Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (20) for providing a pressurized liquid to a dose of beverage ingredients (10) such as a coffee capsule, the machine comprising a pressurizing liquid chamber (1) designed for being filled with a predefined amount of liquid upon operation of a liquid pump (2) connected to a liquid reservoir (3) of the machine, a potential energy accumulator (4) that is associated to the pressurizing liquid chamber (1) and which is designed for being brought into a charged position upon filling of the pressurizing liquid chamber (1), a brewing chamber (5) for receiving the dose of beverage ingredients (10) and which is designed for being selectively brought in fluid communication with the pressurizing liquid chamber (1), the machine (20) further comprising flow control means (6a,6b) designed for regulating the amount of liquid conveyed from the liquid pump (2) into the pressurizing liquid chamber (1) depending on an operating position of the potential energy accumulator (4

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Door locking device (1) comprising a containment casing (I), having a window (34), a slider (5), comprising a locking portion (51), intended to engage with a door (91) of an appliance (9), wherein said slider (5) is contained in said containment casing (I) and wherein said slider (5) is capable of assuming a retracted position, in which said locking portion (51) is at least partially contained in said containment envelope (I), and an extracted position in which said locking portion (51) is at least partially extracted from said containment envelope (I), moving through said window (34), and a moving and controlling system (6, 7) of said slider (5), configured for allowing the passage of said slider (5) from said retracted position to said extracted position and vice-versa, characterized in that said containment casing (I) comprises a base (2), a containment intermediate element (3), couplable with said base (2), and a top lid (4), couplable with said containment intermediate

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a valve assembly having a valve, an actuating system, and a trigger. The trigger can be in mechanical communication with the actuating system and the actuating system can be in mechanical communication with the valve. The trigger can be positioned such that the trigger can interact with liquid resulting from a leak in a plumbing system, and upon interaction with liquid, the trigger can release the actuating system such that the actuating system can cause the valve to transition from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the valve can restrict the passage of liquid through the plumbing system such that the leak can be mitigated or stopped.

Abstract: A vapor provision system includes an inhalation sensor; an input button; control circuitry and a vaporizer for generating vapor from a vapor precursor material when provided with power from the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide power for the vaporizer to generate vapor both in response to determining from signaling received from the inhalation sensor that a user is inhaling on the vapor provision system and in response to determining from signaling received from the input button that a user has activated the input button for at least a threshold amount of time.

Abstract: A burst disc system can include a plurality of burst discs serially arranged to successively rupture one at a time. Each burst disc can be configured to rupture at one or more set burst pressures. The system can include an indicator configured to allow a user to receive an indication that a last burst disc of the plurality of burst discs has ruptured.

Abstract: A heat exchange system having desired anti-scaling performance and an anti-scaling method thereof are disclosed. The heat exchange system at least comprises a load control unit, a temperature and pressure detection unit and an anti-scaling treatment unit. The heat exchange system conditions bonding ways of water quality in a HVAC chiller unit, an air compressor, a heat exchanger, a cooling unit, or a boiler under a variety of scaling conditions in both field operation and water quality, by integrating the interaction of those units together with the anti-scaling method for simulating water quality that has a water quality limit same as that in field operation. The heat exchange system further integrates with a testing of anti-scaling performance to make water quality no longer charged and lose the reaction power so as to prevent scaling formation, enhance the anti-scaling performance, and ensure operating efficiency and performance.

Abstract: A connected-type hot-water supply system includes hot-water supply apparatuses connected in parallel and a control means. The control means sets one main hot-water supply apparatus and sub-hot-water supply apparatuses, and performs leveling control of cumulative loads of the hot-water supply apparatuses by setting the main hot-water supply apparatus based on sequential rotation among the hot-water supply apparatuses. The control means includes a failure sign response mode in which it is determined whether there is a failure sign respectively for components of the hot-water supply apparatuses, and when a component of a part of hot-water supply apparatuses is a failure sign component determined to have a failure sign, a main use time of a hot-water supply apparatus having the failure sign component is increased, and the main use time is a main use time of serving as the main hot-water supply apparatus in the leveling control.

