Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for limiting DC voltage. In an exemplary embodiment, a DC voltage limiting circuit generally includes a current supply portion configured to receive a voltage input signal and provide a voltage output signal. A protective portion of the circuit is configured to limit or halt, at least temporarily, operation of the current supply portion based on a magnitude of the voltage input signal. A voltage level control portion is configured to limit the voltage output signal to a predetermined voltage level. In some embodiments, the DC voltage limiting circuit is provided in a climate control system controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor and a motor and compressor comprising the rotor. The rotor comprises a rotor core defining an outer periphery, a bore concentric with a center of the rotor core, a plurality of magnet slots positioned on the outer periphery, and a plurality of oil holes located radially outward from the center between the bore and the magnet slots. Each oil hole includes a body portion and at least one projected portion. The projected portions are located radially outward from the body portions and positioned between the body portions and the magnet slots. The projected portions may increase the contact area of the compressor oil with the rotor core to effectively cool down the rotor core. Another advantage of the projected portions may be to further cool down the magnets in the magnet slots. Cooling the magnets may protect against their demagnetization.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is described that includes an elongated vacuum body, an optional battery-pack attached to the bottom end of the elongated vacuum body, and a removable backpack assembly with shoulder and waist straps attachable directly to the elongated vacuum body. The shape of the elongated vacuum body is such that the center of gravity of the body is shifted close to the body of the vacuum appliance user, allowing for greater freedom of movement during use. The vacuum appliance also includes exhaust air vents positioned to reduce the noise output of the vacuum appliance as perceived by the user during use.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, HVAC controls and corresponding error detection methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an HVAC control generally includes an analog input configured to receive an analog signal, and an error indicator. The control is configured to receive a neutral signal at the analog input, measure a voltage of the neutral signal with respect to earth ground, to operate the error indicator to provide a first indicator status indicative of a bad ground state if the voltage is between a first voltage threshold and a second voltage threshold, and to operate the error indicator to provide a second indicator status of a reverse polarity state if the voltage is above the second threshold. The HVAC control may include at least four different indicator statuses. The HVAC control may include a comparator.

Abstract: A multi-flow valve has an in-let/outlet plate (208) with at least two inlet openings (210, 212) and two outlet openings (214, 216). A fluid flow selector (206) has a fluid passage (228) therein. The fluid flow selector is rotatable with respect to the inlet/outlet plate among a closed position a first open position and a second open position. When in the first open position the fluid flow passage fluidly couples the first inlet to the first outlet and when in the second open position the fluid passage fluidly couples the second inlet to the second outlet. In an aspect, when the fluid flow selector is in the closed position the fluid flow passage fluidly couples the first outlet to the second outlet. In an aspect, the fluid flow passage is an offset arcuate channel.

Abstract: A food waste disposer system (300) has active noise control of food waste disposer noise that is generated by the food waste disposer (302) when a motor of the food waste disposer (302) is running. The food waste disposer (302) has a food conveying section that conveys food waste to a grinding section. The grinding section has a rotatable shredder plate that is rotated by a motor of a motor section. Active noise sound waves (310) are radiated into an area (313) where the food waste disposer noise is to be controlled at an amplitude and frequency to at least cancel or mask the food waste disposer noise.

Abstract: A controller for use in a climate control system includes a power stealing circuit connectible with a control of the climate control system and configured for stealing power via a signal from a power source through the control. An overcurrent limiting circuit is configured to limit a first portion of the signal to prevent a false call for operation of the control. The overcurrent limiting circuit is further configured not to limit a second portion of the signal to prevent a false call, where the control is configured to recognize only the first portion as determinative of whether the signal is a call for operation.

