Abstract: A reinforced ceramic fiber enclosure for muffle furnaces and the like defining a cavity therewithin includes a perforate metallic skeleton defining at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the enclosure and fibrous insulation encapsulating the skeleton with fibers of the insulation extending through the perforations of the skeleton. In some embodiments the enclosure is of rectangular cross section with base, top and side walls. The top and side walls generally extend over only a portion of the length of the enclosure, and mounting and support flanges are desirably provided on at least the front end of the skeleton. To make the enclosure, the skeleton is supported on the exterior of a vacuum mold in spaced relationship thereto, and the mold and skeleton are immersed in slurry of ceramic fibers and a bonding agent therefor. The vacuum drawn through the mold causes the fibers and bonding agent to deposit on the mold and encapsulate the skeleton with fibers extending through the perforations of the skeleton.

Abstract: An arrangement for converting AC input power to DC power at a reference voltage including an output filter capacitor which is connected to the input AC line when the output voltage is less than or equal to the desired reference voltage and when the input AC voltage is less than a predetermined threshold. In this manner, charging pulses are generated twice during each half cycle of rectified AC power.

Abstract: A microcomputer-based electronic controller for a dishwasher utilizes a motor driven timing cam for selectively energizing the electromechanical components of the dishwater. An internal diagnostic routine in the microcomputer insures that the timing cam is advanced when the microcomputer calls for power to be applied to the motor.

Abstract: A microcomputer-based electronic controller for a dishwasher utilizes a motor driven timing cam for selectively energizing the electromechanical components of the dishwasher. An internal diagnostic routine in the microcomputer insures that the timing cam is advanced when the microcomputer calls for power to be applied to the motor.

Abstract: A safety device for use with an electric appliance to prevent the appliance from inadvertently being started if the appliance is plugged into an outlet when the on/off switch of the appliance is in its on state. A low level sensing current is applied to the appliance before full operating power is applied to the appliance. Detection of the low level sensing current prevents application of full operating power. If no sensing current is detected, full power is applied and the detector is disabled.