Abstract: A washer tank according to an embodiment includes: a first container which stores a washer fluid and retains a temperature of the washer fluid; an inflow pipe through which the washer fluid flows into a storage space in the first container; an outflow pipe through which the washer fluid flows out of the first container from the storage space; and a heating portion which heats the washer fluid, in which all the inflow pipe, the outflow pipe, and the heating portion are disposed in a lower portion of the first container.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting a single electrical heating element of a hot water heater to first and second AC electrical power sources. Typically, these first and second AC electrical power sources include a utility provided electrical power source and a renewable power source that generates AC power from DC power. The method includes operating a controller that selectively connects and disconnects the first and second power sources. If sufficient electrical power is available from the renewable power source, the utility provided electrical power source may be disconnected to preferentially utilize renewable energy.

Abstract: A heating assembly for heating a liquid storage tank includes a heat exchanger tank supported in one wall of the storage tank to extend into the storage tank in contact with liquid stored therein. The heat exchanger tank contains a heat exchanger fluid therein which is heated by a heating apparatus extending through the heat exchanger tank whereby heat is only transferred to the liquid in the storage tank through the heat exchanger fluid. The heating apparatus extending through the heat exchanger tank may be a burner tube or an electrical resistance-type heating element according to different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: An electrically heatable honeycomb body has cavities through which a fluid can flow and contains at least one power distribution structure. The power distribution structure can be connected to a power source via a power feed line. At least one of the power feed line and the power distribution structure contains at least one closed-loop control element made of a material with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) which can be placed at least in thermal contact with a fluid flowing through the honeycomb body. The electrically heatable honeycomb body permits, through the formation of a self-regulating closed-loop control element made for example from the PTC material, the implementation of a simple measure for performing closed-loop control on the heating power of the electrically heatable honeycomb body since the rest of the open-loop control or closed-loop control electronics can be significantly simplified or can even be dispensed with.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating water and steam, that has a first container with cold water and a second container with hot water, the two containers being in fluid communication via an intermediary pipe having a one-way valve to permit flow only from the first container to the second container. The first container has a water level monitor that controls when an input pipe allows water to refill the first container. The second container has a heat exchanger, a steam input pipe, a steam output pipe, and a heating element. The second container may be connected to a steam press, a boiler, and a washing machine.

Abstract: A heated beverage, such as hot chocolate milk is dispensed by providing a refrigerated insulated cabinet having a plurality of beverage storage bags therein for storing refrigerated chocolate milk. Compressed CO2 draws the milk through a pump and pushes it through a flat plate heat exchanger and out to a spigot. The CO2 regulates the flow rate of the milk being dispensed. A heat exchange fluid, e.g., glycol is heated by a heating element and circulated through the flat plate heat exchanger to heat the milk as it passes through the flat plate heat exchanger. A thermostat maintains the heat exchange fluid and heated beverage at a desired temperature.

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.

Abstract: A heat reservoir for storing the energy necessary for powering heat engines, particularly steam engines, is disclosed. The heat reservoir converts electrical energy into thermal energy through the use of electrical resistance heating coils bathed in one or more high heat capacity metals. Loss of heat through thermal conduction is minimized through the use of an insulating jacket surrounding the reservoir. The stored heat can be quickly transferred to a working fluid, such as steam, by using both a heat storage metal and a heat exchanger metal that possess high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A tank system can provide a predetermined cold start volume (VKS) of an operating liquid required by a liquid consumer after a cold start. The tank system can provide a urea solution to an SCR catalytic converter. The tank system includes a main tank with a filling opening through which the interior of the main tank can be filled with operating liquid. To melt a predetermined volume of the frozen liquid in a fast, efficient and complete manner, a melting device is provided. The melting device includes a melt tank which encloses a melting space and which comprises an inlet opening through which the melting space can be filled with the operating liquid from the interior of the main tank. The melting device includes a cold start heater for melting frozen liquid in the melting space. The melting space is at least as large as the cold start volume (VKS) and is smaller than the interior of the main tank.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for monitoring reservoir fluid in an implantable infusion pump. Such methods and devices can be used when the infusion pump has a temperature-dependent component. For example, a method of monitoring reservoir fluid can include obtaining measurements from the reservoir that include corresponding data related to the amount of fluid and temperature in the reservoir. A pair of measurements can be used to monitor the fluid level, or flow rate out of, the reservoir when the corresponding temperatures of the measurements are within a temperature tolerance value. In such an instance, a measured amount difference can be calculated based on the fluid amounts corresponding to the pair of measurements. Other variations of fluid monitoring methods, and implantable infusion pump systems that can perform fluid monitoring, are also described.

Abstract: A thermal storage unit having at least one conduit around which a cast is made is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional piping or tubing to create conduits that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass by proving multiple passes for the fluid through the cast. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the conduit.

