Combined With Water Heater Patents (Class 237/19)
  • Patent number: 11850916
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle heating system comprises: a heating medium heater, a hot water supply heat exchanger, a heating medium circuit including a pump and a waste heat exchanger, and a heating medium tank compartmented by vertical partitions configured to allow for the heating medium flow over the partitions from one compartment to another in a sequential order, the hot water supply heat exchanger being arranged in one of the tank compartments, while the other tank compartments are part of heating medium circuits each including a pump and a waste heat exchanger. The first tank compartment in said sequential order is connected, via a conduit, to the heating medium heater, while the last tank compartment in said sequential order is configured to allow for the heating medium flow over to the conduit for the heating medium transfer by a pump via the heater to the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventors: Evsey Avrumovich Kordit, Petr Evseevich Kordit, Aleksandr Petrovich Kordit
  • Patent number: 11815024
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a turbomachine and a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a heat source heat exchanger configured to collect heat from the turbomachine during operation; a heat sink heat exchanger; and a thermal transport bus having a heat exchange fluid configured to flow therethrough at a pressure within an operational pressure range. The thermal management system defines an operational temperature range for the heat exchange fluid, the operational temperature range having a lower temperature limit less than about zero degrees Fahrenheit at a pressure within the operational pressure range and an upper temperature limit of at least about 1000 degrees Fahrenheit at a pressure within the operational pressure range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Niergarth, Adon Delgado, Jr., Brandon Wayne Miller, Hendrik Pieter Jacobus de Bock
  • Patent number: 11752832
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a variable-speed compressor which compresses refrigerant flowing through the HVAC system, a blower which provides a flow of air through the HVAC system at a controllable flow rate, and a controller communicatively coupled to the variable-speed compressor and the blower. The controller receives a demand request, which includes a command to operate the HVAC system at a predefined setpoint temperature. In response to receiving the demand request, a setpoint temperature associated with the HVAC system can be adjusted to the predefined setpoint temperature. A speed of the variable-speed compressor is decreased to a low-speed setting. Based on the decreased speed of the variable-speed compressor, an air-flow rate can be determined to provide by the blower. The controllable flow rate of the flow of air provided by the blower can be adjusted based on the determined air-flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Goel, Vijaykumar Sathyamurthi
  • Patent number: 11719444
    Abstract: A water heater system includes a controller configured to integrate control of both recovery and recirculation operations of a recovery pump and a recirculation pump. As such, a separate device, installation location, and power source (e.g., available outlet) is not needed with the controller. Because a single controller is configured to control both recovery and recirculation operations, additional control functions are available. The controller may be in communication with an internal controller of the water heater and configured to receive an error notification upon abnormal operation of the water heater. The controller can stop recovery and recirculation operations in response to an error notification, unlike with traditional water heating systems which may otherwise continue to function. The recovery and recirculation operations are based on a setpoint temperature of the water heater such that changes made to the setpoint temperature will automatically adjust in the recovery and recirculation operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: RINNAI AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Michael Scott Knoblett, Jason William Siler
  • Patent number: 11644246
    Abstract: A heat exchange cell includes a helically-shaped heat exchanger, in which a first heat transfer fluid circulates; a first heat exchange chamber in which a first collection chamber is defined; a second heat exchange chamber in which a second collection chamber is defined; and a fluid outlet passage from the second heat exchange chamber. The first and second heat exchange chambers are separated by a first separating element comprising a substantially plate-shaped body and by at least a second separating element so as to define at least one passage of fluid between the first and the second collection chamber of the second heat transfer fluid. A pair of axial separator baffles extend axially between the second separating element and the rear wall of the containment casing, and are configured to separate a first portion of the second collection chamber from a second portion of the second collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: CONDEVO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Rocco Giannoni
  • Patent number: 11499750
