A). As can be seen. in FIG, lOB, the volumes for both valves are substantially correlated until the first valve (curve (D)) is almost finished flushing. Thus, to reach the same flush volume of 1.26 gallons,, the second flush valve takes 3.99 seconds versus the 3.79 seconds it takes th first flush valve. Comparing curves (C) and (F) indicates that flushing the first valve (pressure represented by curve (€ _. )) causes the pressure available to the second valve (pressure represented b curve (F)) to drop, thereby taking a longer period of time to complete the flush,

100143) The curves shown in FIG. IOC axe Ibr constant pressure and variable, pressure valves, where curve (A) represents a flow rate for a single fixture valve at 55 psi, curve ( ) represents a flow rate for a single fixture valve operating at a variable pressure, curve (C) represents a change in. pressure for a single fixture valve at 55 psi, curve (D) represents a volume for a single fixture val e at 55 psi, curve (E) represents a volume for a single fixture valve operating at a variable pressure, and eiirve (P) represents the change in pressure for a single fixture valve operating at a variable pressure. As can be seen by curve (D) in FIG. IOC, it takes 3.79 seconds for the valve operating at 55 psi ^' to flush 1.26 gallons of water. Conversely,, curve C D) shows that it takes 4, 4 seconds to flush the same volume of water using a val e operating at a variable pressure.

|0 I44| in non-limiting embodiments, aad as mentioned herein, restroom. appliance data may include information sensed and/or collected by an appliance concerning the environment in which an appliance is installed. As an example, some restroom appliances may be powered by a battery and the restroom appliance dat may be used to conserve battery power. In non- limiting embodiments, a .restroom appliance (e.g. , a flush valve, a. paper towel dispenser, a hand dryer, a soap dispenser, a .faucet, and/or. the like) may include an infrared _. (IR) sensor for hands- tree activation. In such embodiments, frequent pulses of the IR sensor may drain the battery. Therefore, ambient light levels detected by a sensor in the appliance or a sensor in. the vicinity of the appliance may be used to determine if the lig ts are on or off and, if the lights are off, the frequency of IR. pulses can be decreased or even stopped to conserve battery power. Conversely, in non-limiting embodiments, detection of the lights being on may activate (e.g., "wake u ^' "} the appliances. It will be appreciated that the appliances may also be configured to enter a sleep mode in such circumstances, which may include reducing the frequency of IR pulses and/or other energy saving functions. Moreover, because the appliances can exchange data with one another, if one appliance detects that the lights are off, the other appliances can react by reducing the pulse frequenc of the IR sensor. If an appliance is activated from, use, one or more signals may be sent to the other appliances in the restroom to activate those appliances as well. It will be appreciated that these techniques. may be used for other types. -of sensors that consume energy including, for example, capacitive sensors, by either reducing the frequency of the sensors Or reducing the amount of energy supplied to the sensor*,

|Θ(Ι145| In non-limiting embodiments, IR sensors or other proximity sensors ma be used to adjust the amount of water used during a flush. For example, a sensor can be used to determine if a person is standing in front of a toil et or sitting on the toilet based on the proximity of that person to the appliance. If the perso is determined to be standing, i t can be assumed that the person is urinating and less water ma be used during a flush. Other types of restroom appliance data may also be used to adjust the amount of water used during a flush. For example, a frequency of urinal flushes ma be used to adjust the water so that, when a restroom is busier than, usual, less water is used. The _. decrease in water usage may be based at least partially on the frequency of use, or alternatively there may be multiple modes of usage based on the frequency of use. This eould be used in a stadium or other e vent venue, as an example, where restrooms are busy during events and less busy at other limes.

