Abstract: In an appliance such as an oven for cooking food, the invention contemplates a user rotatable, single knob oven control device which provides both discrete and continuous control signals to the appliance controller. The discrete outputs indicate selection of oven features, and the continuous output the desired baking temperature. These inputs are selected by a user in response to rotation of a user interface knob mounted on a control panel. The control panel provides visual indication of oven cooking temperature selections through a first arc around the knob, and user selectable oven features (such as, e.g., OFF/CANCEL, BROIL, and CLEAN) in a second arc around the knob. The control device comprises a hub having a portion adapted to be drivably coupled to the user interface knob. The hub also includes a flange which has at least one cam. The device also includes a variable resistance element having a rotatable shaft in driving engagement with the hub.

Abstract: A mechanical refrigerant thermal expansion valve has a sensing port sealed with a cupped shaped closure received therein and sealed about the cup rim. A cover assembly is removably attached to the valve over the cup with a thermistor extending into the cup which is filled with thermally conductive grease for thermal conductivity between the cup and the thermistor. The cover assembly has an electrical connector provided thereon. The thermistor is preferably mounted on printed circuit board potted in the cover which may include electronic signal logic and power switching circuitry.

Abstract: A mechanical refrigerant thermal expansion valve has a sensing port sealed with a cupped shape closure received therein and sealed about the cup rim. A cover assembly is removeably attached to the valve over the cup with a thermistor extending into the cup which is filled with thermally conductive grease for thermal conductivity between the cup and the thermistor. The cover assembly has an electrical connector provided thereon. The thermistor is preferably mounted on printed circuit board potted in the cover which may include electronic signal logic and power switching circuitry.

Abstract: An automatic control system for regulating the temperature of blower air discharged over a heater core to a vehicle passenger compartment. A thermistor is disposed to sense discharge air adjacent the heater core and provide a temperature signal. An electrical indication is provided of the condition of a servomotor driven valve controlling water flow to the heater core. An electrical reference signal is provided indicative of a user selected relative change of flow discharge air temperature. A signal is provided indicating the speed of the water pump circulating liquid to the heater core. The signals are summed and the valve sums driven until the sum is zero and the valve modulated to maintain the sum at zero for regulating blower air discharge temperature constant.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a passenger van having individual temperature selection controls for passengers in the forward and rear sections of the passenger compartment. Separate exothermic heat exchangers for circulation of engine coolant therethrough are provided for the forward and rear passengers. Each heat exchanger is supplied by a coolant control valve and individual blowers provide a stream of forced air over the heat exchangers. A thermistor senses the temperature of the air discharge over each heat exchanger and a controller sums the sensed temperature signal with a user selected relative temperature reference signal provided independently by the forward and/or rear passenger selector inputs and a valve position signal; and, the controller generates a control signal proportional to the summation.

Abstract: A pressure transducer of the type providing a continuous electrical output signal indicative of the variation in sensed pressure having a metallic preferably aluminum armature attached for movement with a resilient pressure responsive diaphragm. A resonant circuit includes a coil disposed adjacent the armature and an oscillator provides current flow in the coil which generates eddy currents in the armature; and, movement of the diaphragm and armature causes the eddy currents therein to alter the effective inductive reactance of the coil and shift the frequency of resonance of the circuit. Circuit means are provided to emit an output signal indicative of the frequency shift for enabling a continuous determination to be made of the sensed pressure on the diaphragm. An auxiliary snap-action switch is provided remotely from the diaphragm and is actuated by a non-metallic rod from the armature passing through the central region of the coil. The circuitry is preferably mounted on a p.c.

Abstract: The accumulated number of cycles of an alternating current power supply are counted and a first signal is generated when the count reaches a number representing a desired time lapse and a second signal is generated when a desired multiple of a number have been counted. The timing motor of an electro-mechanical appliance programmer is switched off by said first signal and remains off for a time interval of twice that represented by a second signal.