Abstract: A HVAC branch line includes a boot, flexible duct, and integral connection therebetween. The boot can be configured to pre-hold fasteners to facilitate field installation. The branch line can also include one or more straps or other another structure, which are used to support the branch line, and optionally compress the duct before, during or after installation. Since the duct and boot are integrally connected, a field connection between the two is unnecessary and the duct can be easily supported during installation of the branch line.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a shaft, a first switch and a second switch, a potentiometer including a first and a second terminal, and an electric controller. The first switch is coupled to a first device, whereas the second switch is coupled to a second device. The shaft is coupled to the first switch and the second switch, and is moved to a first position to selectively connect power, through the first switch, to the first device, and to a second position to selectively connect power, through the second switch, to the second device. The potentiometer is coupled to the shaft, and provides a variable resistance between the first and the second terminal in relation to the movement of the shaft. The electric controller is coupled to the potentiometer, and electrically controls the power to the first device and/or the second device in relation to the variable resistance between the first and the second terminal of the potentiometer.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a shaft, a first switch and a second switch, a potentiometer including a first and a second terminal, and an electric controller. The first switch is coupled to a first device, whereas the second switch is coupled to a second device. The shaft is coupled to the first switch and the second switch, and is moved to a first position to selectively connect power, through the first switch, to the first device, and to a second position to selectively connect power, through the second switch, to the second device. The potentiometer is coupled to the shaft, and provides a variable resistance between the first and the second terminal in relation to the movement of the shaft. The electric controller is coupled to the potentiometer, and electrically controls the power to the first device and/or the second device in relation to the variable resistance between the first and the second terminal of the potentiometer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a heating element by corrugating a ribbon to a waveform having an amplitude based on a measured resistance per unit length of the ribbon. The amplitude of the corrugation is varied based on the measured resistance, to vary the actual path length of the heating element, shorter based on higher resistance and longer based on lower resistance. The heating element is formed to have a predetermined length dimension. The apparatus comprises a pair of intermeshed gears, with the spacing controlled in accordance with the measured resistance per unit length of the unformed ribbon.

Abstract: A switch which controls a heating element in terms of limiting its overheating and indicating both that the heating element is on and that it has a hot surface associated therewith is disclosed, particularly for use with range top cooking elements.

Abstract: A heater assembly includes a housing which both channels air flowing around a heating element and provides support structure for the elements holding the heating element. In one embodiment, a lower U-shaped channel has recesses in opposed sidewalls to engage down-turned ends of holding elements. A second U-shaped channel is attached to form a hollow duct open at opposite ends. In a second embodiment, a U-shaped channel is made of flexible material so that the spacing between opposed sidewalls may be varied. A holding element is secured between the sidewalls by separating the sidewalls to allow insertion of the holding means.

Abstract: A handle preferably in the shape of an inverted frusto-pyramid is attached to the extremity of a control rod which is received in a longitudinal bore in the handle. The control rod has a transverse opening in its extremity that can be aligned with a transverse bore in the handle that intersects with the longitudinal bore. A bolt is insertable through the transverse bore and aligned transverse opening. The bolt has a bolthead portion and a threaded end portion. The threaded end of the bolt may be placed in mating engagement with internal threads of a nut to secure the handle to the control rod.