Abstract: A heating system for heating fluid media including a carrier unit, a heating unit arranged on the carrier unit and a heat transfer element arranged on the carrier unit and includes a material which is a good conductor of heat, which heat transfer element has a first mounting portion for mounting a first safety device which responds at a first response temperature and a second mounting portion for mounting a second safety device which responds at a second response temperature which is lower than the first response temperature, which heat transfer element has a first temperature pickup portion which is in direct heat-conducting contact with the heating unit and the first safety device. The heat transfer element has a second temperature pickup portion is spatially separate from the first temperature pickup portion and in heat-conducting contact with the medium to be heated and the second safety device.

Abstract: Provided is an instant water heating apparatus for a cleaning machine capable of instantaneously heating fluid passing through a flow path and preventing the temperature of the heated fluid from creating a laminar flow. The instant water heating apparatus includes a housing having a water inlet port, a water outlet port, and a flow path formed between the water inlet port and the water outlet port; a heat exchange part having a heating part for exchanging heat with fluid supplied through the water inlet port and guiding the fluid to the water outlet port; and a mixing part for uniformly mixing the laminar fluid when the fluid heat-exchanged in the heat exchange part is guided to the water outlet port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating liquids, comprising: a first liquid container for liquid for heating, and a heating element connected to the first liquid container. The invention also relates to an assembly for use in such a device. Such a heating device can be applied in diverse electrical appliances for heating liquids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a phase change material having a freezing/melting temperature from about 30° C. to about 90° C. The water heater include a source of water, a heating element for heating the water, a heat exchange unit which contains the material, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit, which tubes are in heat transfer relation to the phase change material so that heat stored in the material can be transferred to the water. The phase change material is preferably heated from the top down to accommodate the changes in volume during thermocycling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a material having a thermal energy capacity of at least about 25 cal/g and having a freezing/melting temperature from about 20° C. to about 100° C. The water heater include a source of water, a heating element for heating the water, a heat exchange unit which contains the material, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit, which tubes are in heat transfer relation to the material so that heat stored in the material can be transferred to the water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a phase change material having a freezing/melting temperature from about 30° C. to about 90° C. The water heater include a source of water, a heating element for heating the water, a heat exchange unit which contains the material, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit, which tubes are in heat transfer relation to the phase change material so that heat stored in the material can be transferred to the water. The phase change material is preferably heated from the top down to accommodate the changes in volume during thermocycling.

Abstract: The temperature regulating device of the instant invention accurately regulates the temperature of a fluid to be sent through a conduit for either warming or cooling an infusate that is to be provided to a patient. The heater/cooler that is used for regulating the temperature of the fluid, and the fluid itself, are continuously monitored by a number of sensors, which provide feedback signals to a processor controller, to ensure that the temperature of the fluid is maintained at a desired temperature. The fluid is circulated by a pump which operation is also continuously monitored. A special connector assembly provides the inlet/outlet connection between the device and the fluid conduit. The connector assembly is constructed such that the system would operate only when the connector of the fluid conduit is correctly mated thereto.

Abstract: Inflammable cleaning fluid heating apparatus are disclosed. The disclosed apparatus safely heat a cleaning fluid such as an inflammable solvent to a predetermined temperature. One of the disclosed inflammable cleaning fluid heating apparatus includes a main body for storing a heat transfer oil; a heater mounted inside the main body for heating the heat transfer oil; a cleaning fluid path mounted inside the main body having an inlet and an outlet; a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heat transfer oil; and a controller for selectively switching the heater between anon state and an off state.

Abstract: An Automated Bottle Temperature Control System 10 is provided having a main DC power source 34, a water temperature sensing and control means 38, a water level compliance circuit 58, a bottle container rack 205. The main DC power source is provided to supply required DC voltages of different levels and polarities to the different electronics circuits. The water temperature sensing circuit is provided to sense the temperature of the water in reservoir, if the temperature of the water is below the preset level, the water temperature control circuit is activated, if the water temperature is equal to or greater than the water temperature, the water temperature control circuit is not activated. The water temperature control circuit is provided to control the water temperature, by energizing and deenenergizing the heating element. The energizing and deenenergizing of the heating element hinge upon the voltage level it receives from the sensing circuit.

Abstract: In a heating device used for melting snow on a road, a roof or the like, or for room heating of in-door facilities, in order to heat a to-be-heated or heated object uniformly over its entire area and enable to utilize effectively a PTC heater, a heat diffusing plate 14 for diffusing heat generated from a heat generating body 16 is arranged on an upper face of the heat insulating member 12 and the heating body 16 is arranged in a recess portion 13 installed on its upper face. The heating body 16 is constituted by inserting a heat generating element 4 mounted with heat radiating plates 5 into a vessel 2 enclosed with a heat storing agent 3 of a latent heat absorbing type in a state in which the heat generating element is brought into contact with the heat storing agent 3.

