Abstract: A ripening room is disclosed for ripening perishable products, such as fruits and vegetables, and more particularly bananas, in which the air flow and temperature are closely controlled by the room construction and by a cooling control system that achieves uniform ripening of the fruit regardless of the physical location of the fruit within the room. These desired results are accomplished using a minimum quantity of energy and cooling capacity by use of an improved cooling controller that gradually changes the temperature setpoint over time to allow the cooling (refrigeration) system to operate near its full capacity without any periods of intense cooling (due to sudden changes of the temperature setpoint, as in the prior art). The uniform ripening is also achieved by an improved air distribution system that provides a greater back pressure in portions of a ripening room that, in conventional designs, receives far too much air flow.

Abstract: A device for circulating moist air throughout the interior of a humidor. The device includes a housing which has a front surface and a rear surface. A humidity gauge is mounted within the housing. A moisture containing element is also mounted within the housing. Positioned between the rear surface of the housing and the moisture containing element is a fan. The fan is adapted to circulate a stream of air through the moisture containing element, through the front surface of said housing and throughout the interior of the humidor.

Abstract: A heater system having improved efficiency and performance embodies air and fuel regulator valves, water and air supply jackets, and flow directors for the hot combustion gas generated by the heater burner which gas passes through a central flue in a water storage tank and is then exhausted through an exhaust vent to atmosphere. The air and fuel regulator valves are non-electrically controlled and are responsive to water demand requirement for improved heater efficiency and performance. The water supply jacket closely surrounds the central flue and receives supply water at the top thereof and discharges same to the bottom of the storage tank thereby increasing the heat transfer characteristics of the heater. The air supply jacket surrounds the exhaust vent and air is drawn in through the top of the jacket along the exhaust vent for preheating and then is directed to the burner to support combustion.

Abstract: A conventional hot water heating system generally of the type for heating water in multiple units of hotels, motels and the like and using any heating medium has a processor and control assembly operationally connected to at least a heating control means, a water temperature sensing means and a water flow sensing means thereof. The processor and control assembly divides the time into exact time periods, say one-half hour, and the time periods are grouped into a group of consecutive time periods, say a week. Taking any individual time period, a directly preceding time period is checked with the same time period in the preceding group of time periods and if the two match within a given degree, the assembly adopts all of its settings from its particular time period a week ago. In addition, the assembly exactly records the various settings throughout that particular time period and when that time period comes up again one week from now, those are the new settings by the processor and control assembly to be used.

Abstract: A temperature controlled timer useful for controlling the application of power to apparatus such as automobile block heaters or the like. In one embodiment the time of application of power prior to a shut off time is decreased with increasing ambient temperature. In another embodiment the duty cycle of cyclically applied power is changed so that the power on period becomes shorter and the power off period becomes longer with increasing ambient temperature. Significant conservation of power results.

Abstract: A combined microwave and electric heating cooking apparatus comprising a magnetron for microwave cooking purposes, a sheath heater for electric heating cooking purposes, and a cooking control circuit for controlling operations of the magnetron and the sheath heater. A gas sensor is disposed in an exhaustion gas path for detecting the concentration of the gas generated from a foodstuff. When an output signal of the gas sensor indicates that the gas concentration reaches a preselected value, the cooking control circuit develops a control signal for terminating the cooking. Selection switches are provided for determining the above-mentioned preselected value in accordance with the kind of the foodstuff to be cooked.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat features a memory unit receptive of unit values of temperature desired at different times on different days all individually or in various combinations both as to days and times. An output device signals a temperature control system. As controlled by a clock, the memory unit is addressed during different times of the different days to provide a signal representing the corresponding value desired. Existing temperature level is sensed and compared with each value so as to develop an error signal. In response to that error signal, the output is operated in a direction to reduce the difference between actual and desired temperatures. Numerous details as to layout, construction and circuitry are presented.

Abstract: A ventilation method and system for automatically repositioning the adjustable closures in a confinement house of the type used for rearing poultry or livestock. A pressure sensor measures the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the house resulting from the operation of one or more exhaust fans, and the adjustable closures are repositioned accordingly by a control device so that the fresh outside air drawn into the house through the ventilation openings enters at an optimum velocity for most effective ventilation of all areas of the house.

Abstract: A control unit for a temperature regulating system for heating or cooling a space includes an analog network, responsive to various variable environmental factors and simulating various fixed environment or building factors, is connected to a condenser to charge it. A predetermined voltage represents the desired temperature and is measured by a voltage sensor which is connected with circuitry for calculating rapidly the time needed for the system to be "on", whereby, for example, needed heating time is determined in a fraction of the actual time.