Abstract: A water cooler is provided with an improved chiller system of the type having a thermoelectric chiller module for maintaining a supply of water at a reduced and refreshing temperature level. The chiller system comprises the thermoelectric chiller module having a cold side thereof in thermal communication with a supply of water to be chilled, and a hot side thereof exposed within a manifold defining a heat transfer chamber filled with a heat exchange medium such as water. An impeller located centrally within the heat transfer chamber circulates the water directly against the hot side of the thermoelectric module, from which the water then flows radially outwardly through a plurality of hollow fin elements and is recirculated back to the impeller. In the preferred form, the impeller is coupled by a hermetically sealed magnetic coupling to an air flow fan disposed outside the manifold for providing a cooling air flow over exterior surfaces of the hollow fin elements.

Abstract: An improved suction powered cleaner is provided for vacuuming dirt and debris from submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool. The cleaner comprises a head defining a suction inlet for vacuum inflow of water and debris into a plenum chamber, and further through a primary suction tube adapted for connection via a vacuum hose to a conventional pool water filtration system. An oscillatory main control valve is pivotally mounted at an upstream end of the primary suction tube and spring-loaded toward a normal open position relative to an annular valve seat. Suction flow through the primary suction tube draws the control valve toward a closed position substantially interrupting water flow, whereupon the control valve returns by spring action to the normal open position, resulting in pressure fluctuations which cause the cleaner to advance in steps over submerged pool surfaces.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning system and method is disclosed for coupling to a first solution source comprising a suspension solution and particles suspended in the suspension solution. The fluid conditioning system includes a containment vessel defining a treatment environment and including a wall defining a fluid passage and a having an inlet apparatus. The inlet apparatus is coupled to the solution source for receiving a solution stream and directing the solution stream through the passage helically along the cylindrical wall. The containment vessel includes a sparging apparatus disposed downstream of the inlet apparatus for introducing a gas into the solution stream, and an outlet for discharging the sparged solution stream. The system further includes a flotation tank disposed proximate the containment vessel outlet for receiving the discharged solution stream.

Abstract: A water treatment and disinfection apparatus is provided, which has separate flow channels to allow entry and exit of separate streams of water through the apparatus, with an ultraviolet light source emitting rays through first and second ultraviolet transparent sleeves having an annular space therebetween to form an inner flow channel and an annular space between the second sleeve and an ultraviolet resistant pressure vessel. The apparatus of the invention is specially suited for disinfection of water in reverse osmosis water purification systems, whereby pre-reverse osmosis (untreated) water and post-reverse osmosis (treated) water are directed inside the apparatus of the invention to be separately and simultaneously disinfected by ultraviolet rays and again separately exit the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved fuel transfer pump is provided for use in transferring fuel within fuel tanks such as fuel tanks within an aircraft. The pump comprises a relatively compact and substantially modular pump assembly including a rotatably driven impeller carried at one end of an impeller shaft for relatively high flow transfer of fuel from a fuel inlet to a fuel outlet. The impeller shaft is rotatably supported within a pump housing by sets of angular contact bearings preloaded in a direction to prevent eccentric run-out or excessive axial end play in response to bearing wear over the operating life of the pump. In addition, an hydraulic motor is mounted within the pump housing axially between the bearing sets and is driven by a source of hydraulic fluid for rotatably driving the impeller shaft.

Abstract: A pool cleaner is provided of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source, such as by connecting the pool cleaner via a vacuum hose or the like to the suction side of a conventional pool water filtration system. The pool cleaner comprises a compact housing carried on wheels for rolling movement along a submerged pool surface. A debris intake nozzle is formed at a lower end of the housing in close proximity with the pool surface, and communicates through a turbine chamber in the housing to the vacuum hose for water-borne vacuuming of debris from the pool surface. Water draw through the turbine chamber rotatably drives a turbine which in turn powers a drive train to rotatably drive the cleaner wheels together with a downforce fan for improved wheel traction. In addition, the drive train operates at least one timer cam for periodically actuating a reverse clutch assembly to drive at least one of the cleaner wheels in reverse for a brief time interval.

Abstract: A pet training mat for deterring pets and training them to avoid an area deemed desirable to keep pet-free by the pet owner. The pet training mat includes a base having a lower surface and an opposite upper surface, and a plurality of tines which extend upwardly from the upper surface of the base. The tines create an uncomfortable environment for a pet when walking, standing or laying on the pet training mat, without harming the pet, and are distributed over substantially the entire upper surface of the base within the range of four to nine tines per square inch. Each tine includes an upper spike and a riser disposed between the spike and the upper surface of the base. The base may be rigid or formed of a flexible material to conform to the contours of the pet-free area.

