Abstract: A redundant ignition control system and method for gas burning appliances is provided. The system utilizes a main processor and a supervisory processor to provide the redundant, fail safe operation of both the pilot valve and the main gas valve of the appliance. Three switching elements under the control of the two processors, as well as the use of high pass filters to block DC from the gas control valves provide redundant, fail safe operation. The use of variable duty cycle or frequency pulse width modulated signals enables use in low power applications and ensures system safety. Inclusion of a gas valve verification sequence, ignition sequence, burner monitoring sequence, and heat shutdown and standby sequences ensures safe, low power operation during normal control, and fail safe operation upon the failure of any component of the system.

Abstract: A low voltage power supply circuit for intermittent pilot and/or direct spark ignition systems utilized in gas burning appliances is provided. The circuit utilizes a single transformer and a resonant circuit to supply power to both a flame sense circuit as well as the spark generation circuit. The resonant circuit allows the use of low power sources such as batteries or self-supplied voltage systems such as thermopiles or hydro generators. Recognizing that power draw from the low power source is high during a sparking event and recharging of a sparking capacitor, the flame sensing is suspended during the sparking event and for a short recharge time thereafter.

Abstract: A supervisory system and method for monitoring multiple flow rate fluid distribution systems and for determining the presence of a failure therein are provided. The system monitors the flow of fluid through the distribution system with a single flow meter, determines the flow rate at which fluid is flowing, and accumulates at that rate a water flow control value. If the accumulated water flow value exceeds a predetermined threshold, further flow of fluid in the system will be disabled. To take account of the multiple flow rates capable through the distribution system, the accumulated water flow value will decremented at the immediately preceding increment rate.

Abstract: A solenoid for a pilot operated water valve having reduced copper and increased thermal efficiency is provided. The solenoid utilizes smaller gauge copper wire for the coil, and reconfigures the coil to a shorter, fatter mechanical design than prior solenoids. Despite the focus of reducing material cost, the pole frame of the solenoid utilizes thicker material than the prior pole frame. This thicker material aids in the thermal performance of the solenoid. A pilot operated valve utilizing such a reduced copper solenoid is also provided.

Abstract: A motor driven appliance timer utilizing a cam program disk and snap action switches is provided. The motor may be externally energized, or may be energized based on integrated electronics within the appliance timer. Rotation of the program disk by a user to allow selection of a desired appliance cycle is accommodated by a clutch subassembly that allows bidirectional rotation of the program disk without requiring that the user pull or push the control shaft before rotating the program disk. The timer of the present invention may utilize either impulse or constant drive mechanisms to rotate the program disk. The use of snap action switches minimizes the possibility of tack weld failures due to switch teasing.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a level of a fluid and detecting water in a storage container is provided. The apparatus comprises a signal-based fluid level measurement apparatus and a water detection device. The signal-based fluid level measurement apparatus has a first multistatic probe conveying a first signal and a second multistatic probe conveying a second signal. The first and second multistatic probes are electrically coupled by a float-coupler. The signal-based fluid level measurement apparatus determines the level of the fluid in the storage container based at least in part on a time delay between the first and second signals. The water detection device is operably coupled to the fluid level measurement apparatus. The water detection device monitors at least one of conduction and a dielectric constant between exposed ends of the first and second multistatic probes. As such, a presence of the water in the storage tank is detected.

Abstract: An appliance having an input device, a control, a motor, and an analog display is provided. The input device is employed to input a set point temperature. The control is operably coupled to the input device and receives the set point temperature from the input device. The motor is operably coupled to the control and receives instructions from the control based on the set point temperature. The analog display is operably coupled to the motor. The analog display is driven by the motor to temporarily display the set point temperature and then to display a current temperature as the current temperature increases toward the set point temperature.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe cellular tank level monitor for use with consumer LP storage tanks is provided. The cellular monitor is adapted to read the LP storage tank gauge and transmit the level information through a cellular network to a data center. The data center may be part of or may communicate with a fuel delivery service company serving the residential consumer. The cellular monitor is a smart device that allows two-way communication over the cellular network. Control logic within the cellular monitor controls transmission of data to the data center as well as the determination and transmission of alarm conditions as determined by the local cellular monitor.

Abstract: A defrost heater relay control circuit having reduced power consumption during a de-energized mode of operation is provided. The relay drive circuit utilizes a series connected capacitor to introduce a phase shift in the AC current waveform such that the amount of real power dissipated in the circuit during periods when the defrost heater control relay is de-energized is greatly reduced. This effectively shorts out the relay drive voltage without generating heat due to real power dissipation through the switched circuitry that disables the relay.

Abstract: Methods of determining the likelihood of the existence of a dry fire condition in a hot water heater without requiring energization of any of the heating elements are presented. Such methods utilize only the sensor inputs required for normal operation of the hot water heater. Such sensory inputs are characterized in a process of fuzzification to enable the utilization of fuzzy logic rules to determine the likelihood of a dry fire condition before any energization of a heating element occurs. Alternatively, the sensory inputs are assigned logical values and are processed using Boolean logic to determine if a dry fire condition exists, prior to the energization of any electrical heating element within the hot water heater. Upon the determination that a dry fire condition is likely, the controller may perform a soft or hard lockout, may allow reset(s), and may provide an indication to the user of the condition.

