Abstract: A dehumidifier system is connected to an interior space of a building through supply and return ducts, either directly and/or through an HVAC system. Controllable dampers can be used to select how the dehumidifier system is connected to the interior space and the HVAC system. The dehumidifier determines the dew point of the ambient air from temperature and relative humidity measurements taken at location(s) of relative humidity and temperature sensors. Based on the determined dew point, the dehumidifier system determines whether to operate. The temperature and relative humidity sensors can be located in the interior space or within the dehumidifier, where they project into the air stream flowing through the dehumidifier. The dehumidifier system operates in response in part to blower calls to the HVAC system and controls the HVAC system and a ventilation system to distribute the dehumidified air and outside air throughout the building.

Abstract: A humidifier features a two piece reversible housing which is snap fit together for holding a water panel assembly and a water feed tube to supply water to a water distribution structure disposed on top of the water panel assembly. The water panel assembly is provided with an overflow arrangement for controlling any overflow of water in the water distribution structure.

Abstract: A humidifier features a two piece reversible housing which is snap fit together for holding a water panel assembly and a water feed tube to supply water to a water distribution structure disposed on top of the water panel assembly. The water panel assembly is provided with an overflow arrangement for controlling any overflow of water in the water distribution structure.

Abstract: An equipment rack incorporating four linked members which mount an equipment rack support to a hitch insert. The linked members are formed by two pairs of pivotally linked arms which in turn are pivotally inked to the hitch insert and to an equipment rack mounting bracket. Each pair of linked arms provides three pivot bearings which have mutually parallel axes. In the collapsed position the linked arms making up each pair are parallel and the equipment rack support and hitch insert are in juxtaposition. In the extended position the arms making up each pair are substantially co-linear. A mechanical link locks the rack support to the hitch insert when the rack is retracted against the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: An equipment rack incorporating four linked members which mount an equipment rack support to a hitch insert. The linked members are formed by two pairs of pivotally linked arms which in turn are pivotally linked to the hitch insert and to an equipment rack mounting bracket. Each pair of linked arms provides three pivot bearings which have mutually parallel axes. In the collapsed position the linked arms making up each pair are parallel and the equipment rack support and hitch insert are in juxtaposition. In the extended position the arms making up each pair are substantially co-linear. A mechanical link locks the rack support to the hitch insert when the rack is retracted against the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A formed steel tilt bracket has a cylindrical section which wraps around a bike support tube forming a visually pleasing and cost-effective solution to the problem of joining a round tube with a square hitch extension. The tilt bracket engages and supports an upstanding circular tube for mounting bicycles or the like. The bracket has a plane of symmetry aligned with the rectangular hitch extension. The plane of symmetry passes through a cylindrical portion of the bracket which is intersected only once by the plane of symmetry, the cylindrical portion wraps over 180 degrees of the upstanding tube circumference. The cylindrical portion has a first substantially triangular extension and a second substantially triangular extension arranged symmetrically about the plane of symmetry and forming therebetween a passage for the square receiver tube.

Abstract: An L-shaped support has a rearwardly extending tubular arm formed of a thin-walled tube. The end of vertical leg of the support is cold formed into a U-shaped, double-walled channel which fits between the sides of a brace which is rigidly mounted to the trailer hitch of a vehicle. A plastic bracket has a split ring clamp which fits over the rearwardly extending arm of the support. The entire bracket may pivot about the axis defined by the arm. An alternative embodiment attachment device for restraining a bicycle tube on a horizontally extending carrier arm is formed as a single molded part of thermoplastic rubber. The attachment device has a strap with an array of two rows of holes which engage with a square array of four mushroom-head type fasteners to attach the end of the strap to the attachment devices.

Abstract: A multipurpose jet manifold arrangement for use in conjunction with hydro-massage spas and whirlpools. The manifold arrangement can be plumbed to both water and air from various positions so as to facilitate use at various locations in the tub. Further, it can be easily severed into separate single nozzle housings for use as a single nozzle. In a preferred manner, the manifold arrangement is molded from a plastic material.

Abstract: A multipurpose jet manifold arrangement for use in conjunction with hydro-massage spas and whirlpools. The manifold arrangement can be plumbed to both water and air from various positions so as to facilitate use at various locations in the tub. Further, it can be easily severed into separate single nozzle housings for use as a single nozzle. In a preferred manner, the manifold arrangement is molded from a plastic material.

Abstract: An L-shaped support has a rearwardly extending tubular arm formed of a thin-walled tube. The end of vertical leg of the support is cold formed into a U-shaped, double-walled channel which fits between the sides of a brace which is rigidly mounted to the trailer hitch of a vehicle. A plastic bracket has a split ring clamp which fits over the rearwardly extending arm of the support. The entire bracket may pivot about the axis defined by the arm. An alternative embodiment attachment device for restraining a bicycle tube on a horizontally extending carrier arm is formed as a single molded part of thermoplastic rubber. The attachment device has a strap with an array of two rows of holes which engage with a square array of four mushroom-head type fasteners to attach the end of the strap to the attachment devices.

