Abstract: The present invention provides an adverse condition detection apparatus that enables a user to test the apparatus in close proximity without having to endure fully operational alarm noise. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a detector, a transducer, and a test system. The detector provides an adverse condition signal in response to detecting an adverse condition (e.g., smoke). The transducer is operably connected to the detector for receiving the adverse condition signal. The transducer generates an operational alarm in response to receiving the adverse condition signal when the detector detects the adverse condition. The test system is operably connected to the transducer and causes it to generate a test alarm in response to a user activating the test system. However, the test alarm, at least initially, is lower in audibility than the operational alarm.

Abstract: Equipment storage apparatus, such as equipment racks and cabinets, according to the invention have a vertical load bearing member with a stepped cross-section. Thus, for example, a load bearing member of a frame according to one aspect of the invention can have two faces on its front: one with a frontward directed normal for accommodating equipment mounts, and one with a frontward directed normal for accommodating front door mounts. A pair of such load bearing members can be provided, along with one or more horizontal cross-pieces or other such structural elements, to form a frame defining a generally rectangular central region in which mounted equipment is disposed.

Abstract: A bellows valve assembly installed in a fluid pathway includes a valve body, a bellows housing positioned adjacent the valve body, and a valve actuator. The valve body is equipped with an inlet, an outlet, a valve bore positioned between the inlet and the outlet, and a valve seat disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve closure element having a sealing surface is positioned in the valve bore and is engageable with the valve seat to restrict fluid flow through the valve bore. The valve closure element also has a valve stem that extends from the valve bore through the bellows housing. The valve stem has a lower portion characterized by a first average diameter and an upper portion characterized by a second average diameter that is at least 25% smaller than the first average diameter. The actuator is engageable with the upper portion of the valve stem to move the sealing surface relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: A quick change pilot assembly (10) includes a pilot mounting plate (13) for securing the assembly to an appliance. A hood mounting plate (7) is detachable from the pilot mounting plate. A pilot hood (6) has at one end a flange (12) carried in an aperture of the hood mounting plate. A compressible member (3) has a central aperture and is disposed between the pilot mounting plate and the hood mounting plate. The compressible member is disposed to allow fuel to flow therethrough. An outer sleeve (11) and fitting receiving member (9) are sealingly affixed to the pilot mounting plate at a distal end thereof through an aperture in the pilot mounting plate, the circular compressible member, and the hood mounting plate aperture to the pilot hood. A lock sleeve assembly (2) is disposed within the outer sleeve and fitting receiving member. At one end, the lock sleeve assembly abuts and engages the compressible member central aperture. The lock sleeve also carries an orifice member (1).

Abstract: A method of non-releasably quick-connecting a tubular metal conduit to the inlet of a non-metallic valve body. A closure having a tube-receiving bore is then pre-assembled with a frictionally engaging spring washer and seal rings therein and is then secured to the valve inlet preferably by non-metallic weldment. The tubular conduit is then inserted into the bore and radially compresses the seal rings and is frictionally engages the spring washer to prevent subsequent removal of the conduit.

Abstract: A control unit and a related method of operation for controlling the temperature of the water circulated in the radiant loop of a hydronic heating system. The control unit includes temperature setting dials that can be used to adjusts the reset curve used to determine the desired secondary, radiant loop water temperature. The control unit generates a linear reset curve between two setpoints such that the control unit can calculate a desired secondary loop water temperature based on the reset curve and the present outdoor air temperature. The control unit monitors the temperature of the water returning to the boiler from both the primary loop and the secondary, radiant loop. The control unit monitors the return water temperature over a first interval and, based on the rate of change in the return water temperature, calculates a predicted return water temperature at a second interval in the future.

Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.

Abstract: A fuel control system, parts therefor, and methods of making are provided. The fuel control system includes a fuel control valve unit (FCU) and a fuel conduit having an end secured in a fuel outlet opening in a housing of the fuel control valve unit. The end of the conduit is disposed in a certain desired axial position in the fuel outlet opening relative to the housing, the housing has a movable part. In a first position of the movable part, the end of the conduit can be axially moved from a position outside the housing to the certain desired axial position. In a second position, the movable part cooperates with a securing device on the end of the conduit to secure the end in the certain desired axial position thereof.

Abstract: A fluid control assembly that includes fluid valving, fluid regulation, automatic safety shut-off valving and manual shut-off valving in one assembly, a novel fluid control unit that integrates the above functions in one unit, and a novel ignitor and a novel seal and diaphragm for use in the assembly.

Abstract: A drive circuit for controlling a vacuum fluorescent display is provided. A charge storage device is connected between signal ground or a voltage supply and a display element. One multiway switch or two single-position switches are connected to the display element opposite the charge storage device. In either configuration, the switch or switches are controlled by an oscillator which, by toggling the switch or switches, alternates the configuration of the circuit to charge or discharge the charge storage device through the display element. The charge storage device and the display element may be connected to a regulated voltage which is maintained at a potential above the grid voltage to reduce cross-talk in the display. The switching operation is break before make and produces an AC voltage across the display element.

