Abstract: A drive apparatus for use with a dynamoelectric machine system includes drive means connected to the dynamoelectric machine to control at least one of the current or voltage of the machine and a processor including a microcontroller for supplying machine control information to the drive means. A plurality of switches are connected to the processor and art positionable in a plurality of switch settings. Preselected switch settings correspond to operating characteristic information associated with corresponding versions of a given appliance, such that a user positions the switches in a desired switch setting to select the corresponding version of the given appliance. The microcontroller is programmed to read the switch setting and in response thereto, obtain the system operating characteristic information corresponding to the selected version of the given appliance from said second memory so as to permit the system to be used in different versions of the given appliance.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel switched reluctance machine and a method of its control. The machine rotor has rotor poles that are wider than the stator pole, which allows two phases to be energized simultaneously, reducing torque ripple and noise.

Abstract: A device for pulling heavy equipment across a supporting surface such as a floor. It includes a composite pad of generally rectangular shape having lengthwise and crosswise edges. The composite pad includes a lower, flexible sheet of plastic and an upper backing of rubber. The plastic sheet has a smooth lower surface for engaging the floor. The upper rubber backing has a ribbed surface for engaging the equipment. A pair of straps attached to the composite pad extend lengthwise beyond at least one crosswise edge of the composite pad. Each of the pair of straps is attached to the composite pad between the plastic sheet and the rubber backing along a lengthwise edge of the composite pad. Each of the straps terminates in a distal end located remotely of the composite pad and a handle is formed in each distal end of each strap. Each strap may extend beyond each crosswise edge of the pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of plastic pellets including an extruder, a chiller positioned to receive and solidify extruded strands from the extruder and, a pelletizer for converting such strands to pellets. The apparatus includes a quality testing device having a valve connected to the extruder, an injector having a sample receiving position operably connected to the valve, and a sample mold for forming solidified test samples of the material for analysis. The injector also has an ejection position operably connected to a mold inlet for injecting such samples into the mold.

Abstract: Air handling apparatus (10) for delivering a volume of air at a generally constant flow rate regardless of changes in the operating conditions of a system with which the apparatus is used. A blower (12) pushes air from one point to another. The blower is operated by a blower motor (14). A switch (16) controls application of power to the motor. Sensors (20) are used to sense the voltage supplied to the motor, the current drawn by the motor, and the motor's operating speed. A flow controller (22) establishes a desired air flow rate to be provided by the blower. A processor (18) is responsive to the sensed voltage (V), current (I), and speed (S), an input (C) from the flow controller, and constants (K1-K4) related to performance characteristics of the blower to determine a torque required by the motor to produce a predetermined air flow rate. The torque value is determined as a function of the combined motor speed input from the sensor and an input from the flow controller.

Abstract: A gutter section of plastics material comprising front and rear walls and a bottom, the front and rear walls carrying fastening elements for being removably secured to complementary fastening elements of a hanger bracket and a raised bead or projection on the inner surface of the rear wall extending in the same direction as the top of the rear wall and spaced therefrom whereby when a hanger bracket is secured to the gutter section, a hanger bracket engages the bead or projection on the rear wall of the gutter to rigidify the structure and permit ease of expansion and contraction of the gutter section relative to any hanger brackets supporting the gutter section.