| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| RE39946 |
Conductive polymer compositions containing N-N-M-phenylenedimaleimide and devices |
December 25, 2007 |
| The invention provides polymeric PTC compositions and electrical PTC devices with a high voltage capability and improved electrical stability. The polymeric PTC compositions are readily blended and generally do not require cross-linking, particularly radiation induced cross-linking in |
| D510709 |
Thermistor sensor probe |
October 18, 2005 |
|
| D507977 |
Thermistor sensor probe |
August 2, 2005 |
|
| 7421883 |
Capacitive vapor sensor |
September 9, 2008 |
| A sensor system for detecting the presence of a target analyte. The system comprises a first conductor, a second conductor, and a sensor film. The sensor film is positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor. The sensor film includes a crosslinked siloxane polymer c |
| 7333899 |
Fluid flow rate sensor and method of operation |
February 19, 2008 |
| A thermo-anemometer-type fluid flow rate sensor design and a method for its operation that overcome the response time limitations of prior known fluid flow rate sensors is disclosed. The fluid flow rate sensor includes a probe having a detection module adapted to change condition in resp |
| 7265560 |
Temperature compensated vapor sensor |
September 4, 2007 |
| A chemiresistor sensor system that compensates for changes in resistance caused by changes in ambient temperature, thereby increasing the accuracy of the sensor system's ability to detect target analytes. The sensor system generally includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a loa |
| 7257320 |
Method and apparatus for operating an electric water heater |
August 14, 2007 |
| A control system for an electric water heater having an upper heating element and a lower heating element includes a control module that controls operation of the electric water heater by selectively toggling the upper and lower heating elements between an ON state and an OFF state. |
| 7242858 |
External reset device for an electric water heater |
July 10, 2007 |
| An external reset device that is operable in combination with an electric water heater is disclosed. The external reset device is attached to an element cover that is mounted to the water heater and conceals the water heater's control device, such as a manual reset thermostat. The extern |
| 7221862 |
Control and method for operating an electric water heater |
May 22, 2007 |
| A water heater control for an electric water heater operates according to at least one fixed hardware and/or software temperature limit and a variable software temperature limit. The control monitors a temperature of water in a tank of the electric water heater to determine if the te |
| 7211637 |
Sterically hindered reagents for use in single component siloxane cure systems |
May 1, 2007 |
| A one-component or single component cure system for a polysiloxane product is provided. The cure system includes a siloxane reagent that has an unsaturated organic functional group for reacting with a crosslinking reagent. The cure system also has a crosslinking reagent that has a si |
| 7189922 |
Protective covers for electric components |
March 13, 2007 |
| An electrical component protective cover for an appliance has an upper portion and a lower panel portion. The upper portion forms a cavity within a housing having a plurality of walls, which form a perimeter around the electrical component. At least one vent in at least one sidewall |
| 7162150 |
Thermistor sensor probe with bimetal high limit control for electric water heater control |
January 9, 2007 |
| A bracket operable to support a temperature control device and a sensor probe at an external surface of a water tank for controlling and monitoring the water temperature of the tank. The bracket comprises a first receptacle, a second receptacle, and a coupling feature. The first rece |
| 7138090 |
Vapor sensor and materials therefor |
November 21, 2006 |
| The present invention relates to a composition for sensor films used for detecting chemical analytes within sensors, such as polymer-absorption chemiresistors (i.e. conductometric sensors). The present invention provides sensor film compositions that have greater temperature stability |
| 7119655 |
PTC circuit protector having parallel areas of effective resistance |
October 10, 2006 |
| A PTC circuit protection device to protect electronic devices against excessive temperatures and electrical currents. The device comprises a polymeric resistor element, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The polymeric resistor element changes resistance in response to tempera |
| 7112304 |
Robust chemiresistor sensor |
September 26, 2006 |
| A chemiresistor sensor probe for detecting target analytes. The probe includes a body having a first control surface and a second control surface recessed within the first. A sensor film comprises numerous conductive particles disposed upon the second surface. The film swells upon ab |
| 6998803 |
Enhanced performance for DC motor drive switching |
February 14, 2006 |
| An improved drive circuit is provided for a DC motor. The drive circuit includes: a DC power source; a relay having a normally open contact and a normally closed contact; a DC motor electrically connected through the normally open contact of the relay to the power source; and a discharge |
| 6973828 |
Liquid level sensor |
December 13, 2005 |
| An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor utilizes a plurality of thermocouple junctions grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending general |
| 6868350 |
Method and apparatus for the detection of the response of a sensing device |
March 15, 2005 |