    Abstract: Provided is a gas furnace including a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger through which a combustion gas produced by the combustion of a fuel gas flows. The gas furnace includes: a coupling box serving as an intermediary to connect the primary heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger; a collect box connected to the secondary heat exchanger, for letting in the combustion gas passed through the secondary heat exchanger; an inducer connected to the collect box, for inducing a flow of the combustion gas; and a bypass pipe connected to one side of the coupling box and including a bypass pipe for guiding the combustion gas passed through the primary heat exchanger to a hot water supply tank for supplying hot water to an indoor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jusu Kim, Doyong Ha, Yongki Jeong, Janghee Park, Hansaem Park
  • Patent number: 11480344
    Abstract: A multi-split air conditioner and control method are provided. The multi-split air conditioner includes an outdoor unit including an oil separator and a four-way valve. The outdoor unit includes a pipeline connecting the oil separator and the four-way valve, and the pipeline includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline arranged in parallel, wherein the first pipeline is provided with a heat storage module and a heat storage module control valve, and the second pipeline is provided with a first control valve. When the outdoor environment temperature satisfies a certain condition, the first pipeline and the second pipeline are controlled, so that at least part of working medium circulates in the first pipeline between the oil separator and the four-way valve through the heat storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignees: QINGDAO HAIER AIR-CONDITIONING ELECTRONIC CO., LTD., HAIER SMART HOME CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qingliang Meng, Qiang Song, Jiangbin Liu, Jingsheng Liu, Yun Zhang, Tao Yuan
  • Patent number: 11384944
    Abstract: A water heater system includes a controller configured to integrate control of both recovery and recirculation operations of a recovery pump and a recirculation pump. As such, a separate device, installation location, and power source (e.g., available outlet) is not needed with the controller. Because a single controller is configured to control both recovery and recirculation operations, additional control functions are available. The controller may be in communication with an internal controller of the water heater and configured to receive an error notification upon abnormal operation of the water heater. The controller can stop recovery and recirculation operations in response to an error notification, unlike with traditional water heating systems which may otherwise continue to function. The recovery and recirculation operations are based on a setpoint temperature of the water heater such that changes made to the setpoint temperature will automatically adjust in the recovery and recirculation operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: RINNAI AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Michael Scott Knoblett, Jason William Siler
  • Patent number: 11324914
    Abstract: A percussive ventilation breathing head is adapted to be supplied with a flow of pulsatile gas fed to an elongated breathing head body at a proximal end thereof. The breathing head body defines an interior passageway therein. A reciprocating injector shuttle is movably mounted in the breathing head passageway. The shuttle moves distally due to the pulsatile gas, assisted by a diaphragm and a venturi-like jet nozzle which nozzle pulls nebulized aerosol from a depending plenum and a nebulizer attached below the depending plenum. A depending body defines the plenum. The generally cylindrical nebulizer is attached below the depending body. The shuttle is also biased in a proximal direction within the interior passageway and moves proximally due to the bias. The shuttle defines an internal flow passage from a proximal shuttle input port to a distal shuttle output port at the distalmost mouth of the percussive ventilation breathing head body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventors: Mark Baillie, Shawn Goughnour, Giles Wilson
  • Patent number: 10900490
    Abstract: A method controls a circulation pump (1) in an installation with at least two circulation circuits (3, 4), with which the circulation pump (1) is integrated by way of a switch-over valve (2) into the one or the other circulation circuit (3 or 4) depending on the switched position. The pump (1) is activated differently depending on the switched position of the switch-over valve (2). The switch-over procedure is detected by way of determining the pressure course and/or the flow rate course in the pump (1) or an electrical variable which is dependent thereon, of the motor driving the pump, and the pump (1) is operated in another manner accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Martin Byskov Skafsgaard, Bent Døssing
  • Patent number: 10605486
    Abstract: A water heating system can include a first tank-based water heater having a first inlet line and a first outlet line, where the first inlet line provides unheated water to the first tank, and where the first outlet line draws heated water from the first tank. The system can also include a first tankless water heater having a second outlet line, where the second outlet line of the first tankless water heater provides the heated water to a first heated water demand. The system can also include a first valve that controls an amount of the unheated water flowing through the first inlet line to the first tank-based water heater. The system can further include a controller operatively coupled to the first valve, where the controller controls a position of the first valve based on the first heated water demand and a first capacity of the first tankless water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Raheel A. Chaudhry, David I. Vega, Michael C. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10443860
