Abstract: A quick disconnect pump assembly is disclosed. The pump assembly includes a housing with inlet and outlet ports, an elongate slot, and a retainer channel. A sliding lock moves within the slot between a locked position and an unlocked position. The sliding lock includes inlet and outlet port openings and a sliding lock retainer opening. The inlet and outlet port openings each engage and retain a removable fitting when the sliding lock is in the locked position, but do not engage or retain the removable fitting when the sliding lock is in the unlocked position. The pump assembly also includes a sliding lock retainer which passes through the sliding lock retainer opening to prevent removal of the sliding lock from the elongate slot. A fluid pump and a beverage dispenser utilizing the pump assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure and thermostatic relief valve for a pump housing is disclosed. The relief valve includes both a pressure relief valve mechanism and a thermostatic or temperature relief valve mechanism. A pump housing incorporating the pressure and thermostatic relief valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor that provides digital signal processing for transforming a magnetic field into a continuous linear output signal that corresponds to the level of liquid within a vessel that is being monitored. The invention uses 3D field sensors for decompensating unwanted interference caused by electric drives or the earth's magnetic field or other magnetic fields caused wires or magnets. The sensor can also be combined with 3D accelerometer to optimize compensation of unwanted interference. The accelerometer always provides the center of the earth so that an angle of deflection of the liquid versus the horizontal can be determined and correct any faulty measured value of the liquid level. The invention is highly robust yet is low cost to manufacture.

Abstract: A particulate feeding apparatus for applying particulate, such as super-absorbent materials, to a substrate, such as a fibrous web. A feeder tube for the powder and a rotary gate valve, including one or more holes is provided. This structure may then intermittently feed particulate to an eductor or venturi nozzle. The rotary valve provides an intermittent supply of particulate to a relatively low-pressure zone at the nozzle formed by the venturi action of the passing air stream and the particulate may be distributed precisely where desired. A process for delivering powder to a substrate in precise amounts and distribution patterns is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure differential indicator that eliminates the risk of providing a false positive due to fluid contamination. The invention has an electrically insulated barrier between the “hot” pin and the grounded housing without the need for a hermetic seal. The indicator can be manufactured at a greater efficiency and lower cost than is found with prior art pressure differential indicators. It has a piston that can be easily oriented to yield either a normally closed or normally open position. The indicator has at least one protrusion on a plastic overmold to engage the swage collar and resist axial rotation of the pin. A pressure seal interrupting the plastic overmold sections and exposing the underlying metal to allow for an O-ring seal with no potential leak path between plastic and metal. Finally, the pressure differential indicator has all moving components contained within a single cavity.

Abstract: A method of making a pump housing that is net-molded and immediately assumes its final shape and design specification without requiring more than de minimis secondary machining processes. The method utilizes molds and cores configured such that none of the fluid ports of the housing produced using the molds and cores have any intersecting geometry. The net-molded pump housing may also include a cross-tube insert providing flow communication between a fluid inlet port and a pressure relief port.

Abstract: A current detecting and switching apparatus that provides automatic coupling of internal components of an appliance to varying supply voltage sources to prevent components from operating at something other than their intended power rating. The switching apparatus provides automatic coupling to multi-rated internal components of the appliance instead of providing a voltage specific appliance pre-wiring of specific connections of a multi-voltage component.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fluid pump having a pump motor, a pump drive shaft and a vane pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a pump housing having fluid inlet and outlet ports. The pump assembly also includes a distal bearing member having first and second sides and a second side, a plurality of inlet orifices, and a cavity formed in the second side. A first cam ring, having an elliptical interior opening, is disposed within the pump housing adjacent the distal bearing member. A rotor is disposed within the opening in the first cam ring. This rotor has first and second sides, a cavity in the first side, and a plurality of radial slots for sliding vanes. The vane pump assembly also includes a second cam ring, having an elliptical shape, disposed in the cavities formed in the distal bearing member second side and the rotor first side.

Abstract: A pressure differential indicator that eliminates the risk of providing a false positive due to fluid contamination. The invention has an electrically insulated barrier between the “hot” pin and the grounded housing without the need for a hermetic seal. The indicator can be manufactured at a greater efficiency and lower cost than is found with prior art pressure differential indicators. It has a piston that can be easily oriented to yield either a normally closed or normally open position. The indicator has at least one protrusion on a plastic overmold to engage the swage collar and resist axial rotation of the pin. A pressure seal interrupting the plastic overmold sections and exposing the underlying metal to allow for an O-ring seal with no potential leak path between plastic and metal. Finally, the pressure differential indicator has all moving components contained within a single cavity.

Abstract: A method of making a pump housing that is net-molded and immediately assumes its final shape and design specification without requiring more than de minimis secondary machining processes. The method utilizes molds and cores configured such that none of the fluid ports of the housing produced using the molds and cores have any intersecting geometry.

