Abstract: A system and method for automatically applying a de-jamming action in response to a jammed rotating member includes applying a pulsed torque in response to a detected jam, and additionally a reversal in the direction of rotation may be applied.

Abstract: A touch pad control information system for a food waste disposer is disclosed. The touch pad is mountable to a wall or countertop near the food waste disposer. The touch pad preferably includes switches which allow the user to select from a plurality of disposer functions, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other graphic display to indicate one of a plurality of statuses for the disposer. The touch pad is coupled to the disposer by a wire bus or by wireless means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food waste disposer having an upper food conveying section, a motor section, a central grinding section and a controller. The upper food conveying section includes a housing forming an inlet to receive food waste. The motor section includes a switched reluctance machine having a rotor and a stator. The rotor imparts rotational movement to a rotatable shaft. The central grinding section is disposed between the food conveying section and the motor section. The food conveying section conveys food waste to the grinding section. The grinding section includes a grinding mechanism where a portion of the grinding mechanism is mounted to the rotatable shaft. The controller is electrically connected to the stator to control the switched reluctance machine. The controller is capable of directing rotational movement to the rotatable shaft and the portion of the grinding mechanism mounted to the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A touch pad control information system for a food waste disposer is disclosed. The touch pad is mountable to a wall or countertop near the food waste disposer. The touch pad preferably includes switches which allow the user to select from a plurality of disposer functions, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other graphic display to indicate one of a plurality of statuses for the disposer. The touch pad is coupled to the disposer by a wire bus or by wireless means.

Abstract: A reluctance machine includes a stator having an annular support member with a plurality of stator poles disposed thereon. The stator poles each are formed from a corresponding foil coil stator winding. A solid disc-shaped rotor defines a plurality of salient rotor poles, and is rotatably positioned opposite the support member to establish an axial air gap between the rotor and stator poles. A food waste disposer incorporates such a reluctance machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food waste disposer having an upper food conveying section, a motor section, a central grinding section and a controller. The upper food conveying section includes a housing forming an inlet to receive food waste. The motor section includes a switched reluctance machine having a rotor and a stator. The rotor imparts rotational movement to a rotatable shaft. The central grinding section is disposed between the food conveying section and the motor section. The food conveying section conveys food waste to the grinding section. The grinding section includes a grinding mechanism where a portion of the grinding mechanism is mounted to the rotatable shaft. The controller is electrically connected to the stator to control the switched reluctance machine. The controller is capable of directing rotational movement to the rotatable shaft and the portion of the grinding mechanism mounted to the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A reluctance machine includes a stator having an annular support member with a plurality of stator poles disposed thereon. The stator poles each are formed from a corresponding foil coil stator winding. A solid disc-shaped rotor defines a plurality of salient rotor poles, and is rotatably positioned opposite the support member to establish an axial air gap between the rotor and stator poles. A food waste disposer incorporates such a reluctance machine.

Abstract: A food waste disposer comprises an upper food conveying section, a lower motor section, and a central grinding section disposed between the food conveying section and the motor section. The motor section includes a motor imparting rotational movement to a motor shaft. The food conveying section includes a first injection-molded plastic housing that forms an inlet at its upper end for receiving food waste. The food conveying section conveys the food waste to the central grinding section. The grinding section includes a grinding mechanism having a portion mounted to the motor shaft. The grinding mechanism grinds the food waste into particulate matter. The central grinding section includes a second injection-molded plastic housing encompassing the grinding mechanism and integrally formed with the first injection-molded plastic housing. The motor is enclosed within a motor housing having a stamped metal upper end frame.

Abstract: A distiller for producing potable water employs a metal boiler tray having a cover member in which there is an inlet for raw water and which together form a steam chamber having an outlet for steam. The boiler tray bottom has a plurality of steps including a highest, an intermediate and a lowest level step which are all covered with water at the beginning of a distillation cycle. The temperature of the highest level step is monitored with a sensor. A rise in the temperature of the highest level step by a predetermined amount above the boiling temperature of water indicates that the highest and intermediate level steps have become dry. This results in a signal to a controller to open a valve and admit replenishment raw water whose amount is dependent on valve open time. Steam evolved from the boiler tray is conducted through a first check valve in the cover member to demister chamber when the mist or carryover water in the steam impinges on a baffle and is separated from the steam as condensate.

Abstract: A continuous water distillation system has a steam chamber assembly and a condenser assembly for making steam and condensing the steam into purified water. An associated holding tank collects the purified water for dispensing upon user demand. The quantity of purified water is continuously sensed in the holding tank. A controller coordinates the operation of the steam chamber assembly and the purified water delivery mechanism to dispense purified water from the holding tank upon demand and automatically make and replenish the supply of purified water. In one arrangement, a first sensor continuously senses the purity of the water collected in the holding tank, while a second sensor continuously senses the purity of the water entering the steam chamber assembly. In another arrangement, the condenser assembly includes a cooling fan with a replaceable air filter, and the purified water dispenser includes an inline water filter.

Abstract: A water distiller has a steam chamber that includes a tray for containing water to be distilled. Water is conveyed from a source to the tray for distillation. A valve operates in an open position to convey water to the tray and a closed position to block the passage of water to the tray. A heating element means extends in the steam chamber for submersion in the water carried by the tray. The heating element is operable within a range of temperatures to heat the water in the tray. The heating element includes a main body portion having an axis that extends in a plane generally parallel to the water in the tray and a section havign an axis that is deflected above the axis of the main body portion. A heat sink surrounds the deflected section of the heating element means. A heat sensor detects the temperature of the heat sink. A control connects the valve and the heat sensor means. The control closes the valve when the sensed temperature of the heat sink is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.