Abstract: An apparatus comprising a switch, a fuse, and a sensor that is capable of detecting the presence of flammable vapors and responsively changing in resistance, wherein the sensor enables the switch to supply current to the fuse which opens to shut down an appliance burner. The fuse is connected in series with a control circuit that enables a gas valve to supply gas to the burner. 65 The apparatus comprises a voltage divider circuit that includes the sensor, which upon exposure to flammable vapors, increases in resistance to provide a voltage input to the gate of a FET 100. The FET switches on and conducts a current that blows the fuse to interrupt the appliance burner control circuit and shut down burner operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operation of a HVAC system, where the apparatus is adapted to be releasably connectable to a thermostat sub-base assembly connected to an HVAC system. The apparatus is configured to be releasably connectable to the connector pins in a manner such that the apparatus may be slid onto the sub-base and easily removed without any disconnection of wiring. After completion of all construction, the apparatus may be removed and saved for future use, and a new digital thermostat may then be slid onto the connector pins of the sub-base.

Abstract: A digital programmable thermostat comprising up and dowm temperature adjustment buttons, an LCD display, and a Program button, which a user can simply press once to initiate a single set-back program that sets back the last user selected temperature setting during a predetermined setback time period. The thermostat can also automatically set the current time and date, to allow the user to initiate the program without having to set the current time and date.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator having a chamber comprising a port opening and a tapered pin disposed within the opening, for controllably restricting the cross-sectional flow area through the port. The tapered pin moves relative to the bore of the port that it is disposed in, under the influence of a pressure responsive diaphragm. A spring biases the pin towards the diaphragm. The diaphragm's movement is unaffected by any misalignment of the diaphragm with respect to the tapered pin and port, and the tapered pin's movement is unaffected by any diaphragm movement not in line with the port.

Abstract: A digital programmable thermostat comprising up and down temperature adjustment buttons, an LCD display, and a Program button, which a user can simply press once to initiate a single setback program that sets back the last user selected temperature setting during a predetermined setback time period. The thermostat can also automatically set the current time and date, to allow the user to initiate the program without having to set the current time and date.

Abstract: An electronically modulating gas valve comprising a modulating solenoid for simultaneously displacing two servo regulator diaphragms, one for controlling LP Gas outlet pressure and another for controlling Natural Gas outlet pressure. A switch is used to select operation with either Natural or LP Gas, wherein the switch activates a gas selection solenoid for controlling gas flow through the Natural Gas servo regulator and the LP Gas servo regulator. The servo regulators are factory adjusted for a maximum Natural Gas pressure setting and a maximum LP Gas pressure setting. Thus, the gas valve is convertible from Natural Gas to LP Gas without re-adjustment.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a push-button piezo igniter to a gas valve on a water heater, while also providing electrical ground connection of the piezo igniter to the gas valve. In particular, the present invention provides a bracket that snugly receives the push-button piezo igniter and contacts to an external conductive end of the piezo igniter to provide grounding through a clip that engages and securely attaches to the gas valve.

Abstract: A thermostat comprising a software sub-routine for controlling the operation of an air conditioner and a stored value representative of the air conditioner's operating and non-operating time, which is indicative of the outdoor temperature and load on the air conditioning system. The stored value representative of operating time is evaluated by the software sub-routine, which responsively raises the set-point temperature when the stored value exceeds a predetermined level indicative of a high outdoor temperature. The economy feature can be manually enabled, or remotely enabled via an input signal from a phone or Internet connection.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled triac switching circuit for an igniter, having line voltage and igniter current input signals to a microprocessor for determining power to the igniter. Upon determining the line voltage, the microprocessor selects from a look-up table a corresponding triac-switching sequence intended to drive the igniter to a power level proven to ignite gas. The igniter current resulting from the switching sequence is fed to the microprocessor, which determines the actual power and an offset value. The offset enables adjustment by shifting sequences, to achieve the pose level at which the igniter is proven to ignite gas.

Abstract: A thermostat comprising an audible alarm or LCD, and sensing means for sensing at least one signal from at least one external carbon monoxide detector. The thermostat is configured to change the temperature setting to 50° F., and to trigger the audible alarm or flash a warning on the LCD display when receiving a signal from at least one carbon monoxide detector indicating the presence of a harmful level of carbon monoxide. The heating system's operation is not disabled but rather reduced to prevent potential freezing damage. The thermostat would continue the audible alarm, flashing warning and 50° F. temperature setting until it is reset.