Abstract: A leakage mitigation system includes a leakage detection device having a canister configured to: (i) contain a first reactant and a second reactant and, (ii) based on a volume of liquid leaked from a tank, allow the first reactant and the second reactant to react with each other to produce a gas. A shut-off valve coupled to an inlet pipe of the tank is configured to actuate between an open condition and a closed condition. Further, a conduit extending between the leakage detection device and the shut-off valve allows flow of the gas from the leak detection device to the shut off valve. In order to mitigate the leakage of water, the shut-off valve is actuated between the open condition and the closed condition based on the pressure exerted thereon by the flow of the gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a feedforward structure for controlling water level, in particular to a feedforward structure for controlling a steam drum water level in a steam turbine FCB test and a control method therefor. The feedforward structure includes a steam drum provided with a steam drum water level measurement sensor therein, a feed water pipe provided with a feed water flow measurement sensor therein, and a steam inlet pipe provided with a steam flow measurement sensor therein. A steam drum water level measurement value I in the steam drum water level measurement sensor is compared with a set value of the steam drum water level.

Abstract: A temperature abnormality detection system includes: measurement devices; and a processor to determine temperature abnormality using a first temperature T1, a second temperature T2, and a third temperature T3. The processor determines occurrence of temperature abnormality when any one of following conditions is satisfied: (A) T1>A0 or T2>A0 or T3>A0; (B) T1>A1 and (T2?T1>A4 or T2?T1<0) and T2>A2 and T3>A3; (C) T1>A1 and T2?T1>A4 and T3>A3; (D) T1>A1 and T2?T1>A4 and (T3?T2>A5 or T3?T1>A6); and (E) T1>A1 and T2?T1<0 and (T3?T2>A7 or T3?T1>A8), where A1<A0, A2<A0, and A3<A0.

Abstract: A method for combustion tuning, comprises collecting exhaust parameters indicating combustion status of a boiler by a sensor array; determining whether the exhaust parameters of the boiler match a preset optimization target; and optimizing combustion, if the exhaust parameters do not match the preset optimization target by selecting a model from a model repository based on a current boiler condition, wherein the model corresponds to a relationship between model input variables and the exhaust parameters; determining at least one optimized model input variable of the boiler for realizing the optimization target, based on the selected model; and adjusting actuators of the boiler according to the optimized model input variable.

Abstract: The filter device includes a supply air introducing part, a filter main body part and a discharge part. The supply air introducing part takes in an outside air. The filter main body part includes a ventilation pipe connected to the supply air introducing part to allow the outside air to flow through the ventilation pipe and a filter housing part being equipped with an outflow hole allowing the outside air to flow outside at a position higher than a position of the opening part of the ventilation pipe to separate, from the outside air, a liquid in a liquid state or a state close thereto. The liquid is taken in together with the outside air. The discharge part discharges at least the separated liquid from the filter main body part.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for wearable and tissue-mounted electronics for monitoring exposure of a subject or object to electromagnetic radiation, particularly electromagnetic radiation in the visible, ultraviolet and infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some embodiments, the devices are purely passive devices where absorption of incident electromagnetic radiation by the device provides at least a portion of the power for the measurement of the radiant exposure or flux of the incident electromagnetic radiation. Devices of the invention may include near field communication components, for example, for enabling readout by an external device, such as a computer or mobile device.

Abstract: A fluid sensor assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided herein. The fluid sensor assembly may include a first conductivity rod, a second conductivity rod, and a chamber sheath. The first conductivity rod may extend between a top rod end and a bottom rod end. The second conductivity rod may extend between a top rod end and a bottom rod end. The chamber sheath may include a non-permeable sidewall and a sealed top wall. The non-permeable sidewall may extend about the first conductivity rod from a top sheath end to a bottom sheath end. The top sheath end may be positioned on the sealed top wall. At least a portion of the bottom sheath end may be positioned above the bottom rod end of the first conductivity rod. The non-permeable sidewall may be radially spaced apart from the first conductivity rod and define a radial chamber therebetween.

Abstract: An automated system for a jetter system, a method for automatically filling a sewer access system with antifreeze liquid, and a method for automatically recapturing antifreeze within a sewer access system are provided. The automated system may include: a control system configured to provide a normal operational mode, an auto antifreeze mode, and an auto recapture mode; a pump; first and second tanks, and conduits that connect these components. The system automatically fills the conduits with antifreeze liquid from the second tank and then can automatically purge the conduits of antifreeze liquid and return the antifreeze liquid to the second tank for later use in again filing the conduits with antifreeze liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for purging water from a plumbing installation (120) having a length of conduit (110) with a first connector (151) fixed at a first end (111) thereof and a second connector (161) fixed at a second end (112) thereof. The first connector (151) is mated with an outlet of a pump (130), the second connector (161) is mated with a fitting of the plumbing installation (120) and at least one connector having a valve (155, 165).

