Abstract: A swimming pool or spa heater unit having a heat exchanger manifold designed to permit the use of direct plastic piping connections to the manifold header. The manifold is principally characterized by a header end having an inlet port and outlet port located on a level below the manifold inlets and outlets communicating with the heat exchanger. The inverted arrangement of the header ports relative to the manifold inlets and outlets to the heat exchanger permits unreturned water in the unit heated by residual heat from the heater to form a temperature gradient therebetween which prevents the temperature of the water at the header connection from reaching a level incompatible with the use of direct plastic piping connections. The manifold is also integrally provided with weirs which serve to provide dry-fire protection for the heater.

Abstract: An infrared flame sensor apparatus useful for detecting a flame in the combustion chamber of a water heater or boiler is disclosed. An infrared phototransistor with narrow light frequency response detects the infrared components emitted by the flame. A flame signal proportional to the amount of infrared radiation detected is generated. The flame signal is filtered to remove transients that may give a false or oscillatory signal indication. When the amplitude of the flame signal is in excess of a predetermined amplitude an indicator is illuminated or an alarm is activated.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed which includes a first valve disc positionable against a valve seat in response to sensed temperature. The first valve disc includes a central aperture which is closeable by a second valve disc held in position by a compression spring. The second valve disc is displaced in response to liquid pressure. The valve assembly thereby provides for the independent control of flow through a passageway in response to temperature and/or pressure. The valve assembly has a particular application in conjunction with the control of bypass flow for a continuous flow liquid heater.

Abstract: A motor actuated electric valve includes a DC motor, a gear reducer assembly, a valve body and a fluid diverter mechanically attached to the output of the gear reducer assembly. Rotation of the motor results in repositioning of the diverter within the valve body. Unidirectional and bidirectional operation of the motor are achieved via a rectifier circuit and cams which actuate limit switches to interrupt operation of the motor when the diverter is in a first or a second desired position. The valve is readily substituted for current AC actuated valves since the rectifier is incorporated into the valve actuator.

Abstract: There is provided a variable motor support for a pump comprising a pump foot member and a foot member insert, the pump foot member being suitably attached to, for example, the pump's volute housing and the foot member insert being cooperatively disposed with respect to the pump foot member, thereby accommodating differences in the physical dimensions of pump motors.

Abstract: A valve structure for a swimming pool water filter includes:(a) a hollow body having multiple flow apertures,(b) a rotary plate on the body and having flow porting, the plate being movable toward and away from said flow apertures,(c) seal means between the body and plate,(d) a handle having operative connection to the plate to rotate said plate to bring said plate porting into and out of selected registration with said flow apertures,(e) and means mounting the handle to pivot without rotating the plate, and between a first position in which the handle has moved the plate to energize the seal means to seal off between the body and plate, and a second position in which the handle has moved the plate to de-energized said seal means.