Abstract: A heater for heating a conductive liquid includes a two-dimensional array of rod-like electrodes (22, 122, 322, 422, 522) extending parallel to one another, an electrical power supply having a plurality of poles, and power switches to connect different ones of the electrodes to different poles so that current flows between the poles through the liquid. The array desirably includes outer electrodes defining the boundary (24, 424) of the array and inner electrodes disposed within this boundary. The array may have regular or irregular spacings between the electrodes. The array can provide numerous different connection schemes to vary the electrical resistance between the poles and thus vary the heating rate. The array can be arranged to provide substantially equal currents through three poles of a three-phase power supply.

Abstract: A heating system for heating a target fluid may include an intermediate liquid circulation path for holding an intermediate liquid and a target fluid flow path for conveying the target fluid, where the target fluid flow path and the circulation path are separate from one another but thermally communicate with one another via a heat exchanger. The intermediate liquid may be heated by a heater and circulated in the intermediate liquid circulation path by a pump. A ratio of the maximum heat output of the heater to the volume of the intermediate liquid circulation path may be at least about 5 Watts/cm3. The thermal mass of the intermediate liquid may be 0.3 times the thermal mass of the target fluid or less. The heating system may be utilized in a washing appliance such as a dishwasher, where the target fluid is the wash water used in such appliance.

Abstract: An ohmic heater for heating a conductive fluid has a plurality of electrodes mounted to a structure with spaces between the electrodes. The electrodes (14) are selectively connect to poles (38, 40) of a power supply, so that some electrodes are connected to the poles and others remain isolated from the poles. Shunting switches are provided for connecting two or more of the isolated electrodes to one another. The shunting switches allow formation of a large number of different connection schemes having a variety of different electrical conduction paths through fluid in the spaces and a variety of resistances between the poles with relatively few electrodes and spaces.

Abstract: A liquid heating system includes an instantaneous heater (18) having an inlet (20) connected to a reservoir (62). The outlet (22) of the heater is connected to fixtures (72) which use the heated liquid, and is also connected through a return connection (30) to the reservoir. In an idle mode, a pump 40 draws liquid from the reservoir (62), so that the liquid circulates through the heater and back to the reservoir. A controller (52) actuates the heater to heat the liquid to a first setpoint temperature, so that the liquid in the reservoir stabilizes at the first setpoint temperature. In a supply mode, some or all of the heated liquid flows from the outlet to the fixtures (72). Cold liquid is admitted from a supply (60) to the reservoir, and cold liquid desirably also is supplied to the heater inlet along with liquid from the reservoir, so that the heater inlet receives a combination of these.

Abstract: An ohmic heater for heating a conductive fluid has a plurality of electrodes mounted to a structure with spaces between the electrodes. The electrodes (14) are selectively connect to poles (38, 40) of a power supply, so that some electrodes are connected to the poles and others remain isolated from the poles. Shunting switches are provided for connecting two or more of the isolated electrodes to one another. The shunting switches allow formation of a large number of different connection schemes having a variety of different electrical conduction paths through fluid in the spaces and a variety of resistances between the poles with relatively few electrodes and spaces.

Abstract: A liquid heater such as a direct electrical resistance liquid heater having multiple flow channels is provided with a temperature-sensing element in the form of a wire extending across numerous channels, preferably all of the channels, near the downstream ends of the channels. The resistance of the wire represents the average temperature of the liquid passing through all of the channels, and hence the temperature of the mixed liquid exiting from the heater. A bubble suppressing structure is provided in the vicinity of the wire.

Abstract: A liquid heating system includes an instantaneous heater (18) having an inlet (20) connected to a reservoir (62). The outlet (22) of the heater is connected to fixtures (72) which use the heated liquid, and is also connected through a return connection (30) to the reservoir. In an idle mode, a pump 40 draws liquid from the reservoir (62), so that the liquid circulates through the heater and back to the reservoir. A controller (52) actuates the heater to heat the liquid to a first setpoint temperature, so that the liquid in the reservoir stabilizes at the first setpoint temperature. In a supply mode, some or all of the heated liquid flows from the outlet to the fixtures (72). Cold liquid is admitted from a supply (60) to the reservoir, and cold liquid desirably also is supplied to the heater inlet along with liquid from the reservoir, so that the heater inlet receives a combination of these.

Abstract: A liquid heater such as a direct electrical resistance liquid heater having multiple flow channels is provided with a temperature-sensing element in the form of a wire extending across numerous channels, preferably all of the channels, near the downstream ends of the channels. The resistance of the wire represents the average temperature of the liquid passing through all of the channels, and hence the temperature of the mixed liquid exiting from the heater. A bubble suppressing structure is provided in the vicinity of the wire.

Abstract: A liquid heater such as a direct electrical resistance liquid heater having multiple flow channels is provided with a temperature-sensing element in the form of a wire extending across numerous channels, preferably all of the channels, near the downstream ends of the channels. The resistance of the wire represents the average temperature of the liquid passing through all of the channels, and hence the temperature of the mixed liquid exiting from the heater. A bubble suppressing structure is provided in the vicinity of the wire.

Abstract: A liquid heater such as a direct electrical resistance liquid heater having multiple flow channels is provided with a temperature-sensing element in the form of a wire extending across numerous channels, preferably all of the channels, near the downstream ends of the channels. The resistance of the wire represents the average temperature of the liquid passing through all of the channels, and hence the temperature of the mixed liquid exiting from the heater. A bubble suppressing structure is provided in the vicinity of the wire.

