Abstract: A multipart connector for electrical connection to a conductor to convey AC power having a frequency greater than 60 Hz. The connector includes a plurality of metal plates. Each metal plate has opposing planar surfaces and includes a pair of legs separated by a space. A plurality of insulation layers adjoin the planar surfaces of the metal plates, respectively. The insulation layers include a pair of legs separated by a space. The metal plates and the insulation layers are arranged in a stack such that the spaces of the metal plates and the insulation layers are aligned to form a groove extending through the stack. The conductor is disposed in the groove.

Abstract: A multipart connector for electrical connection to a conductor to convey AC power having a frequency greater than 60 Hz. The connector includes a plurality of metal plates. Each metal plate has opposing planar surfaces and includes a pair of legs separated by a space. A plurality of insulation layers adjoin the planar surfaces of the metal plates, respectively. The insulation layers include a pair of legs separated by a space. The metal plates and the insulation layers are arranged in a stack such that the spaces of the metal plates and the insulation layers are aligned to form a groove extending through the stack. The conductor is disposed in the groove.

Abstract: A connector for connecting together rigid structures. The connector includes a stack of coupling contacts pivotably disposed within a housing. Each coupling contact is generally H-shaped and defines opposing first and second spaces. The first and second spaces are aligned to form first and second receiving grooves in the stack, respectively. The connector may also include one or more mounting contacts partially disposed within the housing. Each mounting contact has one or more fastening structures joined to a bar section. The fastening structures are adapted for securement to the substrate and the bar section is disposed in the second receiving groove of the stack of coupling contacts.

Abstract: A connector for connecting together rigid structures. The connector includes a stack of coupling contacts pivotably disposed within a housing. Each coupling contact is generally H-shaped and defines opposing first and second spaces. The first and second spaces are aligned to form first and second receiving grooves in the stack, respectively. The connector may also include one or more mounting contacts partially disposed within the housing. Each mounting contact has one or more fastening structures joined to a bar section. The fastening structures are adapted for securement to the substrate and the bar section is disposed in the second receiving groove of the stack of coupling contacts.

Abstract: A connector for connection to a substrate for mounting electronic devices. The connector includes a stack of coupling contacts pivotably disposed within a housing. Each coupling contact is generally H-shaped and defines opposing first and second spaces. The first and second spaces are aligned to form first and second receiving grooves in the stack, respectively. The connector also includes one or more mounting contacts partially disposed within the housing. Each mounting contact has a fastening structure joined to a bar section. The fastening structure is adapted for securement to the substrate and the bar section is disposed in the second receiving groove of the stack of coupling contacts.

Abstract: A connector for connection to a substrate for mounting electronic devices. The connector includes a stack of coupling contacts pivotably disposed within a housing. Each coupling contact is generally H-shaped and defines opposing first and second spaces. The first and second spaces are aligned to form first and second receiving grooves in the stack, respectively. The connector also includes one or more mounting contacts partially disposed within the housing. Each mounting contact has a fastening structure joined to a bar section. The fastening structure is adapted for securement to the substrate and the bar section is disposed in the second receiving groove of the stack of coupling contacts.

Abstract: An electrically operated line valve has its outlet connected to the inlet of the manifold for supplying the user actuated individual gas burner valves and a user actuated line power switch is closed before opening of any of the burner valves. A valve position detector signals an electronic controller which supplies power to the line switch only if a burner valve has been opened after closing of the line switch. A user actuatable manual override cable enables the line valve to be manually opened during periods of electrical power outage.

Abstract: A fill system for a washing machine utilizing a hot and cold water inlet mixing valve operated by a pair of solenoids extending in parallel arrangement from a deck surface of the valve body. At least one hot and cold water inlet fittings extend in parallel arrangement from a common side of the valve body and the single outlet extends from another side of the body. The valve is mounted with deck surface contacting the undersurface of the top of the machine cabinet with the solenoids extending through an aperture in the cabinet top and into the machine control console. The inlet fittings extend through an aperture in the back of the machine cabinet. The solenoids are thus isolated from and protected from water leaks resulting from hose attachments to the fittings.

Abstract: A control system for a washing machine having a transducer mounted on the exterior of the washing receptacle wall and operable to generate acoustic vibrations in the receptacle wall during fluid filling of the receptacle. A receiver detects sound waves within the receptacle generated by the wall vibrations and generates in fill signal indicative of the sound waves. Circuitry is provided for analyzing the fill signal and determining from the acoustic signature of the fill signal the occurrence of total immersion of articles in the fluid; and, the circuitry sends a signal which is operable to then shut off the fluid fill valve.

Abstract: Filamentary material having a core of elemental carbon covered with a coating of silicon carbide material with a thin outer layer of elemental carbon is heated in air to cause the outer layer to oxidize. The filament is then cut to segments of a desired length, bundled and the ends metallized. A tubular metal connector is crimped over each of the metallized ends of the bundle with a conductive lead extending therefrom. The bundle assembly is then mounted onto a refractory holder.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated, pilot operated valve having a nonmetallic body with a pressure responsive disphragm for opening the main valve and defining, in cooperation with a guide member, a pilot chamber having an armature/pilot valve member movably received thereon. The guide member has a bleed-supply hole formed therein and is secured to the body by an annular member attached to the body by nonmetallic weldment and integrally defining a cup into which a solenoid coil is received over the guide member and potted by liquid-cast insulating material. An armature guide member-diaphragm subassembly has the guide with armature received therein with the diaphragm peripherally secured thereto by a ring pressed thereover, the ring interfitting with cooperating body surfaces to define restricted passage to filter flow to the pilot chamber bleed hole.

