Abstract: A system may include a container and a cover apparatus for selectively covering a top opening of the container. The cover apparatus may include a roll tube movably mounted on the container and extending between the container ends and parallel to the container sides, a cover tarp having at least a portion rolled about the roll tube, and at least one bow member configured to support the cover tarp over the top opening in a closed condition of the cover assembly. The bow member may be elongated and extend from one said side of the container to the other said side of the container across the top opening of the container. The bow members may be positioned in a substantially vertically-oriented bow plane, and the bow plane may be oriented at an oblique angle to a sidewall plane of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus of mounting items to a gunwale of a boat is provided. The apparatus includes a clamp comprised of at least two clamp parts. Each clamp part include a nose part and a shoulder portion. A fastener may extend through each nose part. The nose part of a first one of the clamp parts extends into abutting contact with the shoulder portion of a second one of the clamp parts. The nose part of the second one of the clamp parts extends in abutting contact with the shoulder portion of the first one of the clamp parts. The clamp further includes an aperture bounded by the clamp parts. The aperture includes an opening portion that is operative to extend around the gunwale of a boat. The aperture further includes a stem portion that is operative to extend adjacent each side of a portion of a hull of the boat.

Abstract: A temperature control circuit provides for optical isolation, dry start protection, dedicated load control, manual reset, and relay control in hot water heaters and related applications. The control circuit removes power from a load at a first temperature, and includes a first optical isolation device, a first diode temperature sensor, and a first switching mechanism. The first optical isolation device controls operation of a power source, where the power source is provided to the load, such as a hot water heater heating element. The first diode temperature sensor is biased to provide a switching signal at the first temperature. The first switching mechanism is disposed between the first diode temperature sensor and the first optical isolation device, where the first switching mechanism disengages operation of the first optical isolation device in response to the switching signal.

Abstract: A humidity-modulated dual-setpoint temperature controller is disclosed in which the two setpoints of the temperature controller are adjusted as a function of measured humidity. Parameters other than humidity could also be used to adjust the dual setpoints of the temperature controller. The controller is particularly useful in controlling the heater element of a clothes dryer in order to improve the energy efficiency of the dryer.

Abstract: A display and storage system useful for objects, such as photo albums and frames, includes a first storage portion and a second display portion pivotally secured to the first portion. The storage portion comprises a vertical side and a bottom. The display portion is constructed to receive and display a single one of the items to allow a consumer to examine the item. Once a buying decision has been made, the display portion is opened relative to the storage portion to permit the consumer to remove one or more fresh, saleable products. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, both portions are made from wire. Also, the display and storage device is preferably tilted with respect to the vertical support surface to ensure that the display portion will self close. The system may also comprise a plurality of the display and storage devices arranged together so that the side of the storage portion of one device acts as a containment wall for product stored in an adjoining device.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity diode temperature sensor includes a reverse-biased diode, such as a Schottky diode, coupled to an adjustable constant current source for biasing the diode into a reverse operating region. The constant current source biases the diode at a particular reverse leakage current that corresponds to a temperature window over which the reverse voltage across the diode exhibits a linear response of several hundred mV/C. The change in reverse voltage can be used as a signal to switch power to an attached electrical load. Also disclosed is a dual-switchpoint temperature controller that incorporates the high-sensitivity diode temperature sensor with a feedback control circuit that enables the controller to switch power to a load at two adjustable setpoints using the single temperature sensor.

Abstract: The temperature of each heating element among a plurality of heating elements is regulated by opening and closing a relay associated with each heating element in response to the monitored temperature of each heating element. The voltage across all of the relays is interrupted simultaneously at predetermined intervals, and each relay is opened or closed only when the voltage is interrupted. This permits the use of relays having lower current ratings and also extends relay life.

Abstract: The temperature of a glass cooktop is sensed by an elongated thermistor rod positioned below the cooktop. The thermistor rod has a negative temperature coefficient of electrical resistance and is connected in a control circuit for the cooktop heater. The opposite end portions of the thermistor rod are located outside of the housing for the cooktop heater so that electrical connections to such end portions are not exposed to extremely high temperatures.

Abstract: The temperature of a glass cooktop is sensed by an elongated thermistor rod positioned below the cooktop. The thermistor rod has a negative temperature coefficient of electrical resistance and is connected in a control circuit for the cooktop heater. The opposite end portions of the thermistor rod are located outside of the housing for the cooktop heater so that electrical connections to such end portions are not exposed to extremely high temperatures.

Abstract: A protective PTC device is heated by a heater PTC device or by a resistor to an elevated temperature greater than ambient but less than its switching temperature. The elevated temperature of the protective PTC device reduces its switching response time, and minimizes variations in such response time with variations in ambient temperature. The protective PTC device is connected in series with an electrical load to reduce current to a load when the protective PTC device is switched to its high-resistance state by a temperature increase resulting from overcurrent. The heater PTC device or the heater resistor may be in parallel or in series with the protective PTC device. The heater PTC device does not carry load current, but the heater resistor may be placed in series with the load and the protective PTC device so as to carry load current along with the protective PTC device.

Abstract: A heating element control includes a ceramic substrate having a resistance circuit thereon of a material having a positive temperature coefficient. A first comparator compares the resistance of the circuit with a first known resistance to control a signal light. A second comparator compares the resistance of the circuit with a second known resistance to control a heating element.

Abstract: A control circuit for connecting a load to a voltage source includes an electronic holding circuit having latched and unlatched states. When latched, the electronic holding circuit connects the load to the voltage source. A thermal device responsive to excessive current demand by the load automatically places the holding circuit in its unlatched state, and disconnects the load from the voltage source. The circuit may also be placed in its unlatched state by sensing a current in a resistor to unlatch the circuit without requiring a current sufficient to cause the thermal device to respond.

Abstract: A control circuit for connecting a load to a voltage source includes an electronic holding circuit having latched and unlatched states. When latched, the electronic holding circuit connects the load to the voltage source. A thermal device responsive to excessive current demand by the load automatically places the holding circuit in its unlatched state, and disconnects the load from the voltage source.

Abstract: A protective PTC device is heated by another PTC device to an elevated temperature greater than ambient but less than its switching temperature. The elevated temperature of the protective PTC device reduces its switching response time, and minimizes variations in such response time with variations in ambient temperature.