Abstract: A gas burner assembly for a cooktop appliance includes a normally aspirated primary burner and a concentrically-positioned forced air boost burner. A dual-outlet control valve provides a flow of primary fuel to the primary burner through a first outlet and a flow of boost fuel to the boost burner through a second outlet. The boost burner operates by receiving the flow of boost fuel and a flow of combustion air from a forced air supply source only when the primary burner is operating in a low condition.

Abstract: A hot water heater appliance includes a boiler, a companion water heater and a controller. The controller is configured to control the water heater appliance in response to a scheduled plurality of performance modes based on a preset schedule. A first performance mode is scheduled to be performed at an expected low usage time and a second performance mode is scheduled to be performed at an expected high usage time relative to the expected low usage time.

Abstract: A method for detecting and compensating for sediment build-up in a tank style water heater is disclosed. An illustrative but non-limiting example may include monitoring a temperature of water within a water storage tank of a water heater over time, resulting in a monitored temperature profile. The method may then include determining if the monitored temperature profile includes one or more features that indicate sediment build up in the water storage tank, and if so, provide an output that indicates sediment build up is present.

Abstract: A susceptor arrangement for a reactor includes a heater element configured to heat a process gas to be used in the reactor. Also included is an inner susceptor portion located radially inwardly of the heater element and configured to route the process gas therein along a radially inner process gas path. Further included is an outer susceptor portion located radially outwardly of the heater element and configured to route the process gas therein along a radially outer process gas path, wherein the radially inner process gas path and the radially outer process gas path are fluidly coupled and substantially fluidly isolated from the heater element.

Abstract: A pressure and thermostatic relief valve for a pump housing is disclosed. The relief valve includes both a pressure relief valve mechanism and a thermostatic or temperature relief valve mechanism. A pump housing incorporating the pressure and thermostatic relief valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: Water heater relief valves intended to safeguard against overpressure and overtemperature emergencies are frequently rendered inoperative by corrosion or calcification. These problems are ameliorated by enclosing all or part of the valve mechanism in a sealed chamber containing a corrosion inhibiting medium, which may be an oil.

Abstract: A bi-directional hose break-away assembly includes a first adapter section and a second adapter section that are operatively connected by a hose section. A first valve assembly is disposed within the first adapter section and a second valve assembly is disposed within the second adapter section. The first and second valve assemblies are operatively connected by a stem connector so that the first and second valve assemblies will close in the event a maximum tensile load is exceeded, thereby preventing spillage of liquefied chemicals.

Abstract: The method for managing a shut down of a boiler having a duct and heat exchanging components is provided. The heat exchanging component having tubed heat exchanging surfaces within the duct and headers outside the duct. The method includes regulating the temperature of the headers during shut down to a temperature close to the one expected for the steam moving from the tubed heat exchanging surfaces into the headers at a starting up following the shut down.

Abstract: A flexible hinge type baffle panel for bottom ash hopper water seal trough protection is made up of several baffle plates arranged vertically and horizontally with each other, forming several baffle columns which are positioned next to each other to cover a water seal trough in a coal burning power plant from damage due to impact from clinker debris. In each of the baffle columns, a several hinge interfaces hingedly connects the baffle plates to each other in series, allowing the columns to be raised or folded into themselves to facilitate inspection and maintenance.

Abstract: A method for controlling a boiler includes firing a boiler, and monitoring a temperature deviation between a boiler temperature and a heating temperature profile over time. If the temperature deviation exceeds an allowable deviation, the boiler is shut off.

Abstract: A water heater door assembly includes a base plate sized and shaped to substantially sealingly cover an access opening in a water heater combustion chamber and has at least one opening through which a fuel supply line extends at least partly between a burner in the combustion chamber and a gas control valve, and a flexible seal positioned at least partly within the opening including an engaging portion substantially sealed to an edge portion of the opening, and a through hole that is shaped to receive the fuel supply and has a size slightly smaller than the size of an outer dimension of the fuel supply line such that the flexible seal and the fuel supply line are friction fit together to form a seal.

Abstract: Accumulation of polymer on equipment, which is in contact with polymerizable material during normal process operation, is minimized by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The method involves positioning and affixing the equipment, such as a pressure relief device, to process apparatus, such as a distillation column, proximate to a wetted region formed by liquid phase fluid in the process apparatus, such that the moving liquid phase fluid is at least intermittently in contact with the equipment and one or more of accumulated polymerizable material, condensate including same, and polymer, is washed off of the equipment. The apparatus of the present invention is effective for maintaining the service-readiness of the equipment, which provides for safe long-term operation of the process apparatus.

