Abstract: A gas valve assembly with integrated pressure regulator is provided. The gas valve assembly includes a pressure regulator and a gas valve module. The pressure regulator and gas valve modules each include cast housing bodies. The cast housing bodies have cast in mounting holes and assembly features that allow for the assembly of the gas valve assembly without secondary machining operations.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a housing forming internal passages in fluid communication with a port of the valve, and an internal cavity. A flow direction block is disposed in the internal cavity and forms at least one flow passage extending through a portion thereof. The flow direction block is moveable within the internal cavity such that the free ends of the least one flow passage can be selectively aligned with a respective internal passage along an interface as the flow direction block is moved from a first, closed position to a second, open position. A seal is disposed around each interface and includes an internal face, which presses against an outer surface of the flow direction block, and an external face, which presses against the housing. Sealing function is improved, at least in part, by a differential fluid pressure that acts on the seal.

Abstract: A shank mount assembly for a water heater that includes an annular nipple having an opening, the nipple configured to removably attach to an opening in a water heater tank. The shank mount assembly further includes an annular shank mount having an opening, the shank mount configured to removably attach to the nipple, wherein the shank mount is further configured to attach to a gas valve assembly.

Abstract: A system for detecting the miswiring of an electrical appliance that includes a microprocessor having first and second input connections to sample signals on two different electrical power lines. The microprocessor further includes a third input connection for a neutral line. In an embodiment of the invention, there is at least one switch through which electrical power can flow into a load. The at least one switch is controlled by the microprocessor. In a particular embodiment, the microprocessor is configured to compare the signals sampled at the first and second input connections to determine whether the electrical appliance has been wired correctly.

Abstract: An ice pusher is provided. The ice pusher incorporates a cam and a linear actuation arrangement for removing ice from an evaporator plate of an ice-making machine. The cam provides a helix shaped ramp structure having a cam surface. The linear actuation arrangement has an input end and an output end. The input end is in slidable contact with the cam surface such that the linear actuation arrangement linearly moves relative to the housing upon rotation of the cam to effectuate the removal of ice from the evaporator plate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preserving the power source life of a wireless end node prior to deployment in a wireless communication system are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes operating the wireless end node in a long term storage mode prior to deploying the wireless end node in a wireless communication system in order to reduce current being drawn from a power source of the wireless end node. The method also includes the wireless end node detecting an interrupt request to pair the wireless end node to a wireless communication system. Also, the method includes the controller of the wireless end node switching from a long term storage mode to a normal operation mode when the wireless end node is paired to a wireless communication system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling discrete sensor information in a transport refrigeration system are provided. In one embodiment, a wireless control system for a transport refrigeration system is provided. The wireless control system includes two or more wireless end nodes and a network coordinator. Each of the wireless end nodes is configured to monitor a property of the transport refrigeration system. The network coordinator is configured to manage, command, direct and regulate the behavior of the wireless end nodes. Also, the network coordinator includes a sensor to zone coordinator that is configured to combine sensor data received by the two or more wireless end nodes to control a single transport refrigeration system function of the transport refrigeration system.

Abstract: A solenoid operated pilot valve utilizes an offset pilot opening and a lever arm to provide a mechanical advantage to multiply the opening force of the solenoid, thereby allowing the solenoid size to be reduced. The lever arm used to position the pilot valving member is mechanically positioned via a solenoid driven plunger in one embodiment, and is positioned by magnetic force alone in an alternative, plungerless embodiment. The lever arm pivots via a fixed fulcrum point, a profiled fulcrum providing continuously variable mechanical advantage, or a stepped fulcrum providing discreet different mechanical advantages as the pilot valving member is moved from its fully closed to its fully opened position.

