Abstract: A system is presented for an improved igniter and an igniter bobbin for a high voltage burner igniter that reduces parts count and simplifies assembly of the igniter used in fuel based burners for boilers, forced air furnaces and water heaters. In one aspect of the invention, the igniter bobbin of the present invention comprises two high voltage insulators and a coil bobbin of a high voltage transformer molded or otherwise integrated together into a single monolithic structure. In another aspect, the igniter bobbin may be molded from an insulative material to form the single monolithic structure that insulates the high voltage electrodes which are inserted within the high voltage insulators portion of the structure, and to insulate the primary and secondary coils that are wound onto the coil bobbin portion of the structure.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for a fail-safe sensor for an HVAC system. The sensor comprises a temperature detector operable to measure a temperature of a component or a medium present at the sensor, a PTC heater operable to heat the sensor to a self-regulating temperature, the heater comprising a resistive element having an electrical impedance which increases with increasing temperature in accordance with a positive temperature coefficient characteristic, and a sensor housing comprising the PTC heater and the temperature detector provided within a single housing. An algorithm is provided for HVAC systems, wherein the sensor is heated to the self-regulating temperature by the PTC heater and is then measured by the temperature detector to confirm that the temperature detector is operating properly. Further, the sensor may be allowed to cool to a temperature of the surrounding medium or the component for sensing the temperature thereof.

Abstract: A system is presented for an improved igniter and an igniter bobbin for a high voltage burner igniter that reduces parts count and simplifies assembly of the igniter used in fuel based burners for boilers, forced air furnaces and water heaters. In one aspect of the invention, the igniter bobbin of the present invention comprises two high voltage insulators and a coil bobbin of a high voltage transformer molded or otherwise integrated together into a single monolithic structure. In another aspect, the igniter bobbin may be molded from an insulative material to form the single monolithic structure that insulates the high voltage electrodes which are inserted within the high voltage insulators portion of the structure, and to insulate the primary and secondary coils that are wound onto the coil bobbin portion of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oil burner system having an electric cord set coupled between a controller and a valve associated with a pump. The electric cord set is operable to activate a solenoid valve associated with the pump for delivery of fuel oil to a nozzle of the burner. The electric cord set comprises a voltage or temperature independent timer circuit operable to activate the solenoid valve a predetermined period of time after a call for ignition signal is generated by the controller, wherein the predetermined time period is substantially constant with respect to variations in line voltage or in an ambient temperature in which the oil burner system resides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oil burner system having an electric cord set coupled between a controller and a valve associated with a pump. The electric cord set is operable to activate a solenoid valve associated with the pump for delivery of fuel oil to a nozzle of the burner. The electric cord set comprises a voltage or temperature independent timer circuit operable to activate the solenoid valve a predetermined period of time after a call for ignition signal is generated by the controller, wherein the predetermined time period is substantially constant with respect to variations in line voltage or in an ambient temperature in which the oil burner system resides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oil burner system having an electric cord set coupled between a controller and a valve associated with a pump. The electric cord set is operable to activate a solenoid valve associated with the pump for delivery of fuel oil to a nozzle of the burner. The electric cord set comprises a voltage or temperature independent timer circuit operable to activate the solenoid valve a predetermined period of time after a call for ignition signal is generated by the controller, wherein the predetermined time period is substantially constant with respect to variations in line voltage or in an ambient temperature in which the oil burner system resides.

Abstract: An improved method and system for automatically continuously replacing an engine's used lubricating oil with fresh lubricating oil throughout operation based on engine operating conditions is disclosed. The present system includes an injection control device for injecting small amounts of used lube oil into the engine's fuel system and an auxiliary flow control device for directing controlled quantities of fresh oil into the engine's lube oil system. An electronic controller is provided to vary the amount of used lube oil injected into the oil system based on the severity of engine operation. The process periodically determines an engine operating severity value, i.e. fuel consumption value, for an interval of engine operation and calculates a base line quantity of oil for injection based on the current fuel consumption of the engine during the current interval.