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes at least one circulation pump assembly (2) provided with a speed controller (26), at least one hydraulic circuit (A, B) connected to the circulation pump assembly (2) as well as at least one mechanical switch device (86, 88; 120, 122) which is mechanically subjected to pressure by a fluid in the hydraulic circuit (A, B) and which can be moved into at least two different switch positions. The mechanical switch device (86, 88; 120, 122) moves by the circulation pump assembly (2) hydraulic coupling via the fluid. The speed controller is configured to initiate a movement of the switch device (86, 88; 120, 122), by at least one hydraulic force acting upon the switch device (86, 88; 120, 122) and causing a movement of the switch device (86, 88; 120; 122) via the hydraulic circuit, via a speed adaptation of the circulation pump assembly (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Blad, Christian Blad
  • Patent number: 10317137
    Abstract: A washstand may include a wash device that includes a wash bowl, a water supply assembly that supplies water to the wash bowl, and a drainage assembly that drains the water supplied to the wash bowl. The washstand may further include an inner cabinet disposed under the wash bowl, an outer cabinet provided to cover an outside of the inner cabinet, and a frame for fastening the inner cabinet and the outer cabinet and for supporting a load of the wash device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jongseok Kim, Inhyung Yang, Daeyun Park
  • Patent number: 10215428
    Abstract: A washstand furniture includes a wash bowl, a water supply assembly that supplies water to the wash bowl, a drainage assembly that drains the water, and a cabinet. An inner cabinet is provided under the wash bowl. An outer cabinet covers an outside of the inner cabinet. A dryer discharges air heated by a heater into the space defined in the cabinet. A first module is provided in the space defined in the inner cabinet, and an interior of the first module is dried using the air discharged from the dryer. A second module is provided in the space defined in the inner cabinet, and an interior of the second module is dried using air discharged from the first module. An external connection channel is defined between the inner cabinet and the outer cabinet to guide the air discharged from the first module to the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jongseok Kim, Daeyun Park, Inhyung Yang
  • Patent number: 9810449
    Abstract: A method controls an air handler that generates heated air from hot water generated by a water heater. The method includes generating a signal in the presence or absence of an indicia of water flow associated with the water heater; initiating operation of a pump associated with the air handler when the signal indicates that water flow associated with the water heater is at least at a selected level to supply hot water to the air handler sufficient to generate heated air; and/or terminating operation of the pump and/or a blower/fan associated with the air handler when the presence or absence signal indicates that the water flow associated with the water heater is less than the selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rinnai America Corporation
    Inventors: James York, Hugh L. Allen-Magande
  • Patent number: 9476610
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device that includes means for conveying or producing hot gases and a condensing heat exchanger including: an bundle of helical tubes serving as primary exchanger, mounted within a gas-impermeable housing and equipped with a gas discharge trunk, means for circulating a primary fluid in the primary exchanger, two deflector plates and a deflecting ring arranged so as to circulate the hot gasses through the coils of the primary exchanger. Said device is characterized in that it includes a second tube bundle serving as a secondary exchanger, means for circulating therein a secondary fluid separate from the primary fluid and in that the second deflector plate is inserted between the primary exchanger and the secondary exchanger. The invention can be used in the production of heating water and of hot water for sanitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Giannoni France
    Inventors: Joseph Le Mer, Rocco Giannoni
  • Patent number: 9339021
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention eradicates pests, such as bedbugs, and toxic mold, for example, among other organisms that invade a dwelling, structure, building, vehicle, or other enclosure. The system includes a burner element having a heat exchanger in contact with the exhaust gas, the heat exchanger on the burner heats a heat transfer fluid (HTF). High pressure HTF flow is used to drive isolation pumps, electrical generators, fans, and other auxiliary equipment. A pressure management system within each heat exchanger ensures optimum flow of HTF. The fluid exchanger is either air-to-fluid or fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Lander
  • Patent number: 9182115
