For Hot Water Heater Or Boiler Patents (Class 220/567.3)
  • Patent number: 11940098
    Abstract: Disclosed are gas cylinder assemblies for containing pressurized gas. The gas cylinder assembly has a polymeric liner and a low-permeability barrier layer. The polymeric liner a first end portion, a second end portion and a central body. The central body comprises an outer surface and an inner surface disposed between the first end and the second end. The gas cylinder assembly comprises a reinforcement structure wound over the central body. The gas cylinder assembly further comprises a metal foil interposed between the reinforcement structure and central body. The metal foil is configured to reduce permeation of contents of the polymeric liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Agility Fuel Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gregory Volkmer, Dustin Joseph John, Chad Alvin Cederberg, David Neil Morgan, John David Makinson
  • Patent number: 11835302
    Abstract: A method for transferring heat between a first fluid and a second fluid includes providing a tubeless heat exchanger having a tubeless heat exchanger core, the tubeless heat exchanger core having an inner casing and an outer casing disposed around the inner casing, the inner and outer casings defining therebetween a flow passage for a thermal transfer fluid to flow, the tubeless heat exchanger core having a core inlet arranged to receive the first fluid and a core outlet arranged to provide the first fluid, the core inlet and core outlet being fluidically connected to the flow passage, and at least one of the core inlet and core outlet being disposed on the inner casing, wherein each of the outer casing and the inner casing has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the respective inner surfaces face each other and define therebetween the flow passage for the first fluid to flow from the core inlet to the core outlet and wherein at least a portion of the respective outer surfaces are arranged to be co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignees: FULTON GROUP N.A., INC., HANGZHOU FULTON THERMAL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Carl Nicholas Nett, Richard James Snyder, Keith Richard Waltz, Jian Chen, Weiqiang Xu, Yuchen Guo
  • Patent number: 10302233
    Abstract: A gauge adaptor apparatus allows easy connection and removal of a gauge to a hydronic system or other fluidic piping system for taking a pressure or temperature reading. The gauge adaptor apparatus is compatible with standard hose connections and can be used to quickly and easily add a gauge onto a hydronic system without requiring extensive labor and without needing to halt the operation of the system. Gauge adaptor apparatuses can be used to take one-time readings, or they can be left permanently installed for ongoing readings of the system. Gauge adaptor apparatuses take up little space, are highly compatible with existing fluid valves and system configurations, can be installed quickly and easily without requiring much labor, and can be easily removed for system draining, servicing, or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Reck, Mark J. Roy, Andrew J. Terry
  • Patent number: 9631859
    Abstract: A refrigerator has a storage chamber opened and closed by a door and a water supply system to supply water to a water taking port disposed at the door. The water supply system includes a water tank and a plurality of connecting pipes. The water tank includes an elongated cylindrical shaped body and a cap configured to form a reservoir such that a section of the cap overlaps the body, a first port having a passageway integral with the elongated cylindrical shaped body, and a second port integral with the cap, the second port being aligned in a direction different from a longitudinal axis of the water tank. The connecting pipes include a first water line positioned in an opening of the first port in a direction different from the longitudinal axis of the water tank, and a second water line positioned in an opening of the second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Min Park
  • Patent number: 9541304
    Abstract: A water heater is provided that includes a centering ring or thermal barrier that facilitates centering or alignment of a tank of the water heater while also diminishing heat loss through the bottom of the tank. Features are provided with centering ring that keep the centering ring in place and help prevent insulation from intruding under the centering ring and the tank of the water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Haier U.S. Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Bryan Rissler, Jonathan D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9360231
    Abstract: An insulation window for use with a water heater having a tank and a jacket together at least partially defining a circumferential void therebetween, the insulation window comprising: (a) a rigid polymer core including a continuous wall defining an internal through hole; (b) a first compressible layer overlapping a first side of the continuous wall to delineate a first opening in communication with the through hole; and, (c) a second compressible layer overlapping a second side of the continuous wall to delineate a second opening in communication with the through hole, where the first side of the continuous wall is generally opposite the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Fabricated Packaging Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allan Gross
  • Patent number: 9027595
    Abstract: A method for channeling hot/warm working fluid includes coupling a first fluid supply path in flow communication with an inlet of a first transparent fluid reservoir to a fluid inlet valve, coupling an outlet of the first transparent fluid reservoir in flow communication to a fluid outlet supply path, coupling a second fluid reservoir in flow communication with the first transparent fluid reservoir, and coupling a second fluid supply path in flow communication with an outlet of the second fluid reservoir to a fluid outlet valve. The method also includes directing working fluid of a temperature that is above a minimum threshold temperature from the fluid inlet valve to the fluid outlet supply path through the first transparent fluid reservoir, and directing working fluid of a temperature that is below the minimum threshold temperature from the first transparent fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet valve through the second fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Avinash Girish Bhardwaj, Glrish Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8991638
