Abstract: An improved fireplace assembly is described having a folded sheet metal burner manifold divided into three regions, being an upper burner, a lower burner and an intermediate communicating riser. This single manifold chamber is provided with two separate gas inlets, each of which may deliver a different primary air to fuel mix suitable for use with an array of burner ports and an associated set of simulated logs to create different sizes and shapes of flames, or flame patterns. The flame patterns generate hot exhaust gases which heat portions of the simulated logs to glow. The burner ports used in the assembly to generate suitably attractive flame displays may include large or non-circular apertures or slots having local reinforcement to resist deformation of those apertures.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for storing and dispensing material, such as a beverage, in at least a partially frozen state. The apparatus includes a tank in which the material is stored under pressure and a manually operable valve for controlling the dispensing of material from the tank. The valve includes a generally cylindrical stem and seat. A distal end portion of the stem is tapered at an angle of about 15 degrees. When the valve is first opened, the tapered end portion gradually relieves the pressure buildup in the valve bore so that a sudden surge of material under pressure does not occur in the dispensing passageway to which the valve is connected. An upper edge of the seat acts as a scraper to remove particulate matter from the stem as the stem is moved into engagement with the seat when the valve is closed, thereby enhancing the fluid-tight seal between the stem and seat.

Abstract: A leg support apparatus is comprised of a pair of upper frames and a pair of lower frames pivotally connected at respective pivot joints. The upper frames are connected to a circumferentially adjustable cuff, which is adapted to be wrapped around the thigh of a user. The lower frames are attachable to the user's footwear. When the apparatus is being worn by the user, the upper frames are positioned on laterally opposed sides of the user's thigh and the lower frames are positioned on laterally opposed sides of the user's calf. When the user is in a sitting position with his leg flexed, the pivot joints are anteriorly positioned with respect to his knee joint. When the user extends his leg and puts weight on his footwear, the pivot joints are moved posteriorly, which moves the upper frames upwardly toward the cuff and tightens the cuff around the thigh to prevent the cuff from slipping.

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger (60) includes plural relatively flat conduits (62) adapted to accommodate passage of heat transfer fluid therethrough. Each conduit (62) has inlet and outlet openings, a supply channel (100) communicating with the corresponding inlet opening to direct heat transfer fluid flowing through the corresponding inlet opening into the corresponding conduit (62), a drain channel (102) communicating with the corresponding outlet opening to direct heat transfer fluid out of the corresponding conduit (62) through the corresponding outlet opening, and plural heat transfer channels (92) communicating between the supply and drain channels (100, 102) to direct heat transfer fluid therebetween in a generally transverse direction relative to respective major axes of the supply and drain channels (100, 102). The supply and drain channels (100, 102) each have a substantially greater length and cross-sectional area than the length and cross-sectional area of each heat transfer channel (92).

Abstract: An improved fireplace assembly is described having a sheet metal burner and an associated set of simulated logs to create different sizes and shapes of flames, or flame patterns. The flame patterns generate hot exhaust gases which heat portions of the simulated logs to glow. The glowing appearance of these portions is enhanced by the use of filaments, whether in strands or in mat form. The filaments are attached to, embedded in, or wound about the visible face of the simulated solid fuel element. When heated sufficiently the filaments glow. The burner ports used in the assembly to generate suitably attractive flame displays may include large or non circular apertures or slots having local reinforcement to resist deformation of those apertures.

Abstract: Apparatus for expelling air from a liquid storage tank, such as a hot water storage tank includes a bleed line coupled between a water circulating pump discharge conduit and a hot water discharge line emanating from tank 10. The bleed line is connected to the hot water discharge line at a location which is elevated with respect to a location where the bleed line is connected to the pump discharge conduit. The pump is operable to draw hot water from the top part of the tank and discharge it into a cold water fill line extending into the tank to enhance water circulation in the tank. Air and other gas released when water is heated in the top part of the tank are drawn from the top part of the tank and expelled via the bleed line, to prevent accumulation of air and other gas in the tank. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an elongated tubular member is inserted into the cold water fill line.

Abstract: Heat pump apparatus for heating liquid, such as water, includes a refrigerant circuit and a water circuit, a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger and an air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger operably disposed in heat exchange relationship with a air fluid stream of a systemically separate primary source of space conditioning. A compressor is provided for circulating the refrigerant between the two heat exchangers and a water pump is provided for circulating the water to be heated through the refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. A tank is also provided for storing the heated water. The tank has an electrically resistive heating element operably associated therewith. A control circuit is provided for normally enabling operation of the heat pump and disabling the heating element in response to a demand for liquid heating.