    Abstract: A fluid heat exchange system with a fluid flow circuit having a heat exchange fluid flow loop, a heat absorption component (as in a domestic hot water tank inclusive of small commercial use tanks as in tanks of 20 to 120 gallons), a heat exchanger and preferably also a pump. A controlled and automated fuel supply source based heater (as in a pellet stove) is in heat passage communication with the said heat exchanger. A control unit triggers activation of the pump upon fluid in the heat absorption component reaching or dropping below a preset temperature, and the fluid flow circuit is arranged such that, during times of non-activation of the pump, fluid is free to flow in a unidirectional flow within the fluid circuit based on thermodynamic temperature differentials alone. A retrofitting of a domestic hot water tank is also featured preferably making use of preexisting drain and safety vent porting for in-feed and out-feed porting in the exchange loop side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Dongo, Timothy Curran
  • Patent number: 9004370
    Abstract: A method of increasing the efficiency of a boiler includes determining a proportional time period reflecting how long a thermostat is requesting heat from the boiler within a predetermined time period, determining a cycle frequency reflecting the number of times the thermostat is requesting heat from the boiler within the predetermined time period, and adjusting an energy input provided to the boiler in dependence upon the proportional time period and the cycle frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Westcast, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8960564
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for utilizing an oil-fired heat exchange system to fracture a subterranean formation at a remote work site to produce oil and gas. The method of the present invention includes using a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system to heat the treatment fluid. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in all weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention includes using an oil-fired heat exchanger system to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations. The method of the present invention also includes adding chemical additives and proppants to the heated treatment fluid prior to injection into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald L. Chandler
  • Publication number: 20150034730
    Abstract: The system includes: a heat pump unit; a hot water supply heat exchanger; heating heat exchangers; a pump; heat medium pipes that connect a discharge side of the pump, the heat pump unit, the hot water supply heat exchanger, the heating heat exchangers, and a suction side of the pump in order; a first bypass pipe that bypasses the hot water supply heat exchanger from the heat medium pipe; a second bypass pipe that bypasses the heating heat exchangers from the heat medium pipe; a four-way valve that regulates flow distribution of the heat medium between the hot water supply heat exchanger and the first bypass pipe 22, and between the heating heat exchangers and the second bypass pipe; and a control unit for controlling the four-way valve in accordance with a hot water supply request and a heating request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Hirokazu MINAMISAKO
  • Publication number: 20150014425
    Abstract: A heating apparatus includes two heating circuits (3, 4), one for room heating (3) and one for domestic water heating (4). A primary heat exchanger (1) is provided as well as at least one secondary heat exchanger (7), for the room heating as well as a secondary heat exchanger (9) for domestic water heating. A circulation pump (6) is provided as well as a switch-over valve (5) which hydraulically integrates the primary heat exchanger (1) into the first or into the second heating circuit (3, 4). The heating circuit (4) for the domestic water heating, on operation of the heating circuit (3) for room heating, is used as a bypass conduit for the primary heat exchanger (1), wherein the switch-over valve (5) forms the bypass valve or is used as a bypass valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Young Olesen
  • Patent number: 8910880
    Abstract: A heating system comprising a fuel burner in co-operation with a primary heat exchanger, a reservoir for storing warmed water in, and a blending valve, and a controller wherein in use a user can signal to the controller to warm the water in the water store using a heater or by the primary heat exchanger, and when hot water is required water is removed from the water store and mixed with water from a cold main prior to being or after the water from the cold main has been admitted to a further heat exchanger for heating the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Zenex Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Christopher C. Farrell
  • Patent number: 8893981
    Abstract: A heating system comprises a heater and a local heat exchange system in which the local heat exchange system comprises: a primary heat exchanger; a heat store having a secondary heat exchanger; a cold water inlet; and a hot water outlet, in which the local heat exchange system is remotely located from the heater, the primary heat exchanger and the heat store are arranged so as to be heated by the heater, and the primary and secondary heat exchangers are in fluid-flow communication with the cold water inlet and the hot water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Zenex Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Christopher C. Farrell
  • Patent number: 8844471