    Abstract: A water heater system includes a water heater, a cover, a shroud and at least one ring. The water heater includes a tank, a layer of foam surrounding the tank and a wrapper surrounding the layer of foam. The cover is positioned on a top edge of the water heater. The shroud is positioned over the cover. The at least one ring is positioned around at least one of an inlet port and an outlet port of the water heater. The cover, shroud and at least one ring are operative to prevent a liquid from coming into contact with at least one of the layer of foam surrounding the tank and one or more components covered by the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan D Nelson, Eliel Fresco Rodriguez, Samuel Vincent Duplessis
  • Patent number: 8893916
    Abstract: [Solution] A metal cylindrical tank leg 20 forming an opening in a portion opposite to the lower end plate 7b is provided on the lower end plate 7b of the hot water storage tank 7, a plurality of metal L-shaped tank legs 21 one edge 21a of each of which extends outwardly are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tank leg 20 and arrayed in a circumferential direction thereof, a base plate made of a metal is fixed to the second tank legs; and the cylindrical tank leg 20 and the L-shaped tank legs 21 are fixed to a base plate 12b with a base heat insulator 23 having an electrical insulation property and elasticity interposed therebetween. Part of the lower end plate 7b located within the opening of the cylindrical tank leg 20 is covered by an end plate heat insulator 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Takeyama, Taro Hattori, Kazutaka Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140284318
    Abstract: Water heaters comprising: (A) a tank, (B) a layer of insulation, e.g., polyurethane foam, and (C) a polyurethane water heater jacket wrapped about the layer of insulation, exhibit less heat loss per unit length than water heaters alike in all aspects except comprising an ABS water heater jacket. The water heater jacket can be made using RIM technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ashishkumar S. Lokhande, Onkareshwar V. Bijiargi, Nilesh Tawde
  • Publication number: 20140138390
    Abstract: [Solution] A metal cylindrical tank leg 20 forming an opening in a portion opposite to the lower end plate 7b is provided on the lower end plate 7b of the hot water storage tank 7, a plurality of metal L-shaped tank legs 21 one edge 21a of each of which extends outwardly are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tank leg 20 and arrayed in a circumferential direction thereof, a base plate made of a metal is fixed to the second tank legs; and the cylindrical tank leg 20 and the L-shaped tank legs 21 are fixed to a base plate 12b with a base heat insulator 23 having an electrical insulation property and elasticity interposed therebetween. Part of the lower end plate 7b located within the opening of the cylindrical tank leg 20 is covered by an end plate heat insulator 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kei TAKEYAMA, Taro HATTORI, Kazutaka SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20130043252
    Abstract: A water heater system includes a water heater, a cover, a shroud and at least one ring. The water heater includes a tank, a layer of foam surrounding the tank and a wrapper surrounding the layer of foam. The cover is positioned on a top edge of the water heater. The shroud is positioned over the cover. The at least one ring is positioned around at least one of an inlet port and an outlet port of the water heater. The cover, shroud and at least one ring are operative to prevent a liquid from coming into contact with at least one of the layer of foam surrounding the tank and one or more components covered by the shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan D. NELSON, Eliel Fresco RODRIGUEZ, Samuel Vincent DUPLESSIS
  • Patent number: 8358920
    Abstract: A tank for a water-heating appliance including a body, a first head, and a second head. The body includes a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The body extends along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The first head includes multiple landings. The first head is coupled to the first end so that the first head is convex and extends away from the body. The longitudinally outermost points of the landings define a first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second head includes multiple landings. The second head is identical to the first head except for at least one opening through a landing. The second head is coupled to the second end so that the second head is convex and extends away from the body. The longitudinally outermost points of the landings define a second plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Ramin K. Rahmani, Rodney R. Syler
  • Patent number: 8336507
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Guan-Ming Lao, Yan-Feng Wang, Guo-Sheng Shi, Duo-Fu Hu, Jin-Chang Wang, Rui-Hong Fu
  • Patent number: 8277912
    Abstract: Water tanks, such as water heaters, are coated with an organic polymer coating, which coating contacts water during use of the water tank. The organic polymer coatings resist corrosion or blistering when used to store or contain water. The water tanks may be made by treating a metal surface prior to application of the organic polymer coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: AOS Holding Company
    Inventor: Ming Kuo
  • Publication number: 20120128337
    Abstract: A tank for a water-heating appliance including a body, a first head, and a second head. The body includes a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The body extends along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The first head includes multiple landings. The first head is coupled to the first end so that the first head is convex and extends away from the body. The longitudinally outermost points of the landings define a first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second head includes multiple landings. The second head is identical to the first head except for at least one opening through a landing. The second head is coupled to the second end so that the second head is convex and extends away from the body. The longitudinally outermost points of the landings define a second plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Ramin K. Rahmani, Rodney R. Syler
  • Publication number: 20110049162
    Abstract: The present patent relates to the sector of surge tanks for pumps and boilers, and particularly concerns a new flange made of plastic and fibreglass for assembling on surge tanks The flange has a dome-like geometrical shape, that is concave on the underside, designed to reinforce it and to reduce the amount of material needed to make it. Said flange is distinctive in that it is shaped so as to ensure perfect geometrical compatibility with the surge tank on which it is assembled and the tightness of the butyl (or other material) seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: ZILMET S.P.A.