| A method for operating a sensing device. The method comprising: a sensor film having an electrical resistance that is adapted to change in response to the presence of a predetermined condition; detecting the presence of the predetermined condition; measuring the electrical resistance of |
| 6862932 |
Liquid level sensor |
March 8, 2005 |
| An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor utilizes a plurality of thermocouple junctions grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending general |
| 6833782 |
Bimetal snap disc thermostat with heaters |
December 21, 2004 |
| An adjustable bimetal snap disc thermostat is disclosed which provides conventional resistance-type heaters symmetrically positioned adjacent one side of the snap disc to allow adjustment of the operating temperature of the thermostat. The heaters are supported in accurate, very close |
| 6673257 |
Thermal cutoff construction compositions |
January 6, 2004 |
| A thermal cutoff member and compositions used to manufacture such members are described herein as including at least two organic compounds which, when sufficiently combined, give rise to a component which has a lower melt transition temperature than the initial organic compounds prior to |
| 6660795 |
PTC conductive polymer compositions |
December 9, 2003 |
| The invention provides polymeric PTC compositions and electrical PTC devices with higher voltage capability and improved electrical stability. The PTC compositions include at a minimum an organic polymer and a conductive filler including carbon black having an iodine adsorption of le |
| 6620343 |
PTC conductive composition containing a low molecular weight polyethylene processing aid |
September 16, 2003 |
| The invention provides polymeric PTC compositions and electrical PTC devices with higher voltage capability and improved electrical stability. The PTC compositions of the present invention exhibit improved processability and include at a minimum an organic polymner, a conductive fill |
| 6597274 |
Bimetal snap disc thermostat with heaters |
July 22, 2003 |
| An adjustable bimetal snap disc thermostat is disclosed which provides conventional resistance-type heaters symmetrically positioned adjacent one side of the snap disc to allow adjustment of the operating temperature of the thermostat. The heaters are supported in accurate, very close |
| 6584940 |
Flue pipe control |
July 1, 2003 |
| An improved flue pipe construction particularly adapted for a fuel fired water heater is disclosed which serves to reduce or minimize heat loss when the water heater is in a standby mode. The flue pipe construction comprises inner and outer concentric flue pipes which define an air space |
| 6550962 |
Temperature monitoring assembly having a thermostatic control with mounting clip |
April 22, 2003 |
| A thermal sensor incorporating an improved retention clip is disclosed herein. The improved retention clip is both easily fabricated from either sheet stock or wire stock and is designed to be easily and securely assembled to the sensor housing and provides a convenient easy to use r |
| 6546796 |
Liquid level sensor |
April 15, 2003 |
| An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor of the present invention utilizes a plurality of thermocouples grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line |
| 6507267 |
Thermostat with spring clip for accommodating out-of-round tubing |
January 14, 2003 |
| A spring clip is attached to a thermostat bottom wall for attaching the thermostat to tubing in heat exchange relationship. The spring clip has an opening that faces transversely of the thermostat longitudinal axis so that installation forces act in a direction that is more parallel to t |
| 6417758 |
Thermostat with spring clip for accommodating out-of-round tubing |
July 9, 2002 |
| A spring clip is attached to a thermostat bottom wall for attaching the thermostat to tubing in heat exchange relationship. The spring clip has an opening that faces transversely of the thermostat longitudinal axis so that installation forces act in a direction that is more parallel to t |
| 6396384 |
Conductive polymer compositions containing perhydrotriphenylene |
May 28, 2002 |
| The invention provides polymeric PTC compositions and electrical PTC devices with high voltage capability and high switch temperatures. The polymeric PTC composition specifically includes perhydrotriphenylene as an organic polymer component which, when blended with a crystalline or s |
| 6359544 |
Conductive polymer compositions containing surface treated kaolin clay and devices |
March 19, 2002 |
| The invention provides polymeric PTC compositions and electrical PTC devices with higher voltage capability and improved electrical stability. In particular, the PTC compositions and devices include surface treated kaolin clay which has been found to improve voltage capabilities and give |
| 6342997 |
High sensitivity diode temperature sensor with adjustable current source |
January 29, 2002 |
| A temperature control circuit provides for optical isolation, dry start protection, dedicated load control, manual reset, and relay control in hot water heaters and related applications. The control circuit removes power from a load at a first temperature, and includes a first optical is |
| 6342826 |
Pressure and temperature responsive switch assembly |
January 29, 2002 |
| A switch having closed and open positions moves from one position to the other in response to either an elevated temperature or an excessive pressure. A switch member of bimetal material or shape memory alloy operates in response to an elevated temperature, and a foil diaphragm that |
| 6294977 |
Thermal switch assembly |
September 25, 2001 |
| A thermal switch assembly has a contact member of shape memory alloy sandwiched between a pair of electrically conductive outer members. A contact arm on the contact member has a deformed shape at normal temperatures and a recovered shape at elevated temperatures. The contact arm occ |
