Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food stirring fan assembly arranged within a fresh food compartment. The stirring fan assembly functions to recirculate air in order to minimize temperature stratification in the fresh food compartment. The stirring fan assembly preferably incorporates a filter to remove airborne debris and absorb odors. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention, the fresh food stirring fan is operated whenever a damper controlling an inlet flow of cooling air to the fresh food compartment is in a closed position.

Abstract: An air tunnel diverter for a refrigeration unit includes a plurality of leg members secured to a hub. The hub is generally formed to include a fitting through which cooler air is passed to the leg members and routed into the desired locations within the refrigeration unit. The leg members are placed on the fitting by sliding one end of the leg members onto a leg portion of the fitting. The fitting is then secured to the leg members by an overmolding process in which a soft flexible plastic is cast or otherwise applied around the connection. Installation is further simplified by providing the leg members with a flexible portion. The air tunnel diverter is preferably secured in the refrigeration unit by foam insulation.

Abstract: A condenser coil assembly is described and methods for forming such a device. The condenser assembly maximizes heat transfer surface area within a reduced volumetric area without significantly increasing the static pressure on the condenser fan system. The coil assembly is made up of a coil element through which refrigerant is transmitted and a plurality of wires that are affixed to the coil element to assist in dissipating heat from the coil element. The coil element is formed into a compact three-layer arrangement by first bending the coil element into a flat, zig-zag configuration. Secondly, the zig-zag shape is folded in a transverse direction to create three folds or flaps that are essentially equal in length. It is preferred that rounded bars be used to assist in creating the folds.

Abstract: An air tunnel diverter for a refrigeration unit includes a plurality of leg members secured to a hub. The hub is generally formed to include a fitting through which cooler air is passed to the leg members and routed into the desired locations within the refrigeration unit. The leg members are placed on the fitting by sliding one end of the leg members onto a leg portion of the fitting. The fitting is then secured to the leg members by an overmolding process in which a soft flexible plastic is cast or otherwise applied around the connection. Installation is further simplified by providing the leg members with a flexible portion. The air tunnel diverter is preferably secured in the refrigeration unit by foam insulation.

Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.

Abstract: A condenser coil assembly is described and methods for forming such a device. The condenser assembly maximizes heat transfer surface area within a reduced volumetric area without significantly increasing the static pressure on the condenser fan system. The coil assembly is made up of a coil element through which refrigerant is transmitted and a plurality of wires that are affixed to the coil element to assist in dissipating heat from the coil element. The coil element is formed into a compact three-layer arrangement by first bending the coil element into a flat, zig-zag configuration. Secondly, the zig-zag shape is folded in a transverse direction to create three folds or flaps that are essentially equal in length. It is preferred that rounded bars be used to assist in creating the folds.

Abstract: A device for catching and removing germs, viruses and the like from air flowing in an air path of an air supply system. The device includes a cylindrical member or members mounted in the air flow path so that air passing along the air flow path impinges on the periphery of the germ and virus catching and removing member or members to reduce the presence of germs, viruses, contaminants and the like from the air.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus receives a sealed container of food inside a cooking chamber. A controller operates a motor to drive a rack and pinion gear set to lower a nozzle to puncture the cover of the container. Limit switches position the nozzle at a predetermined location within the container. The controller activates solenoids which open steam and/or water valves to permit steam and/or water from a boiler to be introduced inside the food container through the nozzle to mix and complete cooking of the food contents of the container. The controller operates the motor to withdraw the nozzle from within the container and activates a solenoid of a steam valve to provide steam through a confinement cylinder that subjects the nozzle to a steam bath after the nozzle has been retracted from within the food container. A limit switch cooperates with the controller to prevent the nozzle from being withdrawn from the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A leg supported tray and more specifically, a combination serving tray, book holder and game board that is supported from the legs of the person using the tray with the tray including an upstanding peripheral edge to retain articles on the tray and a pair of downwardly opening, generally semicircular leg engaging support members connected to the tray by a pivotal connection which can be locked in adjustable angular position. In a modified form of the invention, the leg engaging support members are each provided with a leg encircling strap that is adjustable in length by utilizing hook and loop pile fastening devices available under the trademark "VELCRO".

Abstract: A chimney cap and flue damper supported for vertical movement on the upper end of a chimney liner with an operating cable extending downwardly to the fireplace opening to effect opening and closing movement of a hollow insulation filled sheet metal closure member. The cap is supported by a support assembly having a plurality of radially expandable turnbuckles which are anchored in sockets formed in the chimney liner. The operating cable is provided with a removable weight which is sufficient to overcome a spring which holds the closure member in open position.

Abstract: A load measuring apparatus is, in preferred embodiments, pre-assembled in a ready-to-use, portable assembly and comprises a load bearing body providing a deformable link between a shaft housing (such as a valve operator) and a shaft which moves relative to the housing, and which deformable, load bearing body functions as the support for a shaft engaging element of the invented device; and also comprises strain gauges measuring the deformation of the load bearing body, which deformation is related to the thrust of the shaft; load measuring apparatus operating in association with a signal conditioning device and display/recording device by which measurements are conveyed and interpreted; in the preferred embodiment, the load measuring apparatus includes an overload shear washer incorporated to prevent damage to the shaft housing by shearing away and allowing continued, unblocked movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A load measuring apparatus is, in preferred embodiments, preassembled in a ready-to-use, portable assembly and comprises a load bearing body providing a deformable link between a shaft housing (such as a valve operator) and a shaft which moves relative to the housing, and which deformable, load bearing body functions as the support for a shaft engaging element of the invented device; and also comprises strain gauges measuring the deformation of the load bearing body, which deformation is related to the thrust of the shaft; load measuring apparatus operating in association with a signal conditioning device and display/recording device by which measurements are conveyed and interpreted; in the preferred embodiment, the load measuring apparatus includes an overload shear washer incorporated to prevent damage to the shaft housing by shearing away and allowing continued, unblocked movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A connector to receive the top and bottom member of a duct system.

Abstract: An assist handle to be attached to the direction handle of a shower, or hot or cold water handle to be used to assist people out of a tub. The apparatus includes a slip resistant and resilient grommet at rear of rear plate; rear plate with opening for bolt to secure rear plate to direction handle and four openings to receive bolts to secure front plate to rear plate; handle trough to receive handle; front plate to be secured to rear plate by use of four bolts.

Abstract: An S slip with openings along one edge to allow air to pass through, and a foam sealant to seal corners of a duct connection.

Abstract: A magnetic smoke and fire shield is disclosed for installation adjacent an air register associated with a building conduit to control the conduit opening. The apparatus includes a frame containing an opening, and a closure member connected with the frame for movement between open and closed positions relative to the frame opening. At least one of the closure members and frame is formed of ferromagnetic material, the other member having magnetic sealing means associated therewith. The closure member is retained in the open position by means including a fusible link set to melt at a predetermined temperature. The closure member may also be released manually. Upon the occurrence of a fire, the closure member is released to a closed, magnetically sealed position relative to the frame opening.

Abstract: An apparatus to be installed in a fireplace to deflect and reflect heat from a fire in a fireplace.