Abstract: A particulate feeding apparatus for applying particulate, such as super-absorbent materials, to a substrate, such as a fibrous web. A feeder tube for the powder and a rotary gate valve, including one or more holes is provided. This structure may then intermittently feed particulate to an eductor or venturi nozzle. The rotary valve provides an intermittent supply of particulate to a relatively low-pressure zone at the nozzle formed by the venturi action of the passing air stream and the particulate may be distributed precisely where desired. A process for delivering powder to a substrate in precise amounts and distribution patterns is also disclosed.

Abstract: A commercial toaster apparatus having a “quick start” feature that nearly instantly changes from a “stand-by” mode to a “toasting” mode. The “quick start” mode is provided by changing the circuitry of some of the quartz heating elements from a series configuration to a parallel one wherein a higher voltage can be applied for a controlled amount of time to regulate the quartz heaters without adversely affecting the life span of the heating elements. Temperature probes are used to adjust the duty cycle of the apparatus to enable a uniform toast color as the cavity chamber temperature of the toaster changes over time. A sensor is also provided that determines when a last product is placed on the conveyer and the duty cycle has been completed such that the unit will automatically switch to a “stand-by” mode, thus reducing the energy requirements of the toaster.

Abstract: A high output bent fin type of fan wheel for use in appliances such as but not limited to microwave ovens. The fan wheel is made by single 90-degree bends for each fan blade relative to the flat mounting plate. Unique to fan wheel is the large fan blade surface area in relation to the total area of the metal used in wheel.

Abstract: A heating transfer method and apparatus that has a fixed physical obstruction placed in the air path causing the airflow to cause the airflow to shed into alternating patterns. A column is placed perpendicular to the airflow path to provide an obstruction to the airflow. The cross-section of the column can be round, square or another multi-sided design. The obstruction will affect the velocity and intensity at which the shedding occurs thus, causing motion of the jets to deliver a more uniform cook on the product surface.

Abstract: A current detecting and switching apparatus that provides automatic coupling of internal components of an appliance to varying supply voltage sources to prevent components from operating at something other than their intended power rating. The switching apparatus provides automatic coupling to multi-rated internal components of the appliance instead of providing a voltage specific appliance pre-wiring of specific connections of a multi-voltage component.

Abstract: A door switch apparatus for a microwave oven that disables the microwave system while not requiring any separate “fingers” or tongs on the door face to reach into the main body of the oven to activate a switch. The switch uses stackable switches activated by a single switch lever. The switch lever is preferably made from a solid piece of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMV to keep the accuracy of the angular dimensions between the surfaces contacting the door hinge arm and the arm of switch to remain fixed.

Abstract: A mode stirrer apparatus that enables a more effective heating pattern in the food that is to be cooked. Two mode stirrers located in opposite walls of the oven. Each mode stirrer is independently driven by a small gear motor that causes the mode stirrer to rotate in only one direction. The result of this mounting configuration is that the mode stirrers rotate in a counter-rotating fashion in relation to the food being cooked. The mode stirrer in this invention has a combination of radiating slots (which behave like a rod shaped dipole antenna) and large areas of angled/displaced metal.

Abstract: A roller grill bearing assembly that can be adapted to fit on any size roller grill or roller tubes. The bearing assembly substantially increases the bearing land on the roller grill housing and increases the bearing area over the land. The bearing assembly permits the bearing apparatus to be snapped in place on the stamped opening on a sheet metal side panel as done using current manufacturing methods. Further, the bearing assembly can be produced using current manufacturing techniques without significantly changing the cost of production. Most importantly, the invention substantially increases the life span of the bearing.

Abstract: A ballistic panel composed of multiple layers. An outer layer is preferably metal. An inner layer is provided that can serve as decorative, if desired. Adhered to the outer layer is a layer of ballistic material, preferably KEVLAR or other synthetic ballistic fiber. Foamed in place is a layer of foam, preferably urethane. Also, featured is a plurality of cam locks with each cam lock having a male and a corresponding female part such that the adjacent panels can be easily and quickly locked together to form a safe enclosure.

Abstract: A safe product transfer apparatus that heats refrigerated food products and then hold those heated food products in a hold drawer until they can be transferred to a heater merchandizer, preferably a roller grill as needed. The apparatus features a control assembly. A pre-heat indicator indicates when the preheat temperature has been reached so that the food products can be loaded into an operable drawer. The apparatus can heat a refrigerated product from 34° F. to greater than or equal to 140° F. in 35 minutes or less. The apparatus has a safe product transfer apparatus that has a heating cavity ranging from 250° F. to 425° F. The apparatus provides a safe product transfer apparatus that can hold the products stored therein at a safe holding temperature (ranging from greater or equal to 140° F. to not more than 205° F.), that is, not hot enough to continue heating or degrading the food product.