Abstract: A water heating system including a water container having a cold water inlet that connects to a water supply, a hot water outlet, a water heater outlet and a water heater inlet; an instantaneous water heater mounted to the water container and having a tank supply inlet connected to the water heater outlet, a tank supply outlet connected to the water heater inlet, a burner, and a heat exchanger located adjacent the burner between the tank supply inlet and the tank supply outlet; a pump connected between the water container and the instantaneous water heater that moves water between the water container and the instantaneous water heater; and a controller that operates the pump and the burner.

Abstract: A system includes a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), a waste heat exchanger coupled to the HRSG and configured to transfer heat from the HRSG to a purge stream to generate a heated purge stream, and a heated purge stream path configured to transfer the heated purge stream from the waste heat exchanger to an inlet of the HRSG.

Abstract: A system that controls temperature in a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). One heat recovery steam generator system may include a first exhaust path. The heat recovery steam generator system also may include a second exhaust path. The heat recovery steam generator system may include a first damper configured to selectively allow a portion of an exhaust to flow through the second exhaust path.

Abstract: A malfunction detection device for a hot water supplier has a tank temperature detection thermistor for detecting a hot water temperature of a hot water storage tank and is configured such that when the detected hot water temperature of the hot water storage tank is a reference temperature or higher, a relay provided at a tank printed circuit board stops power supply from a tank unit to a heat pump unit. A heat pump shutdown command is a standby power saving command for saving a standby power of the heat pump unit.

Abstract: A heat transfer oil boiler system to minimize heat loss and prevent heat transfer oil from deterioration due to temperature fluctuations includes a high-level tank disposed with a vent, a transfer oil buffer, and an oil-gas separator; the heat transfer buffer includes one or more oil storage unit containing a chamber within; the heat transfer buffer is disposed between the high-level tank and the oil-gas separator; an oil inlet pipe and an oil outlet pipe for directing oil to and from the oil storage unit, respectively, is disposed in the upper and the lower chamber.

Abstract: A sensor housing system maintains a sensor—which is used in monitoring an extreme temperature environment such as a combustion unit—at a desired ambient temperature. The system comprises one or more sensors housed within an internal chamber and cooled by air or an inert gas. Gas within the chamber cools the sensor and then exhausts to a second internal chamber which, in turn, exhausts to atmosphere. Both chambers are housed in a directional ball pivot that provides access to the extreme temperature environment and adjusts the angle of the sensor. An air tube having a sweep is directed toward the external surface of the glass wafer and directs a hot gas stream across the surface of the wafer. A failsafe device retracts the chambers from the extreme temperature environment in case of power failure or if for some reason the sensor becomes too hot.

Abstract: A quench ring for use with a gasifier system. The quench ring including an annular manifold having a radius, an annular channel coupled in flow communication with said manifold, and at least one inlet coupled in flow communication with said manifold, said at least one inlet having a center line aligned substantially tangentially to said annular manifold.

Abstract: A tripper unit for actuating a device (e.g. valve-closing actuator) upon contact with water. Basically, the tripper unit is comprised of a housing having a replaceable cartridge therein which, in turn, is wrapped with an adsorbent paper which prevents a plunger from moving downward. When a leak occurs, water will flow into the housing and into contact with the absorbent paper which will quickly disintegrate to allow a compression spring in said housing to move the plunger downward to thereby actuate the unit.

Abstract: A gas water heater with a warning function, the gas water heater being disposed in a facility and comprising: a gas water heater main body including a controller having a warning cell; and a gas detecting unit separate from the main body and disposed at an indoor monitoring point of the facility, the gas detecting unit having a gas sensor and being in communication with the controller.

Abstract: An automatic flow shut-off unit for shutting off water to an appliance (e.g. commode) when a leak or overflow occurs. The unit includes an outer housing having a ball valve mounted thereon wherein the valve is connected between the water supply and the appliance. A tripper unit is mounted in the outer housing and has a plunger therein. The valve is connected to the plunger by a length of actuation material (e.g. flexible cable). A compression spring is positioned in the tripper unit to normally bias the plunger downwards. A cartridge having a water reactive material (e.g. commercially-available toilet paper) thereon is removably mounted in the outer housing wherein the water reactive material when dry supports the plunger in a cocked position but which will quickly weaken and disintegrate upon contact with water.

