Abstract: A temperature regulating control system for an oven of a cooking apparatus and methods of making and operating the same are provided, the system having a circuit for interconnecting a power source to a load of the apparatus in a regulated manner so as to tend to provide a selected temperature output of the load for the oven, the circuit comprising a microcomputer, external components, and a voltage regulator for providing a regulated voltage from the power source for operating the microcomputer so that the microcomputer can operate the external components, the circuit having a temperature sensing unit to sense the ambient temperature of a portion of the circuit and provide a warning signal to the microcomputer that a first high ambient temperature has been sensed so that the microcomputer can shut down the external components of the system in a controlled manner before a second higher ambient temperature is sensed by the temperature sensing unit.

Abstract: A control system for a microwave oven having a magnetron unit and method of making the same are provided, the system being adapted to interconnect a power source to the magnetron unit to operate the same, the system comprising a display control module, a power module, and an electrical circuit interconnecting the modules together, each module comprising a microprocessor.

Abstract: A control device and methods of making and operating the same are provided, the control device comprising a microcomputer unit, a relay unit having a coil and contacts that are operated to one condition thereof when a direct current flows through the coil, the relay unit having a certain voltage rating, a power supply unit for being interconnected to a high voltage alternating current power supply that has a certain frequency, and a circuit operatively interconnecting the units together, the power supply unit comprising a transformerless capacitor arrangement for creating a low voltage direct current source from the power source to power the microcomputer unit and the coil, the power supply unit comprising an arrangement for creating from the transformerless capacitor arrangement a first low voltage direct current for powering the microcomputer unit and a second low voltage direct current for powering the coil of the relay unit whereby the first low voltage direct current and the second low voltage direct cur

Abstract: A pressure regulating unit for providing two different controlled pressures includes a block made of a single piece of metal and having a mounting structure integrally provided thereon and a gas flow passage provided therein. A first regulator has a gas inlet communicating with a source of high-pressure gas having varying pressure and communicating with the gas flow passage. The first regulator is a step-down regulator for supplying a substantially constant pressure gas to second and third pressure regulators, enabling the second and third pressure regulators to be fixed at a predetermined, unmonitored pressure. At least the second and third regulators are supported on the mounting structure, and at least the second regulator has a gas inlet communicating with the flow passage. The second and third regulators provide the two pressures.

Abstract: A fuel control system, parts therefor and methods of making and operating the same are provided, the fuel control system comprising an ignition unit for igniting fuel issuing from a burner, and a flame detecting unit for detecting flame at the burner, the flame detecting unit comprising a sensing device for receiving an electrical signal caused by flame rectification at the burner, and an output device for cycling the signal to the sensing device in an on and off manner in each cycle of operation of the output device, the control system having a modulating unit for modulating the on time and the off time of the output device in each cycle of operation thereof.

Abstract: A control circuit for a stove, cooktop or oven utilizing at least one electrical radiant heating element. The circuit effectively compares a controlled voltage and internally generated saw-tooth voltage wave to control the percent power to the radiant element. Also included is a slow start feature to minimize power surge when first energizing the element.

Abstract: A measuring and control circuit for measuring the voltage of an alternating current source and controlling the operations of an associated load. A memory associated with the microprocessor is programmed to provide information representative of voltage levels associated with various modes of operation associated with the load. Tested levels are compared with programmed voltage levels to determine needed load control.

Abstract: A method for determining the time to begin and end a defrosting cycle of an evaporator included within a refrigeration system. Decisions as to initiate and terminate defrosting operations are predicated on information about the external temperature of the system and measuring differences in the rate of change of temperature drop between non-iced and iced conditions.

Abstract: A method for determining ambient air temperature outside of an appliance by making measurements inside the appliance. By measuring the time it takes a sensor to change inside the appliance from one temperature reading to another reading, the ambient temperature changes can be determined. Using this information, appliance performance can be optimized.

Abstract: A temperature regulating control unit and method of making the same are provided, the unit comprising a RTD temperature sensor, a unit for applying electrical signals to the sensor, and a microcomputer for receiving digital signals from the sensor in relation to the temperature being sensed by the sensor, the unit for applying electrical signals to the sensor applying a varying voltage to the sensor.

Abstract: A fuel control system, a control device therefor and methods of making and operating the same are provided, the fuel control system comprising a source of fuel a burner unit, an electrically operated valve unit adapted to be opened to interconnect the source of fuel to the burner unit when the valve unit is energized, the valve unit having a coil, an electrical power source having a value sufficient for opening the valve unit when operatively interconnected to the coil to energize the coil, a control device for operatively interconnecting the power source to the coil when the control device determines that fuel should be directed to the burner unit, the control device being so constructed and arranged that the control device is adapted to operatively interconnect the power source to the coil without the use of relay contacts between the power source and the coil.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat for use with cooking ovens that may include oven cleaning features. An analog comparator is utilized to compare reference voltage with voltage representative temperature changes sensed within the oven, to control the oven heating element.

