Abstract: A manual stair step exerciser that simulates the exercise derived from climbing stairs including a support frame with a chain sprocket assembly having multiple equal spaced deployable steps thereon. A drive shaft pulley and belt assembly interconnects to an adjustable magnetic resistant flywheel for sustained user step input of kinetic energy for sustaining self-propelled tread induced motion during exercise.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal pivotally secured to a fixed support post with pairs of interengaged pivoted lever arms. A height adjustment mechanism is secured to the support post with a unidirectional activation connection bar extending therefrom pivotally interconnected to a pair of goal lever arm supports. A gear rack portion on the activation connection bar is positioned for registration within a double gear reduction drive engagement assembly having a user engagement crank arm extending therefrom providing selective directional rotation incrementally to elevate and lower the basketball goal in relation to the support post. A handle integrated automatic height adjustment braking system is provided assuring the goal assembly is retained in position during raising and lowering thereof.

Abstract: A transfer tube for a thermal transfer device can include at least one wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surface forms a cavity, where the at least one wall further has a first end and a second end. The first end can be configured to couple to a terminus of a heat exchanger of the thermal transfer device. The second end can be configured to couple to a collector box of the thermal transfer device. At least a portion of the at least one wall can be disposed in a vestibule of the thermal transfer device. The cavity can be configured to simultaneously receive a first fluid that flows from the first end to the second end and a second fluid that flows from the second end to the first end.

Abstract: A transfer tube for a thermal transfer device can include at least one wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surface forms a cavity, where the at least one wall further has a first end and a second end. The first end can be configured to couple to a terminus of a heat exchanger of the thermal transfer device. The second end can be configured to couple to a collector box of the thermal transfer device. At least a portion of the at least one wall can be disposed in a vestibule of the thermal transfer device. The cavity can be configured to simultaneously receive a first fluid that flows from the first end to the second end and a second fluid that flows from the second end to the first end.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling twinned heating appliances are described. The system includes a first heating appliance and a second heating appliance. The first heating appliance includes a first blower and a first wireless communication unit. Further, the second heating appliance is operatively coupled with the first heating appliance as a twinned unit. The second heating appliance includes a second blower and a second wireless communication unit. The system also includes a primary control unit configured to receive speed data indicative of a speed of the first blower and speed data indicative of a speed of the second blower. The primary control unit is further configured to output a blower speed control signal to at least one of the first blower and the second blower to synchronize the first blower and the second blower.

Abstract: A fuel-fired heating appliance comprises a fuel source, an air source, a chamber in which fuel and air mix, a burner downstream from the mixing chamber, an igniter proximate the burner, a heat exchanger, a blower and a flue pipe. An ambient air inlet may be defined by at least one of the outlet end of the blower and the flue pipe extending between the interior of the flue pipe and an area ambient to the flue pipe. A flow rate of combustion gas may be controlled to a level below a steady-state flow rate during appliance warm-up.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to facilitate proximity detection and location tracking. An example apparatus includes a real time location system (RTLS) health processor. The example RTLS health processor includes an event processor to process an event included in a message from an RTLS device to identify event information related to the RTLS device, the event relating to a health of the RTLS device and the event information including an event type and an event detail. The example RTLS health processor includes a health analyzer to compare the event detail to a prescribed bound for the event type, the event relating to a health of the device. The example RTLS health processor includes an output generator to, when the event detail is outside the prescribed bound, trigger a response to address the event with respect to the RTLS device.

Abstract: A manual stair step exerciser that simulates the exercise derived from climbing stairs including a support frame with a chain sprocket assembly having multiple equal spaced deployable steps thereon. A drive shaft pulley and belt assembly interconnects to an adjustable magnetic resistant fly wheel for sustained user step input of kinetic energy for sustaining self-propelled tread induced motion during exercise.

Abstract: A fuel-fired heating appliance comprises a fuel source, an air source, a chamber in which fuel and air mix, a burner downstream from the mixing chamber, an igniter proximate the burner, a heat exchanger, a blower and a flue pipe. An ambient air inlet may be defined by at least one of the outlet end of the blower and the flue pipe extending between the interior of the flue pipe and an area ambient to the flue pipe. A flow rate of combustion gas may be controlled to a level below a steady-state flow rate during appliance warm-up.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal pivotally secured to a fixed support post with pairs of interengaged pivoted lever arms. A height adjustment mechanism is secured to the support post with a unidirectional activation connection bar extending therefrom pivotally interconnected to a pair of goal lever arm supports. A gear rack portion on the activation connection bar is positioned for registration within a double gear reduction drive engagement assembly having a user engagement crank arm extending therefrom providing selective directional rotation incrementally to elevate and lower the basketball goal in relation to the support post. A handle integrated automatic height adjustment braking system is provided assuring the goal assembly is retained in position during raising and lowering thereof.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal pivotally secured to a fixed support post with pairs of interengaged pivoted lever arms. A height adjustment mechanism is secured to the support post with an activation arm extending therefrom pivotally interconnected to one pair of said support arms. A gear rack portion of the activation arm is positioned for selective registration within a ratchet type adjustment mechanism having a gear rack engagement portion activation lever and a ratchet engagement pall providing for incremental self-elevation and lowering of the basketball goal in relation to the support post.