Abstract: A water heater which comprises a phase change material having a thermal energy capacity of at least about 25 cal/g and having a freezing/melting temperature from about 15.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C.; a source of water, a heating element for heating the water; a heat exchange unit which contains phase change material; and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit with the phase change material located between and around the heat exchange tubes which are in heat transfer relation to the phase change material and in fluid connection with the source of water so that the water heated by the heating element flows through the tubes, heats the phase change material and thereafter the heat stored in the phase change material can be transferred to water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: In an air heating system for use in an electric vehicle and the like, a heat-transfer fluid supply apparatus includes, a thermo-control circuit (TCCRT) having a thermo-control valve, a fluid-heating circuit (HCRT) having a high DC voltage battery for supplying a high DC voltage to an electric heater, and a switch control unit operatively associated with both the thermo-control circuit and the fluid-heating circuit, where the switch control unit includes a semiconductor device which is operative by variations in electric current flowing in the thermo-control circuit to thereby control the fluid-heating circuit by switching on and off, and wherein the fluid tank has a metallic outer case to which the semiconductor device is secured in close contact so that the heat generated at the semiconductor device due to consumption of electric power is transferred to the heat-transfer fluid stored in the fluid tank via the metallic outer case.

Abstract: A hot water tempering system for use with a standard water heater storage tank includes a heat exchanger interposed between the hot water outlet means and the cold water inlet means for transferring heat from hot water exiting from the tank to cold water entering the tank. In this way the temperature of the hot water is tempered. The system is characterized by the fact that the cold water inlet means comprises a first conduit which passes through the heat exchanger to receive heat transferred from the hot water, and a second conduit which bypasses the heat exchanger and delivers cold water directly to the tank. The two inlet conduits are connected to a cold water mains inlet by way of a diverter valve which, in response to the water temperature in the upper region of the tank apportions the water flow between the two conduits.

Abstract: A device for heating chemical tanks includes at least one heat exchanger coil immersed inside a chemical tank. An inert gas, such as nitrogen, is heated and made to flow through the coil to heat a solution in the chemical tank to the desired temperature, which is sensed by a sensor. If microfractures form in the heat exchanger coil, the inert gas simply bubbles out of the solution and does not adversely impact the purity of the solution. In addition, the bubbling of the gas indicates the presence of a microfracture. A second heating coil is provided, and also provides heated inert fluid for heating the solution in the tank. The fluid flow through the first coil is controlled linearly to maintain the temperature at the desired temperature. The fluid flow through the second coil is controlled impulsively to quickly return the solution to the desired temperature after a temperature transient occurs, such as after a relatively cool object is immersed into the solution.

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 induction coil is formed by winding an electrically conductive wire around an iron core, and at least one turn of a pipe of electrically conductive material is wound around the induction coil. The pipe is short-circuited at positions other than where the pipe is wound around the induction coil. An A.C. power source is connected to the induction and preheated fluid is supplied to the pipe to be further heated by induction within the pipe. Since the pipe has a large heat transfer area, efficient heat exchange can be obtained. This heating system is connected to a steam generator, which supplies the preheated fluid to it. The steam generator includes an induction coil of an electrically conductive wire wound on an iron core and a metal material forming a plate disposed on the iron core. The bottom surface of the metal material provides a magnetic flux path for the induction coil. An A.C.

Abstract: A drinking water warming and heating device, comprising a housing having a storage chamber inside thereof and a water circulating space set therebetween. Inside the space is a partition which divides the space into an inner and an outer water circulating space, and mounting plates connected perpendicularly on either side of the partition and extending between the housing and the chamber, the plates dividing the inner and outer water circulating spaces into vertical channels. The water circulating passage has one end connectable to the water outlet port of the engine of a motor vehicle and an opposite end connectable to the water tank of said motor vehicle permitting waste heat from engine cooling water to make heat exchange with drinking water in the water storage chamber. An electric heating element in the storage chamber is connected to the battery power supply of the motor vehicle to heat warmed-up drinking water to boil.

Abstract: A microwave heat pipe heating system is provided and consists of at least one sealed heat pipe having self contained water therein. The heat pipe extends from a microwave containment enclosure into a domestic hot water tank. The self contained water heated by microwave beams will cause the sealed heat pipe extending into the domestic hot water tank to heat water therein for use in a normal water circulation system. In an alternate embodiment a microwave permeable pipe extends through two opposite walls of a microwave containment enclosure for conveying water capable of being heating by microwave beams. The pipe is divided into smaller pipes after entering through one of the walls and reconvening before exiting through other of the walls of the microwave containment enclosure to expose more water surface area to the microwave beams to enhance the heating efficiency of the microwave beams.