Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus includes a hot water module configured to heat supplied water using an induction heating method, a water supply pipe configured to supply water to the hot water module, a flow rate control valve provided on the water supply pipe to control a flow rate of water supplied to the hot water module, a flow rate sensing device provided on the water supply pipe to sense the flow rate of water supplied to the hot water module, and a controller configured to increase an opening speed of the flow rate control valve when the flow rate of supplied water sensed through the flow rate sensing device is equal to or less than a set flow rate.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a water supply tube into which water is introduced, a filter member purifying water passing through the water supply tube, a water discharge tube supplying water to the outside of the water purifier, a hot water tube branched from the water discharge tube, a hot water module including a hot water tank provided on the hot water tube to accommodate purified water and a heat generation unit heating the water accommodated in the hot water tank, a controller spaced apart from the hot water tank or the heat generation unit to control the heat generation unit, and a water discharge nozzle supplying the water passing through the water discharge tube and the hot water tube to the outside of the water purifier. At least a portion of the hot water tube or the water discharge tube passes through the controller and is heat-exchanged with the controller.

Abstract: The steamhead includes a dispensing chamber having an inlet connected to receive steam from a steam generator located outside of the steam bath enclosure and a steam outlet. The steamhead is mounted between studs which support the enclosure wall by a bracket that is adjustable to accommodate studs of different spacing. A hollow cylindrical member extends from the front of the chamber in alignment with the steam outlet. A first part is telescopically received within the hollow member to accommodate enclosure walls of various thicknesses. A flange extends from the rim of the first part to overlap the chamber edge which defines the steam outlet. A second part having a round, concave surface facing the interior of the enclosure is rotatably mounted within the first part for controlling the flow of steam through the steam passageway. The chamber includes baffles for reducing the force of the emitted steam.

Abstract: A volatile substance delivery system includes a volatile substance container to contain a volatile substance, a volatile substance delivery structure, and a volatile substance drop delivery system to deliver a drop of the volatile substance to the volatile substance delivery structure for delivery to an ambient environment.

Abstract: A steam generator comprises a water storage chamber which stores water, a steam generating heater which heats water in the water storage chamber, a water supply pump which supplies water stored in a water supply tank through a water supply port provided in the water storage chamber and a water supply passage, a discharge passage which discharges water formed with a first water discharge passage having a U shape to be convex downward, which is in fluid communication with a discharge port provided in the water storage chamber, and a second water discharge passage having an inverted U shape to be convex upward, and configured such that water stored in the water storage chamber is discharged through the discharge port and the water discharge passage according to the theory of a siphon, wherein the first water discharge passage is formed by a nonmetallic material.

Abstract: There is provided an aerosol generating device, including a vaporizer for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol; a plurality of air flow nozzles; and at least one air outlet. The air flow nozzles and the air outlet are arranged to define an air flow route between the air flow nozzles and the air outlet. Each of the air flow nozzles includes an aperture arranged to direct air towards the vicinity of the vaporizer in a direction across the surface of the vaporizer so as to manage particle size in the aerosol.

Abstract: Steam generator (1) is provided with an electric heating element (2) for heating water to be evaporated, consisting of an electric heating resistor (21) inserted in a profiled base (8) of a metal supporting element (7), fixed in a hole obtained in one of the vertical walls (15) of the container (4) for heating water.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus includes a main body provided with a cooking chamber, and a steam supply device generating steam to supply the steam to the cooking chamber. The steam supply device includes a water storage unit to store water, a steam generator that is supplied with water from the water storage unit to generate steam, a water supply tube to transfer water in the water storage unit to the steam generator, and a water collection tube to transfer residual water in the steam generator to the water storage unit. Accordingly, a period to put water may be increased since the residual water in the steam generator is collected.

Abstract: A steam generating device (1) is provided with a metal housing (2), a water supply opening (3) for supplying water into the housing (2), a steam generating heater (4) embedded in the lower part of the housing (2) and evaporating the water supplied from the water supply opening (3), a steam temperature raising heater (5) provided above the steam generating heater (4) with a predetermined distance from an inner wall of the housing (2) and raising the temperature of the steam generated by the steam generating heater (4), and a discharge opening (8) for discharging the superheated steam generated by the steam temperature raising heater (5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for custom fitting an article of footwear is disclosed. A container holding the article of footwear includes a steaming assembly that allows a customer to subject the article of footwear to steam. The method can include cooling the article of footwear on the customer's foot to custom fit the article of footwear.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide steam oven drain valve systems and methods for draining steam ovens and associated water lines on aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to steam ovens, and particularly to steam ovens configured to generate and deliver steam directly to the oven using a water reservoir in close proximity to an existing oven heat generating system. The steam ovens described may be designed so that they inject steam directly into the oven cavity, and in some instances, generate the steam directly in the oven cavity as well. Certain embodiments are designed with a water reservoir in close proximity to an oven heat generating system such that water in the reservoir is heated, turned to steam, and delivered to the oven cavity via a steam delivery system.

