Abstract: The system and method for increasing efficiency of heat pumps employs temperature sensors to measure the indoor refrigerant coil (indoor heat exchanger) and supply duct air temperature in a heat pump system to vary the indoor air flow rate based on the amount of heat being supplied by the heat pump. By monitoring the indoor refrigerant coil temperature, and the supply duct air temperature near the unit, the airflow can be adjusted to match the BTU (heat) output of the heat pump system. Less air flow over a cooler indoor refrigerant coil temperature allows increased, more efficient, heat transfer, allowing the cooler indoor refrigerant coil temperature to more effectively warm the air. Additionally, with airflow reduced when the indoor refrigerant coil is operating at lower than optimal temperatures or during a defrost cycle, the reduced airflow into living spaces presents a less drafty and more comfortable condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for transferring storage data and network data using the same interface circuit. Storage data is transferred from an upper layer storage driver to a lower layer storage driver. Network data is transferred from a network driver to the lower layer storage drive. The storage data and the network data are transferred to a communications link interface circuit, wherein the storage data is transferred using a storage protocol and the network data is transferred using a network protocol.

Abstract: A coupling assembly component includes an annular base. A first annular friction surface is connected with the base and is movable into engagement with a second annular friction surface. An annular fluid extensible tube is inflatable to move the first friction surface into engagement with the second friction surface. A fitting is connected with the base and the tube to conduct fluid pressure into a chamber in the tube. An annular mounting ring is disposed in a coaxial relationship with the base and the tube. The annular mounting ring is embedded in the tube and is connected with a portion of the fitting. The annular mounting ring may be provided with only a single opening which is connected with a fitting through which fluid is conducted into the tube. However, the annular mounting ring may be provided with a plurality of openings connected with a plurality of fittings.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is especially effective in dislodging plaque from the teeth through the application of a mixture of a liquid oral antiseptic with water under pressure. In a preferred embodiment to be described, the apparatus is connected for use between the showerhead and the water supply to the head, with the amount of pressure controllable through the apparatus via a valve which serves to mix the antiseptic and water together. A second valve is employed as part of the applicator to dislodge the plaque and which operates to pulsate the admixture to the teeth under manual user control. In a second embodiment, the plaque dislodging apparatus is coupled within a bathroom vanity, or otherwise beneath a countertop, coupling the apparatus between the water supply source and the faucet or tap.

Abstract: A DC motor particularly adapted to operate in the presence of translational movement between the armature (rotor) and the field (stator) magnets. The field magnets comprise a plurality of magnets formed into a pair of concentric, closed-spaced, parallel rings mounted to rings of soft, magnetic material. The armature is a planar armature wound in a serpentine pattern so as to cross back and form between the rings only on radial lines from a center point on the armature. The radial conductor lines are sized with respect to the width of the magnetic ring such that even in the presence of translational motion, only the radial conductors cross between the rings and the motor can continue to operate.

Abstract: This invention relates to force motors that are used in single stage hydraulic valves that are responsive to electrical input signals. The inertia of the force motor is reduced by having only a small portion of the force motor move. By reducing the mass of the moving parts of the force motor the force motor may be used with an increased speed of response.