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating water having three vertically aligned water heating process sections. The upper section includes an annular water storage tank disposed around a combustion chamber having a downward firing burner. The intermediate section, disposed vertically below the upper section receives flue gas from the combustion chamber, which flue gas is cooled and dehumidified, producing a hot condensate which collects in a passive condensate flow control device disposed proximate the bottom of the intermediate section. The lower section, disposed vertically below the intermediate and separated therefrom by the passive condensate flow control device receives hot condensate from the flow control device, which is used to preheat and humidify air, such as room air, which is then recycled to the combustion process of the upper section for use as combustion air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Paul Eric Glanville, Mark Jacob Khinkis, Aleksandr Pavlovich Kozlov, David Charles Kalensky
  • Patent number: 8840041
    Abstract: A combined showerhead and tankless water heater. A control panel permits a user to adjust the temperature level of the water that is heated. In one embodiment, the water flowing through the tankless water heater portion can be heated up about an additional eighteen (18) degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Drakken Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Marta Martinez
  • Patent number: 8807447
    Abstract: Combined heating/hot water system (10) for a vehicle (12), comprising an air heating device (14), at least one air duct (20, 22, 24), by means of which the air heating device (14) is connected by air to an interior (30) of the vehicle (12) for heating, a fan (18), by means of which air heated in the air heating device (14) may be introduced into the interior (30) of the vehicle (12) for heating, a hot water reservoir (16) arranged in a recess (15) in the air heating device (14), a first pipe duct (36), by means of which the hot water reservoir (16) may be hydraulically connected to a tap (34) in the vehicle (12) and a second pipe duct (38), by means of which the hot water reservoir (16) is hydraulically coupled to a water tank (32), wherein at least one of the pipe ducts (36, 38) is arranged in one of the air ducts (20, 22, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Webasto SE
    Inventor: Alessandro Fiumidinisi
  • Patent number: 8794538
    Abstract: A hot water circulation system is associated with a heat pump and is advantageous in that heating or hot water supply can be performed smoothly even when an outdoor unit performing a heat pump cycle performs a defrosting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dae Sam Park, Jin Woo Who
  • Patent number: 8720388
    Abstract: A water heating control and storage system, including an insulated tank for containing water to be heated. The storage system has a heat exchanger connected to the tank for using energy stored during off peak times as in water heated above normal storage temperature. An operation control device receives a demand response signal and enables water to be heated in a heat storing mode to heat water for usage. A method for controlling a water heating storage system includes providing an insulated tank for containing water to be heated; providing a heat exchanger coupled to the tank; and selectively operating in a heat storing mode in which water in the tank is heated to a higher than normal temperature and a heat exchange mode during which heat is extracted from the water stored in the tank by a heat exchanger for supplying stored energy to another energy consuming load in response to a demand response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Beyerle, Michael Francis Finch, John Joseph Roetker, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan
  • Patent number: 8695539
    Abstract: A water heater includes combustion means (burner) that combusts fuel and generates exhaust; heat exchange means (primary heat exchanger and secondary heat exchanger) that exchanges heat of the exhaust for supplied water; bypassing means (bypass pipe) that makes the supplied water flow to an outlet of the heat exchange means; exchanged heat temperature detection means (exchanged heat temperature sensor) that detects temperature of the supplied water after heat exchange; flow rate adjustment means (bypass valve) that adjusts a volume of the supplied water flowing into the bypassing means and the heat exchange means; and a control unit that controls the flow rate adjustment means so as to make a predetermined volume of the supplied water or over flow to the heat exchange means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Purpose Company Limited
    Inventors: Kazushi Iwama, Akito Watanabe, Jun Aiso
  • Patent number: 8662404
    Abstract: A method controls an air handler that generates heated air from hot water generated by a water heater. The method includes generating a signal in the presence or absence of an indicia of water flow associated with the water heater; initiating operation of a pump associated with the air handler when the signal indicates that water flow associated with the water heater is at least at a selected level to supply hot water to the air handler sufficient to generate heated air; and/or terminating operation of the pump and/or a blower/fan associated with the air handler when the presence or absence signal indicates that the water flow associated with the water heater is less than the selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rinnai America Corporation
    Inventors: James Stuart York, Hugh L. Allen-Magande
  • Publication number: 20140034742
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for heating two mutually separated liquids, wherein a first liquid is intended for heating a building and wherein the second liquid is tap water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ATAG VERWARMING NEDERLAND B.V.
