Abstract: A food support structure provides spacing rings and elevation to provide spacing and support for food items to optimize the cooking space of a round cooking device.

Abstract: A device for communicating a system status visually is disclosed. The device comprises a primary indicator and a secondary indicator, and in an embodiment comprises a surround indicator and a tail indicator. Both indicators allow light to pass through a translucent portion to be visible by a user, and the device utilizes illumination elements such as multicolor LEDs to present the indicators in colors to communicate system status or a data category to inform a user about the system with simplified color signals easily perceived at a distance. The device can be configured to accept multiple sensor or signal inputs and control one or more powered devices to effect feedback control of a system variable, e.g. temperature. The tail indicator can change colors to communicate a data category provided by a signal input. The surround indicator can change colors to communicate a system status.

Abstract: An automated thermally responsive valve with an internal reset function is disclosed. The cartridge latching mechanism can be retracted at a target temperature and manually reset at the target temperature to engage an ejector cap. The reset mechanism of the cartridge automatically returns to a latching configuration upon warming. The cartridge thermal actuator can be configured to retract the latching mechanism at a target temperature near freezing to provide a freeze protection drain valve that is ejected from a sealing element in the ejector cap and allows a fluid system to drain.

Abstract: An automated thermally actuated valve utilizing a thermally expansive substance to substantially close the valve at a first temperature and a spring to open the valve at a second, lower temperature. A method of utilizing an automated thermally actuated valve to balance and manage hot water supply in a piping system.

Abstract: A system of thermally activated feedback control valves and thermally activated sensors to provide heated fluid within a desired temperature range which operates consistently at high and low flow rates, suitable for control of combination safety shower and eyewash stations.

Abstract: An automated thermally actuated valve utilizing a thermally expansive substance to substantially close the valve at a first temperature and a spring to open the valve at a second, lower temperature. A method of utilizing an automated thermally actuated valve to balance and manage hot water supply in a piping system.

Abstract: A shoe can be tied using only one hand if provided with a tying aid in the form of a generally T-shaped unit comprising a leg having two laterally extending ears. The leg is secured between rows of eyelets on the opposed flaps of the shoe by one or more of the lengths of lace extending across the gap between the flaps. The lengths of shoelace that would otherwise be tied in a bow are instead wrapped around the ears of the tying aid in alternating fashion, preferably twice around each ear, in a manner similar to the manner in which a mooring line is secured to the cleat of a boat.

Abstract: A shoe can be tied using only one hand if provided with a tying aid in the form of a generally T-shaped unit comprising a leg having two laterally extending ears. The leg is secured between rows of eyelets on the opposed flaps of the shoe by one or more of the lengths of lace extending across the gap between the flaps. The lengths of shoelace that would otherwise be tied in a bow are instead wrapped around the ears of the tying aid in alternating fashion, preferably twice around each ear, in a manner similar to the manner in which a mooring line is secured to the cleat of a boat.

Abstract: Slow cooking over solid fuel in an enclosed barbeque pit is carried out by the use of an electronically controlled impeller which directs a flow of air toward the fuel. The duty cycle of the impeller is controlled by an electronic controller which is responsive to the internal temperature of the food and to the temperature of the pit atmosphere. As the internal temperature of the food increases, the temperature of the pit atmosphere gradually decreases.

Abstract: A valve comprises an assembly of elastomeric elements confined in a cylindrical space, with one end of the assembly engageable with a valve seat at one end of the cylindrical space. The valve is constructed to provide three successive converging and diverging sections in the fluid flow path, the intermediate section being provided by the valve element and seat. The restrictions exerts a choking for maintaining pressure in a steam system when the valve is used as a steam trap. A rigid, abrasion-resistant element, may be incorporated into one of the elastomeric elements, and a thermally responsive wax may be incorporated into one of the elements to alter its expansion characteristics. A plunger may be incorporated into the valve to exert a force on the elastomeric elements, allowing adjustment of the degree of subcooling when the device is used as a steam trap.

Abstract: A mixing valve receives water through a first inlet. The water is rotated by vanes in a first direction to produce a vortex. The water exits though an open end of a slidable tube, where it flows radially outward because of its rotational motion. The tube is axially movable by an actuator located near the open end of the tube, and the tube therefore acts as a steam shut off valve. Steam enters through a second inlet adjacent the open end of the tube, and is directed by vanes in an oppositely rotating vortex and radially inward by a conical surface just beyond the end of the tube. The steam and water mix at a location just beyond the end of the tube, and heated water exits through an axial opening which surrounds the actuator. The temperature of the water is regulated by the actuator.