001461 In another non-Kmif ^' embodiment, the system may .include a network device in the feslTootti or in the vicinit of the restroom that is programmed or configured to detect peoples' cellular phones or other mobile devices, hi such examples, the network device may detect signals from the devices that are searching tor Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth® devices, as examples, to determine the number of people with mobile devices in the restroom. The water usage may therefore foe decreased if the number of people in the restroom meet or exceed predetermined threshold. It will be appreciated that various other signals emitted from a mobile device may be used and, in some examples, that the network device may send one or more signals to activate and detect passive mobile devices that are not actively emitting signals, [001471 Referring now to FIG. 11, a system 1002 for -adjusting a timing of a plurality of flush valves 216, 218, 220, 222 is shown according to a non-limiting embodiment An area 1102 includes a plurality of flush valves 216, 218, 220, 222 each having associated controllers 224, 226, 228, 230. The flus valves 216, 218, 20, 22 ma be in fluid commun ation -with one or more toilets, urinals, or other like restroom appliances. The controllers 224, 226, 228, 230 are in commiuiicatiott wit a central ^• controller 232, such: ^' as- a computer system, server , or other type of data processor. The central controller 232 may be local or remote to the controllers 224, 26, 228, 3 and ma be in commun cation with a network device 1100. It will be. appreciated that the controllers 204, 212 may also be in communication with one another directl or indirectly. Moreover, although the central controller 232, network device 1100, flush val ves 2.16, 218, 220, 222, and controllers 224, 26, 228, 230 are shown positioned within the area 1102 in PIG. 11, it will be appreciated that these components may be- arranged in different locations. In non-limiting examples, the area 1102 is o encompasses a restroom. In other examples, the area 1102 may not encompass a restroom or the flush valves 216, 218, 220, 222 located therein, but instead may be -a region in whic people are congregating- that is proximate to the restroom. In some examples, the area 1102 may he a building or complex of buildings, and in other examples the area 1102 may be a portion of a building a. floor, a wing, a room, etc.).

[00148} With continued reference to FIG. 11, the network device 1100 is used to detect mobile devices 1104, 11.06, 1108, .1.110, 11.12 that are within range. The network device 1100 may be a wireless network gateway, a computer, another mobile device, or any other system or device capable of receiving arid/or transmitting wireless signals. The mobile devices may include, tor example, mob le phones,, tablet computers, laptops, smart watches* and any other type of mobile electronic device. In a non-limiting embodiment, the network ^' device 1100 may receive signals .from mobile devices 111)4, 1106, 1.1.08, 111.0, 1112 thai are searching for wireless networks or devices (e.g., a Wi-Fi® network, Bluetooth® device, of the like). Moreover, the network device 1.100 may also monitor other wireless signals, such as cellular signals, wireless internet signals, and/or the like, hi some non-limiting embodiments, the network device 11.00 may be programmed or configured to activate one or more mobile devices 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110, 112 by broadcasting a request signal, The request .signal may be, far example, a polling signal, an acti vation signal, and/or any other type of signal configured to elicit a response from, mobile device. Fo example, the request signal may be a Bluetooth® signal searching for a device to pair with that elicits a responsive signal Those skilled in ihe art will appreciate thai other arrangements are possible for detecting the mobile devices 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112 in proximity to the network device 1100 or located in or near the area 1102.

f 0149| Still referring to FIG, 11, in a non-limiting embodiment the central controller 232 is in communication with the network device 1100 and receives and processes the wireless signals received by the network device 1100 from the mobile devices 1.104, 1106, 1108, 11.0, 1112. The central 'Controller 232 is programmed or configured to analyze the wireless signals to determine one or more properties of the mobile devices 1104, 1106, .1108, 111.0, 1112. For example, the central controller 232 may analyze the wireless signals to extract device identifiers that are transmitted via the wireless signals. A device identifier may include, a. unique device ID (eg,, UDID, ESN, MEL MEID, IP address, etc.) that uniquely identi ies a mobile device or a user o f the mobi le de vice, and ma be embedded in a header of a message packet or coded into a signal in any other manner, A device identifier may also Include an advertising identifier (e.g., IDFA, AAID, etc.). Based on device identifiers extracted from the received wireless signals, the central controller 232 may determine the number of unique devices present in or proximate to the area 1102.

