Abstract: Attachment mechanisms for capturing solenoid coil assemblies onto valves and valves incorporating same are described. Such mechanisms include weld rings attached to the valve body that have locking tabs to engage and hold the solenoid coil assembly. Two or more locking tabs are used. Inclusion of locking tab receiving locations on the solenoid coil frame or configuration of the end surface of the solenoid frame itself accommodate the locking tabs. The weld ring may be attached in an infinite number of orientations on the valve body. Attachment may be by spin welding or ultrasonic welding of the weld ring to the valve body in two embodiments.

Abstract: An ice pusher is provided. The ice pusher incorporates a cam and a linear actuation arrangement for removing ice from an evaporator plate of an ice-making machine. The cam provides a helix shaped ramp structure having a cam surface. The linear actuation arrangement has an input end and an output end. The input end is in slidable contact with the cam surface such that the linear actuation arrangement linearly moves relative to the housing upon rotation of the cam to effectuate the removal of ice from the evaporator plate.

Abstract: Attachment mechanisms for capturing solenoid coil assemblies onto valves and valves incorporating same are described. Such mechanisms include weld rings attached to the valve body that have locking tabs to engage and hold the solenoid coil assembly. Two or more locking tabs are used. Inclusion of locking tab receiving locations on the solenoid coil frame or configuration of the end surface of the solenoid frame itself accommodate the locking tabs. The weld ring may be attached in an infinite number of orientations on the valve body. Attachment may be by spin welding or ultrasonic welding of the weld ring to the valve body in two embodiments.

Abstract: An ice pusher is provided. The ice pusher incorporates a cam and a linear actuation arrangement for removing ice from an evaporator plate of an ice-making machine. The cam provides a helix shaped ramp structure having a cam surface. The linear actuation arrangement has an input end and an output end. The input end is in slidable contact with the cam surface such that the linear actuation arrangement linearly moves relative to the housing upon rotation of the cam to effectuate the removal of ice from the evaporator plate.

Abstract: A valve incorporates a device causing turbulents in the water stream just before passing over the turbine fins of the flow sensor. The device actually increases the Reynolds number or turbulence of the water stream increasing the contact of the water on the turbine. This causes the turbine to rotate more efficiently for the given flow volume passing over the flow measuring device. The improved efficiency results in better accuracy and performance over the entire flow range. In one embodiment the turbulent device forces the flow stream to rotate counter clockwise and hit the turbine fins causing higher force which makes the turbine turn more efficiently. The turbine is designed such that the major portion of the fin surface area is perpendicular to the turbulent flow stream. This opposed direction causes more force to be placed on the turbine fin by the water stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for simultaneously changing multiple liquid level settings in a liquid-level switch including a diaphragm actuated pressure switch apparatus having a first and a second switch, through use of an actuator apparatus including a single control knob shaft rotatably connected to the pressure switch apparatus and having a first and a second cam fixedly attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, the first cam being operatively connected to provide a biasing force against actuation of the first switch, and the second cam being operatively connected to provide a biasing force against actuation of the second switch.

Abstract: A valve incorporates a device causing turbulents in the water stream just before passing over the turbine fins of the flow sensor. The device actually increases the Reynolds number or turbulence of the water stream increasing the contact of the water on the turbine. This causes the turbine to rotate more efficiently for the given flow volume passing over the flow measuring device. The improved efficiency results in better accuracy and performance over the entire flow range. In one embodiment the turbulent device forces the flow stream to rotate counter clockwise and hit the turbine fins causing higher force which makes the turbine turn more efficiently. The turbine is designed such that the major portion of the fin surface area is perpendicular to the turbulent flow stream. This opposed direction causes more force to be placed on the turbine fin by the water stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for precluding backflow of fluid in a mixing valve, through use of a manifold of the mixing valve including a septum wall in an intermediate divided segment of an outlet conduit of the manifold.

Abstract: A bobbin or spool is molded of thermoplastic with one end flange of substantially greater diameter with a plurality of arcuately spaced voids through the flange. A coil is wound on the bobbin and a first ferromagnetic cup with integrally formed spaced finger-like plural pole segments in a circumferential array is axially received over the smaller spool flange and coil with the pole segments extending through the voids in the larger spool flange. A second ferromagnetic stator cup with finger-like spaced plural pole segments in a circumferential array is nested against the larger spool flange with the pole segments interdigitated with the pole segments on the first cup. A third stator member interconnects the first and second stator cups through the spool; and, a permanent magnet rotor is journalled on the third pole segment within the stator pole segments. The larger spool flange has electrical connectors received in slots and attached to the ends of the coil.

Abstract: A program timer wherein a single three blade switch assembly is utilized for both the line switching function and a cam track operated switch.