Abstract: A fuel-fired heating appliance has two fuel flow paths to a burner, each actuatable to a closed state and to an open state. A heat exchanger is in fluid communication with an area proximate the burner. A controller executes the steps: (a) while the first fuel flow path is closed, opening the second flow path; (b) following ignition of fuel flowing from the second flow path, opening the first fuel flow path; and (c) following step (b), closing the second fuel flow path while opening the first fuel flow path.

Abstract: An exercise machine. The exercise machine includes a frame, a foot engagement surface operably connected to the frame, and an arm rotatably connected to the frame at a pivot. The arm includes a handle connected to the arm at a first location distal to the pivot. The handle is configured to be gripped by a user. The arm includes a weight receiver connected to the arm at a second location distal to the pivot. The weight receiver is configured to hold one or more weights to modify a downward force provided at the handle.

Abstract: A transfer tube for a thermal transfer device can include at least one wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surface forms a cavity, where the at least one wall further has a first end and a second end. The first end can be configured to couple to a terminus of a heat exchanger of the thermal transfer device. The second end can be configured to couple to a collector box of the thermal transfer device. At least a portion of the at least one wall can be disposed in a vestibule of the thermal transfer device. The cavity can be configured to simultaneously receive a first fluid that flows from the first end to the second end and a second fluid that flows from the second end to the first end.

Abstract: A fuel-fired heating appliance has two fuel flow paths to a burner, each actuatable to a closed state and to an open state. A heat exchanger is in fluid communication with an area proximate the burner. A controller executes the steps: (a) while the first fuel flow path is closed, opening the second flow path; (b) following ignition of fuel flowing from the second flow path, opening the first fuel flow path; and (c) following step (b), closing the second fuel flow path while opening the first fuel flow path.

Abstract: A high-efficiency modulating gas furnace (herein ‘gas furnace’) includes a furnace controller. The gas furnace further includes a gas valve and at least one pressure switch that is coupled to the furnace controller. The electrical contacts of the at least one pressure switch are removed from a series electrical circuit with the gas valve such that the gas furnace operates without de-energizing the gas valve as soon as the electrical contacts of the at least one pressure switch are opened. Further, the furnace controller operates the induced draft blower at or close to a lowest RPM at which the electrical contacts of the at least one pressure switch can be kept closed, which is between a make point RPM at which the electrical contacts of the at least one pressure switch close and a break point RPM at which the electrical contacts of the at least one pressure switch open.

Abstract: A cloud based processing system receives location information and health status information of a plurality of beacon devices. The location information indicates real-time locations of the plurality of beacon devices, and the health status information indicates real-time conditions of the plurality of beacon devices. The processing system tracks movements of at least some of the plurality of beacon devices based on the location information and identifies problematic beacon devices based on the health status information.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to facilitate proximity detection and location tracking. An example apparatus includes a real time location system (RTLS) health processor. The example RTLS health processor includes an event processor to process an event included in a message from an RTLS device to identify event information related to the RTLS device, the event relating to a health of the RTLS device and the event information including an event type and an event detail. The example RTLS health processor includes a health analyzer to compare the event detail to a prescribed bound for the event type, the event relating to a health of the device. The example RTLS health processor includes an output generator to, when the event information is outside the prescribed bound, trigger a response to address the event with respect to the RTLS device.

Abstract: A high-efficiency modulating gas furnace (herein ‘gas furnace’) includes a furnace controller. The gas furnace further includes a gas valve and at least one pressure switch that is coupled to the furnace controller. The electrical contacts of the at least one pressure switch are removed from a series electrical circuit with the gas valve such that the gas furnace operates without de-energizing the gas valve as soon as the electrical contacts of the at least one pressure switch are opened. Further, the furnace controller operates the induced draft blower at or close to a lowest RPM at which the electrical contacts of the at least one pressure switch can be kept closed, which is between a make point RPM at which the electrical contacts of the at least one pressure switch close and a break point RPM at which the electrical contacts of the at least one pressure switch open.

Abstract: A fuel-fired heating appliance comprises a burner and a first housing adjacent the burner so that an interior of the first housing receives combustion gasses from combustion at the burner. A heat exchanger defines a second housing with an inlet proximate an outlet of the first housing so that the inlet of the second housing receives combustion gasses from the outlet of the first housing, and wherein the first and second housings attach at an interface. A barrier extends within, and across an interface between, the outlet of the first housing and the inlet of the second housing and defines a thermal resistance that inhibits heat transfer from the combustion gasses to the interface.