    Inventors: Rudi MEINEN, Gideon Andreas Ferdinand BLIJ
  • Patent number: 8602316
    Abstract: In a system wherein a fossil fuel fired burner heats incoming well or municipally supplied water to a temperature required for industrial concrete production, the exhaust gases produced by the burner are utilized to preheat the incoming water to an increased temperature before the water is put into an insulated tank where the burner subsequently raises the water temperature to the required level, to thereby reduce the load on the burner and increase the efficiency of directly fired water heating systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: Robert G. Giannetti, Robert G. Giannetti, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8584625
    Abstract: A storage type water heater comprising: a stored hot water tank; a heating unit including a heat exchanger, a gas burner, and an air supply fan; a circulation pipe line; a circulating pump; a first temperature sensor for detecting an inlet side temperature T1; a second temperature sensor for detecting an outlet side temperature T2; and a controller including a control arrangement which actuates the circulating pump to circulate the stored hot water inside of the circulation pipe line when the heating unit is in a non-operated state, and determines an abnormality in one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor based on a temperature difference (|T1?T2|).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventor: Masakazu Ando
  • Patent number: 8534235
    Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art mobile oil field heat exchange systems by providing an oil-fired heat exchange system. The present invention is a self-contained unit which is easily transported to remote locations. The present invention includes a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in all weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the oil-fired heat exchanger system is used to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations. The present invention also includes systems for regulating and adjusting the fuel/air mixture within the firebox to maximize the combustion efficiency. The system includes a novel hood opening mechanism attached to the exhaust stack of the firebox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald L. Chandler
  • Publication number: 20130219894
    Abstract: A boiler unit comprises an enclosure including: a first circuit of a first fluid heat exchange medium, the first circuit N having a heating device to heat the first medium, a boost heat exchanger, a valve and a first manifold; a second circuit of a second heating system fluid heat exchange medium, the second circuit having a flow and return port of the boiler unit, a second manifold and said boost heat exchanger for exchange of heat between said first and second heat exchanger media when said valve is open; a space in the enclosure receiving an auxiliary unit to be driven substantially exclusively by said first fluid heat exchange medium; and a boiler control unit to control operation of the heating device according to heat demand of the heating device and otherwise irrespective of the auxiliary unit when connected; and an organic rankine cycle (ORC) unit comprising: a third fluid heat exchange medium circuit, the circuit including a condenser adapted for connection to said second manifold to provide heat to
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: John J. Bannister, Geoffrey M. Barker, Iain Henshaw, Timothy Whitechurch, Neil S. Bright
  • Patent number: 8505498
    Abstract: A commercial hot water system includes a boiler, a storage tank, and a hot water delivery line connected between the storage tank and at least one plumbing fixture along with a cold water delivery line connection between said plumbing fixture, a cold water source and said boiler. A pump, interconnected between the hot and cold water delivery lines, enables circulation of water to the fixtures. A timer and controller provides for turning on the pump and a temperature sensor, connected to the controller, is effective in stopping the pump to prevent heated water from being circulated through the cold water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Conservation Technology Distribution, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry K. Acker
  • Patent number: 8490886
    Abstract: A modulating boiler system for heating a structure including a controller, a boiler operatively connected to the controller, and a thermostat operatively connected to the controller and boiler. The controller assesses a level of thermostat activity over a predetermined measuring period and adjusts the boiler in response to the level of activity to increase the boiler's efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Westcast, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20130181060
