Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a gas controller to a water heater includes a shank that is longitudinally received in a spud attached to the water heater. O-rings serve to form a water tight seal between the interior surface of the spud and the exterior surface of the shank. Slots formed in the spud and a groove formed in the shank allow the two components to be axially locked to one another with the insertion of a retainer spring clip. The spring clip is readily removable to allow the two components to be separated without the destruction of any components.

Abstract: An automatic meter reader module is provided that is adapted to be retrofitted or installed in a new or existing utility meter. The module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) on which is mounted on-board circuitry and detection equipment configured to detect utility consumption metered by the utility meter. A transmission device operatively coupled to the PCB is configured to transmit data indicative of utility usage. The PCB is configured to mount within an inner cavity of the utility meter.

Abstract: A combination selector switch and infinite switch energy regulator provides a plurality of simmer voltages. An infinite switch energy regulator for adapting input voltage level to an average output voltage level is provided. This energy regulator has a rotatable shaft for adjusting the average output voltage level. An input voltage selector, such as an F switch, selects between a plurality of input voltages by actuation of a rotatable cam. The output of the input voltage selector is provided as an input to the infinite switch. The rotatable shaft is also operatively coupled to the rotatable cam and thus controls the input voltage selector as well as the infinite switch. The selective provision of two different voltage levels as an input to the infinite switch permits a plurality of simmer voltages when the unit is assembled in an electric range.

Abstract: A method of testing one or more cells and parameterising the results in order to obtain a characteristic curve/function from which cell discharge reserve time can be predicted from cell voltage. The test involves obtaining a plurality of data points representing the voltage of a cell as a function of charge remaining, and parameterising the data points to obtain a function representing cell voltage and charge remaining. The function allows charge remaining to be calculated from cell voltage. The invention also provides for a device for measuring capacity and predicting discharge reserve time of a cell, the device including a voltage and current measuring means adapted to measure the voltage and load current of a cell. The device also includes a timing means so that a number of voltage and current data points can be obtained with respect of time.

Abstract: A device for preventing the inadvertent rotation of a temperature selection dial associated with the temperature controller of a water heater. The device includes a spring-loaded prong that extends across the face of a rotatable dial so as to prevent rotation of thereof. The force required to pry the prong off of the dial is selected to be greater than what a small child is typically capable of exerting.

Abstract: A software plant process modeling system creates a process flowsheet model. The software system creates at least a first unit model as part of the process flowsheet model. The software system displays at least one equation in the first unit model. The software system permits a user to display at least one equation in the first unit model. The software system further permits the user to modify the first unit model. The software system generates an open-equation model to solve the process flowsheet. Thus, a user may interactively create, modify, and solve a process flowsheet model in open-form.

Abstract: A software plant process modeling system operates in multiple modes. The software system uses process unit models. A process unit model includes at least one equation and at least one variable. The software system sets a status of a variable in the unit model to a first state. The first state is associated with a first mode of operation. The software system then sets the status of the same variable in the unit model to a second state. The second state is associated with a second mode of operation. The software system generates an open-equation model in operating in multiple modes. The software system receives a modification to at least one process unit model. Thus, a user may create a single plant process model for operation in multiple modes.

Abstract: A valve positioner for adjusting the position of a valve is provided. The valve positioner includes a housing having a service cartridge port and a valve connector. The valve positioner also includes a removable service cartridge having a cartridge housing received in the service cartridge port. The cartridge housing contains electronics and electro-pneumatic components associated with the valve positioner. The cartridge housing is configured such that removal does not expose the electronics and the electro-pneumatic components to an external environment.

Abstract: A furnace diagnostic system includes sensors that monitor various functions of the furnace. Data generated by such sensors may be stored for subsequent transfer or may be transferred in real time via an infra red link to a remote handheld device with which an analysis thereof is performed. The handheld device additionally allows the technician to control various furnace functions to facilitate the generation of relevant real time data. In order to further enhance the system's diagnostics capabilities, the communication may be established with a centralized computing facility which includes a data base containing data relating to an entire population of similar furnaces.

Abstract: Electronic device operable by an user for regulating and controlling ambient parameters, such as ambient temperature, comprising a processing unit, a display device for displaying selectable control functions and setting parameters related to a set of desired ambient conditions and a selection/control unit for selecting by the user at least one control function or setting parameter from among a set of displayed control functions or setting parameters. The device comprises an interactive display of a dot matrix type able to display to a user variable indications comprising at least the specific control function associated with each of said selection/control unit according to the specific selection made by the user.

Abstract: A safety device for shutting off the flow of gas to a gas-fired appliance in the presence of flammable vapors. A flammable vapor sensor is inserted in the circuit supplying a solenoid actuated valve with power from a thermocouple. The sensor responds to the presence of a flammable vapor with an increase in resistance. When a critical concentration of flammable vapors is achieved, the voltage drop across the sensor causes the solenoid actuated valve to close.

Abstract: A safety device for shutting off the flow of gas to a gas-fired appliance in the presence of flammable vapors. The resistance of a variable resistance flammable vapor sensor is monitored by a microprocessor that controls the operation of a gas flow valve. When the measured resistance indicates the presence of a preselected concentration of flammable vapors, the gas flow valve is shut of and the ignition system cannot be energized.

Abstract: A digital flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, a driver connected to the conduit and operable to impart motion to the conduit, and a sensor connected to the conduit and operable to sense the motion of the conduit. A control and measurement system is connected between the driver and the sensor. The control and measurement system includes circuitry to receive a sensor signal from the sensor, generate a drive signal based on the sensor signal using digital signal processing, supply the drive signal to the driver, and generate a measurement of a property of material flowing through the conduit based on the signal from the sensor.

Abstract: An electrical device (20), in particular an energy regulator or infinite switch, comprises a body portion (22) with one or more electrical elements (33, D, B, C, 47) mounted thereto. The body portion (22) and the electrical element(s) (33, D, B, C, 47) mounted thereto define an assembly having a minimum dimension which is termed the “thickness” of the assembly. At least one terminal (25, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63) is also mounted to the body portion. The terminal has a mounting portion (27) and a contact portion (26) with the mounting portion (27) extending transversely to the thickness dimension to thereby result in a low-profile electrical device.

Abstract: An angular position sensor is couplable to an actuator for angular positional sensing of a shaft thereof. The sensor includes a base for mounting to the actuator. A diametrically magnetized permanent magnet ring is coupled to, and axially aligned with, the shaft. Further, a magnetic material cylindrical sleeve is coupled to the said base and disposed circumferentially around the magnet ring such that the sleeve is separated from said magnet ring by an air gap. A pair of diametrically opposing cylindrical segments are coupled to the sleeve by a circular support member and extend through the magnet ring. The cylindrical segments having a slot between them in which a hall effect transducer is disposed. The transducer senses the magnetic field flux of the magnet ring in the slot and thereby produces a signal indicative of the shaft's angular position.