Abstract: A food waste collector system has a tank, a pump that recirculates water by pumping it from the tank through a spout that discharges into the top of the tank, and an overhead sprayer. The overhead sprayer has a nozzle fluidly coupled by a fresh water valve to a fresh water passage of a water line and by a recirculating water valve to a recirculating water passage of the water line. The overhead sprayer also has a valve handle disposed at the nozzle and coupled to the fresh water valve and the recirculating water valve.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of controls for heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning systems. In an exemplary embodiment, a control for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning system includes an alphanumeric display and one or more input device. A processor of the control is configured to receive a user input through the input device(s), and in response to the user input, reorient a display of a message relative to the alphanumeric display.

Abstract: A water heater includes a storage tank, a sensor configured to measure a temperature of water in the storage tank, a burner configured to heat the water in the storage tank, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and the burner. The controller is configured to initiate a call for heat when the measured temperature reaches a trigger temperature, wherein the trigger temperature is a differential amount less than a set-point temperature, calculate a reduced activation time when the call for heat results in a predetermined number of calls for heat occurring within a predetermined time period, and control the burner based on the reduced activation time.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly designed for use in a vehicle having a passenger compartment such as those with at least one row of seats and a cargo area. The vacuum cleaner assembly preferably includes a power head, a collection drum or other container, and a hose. The powerhead of the present invention is powered by the vehicle's electrical system and is preferably mounted between exterior body panels and interior compartment panels of the vehicle. For example, the power head may be mounted between the exterior body panels and the interior compartment panels adjacent to, but not in the cargo area.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building includes a monitoring device installed at the building, a monitoring server located remotely from the building, and a review server. The monitoring device measures an aggregate current supplied to components of the HVAC system and transmits current data based on the measured aggregate current. The monitoring server receives the transmitted current data and, based on the received current data, assesses whether failures have occurred in first and second components of the HVAC components. The monitoring server generates a first advisory in response to determining that the failure has occurred in the first component. The review server provides the first advisory to a technician for review and, in response to the technician verifying that the failure has occurred, transmits a first alert.

Abstract: A counter top food waste disposer in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a food conveying section, a motor section and a grind and discharge section disposed between the food conveying section and the motor section. In an aspect, the food waste disposer also includes a discharge area in which a container is removably receivable. When the container is received in the discharge area, during operation of the food waste disposer food waste is dischargeable from a discharge outlet of a discharge section into the container. In an aspect, a hose is removably receivable in the discharge area when the container is not present and food waste is discharged through the hose when it is received in the discharge area. In an aspect, the food waste disposer includes a water reservoir from which water can be introduced into the food waste disposer.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a residence includes a monitoring device installed at the residence and a server located remotely from the residence. The monitoring device measures an aggregate current supplied to a plurality of components of the HVAC system and transmits current data based on the measured aggregate current. The server receives the transmitted current data and, based on the received current, assesses whether a failure has occurred in a first component of the plurality of components of the HVAC system and assesses whether a failure has occurred in a second component of the plurality of components of the HVAC system.

Abstract: An indication system is provided and includes evaluation, messaging, and display modules and a display. The evaluation module generates a message based on a parameter of a compressor or a drive. The messaging module: generates a message based on the parameter; generates a string of glyphs based on the message; selects a predetermined number of glyphs in the string of glyphs; generates column data for the selected glyphs; and generates packets including the column data. The display module generates output signals based on the packets. The display includes an array of LEDs, does not include a transistor, and illuminates the LEDs based on the output signals. The display module is configured to generate the output signals to illuminate one or more of the LEDS in a column-by-column format, such that power is only provided to one column of the array of LEDs at any moment in time.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building is provided. The monitoring system includes a monitoring server and a monitoring client. The monitoring server is configured to receive an aggregate current value from a monitoring device, wherein the aggregate current value represents a total current flowing through the HVAC system, determine a commanded operating mode of the HVAC system in response to the aggregate current value, wherein operating modes of the HVAC system include at least one of an idle mode and an ON mode, and analyze a system condition of the HVAC system based on the determined commanded operating mode. The monitoring client is configured to command the monitoring server to execute validation testing based on data received from monitoring the HVAC system, display results of validation testing, display real-time system performance data, and display an alert during a system malfunction.