Abstract: A wound bobbin coil (A) and a fuse (B) are interconnected electrically in series. The coil and the fuse are mounted closely adjacent and molded into a tough, nylon encapsulation (C). The series connected coil and fuse are connected with electrical terminals (26, 30) to form a unitary electrical component which is readily connected with associated circuitry. In this manner, when the coil becomes damaged sufficiently to blow the fuse, both the coil and the fuse must be replaced. A repairman cannot short the fuse or merely replace the fuse and allow a damaged coil to continue functioning. In the preferred utilization of the present coil in a freezer compartment ice maker, coil failures can cause flooding, overheating, and other catastrophic damage to a refrigerator/freezer.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated, pilot operated valve having a nonmetallic body with a pressure responsive diaphragm for opening the main valve and defining, in cooperation with a guide member, a pilot chamber having an armature/pilot valve member movably received thereon. The guide member has a bleed-supply hole formed therein and is secured to the body by an annular member attached to the body by nonmetallic weldment and integrally defining a cup into which a solenoid coil is received over the guide member and potted by liquid-cast insulating material. An armature guide member-diaphragm subassembly has the guide with armature received therein with the diaphragm peripherally secured thereto by a ring pressed thereover, the ring interfitting with cooperating body surfaces to define restricted passage to filter flow to the pilot chamber bleed hole.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated appliance water inlet valve having an elastomeric valve seat with molded in reinforcement stiffener to minimize distortion at assembly and upon exposure to high water line pressures. Lugs on the electromagnetic armature guide engage the periphery of the reinforcement to create a subassembly of armature, return spring, valve seat and guide for ease and economies of assembly. One embodiment of the reinforcement comprises an apertured disc. Other embodiments comprise an annular ring having "C" shaped and "U" shaped transverse sections. Tabs provided in the base of the ferromagnetic pole frame are deformed over a recess in the valve body to provide positive retention of the pole frame to the body.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated valve assembly and flow control capsule therefor. The valve has a single inlet and dual outlet with flow to one outlet regulatd by the flow control capsule and the flow to the second outlet unregulated. The flow control capsule is formed of plastic with an integrally hinged snap-lock cover for retaining a pressure responsive elastomeric flow control washers in the capsule. The capsule has an annular tapered rib formed about the outlet for sealing the capsule about the wall of the valve passage into which the capsule discharges flow.

Abstract: A wound bobbin coil (A) and a fuse (B) are interconnected electrically in series. The coil and the fuse are mounted closely adjacent and molded into a tough, nylon encapsulation (C). The series connected coil and fuse are connected with electrical terminals (26, 30) to form a unitary electrical component which is readily connected with associated circuitry. In this manner, when the coil becomes damaged sufficiently to blow the fuse, both the coil and the fuse must be replaced. A repairman cannot short the fuse or merely replace the fuse and allows a damaged coil to continue functioning. In the preferred utilization of the present coil in a freezer compartment ice maker, coil failures can cause flooding, overheating, and other catastrophic damage to a refrigerator/freezer.

Abstract: A U-shaped ferro-magnetic pole frame has a circular recess formed in the closed end thereof with a plurality of peripherally spaced raised lugs formed in the recess. A tubular ferro-magnetic pole piece, adapted for insertion into an electrical coil, has one end thereof clamped temporarily against the lugs and current is passed therethrough for effecting resistance welding of the pole piece to the pole frame and the clamp is then removed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic solenoid operated plastic bodied appliance inlet valve having the armature, poppet, spring, elastomeric valve seat and plastic armature guide installed as a sub-assembly onto the valve body and secured thereon in fluid pressure sealing arrangement by weldment of a plastic retainer thereon. The electro-magnetic coil and pole frame are installed as a separate assembly. In one embodiment the valve inlet has a metal insert retained in the body by insertion of a metal spring clip and the body closed by weldment of a plastic cover thereover. In another embodiment the insert is retained by an annular ring received over the insert and secured to the body by weldment. The metal insert receives a threaded compression-type tube fitting for attachment of the supply tube. Reaction torque on the insert from the tube fitting is absorbed by the valve mounting bracket which engages hexagonal surfaces on the exterior end of the metal insert.

Abstract: A lid latch assembly (10) for a household washing machine is disclosed which incorporates safety features which prevent damage to the latch assembly regardless of when the drum access lid of the machine is closed. The assembly includes a solenoid (22) operated locking lever (60) pivotally mounted to a bracket (12). An elongated slot (68) in the bracket defines a first fulcrum (66) about which the locking lever pivots during latching movement. A switch arm (30) must be depressed downwardly by a latching hook (84) connected to the machine lid (80) before the locking lever is movable to the latched position. A blocking tab (58) on the switch arm prevents movement of the lever to the latched position prior to downward movement of the switch arm. The elongated slot allows the locking lever to pivot about a second fulcrum defined by the blocking tab.