Abstract: A clamping device for mounting a base module on a DIN rail is disclosed. The clamping device includes a clamp base, actuator screws, push plates, clamping hooks, and springs. The clamp base is having a planar portion and side walls. The side walls of the clamp base is provided with serrations that indent into DIN rail flange. Further, the planar portion is provided with an aperture for affixing the clamp base to the base module. The pair of actuator screws rotate and pass through the planar portion of the clamp base for facilitating movement thereof with respect to the clamp base. Each push plate is secured to a corresponding actuator screw and is adapted to be either in lifted or seated configuration based on movement of the actuator screw. Each clamping hook includes a first end supported by corresponding push plate and second end movable between engaged disengaged configuration.

Abstract: A clamping device for mounting a base module on a DIN rail is disclosed. The clamping device includes a clamp base, actuator screws, push plates, clamping hooks, and springs. The clamp base is having a planar portion and side walls. The side walls of the clamp base is provided with serrations that indent into DIN rail flange. Further, the planar portion is provided with an aperture for affixing the clamp base to the base module. The pair of actuator screws rotate and pass through the planar portion of the clamp base for facilitating movement thereof with respect to the clamp base. Each push plate is secured to a corresponding actuator screw and is adapted to be either in lifted or seated configuration based on movement of the actuator screw. Each clamping hook includes a first end supported by corresponding push plate and second end movable between engaged disengaged configuration.

Abstract: System, methods, and computer-readable storage media that may be used to detect excitation faults for electrical devices, such as generators and/or condensers, connected in a parallel configuration are provided. A method includes determining a change in a terminal voltage of one of the electrical devices with respect to a steady state terminal voltage. The method further includes determining a change in a reactive power of the electrical device with respect to a steady state reactive power. The method further includes determining whether an excitation fault condition exists based on the determined changes in terminal voltage and reactive power.

Abstract: An optical interface using indicator lights is provided for an appliance having a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) by mounting the indicator lights behind a VFD. In a VFD having a dark background, apertures are formed in the VFD so the indicator lights are enabled for optical communication through the VFD. Preferably, the apertures are formed in the dark layer covering a glass substrate in the VFD so the dark layer helps absorb reflected light that may cause optical noise in the light signals being communicated. Each aperture may be located equidistantly from a group of four pixels in the VFD.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a controller for controlling operation of an appliance, an indicator light coupled to the controller to provide a visible indication of an operator selection in response to the controller energizing the indicator light, and a driver coupled to the controller and the indicator light so that the controller may communicate data through the indicator light by controlling the driver. The indicator light may be a light emitting diode or a segment of an alphanumeric display of an appliance control panel. A detector LED may also be coupled to the controller so the controller may receive data from an external device that communicates by flashing light on the detector LED. A terminal for communicating with the appliance may include a detector LED and a conductor that couples the detector LED to a diagnostic tool. The detector LED may receive data from an optical transmitter of the appliance control panel.

Abstract: A method and device for making ice is disclosed. The icemaker assembly comprises an ice tray and an ice ejector. The ice tray has at least (i) a first ice forming compartment defining a first space, and (ii) a second ice forming compartment defining a second space. The ice ejector is positionable at a first position and a second position. The ice ejector has at least (i) a first ejector member, and (ii) a second ejector member. When the ice ejector is positioned at the first position, (i) the first ejector member is positioned in the first space and in contact with a first quantity of water, (ii) the second ejector member is positioned in the second space and in contact with a second quantity of water, and (iii) the first quantity of water is positioned in fluid communication with the second quantity of water.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a water inlet connectable to a water source. A dishwasher element is operable on water received through the inlet. A flow sensor is in fluid communication with the inlet and is operable to generate a control signal indicative of water flow through the inlet. A control apparatus is connected between the dishwasher element and the flow sensor and is operable to inhibit operation of the dishwasher element in response to the control signal.

