Abstract: A water heater gas valve shank assembly has a temperature sensor mechanically retained in a body connected to a water heater. The temperature sensor has a support which receives at least one thermistor at a first end. The support spaces the at least one thermistor from interior surfaces of a tube portion of the temperature sensor with the temperature sensor and body forming a watertight seal. The temperature sensor provides temperature indication to a thermostat to assist in controlling operation of a gas valve providing gas to a burner in the water heater.

Abstract: A solenoid coil retention assembly attaches a solenoid coil to a guide tube. The guide tube attached to a valve body of a pilot operated water valve. The solenoid coil retention assembly includes a first bracket that defines a first mounting portion. A second bracket includes a second mounting portion. The first mounting bracket is joined to the second mounting bracket forming a frame that is a magnetic path surrounding the solenoid coil. The first mounting portion includes a first plurality of disruptions, and the second mounting portion includes a second plurality of disruptions.

Abstract: A water valve having a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a flow path extending therethrough, a pressure sensor configured to sense a water pressure at the inlet, a valve member situated within the flow path to open and close the flow path, a solenoid actuator, and a controller coupled to the pressure sensor to read the water pressure at the inlet and coupled to the solenoid to open and close the valve is provided. The controller determines an amount of time to hold the valve open in order to dispense an amount of water based on the water pressure. The controller commands the solenoid to open and close the valve to dispense the amount of water regardless of the water pressure. The controller is also configured to open the valve to reduce inlet pressure and prevent failure thereof.

Abstract: A backlit temperature control knob for water heater valves used with water heaters and more particularly to gas water heaters provides a way to read the temperature indication not previously known in the art. Some embodiments rely on a thermocouple or thermopile normally used to power a safety magnet with the pilot light system as a source of electrical energy to selectively illuminate a Light Emitting Diode (LED) which directs light through at least a portion of the knob to assist in reading the temperature indications.

Abstract: A water valve having a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a flow path extending therethrough, a pressure sensor configured to sense a water pressure at the inlet, a valve member situated within the flow path to open and close the flow path, a solenoid actuator, and a controller coupled to the pressure sensor to read the water pressure at the inlet and coupled to the solenoid to open and close the valve is provided. The controller determines an amount of time to hold the valve open in order to dispense an amount of water based on the water pressure. The controller commands the solenoid to open and close the valve to dispense the amount of water regardless of the water pressure. The controller is also configured to open the valve to reduce inlet pressure and prevent failure thereof.

Abstract: A gas system, such as an appliance or a building has a pressure sensor intermediate a master solenoid valve and at least one valve, wherein when the at least one valve is closed, shut or off, and the master solenoid valve is off, the pressure sensor senses pressure and if pressure drop over a given time exceeds a predetermined amount, an alarm condition is identified (indicating a leak). The master solenoid valve may be maintained shut until the leak is addressed.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of a gas valve for an intermittent pilot ignition system. The gas valve includes features designed to address the buildup of negative pressure in a fuel line connected to the gas valve that could cause internal valve diaphragms to open, drawing fuel from the gas valve. In embodiments, the gas valve includes a system of check valves designed to seal off the gas valve when a negative pressure develops. In other embodiments, the gas valve includes a relief valve having a relief port so that air is able to enter the valve proximate to the inlet port so as to avoid building a negative pressure sufficient to open the diaphragms. In both cases, the valve remains primed with fuel for subsequent ignition. The gas valve is envisioned to be useful for a variety of pilot operated systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-port multi-plane valve are provided. The multi-port multi-plane valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports in which each port lies within one of two planes that are normal to each other. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity and provides selectable fluid communications between the ports. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body. At least one flow enhancer channel may be included to reduce the pressure drop occurring on one side of the valve when controlling flow paths on the other side of the valve.

Abstract: A backlit temperature control knob for water heater valves used with water heaters and more particularly to gas water heaters provides a way to read the temperature indication not previously known in the art. Some embodiments rely on a thermocouple or thermopile normally used to power a safety magnet with the pilot light system as a source of electrical energy to selectively illuminate a Light Emitting Diode (LED) which directs light through at least a portion of the knob to assist in reading the temperature indications.

Abstract: A Ember Catcher for wild fire protection comprised of: Layers of steel flame arrester screen sheets. Fasten together with flame resistant fasteners. And joined together to form large Tarps.