Abstract: A liquid heater such as a direct electrical resistance liquid heater having multiple flow channels is provided with a temperature-sensing element in the form of a wire extending across numerous channels, preferably all of the channels, near the downstream ends of the channels. The resistance of the wire represents the average temperature of the liquid passing through all of the channels, and hence the temperature of the mixed liquid exiting from the heater. A bubble suppressing structure is provided in the vicinity of the wire.

Abstract: A liquid heater such as a direct electrical resistance liquid heater having multiple flow channels is provided with a temperature-sensing element in the form of a wire extending across numerous channels, preferably all of the channels, near the downstream ends of the channels. The resistance of the wire represents the average temperature of the liquid passing through all of the channels, and hence the temperature of the mixed liquid exiting from the heater. A bubble suppressing structure is provided in the vicinity of the wire.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic transducer for controlling gas pressure is disclosed. The transducer includes a nozzle body and a valve housing interconnected therebetween by a nozzle and a solenoid assembly including a magnetized valve assembly and a solenoid having a top portion and a bottom portion, which when energized generate a magnetic field having a predetermined polarity in response to which the magnetized valve assembly is actuated to control gas flow through the nozzle. The transducer also includes a control circuit adapted to receive an input signal. The control circuit is configured to energize the solenoid in response to the input signal to generate the magnetic field thereabout to actuate the valve assembly. The transducer further includes a capacitor coupled to the control circuit, wherein upon loss of the input signal, the control circuit signals the capacitor to provide an electrical signal to the solenoid to actuate the valve assembly.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed, which includes a piezoelectric bimorph. The actuator also includes a substantially moisture impervious and electrically insulating packaging having a cavity around the bimorph providing for a clearance around the bimorph. The packaging includes a carrier having first and second surfaces and an aperture wherein the bimorph is disposed, the packaging further includes first and second cover films selectively attached to the first and second surfaces respectively, and at least one flex circuit connected to the bimorph for supplying electrical energy thereto.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes at least one and preferably two ball tracks each having a load-bearing portion, a return portion, and a turn-around portion, and a plurality of bearing balls, wherein the ball track is configured for the guided recirculation of the bearing balls. The bearing assembly includes a housing block with a channel at its distal end for receiving a movable shaft. The channel includes an elongated window aligned with each of the load-bearing portions of the tracks, the window allowing portions of the bearing balls to protrude therethrough to support the shaft. The bearing tracks define planes which can be oriented parallel to or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing block, or which together form an angled V-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A self-lubricating bearing assembly for supporting a load on a guide rail which includes a carriage having first and second ends, a guide surface adapter for translation atop the guide rail and an end cap assembly which mounts adjacent one of the ends of the carriage. The end cap assembly includes a seal and a lubricating assembly having a lubricating block made from a lubricant composition and a compression housing for enclosing a periphery of the lubricating block and for biasing the lubricating block against the guide rail to cause the lubricant to contact the rail.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed that 410 includes at least one ball track having a load bearing portion, a return portion and a turnaround portion interconnecting the load bearing and return portions. A plurality of bearing balls are disposed in the ball tracks. At least a portion of the ball tracks are configured for unguided recirculation of the bearing balls. The bearing assembly may include a pair of ball tracks separated by a center rib. In an alternate embodiment, the bearing assembly includes at least one island disposed in at least a portion of the ball tracks. The islands facilitate recirculation of the bearing balls in the ball tracks. In another alternate embodiment, a bearing assembly is provided that includes a rail. A bearing carriage is configured to move along the rail. At least one ball track is disposed adjacent the rail and the bearing carriage. The ball tracks include a load bearing portion, a return portion and a turnaround portion interconnecting the load bearing and return portions.

Abstract: A linear motion bearing assembly is provided including a carriage, a rail, and a bearing assembly. The linear motion bearing assembly includes deflectable structure formed in at least one of the carriage, rail and bearing assembly. The deflectable structure is configured to deflect under a predetermined force to affect load bearing characteristics of the linear motion bearing assembly. Pressure transducer structure is disposed adjacent to and configured for engaging the deflectable structure to apply the predetermined force to affect load bearing characteristics. The deflectable structure may include portions of the rail defining a cavity. The pressure transducer structure is disposed within the cavity. In another embodiment, the carriage includes a sidewall depending therefrom whereby the deflectable structure includes the sidewall. In yet another embodiment, the bearing assembly includes a ball retainer having a load bearing plate aperture.

Abstract: A linear motion bearing assembly includes a carriage having a bearing track, a fluid inlet port and a fluid supply passage interconnecting the fluid inlet port and the bearing track. The bearing track has a load bearing portion, a return portion and a pair of turnarounds interconnecting the load bearing portion and the return portion. The carriage is supported for linear movement on a rail. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned in the bearing track and a pressurized hydrostatic fluid supply is connected to the fluid inlet port for supplying hydrostatic fluid under pressure to the bearing track.

Abstract: A hydrostatic bearing assembly and fluid return system is provided for collecting and returning hydrostatic fluid which exits the bearing assembly to a remote location. The bearing assembly and fluid return system includes a hydrostatic bearing which is connected to supply and return reservoirs by supply and return hoses or conduits, respectively. The bearing assembly includes a carriage having a bushing secured within the carriage between a pair of retaining rings. A collection cylinder is fixedly positioned between each retaining ring and one end of the bushing. Each collection cylinder defines a collection chamber adjacent one end of the carriage, which is positioned to receive hydrostatic fluid exiting a gap defined between the carriage and a support rail. The return hoses or conduits each have a first end that communicates with one of the collection chambers and a second end that communicates with remotely located reservoir.