Abstract: A heating cooking apparatus including a body, a steam container, a steam heater, and a heater covering portion. The body has a cooking compartment in which food is disposed. The steam container includes a chamber, a water supply portion to supply water into the chamber, and a steam discharge portion to discharge steam generated in the chamber into the cooking compartment. The steam heater has a chamber bottom forming portion that is coupled to a lower end of the steam container so as to cover a bottom of the chamber and adapted to heat water supplied into the chamber. The heater covering portion is configured to cover a rim of the steam heater. Covering the rim of the steam heater using the heater covering portion alleviates the risk of power leakage accidents caused when water at the outside of a steam generator comes into contact with the steam heater.

Abstract: A power supply device with a humidifying function includes a body, a circuit board, and a heater. An accommodation space is defined inside the body, and a water reservoir is disposed inside the accommodation space for storing water. A steam vent is formed on a surface of the body for communicating the water reservoir. The circuit board is disposed on a bottom of the accommodation space and includes an input connector and an output connector disposed thereon. The circuit board receives an external power from the input connector, transforms the external power into a first output power and outputs the first output power via the output connector, or transforms the external power into a second out power. The heater is electrically connected to the circuit board and contacts the water reservoir, for receiving the second output power for the purpose of heating water and vaporizing the water into steam.

Abstract: A liquid material vaporization apparatus for a semiconductor processing apparatus includes: a vaporization tank; an inner partition wall disposed in the tank for dividing the interior of the tank into a charging compartment and a vaporization compartment which are liquid-communicatable with each other over an upper edge of the inner partition wall. A liquid material charged in the charging compartment overflows over the upper edge of the inner partition wall toward the vaporization compartment to store and vaporize the liquid material in the vaporization compartment.

Abstract: A water level sensor for a steam humidifier. The water level sensor includes a plurality of conductive probes, where the plurality of conductive probes includes at least one common probe and a plurality of water level probes. Each of the conductive probes are separated from each other conductive probe. The water level sensor further includes a non-conductive overmolding covering at least a portion of each of the conductive probes. The non-conductive overmolding defines a flange configured to seal an opening in a tank of the steam humidifier and an electrical connection point configured to receive an electrical connector for providing electrical connections to each of the conductive probes. A steam humidifier is also disclosed.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub configured to contain a supply of water and a heater including a first polymer film having an electrically conductive circuit provided upon a surface. The first polymer film is electrically insulating and the tub is formed of molded resin and the heater is molded at least partially within the resin. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes the humidifier. A method of humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas includes passing the flow of pressurized breathable gas over a supply of water contained in a tub. The tub is formed of molded resin and a heater including a first polymer film having an electrically conductive circuit on a first surface is molded at least partially within the resin.

Abstract: The inside of an evaporation container (41) is partitioned by a peripheral wall (47) to form a water level detection chamber (S1) and an evaporation chamber (S2) that are interconnected only on the bottom side of the evaporation container (41). A vapor generation heater (42) is placed in the evaporation chamber (S2) of the evaporation container (41). The water level in the water level detection chamber (S1) of the evaporation container (41) is detected by a water level sensor (43a). Water which is supplied from the outside into the evaporation container (41) and is in the evaporation chamber (S2) is heated by the vapor generation heater 842) to generate vapor in the evaporation chamber (S2), and the vapor is discharged from a vapor outlet (73) provided in the evaporation container (41) at a position on the evaporation chamber (S2) side.

Abstract: A humidifier unit (10) for injecting steam into air-conditioning ducting comprising at least one tubular portion (12) formed with at least one aperture (16) to enable steam to pass from the interior of the tubular portion (12) to the exterior thereof. The aperture (16) is formed through a wall portion (20) of the tubular portion to create an inwardly directed annular protuberance (18), which is integral with the surrounding wall portion (20). The protuberance (18) thus comprises the same material as the surrounding wall portion (20). Also a method of making such a humidifier unit (10) using thermal drilling or punching to create the aperture (16) and the annular protuberance (18).