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly comprising a valve housing defining a chamber and first and second spaced apart flow openings enabling flow through the chamber, a valve seat surrounding one opening, a valving member comprising a valving element positioned for engagement with the valve seat and a stem element fixed to and projecting from the valving element, the valving element movable between an open position spaced from the valve seat for enabling fluid flow through the housing and a closed position engaged with the valve seat, a solenoid assembly comprising an armature movable with respect to the valving member and the valve housing, the solenoid having an energized condition wherein the armature is subjected to an electromagnetic force and a de-energized condition, a spring system reacting between the housing and the valving member and coacting with the solenoid assembly to control positioning of the valving member, and anti-adhesion structure operative to shed material bridging the valve seat and the valving memb

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of air inside two compartments of a refrigerator or similar appliance utilizing a single temperature sensor and the known air temperature external of the appliance. Based on knowledge of the temperature relationship between both compartments, the appliance performance is optimized based on outside temperatures. As a result of this process, the compartment without a sensor functions with increased temperature control accuracy.

Abstract: A printed circuit board arrangement and method of making the same are provided, the printed circuit board arrangement comprising a first printed circuit board having a component carrying side and an opposite printed circuit side, a second printed circuit board having a component carrying side and an opposite printed circuit side, and securing structure securing the second printed circuit board to the first printed circuit board, the securing structure comprising a plurality of conductive jumper wires each having a generally L-shaped configuration and having opposite ends one of which is secured to the printed circuit side of the second printed circuit board and the other of which is secured to the printed circuit side of the first printed circuit board.

Abstract: A control device and method of making the same are provided, the control device having a plurality of electrical switch units carried by a support, a bracket structure carried by the support and having a plurality openings passing therethrough and being respectively aligned with the switch units, a cover carried by the bracket structure and having a plurality of finger movable areas respectively covering the openings, and a plurality of plungers disposed in the openings, the plungers each having been initially integral and one-piece with the bracket structure and having been separated therefrom to freely float relative to the bracket structure between its respective movable area of the cover and its respective switch unit.

Abstract: A valve for combining exhaust gas from an engine combustion chamber with engine intake gases. The valve includes a valve body having a gas inlet and a gas outlet connected by a throughpassage. A flow control member supported by the valve body regulates flow through the valve body throughpassage. A magnetic drive is supported for movement with respect to the valve body and coupled to the flow control member to regulate flow in the throughpassage. An electronically actuated field-generating solenoid moves the magnetic drive member to control flow through the valve body. The solenoid and a sensor for monitoring a position of the magnetic drive are supported within a plastic molded housing. The plastic housing also partially encapsulates a pole piece that forms a magnetic circuit in combination with the magnetic drive.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus, a latching construction therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the latching construction comprising a frame carrying a movable latch member and a drive unit operatively interconnected to the latch member to move the latch member between the latching and unlatching positions thereof, the drive unit comprising a cylinder having opposite ends and a movable piston extending from one of the opposite ends and being operatively interconnected to the latch member, the drive unit having an actuator to extend the piston so as to be adapted to move the latch member from its non-latching position thereof to its latching position thereof when the actuator is first actuated for a door locking operation thereof, the drive unit having a rotatable cam operatively interconnected to the piston and to the latch member so as to be adapted to permit the piston to be retracted after the latch member has been moved to the latching position thereof by the first actuation of the actuating unit while

Abstract: A control device and method of making the same are provided, the control device comprising two generally flat and rectangular circuit boards each having a component carrying side and an opposite solder side, each circuit board having a peripheral edge, and mounting structure holding the two circuit boards in spaced apart generally parallel relation with certain sides thereof facing each other, the mounting structure comprising a bracket unit generally engaging and encircling the peripheral edges of the two circuit boards so as to generally close the space between the two circuit boards around generally the entire peripheral edges thereof.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a first condition for blocking system fluid flow when system fluid pressure differential across the valve assembly is in a given range above a predetermined pressure differential and a second condition for permitting system fluid flow in one direction when system fluid pressure differential across the valve assembly is greater than the predetermined pressure. The valve comprises a valve housing, a valving member within the housing, a solenoid assembly, first and second springs for exerting force on the valving member and a solenoid energizing circuit. The valve housing defines a fluid flow inlet, a fluid flow outlet and supports a valve seat between the inlet and outlet. The valving member comprises a valving element positioned for engagement with the valve seat and a stem element fixed to and projecting from the valving element.