Abstract: Embodiments of a valve having a housing including an inlet, an outlet, and an interior chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet are disclosed. The valve also includes a seat fitting having a first screen held in place by a first retainer ring. The seat fitting includes a valve seat. The valve further includes an outlet fitting having a second screen held in place by a second retainer ring. The second retainer ring includes a plurality of ribs extending from a ring body such that the plurality of ribs create a gap between the ring body and the second screen. Further, the valve includes a valve plug configured to selectively engage the valve seat to open and close a passage between the interior chamber and the outlet. The seat fitting is contained at least partially within the outlet fitting to define the outlet of the housing.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed a valving member positioned in an internal valving cavity and operable to control a flow of water therethrough. The valving member includes a diaphragm and an insert. A passageway through the diaphragm communicates with a bleed slot, preferably a tapered bleed slot, and a scallop of the insert. The scallop cooperates with the diaphragm to form a bleed holes when the valving member is in a closed position. The diaphragm and the insert at least partially separate when the valving member is opened to expose the bleed slot and scallop. The diaphragm rolls up to contact the insert when the valving member is closed to create a wiping action to flush any trapped debris from the bleed slot.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-port multi-plane valve are provided. The multi-port multi-plane valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports in which each port lies within one of two planes that are normal to each other. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity and provides selectable fluid communications between the ports. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body. At least one flow enhancer channel may be included to reduce the pressure drop occurring on one side of the valve when controlling flow paths on the other side of the valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-port multi-plane valve are provided. The multi-port multi-plane valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports in which each port lies within one of two planes that are normal to each other. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity and provides selectable fluid communications between the ports. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body. At least one flow enhancer channel may be included to reduce the pressure drop occurring on one side of the valve when controlling flow paths on the other side of the valve.

Abstract: A water valve, guide tube for a water valve, and associated method are provided. The water valve includes a housing and the guide tube is installed on the housing via laser welding. The guide tube and housing each provide axially facing mating surfaces which abut one another in a pre-bonded configuration. In a post-bonded configuration, a laser weld joint is formed at the interface between the mating surfaces. The joint forms a portion of an outer periphery of the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of a normally open gas valve are disclosed herein. The normally open gas valve includes a valve plug that gradually or partially disengages from the valve seat such that the actuation power required to open the valve is substantially reduced. The force required to open or close the valve is also reduced through the use of an off-center lever arm that multiplies the force applied by the armature of the actuation means. In this way, a less expensive actuation means, e.g., a less expensive solenoid, is able to be used to actuate the normally open gas valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of a valve having a housing including an inlet, an outlet, and an interior chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet are disclosed. The valve also includes a seat fitting having a first screen held in place by a first retainer ring. The seat fitting includes a valve seat. The valve further includes an outlet fitting having a second screen held in place by a second retainer ring. The second retainer ring includes a plurality of ribs extending from a ring body such that the plurality of ribs create a gap between the ring body and the second screen. Further, the valve includes a valve plug configured to selectively engage the valve seat to open and close a passage between the interior chamber and the outlet. The seat fitting is contained at least partially within the outlet fitting to define the outlet of the housing.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of a gas valve for an intermittent pilot ignition system. The gas valve includes features designed to address the buildup of negative pressure in a fuel line connected to the gas valve that could cause internal valve diaphragms to open, drawing fuel from the gas valve. In embodiments, the gas valve includes a system of check valves designed to seal off the gas valve when a negative pressure develops. In other embodiments, the gas valve includes a relief valve having a relief port so that air is able to enter the valve proximate to the inlet port so as to avoid building a negative pressure sufficient to open the diaphragms. In both cases, the valve remains primed with fuel for subsequent ignition. The gas valve is envisioned to be useful for a variety of pilot operated systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-port multi-plane valve are provided. The multi-port multi-plane valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports in which each port lies within one of two planes that are normal to each other. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity and provides selectable fluid communications between the ports. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body. At least one flow enhancer channel may be included to reduce the pressure drop occurring on one side of the valve when controlling flow paths on the other side of the valve.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed a valving member positioned in an internal valving cavity and operable to control a flow of water therethrough. The valving member includes a diaphragm and an insert. A passageway through the diaphragm communicates with a bleed slot, preferably a tapered bleed slot, and a scallop of the insert. The scallop cooperates with the diaphragm to form a bleed holes when the valving member is in a closed position. The diaphragm and the insert at least partially separate when the valving member is opened to expose the bleed slot and scallop. The diaphragm rolls up to contact the insert when the valving member is closed to create a wiping action to flush any trapped debris from the bleed slot.