Abstract: A trailer system with independent propulsion and control is configured to be towed by a lead vehicle. The trailer system includes a steerable first axle connected to a pair of first wheels, a second axle connected to a pair of second wheels, at least one electric traction motor configured to drive the steerable first axle, and a high voltage battery system configured to power the at least one electric traction motor. A trailer control system (TCS) includes a controller configured to steer, accelerate, and brake the first and/or second wheels. A trailer sensor suite is in signal communication with the TCS. The TCS is configured for signal communication with a lead vehicle sensor suite, and is configured to control driving and/or operation of the trailer system based on one or more signals from the trailer sensor suite and the lead vehicle sensor suite.

Abstract: A tow bar system for an independently steered and powered trailer includes a front tow bar configured to removably couple to a hitch of a lead vehicle, a rear tow bar configured to removably couple to a hitch of the trailer, and a damper system disposed between the front tow bar and the rear tow bar. The damper system is configured to absorb compressive and tensile loads occurring during steering, accelerating, and braking of the independently steered and powered trailer.

Abstract: A wall plate assembly for an HVAC controller may include a rear plate including an aperture extending through the rear plate and a front plate securable to the rear plate. In some cases, the front plate may have a recessed portion that is recessed back toward the rear plate and align with the aperture in the rear plate. An air flow barrier may be secured to the recessed portion of the front plate. The air flow barrier may include a barrier surface that covers a portion of the aperture formed in the recessed portion of the front plate to reduce air infiltration. The air flow barrier may include an air flow barrier aperture that is sized to accommodate wires passing through the aperture in the recessed portion of the front plate for connection to a wire connection block of the front plate.

Abstract: A wall plate assembly for an HVAC controller may include a rear plate including an aperture extending through the rear plate and a front plate securable to the rear plate. In some cases, the front plate may have a recessed portion that is recessed back toward the rear plate and align with the aperture in the rear plate. An air flow barrier may be secured to the recessed portion of the front plate. The air flow barrier may include a barrier surface that covers a portion of the aperture formed in the recessed portion of the front plate to reduce air infiltration. The air flow barrier may include an air flow barrier aperture that is sized to accommodate wires passing through the aperture in the recessed portion of the front plate for connection to a wire connection block of the front plate.

Abstract: A fishing line spool dispenser comprising: a support rod; a spring stop in the support rod; a spring coiled around the support rod adjacent the spring stop; a first spindle adjacent the spring; a second spindle adjacent the first spindle; and a locking shaft collar adjacent the second spindle. A user may remove the locking shaft collar and the second spindle from the support rod; place a fishing line spool on the support rod; replace the second spindle and the locking shaft collar; slide all parts along the support rod to compress the spring against the spring stop; and temporarily secure the locking shaft collar to the support rod such that tension is maintained in the spring. The user may then load a reel with the even tensioned line dispensed from the fishing line spool. The support rod may be mounted to a base plate to which suction cups are secured.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.

Abstract: An airflow sensor including a housing, a flexible substrate, and electrical components. The housing defines an internal compartment and a top face opening. The substrate includes circuitry traces, and defines a front and a back. The substrate is disposed within the compartment such that the back is exposed relative to the opening. The electrical components are electrically connected to the circuitry traces, extending from the front of the substrate opposite the opening, and include a heated temperature sensor spaced from a baseline temperature sensor. During use, airflow interfaces with the substrate back to cool the heated temperature sensor. The extent of this cooling as compared to the baseline temperature sensor is indicative of airflow. The system and method include detecting the presence or absence of airflow based upon a temperature differential between the temperature sensors as well as a rate of change in the temperature differential.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.

Abstract: An airflow sensor including a housing, a flexible substrate, and electrical components. The housing defines an internal compartment and a top face opening. The substrate includes circuitry traces, and defines a front and a back. The substrate is disposed within the compartment such that the back is exposed relative to the opening. The electrical components are electrically connected to the circuitry traces, extending from the front of the substrate opposite the opening, and include a heated temperature sensor spaced from a baseline temperature sensor. During use, airflow interfaces with the substrate back to cool the heated temperature sensor. The extent of this cooling as compared to the baseline temperature sensor is indicative of airflow. The system and method include detecting the presence or absence of airflow based upon a temperature differential between the temperature sensors as well as a rate of change in the temperature differential.

Abstract: A humidity control system for an enclosure requiring heat from a furnace and having one or more windows, includes sensors for the enclosure temperature and humidity, and a means for measuring the percentage of time which the furnace is operating (load factor). The system estimates the interior window temperature based on these parameters and controls humidity added to the enclosure air to prevent the enclosure air dew point temperature from rising above the estimated window temperature. This prevents condensation on the window surfaces. The estimation can be adjusted to compensate for different insulation characteristics of the window. In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure air temperature and humidity are derived from sensors conveniently located in the return air duct.

Abstract: In the present invention, a heat transferring arrangement is disclosed for a printed wiring board assembly. A heat conductive panel is provided to be in close proximity to a component side of a printed wiring board. The heat conductive panel further includes flange members, so that the flange members may be forced against a heat conducting surface of a chassis and provide a thermally conductive contact therewith. With this arrangement, heat transfer by radiation from the circuit components to the heat conductive panel is enhanced and thereby permits heat transfer by conduction from the heat conductive panel to the chassis.

Abstract: A metal fuel for producing power for propulsion is disclosed. The fuel is made up of a metal core, a metal barrier and an oxidizer layer. The combination of materials disclosed provides a means for melting the metal core so that it can be oxidized in an exothermic reaction to produce power. The metal fuel may also be stabilized with respect to auto-ignition by adding a binder layer. A method for producing the metal fuel is also described herein.

Abstract: A metal fuel for producing power for propulsion is disclosed. The fuel is made up of a metal core, a metal barrier and an oxidizer layer. The combination of materials disclosed provides a means for melting the metal core so that it can be oxidized in an exothermic reaction to produce power. The metal fuel may also be stabilized with respect to auto-ignition by adding a binder layer. A method for producing the metal fuel is also described herein.

Abstract: An improved boiler purge control in which purging air is forced into the boiler only after the damper is substantially in its high fire position.