Abstract: An improved method and system for automatically continuously replacing an engine's used lubricating oil with fresh lubricating oil throughout operation based on engine operating conditions is disclosed. The present system includes an lube oil replacement pump system operable in a replacement mode for injecting small amounts of used lube oil into the engine's fuel system and directing controlled quantities of fresh oil into the engine's lube oil system to replace the removed oil. The process periodically determines an engine operating severity value, i.e. fuel consumption value, for an interval of engine operation and calculates a base line quantity of oil for injection based on the current fuel consumption of the engine during the current interval. The lube oil replacement pump may also be operated in a makeup mode for adding quantities of fresh oil to the engine lube oil sump to compensate for oil consumed by the engine.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for suspending conduit from a solid support structure (e.g., a bridge) which includes a plurality of hanger elements arranged and configured for interconnection to form a horizontally or vertically extending array of cells. Each cell includes a size and shape adapted to support an individual conduit. Support rods extend from the solid support structure to support the hanger elements. The support rods may include a first end anchored into the solid support structure and a threaded second end adapted to retain threaded nuts and washers, or the like. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a J-shaped hanger element having an upright support leg with first and second ends and a conduit support bar extending laterally from the second end of the upright support leg. The conduit support bar includes a first end connected to the upright support member and a second end which may receive various attaching and connecting devices.

Abstract: An improved system for automatically continuously replacing an engine's used lubricating oil with fresh lubricating oil throughout operation based on engine operating conditions is disclosed. The present system includes an intermittent injection control device for intermittently injecting small amounts of used lube oil into the engine's fuel system. An electronic controller is provided to vary the amount of used lube oil injected into the oil system based on the severity of engine operation. The system periodically determines an engine operating severity value, i.e. fuel consumption value, for an interval of engine operation and calculates a base line quantity of oil for injection based on the current fuel consumption of the engine during the current interval. The system may also include an auxiliary flow control device for directing controlled quantities of fresh oil into the engine's lube oil system for maintaining the engine's oil sump at a proper level.

Abstract: An improved method and system for automatically continuously replacing an engine's used lubricating oil with fresh lubricating oil throughout operation based on engine operating conditions is disclosed. The present system includes an injection control device for injecting small amounts of used lube oil into the engine's fuel system and an auxiliary flow control device for directing controlled quantities of fresh oil into the engine's lube oil system. An electronic controller is provided to vary the amount of used lube oil injected into the oil system based on the severity of engine operation. The process periodically determines an engine operating severity value, i.e. fuel consumption value, for an interval of engine operation and calculates a base line quantity of oil for injection based on the current fuel consumption of the engine during the current interval.

Abstract: A device is provided for installing multiple piezometers in a borehole at predetermined elevations. An inner support pipe which may be interconnected with a string of grouting pipe is utilized. A continuous fluid passageway for introduction of grout to the bottom of the borehole results by inclusion of the support pipe as an integral part of the string. A tray member is provided which carries a piezometer embedded in a layer of permeable material. The latter makes a hydraulic connection with the borehole wall. A spring assembly is adapted to move the tray outwardly and radially so as to bring the layer into contact with the borehole wall. A wire restrains the tray against the support pipe so as to permit the device to be inserted into the borehole. A messenger is inserted into the fluid passageway to sever the wires whereupon the spring expands, bringing the layer of permeable material into hydraulic connection with the borehole wall.

Abstract: A control and switching device which links a remote terminal by modems over telephone lines to a local central processing unit (CPU) and a local computer console terminal is disclosed. The device, which is coupled by separate lines to the modem at the local site, the local console and the TTY and ASYNC ports of the CPU, includes a microprocessor, a memory, logic circuits and a switch assembly. The switch assembly includes first, second and third switches which are interlocked and which allow three different levels of remote access of the remote terminal. When the first switch is depressed, the device is powered down, the remote terminal has no access to either the TTY or ASYNC ports of the CPU and the local console is hardwired through the device to the TTY port of the CPU. When the second switch is depressed, the local console is hardwired to the TTY port of the CPU and the remote terminal is electrically connected to the ASYNC port of the CPU.

Abstract: A chain for binding logs on a transport platform may be fabricated from a plurality of sequentially connected generally planar links, each link having laterally directed, log-penetrating extensions mounted to its external sides and having an elongated member with two log-penetrating ends rigidly mounted between the sides of the link normal to the plane of the link. A combination of the chain with an over-center binder attached to said chain and having a chain-engageable first end is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ball joint subject to wear in service and having an exposed indicator extending through the cover so as to be in position for visual examination for indicating wear which can be both axial and transverse to the joint axis. The indicator is confined against rotation and cooperates with the opening in the cover of the ball joint to show the extent of wear.

Abstract: Sodium containing additives in gasoline reduce valve seat recession and give other improvements in automotive internal combustion engines operating on lead-free gasoline. Preferably, the sodium-containing additive is a sodium derivative of an organic compound, e.g., a salt of an organic acid, or a dispersion of a sodium salt of an inorganic acid, e.g., a sodium carbonate dispersion.