Abstract: A flame sense circuit and method utilizing only a single pin of a microcontroller is provided. A flame sense circuit is used to vary the charge on a capacitor from a logic high indicating no flame to a logic low when a flame is detected. The microcontroller changes the state of the pin coupled to this circuitry from a high impedance input to detect when the capacitor is discharged indicating the presence of flame, to a logic high output to recharge the flame sense capacitor. Once this charging has been accomplished, the microcontroller again changes the status of the pin to a high impedance input and verifies that the capacitor has been charged. This pin is monitored to verify that the flame sense capacitor is again discharged to indicate the continued presence of flame. This process is repeated to ensure flame continues to be present during a combustion event.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a level of product in a tank to detect one of a delivery and a drain operation is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operably coupled to the tank and adapted to detect the level of product in the tank at a first rate and at a second rate. The data center is in communication with the monitor and adapted to receive a user inputtable threshold level of change. The monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the first rate until the threshold level of change is detected. Thereafter, the monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the second rate. The data center generates an alarm signal to indicate that one of the delivery and the drain has occurred.

Abstract: A system for detecting the miswiring of an electrical appliance that includes a microprocessor having first and second input connections to sample signals on two different electrical power lines. The microprocessor further includes a third input connection for a neutral line. In an embodiment of the invention, there is at least one switch through which electrical power can flow into a load. The at least one switch is controlled by the microprocessor. In a particular embodiment, the microprocessor is configured to compare the signals sampled at the first and second input connections to determine whether the electrical appliance has been wired correctly.

Abstract: A wireless tank monitoring system for remotely monitoring a plurality of storage tanks is provided. This tank monitoring system utilizes wireless communication from individual tank level monitors to a single SatComm Gateway. The SatComm Gateway then utilizes a low-Earth Orbit satellite constellation to transmit information to a central data collection center. The data collection center then provides access to this information to clients. These clients also have the capability of controlling individual monitors via the bi-directional communications path through the satellite link to the SatComm Gateway to the individual monitors. The SatComm Gateway packages the information from each of the monitors to optimize the communications through the satellite link to decrease the cost of transmission. Intrinsic safety is provided by each of the individual tank level monitors.

Abstract: Attachment mechanisms for capturing solenoid coil assemblies onto valves and valves incorporating same are described. Such mechanisms include weld rings attached to the valve body that have locking tabs to engage and hold the solenoid coil assembly. Two or more locking tabs are used. Inclusion of locking tab receiving locations on the solenoid coil frame or configuration of the end surface of the solenoid frame itself accommodate the locking tabs. The weld ring may be attached in an infinite number of orientations on the valve body. Attachment may be by spin welding or ultrasonic welding of the weld ring to the valve body in two embodiments.

Abstract: An ice pusher is provided. The ice pusher incorporates a cam and a linear actuation arrangement for removing ice from an evaporator plate of an ice-making machine. The cam provides a helix shaped ramp structure having a cam surface. The linear actuation arrangement has an input end and an output end. The input end is in slidable contact with the cam surface such that the linear actuation arrangement linearly moves relative to the housing upon rotation of the cam to effectuate the removal of ice from the evaporator plate.

Abstract: A solenoid for a direct acting solenoid valve having reduced copper in a coil thereof is provided. The solenoid utilizes a stepped profile for a guide tube thereof, which reduces reluctance in the magnetic circuit such that a coil with less copper windings can be used. A direct acting solenoid valve utilizing such a reduced copper solenoid is also provided.

Abstract: A supervisory system and method for monitoring multiple flow rate fluid distribution systems and for determining the presence of a failure therein are provided. The system monitors the flow of fluid through the distribution system with a single flow meter, determines the flow rate at which fluid is flowing, and accumulates at that rate a water flow control value. If the accumulated water flow value exceeds a predetermined threshold, further flow of fluid in the system will be disabled. To take account of the multiple flow rates capable through the distribution system, the accumulated water flow value will decremented at the immediately preceding increment rate.

Abstract: Methods of determining the likelihood of the existence of a dry fire condition in a hot water heater without requiring energization of any of the heating elements are presented. Such methods utilize only the sensor inputs required for normal operation of the hot water heater. Such sensory inputs are characterized in a process of fuzzification to enable the utilization of fuzzy logic rules to determine the likelihood of a dry fire condition before any energization of a heating element occurs. Alternatively, the sensory inputs are assigned logical values and are processed using Boolean logic to determine if a dry fire condition exists, prior to the energization of any electrical heating element within the hot water heater. Upon the determination that a dry fire condition is likely, the controller may perform a soft or hard lockout, may allow reset(s), and may provide an indication to the user of the condition.