Abstract: A steam generator having an improved structure to change water supplied into the steam generator into steam within a short period of time and a drum type washing machine having the same are disclosed. The washing machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet, which constitutes the external appearance of the washing machine, for storing wash water, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub, and a steam generator mounted in the cabinet for supplying steam into the drum. The steam generator includes a case having a space for receiving a predetermined amount of water, the case being provided at one side thereof with an inlet port and an outlet port, a heater case disposed in the case such that the heater case communicates with the interior of the case, the heater case having an additional space, into which some of the water supplied into the case is introduced and a steam heater disposed in the heater case for heating the water introduced into the heater case so as to generate steam.

Abstract: A humidifier configured to determine when the humidifier requires cleaning. The humidifier includes a tank for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the tank to generate steam, and one or more water level sensors for detecting the level of water in the tank, including detecting water at first level and a second level, where the first level is lower than the second level. The humidifier further includes a drain valve for draining water from the tank and a controller. The controller is configured to open the drain valve to drain water from the tank, measure a time interval required for the water to drain from the second level to the first level, and compare the time interval against a threshold value. If the time interval exceeds the threshold value, then the controller is configured to provide an indication to clean the humidifier. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water chamber (1) adapted for use in conjunction with a heater base, for humidifying an air stream. The chamber (1) including at least one horizontally oriented gases port (3) including an elongate flow tube (5) extending into the chamber (1) from the inner periphery of the gases port (3), the flow tube (5) having an opening at its distal end facing a direction transverse to the axis of the tube (5).

Abstract: A water level sensor for a steam humidifier. The water level sensor includes a plurality of conductive probes, where the plurality of conductive probes includes at least one common probe and a plurality of water level probes. Each of the conductive probes are separated from each other conductive probe. The water level sensor further includes a non-conductive overmolding covering at least a portion of each of the conductive probes. The non-conductive overmolding defines a flange configured to seal an opening in a tank of the steam humidifier and an electrical connection point configured to receive an electrical connector for providing electrical connections to each of the conductive probes. A steam humidifier is also disclosed.

Abstract: The inventive steam cooking method is designed to be carried out in a cooking oven (1) provided with a steam generator (2, 4). The steam generator (2,4) comprises a water evaporation vessel (201) and a heating unit (200) which is in thermal contact with the water evaporation vessel (201). The method comprises a cooking phase, during which the water supply for the water evaporation vessel (201) is regulated. Regulation of the water supply comprises the following phases: temperature increase is detected in the heating unit (200) whereupon the supply of water to the water evaporation vessel (201) is triggered in the case of said temperature increase. The supply of water for the steam generator (2, 4) is thus triggered on the basis of a simple, reliable detection which is adapted to mass consumer products.

Abstract: A liquid material vaporization apparatus for a semiconductor processing apparatus includes: a vaporization tank; an inner partition wall disposed in the tank for dividing the interior of the tank into a charging compartment and a vaporization compartment which are liquid-communicatable with each other over an upper edge of the inner partition wall. A liquid material charged in the charging compartment overflows over the upper edge of the inner partition wall toward the vaporization compartment to store and vaporize the liquid material in the vaporization compartment.

Abstract: A humidifier that includes two water reservoir compartments connected via an opening large enough to allow exchange of water between the two compartments, and an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates on the water in the smaller of the two compartments downstream of the larger compartment.

Abstract: A steam generating apparatus includes: a liquid tank portion 1 for storing a liquid; an evaporator portion 2 which is directly connected to the liquid tank portion, heats the liquid supplied from the liquid tank portion, and generates steam; a steam storage portion 3 which is directly connected to the evaporator portion, and stores the steam generated by the evaporator portion; a passageway 4 which is directly connected to the steam storage portion and outwardly passes the generated steam; a liquid pathway 10b which is connected to the liquid tank portion, and supplies the liquid; and a heater unit 20 which is provided on one side of the evaporator portion, and heats at least the evaporator portion. The liquid tank portion 1, the evaporator portion 2, the steam storage portion 3, the passageway 4, and the liquid pathway 10b are formed within an integral member of a translucent material.

