Abstract: A control module for a water heater includes a switching module that receives a voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. The water heater includes an electrical junction box that receives the voltage supply. A communication module communicates with at least one of an energy meter and an energy network external to the water heater and the control module, and receives information from the at least one of the energy meter and the energy network. The control module is mounted on the water heater and the voltage supply passes through or adjacent to the control module. The control module determines an operating characteristic of the water heater based on the voltage supply and selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater in response to the operating characteristic and the information.

Abstract: A mount includes a sensor that is configured to output data characterizing the environment. A first portion has a receiving portion and a first aperture for receiving the sensor. The receiving portion fixes the sensor to the first portion. A positive location portion is located on the receiving portion and is adapted to receive the sensor. The positive location portion and first portion orient the position and depth of the sensor. A second portion is removably secured to the first portion to form a clamping structure for retaining the sensor.

Abstract: A control system for an electric water heater having an upper heating element and a lower heating element is disclosed. The control system includes a control module that controls operation of the electric water heater by selectively toggling the upper and lower heating elements between an ON state and an OFF state and a consumer interface module that allows a consumer to input a set point temperature and select an energy savings mode for the electric water heater. The control module regularly monitors hot water usage and adjusts the set point temperature by a predetermined setback amount until a capacity of the water heater matches consumer usage.

Abstract: An external reset device that is operable in combination with an electric water heater is disclosed. The external reset device is attached to an element cover that is mounted to the water heater and conceals the water heater's control device, such as a manual reset thermostat. The external reset device comprises a bushing member and a key member attached to the element cover. The bushing member is aligned with a reset button on the control device. The key member is adapted for insertion into the bushing member to depress the reset button and close a switch, enabling the heating elements of the electric water heater to power ON and heat the water within the electric water heater.

Abstract: A bracket operable to support a temperature control device and a sensor probe at an external surface of a water tank for controlling and monitoring the water temperature of the tank. The bracket comprises a first receptacle, a second receptacle, and a coupling feature. The first receptacle is operable to receive the temperature control device. The second receptacle is operable to receive the sensor probe. The coupling feature is operable to attach the bracket at the external surface of the water tank.

Abstract: An improved flue pipe construction particularly adapted for a fuel fired water heater is disclosed which serves to reduce or minimize heat loss when the water heater is in a standby mode. The flue pipe construction comprises inner and outer concentric flue pipes which define an air space therebetween and one or more valve arrangements associated therewith to selectively restrict air flow through such air space. The valve arrangements include a thermally responsive actuator operative to open and close the valve member in response to heat generated by firing of the burner assembly without the need for any external power supply or interlocks.

Abstract: An improved flue pipe construction particularly adapted for a fuel fired water heater is disclosed which serves to reduce or minimize heat loss when the water heater is in a standby mode. The flue pipe construction comprises inner and outer concentric flue pipes which define an air space therebetween and one or more valve arrangements associated therewith to selectively restrict air flow through such air space. The valve arrangements include a thermally responsive actuator operative to open and close the valve member in response to heat generated by firing of the burner assembly without the need for any external power supply or interlocks.

Abstract: An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor of the present invention utilizes a plurality of thermocouples grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. A first thermocouple of each pair is located in relatively close thermal proximity to an electrically powered heater and the second of each pair of thermocouples is spaced away from the heater. The thermocouples are connected in series and produce a signal directly indicative of the level of the liquid along the sensor. Additionally, a pressure sensing circuit may also be incorporated with the liquid level sensor.

Abstract: An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor of the present invention utilizes a plurality of thermocouples grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. A first thermocouple of each pair is located in relatively close thermal proximity to an electrically powered heater and the second of each pair of thermocouples is spaced away from the heater. The thermocouples are connected in series and produce a signal directly indicative of the level of the liquid along the sensor. Additionally, a pressure sensing circuit may also be incorporated with the liquid level sensor.

Abstract: A temperature actuated switch having a resilient switch blade that is movable between open and closed positions and extends perpendicular to an elongated actuator of shape memory alloy. The actuator has an elongated deformed shape at normal temperatures and a contracted recovered shape at an elevated temperature. An end portion of the actuator is attached to the switch blade to provide movement of same between open and closed positions as the actuator changes between its deformed and recovered shapes.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch having a switch case and disc cup cooperatively shaped for assembly in selective aligned relationship against relative rotation.

Abstract: An reversible adjustable pivot angle square (10) comprising a a base blade (20) that contains a reversible level and plumb means (62) rotatably connected to a perpendicular travel blade (22) that contains a reversible level and plumb means (64) in an arrangement that forms an adjustable orthogonal position. The travel blade (22) design allows rotation to a 360 (three hundred and sixty) degree range. An angle blade (26) is angularly and rotatably connected to the base blade (20) at approximately mid center of the base blade (20) elongation. The base blade (20) design allows rotation to a 360 (three hundred and sixty) degree range. The travel blade (22) contains a through slot which runs substantially along the travel blade (22) elongation. The through slot serves as a travel blade slot (24) for the angle blade (26). Once the angle blade upper end (38) is slidably and adjustably connected to the travel blade slot (24), the adjustable pivot angle square (10) is completely pivotally and rotatably connected.

Abstract: A thermal protector using a polymeric PTC element, with broad upper and lower surfaces, sandwiched between and held in intimate mechanical and electrical contact over substantially its entire broad surfaces with inner broad surfaces of upper and lower plate-terminals. Electrical insulation between the upper and lower plate-terminals outside the areas of contact of the plate-terminals and the PTC element electrically insulates the upper and lower plate-terminals from one another. The plate-terminals are clamped mechanically, preferably in such a way that the PTC element is biased continuously against the broad surfaces of the plate-terminals.