Abstract: A water heater is provided that includes a centering ring or thermal barrier that facilitates centering or alignment of the water tank while also diminishing heat loss through the bottom of the water heater. Features are provided with the bottom of the water heater and centering ring that can also improve the stability of the water heater when placed in a vertically upright position.

Abstract: A water heater is provided that includes a centering ring or thermal barrier that facilitates centering or alignment of the water tank while also diminishing heat loss through the bottom of the water heater. Features are provided with the bottom of the water heater and centering ring that can also improve the stability of the water heater when placed in a vertically upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating an appliance in an energy conservation mode is described. The appliance includes a number of peripheral devices and auxiliary components ancillary to main operation of the appliance, and the method includes reducing power to at least some of the peripheral devices and auxiliary components in an energy conservation mode, thereby reducing energy consumption by the peripheral devices and auxiliary components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating an appliance in an energy conservation mode is described. The appliance includes a number of peripheral devices and auxiliary components ancillary to main operation of the appliance, and the method includes reducing power to at least some of the peripheral devices and auxiliary components in an energy conservation mode, thereby reducing energy consumption by the peripheral devices and auxiliary components.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting a series of serial section images of an object into a three-dimensional model. The method includes acquiring and storing the series of serial section images, converting, zooming, and interpolating serial section images. The method further includes discriminating the series of serial section images to form a binary image, which is then compressed, and filtered. Further, support data for floating or cantilevered portions of the object and base data are generated, the filtered binary image is translated to produce a plurality of vectors representing pixels of the object, and a three-dimensional model of the object is produced from the plurality of vectors representing pixels of the object, the support data, and the base data.