Abstract: An appliance controller includes a control knob assembly and detection mechanism having various mechanical and electrical components that are configured to detect the position of the knob assembly and produce a position signal indicative of the knob assembly position. The position signal is provided to the appliance controller that produces a control signal in response thereto. The control signal is used to initiate various appliance functions based on the specific position of the knob assembly. In one form, the detection mechanism includes a variable resistor assembly that is comprised of a wiper and resistor pad arrangement. In another form, the detection mechanism includes a shaft encoder mechanism that is comprised of a light transmitter and receiver, and an associated apertured disc secured to the knob assembly.

Abstract: A modular assembly for an electromagnetic machine is disclosed. The modular assembly includes a rotor assembly and a flux controlling assembly. The rotor assembly has a shaft and has a plurality of rotor laminations mounted on the shaft. The rotor laminations define at least four salient rotor poles. At least one permanent magnet is embedded in each of at least two of the salient rotor poles. The flux assembly has a stationary coil disposing about the shaft for controlling flux of the disclosed machine. The flux assembly also has a cage supported on the rotor assembly for transferring flux between the at least two salient rotor poles with embedded magnets and the coil. In one embodiment, a support member is mounted on the shaft and supports the cage thereon. In another embodiment, a support member is connected between the cage and the at least two rotor poles with embedded magnets.

Abstract: A control shaft and knob assembly includes a control knob having a slot defined therein. The assembly also includes a control shaft which (i) has a bore extending therethrough, (ii) includes a spring arm which is positionable within the slot of the control knob, and (iii) has an opening defined therein. The assembly further includes a locking pin having a first retention member secured thereto. The locking pin is positionable in the bore of the control shaft. When the locking pin is positioned in the bore of the control shaft (i) the locking pin is positioned to inhibit inward deflection of the spring arm, and (ii) the first retention member is received into the opening of the control shaft. A method of securing a control knob to a control shaft of an appliance timer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a rotating electromagnetic machine. The rotating machine, such as a permanent magnet motor or switched reluctance motor, includes a stator having a plurality of phase windings and a rotor that rotates relative to the stator. A drive is connected to the phase windings for energizing the windings. The control system includes an estimator connectable to the machine for receiving signals representing the phase winding voltage and rotor position. The estimator outputs parameter estimations for an electrical model of the machine based on the received voltage and rotor position. A torque model receives the parameter estimations from the estimator to estimate torque for associated rotor position-phase current combinations of the machine. A controller outputs a control signal to the drive in response to a torque demand and rotor position signals and the torque model.

Abstract: A Coriolis mass flow sensor includes a flow tube, a light source positioned adjacent a first side of the flow tube and a light detector positioned adjacent a second side of the flow tube. A drive device is operatively situated relative to the flow tube for vibrating the flow tube, such that the flow tube moves through a path defined between the light source and the light detector. In other aspects of the invention, a Coriolis mass flow sensor includes a flow tube and a frame having the flow tube mounted thereon. A drive device is operatively situated relative to the frame for vibrating the frame and at least one pick off sensor is situated relative to the flow tube so as to measure the twist in the flow tube due to Coriolis force. Other aspects of the invention concern a straight-tube Coriolis mass flow sensor. A flexible flow tube defines a generally linear flow path.

Abstract: A baffle for a food waste disposer to reduce noise is disclosed. The baffle has a diaphragm that allows solid and liquid waste to pass through the diaphragm, and accordingly does not substantially affect the normal operation of the disposer. However, because the baffle covers the central opening in the conventional mounting gasket of the prior art, a direct path from the grinding mechanism in the disposer to the sink is blocked, thus muffling the noise coming from the grinding mechanism. Additionally, the disclosed baffles are preferably, but not necessarily, designed so as to create a water dam on their surface by impeding the flow of water from the sink faucet in a way to create a pool of water. The disclosed baffles may be installed in the drain opening of a sink above the conventional mounting gasket, although other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various configurations of discharge valves for humidifier water containers are disclosed herein. Among other things, the present invention provides simple and economical discharge valves that may be constructed in one piece using an elastic material such as silicone rubber. One configuration includes a valve body and stopper with an elastic rib integrally formed with the valve body and the stopper having adequate length to maintain the stopper in a closed position absent external forces. Another configuration uses a flexible barrier is integrally formed with a valve body. The barrier has a slit through its thickness, and is sufficiently resilient to prevent liquid flow through the slit under the weight of water inside the container. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the valve has a flexible member defining a base and a generally cylindrical sidewall that has at least one opening therethrough.