Abstract: A head rest assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a bathing fixture such as a hydro-massage whirlpool. A pillow is provided which can be easily connected and supported by the jet nozzle assembly. A support bracket is partially enclosed in the pillow for connection with the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly has a living hinge feature which allows adaptation to various curvatures of the tub wall. A magnet can be connected to a bracket and a reed switch is connected to the nozzle assembly which serves as a safety feature.

Abstract: The brackets of this invention are mounted to the rearwardly extending tubular arms of a conventional carrier rack to alternatively support bicycles or skis by adjustable positioning of the brackets. Each bracket has a body configured on one side to engage with and support a bicycle frame tube, and on the other side to support a ski. The bracket is positionable on a support arm and may be locked to restrict sliding and rotating with respect to the carrier arm. The ski supporting side of the body has a planar surface and a lip which engages with the toe bracket of the ski binding to position and hold in place the ski. The bicycle supporting side of the bracket body has two pairs of opposed, outwardly extending resilient tipped fingers which engage either the vertical or horizontal tube of a bicycle frame. A rubber strap extends from one side of the body to encircle either a bicycle tube or skis and is engaged by a hook on the other side of the body.

Abstract: A whirlpool tub has a first set of nozzles located to direct water against the back of a bather and a second set of nozzles to direct water against the bather's neck. A controller has different modes of operation in which water is emitted by either one or both sets of nozzles. Separate mechanisms are provided to direct a pulse of water sequentially through different nozzles in each set. This action produces a progression of pulsating water jets that create a massaging effect on the bather's skin. A pillow is placed about the second set of nozzles. A sensor is provided to detect when the pillow is removed and disable water flow through the second set of nozzles.

Abstract: A head rest assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a bathing fixture such as a hydro-massage whirlpool. A pillow is provided which can be easily connected and supported by the jet nozzle assembly. A support bracket is partially enclosed in the pillow for connection with the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly has a living hinge feature which allows adaptation to various curvatures of the tub wall. A magnet can be connected to a bracket and a reed switch is connected to the nozzle assembly which serves as a safety feature.

Abstract: A flushing mechanism for a toilet triggers a flush in response to the closing of the toilet seat cover. A magnet is attached to the seat cover and detected by a sensor. The sensor activates a battery powered motor having a crank arm which directly raises a flapper valve by means of a tensile link. The sensor and motor unit are suspended out of sight in the tank of the toilet by flanges fitting between the tank rim and the tank top. The flanges allow adjustment of the motor and sensor to a variety of preexisting tank type toilets for effective retrofitting. A delay timer prevents repeated energy wasting flushing of the toilet.

Abstract: A coupling connects a pressurized flush water vessel held in a toilet tank to a toilet bowl. The coupling has a passageway which provides direct fluid communication between the vessel and the bowl and a chamber for accumulating drainage, which may be exhausted into the toilet tank from inlet devices for the pressure vessel. A swinging door type one way valve substantially seals against leakage from the passageway to the chamber but allows drainage accumulated in the chamber to flow through a port to the passageway. The inlet to the chamber is above the port and at or below the bottom of the toilet tank and the port and the chamber inlet open above the spill level of the toilet. The inlet of the coupling is offset from the outlet and a cradle elevates the pressure vessel above the toilet tank bottom and captures heads of fasteners which secure the toilet tank to the toilet bowl.

Abstract: For a tub which provides access through a side door, an inflatable seal is employed with the fluid connection to the seal being provided through the door hinge structure. In one embodiment, sensors are provided in conjunction with the water level in the tub so as to activate the source of pressurized fluid to the seal as well as to deflate the seal at a desired time. In another embodiment, a latching mechanism is utilized so as to provide a secure but easy delatching of the door.

Abstract: For a tub which provides access through a side door, an inflatable seal is employed with the fluid connection to the seal being provided through the door hinge structure. In one embodiment, sensors are provided in conjunction with the water level in the tub so as to activate the source of pressurized fluid to the seal as well as to deflate the seal at a desired time. In another embodiment, a latching mechanism is utilized so as to provide a secure but easy delatching of the door.

Abstract: A toilet has a pressurized reservoir tank which is connected to a source of water via a backflow preventer, a pressure regulator and an aspirator. The inlet to the tank extends from the upper portion of the tank down into the lower portion to discharge water in the lower portion until a preset pressure in the tank is reached. A flush valve body provides a seal between a captured seal ring and a valve housing and a secondary seal between the bottom of the valve body and an annular surface of the valve housing, which also serves as a downward stop. In an alternate embodiment, a breather hole is provided in the upper portion of the inlet tube to allow for draining of the reservoir tank.