Abstract: An electric water heater is disposed close to a faucet to readily provide heated water to the faucet. This heater provides heated water without the wait required to obtain hot water from the main, remotely-located, hot water heater such as a hot water tank. The electric hot water heater includes a heater tube disposed in contact with an electric resistance heater. The electric resistance heater does not directly contact the water in the heater tube. The electric resistance heater heats the sidewall of the heater tube which, in turn, heats the water in the heater tube. Two layers of insulation are disposed over the electric resistance heater. The heater tube is placed in line with the regular hot water supply pipe.

Abstract: A magnetic induction thermal heat unit, capable of producing heat by magnetic field, inducing direct agitation and friction, at the molecular level within a ferrous magnetic or semi-magnetic thermal conductor. The thermal conductors can be joined or bonded to non-magnetic or ferrous materials as a conductive heat path to a thermal transfer device.

Abstract: A magnetic induction thermal heat unit, capable of producing heat by magnetic field, inducing direct agitation and friction, at the molecular level within a ferrous magnetic or semi-magnetic substrate. The substrate is specifically designed to capitalize on storing the heat generated and then transferring the heat generated to a subsequent device that requires or uses heat as its primary energy source. The system can use both a combination of induction heated substrates that are ferrous or magnetic in various configurations. The substrates can also be joined or bonded to non-magnetic or ferrous materials such as aluminum or copper as a conductive heat path to a heat pipe system where a transfer of thermal energy occurs. Additionally, convective and resultant radiant heat from the magnetic induction system can be directed back into the cumulative total of heat energy produced.

Abstract: A magnetic induction thermal heat unit, capable of producing heat by magnetic field, inducing direct agitation and friction, at the molecular level within a ferrous magnetic or semi-magnetic substrate. The substrate is specifically designed to capitalize on storing the heat generated and then transferring the heat generated to a subsequent device that requires or uses heat as its primary energy source. The system can use both a combination of induction heated substrates that are ferrous or magnetic in various configurations. The substrates can also be joined or bonded to non-magnetic or ferrous materials such as aluminum or copper as a conductive heat path to a heat pipe system where a transfer of thermal energy occurs. Additionally, convective and resultant radiant heat from the magnetic induction system can be directed back into the cumulative total of heat energy produced.

Abstract: A connector frame is used to secure a duct boot at a vent opening. The connector frame includes a mounting ledge that receives locking fingers disposed at the upper portion of a duct boot. One configuration of the connector frame defines tapered ribs that define a funnel to help locate the upper portion of the duct boot with respect to the mounting ledge. Different configurations of the connector frame include filters or seals to prevent debris from falling into the duct boot. The filter can be carried on stands above the mounting ledge. The stands can be located in recesses disposed outwardly of the mounting ledge.

Abstract: An equipment support pad includes a plastic body formed from upper and lower walls joined together by sidewalls and a plurality of angled support elements. The same support elements may be arranged to form different-size support pads. The support elements are arranged with a plurality of oval-shaped elements disposed generally parallel to one another and with two triangle-shaped elements at the lateral corners and two diamond-shaped elements are the other two corners. A variety of different pieces of equipment may be supported on these pads. In exemplary configurations, the equipment support pads are used to support heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment.

Abstract: A radiant heat barrier may be installed under a wide variety of roofs between the roof supports. In one configuration, the radiant heat barrier is provided in the form of a plurality of boards that are each erectable into a barrier tray having at least one high-reflectivity, low-emissivity surface. The surface reflects a large percentage of the radiation energy back in the direction from where the radiation originated. Each board includes features that allow the board to be formed into different-sized trays. In one configuration, the trays may be configured to fit between the rafters of typical residential construction. The trays include tabs that allow the tray to be mounted to the supports.

Abstract: A button tool is adapted to assist a person fastening a button through a button hole. The tool includes a handle, a button hook, and a button hole spreader. In one configuration, the handle includes four longitudinally disposed ribs with one of the ribs functioning as a base rib while the other three ribs are spaced apart and disposed perpendicular to the base rib. The button hook defines a button opening and a hook opening with the button opening being larger than the hook opening. The button hole spreader is disposed between the button hook and the handle. The button hole spreader includes an abutment plate adapted to prevent the button tool from being readily pushed entirely through a button hole.

Abstract: A combined writing instrument holder and hand support assists those who have difficulties gripping and controlling a writing instrument. The device releasably receives a writing instrument in a position where it may be brought into contact with paper. The device provides a comfortable hand support that prevents the user's hand from engaging the paper while the device is being used.

Abstract: The invention provides the combination of a grille and a connector frame for a duct outlet in a HVAC system. At least one lock element extends from one of the connector frame and the grille and releaseably engages the other of the connector frame and grille in a releasable connection to hold the grille to the connector frame. The lock element may be manipulated from the exterior of the grille to release the grille from the connector frame without the use of tools.