Abstract: Upon detection of a high carbon monoxide condition, an intelligent thermostat regulates operation of appliances that have sources of combustion which could be the source of or may exacerbate the high carbon monoxide condition. This hazardous condition is detected by a detector and communicated to the intelligent thermostat by wired or wireless communications. The intelligent thermostat then communicates with these appliances either via wired or wireless communications. The intelligent thermostat may also operate a ventilation system to flush the environment with fresh air to minimize or eliminate the hazardous condition. External and internal temperature sensors allow coordinated operation of the ventilating and heating systems to flush the environment with fresh air without causing a freezing condition to exist within the environment.

Abstract: A system for monitoring parameters related to a product in a storage tank is provided. The system includes a monitor operably coupled to the storage tank, an internet protocol (IP) enabled electronic device, and an internet protocol enabled controller. The controller is in communication with the monitor and the electronic device. The controller and the electronic device communicate through an internet regarding information observed by the monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a level of a fluid and detecting water in a storage container is provided. The apparatus comprises a signal-based fluid level measurement apparatus and a water detection device. The signal-based fluid level measurement apparatus has a first multistatic probe conveying a first signal and a second multistatic probe conveying a second signal. The first and second multistatic probes are electrically coupled by a float-coupler. The signal-based fluid level measurement apparatus determines the level of the fluid in the storage container based at least in part on a time delay between the first and second signals. The water detection device is operably coupled to the fluid level measurement apparatus. The water detection device monitors at least one of conduction and a dielectric constant between exposed ends of the first and second multistatic probes. As such, a presence of the water in the storage tank is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a level of a liquid in a tank is provided. The apparatus comprises a probe and electronics. The probe passes into the tank and is immersed in the liquid. The probe includes a fiducial in spaced relation with a distal end. The electronics are operably coupled to the probe. The electronics include a signal generator propagating a signal along the probe and a signal receiver receiving the signal propagated along the probe. The electronics determine a velocity of propagation and/or an amount of time for the signal to travel between the fiducial and the distal end. The level of the liquid in the tank is then determined using the velocity of propagation and/or amount of time.

Abstract: A system and method of flow rate compensation is provided to allow precise volume dispensing over widely varied and varying input process media pressure and flow conditions. This system utilizes empirical data of actual flow rate versus flow rate measured by a flow meter to characterize flow meter non-linearities. This data is used to generate a compensation control curve. The system controller receives flow data from a flow meter in the field and calculates pulse duration of the output of the flow meter. The compensation control curve is then used to determine the volume of process media flowing at any given time. This instantaneous volume information is added to an accumulator to determine the volume of process media dispensed. This volume is compared to a target volume. Once this target volume is reached, the flow of process media is stopped.

Abstract: A gas cook-top with glass (capacitive) touch controls and automatic burner re-ignition is provided. The gas cook-top utilizes a variable flow gas control valve that is driven by an electronic controller whose user interface provides a glass capacitive touch interface. Various electronic features including safety lockouts and burner re-ignition are provided, as is relational control of the burner flame. As a user moves their finger along a flame adjust indicator, the electronic control positions the variable flow gas valve to control the flame height of the burner to correspond to the relative position along the indicator selected by the user.

Abstract: A method of detecting and attempting to correct a relay tack weld failure of its contacts is presented. This method senses the failure of a relay's contacts to open once it has been commanded to trip. This sensing may directly sense relay conditions, or may indirectly determine the failure by sensing a system parameter that shows the effects of the failure. Once the failure of the relay to open has been determined, the relay is again energized in an attempt to break loose the relay tack weld. If the relay fails to open after this first attempt, the relay may again be repulsed. Preferably a relay check timer is utilized to ensure that the system has stabilized before a repulse is attempted. A relay pulse timer may be used to control the pulse duration during these attempts. The number of attempts may also be limited.

Abstract: An electronic gas control apparatus including a variable flow valve, an igniter, a flame sensor, and an electronic controller is provided. The valve has a flow range that equals or exceeds a required flow range for any one of the types of gas suitably combusted by the burner. The electronic controller is operably coupled to each of the valve, the igniter, and the sensor. The electronic controller is configured to activate the igniter, to receive a flame status signal from the sensor, and to recognize a position of the valve when the flame status signal indicates a flame at the burner. As such, the electronic controller is calibrated for the gas, line-pressure, jet and burner configuration being used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for simultaneously changing multiple liquid level settings in a liquid-level switch including a diaphragm actuated pressure switch apparatus having a first and a second switch, through use of an actuator apparatus including a single control knob shaft rotatably connected to the pressure switch apparatus and having a first and a second cam fixedly attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, the first cam being operatively connected to provide a biasing force against actuation of the first switch, and the second cam being operatively connected to provide a biasing force against actuation of the second switch.

Abstract: An electrical coil assembly utilizing a bimetallic two-piece terminal construction and a method of manufacturing same are provided. The inner terminal structure utilizes a material that aids in the touchless attachment of the fine gauge magnetic wire to the inner terminal structure. The low mass of the inner terminal structure allows for increased winding speeds during the manufacturing process. The outer terminal structure utilizes a material that provides good corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. The inner and outer terminal structures are electrically attached after the winding and electrical attachment process of the fine gauge magnetic wire. The coil and two-piece terminal connectors may then be encapsulated to provide a final electrical coil assembly.