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: 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: An apparatus for regulating flow of fluid received from a fluid source has an inner cylinder with inlet and outlet apertures, and an outer cylinder that also has inlet and outlet apertures. The inner cylinder is nested within the outer cylinder and rotatable with respect to the outer cylinder to control an amount of registration of the outlet apertures of the inner and outer cylinders to regulate flow of fluid through the apparatus. A motor is coupled to the inner cylinder by an axially symmetrical motor output shaft and mating recess of the inner cylinder, with crush ribs to eliminate axial play. The motor mounting arrangement is configured to mount the motor to the outer cylinder such that the motor floats within the motor mounting arrangement.

Abstract: A unit is attached to a refrigeration appliance, such as a freezer, or refrigerator, to alert the user of a sensed condition within the appliance that food spoilage may occur. The unit can monitor temperature within the compartment and determine how long until food spoilage occurs. The unit also can alert a user, monitoring service, or call a repairperson. The unit may be retrofit into existing appliances.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending a gas feedline through a vapor barrier enclosure simplifies and reduces the costs associated with manufacture and installation while establishing a seal between the vapor barrier and the feedline.

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 novel shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator which responds to changes in ambient temperature. The actuator is capable of operating bidirectionally over a smaller temperature range than conventional SMA actuators by taking advantage of the R-phase characteristics of the SMA material. A coiled SMA spring 14 is provided with an enabled R-phase by limiting recoverable strain in the SMA material to less than about 1 percent. The force of the SMA spring 14 is counteracted by a non-SMA spring 15. The stronger of the two springs 14, 15 controls the position of an actuating element 13, with SMA spring 14 being the stronger spring while in its austenitic phase and being the weaker spring while in its R-phase. Triggering the actuator with entry into the R-phase rather than the martensitic phase during cooling reduces the hysteresis normally associated with an SMA actuator, allowing the actuator to react bidirectionally to smaller changes in ambient temperature.

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: 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 water heating system in which the output water temperature is regulated by a mixing valve which allows the temperature of the water contained within the water heater to be maintained at a much higher temperature without compromising safety. Significantly more hot water is therefore available for use yet the maximum temperature supplied to the various points of usage are within the safe limits. The system can be additionally configured to supply unmixed hot water to points of usage where a higher temperature is needed and a user is not exposed to the water such as for example in a dishwasher.

Abstract: An actuator is provided for controlling temperatures in a multiple compartment device wherein the actuator includes a housing and a linear oscillator disposed within the housing. The linear oscillator is coupled with an integral push rod, wherein the linear oscillator is adapted to reciprocably move the push rod along its longitudinal axis. In addition, the actuator includes a holder including a rigid member and a pin aperture. The sliding member has a knob on one end and first clip connector at an other end, the sliding member having a range of motion limited by the rigid member. The push rod has a second clip connector coupled to the first clip connector. A lever arm has a first end and a second end, the first end including a protruding member and the second end including a lever arm aperture and a lever arm pin. The knob is pivotably engaged with the lever arm aperture and the lever arm pin is pivotably engaged with the pin aperture. The protruding member is adapted to pivotably couple with the damper.

Abstract: A rotary damper assembly for controlling the flow of a fluid includes inner and outer hollow cylinders, each having one or more side wall apertures, the inner cylinder being nested within the outer cylinder in a manner to permit relative axial rotation of the cylinders about a common longitudinal axis, the inner cylinder receiving the fluid flow at an axial inlet, and the flow of fluid through the assembly being proportional to the degree of alignment of the cylinder apertures.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for facillating simultaneous level-monitoring and filling of a vessel through a single vessel aperture. The adapter also reduces backflow that may occur during the filling process. The adapter comprises an aperture engagement end which is adapted to couple with the aperture of a vessel. The adapter also includes a plurality of inlets, pathways and outlets. A first pathway is substantially straight and is adapted to receive a level-monitoring devices easily couple with this first pathway. The adapter also comprises a second pathway which is free from fluid communication with the other pathway. This discrete second pathway is used for filling the vessel with minimal fluid backflow. This discrete second pathway also protects the level-monitoring device from possible damage.

Abstract: A bellows valve assembly installed in a fluid pathway includes a valve body, a bellows housing positioned adjacent the valve body, and a valve actuator. The valve body is equipped with an inlet, an outlet, a valve bore positioned between the inlet and the outlet, and a valve seat disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve closure element having a sealing surface is positioned in the valve bore and is engageable with the valve seat to restrict fluid flow through the valve bore. The valve closure element also has a valve stem that extends from the valve bore through the bellows housing. The valve stem has a lower portion characterized by a first average diameter and an upper portion characterized by a second average diameter that is at least 25% smaller than the first average diameter. The actuator is engageable with the upper portion of the valve stem to move the sealing surface relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: A motor start circuit for A-C electric motors. A microprocessor-based circuit is used to detect the phase shift that occurs in the motor current as the motor goes from the initial locked-rotor state to the running state. This circuit applies current to a motor `start` winding when the motor is first switched on, but turns off the start winding when the motor achieves sufficient running speed, as indicated by the shift in phase of the current in the motor's `run` winding. For bi-directional motors with two start windings, the microprocessor can apply current to either start winding.

Abstract: A quick change pilot assembly (10) includes a pilot mounting plate (13) for securing the assembly to an appliance. A hood mounting plate (7) is detachable from the pilot mounting plate. A pilot hood (6) has at one end a flange (12) carried in an aperture of the hood mounting plate. A compressible member (3) has a central aperture and is disposed between the pilot mounting plate and the hood mounting plate. The compressible member is disposed to allow fuel to flow therethrough. An outer sleeve (11) and fitting receiving member (9) are sealingly affixed to the pilot mounting plate at a distal end thereof through an aperture in the pilot mounting plate, the circular compressible member, and the hood mounting plate aperture to the pilot hood. A lock sleeve assembly (2) is disposed within the outer sleeve and fitting receiving member. At one end, the lock sleeve assembly abuts and engages the compressible member central aperture. The lock sleeve also carries an orifice member (1).

Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.

Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.

Abstract: A fuel control system, parts therefor, and methods of making are provided. The fuel control system includes a fuel control valve unit (FCU) and a fuel conduit having an end secured in a fuel outlet opening in a housing of the fuel control valve unit. The end of the conduit is disposed in a certain desired axial position in the fuel outlet opening relative to the housing, the housing has a movable part. In a first position of the movable part, the end of the conduit can be axially moved from a position outside the housing to the certain desired axial position. In a second position, the movable part cooperates with a securing device on the end of the conduit to secure the end in the certain desired axial position thereof.