Abstract: An example HVAC system includes an HVAC component, and an HVAC controller configured to selectively control the HVAC component in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The system also includes a sensor in communication with the HVAC controller. The sensor is configured to detect one or more parameters of the HVAC system and periodically transmit the one or more detected parameters to the HVAC controller. The sensor is also configured to transmit the one or more detected parameters according to a first transmission interval when the HVAC controller is operating in the first operating mode, and to transmit the one or more detected parameters according to a second transmission interval when the HVAC controller is operating in the second operating mode. The first transmission interval is different than the second transmission interval. Example methods of controlling an HVAC system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control circuit for supplying current to actuate a gas valve in an HVAC system includes a solenoid coil adapted to selectively open and close the gas valve, input terminals coupled to receive an AC power input, and a rectifier bridge coupled between the input terminals and the solenoid coil. The rectifier bridge includes four nodes and at least four diodes. The control circuit also includes a capacitor, and a switch coupled in series with the capacitor between a ground potential and a node defined between the rectifier bridge and the solenoid coil. The switch is coupled to selectively electrically connect and disconnect the capacitor in parallel with the solenoid coil to allow the capacitor to smooth the voltage rectified by the rectifier bridge when the switch is on and to inhibit smoothing of the rectified voltage by the capacitor when the switch is off.

Abstract: A gas flow controller for use with a gas powered water heater includes a first gas flow valve, and a first gas flow valve actuator assembly connected to the first gas flow valve and configured to hold the first gas flow valve in an open position. The first gas flow valve actuator assembly includes a first electromagnetic actuator, a corrosion resistant material encapsulating the first electromagnetic actuator, a first wire lead connected to the first electromagnetic actuator at a first solder joint, a corrosion resistant material encapsulating the first solder joint, a second wire lead connected to the first electromagnetic actuator at a second solder joint, and a corrosion resistant material encapsulating the second solder joint.

Abstract: A solenoid coil includes a coil winding that generates an electromagnetic force when a current is supplied to the coil winding. The solenoid coil also includes an electrically insulative bobbin made of an insulating material having a melting point. The bobbin includes a spool for supporting the coil winding. The spool includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The coil winding is positioned between the first end and the second end. The bobbin also includes a flange connected to one of the first end and the second end. A continuous ridge extends from the flange between an outer edge and studs to form a moisture barrier. The solenoid coil further includes an overmold enclosing at least a portion of the bobbin and the coil winding. The overmold bonds to the continuous ridge when the solenoid coil is heated to a temperature above the melting point.

Abstract: A system and a method of detecting a condensate line blockage in an air conditioning unit includes receiving a call for cooling indication from a thermostat associated with the air conditioning unit and detecting a pattern of a plurality of loss of power (LOP) to the air conditioning unit events, the LOP events caused by a trip of a condensate drain line switch. The method also includes analyzing the detected pattern for at least one of a frequency of LOP events in a predetermined time period and an elapsed time between successive LOP events, and initiating a condensate line blockage alert when the analyzed pattern meets predetermined condensate line blockage criteria.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the productivity of a portable machine are provided. The method includes receiving motion data for at least one component of the portable machine from a multi-axis accelerometer, receiving position data for the at least one component from a process parameter sensor communicatively coupled to the at least one component, and determining, based on the received motion data and the received position data that the at least one component is oriented in a predetermined position for productive operation. The method also includes determining an area of productive operation using at least one physical dimension of the at least one component and the received motion data when the at least one component is oriented in the predetermined position for productive operation and incrementing a total area counter based on the determination.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning head for removing debris from a floor, a rotary brush for agitating the debris, and a debris tube connected to the cleaning head for receiving the debris from the cleaning head. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a motor to drive the rotary brush. The motor includes a rotatable drive shaft. The upright vacuum cleaner further includes a pulley assembly adapted to operatively connect the motor to the rotary brush. The pulley assembly includes a clutch and a belt. The belt is adapted to extend between the drive shaft and the clutch. The clutch is connected to the rotary brush to rotate the rotary brush. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a clamp connecting the clutch to the cleaning head. The tightness of the belt is adjusted when the clamp moves between an unfastened position and a fastened position.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for arresting flame at a gas burner. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for use in burning a gas fuel generally includes a flame arrester device having a screen portion configured for placement between a gas orifice and a burner. The flame arrester device is configured to allow gas emitted from the gas orifice to pass through the screen portion to enter the burner. The flame arrester device is further configured to arrest a flame from the burner before the flame reaches the gas orifice.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are provided of HVAC control assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, an HVAC control assembly includes an HVAC control board, a first interface connector, and a second interface connector. The first interface connector and the second interface connector each include multiple pins adapted for connection to an equipment wiring harness. The assembly also includes an electrical conductor connected between at least one of the multiple pins of the first interface connector and at least one of the multiple pins of the second interface connector, and an HVAC controller configured to determine whether an equipment wiring harness is connected to the first interface connector or the second interface connector based on a state of at least one of the multiple pins connected to the electrical conductor. Example methods of determining an equipment wiring harness connection in an HVAC control assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for facilitating scheduling of comfort controllers such as thermostats. In an exemplary embodiment, a comfort controller is operable to control one or more configurations of a climate control system for providing climate control in a structure. The comfort controller is operable in accordance with a user-selected one of a plurality of stored weekly schedules for operation of the one or more configurations, where each of the plurality of stored weekly schedules provides a plurality of daily time slots and temperature set points, and is based on user-specifications, and where the user-selected weekly schedule is wirelessly received by and completely replaces a current operating weekly schedule on the comfort controller.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of controllers and methods for use in climate control systems. In an exemplary embodiment, a controller for use in a climate control system includes a charger for providing a charge current to a battery of the controller. The controller also includes a variable resistance for selectively limiting the charge current. A control is configured to monitor the charge current and a voltage of the battery. Based on the monitoring, the control varies the resistance to keep the monitored voltage in a range defined by (a) a top charge voltage less than full capacity of the battery and (b) a discharge end voltage greater than a cut-off voltage of the battery. The monitored voltage has a substantially minimized rate of change within the range.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a blower for pulling air and debris through the upright vacuum cleaner, a motor connected to the blower, and a cleaning head for removing the debris from a floor. The cleaning head includes a front wall, a rear wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend between the front wall and rear wall. The vacuum cleaner further includes a debris tube connected to the cleaning head for receiving the debris from the cleaning head. The vacuum cleaner also includes magnet assemblies adapted to prevent metal objects from entering the cleaning head. Each magnet assembly includes a bracket and a magnet. The bracket includes a horizontal plate and a vertical plate. The magnet is connected to the vertical plate. The front wall includes shelves to support the magnet assemblies. Each shelf is arranged to receive one of the magnet assemblies such that the horizontal plate rests on the shelf and the magnet is positioned below the shelf.