Abstract: A dual pressure gas supply controller system is disclosed which provides apparatus and methods for supplying gas from a gas supply source to one or more gas-burning apparatus requiring two different gas pressure levels. According to the invention, a first gas pressure is supplied the gas-burning apparatus during a first time period, while a second lower gas pressure is supplied to the gas-burning apparatus during a second time period for the purpose of conserving gas. This is accomplished through the use of first and second gas pressure regulators coupled in parallel between the gas supply source and the gas-burning apparatus. A gas pressure control valve is utilized to stop the flow of gas from the first gas pressure regulator and enable the flow of gas from the second gas pressure regulator during the second time period.

Abstract: A gas-fired barbecue grill with an improved fuel gauge assembly, molded workshelf and a two-part grill head assembly including a stationary upper enclosure supported between upright stanchions and a lower enclosure drawer for supporting and retaining a burner unit.

Abstract: A power assisted clamping and rotating apparatus for coupling two threadedly engaged members into a third, central member. The central member is held on a support in a fixed position by a clamping mechanism and the other two members are threaded into the central member with rotatable driving mechanisms on each side of central member and being moveable toward the member as they rotate. The rotating side members are in proximity to limit switches which cause rotation of the driving mechanisms to be discontinued when the members are threaded together to a predetermined degree. The limit switches may either be in the form of a laser beam which is interrupted or mechanical or electromechanical switches.

Abstract: A cart/table unit includes a top, a base and opposed upright members in pre-assembled pivotal relationship, collapsed for shipping purposes. The unit may be assembled by unfolding to find operating position without requiring tools, and retained in operated position by means of automatically operated latching and stabilizing mechanisms. The unit has particular application for use in connection with gas-fired barbecue grills.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining (i.e., proving) the accuracy of a gas flow meter includes the use of a flow determining valve to derive flow data representative of actual gas flow rate simultaneously with similar flow data obtained from the meter. Real time quantitative analysis of the gas stream constituents is employed during meter proving (as may be accomplished with an automated gas chromatograph) so as to condition the flow data obtained from the flow determining valve and hence provide a more accurate determination of actual gas flow rate. This conditioned flow data is then compared to the flow data obtained from the meter to thereby derive a variance factor for the meter at given sensed flow rates. Therefore, flow rate data obtained from the meter may then be adjusted as a function of the derived variance factor so that a more accurate determination of actual flow rate through the meter is possible.

Abstract: Flue gases from fuel-fired appliances such as household gas furnaces contain water vapor which may form condensate on the walls of the external flue pipe leading from the appliance. The present invention provides a special flue pipe connection between the internal flue pipe and the external flue pipe. The connection accepts the lower end of the external flue pipe, directs condensate moving down the walls of the external flue pipe to a condensate drain outlet provided in the connection and passes flue gases from the internal flue pipe upwardly into the external flue pipe while isolating those gases from the condensate being drained. In the preferred construction the connection is a collar having an upwardly facing cylindrical recess into which the lower end of the external flue pipe fits and, within the recess, a short pipe section having a lower end connectable to the internal flue pipe and an upper end through which flue gases pass into the external flue pipe.

Abstract: In an absorption refrigeration system of the kind having an inert, non-condensible pressure-equalizing gas the flow of the gas is controlled by providing a flow restriction in the connection which conveys the stream of inert gas from the absorber to the inlet end of a refrigerant liquid precooler. The flow restriction also diverts part of the gas flow into the low-temperature evaporator.

Abstract: One end of a metal tube is joined tightly to a plate by locating the end portion loosely within an aperture in the plate and, in a single pressing operation, expanding the tube wall into engagement with the periphery of the wall of the aperture, buckling the tube wall to form a double-walled flange or collar against the side of the plate opposite the free end of the tube and crimping the free end of the tube radially outward to form a flange against the other side of the plate. Apparatus for carrying out the method includes a device for clamping the tube from the sides and a die which enters the free end of the tube for carrying out the expanding, buckling and crimping steps.

Abstract: A gas cooking grill comprises a casing which is generally L-shaped in side view, the casing enclosing a front horizontal cooking grid in the foot or front portion and a rear horizontal cooking grid at a higher elevation in the vertical or rear portion of the L. A gas burner and a bed of briquettes is disposed under the front grid. The front of the casing is formed by an upper door and a lower door each of which is hinged for swinging movement about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: In an absorption refrigeration unit wherein a stream of relatively low temperature heating fluid such as solar heated water is used as the heat source for the vapor generator, the weak absorbent solution is preheated to almost its boiling temperature just before entering the generator by passing at relatively high velocity in heat exchange relationship with the stream of heating water leaving the generator. This arrangement makes it possible to have a relatively low heat transfer area in the generator while operating with heating water at a lower temperature than would otherwise be necessary.

Abstract: Solutions containing lower aliphatic alcohols, the halides of lithium, calcium, strontium and barium and water are used as absorbent-refrigerant compositions in absorption refrigeration systems.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking grill designed specifically for use on porches, apartment balconies or confined outdoor living areas, where people, combustible clothing and furnishings are in close and hazardous proximity to the grill. Means are provided to assure optimum safety during the cooking operation.

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration apparatus includes an annular absorber-evaporator surrounding a condenser both of which are evaporatively cooled by wetting their exterior surfaces and by flowing a stream of ambient air over the wetted surfaces. The refrigerant vapor generator is disposed within the condenser in a position such that vapor leaving the generator condenses on the inside of the condenser wall and is withdrawn from the bottom of the condenser.