Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for provisioning a wireless-capable device for a wireless network. In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless-capable device, e.g., a thermostat, generally includes provisioning component(s) configured to receive from, and without a wired connection to, a wireless user device at least a network profile for provisioning the wireless-capable device for a wireless network. The provisioning components have no capability to receive the network profile through the wireless network. The provisioning component(s) are further configured to provide information for provisioning control of the wireless-capable device to a user account accessible through the wireless network.

Abstract: A food waste disposer includes a food conveying section, a motor section and a grind and discharge section. The grind section includes a grind mechanism having a stationary grind ring and a rotatable shredder plate assembly that rotates within the stationary grind ring to grind food waste. The rotatable shredder plate assembly is rotated by a motor of the motor section. The rotatable shredder plate assembly includes a rotatable shredder plate having a plurality of stamped metal swivel lugs fastened thereon. Each lug includes a base and a face member at a radially outer end extending vertically upward from the base. The face member includes a grind face that bends radially inwardly with a rounded leading vertical outer edge. The base of each lug has a leading edge with a sharp lower edge.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods for power stealing for a wireless-enabled thermostat. In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless-enabled thermostat generally includes a control having a wireless network interface that intermittently connects the thermostat in a wireless network in accordance with a duty cycle, the duty cycle having a connect time in which the thermostat is connected in the wireless network and a sleep time in which the thermostat is not connected in the wireless network. A power stealing circuit of the thermostat steals power through an “on-mode” load of a climate control system to charge a capacitor or other energy storage device to provide the power for the wireless network interface. The control adjusts at least the sleep time in accordance with a time for charging the capacitor or other energy storage device to a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a controller for controlling the thermostat, a battery supplying power for the thermostat, and a wireless transceiver for receiving control information from a remote device and for transmitting information to the remote device. The controller sets a default time schedule for enabling the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: Various thermostat embodiment are provided that includes at least a first sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and at least a second sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the humidity within the space. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least first and second sensors, for controlling the thermostat's operation. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature of the space is above a temperature set-point or when the sensed humidity level is above the humidity set-point. The controller is further configured to operate in a second mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature is below a set-back temperature set-point, or when the sensed humidity is above a set-back humidity set-point.

Abstract: A dry food waste disposal system has a food waste disposer having a grind and discharge section having a grind mechanism having a stationary grind ring and a rotatable shredder plate rotated by a motor. The dry food waste disposal system also includes a storage tank that includes a sensor that senses how full the storage tank is, a discharge line coupling a discharge outlet of the food waste disposer to the storage tank, and a controller that disables the food waste disposer off in response to the sensor sensing that the storage tank is full.

Abstract: Applicants have created vacuum systems and apparatuses for cooling a vacuum device. The apparatus can include a cooling device adapted to couple with a vacuum device, at least one cooling device air inlet, and a cooling device outlet. The air flows from the air inlets to the air outlet and combines with air disposed within the vacuum device. The system can include the cooling device, a vacuum housing, and a vacuum interface such that air flowing from the air inlets to the outlet flows from the vacuum interface to the vacuum housing biased with a negative pressure area. As a result, the air originating from the air inlets cools the air disposed within the vacuum housing upon mixing and the vacuum device cools, thus increasing the vacuum device's performance. Furthermore, heat transfer from the vacuum device to an operator reduces, thus improving the productivity and comfort of the operator.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A heat-pump circuit may include an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor adapted to circulate a working fluid between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, and an expansion device disposed between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. A monitor for the heat-pump system may include a return-air temperature sensor, a supply-air temperature sensor, and a processor. The return-air temperature sensor may be adapted to measure a first air temperature of air upstream of the indoor heat exchanger. The supply-air temperature sensor may be adapted to measure a second air temperature of air downstream of the indoor heat exchanger. The processor may be in communication with the return-air temperature sensor and the supply-air temperature sensor. The processor may be programmed to determine a working-fluid-charge condition of the heat-pump system based on the first and second air temperatures.