Abstract: A portable warm air humidifier for delivery to a room a steam air mixture of uniform moisture and at a temperature that does not cause sensation of pain. A steam ejector is used to mix the steam from an evaporation chamber with the air entering the humidifier with the advantage, among others, of eliminating the need for motors and blowers. A difference in the water level between a water supply compartment and the evaporation chamber provides a constant pressure in the evaporation chamber which is necessary to drive generated steam through a steam nozzle communicating with the steam ejector. The dimensions of the steam nozzle are determined in relation with the rate of steam generation in accordance with steam velocity to effectively eliminate or minimize the noise normally associated with the passage of steam through a nozzle.

Abstract: A steam generating device includes a main body in which a tank is received. Two end plates of the body each have an extension portion from a top edge thereof and two notches are defined in two sides of each of the extension portions so that two side panels are respectively engaged with the two respective notches. Each of the panels are easily removed from the main body to access the tank and necessary electric parts. A guide plate extends inclinedly from an inside of the tank and an opening in the tank communicates with a steam outlet tube is located above the guide plate.

Abstract: An improved steamer (second application) has properties of small volume, no need of change water, fast speed of steam generation, save power, and essence therapy. The steamer includes a main body, a filter, a steam supply unit, and a control unit. Water input tube enters a steam generator of the main body through the filter. The steam generator is installed with an electric heater at the lower part. The heater is enclosed by mineral wool and has a temperature sensor and a water level detector. By controlling the water level in the steam generator and function of power safety cut, the generated steam is straddled out through the steam supply unit. Inside of the steam supply unit, it has two separated gas holes and a containing space. The essence is filled into the containing space, and can be evaporated together with the steam to be supplied from the gas holes.

Abstract: An improved steamer (second application) has properties of small volume, no need of change water, fast speed of steam generation, save power, and essence therapy. The steamer includes a main body, a filter, a steam supply unit, and a control unit. Water input tube enters a steam generator of the main body through the filter. The steam generator is installed with an electric heater at the lower part. The heater is enclosed by mineral wool and has a temperature sensor and a water level detector. By controlling the water level in the steam generator and function of power safety cut, the generated steam is straddled out through the steam supply unit. Inside of the steam supply unit, it has two separated gas holes and a containing space. The essence is filled into the containing space, and can be evaporated together with the steam to be supplied from the gas holes.

Abstract: A portable warm air humidifier for delivery to a room a steam air mixture of uniform moisture and at a temperature that does not cause sensation of pain. A steam ejector is used to mix the steam from an evaporation chamber with the air entering the humidifier with the advantage, among others, of eliminating the need for motors and blowers. A difference in the water level between a water supply compartment and the evaporation chamber provides a constant pressure in the evaporation chamber which is necessary to drive generated steam through a steam nozzle communicating with the steam ejector. The dimensions of the steam nozzle are determined in relation with the rate of steam generation in accordance with steam velocity to effectively eliminate or minimize the noise normally associated with the passage of steam through a nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a wet oxygen stream for a semiconductor furnace to form oxide layers on silicon wafers. A quartz vessel with quartz chips is heated to 450° C. and a mixture of water and oxygen is introduced at the bottom of the vessel. Vaporization occurs at the input of the water and oxygen into the vessel. The output of wet oxygen as superheated stream passes through the chips and is taken from the top of the vessel to the furnace. The quartz vessel is nested in an aluminum body containing heaters to maintain constant temperature. The ratio of water vapor to oxygen in the wet stream is constant to produce layers of predictable characteristics.

Abstract: A module adapted to generate a controllable volume of steam for humidifying an air stream. The module includes a generally rectangular tank transversely divided by a barrier wall into a water reservoir section and a steam generating section. The longitudinal position of the barrier wall in the tank is adjustable to vary the relative water capacities of the sections. Disposed within the steam generating section is a controllable electric heater unit that acts to boil the water in this section at an adjustable rate to generate steam which is discharged into the air stream. The water boiled off in the steam generating section is replenished by water drained from the reservoir section through a flow passage in the barrier wall.

Abstract: The control system for a humidifier, which is part of a heat, ventilation or air conditioning HVAC system, detects the level of water and generates control signals by detecting the capacitance of the water in the humidifier. These control signals are used to fill the humidifier with water and control heater elements and, to some degree, drain cycles. A capacitor is utilized to detect the change in capacitance as the water level changes. The control circuit, coupled to the capacitor, generates fill control signals based upon first and second predetermined capacitive levels. In one embodiment, the capacitor sensor includes an electrically conductive element extending into the water as a first electrode which is shielded by an insulating cover, where the water acts as a medium through which capacitance is measured and the humidifier casing or another electrically conductive element in the water functions as the second electrode for the capacitor.