| 6274852 |
Conductive polymer compositions containing N-N-M-phenylenedimaleimide and devices |
August 14, 2001 |
| The invention provides polymeric PTC compositions and electrical PTC devices with a high voltage capability and improved electrical stability. The polymeric PTC compositions are readily blended and generally do not require cross-linking, particularly radiation induced cross-linking in |
| 6239686 |
Temperature responsive switch with shape memory actuator |
May 29, 2001 |
| A temperature actuated switch having a resilient switch blade that is movable between open and closed positions and extends perpendicular to an elongated actuator of shape memory alloy. The actuator has an elongated deformed shape at normal temperatures and a contracted recovered shape a |
| 6234670 |
Temperature sensing of flowing liquid |
May 22, 2001 |
| Apparatus for sensing the temperature of a flowing liquid includes a molded plastic fitting having a stream divider extending across a liquid flow passage. A temperature sensor encapsulated in the stream divider senses the temperature of a liquid stream flowing through the passage as the |
| 6140903 |
Thermal switch |
October 31, 2000 |
| A thermal switch assembly includes a dielectric spacer and a switch blade member of shape memory metal sandwiched between a pair of flat metal plates. The spacer provides a cavity between the plates, and the switch blade member has a switch blade portion projecting into the cavity. The |
| 6132085 |
Temperature sensing of flowing liquid |
October 17, 2000 |
| Apparatus for sensing the temperature of a flowing liquid includes a molded plastic fitting having a stream divider extending across a liquid flow passage. A temperature sensor encapsulated in the stream divider senses the temperature of a liquid stream flowing through the passage as the |
| 6085588 |
Flow rate sensor |
July 11, 2000 |
| A flow rate sensor includes a substantially cylindrical sensor body having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a flow channel formed between the two ends of the sensor through which a liquid can flow, an ambient temperature sensing device, and a heated temperature sensing device, wherein |
| 6084501 |
Thermal cutoff switch |
July 4, 2000 |
| A self-contained unitary thermal cutoff switch assembly having a hollow sealed switch housing formed by a collector and a lid that serve as the switch contacts. Separating the collector and the lid is a plastic insulating liner that generally follows the inside contour of the collect |
| 6078244 |
Thermal switch |
June 20, 2000 |
| A thermal switch assembly has a stiffener disc positioned against a support flange that extends inwardly from a peripheral wall of a plastic assembly grommet. An actuator member of shape memory metal is received in a recess in the stiffener disc, and an insulator ring lies against the di |
| 6074576 |
Conductive polymer materials for high voltage PTC devices |
June 13, 2000 |
| The invention provides polymeric PTC compositions and electrical PTC devices that have a high voltage capability and are capable of operating at alternating current (AC) voltages of 110 to 130 volts or greater, such as those present in household AC electrical lines. The polymeric com |
| 6069551 |
Thermal switch assembly |
May 30, 2000 |
| A thermal switch assembly has a contact member of shape memory alloy sandwiched between a pair of electrically conductive outer members. A contact arm on the contact member has a deformed shape at normal temperatures and a recovered shape at elevated temperatures. The contact arm occ |
| 6018286 |
Thermal switch |
January 25, 2000 |
| A thermal switch assembly has a stiffener disc positioned against a support flange that extends inwardly from a peripheral wall of a plastic assembly grommet. An actuator member of shape memory metal is received in a recess in the stiffener disc, and an insulator ring lies against the di |
| 5985182 |
High temperature PTC device and conductive polymer composition |
November 16, 1999 |
| A high temperature PTC device comprising a polymeric conductive composition that includes nylon-11 and a carbon-based particulate conductive filler has a switching temperature greater than 150.degree. C., preferably between about 160.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. The composition demo |
| 5973473 |
Motor control circuit |
October 26, 1999 |
| A control circuit that activates and deactivates a motor start winding at different motor rpm trip points provides improved accuracy in the trip points by automatically compensating for changes in motor current caused by variations in line voltage and motor winding temperature. |
| 5955793 |
High sensitivity diode temperature sensor with adjustable current source |
September 21, 1999 |
| A high-sensitivity diode temperature sensor includes a reverse-biased diode, such as a Schottky diode, coupled to an adjustable constant current source for biasing the diode into a reverse operating region. The constant current source biases the diode at a particular reverse leakage curr |
| 5892349 |
Control circuit for two speed motors |
April 6, 1999 |
| A control circuit for an electric motor having start, low speed and high speed windings reactivates the start winding at different reduced motor speeds depending upon whether the motor is running on the low speed winding or the high speed winding. Reactivation of the start winding while |
| 5844464 |
Thermal switch |
December 1, 1998 |
| A thermal switch assembly includes a dielectric spacer and a switch blade member of shape memory metal sandwiched between a pair of flat metal plates. The spacer provides a cavity between the plates, and the switch blade member has a switch blade portion projecting into the cavity. The |
