Abstract: A tank monitoring apparatus, having an externally protruding antenna, has the externally protruding antenna to a monitor housing with a liquid-tight compression fitting which provides a fluid-tight seal between the antenna and the housing.

Abstract: A flow through solenoid valve comprises a housing, a coil encircling the housing, and a hollow plunger slidably positioned in the housing. The housing has an inlet, a seat, and an outlet. The hollow plunger has a fixed segment and a poppet segment. The poppet segment includes a poppet conduit and is slideable within the housing. The spring encircles the poppet segment and biases the poppet segment toward the seat. The solenoid valve is energized to disengage the poppet segment from the seat. When the poppet and the seat are disengaged, a gas is permitted to flow through the hollow plunger. The solenoid valve is de-energized to engage the poppet segment and the seat. When the poppet and the seat are engaged, the gas is prevented from flowing out of the outlet.

Abstract: A diagnostic circuit is provided. The diagnostic circuit comprises resistors and a capacitor. The diagnostic circuit is monitored to detect the presence of a load and to confirm the proper operation of a relay circuit. The diagnostic circuit generates an oscillating voltage when the relay circuit is open and the load is connected, generates a logic low when the relay circuit is open and the load is disconnected, and generates a logic high when the relay circuit is closed. The diagnostic circuit can be disposed within a diagnostic circuit system that includes one or more of a sensing circuit, a relay circuit, an alternating-current source having a direct current offset, an input circuit, and a high-voltage microprocessor. The high-voltage microprocessor can be bi-directionally optically coupled to an application microprocessor.

Abstract: A damper in a refrigeration system having a first compartment and a second compartment connectable through a passageway is provided. The damper comprises a damper door, a temperature responsive unit, and a heating element. The damper door is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The temperature responsive unit is operatively coupled to the damper door. The heating element is coupled to one end of the temperature responsive unit to conductively heat the temperature responsive unit when activated. The temperature responsive unit expands to move the damper door to the open position in response to conductive heating from the heating element.

Abstract: A bi-directional tamper resistant temperature adjustment controller interface comprises a control dial having an interior face wherein a cylindrical center boss extends therefrom, said cylindrical center boss having a substantially annular cross section, and a central axial bore adapted to receive a rotatable control member and an exterior side wall of the boss has formed therein a first and a second ring of inline recessed notches adapted for resistively engaging a deflecting member. In one embodiment of the invention the first and second ring of inline recessed notches are a first and second ring of directional serrations wherein the first ring of serrations are angularly directed in a first direction to resist rotation of the dial in one direction of rotation and the second ring of serrations are angularly directed in a second direction to resist rotation of the dial in an opposing direction of rotation.

Abstract: A fluid valve has a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. A fluid flow path extends between the inlet port and the outlet port. A valve member is located in the housing in the fluid flow path. The valve member is moveable among a series of positions. The valve member and the housing have a plurality of apertures arranged such that a varied selection of the apertures is in the fluid flow path according to the indexed position of the valve member. In at least one indexed position of the valve member no apertures are in the flow path.

Abstract: An adjustment interface for adjusting a controller teaches a novel apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of a heating device comprising a controller cover panel having a rotatable controller dial; a ring member mounted to axially extend beyond and away from the exterior surface, wherein the ring member has projections radially extending from an exterior perimeter of the ring member; and said rotatable controller is operatively connectable to a rotatable controller adjustment and said control dial operable to effect rotation of the rotatable adjustment member when said control dial is grasped and turned and said control dial having a deflection pin extending therefrom having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage the projections extending from the exterior perimeter of the ring member such that the deflection pin resistively engages the projections and flexes to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring a liquid level in a closed tank with a differential pressure sensor module disposed in a bottom portion of the tank, by routing a pressure reference tube extending from the pressure sensor module through the interior of the tank and attaching an opposite, open, vented end of the pressure reference tube to the tank at a point inside of the tank in an upper portion of the tank.

Abstract: A damper assembly that produces bi-directional damper door movement from a single-direction motor is provided. Bi-directional rotation of the damper door is enabled by a cam slot on an end of the damper door that is engaged by a motor-driven drive cam having a drive pin extending into the cam slot. As the single-direction motor collectively rotates the drive cam and the drive pin, the drive pin reciprocates within the cam slot. This causes sealing flanges and the damper from the damper door to alternatively engage under a positive pressure and disengage from one another as the damper door is rotated bi-directionally.

Abstract: A wireless tank level monitoring system is provided. The system includes a transmitter that is located in close proximity to the storage tank. The transmitter is coupled to a remote-ready tank level gauge, which provides a ratio-metric voltage output proportional to the liquid volume inside the tank. The transmitter periodically monitors the output from the level gauge and transmits the information to a base station located remotely from the storage tank. The base station displays the tank level numerically in percent full, graphically with a bar chart, or both. A conspicuous visual indication is provided by the base station when the tank level drops below a predetermined set point. In battery powered applications, the base station also reads and provides a visual indication of a low battery condition for both the transmitter and base station.