Abstract: A water feed controller which can provide for the addition of a preset fixed amount of water to be added after a low water condition is removed. This system provides for a preset fixed amount of water to be added to a boiler above the amount which triggers the low water condition. This generally inhibits excess cycling from the boiler operating at its minimum safe water level as well as inhibiting overfilling of the boiler. Further, there is discussed a water feed controller which can measure the amount of water added over a prior predetermined period (such as 30 days) which serves as a floating window of time so that a leak or other condition resulting in overly frequent filling can be detected quickly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a combustion chamber for use in a water heater is provided. A skirt is formed, and an edge portion of a plate is spot welded to the skirt. The edge portion of the plate is circumferentially welded to the skirt, thereby forming a seal between the plate and the skirt.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a combustion chamber for use in a water heater is provided. A skirt is formed, and an edge portion of a plate is spot welded to the skirt. The edge portion of the plate is circumferentially welded to the skirt, thereby forming a seal between the plate and the skirt.

Abstract: An automatic system which includes a tripper unit for actuating a device (e.g. valve-closing actuator) upon contact with water. Basically, the tripper unit is comprised of a housing having a cartridge therein which prevents a plunger from moving downward. When a leak occurs, water will flow into the housing and into contact with the cartridge which will quickly disintegrate allowing the plunger to move downward to thereby actuate the valve actuator to close the valve. The tripper unit may be a separate component of the system or both the tripper unit and the valve actuator can be incorporated into a single unit.

Abstract: A heat transfer oil boiler protection to minimize heat loss and prevent heat transfer oil from deterioration includes a high-level tank disposed with vent and an oil-gas separator connected to the protection with a pipe work; and one or a plurality oil storage unit being connected in series between the high-level tank and the oil-gas separation; oil inlet pipe and oil outlet pipe to and from each oil storage unit being respectively disposed in the upper and the lower parts of the chamber therein; oil inlet pipe opening and oil outlet pipe opening being respectively provided in inverse trapezoid and trapezoid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting a boiler and heating system from damage comprising a control board having inputs and outputs, a processor having inputs and outputs, at least one ambient sensor in communication with the processor, at least one boiler sensor in communication with the processor, a power failure relay, the power failure relay being in communication with the processor wherein the power failure relay is capable of detecting power failure of the boiler, an alarm relay connected to the control board by the at least one output and which is capable of sending notification to an alarm system. When an ambient temperature detection event occurs the ambient sensor communicates with the processor and switches the control board from passive mode to monitoring mode.

Abstract: An automatic system which includes a tripper unit for actuating a device (e.g. valve-closing actuator) upon contact with water. Basically, the tripper unit is comprised of a housing having a cartridge therein which, in turn, is wrapped with an adsorbent paper which prevents a plunger from moving downward. When a leak occurs, water will flow into the housing and into contact with the absorbent paper which will quickly disintegrate allowing the plunger to move downward to thereby actuate the valve actuator to close the valve. The tripper unit may be a separate component of the system or both the tripper unit and the valve actuator can be incorporated into a single unit.

Abstract: A liquid heating appliance, representatively a water heater, is provided with protective apparatus for preventing rupture of its liquid storage tank portion caused by overheating of pressurized liquid therein. Illustratively, the protective apparatus includes a length of thermoplastic tubing, preferably polybutylene tubing, whose interior is exposed to the tank interior so as to be pressurized by heated liquid therein. In the event of a liquid overheating condition in the tank, the tubing is heat-softened in a manner reducing its burst pressure and causing it to burst, at a pressure substantially below the tank burst pressure, and thereby form a pressure relief outlet passage for the tank. A shield structure with at least one fluid outlet opening therein extends outwardly around the thermoplastic tubing to diffuse pressurized fluid escaping from the burst tubing.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring system is provided to monitor for and sense water leakage at multiple locations and sources within a commercial or residential property. These sources are hot water heaters, hot water boilers, air conditioning system evaporators, washing machines and sinks. The microprocessor based control will determine the location of the leak, sound a local audio and visual alarm to denote an alarm condition and illuminate appropriate LED's on the face of the control to indicate the location and type of water leak within the structure being monitored. The system consists of multiple water sensors, a host control for data collection and system operation, an internal battery for system power, provision for connection to telephone service, with the ability to call a pre-programmed pager or telephone number to deliver synthesized voice or prerecorded voice data to indicate the address of the property, the day, date and time of the alarm and the type of leak detected.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a pressurised steam boiler (50) heated by a burner (20), which includes the steps of a) monitoring the level of water in the boiler (50), b) monitoring the pressure of steam in the boiler (50), c) monitoring the firing rate of the burner (20), and d) controlling the flow rate of water into the boiler (50) having regard to the signals resulting from a) and b) and, at least for some signal conditions, also having regard to signals resulting from c). The level of water is detected by a pair of capacitance probe assemblies (58A and 58B).

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.