Abstract: Rooms in a building each have a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC), a room control unit having a temperature controller, and various sensors. The control unit monitors the presence of persons in the room, determines the season, sets back the temperature in an empty room by a variable amount which the HVAC can restore in a given time, and restores the temperature to the previous user request when the user returns but to a standard temperature if the user has newly checked in. An outside hallway panel briefly displays, when interrogated by a maid, a person's presence. By monitoring maid requests, door status and maid activity, the unit indicates on a room map whether the room is being cleaned, clean, or ready to rent. By establishing the heat loss/gain (l/g) factor of a room with the HVAC off and comparing it with the time to heat or cool the room, HVAC failures are determined. By comparing a room's l/g factor with those of its neighbors, room environment failures are determined.

Abstract: A rotary servo valve includes a valve body having a longitudinal bore therethrough. A sleeve fits into the bore. The wall of the sleeve is perforated by two groups of port openings, each group includes a plurality of sets of radially-disposed ports. In each group, the central longitudinal axis of one set of ports is radially displaced from the central longitudinal axis of one other set of ports by a preselected angular displacement. At least a third set of ports in one group is in continuous fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid; at least a third set of ports in the other group in continuous fluid communication with a return sump. A hollow rotary control member consists of two internal chambers. Each chamber includes a number of sets of apertures that are radially disposed around the walls of the chambers, spaced-apart by a preselected angular separation.

Abstract: A multiple-valve system is transiently electromagnetically actuated by a single electrical winding, for concurrent change of state for each of the multiple valves, and a permanently magnetized portion of involved magnetic circuitry serves to latch both valves in the operative state into which they have been actuated. The preferred embodiment is based on valve-body structure which is a unitary consolidation of plural slabs of magnetic material in alternation with slabs of non-magnetic material. An electromagnetic actuator includes a U-shaped core having pole faces secured to the uppermost slab, in confronting relation with valve members of magnetic material. A first polarized magnetic-latch circuit exists via the U-shaped core, together with the valve members and a magnetized body slab when in valve-open condition. A second polarized magnetic-latch circuit exists via the magnetized slab, the valve members and another magnetic slab, when the system is in valve-closed condition.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission provides a continuous range of reduced output speeds in a coaxial relationship about a common central axis within a surrounding cylindrical housing. The input shaft speed is increased through a planetary transmission having a sun gear fixed to a variable eccentric shaft. The eccentric shaft is surrounded by an orbiter and spaced anchor and drive vanes, which are interconnected by a plurality of anchor and drive vanes. Output speed is varied by change of the degree of eccentricity, using a worm gear drive interposed between inner and outer eccentrics within the eccentric shaft. control is achieved through shift rings that rotate a worm in response to external cable tension.

Abstract: A boiler sequencer system having a microprocessor based controller which allows the firing rate for multiple boilers to be increased or decreased with a proportional output integrated with the process variable rate of recovery that is desired, preventing unnecessary rapid advancements to high fire even when a boiler is started with a high off-set of the process variable from its set point. The controller automatically overrides this proportionate control when the process variable rises above a predetermined maximum or falls below a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: An electro-magnetically actuated twin-valve system wherein the respective valves are series-connected within a single housing and in a single generally axial line of fluid flow from an upstream or inlet end to a downstream or outlet end, and wherein an annular electrical winding is operative to concurrently operate both valves for a like change of state in each valve. A generally toroidal configuration of magnetic-core elements is provided by generally cylindrical housing structure which includes annular end-closure elements and wherein the core path is completed by magnetic armature and pole-face features. The annular winding is magnetically coupled to the armatures and is contained within the generally toroidal configuration of magnetic-core elements. Separate springs axially preload the armatures in their valve-closed direction of engagement with annular valve-seat formations along the path of flow.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a method of making a valve body for a magnetically actuated twin-valve system, wherein the valve body comprises a body block of three relatively thick slabs vertically bonded to each other and to the consolidated height of their combined thicknesses, the first and lower most slab being of non-magnetic material, the second and intermediate slab being of magnetic material, and the third and uppermost slab being of non-magnetic material; the method comprises the steps of (a) inertia-welding said slabs to each other; and (b) machining first and second spaced valve-member guide bores through said second and third slabs and through at least a portion of said first slab, with a valve-seat opening at the otherwise closed lower end of each bore of said first slab and with independent lateral-access inlet-port communication with the respective bores in said first slab.

Abstract: An absorption cell of the type used to measure gas concentrations by pressure fluctuations of the concentrated gas in an IR radiation field, wherein the IR radiation through the field is affected by the pressurized gas fluctuations to thereby provide an electrical measurement of gas concentration. The sensitivity, linearity and accuracy of the measured gas concentration is improved by controlling the surface roughness of the interior walls of the measurement cell; the wall roughness is preferably controlled to between 15 and 70 microinches.