Abstract: A deep well submersible pump has a pump housing containing an electric motor. The motor is radially spaced from the pump housing interior surface defining an annular channel through the pump housing from an inlet opening to an outlet opening of the housing. The motor is mounted on a cowling that has an exterior surface. A plurality of deswirler blades extend between the pump housing interior surface and the cowling exterior surface. As the deswirler blades extend through the housing interior, a spacing between the-cowling exterior surface and the housing interior surface expands radially. The cowling exterior surface and the pump housing interior surface define an annular liquid flow path that is first directed radially outward from the inlet opening and then curves around the cowling and is directed axially through the deswirler blades to the annular channel between the motor and the pump housing interior surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a wall anchor having a novel finger configuration. This wall anchor has a head and barrel portion with a bore extending therethrough and laterally expandable fingers in general alignment with the bore. Instead of a straight channel, a channel having curved portions separates the fingers. The curved portions of the channel define ramp surfaces that at least partially extend into the path of a securing member created by the bore. Thus, when a securing member, such as a bolt, pin, screw, nail or similar object is inserted into the bore to secure the wall anchor to the wall, the securing member contacts the two ramp surfaces, separating the fingers. As the fingers separate, a portion of the fingers near the ramp surfaces deform such that the ramp surfaces rest on an outer portion of the securing member, thus providing a securing force for connecting the wall anchor to the wall and relieving stress on the area at which the fingers are connected to the barrel.

Abstract: A sliding drawer system, containing two opposite facing slide members, two drawer glides, and a sliding drawer or wire basket. Each slide member contains a longitudinal interior channel running substantially the length of the slide member. The drawer contains an outer rim that engages and slides across a dome located at a front end of each slide member. The two drawer glides are attached to the drawer along the along the drawer's outer rim for slidable engagement with the longitudinal interior channel of the slide members. The apparatus contains features designed to reduce friction between the sliding parts so as to ease the inward and outward sliding of the drawer and to increase its effective life.

Abstract: A switching apparatus and electromechanical latching system includes an elastomeric button with independently movable electrically conducting spring plates mounted to the button. The button includes a button cap including a relatively high durometer material and button walls including a relatively low durometer button material, such that the button walls collapse and the button cap generally maintains its shape when pressure is applied to the button cap. Each spring plate includes a plurality of cantilever springs. When the button is depressed, the cantilever springs of the spring plates come in contact with electrical tracks to complete a circuit. The completion of the circuit causes a signal to be sent to a vehicle computer, which signals a motor to release the automotive vehicle door latch.

Abstract: A multi-use floor tool, with which the same nozzle can be used in both dry and wet vacuum operation, and which allows for both wet and dry cleaning attachments to be easily attached and removed is disclosed. One such cleaning attachment for dry operation is a bristle brush which, when attached to the nozzle, is able to rotate, such that debris is collected with both the push and pull cleaning motions and such that for each motion, air flows primarily through the side of the nozzle at which debris is being gathered. The attachment for wet operation is a squeegee, which is rigidly attached to the nozzle having an insert which reduces the area of air flow into the nozzle and thereby increases the effectiveness of wet cleaning. This design increases the effectiveness of both wet and dry operation, and allows the operator to effectively clean in both wet and dry conditions while using the same nozzle.