Abstract: An improved defrost controller is provided for a space cooling system of the type having an evaporator in heat exchange relationship with a space to be cooled, a condenser external to the space, a compressor for circulating heat transfer fluid between the evaporator and condenser, an expansion valve located between an outlet from the condenser and an inlet to the evaporator, and a defroster operatively associated with the evaporator. The expansion valve is positionable in a plurality of positions between a fully open position and a fully closed position to maintain a desired level of superheat across the evaporator. The defrost controller monitors the expansion valve position and activates the defroster in response to the expansion valve being in a more closed position than a predetermined defrost target position.

Abstract: A heat exchanger fin having enhanced corrugations is provided. The corrugations define a generally sinusoidal wave pattern in a transverse direction across the fin. The fin is particularly well-suited for use in a heat exchanger, such as an evaporator or condenser, in a refrigeration system where the spacing between adjacent fins tends to be greater than in an air conditioning system. For example, when the spacing between adjacent fins is in a range from about 2 to 8 fins per inch, the height of the corrugations is greater than the fin spacing. The greater corrugation height bends the air passing between adjacent fins to a greater extent than prior art corrugated fins, thereby causing a greater volume of air to follow the contours of the corrugations and to come into contact with the surfaces of the fins to enhance heat transfer between the air and the fins. Further, the airflow upstream of the fin collars is defined by a larger vortices than in prior art corrugated fins, which further improves heat transfer.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat is provided with multiple program options respecting particular days per week and particular periods in each day for which the temperature setpoint is discretely programmable. The user may select from among four program options. The first option allows the user to select the number of programmable periods per day and to enter the temperature setpoint for each selected period separately for each day of the week. The second option allows the user to select the number of programmable periods per day and the temperature setpoint for each selected period for the days Monday through Friday separately from the days Saturday and Sunday. Further, Saturday and Sunday are also separately programmable. The third option is the same as the second option, except that the program settings for Saturday and Sunday are the same. The fourth option corresponds to each day of the week having the same program settings.

Abstract: A load bearing truss includes generally parallel first and second chords and a plurality of V-shaped metal webs interconnecting the first and second chords. Respective portions of the first and second chords extend beyond the webs at each end of the truss. A first end connector interconnects the extension portions of the first and second chords at one end of the truss to define a first end section and a second end connector interconnects the extension portions of the first and second chords at an opposite end of the truss to define a second end section. For added reinforcement, the first end connector extends at least as far inwardly as the respective apex portions of the outermost webs which are proximate to the first end section and the second end connector extends at least as far inwardly as the respective apex portions of the outermost webs which are proximate to the second end section. The truss is lengthwise adjustable by trimming a selected one or both of the first and second end sections.

Abstract: An improved trimmable truss apparatus and method are disclosed, the truss having upper and lower plates centrally interconnected by diagonal web members, and each respective end providing a trimmable section comprising extended upper and lower chords creating an opening into which a separate trimmable insert section is inserted, such inserts made either as a separate wooden I-beam section, or as a glued laminated beam section. The associated nailing plates placed adjacent the last vertical member extend outwardly, ie. overlap, a substantial minimum distance onto the trimmable end section, whereby the truss end sections cannot be trimmed too closely to the last vertical member. The final diagonal web member at each respective end is placed in an upwardly-aligned positioned so as to be in tension.An alternative embodiment is disclosed in which the separate trimmable insert sections are formed from a glued laminated beam.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with an improved flat-tubed design is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes plural tubes of relatively flat cross-section in parallel array. Each tube is comprised of relatively flat first and second plates in facing contact. The first plate of each tube has a plurality of first grooves extending at a first oblique angle with respect to a major axis of the corresponding tube. The second plate of each tube has a plurality of second grooves extending at a second oblique angle with respect to the major axis of the corresponding tube, such that the first and second grooves define a cross-hatched pattern of channels to accommodate flow of heat transfer fluid through the corresponding tube. The first grooves are defined by corresponding first ridges on a first major surface of the first plate and the second grooves are defined by corresponding second ridges on a second major surface of the second plate.

