Other

Equator Corporation

Equator Corportion

John A Sharrow

A temporary or portable traffic signal can be utilized to regulate traffic during power outages. However, when power is restored and the normal operation of the permanently installed traffic signal resumes, then a method of interconnecting the permanent and temporary systems ensures that the operation of the two system are synchronized in predetermined and/or selectable modes of operation. Whenever power is available, an interface detects operation of the permanently installed main system and produces signals that can be used in one mode of operation to direct the portable system to ignore its internal timing sequences and synchronize with the main system, or in another mode of operation to cease its operation.

Method and apparatus for controlling temporary traffic signals

A method and apparatus are herein described which provide a door assembly for the drum door and lid of a top loading horizontal axis laundry machine. The drum door is provided with an automatic latch system that can be automatically latched and unlatched on command. In a presently preferred embodiment, the automatic drum latch employs a floating latch bar which engages or disengages a latch strike attached to the drum door, depending on its orientation at the time the drum door is depressed and released. An actuator is utilized to perform the task of depressing and releasing the drum door at the proper times. When the lid of the machine is closed, the drum is rotated to a selected rotational position that determines whether the automatic drum latch will latch or unlatch after an actuator is extended to depress the drum door and then is released. This system allows both the outer laundry machine lid and the inner drum door of a top loading, horizontal axis machine to be either opened or closed with a single action on the part of the user.

Laundry machine door assembly and method

Assemblies and methods are provided that address ergonomic problems by providing a support member for adjusting the operating angle of the control panel to optimize the position thereof for personal requirements of individual users. The assembly also provides a robust construction that is even reliable for use on appliances such as laundry appliances that are subject to relatively high vibrations during operation. The assembly provides a recess in the appliance housing that mates to the shape of the control panel to thereby provide a prone setting which minimizes the packaged volume of the machine, with a resulting savings in the cost of packaging and shipping.

Ergonomically adjustable control panel and method

An integrated electronic system consisting of a network of appliances and machines, such as clothes washers and dryers, vending machines, or other equipment, controlled from a central management computer. Each networked apparatus is uniquely identified, and is maintained in an inoperative standby state, until a prospective user has a valid account for payment, and authorizes stated charges to be billed to their account, or optionally has presented a charge card, thus paying for use of the respective appliance or machine. Account information is maintained and processed in the central management computer, which can be interactively linked to a separate billing system, property management system, or financial institution, thereby automating the verification and billing process. Message data can be sent to and displayed on any or all appliances and machines, a periodic polling of the network ensures security, and an audit trail is generated, with the operational history of each apparatus on the network. Operation of any or all appliances and machines on the network can be inhibited, on command from the central management computer, and the system has extensive maintenance and diagnostic capabilities.

Control system for pay-per-use applications

A device for installation in the tank of a standard toilet, which saves a significant quantity of water by limiting the duration of the flush each time the toilet is flushed by normal operation of the flush handle, yet it allows the operator to select a full flush by simply holding the handle down for approximately 3 seconds before releasing it. Since approximately 75% of all flushes are to eliminate liquid waste, and such flushes typically require 50% to 70% of the water needed to eliminate solid waste, this device can substantially reduce the water usage in a household or business. For new installations, the device is constructed as part of a modified overflow pipe. A second embodiment, intended for retrofit in existing toilets, is constructed in such a way as to allow it to be quickly and easily clamped over the overflow tube in the toilet tank, bringing the benefit of water conservation with convenience and at relatively low cost. By virtue of the adjustable nature of this flush limiting mechanism, it is compatible with a wide variety of flush values, overflow tubes, and toilet tanks, and its operation can readily be optimized for a particular model of toilet and tank and for the requirements of an individual user.

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Redmond, WA, United States of America

John A Sharrow