Abstract: A method of assembling multiple low NOx burners (100), a low NOx burners (100) and a tankless gas-fired water heater (500) are disclosed. The method includes the step of assembling multiple bodies (152), each body (152) includes multiple first burner ports (135) connected to a first burner inlet (125) and multiple second burner ports (150) connected to a second burner inlet (140). The method also includes the step of selecting one of the bodies (152) and inserting a first inlet tube (120, 220, 320, 420) into the second burner inlet (140) to provide a fuel/air mixture to the second burner ports (150) at a first rate. The method also includes the step of selecting one of the bodies (152) and inserting a second inlet tube (120, 220, 320, 420) into the second burner inlet (140) to provide the fuel/air mixture to the second burner ports (150) at a second rate different from the first rate.

Abstract: A type of mixed energy heater with constant temperature control, which belongs to the field of water heater technology. This water heater includes a gas heating portion, an electric heating portion, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a power output controller. The electric heating portion is composed of water passage and electric heating device installed in the water passage. The water passages of the gas heating portion and the electric heating portion are connected together in series or in parallel, and the terminal of the passage is equipped with a temperature sensor. The output of the temperature sensor is connected to the signal input of the control circuit.

Abstract: A tank for a water-heating appliance including a body, a first head, and a second head. The body includes a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The body extends along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The first head includes multiple landings. The first head is coupled to the first end so that the first head is convex and extends away from the body. The longitudinally outermost points of the landings define a first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second head includes multiple landings. The second head is identical to the first head except for at least one opening through a landing. The second head is coupled to the second end so that the second head is convex and extends away from the body. The longitudinally outermost points of the landings define a second plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of making a circular support base for a water heater in which a sheet of material having two ends is formed with corrugations such that the corrugations are progressively more pronounced towards one longitudinal edge thereby creating a generally circular shape out of the formerly straight sheet material, the two ends are connected to form an unbroken circular shape, the corrugated material is shaped to form a lip at an inner circumferential region, and the circular lip intersects with an outer circumferential region of the support base to form a circular trough for supporting and positioning a water tank of the water heater.

Abstract: A water heating system, comprise a tank, a heating element, and a controller that is coupled to the heating element. The controller comprises a base, a housing, a relay, logic and, a temperature sensor. The base is composed of thermally conductive material, and the housing is composed of electrically insulating material. The housing is coupled to the base, and the logic is configured to control the a state of the relay. Further, the temperature sensor contacts the base and is coupled to the logic.

Abstract: A water heating system has a tank, a first heating element, a first temperature sensor, and a controller. The first heating element is mounted on the tank, and the controller is electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor. The controller is configured to detect a stacking condition based on the first temperature sensor and to disable the first heating element in response to detection of the stacking condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for estimating and indicating temperature characteristics of temperature controlled liquids. A system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has a tank filled at least partially with a liquid, such as water, and the system has a plurality of temperature sensors mounted on the tank. During operation, a controller compares temperatures sensed by these temperature sensors to a predefined temperature profile for the liquid within the tank in order to estimate the likely temperature characteristics of such liquid. The controller then reports these estimated temperature characteristics via a user interface. As an example, the controller may estimate and report the amount of liquid above a threshold temperature that can be drawn from the tank. Based on the reported temperature characteristics, a user may make decisions about whether or how to use liquid drawn from the tank.

Abstract: A rotor for an electric machine having a number of poles includes a shaft that extends along a portion of an axis and defines an outer surface. A first core portion is formed as a single inseparable component and includes a first portion that extends from the outer surface to a first outside diameter to define a first thickness, and a second portion spaced axially from the first portion that includes a reduced back portion that extends from an inside diameter to the first outside diameter to define a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. A second core portion is connected to the first core portion and includes a second outside diameter that is substantially the same as the first outside diameter.

Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator, and a rotor positioned adjacent the stator and configured to rotate with respect to the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of laminations having an outside diameter and stacked in a stackwise direction. Each lamination includes a plurality of non-linear slots positioned inward of the outside diameter. Each non-linear slot includes an inner portion spaced a first distance from the outside diameter and two end portions disposed a second distance from the outside diameter. The second distance is smaller than the first distance. The rotor also includes a plurality of permanent magnets. Each magnet is disposed in one of the non-linear slots.

Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator, a rotor positioned adjacent the stator and rotatable with respect to the stator, and a housing that at least partially surrounds the stator. An enclosure is coupled to the housing and includes a first compartment and a second compartment. A plurality of fins are positioned within the second compartment and a fan is coupled to the rotor and directs a flow of air through the second compartment.

Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator and a rotor core positioned adjacent the stator and rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The rotor core includes a plurality of bar apertures, a plurality of elongated flux barriers separate from the bar apertures and positioned radially inward of the bar apertures, and a plurality of magnet slots separate from the bar slots and positioned radially inward of a portion of the bar apertures. The electric machine also includes a plurality of magnets, each positioned in one of the magnet slots. A plurality of conductive bars are each positioned in one of the bar apertures and includes a first end and a second end. A first end ring is coupled to the first end of each of the bars and a second end ring is coupled to the second end of each of the bars.

Abstract: A motor including a stator, a first connector portion, a selector, and a second connector portion. The stator has a first winding arrangement configured for a first voltage and a second winding arrangement configured for a second voltage different from the first voltage. The first connector portion is selectively connectable to each of the first winding arrangement and the second winding arrangement. The selector is movable between a first position in which the first connector portion is connected to the first winding arrangement, and a second position in which the first connector portion is connected to the second winding arrangement. The second connector portion is electrically connected to a power supply and selectively engageable with the first connector portion to provide power to one of the first winding arrangement and the second winding arrangement.

Abstract: A water heating system including a tank to store water, a temperature sensor positioned to detect a temperature of the water, and a temperature control element configured to alter the temperature of the water. The system also includes a controller configured to control the temperature of the water based on a first temperature threshold during a first time period and monitor the amount of time that the temperature control element is in either the activated state or the deactivated state during the first time period. The control then determines a second temperature threshold for a subsequent time period based on the monitored amount of time.

Abstract: A stator for an electric machine includes a plurality of core segments interconnected with one another. At least one core segment includes a plurality of teeth and a back portion that at least partially interconnects the teeth. A first one-piece mold defines a first end insulator portion and a plurality of slot insulator portions, and a second one-piece mold defines a second end insulator portion and a second plurality of slot insulator portions. The plurality of core segments is positioned between the first mold and the second mold such that the molds align and insulate the core portions. The stator also includes a plurality of coils. Each coil surrounds at least a portion of one tooth.

Abstract: An electric machine has a rotor and includes a first portion that is substantially rectangular and includes a rotor aperture configured to receive a portion of the rotor. A second portion is separate from and connected to the first portion. The second portion is substantially U-shaped and includes a first leg, a second leg, and a base. A first coil surrounds a portion of the first leg and a second coil surrounds a portion of the second leg.

Abstract: A water heater including a vessel, a heating fixture (e.g., an electric-resistance heating element, a gas burner) having a rated maximum heating output, and a controller. The controller includes an interface and a temperature sensor. The controller can control the heating output of the heating element based on a sensed temperature of the temperature sensors. The heating output is a defined maximum heating output for the heating fixture. Also disclosed are methods of defining the capabilities of a water hater heater and methods of operating a water heater.

Abstract: A drain valve and method for assembling a drain valve. A valve assembly is inserted into a pipe, and a reduced diameter portion is formed in the pipe to create a substantially water-tight seal between a portion of the valve assembly and the pipe. A second reduced diameter portion may be formed in the pipe to provide a thrust bearing surface for resisting sliding movement of the valve assembly within the pipe. A transverse hole is provided in the pipe to provide access to a rotatable mechanism in the valve assembly to permit and restrict fluid flow through the drain valve.

Abstract: An electric motor includes a stator, a rotor positioned adjacent the stator and cooperating with the stator to generate a torque, and a bearing support assembly coupled to the rotor to at least partially support the rotor for rotation. An end frame includes a post positioned to engage and support the bearing support assembly. The end frame and the bearing support assembly cooperate to define a space therebetween. A mainframe is coupled to and cooperates with the end frame to substantially enclose the stator, and a set of electronics for controlling the motor is mounted in the space.

Abstract: A support base is provided for a water heater, the support base having a structure for supporting components of the water heater in their proper position in a manner that elevates an outer jacket of the heater and provides space for insulation between the outer jacket and an inner water tank. The support base comprises a lip at one end of the support base, an angled middle portion projecting upwardly from the lip such that the lip and the angled middle portion intersect to form a trough for positioning and supporting the water tank. The support base also has a top portion extending in a generally vertical direction from an upper end of the angled middle portion such that the top portion provides support for the outer jacket.

Abstract: A stator configured to rotate a rotor with a number of magnetic poles includes a yoke that includes a back portion and a first type and first quantity of integral teeth, and a second type and second quantity of insertable teeth coupled to the back portion. At least two coils are wound with a continuous electric wire. Each of the coils is placed around two different integral teeth to define a first winding section. At least two other coils are wound with a continuous electric wire. The other coils are placed around two different insertable teeth to define a second winding section.