Abstract: Improved frozen drink dispensing apparatus includes a container for storing a beverage under pressure in at least a partially frozen state, a normally closed dispensing valve mounted with the container and a manually operable lever for operating the dispensing valve. The dispensing valve has a longitudinal bore communicating with the interior of the container. A conduit depends from the dispensing valve for dispensing the beverage when the valve is in an open position by operation of the lever. A diffusion member is located in the conduit for diffusing the beverage material generally outwardly from a central longitudinal axis of the conduit and upwardly within the conduit, thereby substantially reducing the pressure under which the beverage is dispensed. The diffusion member has an internal chamber communicating with the valve bore and an interior bottom surface, which is sloped upwardly toward an inner wall of the diffusion member.

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger includes plural relatively flat conduits adapted to accommodate passage of heat transfer fluid therethrough. Each conduit has inlet and outlet openings, a supply channel communicating with the corresponding inlet opening to direct heat transfer fluid flowing through the corresponding inlet opening into the corresponding conduit, a drain channel communicating with the corresponding outlet opening to direct heat transfer fluid out of the corresponding conduit through the corresponding outlet opening, and plural heat transfer channels communicating between the supply and drain channels to direct heat transfer fluid therebetween in a generally transverse direction relative to respective major axes of the supply and drain channels. The supply and drain channels each have a substantially greater cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of each heat transfer channel.

Abstract: A circuit breaker mounting bracket is comprised of a generally upright support member, a base member extending generally perpendicularly from a bottom of the support member, a flange depending from a distal end of the base member at an angle less than 90.degree., and a brace member depending obliquely from the back of the support member. The flange is adapted to be secured to a support surface, such as a deck within an air conditioning or furnace cabinet. The brace member and the flange cooperate to maintain the bracket in a rigid, upright position within the cabinet. The bracket includes a din rail comprising two generally L-shaped flanges integrally formed with the support member, whereby one or more circuit breakers are mountable in a fixed position relative to the bracket. A C-shaped channel is formed on the support member between the L-shaped flanges for receiving two retaining members, which inhibit lateral movement of the circuit breaker(s) mounted on the bracket.

Abstract: A draft hood is provided for mating alignment with a fireplace assembly. The mating alignment is facilitated by the location of alignment hardware fixed to the rear surface of the fireplace and to the inside of the draft hood. In use the hardware permits alignment of the draft hood in a fireplace enclosure without the need to see the fitting, without the need for a long run-in slide, and without the need vertically to pivot the draft hood on installation or to pull the flue termination forward of the firebox flue before attachment. For this purpose an updraft detection warning spill tube may also function as one of the alignment fittings since it is, due to its function, located near or at the junction of the draft hood and fireplace.

Abstract: A furnace is adapted for operation in downflow, left horizontal flow and right horizontal flow positions. The furnace includes plural burners, a two-stage heat exchanger, a header box at the heat exchanger outlet for collecting products of combustion from the heat exchanger, and an inducer for inducing a flow of products of combustion through the heat exchanger. A condensate drain and trap are also provided for draining condensation from the header box and from an exhaust vent through which products of combustion are exhausted from the furnace. In accordance with one feature of the invention, a manifold is located inside the header box to divide the header box into first and second chambers. A pressure sensor senses differential fluid pressure between the first and second chambers for detecting a blocked condensate drain condition.

Abstract: An improved louvered fin heat exchanger having plural fins arranged in substantially parallel, closely spaced relation and a plurality of heat transfer tubes passing through aligned openings in the fins is disclosed. Each fin includes a plurality of first and second louvers which intersect a nominal plane of the fin at respective first and second angles such that the first louvers are in diverging relationship with the second louvers on one side of the fin and in converging relationship with the second louvers on an opposite side of the fin, thereby providing a bi-directional louver configuration. Each fin further includes a plurality of collars defining the respective fin openings. Each collar has a substantially cylindrical portion and two distinct base portions on one side of the fin which defines two distinct recesses on an opposite side of the fin.

Abstract: Article transport conveyors, particularly for the food and beverage processing industry are characterized by interconnected conveyor frame sections having two rectangular cross section tube or angle member longitudinal beams spaced apart from each other and connected by plural transverse channel-shaped beam members. The transverse beams are mounted above the longitudinal beam members and support longitudinal parallel guide and support rails for one or more endless conveyor flights. The transverse beams also support upstanding brackets for parallel longitudinal guide rails for guiding articles being conveyed by the conveyor flights and spaced apart depending brackets for supporting return runs of the conveyor flights on return run support rollers.