Abstract: A system and method manage delivery of energy from a distribution network to one or more sites. Each site has at least one device coupled to the distribution network. The at least one device controllably consumes energy. The system includes a node and a control system. The node is coupled to the at least one device for sensing and controlling energy delivered to the device. A control system is coupled to the node and distribution network for delivery to the node at least one characteristic of the distribution network. The node controls the supply of energy to the device as a function of the at least one characteristic.

Abstract: The distal end of a tube is operatively attached to a fluid port of a fluid element with a tamper-proof, non-releasable, push-in, quick connect apparatus having a flangeless collet, in such a manner that the flangeless collet cannot readily be moved with respect to the tube after the distal end of the tube is operatively attached to the port of the fluid element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for precluding backflow of fluid in a mixing valve, through use of a manifold of the mixing valve including a septum wall in an intermediate divided segment of an outlet conduit of the manifold.

Abstract: A regulator valve for managing a fluid in an appliance is provided. The regulator valve comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter, a pressure regulator, a solenoid valve, a mounting structure, and a locking tab depending from the mounting structure. The inlet and outlet utilize quick connect adaptors. The pressure regulator maintains the fluid in the housing within a desired pressure range and the solenoid valve alternatively permits and prevents expulsion of the fluid from the outlet. The twist mount is inserted through a twist mount aperture on, e.g., a drinking fountain and rotated until a portion of the twist mount engages with a portion of the drinking fountain and the locking tab rests in a tab aperture on the drinking fountain. Therefore, the regulator valve is secured to the drinking fountain and can clean, regulate, and manage the fluid.

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: A damper assembly that produces bi-directional damper door movement from a single-direction motor is provided. Bi-directional rotation of the damper door is enabled by a cam slot on an end of the damper door that is engaged by a motor-driven drive cam having a drive pin extending into the cam slot. As the single-direction motor collectively rotates the drive cam and the drive pin, the drive pin reciprocates within the cam slot. This causes sealing flanges and the damper from the damper door to alternatively engage under a positive pressure and disengage from one another as the damper door is rotated bi-directionally.

Abstract: An insulative, high temperature receptacle is provided. Preferably the receptacle is made from ceramic using a ceramic injection molding (CIM) or dry press operation. Such an operation allows for a single piece ceramic receptacle body to include features for assembly to be integrated into the single piece. Conductive electrical terminals may then be inserted to complete the assembly. The receptacle body includes a mounting interface that allows the receptacle to be mounted in, for example, an appliance. Since ceramic is non-conductive, a standard inexpensive two-wire temperature probe may be utilized for applications in a cooking appliance. The ceramic body includes a groove to receive a male connector portion, and the electrical terminals are biased to provide a secure electrical and mechanical contact during operation. A terminal separation structure is also provided to ensure electrical isolation between the electrical terminals thereof.

Abstract: An adaptive defrost control method and device for controlling a damper door during a defrost cycle is provided. Before entering the defrost cycle, the adaptive defrost control logic determines if the damper door is open. If the damper door is open, the defrost cycle is suspended until the door is closed. If the damper door is closed, the adaptive defrost control logic activates a barrier between the damper door motor and a power supply so that the damper door may not be opened during the defrost cycle. After the defrost cycle is completed, the adaptive defrost control logic removes the barrier between the damper door motor and a power supply. The damper door may then be opened and closed as necessary. Accordingly, warm moist air from the defrost cycle does not enter the fresh food compartment.

Abstract: A damper assembly for use in a refrigeration system having a temperature adjustable compartment is presented. The damper assembly comprises a housing and a damper door assembly rotatable therein. The housing includes a flange that cooperates with a semicircular flange of the damper door assembly to form two air flow channels in the housing. When the damper door is open, chilled air from the freezer compartment is allowed to circulate through the damper assembly and through the compartment to provide a quick chill mode of operation. The damper door is also rotatable to a closed position that allows air to circulate within the damper assembly and the compartment. A heater may be included to provide a quick defrost mode of operation.

Abstract: A system and method for refrigeration timer control having an energy efficient defrost cycle are provided. The system and method provide a delay time after the refrigeration cycle and prior to the defrost cycle. During this delay period the evaporator fan may run. The fan circulation and the heat from the fan coil provide a pre-warm cycle to the evaporator prior to the defrost cycle. To further enhance energy efficiency, the system and method may also provide a pre-refrigeration cycle after the defrost cycle. During this pre-refrigeration cycle only the compressor is energized. This prevents warm moist air from being circulated until the evaporator coils are cooled.