Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame having a front frame portion, a mid-frame portion, and a rear frame portion. The mid-frame portion is coupled to the rear frame portion and the front frame portion. The vehicle further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members for supporting the frame. The front frame portion is removably coupled to the mid-frame portion with a plurality of frame members extending between the front frame portion and the mid-frame portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for meeting a fresh air ventilation threshold in a controlled space. In particular, and in some embodiments, a minimum ventilation threshold is met by using normal air handler fan cycles to minimize the energy cost of supplying the ventilation. Prediction methods may be employed to determine whether the air handler and damper need to be activated to meet a minimum ventilation threshold, even when the HVAC system is not currently calling for normal air handler fan cycles. In some cases, the past history of air handler fan run cycles is used to determine whether a fan should be operated now to provide additional fresh air ventilation. Alternatively, or in addition, predictions of future air handler cycles are used to determine whether a fan should be operated now to provide additional fresh air ventilation.

Abstract: A gas valve body with a first flow chamber and, a second flow chamber including and a main valve positioned in line and between the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber. The main valve can be opened by creating a pressure differential across the main valve. An electrostatically controlled pilot valve is provided for controlling the pressure differential across the main valve for “on-ff” operation. The electrostatically controlled pilot valve may also be operated to “modulate” the pressure differential across the main valve along a range of pressure differential values.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for meeting a fresh air ventilation threshold in a controlled space. In particular, and in some embodiments, a minimum ventilation threshold is met by using normal air handler fan cycles to minimize the energy cost of supplying the ventilation. Prediction methods may be employed to determine whether the air handler and damper need to be activated to meet a minimum ventilation threshold, even when the HVAC system is not currently calling for normal air handler fan cycles. In some cases, the past history of air handler fan run cycles is used to determine whether a fan should be operated now to provide additional fresh air ventilation. Alternatively, or in addition, predictions of future air handler cycles are used to determine whether a fan should be operated now to provide additional fresh air ventilation.

Abstract: A fireplace appliance for warming room air without line electrical connection has a high efficiency thermoelectric generator having a heat-rejecting surface connected to a heat sink. The generator has a heat-receiving surface facing the site where a fireplace flame is to be located. In one embodiment the generator provides power to operate a fan that forces air through an air duct. The air duct has an inlet port receiving a flow of room air, and an outlet port. The heat sink is placed in the air duct where airflow generated by the fan moves across and cools the heat sink. The air heated by the heat sink flows to the room through the outlet port. One suitable material for the thermoelectric generator is a Bi—Te semiconductor. A number of options are shown that allow fan operation to commence properly while the appliance begins a cold start.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method for providing easy and rapid conversion from a first fuel to a second fuel in a gas appliance. The gas appliance has a variable fuel valve controlled by a microprocessor. A table stored in non-volatile memory has an entry for each of the fuels to be burned in the gas appliance. The table entries are empirically determined at the time of manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method for controlling the gas supply of a gas appliance. The gas appliance has a main burner with a main valve controlled by a linear actuator. A stepper motor positions the linear actuator under control of a microprocessor. The stepper motor and microprocessor are powered from a thermopile having its output converted to the appropriate voltages by a DC-to-DC converter. Changes in valve position permit changes of fuel type and flame intensity.

Abstract: An electrostatic air cleaner has at least one hole in one of the plates over which air with charged dirt particles is passed. A light source is mounted adjacent to the hole so as to direct its light through the hole. A light sensor detects the level of light passing through the hole. As dirt particles deposit on the plate, they fill in the hole over a period of time, reducing the amount of light passing through the hole. It is possible by measuring the amount of light passing through the hole, to determine the amount of dirt deposited on the plate. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plates contain a hole in alignment with each of the other plates' holes so that light from a single light source can pass through each of the holes. Such a configuration allows both the light source and the light sensor to be located outside of the entire group of plates.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor with a compensation means, said differential pressure sensor comprising the diaphragm with a first means having a mass mounted upon the diaphragm. The first means is utilized to determine the position of the diaphragm relative to an initial first position and/or to increase the effective area of the diaphragm. A housing contains the diaphragm, the housing has a first and a second inlet port. The first inlet port provides a first pressure to a first side of the diaphragm and the second inlet provides a second pressure to the second side of the diaphragm, the diaphragm moving to the lesser of the two pressures. A counterweight mechanism is located in the housing having a inner arm and an outer arm. The counterweight mechanism pivots about an axis. The center of gravity of the counterweight mechanism is located on the outer arm.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor utilizing an opto-reflective sensor comprising a diaphragm with a top and a bottom, the diaphragm having an optical reflector mounted upon it. The diaphragm is mounted in a housing, wherein the housing has a first inlet port and a second inlet port, the first inlet port providing a first pressure to the top of the diaphragm and the second inlet port providing a second pressure to the bottom of the diaphragm. An opto-reflective sensor is mounted in the housing, wherein the opto-reflective sensor provides an optical signal to the optical reflector. The optical reflector reflects the signal back to the opto-reflective sensor, wherein the differential pressure sensor calculates the distance of the optical reflector from the opto-reflective sensor in relation to the relative intensity of the reflected optical signal.

Abstract: A fastening means for an electronic air cleaner. The air cleaner containing an air cleaner collector section. The air cleaner collector section is a series of high voltage and low voltage plates which are held by cell expansion tubes. On either end of the air cleaner collector section, end plates are placed in order to hold the air cleaner collector section in place. Flare tubes are passed through the end plates and the cell expansion tubes and are flared in order to fasten the end plates in place, thereby fastening the air cleaner collector section.