Abstract: A humidifying system particularly for incubators and a process for humidifying incubators is disclosed. The system includes a float valve with a sleeve-shaped float housing with a float body axially displaceable therein as well as a throttle valve influencing the flow of liquid. The throttle valve is actuated depending on the relative movement of the float body in relation to the float housing, and by the external diameter of the float body and the internal diameter of the float housing being selected to be such that a capillary gap wetted with liquid is present. With this construction, the reference level for the setting of the liquid level remains unchanged due to the float valve being designed as a hollow float body axially displaceable in a float housing with a liquid-filled, annular capillary gap between the float body and the float housing.

Abstract: The humidifier for controlling humidity in a semi-conductor manufacturing environment provides a trickle water refill level control system for maintaining an accurate flow of refill water into the humidifier water tank. A water supply provides a substantially constant rate of flow of water to a conduit connected between the humidifier tank inlet port and the water overflow tank inlet port, to allow the excess water supplied to the humidifier water tank to flow to the overflow tank. The overflow tank has a float level control allowing for operation of the steam generating humidifier at higher steam pressures, and increased stability of the steam generation rate. A pressure equalization line is also connected between an upper portion of the humidifier water tank and an upper air reservoir of the water overflow tank for equalizing pressure between the humidifier water tank and the water overflow tank.

Abstract: A phosphorescent assembly for humidifiers and vaporizers that enables the vaporizers and humidifiers to be easily seen in dark or dimly lit areas. The presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the water reservoir in both the humidifiers and the vaporizers to be blow-molded from a phosphorescent, plastic material that will be luminescent for several hours after being exposed to radiation within the light frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A power humidifier which supplies steam humidity to the air flow of a furnace system. Heater elements within a water reservoir heat the water to create steam supplied to the air flow. The humidifier is controlled by a microprocessor to ensure efficient operation while monitoring operating characteristics to prevent damage to the humidifier. The microprocessor ensures that the reservoir fills properly, the water level does not fall below the heating element, and that the unit does not overheat during operation.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a hot air furnace has an upper and lower housing removably connected to one another. The upper housing has a heating element and sensor, water refill inlet, and a control circuit connected to the heat sensor and inlet. The lower housing contains a water vessel and a water level sensor secured the lower housing to receive the water vessel. The water sensor registers the minimum and maximum water weight and is connected to the control circuit. A bacteria resistant, semi-flexible removable liner fits within the vessel for the removal of built up mineral residue. Preferably the water sensor is an elliptical beam load cell with an open center surrounded by a rim and a pair of tab ends opposite one another. At least one bridge is machined within the rim to increase sensitivity. A strain gage registers strain changes and an electronic connector transfers the changes to the control circuit where they are converted to the current weight.

Abstract: A hot water and electricity generator including a casing having a water inlet provided with a float ball valve, an engine arranged within the casing and having an exhaust pipe, a power generator drivingly connected with the engine, a pump drivingly connected with the power generator, a water reservoir disposed above the power generator within the casing and provided with a heat exchanging pipe, a first electric heater electrically connected to the power generator and installed within the water reservoir, an outlet pipe having an end connected with another end of the heat exchanging pipe and another end extending out of the casing, a steam chamber mounted on the water reservoir, and a second electric heater electrically connected to the power generator and installed with the steam chamber, whereby hot water and electricity will be generated as desired.

Abstract: A phosphorescent assembly for humidifiers and vaporizers that enables the vaporizers and humidifiers to be easily seen in dark or dimly lit areas. The presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the water reservoir in both the humidifiers and the vaporizers to be blow-molded from a phosphorescent, plastic material that will be luminescent for several hours after being exposed to radiation within the light frequency spectrum.

