Abstract: An article suitable for conducting one or more assays with an apparatus, e.g., a meter, for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid. The article contains a plurality of biosensors arranged in such a manner that each of the biosensors can be utilized before the article must be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A heat pump water heater and systems and methods for its control. The systems are configured to heat water within a water storage tank of a heat pump water heater wherein a controller within the system is operatively connected to a plurality of heat sources including at least one electric heating element and a heat pump and sensors in order to selectively energize one of the plurality of heat sources. The controller is configure to process data representative of the temperature of water within the tank near the top of the water storage tank, and rate of water flowing out of the water storage tank, in order to automatically selectively energize the heat sources. The selection of heat sources by the controller is determined by a mode of operation selected by the user and the data processed by the controller in view of the selected mode of operation.

Abstract: A cam plate for use with a pump includes at least one camming surface configured to enable an impeller to rotate in a first direction and substantially prevent the impeller from rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction. A ring recess is defined in the cam plate. The ring recess is configured to receive at least a portion of a cam ring that is configured to rotate within the ring recess. A follower recess is at least partially defined by the at least one camming surface and extends from the ring recess. The follower recess is configured to receive at least one cam follower therein.

Abstract: A fan apparency arrangement for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance has a chamber with a first port and a second port. The arrangement includes a fan for moving air in or out of the chamber, and a sail switch disposed adjacent to the second port. When activated, the fan moves air in or out of the chamber through the first port to create a pressure difference between an inside and an outside of the chamber. The pressure difference causes the sail switch to change position and signal that the fan is activated. An appliance incorporating such a fan apparency arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article suitable for conducting one or more assays with an apparatus, e.g., a meter, for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid. The article contains a plurality of biosensors arranged in such a manner that each of the biosensors can be utilized before the article must be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: An article suitable for conducting one or more assays with an apparatus, e.g., a meter, for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid. The article contains a plurality of biosensors arranged in such a manner that each of the biosensors can be utilized before the article must be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a high volume, buoyancy controlled submersible pump assembly designed to sit on the bottom of a body of water or other liquid substance and move a large volume of water or liquid substance. Alternatively, the submersible pump assembly is capable of achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy or near neutral buoyancy in a particular body of water or liquid substance. The neutrally buoyant version includes maintaining the pump assembly at a given depth without requiring it to sit on the bottom of the body of water or other liquid substance. This invention also relates to linear electrofusion for thermoplastic components.

Abstract: A heat pump water heater and systems and methods for its control are disclosed. The systems are configured to heat water within a water storage tank of a heat pump water heater wherein a controller within the system is operatively connected to a plurality of heat sources including at least one electric heating element and a heat pump and sensors in order to selectively energize one of the plurality of heat sources. The controller is configure to process data representative of the temperature of water within the tank near the top of the water storage tank, and rate of water flowing out of the water storage tank, in order to automatically selectively energize the heat sources. The selection of heat sources by the controller is determined by a mode of operation selected by the user and the data processed by the controller in view of the selected mode of operation.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a high volume, buoyancy controlled submersible pump assembly designed to sit on the bottom of a body of water or other liquid substance and move a large volume of water or liquid substance. Alternatively, the submersible pump assembly is capable of achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy or near neutral buoyancy in a particular body of water or liquid substance. The neutrally buoyant version includes the means to maintain the pump assembly at a given depth without requiring it to sit on the bottom of the body of water or other liquid substance. This invention also relates to linear electrofusion for thermoplastic components.

Abstract: A gas burner for a cooking appliance having a base portion and a side wall extending from the base portion. A cap is disposed on the side wall. The cap includes a substantially conical interior surface facing the base portion. The substantially conical interior surface is configured to substantially eliminate creation of turbulent flow eddies in a gaseous fuel mixture passing through the gas burner.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for use with a pump includes an impeller having an impeller plate and a cam ring extending from a first surface of the impeller plate and a cam plate positioned proximate the impeller plate. The cam plate includes at least one camming surface. At least one cam follower is positioned between the cam ring and the at least one camming surface. The at least one cam follower is configured to cooperate with at least one of the cam ring and the at least one camming surface to enable the impeller to rotate in a first direction and substantially prevent the impeller from rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A cam plate for use with a pump includes at least one camming surface configured to enable an impeller to rotate in a first direction and substantially prevent the impeller from rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction. A ring recess is defined in the cam plate. The ring recess is configured to receive at least a portion of a cam ring that is configured to rotate within the ring recess. A follower recess is at least partially defined by the at least one camming surface and extends from the ring recess. The follower recess is configured to receive at least one cam follower therein.