Abstract: A thermostat for use in a climate control system has a power stealing circuit that provides power from a voltage supply through a load of the climate control system when the load is in an “off” mode. The power stealing circuit has a current limiting circuit that provides a maximum level of instantaneous current predetermined to be a threshold beyond which the load is switched to an “on” mode.

Abstract: Assemblies for HVAC systems and methods of operating HVAC systems are disclosed, including a method of operating an HVAC system having a compressor assembly and a condenser assembly. The compressor assembly includes a compressor having a compressor motor that is susceptible to backspinning and capable of generating electric power when backspinning. The condenser assembly includes a condenser motor operatively coupled to a fan. The condenser assembly is electrically coupled to the compressor assembly. The method includes using the condenser motor as an electric load to dissipate electric power generated by the compressor motor when the compressor motor backspins.

Abstract: A hermetic terminal assembly includes a terminal body and terminal pins extending through the terminal body. The terminal pins each have a first end configured for connection to a power source disposed outside of a hermetic compressor and a second end configured for direct connection to motor windings disposed within hermetic compressor.

Abstract: A faucet for a hot water dispenser has a valve metal body made of a metal having a thermal conductivity of 50 W/mK. A tube extends through a passage in the valve body and is coupled to a hot water line that extends into a hot water tank of the hot water dispenser and to a discharge outlet coupled to a discharge line that extends through a discharge spout. There is an air gap between a surface of the valve body surrounding the passage and the tube. The tube in conjunction with the air gap reduces heat transfer from the hot water flowing through the tube to the valve body. In an aspect, the tube is a plastic tube. In a variation, there is no air gap between the plastic tube and the valve body.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of devices for measuring voltage of a power supply. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of detection devices and temperature controllers comprising such devices for measuring voltage of a power supply. In exemplary embodiments, a device for measuring the voltage of a power supply generally includes a resistor, a capacitor, and a control unit. One end of the capacitor is connected with the resistor, while the other end of the capacitor is connected to ground. The control unit is connected with the power supply. The control unit includes a comparator connected with the capacitor, a reference power supply connected with the comparator, a timer, and a computing unit.

Abstract: A system and method includes a database storing faults, each fault having an indicator corresponding to whether the associated fault is designated for self-maintenance. A monitoring system is in communication with the database and monitors operating parameters of an HVAC system at a customer location, detects or predicts a fault in the HVAC system, determines whether the fault is designated for self-maintenance, and communicates an alert corresponding to the fault to a customer device. When the alert received by the customer device indicates that the fault in the HVAC system is designated for self-maintenance, the customer device displays an identification of a replacement component associated with maintenance for the fault and a first interface to receive at least one of a first selection for a contractor to deliver the replacement component and a second selection for purchasing the replacement component through a commercial retailer.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a one-piece collar-tube for a valve assembly. Also disclosed are valve assemblies that include a one-piece collar-tube. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a method generally includes integrally forming a collar portion and a tube portion for a valve assembly from a non-magnetic material as a single piece having a monolothic construction.

Abstract: A system and method for a contractor locator and dispatch service is provided. A customer device is associated with an HVAC system at a customer location. Contractor devices are each associated with a contractor at a contractor location and stores contractor information including contractor location data corresponding to the contractor location and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor. A server receives a service request for the HVAC system from the customer device and contractor information from each of the contractor devices. The server applies selection criteria to the received contractor information and determines potential contractors for the service request based on the selection criteria.

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: An apparatus for monitoring a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes an indoor unit monitor module electrically connected to a current sensor and first and second refrigerant temperature sensors. The current sensor generates a first current signal based on aggregate current consumed by components of an indoor unit of the HVAC system. The refrigerant temperature sensors generate first and second refrigerant temperature signals, respectively, based on measured temperatures of refrigerant circulating within the HVAC system. The indoor unit monitor module receives, from a secondary monitoring module, a second current signal based on aggregate current consumed by components of an outdoor unit of the HVAC system. The indoor unit monitor module transmits data to a remote server to assess whether a failure has occurred or is likely to occur in the components of the HVAC system. The data is based on the current signals and the refrigerant temperature signals.