Abstract: An improved electric glass incense burner structure having a heat conducting device, wherein on a lid thereof perfume emitting holes and a spherical knob are provided. The burner housing on its wall a pair of protruding pillars for supporting a clamping sheet. A heat conducting device is in close contact with the bottom of the burner for uniform and fast heat conducting.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating dry vapor includes a manifold assembly with a channel for conveying a liquid from a liquid source. A vessel for holding the liquid is secured to the manifold assembly and includes a fill tube connected to receive liquid from the manifold assembly's channel. A heater is provided for heating the liquid in the vessel to generate a vapor. A settling chamber is located within the vessel above the liquid in the vessel from settling out liquid drops in the vapor. The settling chamber includes a vapor inlet with a cross-section that is substantially smaller than the vessel's cross-section for receiving vapor. A vapor outlet removes dry vapor from the settling chamber.

Abstract: A device is provided for protecting a heating element in an electric water heater which consists of a sensor for sensing a predetermined amount of water that has entered the electric water heater and an electric circuit with a relay controlled by the sensor, for energizing the heating element when the predetermined amount of water is within the electric water heater and covering the heating element thereby preventing the burn out of the heating element; wherein the sensor has a float with electrical contacts that engage adjustable contacts set at a desired level to energize the heating element at a predetermined water level and includes an expandable seal mounted on the float preventing water from going above the float.

Abstract: A portable warm air humidifier for delivery to a room a steam air mixture of uniform moisture and at a temperature that does not cause sensation of pain. A steam ejector is used to mix the steam from an evaporation chamber with the air entering the humidifier with the advantage, among others, of eliminating the need for motors and blowers. A difference in the water level between a water supply compartment and the evaporation chamber provides a constant pressure in the evaporation chamber which is necessary to drive generated steam through a steam nozzle communicating with the steam ejector. The dimensions of the steam nozzle are determined in relation with the rate of steam generation in accordance with steam velocity to effectively eliminate or minimize the noise normally associated with the passage of steam through a nozzle.

Abstract: An automatic water heating and distilling apparatus is provided having a hot water reservoir, an evaporator tank, a condenser, a distilled water reservoir and a control mechanism. Water is boiled within the evaporator tank generating steam which is condensed in the condenser to form distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is transferred into the hot water reservoir. The distilled water reservoir has an input coupled to the condenser, an output for distilled water, and an overflow so that excess distilled water is returned to the evaporator tank. The control mechanism automatically regulates the operation of a heater within the evaporator to maintain the water in the hot water reservoir within a selected operating range. Various alternative embodiments are also described including a hot water heating apparatus utilizing an enclosed heat transfer device partially filled with liquid having a boiling point above the selected temperature for the water to be heated.

Abstract: An electric steam humidifier of the type which includes electrodes (58, 59) immersed in a tank containing water (5) includes an upper portion (10) consisting of a housing (3) closed by a cover (2), a lower portion (11) consisting of a housing (6) placed on a base (7), with the housings (3) and (6) being identical and positioned symmetrically in relation to a horizontal plane. The housings are joined to a structural element (4) made of aluminum and approximately U-shaped, with the arms of the U forming a space (40) for receiving the tank. The housing (3) contains a compartment (36) into which water is supplied and which includes an aperture (37) for evacuation of steam and an aperture (35) which is fitted to a filling aperture (54) on the upper surface of the tank (5). The tank includes on one of its side surfaces below the medial plane of the tank but above its bottom with a drainage aperture (55).

Abstract: A steam generator for domestic and industrial use, of the type which has a boiler (5) provided with a resistance heater element (17) and a steam and energy take-off unit (10) for supplying steam and electrical power to an external user item, such as a smoothing iron. At least a first solenoid valve (7) and a second solenoid valve (8) are connected between the boiler (5) and the take-off unit (10) to give rise to at least three separate levels of output steam rate. An electronic controller is coupled to the resistance heater element (17), steam and electrical power take-off unit (10), the power source and the solenoid valves (7,8) for automatically and proportionally exchanging electrical power applied to the resistance heater element (17) with electrical power applied to the external user item, thereby effectively exchanging the amount of steam available for use by, and the electrical power applied to, the external user item.

Abstract: A water distiller is provided which is used in conjunction with a hot water heater where normally wasted energy is used to preheat the hot water heater inlet. The distiller includes a heat storage tank, an evaporator tank having a water inlet, a heater and a steam outlet, and a first and second heat exchanger located within the heat storage tank. Steam generated in the evaporator tank passes through the first heat exchanger and condenses, forming distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is absorbed within the heat storage tank. The second heat exchanger is used to preheat the water flowing to the hot water heater inlet by passing the water through the second heat exchanger on an as needed basis where it absorbs heat from the heat storage tank.