Abstract: A synchronous motor stator coil assembly has a bobbin with a pair of annular spaced flanges, with one flange having an open receptacle shell formed integrally on the outer face and extending axially outwardly. The receptacle has an electrical terminal pin centrally located in a cylindrical surface in the receptacle. The pin has a projection extending through a slot in the bobbin flange. A coil of continuous electrical conductor is wound on the bobbin with one end of the coil conductor attached to the pin projection. An electrical wiper contact is disposed in a slot in the cylindrical wall in spaced parallel relationship to the central terminal pin. A projection on the wiper extends through a slot in the bobbin flange and is connected to the opposite end of the coil conductor. The central pin and wiper contact permit a widely used low voltage coaxial type harness connector to be plugged into the receptacle for supplying low voltage power to the motor.

Abstract: A control and panel assembly using a thin dielectric carrier strip upon which a sheet of conductive material is adhesively attached. The conductive sheet is perforated to form an array of spaced parallel discrete conductors. The conductors are initially formed as interconnected by transverse webs which are frangibly removed after attachment to the carrier. Individual stand up connectors are then attached to each of the conductors to form a carrier sub-assembly and the terminals are inserted through slots in a dielectric deck plate. Individual user actuated control components are then plugged directly into the terminals with user actuated shafts or levers extending through deck plate and carrier strip.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, radiant energy is transmitted to a probe element including an interior conical reflecting surface and a fluid sample chamber. Portions of the light which have been transmitted, partially attenuated, or scattered by a fluid sample in the sample chamber are directed by at least a portion of the interior conical reflecting surface to a location for collection of the transmitted, partially attenuated, or scattered light. A stilling valve incorporated into the probe element enables elimination of entrained gas bubbles from the chamber.

Abstract: The invention comprises a data storage device in which ferroelectric photorefractive cells 12 susceptible to polarization for the storage of digital information are positioned on a carrier medium, preferably a disk 10, which supports the cells and allows access to them by optical beams 14, 16 and electric fields 21. A non-contacting data writing means comprising dual electrodes 20, 22 is used to change the polarity of the cells. A non-contacting data reading means comprising lasers 14, 16 and detectors 30, 34 is used to observe photorefractive effects so that the polarity of such cells 12 can be determined. The polarity of the ferroelectric photorefractive cells is coded for the storage of digital information.

Abstract: This invention comprises a new group of fiber optic switching devices that use layers of surface-established ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) as the switching media. In each of the devices light impinges upon the ferroelectric liquid crystal at an angle of 90.degree. (normal incidence) with the surface plane. Each FLC gives 0.degree. or .pi..degree. optical rotation, depending upon the polarity of the electric voltage applied. A series of polarizing beam splitters are used to separate unpolarized light into its s and p polarization components. After ferroelectric liquid crystal switching, other polarizing beam splitters are used to direct the s and p light to output optical paths. The switches discussed below are voltage controlled 2.times.2, 1.times.4, 1.times.6, 1.times.8, 4.times.4, or N.times.N devices that use one or more layers of surface stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystals.

Abstract: The invention comprises a pyrolytic process for the deposition of high quality silicon dioxide at temperatures of 100.degree.-330.degree. C. Deposition is achieved by reacting silane and oxygen in the 2-12 torr pressure range, yielding deposition rates of 140 .ANG./min at 300.degree. C. and 50 .ANG./min at 120.degree. C. Measurements of refractive index (1.45-1.46), field strength (3-10.times.10.sup.6 V/cm), and resistivity (10.sup.13 -10.sup.15 -cm) indicate that the oxides are near stoichiometric SiO.sub.2. This technology appears promising the Group IV and Group III-V device applications.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fin fold mechanism for extending a moveable fin from an air flight vehicle wherein the fin deployment mechanism is fixably housed within the vehicle. A pyrotechnic gas generation actuation means is positioned within the fin extension mechanism in order to actuate a drive mechanism comprising a drive piston that pivots the fin into its extended position. Clutch means is connected to the piston for transferring movement from the piston to the moveable fin. A retraction mechanism is also provided for disconnecting the clutch means from the fin after the fin is fully extended; this allows controlled axial rotation of the fin.

Abstract: The invention comprises a turbine nozzle and nozzle support assembly in which a turbine nozzle support seating flange is positioned adjacent to a turbine nozzle mounting flange and pins are used to affix the turbine nozzle to the nozzle support. Retainer strips are installed into the nozzle support to trap the pins in engagement with the mounting and seating flanges. In the preferred embodiment of the invention seal means is provided for restricting the airflow through the completed turbine nozzle and nozzle support assembly.

Abstract: A hollow shaft 12 measurement machine 10 which comprises a measurement table 11, a coordinate measurement machine 14, a rotatable hydraulic chuck 16, a movable/rotatable center 18 and a bore gauge 20. The movable/rotatable center allows direct movement of a gauge head 24 within the hollow shaft in order to ascertain the internal shaft measurements. The shaft is held accurately by the rotatable center 18 and by a contractable spline insert of the hydraulic chuck 16 so that the shaft's precise centerline axis can be determined.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel preparation of energetically substituted diether compounds and novel diether compounds not previously reported. In one embodiment certain isomeric forms of dibromoalkanes are converted to corresponding isomers of bromoalkyl trifluoromethanesulfonate esters by reaction with silver trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) in a variety of solvents. The triflate substituent in the bromoalkyl triflate esters is then easily displaced by alcohols, including non-nucleophilic ones such as those that contain nitro. The intermediates are similarly reacted to make energetic diethers, selectively under mild conditions. The energetically substituted diether compounds are particularly useful as energetic curatives and plasticizers for rocket propellant binders as well as stable solid oxidizers and industrial explosives.