    Inventor: Ugo Benettolo
  • Patent number: 7765959
    Abstract: A support base is provided for a water heater, the support base having a structure for supporting components of the water heater in their proper position in a manner that elevates an outer jacket of the heater and provides space for insulation between the outer jacket and an inner water tank. The support base comprises a lip at one end of the support base, an angled middle portion projecting upwardly from the lip such that the lip and the angled middle portion intersect to form a trough for positioning and supporting the water tank. The support base also has a top portion extending in a generally vertical direction from an upper end of the angled middle portion such that the top portion provides support for the outer jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: A.O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney R. Syler
  • Publication number: 20100187239
    Abstract: A threaded weld fitting and a method of welding a threaded weld fitting to the tank wall of a water storage tank are provided. The threaded weld fitting comprises a body defining an aperture and having a facing surface configured to be positioned facing the tank wall. A female thread is formed along the aperture. A first beveled surface portion of the facing surface extends from an edge of the body. A landing surface portion of the facing surface extends from the first beveled surface portion toward a longitudinal axis of the aperture. A second beveled surface portion of the facing surface extends from the landing surface and to the female thread. The landing surface portion and the second beveled surface portion together define an open annular area positioned to receive a portion of a weld formed by welding the threaded weld fitting to the tank wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Bradford White Corporation
    Inventors: Harold Hoover, Richard Freiberg, Michael McLellen, Joe Beach
  • Patent number: 7658300
    Abstract: A container for transporting and storing hazardous materials such as Chlorine includes a cylindrical body having end caps. The end caps are welded to the body to form a pressure vessel. The end caps have a peripheral edge that is recessed with respect to the ends of the body to protect the weld against damage from impact. The configuration of the juxtaposed components forms a lap joint that can be affixed together by a fillet weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Columbiana Boiler Company, LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Eckert, Trevor M. Rummel
  • Patent number: 7621239
    Abstract: A fabric insulating material is configured for enclosing a hot water heater, and uses strips of insulating material to establish dead air spaced between the fabric and the surfaces of the hot water heater. The dead air spaces function as high efficiency insulators. The fabric is flexible enough to be folded for storage and shipping and is easily applied to common heater units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Allen C. Rice
  • Patent number: 7600696
    Abstract: A hot water supply system having a hot water supply system body. An operation box is inserted into a window opened in a front panel of the hot water supply system body, and a box cover having an opening to which an operation unit in a front center region of the operation box is fitted is mounted onto a front surface of the operation box. The box cover overhangs to an outside of an outline of the operation box and has a size making it possible to cover a gap between the operation box and the window from the front. A dent sized to corresponding to a size of the box cover is formed on a portion of the front panel, which includes a spot where the window is opened, and a backside corner portion of an outer edge of the box cover enters into the dent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventor: Keisuke Hotta
  • Publication number: 20080290096
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hot water tank (10) comprising an outer container (14) and an inner container (12) that is disposed inside the outer container (14), is used for receiving hot water, and is located at a distance from the outer container (14). A heat insulation layer (26) is placed between the inner container (12) and the outer container (14). The inner container (12) is provided with planar polygonal walls (22a, 22b, 28, 28b) while the outer container (14) is provided with planar polygonal walls (24a, 24b, 30a, 30b). The inner container (12) and/or the outer container (14) are equipped with supporting elements (16) which are configured so as to counteract an internal pressure of the hot water tank (10) in order for the hot water tank (10) to maintain the shape thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Alessandro Fiumidinisi
  • Patent number: 6957831
    Abstract: A nipple for connection to an outer metal casing of a host water heater for coupling a water conduit to an inner casing of the hot water heater is described. The nipple is a hollow tube having opposed threaded end portions. A thermally insulating sleeve is provided about the hollow tube intermediate the opposed threaded end portions. The nipple is adapted for connection in a hole formed in the outer metal casing with the thermally insulating sleeve in contact with a circumferential edge of the hole to insulate the metal casing from the nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Giant Factories Inc.
