Abstract: A gas-powered water heater includes means for stepping down a line voltage from a receptacle remote from the tank, means for using the stepped down voltage to provide a low voltage, and means for using the low voltage to sense conditions pertaining to the heater and to control heater operation based on the sensed conditions. Using a plug-in transformer to provide power for microprocessor control makes it unnecessary to install a line voltage line to the heater.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator having a chamber comprising a port opening and a tapered pin disposed within the opening, for controllably restricting the cross-sectional flow area through the port. The tapered pin moves relative to the bore of the port that it is disposed in, under the influence of a pressure responsive diaphragm. A spring biases the pin towards the diaphragm. The diaphragm's movement is unaffected by any misalignment of the diaphragm with respect to the tapered pin and port, and the tapered pin's movement is unaffected by any diaphragm movement not in line with the port.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator having a chamber comprising a port opening and a tapered pin disposed within the opening, for controllably restricting the cross-sectional flow area through the port. The tapered pin moves relative to the bore of the port that it is disposed in, under the influence of a pressure responsive diaphragm. A spring biases the pin towards the diaphragm. The diaphragm's movement is unaffected by any misalignment of the diaphragm with respect to the tapered pin and port, and the tapered pin's movement is unaffected by any diaphragm movement not in line with the port.

Abstract: An adjustable fluid flow regulator that can be adjusted for operating at two different operating pressures includes a casing having a chamber therein, an inlet and an outlet communicating with the chamber, and a valve for controlling fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet. A flexible diaphragm in the casing is connected to the valve for operating the valve in response to pressure changes in the chamber. The fluid flow regulator further includes a spring, a removable hollow cap aligned with the spring, and a link adapted to fit in the cap. The link, when installed in the cap, engages the spring to cause the spring to apply a biasing force against the diaphragm that is higher than when the link is not in the cap. According to the method of this invention, the adjustable fluid flow regulator is adjusted for use at two different operating pressures by installing or removing the link from the hollow, removable cap.