Abstract: An integrated throttle position validation sensor includes electrically independent throttle position and position validation components responsive to a single mechanical input applied to a protective sensor housing. By suitable mounting to the throttle control device, the mechanical input corresponds to accelerator pedal position. Within the sensor housing a potentiometer moves with the mechanical input whereby a variable voltage throttle position signal is generated. Also, within the housing a separate validation switch responsive to the mechanical input provides an independent representation of throttle control device position in the form of, for example, a bi-state validation signal. The sensor integrates previous separate throttle control position and position validation functions into a single environmentally secure housing which requires no calibration. The integrated sensor is more reliable and less costly than previously available separate throttle control and idle validation functions.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a lever to a sensor, e.g., a potentiometer for remote control of the throttle speed of a motor. The coupling includes a die cast housing wherein configured end cavities are interconnected by a through bore. One of the cavities is configured to have bosses that form rotative stops. A bushing is positioned in the through bore and the combination provides a sub-assembly. A second sub-assembly includes a shaft with a cross pin that is adapted to seat between the bosses with the shaft inserted into the bushing. With the shaft assembly seated, a retainer ring is placed on the opposite end of the shaft to cooperatively (cooperative with the cross pin) retain the shaft sub-assembly to the housing. A lever is attached to one end and the other end is connected to the sensor. The spaces between the bosses provide the desired rotative limits for the shaft to generate the range of throttle positions between full throttle and idle.

Abstract: A primary-secondary circuit hydraulic interface is disclosed for use in chilled water and hot water systems in which a suction manifold header is used to tie in the secondary return water, the primary supply water, and the suction side of the primary and secondary pumps. The hydraulic interface is installed within the suction manifold at the location where the secondary return water enters the suction manifold. The hydraulic interface allows the bypass water (which is excess primary supply water) and the secondary return water to easily enter the hydraulic interface into a downstream portion of the manifold through large openings and forces the two streams of water to collide together, thereby ensuring a turbulent mixing to take place. The hydraulic interface forces the mixed water to exit the hydraulic interface through much smaller openings into a downstream portion of the manifold, thereby ensuring that the bypass water and secondary return water are thoroughly blended together as they exit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling the disposition of an asset comprising the steps of transporting the asset from a customer facility to a disposition facility, receiving the asset at the disposition facility and creating a receipt record thereof, sorting the asset in accordance with a preselected method of disposition, and disposing of the asset in accordance with said preselected method of disposition; wherein the preselected method of disposition is one of a plurality of methods of disposition comprising: selling the asset on an as-is basis in the same condition that the asset was received at the disposition facility and creating a sale record thereof, refurbishing the asset in accordance with predetermined customer instructions and creating a refurbishment record thereof; dismantling the asset into an assembly of parts in accordance with predetermined customer instructions and creating a dismantle record thereof; dysfunctioning the asset in accordance with predetermined customer instructions and creati

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a security cable to a consumer article. The apparatus is a body having a cavity with an entry opening in communication with the cavity. Structure is provided for mounting the body to the wall of a consumer article in an operative position thereon wherein a wall on the consumer article to which the body is attached at least partially blocks the entry opening. With the inventive structure, a fitting on a security cable can be introduced into the body cavity with the body separated from a consumer article but is prohibited from being be removed from the body cavity with the body in its operative position on a consumer article.

Abstract: A surveillance camera system including a base plate, a truncated cone, a rotation ring spaced from the base of the truncated cone, a camera mounting assembly which readily mounts within the rotation ring, and a dome which rotates with the camera assembly and is easily engaged into position against spring-biased rollers. The system is a unique and novel combination of electrical and electromechanical components providing for ready access of all components in the event of servicing. The system will accept any suitable surveillance camera, and is readily adaptable with any surveillance camera of the appropriate size. An alternative embodiment illustrates a completely rotatable surveillance camera system which can be suspended from a standard.

Abstract: The safety switch assembly is designed to provide a switch assembly to a tool, such as a meat slicer, in order to prevent the operation of the tool without manually holding the secondary switch and the depression of a button. The assembly contains a control box having a ground fault interrupter/on-off switch, signal device a pneumatic switch power receptacle and a control circuit. A safety handle is installed on the tool and the handle has an actuation button and a safety button, which functions as a four way valve, installed in series, and connected to an air tube that connects the safety handle to the control box pneumatic air switch. The operation of the tool requires that power be supplied to the control box. When the individual depresses the safety and squeezes the button on the handle, the control box provides power to the tool itself.

Abstract: A ladder system is disposed between two spaced storage shelves. The ladder may move longitudinally along the shelves, and may also be moved laterally between the shelves. Further, the ladder may pivot about a lateral axis such that the ladder may be picked up over obstructions in an aisle between the shelves. In this way, one can quickly and easily position the ladder at any position along or between the two storage shelves for accessing items stored on the shelves. This ladder system is particularly useful in the crowded warehouse-type retail outlets which are now gaining popularity.

Abstract: A lock structure for use on an enclosure having first and second sections which are assembled and disassembled by a relative rectilinear telescopic sliding engagement including a first channel having a first web and a first pair of legs secured to the first section, a latch pivotally mounted on the first channel and being biased by a spring to a locking position, a second channel having a second web and a second pair of legs secured to the second section so that the first pair of legs fit between the second pair of legs when the first and second sections are being moved into assembled relationship, and an end on one of the second legs for functioning as a keeper for the latch when the first and second sections are in fully assembled relationship.

Abstract: An oven with a box-like housing for efficient use of plant floor space encases a spiral food product carrying conveyor. A process vapor is circulated within the housing by "plug fans" with the inlet drawing vapor from the central axial zone of the spiral conveyor and exhausting into plenums along the periphery of the conveyor. The plenums have nozzles oriented tangentially to the conveyor for projecting the process vapor in a non-radial path over the food products.