    Inventor: Claude Lesage
  • Patent number: 6767433
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a waterproof membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may include silicone. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque food grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, for example, Dow Corning 40. In one variation, the solar still basin may be formed from an aluminum sided insulation material. In another variation the solar still may include a carbon filter attached to either the input or output of the solar still for filtering out VOCs. The solar still may further include adjustable legs that facilitate leveling the still to ensure the most efficient operation possible. The still may be provided to users in a kit and assembled on site to improve shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: SolAqua, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Foster, Michael J. Cormier, Gregory R. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6698386
    Abstract: An improved gas-fired water heater is disclosed which comprises a sealed cylindrical shell extending from the base of the water tank to the top, enclosing the burners and controls so as to shield them from flammable vapors in the immediate vicinity. The cylindrical shell forms an annular passage outside the tank (and insulation, if present), which facilitates the intake of combustion air. This annular passage is shielded from above and the side adjacent the top of the tank by a cover fitted to the tank top which extends downward from the top to form a lip which laterally shields the annular passage and directs intake combustion air upward from outside the shell to enter the annular passage. The bottom of the heater can be extended by a cylindrical skirt extension which encloses the burner of the heater in an airtight manner except for air inlets in the bottom of the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Safetp Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6575121
    Abstract: A prefabricated housing for an external hot water system located adjacent a house wall or the like is disclosed which has walling members including two side walls and a front wall, a roof, insulating means for insulating the walling members and the roof, and fastening means for releasably fastening the assembled housing to the house wall or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Galjaardt
  • Patent number: 6510782
    Abstract: A system for electronically monitoring scaling in an apparatus for heating and/or evaporating a liquid, comprising a container for at least temporarily receiving the liquid. The container comprises a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and/or a vapor outlet and a heating element for evaporating liquid from the container. An evaluation unit is connected to at least one liquid level indicator and at least one flowmeter. A value relating to a desired filling volume of the container can be inputted into the evaluation unit and/or can be stored therein. The desired filling volume can be compared to a nominal liquid level in the evaluation system when water is constantly added by the flow meter, whereby the nominal liquid level is detected by the liquid level indicator, or to a nominal filled-in quantity detected by the flowmeter when the liquid flow indicator regulates the level of the filled-in liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Rational Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Günter Blaschke
  • Patent number: 6491181
    Abstract: A treatment tank for a water conditioning apparatus includes a tank head with a wall with an interior surface and a noncircular rim that defines a first through hole in the wall. A generally cylindrical flange defines a first aperture and has a first nipple portion with a periphery and a noncircular portion radially extending from the periphery of the nipple portion. The noncircular portion is configured to matingly engage the noncircular rim so that contact between the noncircular rim and the noncircular portion prevents rotation of the flange relative to the tank head. A first fastener is engageable on the first nipple portion to secure the flange on the tank head through contact between the fastener and the tank head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley S. Martin, Mark E. Wichmann, Andrew J. Kajpust
  • Patent number: 6267261
    Abstract: A hot water tank is comprised of a cylindrical disc-shaped support base on which is supported a cylindrical inner tank concentrically therewith. A circumferential ridge projects upwardly adjacent an outer peripheral edge of the support base and spaced from a lower edge portion of a circumferential side wall of the inner tank to form a circumferential containment channel between the ridge and the lower edge portion. The channel has a volume sufficient to receive a lower portion of a plastic film pouch wrapper disposed at least about a lower section of the inner casing as well as a pre-determined quantity of hot expandable liquid urethane placed therein in sufficient quantity to fill a space between the inner casing and an outer shell secured spaced about the inner casing when the urethane is expanded. The channel prevents the liquid urethane from flowing out of the lower portion of the wrapper located therein due to deterioration of the wrapper when exposed to the hot liquid urethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Giant Factories Inc.
    Inventor: Claude Lesage