Abstract: An improved float valve assembly is provided for regulating water inflow to a purification module of a water purification system, such as a reverse osmosis purification module or the like. The float valve assembly is mounted within a reservoir for receiving and storing relatively purified water produced by the purification module, and includes a valve unit defining a vertically extending flow path from a tap water source to the purification module. A primary float carried on a float arm responds to rising and falling water level within the reservoir for respectively closing and opening a primary banjo valve mounted along the flow path. An over-center switch provides snap-action closure of the primary valve in response to rising water level, and the primary float is mounted on the float arm for a limited range of lost motion to accommodate this snap-action valve closure.

Abstract: An electric vehicle recharging parking meter includes a parking meter, a processor, a display interconnected to the processor for giving visual information to a user, and an input device interconnected to the processor. The input device enables the user to select the parking time and/or the recharging time for the electric vehicle. The processor is responsive to the user selection of recharge time, parking time, and recharge power requirements entered on the input device. A payment receptor for receiving payment for the parking and recharge time selected by the user is interconnected to the processor for indicating receipt of payment for parking time and recharge electricity. The processor enables a switch to close so that power will be supplied to the vehicle from a power source. A connector is attached to a post or stand on this the meter may be mounted whereby the electric vehicle can be interconnected to the power source.

Abstract: A water vending machine is provided of the type having a water purification system for producing a supply of relatively purified water for dispensing into a customer-supplied container such as a water bottle. The vending machine includes an open dispense chamber for receiving and supporting the water bottle beneath a dispense nozzle through which water is delivered in response to coin-initiated operation of a machine control panel. A trap door normally conceals and thereby prevents unauthorized access to the dispense nozzle, wherein the trap door is retracted upon operation of the control panel to expose the dispense nozzle and permit water dispensing to the bottle. In addition, the vending machine includes an improved door lock assembly including a square-shaped and rotatable main lock cartridge seated in a locked condition within a matingly shaped lock case, wherein this door lock assembly provides improved security locking of a machine access door.

Abstract: A pet refuse bag dispenser attachable to a leash provides a device for conveniently carrying a roll of plastic bags when exercising one's pet. The dispenser includes a housing which defines an inner cavity and has an aperture therethrough which permits access to the inner cavity. The roll of plastic bags is disposed within the inner cavity such that the bags may be individually removed therefrom through the housing aperture. The plastic bags are wound about a tubular axle which is positioned centrally within the inner cavity of the housing such that the tubular axle, and thus the roll of plastic bags, may rotate therein. In one embodiment, the housing is formed of a cylindrical base into which the roll of bags is inserted, and a removable lid which encloses an open end of the cylindrical base. In another embodiment, the housing includes a blister pack affixed to a backing so as to capture the roll of plastic bags therebetween.

Abstract: A device is provided for tensioning lines (ropes, cables or wires). In order to improve a device for gripping and tensioning ropes, cables or wires, particularly in sheet or hoisting winches or windlasses, in tackles or pulley blocks or pulley lifting tackle, permanently or operationally interconnected coniform discs are provided which can be actuated by motor or by hand via a crank or a tackle line, and which exhibit surface contours, such that with only a single loop of the tensioning line a secure clamping effect of the coniform discs on cable put through in only a single loop is attained without the occurrence of wear or snapping of the tensioning line. Putting through and releasing (slackening) of the line is facilitated, and the improvement takes effect with respect to both rotation directions independent of the direction. The surface contouring of the discs is implemented as inwardly directed radial waves of the described form which are designed as straight lines or curves.

Abstract: An image rotating apparatus presents a projected video image upon a rear projection screen that is rotated extremely rapidly about a vertical axis which exactly bisects the picture in the vertical plane. The rotational rate is such that an entire audience, regardless of their position about the apparatus, can view the projected video image simultaneously. The video image rotating apparatus utilizes light valve technology to create red, green and blue images from an analog composite video signal, and a Phillips prism that aligns the images produced by the light valves for projection through an optical system. The image produced by the light valves is rotated, either mechanically or electronically, in synchronization with rotation of the projection screen.

Abstract: In an automated process for folding and unfolding a lift truck fork in response to movement of a carriage relative to a supporting mast, the lift truck fork is pivotally supported on the carriage such that under normal conditions a fork tine extends outwardly generally perpendicularly from the carriage. A latch is provided which is connected to the mast and is capable of selectively engaging the lift truck fork. When the carriage is at or near the bottom of the mast, the latch may be selectively caused to engage the lift truck fork. With the latch so engaged, raising of the carriage causes the fork tine to pivot until it lies generally parallel to the carriage. Subsequent lowering of the carriage then causes the fork tine to pivot back to its unfolded position wherein it extends generally perpendicularly from the carriage. The latch is biased to normally remain out of engagement with the lift truck fork so that once the carriage is lowered, the latch disengages from the lift truck fork.