Abstract: An appliance with a Venturi based venting system is disclosed. The appliance includes a housing defining an airflow channel in flow communication with outside of the appliance, the airflow channel having a common channel with a diverging section; first and second heating units disposed in the housing; a first duct through which a first cavity of the first unit is in flow communication with the common channel, the first duct having a first outlet end disposed at least partially in the diverging section; a second duct through which a second cavity of the second unit is in flow communication with the common channel, the second duct having a second outlet end disposed in the diverging section; and a fan in flow communication with the common channel.

Abstract: An article suitable for conducting one or more assays with an apparatus, e.g., a meter, for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid. The article contains a plurality of biosensors arranged in such a manner that each of the biosensors can be utilized before the article must be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects in which is employed a pump system for varying the spray velocity of washing fluid dispensed from spray jets affixed at an angle relative to a spray arm. In one embodiment, the pump system includes a pump having a pump motor such as a synchronous motor responsive to a variable frequency, single-phase alternating current input. The pump system also includes a pump motor control circuit configured to vary the frequency and voltage of the input, which in one example effectuates changes in the rotational speed of the pump motor in accordance with one or more operational cycles. The pump motor control circuit incorporates in one example a rectifier and an inverter that permits operation of the appliance when coupled to supply mains.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a high volume, buoyancy controlled submersible pump assembly designed to sit on the bottom of a body of water or other liquid substance and move a large volume of water or liquid substance. Alternatively, the submersible pump assembly is capable of achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy or near neutral buoyancy in a particular body of water or liquid substance. The neutrally buoyant version includes the means to maintain the pump assembly at a given depth without requiring it to sit on the bottom of the body of water or other liquid substance. This invention also relates to linear electrofusion for thermoplastic components.

Abstract: A wiring assembly for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance has a main body and a door movably attached to the main body. The wiring assembly includes a base attachable to the door and having a first end and a second end; a slide slidably mounted on the base so that the slide is moveable between a first position where the slide is adjacent to the first end and a second position where the slide is adjacent to the second end; a tensioning or biasing member engaging the slide with the base and biasing the slide to the first position; and a cable assembly including a power/communication cable attachable to the main body and connected to the slide. An appliance incorporating such a wiring assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dryer drawer system is provided comprising a generally multisided drying chamber having opposed side walls, a rear wall, and at least one access door, wherein the door is sealable to the chamber. The dryer drawer further comprises a heater for heating air circulating in the chamber and at least one fan for circulating air in the chamber. The multisided drying chamber includes an air inlet and an air outlet, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the air in the chamber, a first damper for selectively opening and closing the air inlet, a second damper for selectively opening and closing the air outlet, and a controller for controlling operation of the fan, the heater and the dampers. The controller is operative in a first operational mode to open the air inlet and the air outlet to provide air flow through the chamber and in a second operational mode to close the air inlet and the air outlet to provide a recirculating air flow within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus including a frame forming an internal cavity, the frame having an opening for accessing the internal cavity, a first door and a second door mounted to the frame and a door coupling mechanism for effecting a substantially simultaneous movement of the first door and second door relative to the frame, the door coupling mechanism including a first door link, a second door link and at least one ternary link, the first door link being rotatably coupled to the first door and the at least one ternary link, the second door being rotatably coupled to the second door and the at least one ternary link.

Abstract: An article suitable for conducting one or more assays with an apparatus, e.g., a meter, for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid. The article contains a plurality of biosensors arranged in such a manner that each of the biosensors can be utilized before the article must be removed from the apparatus.