    Abstract: In a hot-water storage type heating unit 1, a liquid-liquid heat exchanger 15, which exchanges heat between a first hot-water circulation circuit 12 through which hot water stored in a hot-water storage tank 11 circulates and a heating circulation circuit 14 in which the hot water flows from a radiator unit 3 for heating, is disposed above the hot-water storage tank 11, and a circulation pump 16 is disposed in the first hot-water circulation circuit 12 on the downstream side of the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 15. In order to return the gas, which is separated by a gas-liquid separator 17 provided so as to be interposed in the first hot-water circulation circuit 12 between the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 15 and the circulation pump 16, to the hot-water storage tank 11, a return passage 18 which communicates between the hot-water storage tank 11 and the gas-liquid separator 17 is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: RINNAI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seishi Imai
  • Patent number: 8485178
    Abstract: The forced recirculation solar water heating system with a backup water heater works through an electronic card that initiates the operation and activation of the water recirculators when there is a setpoint temperature difference between the panel and the storage tank detected by means of a bimetallic cable connected at one of the top ends of the panel and another bimetallic cable at the upper part of the storage tank. This storage tank has a series of safety check valves that prevent temperature loss due to hot water backflow to the hydraulic network or due to natural reverse recirculation, thus avoiding excess pressure in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Calentadores de America, S.A: DE C.V.
    Inventors: Rocio Meza Diaz, Carlos Alejandro Silva Imilan
  • Patent number: 8480004
    Abstract: A fluid system is provided comprising: a heater having an inlet and an outlet; a storage vessel; storage vessel heating means for heating the fluid in the storage vessel; a mixing valve having a first inlet for receiving fluid to be heated from a fluid supply, a second inlet for receiving fluid from the storage vessel, and an outlet for supplying fluid to the inlet of the heater; and a controller wherein the controller is arranged to monitor the heater's performance and to operate the mixing valve to blend the fluid from the fluid supply with fluid from the storage vessel, for example, when a demand on the heater exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Zenex Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Christopher C. Farrell
  • Patent number: 8469283
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exemplary supplemental heating system including a hydrodynamic heater and a heat exchanger. The hydrodynamic heater includes a hydrodynamic chamber disposed within an interior cavity of the hydrodynamic heater. The hydrodynamic chamber is operable for selectively heating a fluid present within the hydrodynamic chamber when the heating apparatus is connected to a fluid supply source. The hydrodynamic heater includes an inlet port fluidly connected to a discharge port of the heat exchanger, and a discharge port fluidly connected to an inlet port of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger core disposed within an interior cavity of the heat exchanger. A wall at least partially defines the interior cavity of the hydrodynamic heater and the interior cavity of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Ventech, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Sanger, Franco Garavoglia
  • Patent number: 8464963
    Abstract: A system for supplying supplemental heat to a vehicle, particularly a vehicle with a diesel engine, A driven viscous plate with different viscous clutch faces on either side is provided between the engine and the coolant pump. One side clutches to the engine structure (ground) to generate heat, and the other side clutches to the coolant pump to vary the pump drive. The two sides are controlled by a valve operated by signals from the engine computer. The valve varies the supply of viscous fluid from a common reservoir independently to both sides of the driven viscous plate. The signal from the engine control unit is based on the instantaneous desired supplemental heat and coolant flow. In another embodiment, two separate viscous clutches are utilized and positioned on opposite sides of the coolant pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Roth, Olaf E. Weber
  • Patent number: 8450666
    Abstract: A water boiling device includes a heat tank unit received in a machine body, a high frequency induction heater, and a heat pipe unit. The heat tank unit includes first and second heating tanks in communication with each other. Outside water can flow into the first and second heating tanks. The high frequency induction heater includes a heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils. The heat pipe unit includes first and second heating pipes. An upper section of each heating pipe is received in one of the heating tanks, and a lower section of each heating pipe extends out of the heating tanks and is inserted into the heat pipe induction coil. The first and second heating tanks will heat up to heat the water in the first and second heating tanks when a high frequency current is passed through the heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Shun-Chi Yang, Mao-Hsiung Yang, Tsung-Chuan Yang, Fang-Ming Wu, Cheng-Yen Wu
