Abstract: A timer for controlling an appliance includes a housing. The timer also includes a camstack having a plurality of cam surfaces defined therein. The plurality of cam surfaces are positioned within the housing. The timer further includes a switch block which cooperates with the plurality of cam surfaces to provide switching operations for the appliance. Moreover, the timer includes an auxiliary member having a circuit pattern positioned on a side thereof. Rotation of the camstack causes rotation of the auxiliary member. The auxiliary member is positioned outside of the housing. The timer yet further includes a first switch arm positioned in contact with the side of the auxiliary member. Rotation of the auxiliary member causes the circuit pattern to be advanced into contact with the first switch arm. A method of controlling an appliance is also disclosed.

Abstract: An appliance water valve assembly includes a valve body and an armature which is movable within the valve body. The armature includes an armature tip. The appliance water valve also has a valve seat which includes a valve seat orifice. The valve seat is positioned in cooperation with the armature tip such that the armature tip contacts the valve seat orifice when the appliance water valve is in a closed position and the armature tip is spaced apart from the valve seat orifice when the valve is an open position. The valve seat further includes a cylindrical ring which is positioned around the valve seat orifice. This cylindrical ring protects the valve seat orifice from damage.

Abstract: A timer for controlling an appliance includes a housing. The timer also includes a camstack having a plurality of cam surfaces defined therein. The plurality of cam surfaces are positioned within the housing. The timer further includes a switch block which cooperates with the plurality of cam surfaces to provide switching operations for the appliance. Moreover, the timer includes an auxiliary member having a circuit pattern positioned on a side thereof. Rotation of the camstack causes rotation of the auxiliary member. The auxiliary member is positioned outside of the housing. The timer yet further includes a first switch arm positioned in contact with the side of the auxiliary member. Rotation of the auxiliary member causes the circuit pattern to be advanced into contact with the first switch arm. A method of controlling an appliance is also disclosed.

Abstract: A timer for controlling an appliance includes a bell chime assembly having a striker, a torsion spring, and a bell. The striker is secured to the torsion spring. The timer further includes a cam follower operatively coupled to the torsion spring. The cam follower is operatively associated with a cam assembly which includes a first cam and a second cam. The first cam and the second cam are configured such that during manual setting of the timer, the torsion spring is prevented from deflecting by an amount sufficient to cause the striker to contact the bell whereby relatively quiet manual setting of the timer is enabled.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve body having defined therein (1) a first channel, and (2) a first threaded portion. The water valve assembly also includes a first stop attached to the valve body and a second stop attached to the valve body, the second stop being positioned relative to the first stop such that a recess is defined therebetween. The water valve assembly further includes an attachment mechanism having a base and an arm attached to the base. The attachment mechanism has defined therein (1) a second channel, and (2) a second threaded portion. The arm includes a tab, and the arm is positionable in a first lowered position relative to the base when the tab is located outside of the recess. In addition, the arm is positionable in a second lowered position relative to the base when the tab is located within the recess. Furthermore, the tab contacts the first stop so as to move the arm relative to the base when the arm is moved from the first lowered position to the second lowered position.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: A timer for controlling an appliance includes a top subinterval circuit which is used to control an appliance function. The top subinterval circuit has electrical circuit blades which are movable to open and to close the top subinterval circuit. The timer also includes a subinterval lever which contacts a subinterval cam. The subinterval lever is movable in response to the subinterval cam to impart motion to the circuit blades. This movement acts to open and to close the top subinterval circuit. Moreover, the timer includes a masking lever that engages the circuit blades to prevent the closing of the top subinterval circuit. Thereby the motion of the subinterval lever is masked.

Abstract: A fluid valve including a valve body, a flow control member and a cavitation prevention assembly. The valve body has an inlet, an outlet, a fluid passage communicating fluid therebetween, and means for selectively opening and closing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The flow control member is positioned within the fluid passage and has a central passage through which the fluid advances. The cavitation prevention assembly is positioned within the flow passage and is in flow communication with the inlet and the flow control member. The cavitation prevention assembly controls the pressure of the fluid entering the central passage to a level which is sufficiently low to prevent cavitation of the fluid.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: A track seal assembly adapted to seal a track joint includes a track link and a first ceramic seal member. The track seal assembly further includes a first spring member positioned between the track link and the first ceramic seal member. Additionally, the track seal assembly includes a bushing having an end face. The track seal assembly also includes a second ceramic seal member secured to the end face of the bushing, wherein the first ceramic seal member contacts the second ceramic seal member so as to form a seal interface.

Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve body having defined therein (1) a first fluid inlet, (2) a temperature sensing port, (3) a fluid outlet, and (4) a fluid channel in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet, the temperature sensing port, and the fluid outlet. The assembly also includes a first water valve being in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet. The assembly also includes a sensing device having a temperature sensing surface being positioned in thermal communication with the temperature sensing port. In addition, the assembly further includes a pressure inlet member having a pressure channel defined therein. The sensing device further has a pressure sensing surface, and the pressure channel is positioned in fluid communication with the pressure sensing surface. A method of operating a water valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for permitting quiet manual setting of an appliance timer is disclosed. The apparatus has an appliance control cam which has a first cam surface defined on a first side thereof and a second cam surface defined on a second side thereof. The apparatus includes a rocker arm positionable between a first cam reading mode of operation and a first idle mode of operation. The rocker arm contacts the first cam surface when the rocker arm is positioned in the first cam reading mode of operation. The rocker arm is spaced apart from the first cam surface when the rocker arm is positioned in the first idle mode of operation. The apparatus also includes a cam follower arm positionable between a second cam reading mode of operation and a second idle mode of operation. The cam follower arm contacts the second cam surface when the cam follower arm is positioned in the second cam reading mode of operation.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: A brake master cylinder assembly includes a brake master cylinder housing having a rear end surface separated from a front end surface by a side surface, and defines an inner cavity that opens through the front end surface. At least one plunger is positioned in the inner cavity and is moveable between a retracted position and an advanced position. A shaft with one end extending into the inner cavity is in contact with the at least one plunger and has an other end extending out of the inner cavity away from the front end surface. A collapsible cover surrounds a portion of the shaft and has a forward end attached to the shaft and a base end attached to the brake master cylinder housing. An electrical brakelamp switch is attached to the brake master cylinder housing adjacent one of either the front end surface or the rear end surface.

Abstract: A timer for controlling an appliance includes a cam having a first cam surface and a second cam surface defined therein. The first cam surface is distinct from the second cam surface. The timer also includes a first circuit blade which cooperates with the first cam surface so as to moved between a first neutral position and a first actuated position. The timer further includes a second circuit blade which cooperates with the second cam surface so as to moved between a second neutral position and a second actuated position. Moreover, the timer includes a third circuit blade which is positionable in a first offset position and a second offset position. The third circuit blade is positioned at the first offset position when the first circuit blade is positioned at the first actuated position. The third circuit blade is moved from the first offset position to the second offset position when the first circuit blade is moved from the first actuated position to the first neutral position.

Abstract: An appliance timer includes a motor, a first gear assembly which is mechanically coupled to the motor, and a second gear assembly which is also mechanically coupled to the motor. The appliance timer further includes a cam which is driven by (1) the first gear assembly during a first period of time, and (2) the second gear assembly during a second period of time. The cam is decoupled from the first and second gear assemblies during a third period of time. The cam is rotated at a first speed during the first period of time, at a second speed during the second period of time, and is stopped during the third period of time. A method of operating an appliance timer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An appliance timer includes a cam member and a first coupler attached to the cam member, the first coupler having a structure with a notch defined therein, wherein the structure defines a substantially cylindrical member having a void defined therein. The appliance timer also includes a knob shaft and a second coupler attached to the knob shaft and positioned within the void, wherein (1) the second coupler includes a body and a tab, (2) the tab is movable in relation to the body, (3) the body is fixed in relation to the knob shaft, and (4) the tab is positionable within the notch.

Abstract: A noise suppression assembly including a retainer having (1) a retainer body defining a central cavity therein, (2) a base flange extending outwardly from the retainer body, and (3) a fluid channel defined therein. The noise suppression assembly further includes a flow control member having a central passage through which the flow of water advances, the central passage of the flow control member being offset from the fluid channel of the retainer. Moreover, the noise suppression assembly also includes a suppresser having (1) a suppresser body, (2) a bullet secured to the suppresser body, and (3) a hole defined therein through which the flow of water advances, the hole of the suppresser being offset from the central passage of the flow control member, and further the bullet being aligned with the central passage of the flow control member. The base flange of the retainer has a peripheral edge with the fluid channel being spaced apart therefrom.

Abstract: A structure and method for electronically minimizing or eliminating performance variation of an apparatus controllable by a control signal, such as an electronically-controlled fuel injector, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of measuring the resultant characteristics of the apparatus at a plurality of operating conditions, such as timing and delivery characteristics of the fuel injector, adjusting the control signal as a function of the measured resultant characteristics, such as by adjusting a base timing and duration or pulse width of a fuel delivery command signal for a fuel injector, and controlling the apparatus in accordance with the adjusted control signal to reduce performance variation.