|0 1SO| Once the central .controller -232 determines the number of mobile devices 1104, 1106, 1.108, 1110, 1112 present in or proximate to the area 1.102, the eentral controller 232 then determines whether the flush times of the flush valves 21 , 218, 220, 222 need to be adjusted to account for the estimated number of people that may be using the restroom, in a non-limiting embodiment, the number of detected mobile devices 1104, 1106» 1.08, 1110, 1112 is compared to one o more threshold values or ranges. As an example, and with reference to FIG, 11, if a threshold value is five (5), ihe number of detected mobile devices 1104, 1106, 1108, 11.1.0, 1.112 would meet or exceed this threshold., in response to determining i at the number of mobile devices meets or exceeds the threshold, die flush time of one or more of the flush w ives 216, 218, 220 _» 222 may be adjusted to a shorter flush time, thereby using less water per flush. The flush titties may be adjusted by communicating the adjusted flush time to one or more flush valve controllers 224, 226, 228, 230. In some examples, a control signal may be ^' communicated to the controllers 224, 226, 228, 230 to cause the flush time to be adjusted, its other ^' examples,, the central .controller 232 may control the solenoids in each flush valve 216» 218, 220, 22 and therefore can adjust the flush time itself,

[30151 J it. ill be appreciated that different values may be used for the thresholds, and that multiple thresholds may be used. For example, different hresholds m correspond to different adjusted flush times such that, the more mobile devices that are detected, the shorter the flush times become. The thresholds may be predetermined or dynamically generated based on other available data, Moreover, the central con troller 232 may als determine if the detec ted number of mobile devices is equal to or less than a threshold, in response to which the flush times may he adjusted to account for less people (e.g., more water can be used), In this manner, the flush times of the flush valves 216, 218, 220, 222 can be repeatedly adj usted based o an anticipated or expected demand for the restroom. If numerous people are present for an event, for example, the flush time can. be adjusted to ^' ensure, that there is a sufficient amount of water pressure. Likewise, once the event is finished and people begin to leave the venue, the flush time can be adjusted again, to account for fewer users.

£00152} Referring now to FIG. , a flow diagram is shown .for a method of adjusting a timing of a plurality of flush valves according to a non-limiting embodiment. At step 1202, wireles signals are detected from mobile devices in a area. The wireless signal are analyzed at ste 1204. As explained above, the wireless signals may be analyzed to determine a unique device identifier or any other unique properties of a mobile device. At step 1206, the number of mobile devices is determined based on the analysis of the signals, for example, a number of unique device identifiers or distinct signals ma be comited,. Next, at step 1208, the number of mobile devices is compared to one or more threshold values. If the number of mobile devices does not meet, or exceed one or more threshold values, the method proceeds back to step 1202 and additional wireless signals are detected. If the number of mobi le devices meet s or exceeds one or more threshold values at step 1208, the method, continues to step 1210 and an adjusted flush time is determined. The ^■ adjusted flush time may be identified from a plurality of possible flush times, may be a predefined flush time (e.g., a "high volume," "low volume, ^' ' or "baseline ^* ' flush time), and/or may be dynamically determined based on the number of mobile device and/or other available - ^' data. At step 1212, the flush time is -a juste for one or .more flush valves in a restroom.

£00.153} Referring back to FIG. ί J, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a number of individuals in an area .11-02. may be determined in various other ways and used, to adjust the tinting of flush valves 16, 218, 220, 222 to account for an expected, increase in usage. For example, a sensor at an entrance of a building ma count individuals as they enter the building .and use the number of individuals io adjust the flush times. In another example, one or more image processing algorithms may be used to analyze a video feed of m area 1102 and determine an estimated, number of people. The expected demand for usage of the flush valves 16, 218, 220, 222 may also be determined by the demand for other appliances, such as water fountains, faucets, or the like. In anoth er exam ple, an ex pected demand for usage of the flush valves 216, 218, 220, 222 may be determined from, sales data, such as ticket sales data, food and/or beverage sales data, vending machine sales data, and/or the like, as obtained through a venue network, received through an Application Program Interface (API), and/or the like. Other methods of counting or estimating the number of individuals -in an area 1102 may also be used.

[00154] it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made: t the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed i the foregoing description. For example, ^' various components of the mechanical and electronic relief devices described above can be used, together in the same valve. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative only and are not limiting to the scope of the invention., which, is to be given the full breadth f the appended claims and any and all equivalent thereof.