  • Publication number: 20130126625
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a fuel cell configured to generate electricity and rejected heat, a hydronic coil, and a circulatory loop configured to selectively circulate a fluid between the fuel cell and the hydronic coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Mark E. Groskreutz
  • Publication number: 20130105589
    Abstract: A tank-tankless water heater includes primary and secondary heat exchangers, and a combustor for the production of flue gases. In operation, water is first heated as the water and flue gases flow through primary heat exchanger. The water flows into the tank where it is stored and again heated as the flue gases flow through the secondary heat exchanger. A pump moves the water from the secondary heat exchanger, through the primary heat exchanger, and back to the secondary heat exchanger for storage as needed to maintain the stored water at a desired temperature. Water is drawn from the secondary heat exchanger during initial demand to provide a ready source of hot water, and the hot water supply is maintained by the primary heat exchanger during sustained hot water draws. The primary heat exchanger may include a temperature or temperature differential control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: A. O. SMITH ENTERPRISES LTD.
    Inventor: A. O. Smith Enterprises Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8397799
    Abstract: A system for simultaneously heating and cooling a first portion and a second portion of a space utilizes a plurality of boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, condenser pumps and closed loop pumps by using a plurality of sensors indicating the temperatures inside and outside the space and a controlling module controlling the operation of the system. The present disclosure can be easily achieved by making minor configurational modifications to existing systems, thereby increasing system versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph G. Blecker
  • Patent number: 8376243
    Abstract: Disclosed is a boiler for providing hot water to a heating system of a building and for simultaneously producing hot domestic water. This boiler comprises a heating tank provided with a water inlet and a water outlet through which water for use in the heating system circulates and an adjacent chamber annexed to the heating tank. This adjacent chamber is in direct communication with the heating tank and containing means for heating the water. The boiler also comprises a heat exchanger provided with a water inlet and a water outlet through which circulates the domestic water. This heat exchanger is made of a plurality of tubular coils of helicoidal shape that are located within the heating tank in order to allow heat transfer between the hot water within the heating tank and the domestic water that circulates within the tubular coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Gestion M.J.P.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Cloutier
  • Patent number: 8366014
    Abstract: A tank-tankless water heater includes primary and secondary heat exchangers, and a combustor for the production of flue gases. In operation, water is first heated as the water and flue gases flow through primary heat exchanger. The water flows into the tank where it is stored and again heated as the flue gases flow through the secondary heat exchanger. A pump moves the water from the secondary heat exchanger, through the primary heat exchanger, and back to the secondary heat exchanger for storage as needed to maintain the stored water at a desired temperature. Water is drawn from the secondary heat exchanger during initial demand to provide a ready source of hot water, and the hot water supply is maintained by the primary heat exchanger during sustained hot water draws. The primary heat exchanger may include a temperature or temperature differential control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexandru Sorin Ene, Larry Nestor Chanasyk, Don Hambly, Dave Hammond
  • Patent number: 8353463
    Abstract: A method controls an air handler that generates heated air from hot water generated by a water heater. The method includes generating a signal in the presence or absence of an indicia of water flow associated with the water heater; initiating operation of a pump associated with the air handler when the signal indicates that water flow associated with the water heater is at least at a selected level to supply hot water to the air handler sufficient to generate heated air; and/or terminating operation of the pump and/or a blower/fan associated with the air handler when the presence or absence signal indicates that the water flow associated with the water heater is less than the selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Rinnai America Corporation
    Inventors: James York, Hugh L. Allen