Abstract: A low NOx water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber adjacent the water container; and a burner associated with the combustion chamber and arranged to combust fuel to heat water in the water container, the burner comprising a plenum chamber having a combustion surface and a device to detect the presence of the collection of lint, dirt and/or oil.

Abstract: An air intake filter for a water heater including a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber adjacent the water container; a burner associated with the combustion chamber; a blower assembly located to receive combustion products generated by the burner; an intake conduit sealingly connected to the combustion chamber and having a combustion air intake opening located adjacent an upper portion of the water heater; and a dilution air conduit sealingly connected to the blower assembly and having a dilution air intake opening located adjacent a lower portion of the water heater.

Abstract: A water heater having improved operating characteristics and lower costs of manufacturing is described. The water heater has an unified combustion chamber and burner construction with a ceramic fiber matrix burner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a water container; an element located to heat water in the water container; a sensor located to sense temperature proximate the element; and a controller connected to the element and the sensor, the controller being programmed to energize the element with at least one electrical pulse over a predetermined time interval, comparing temperature information received from the sensor with a predetermined temperature, and disengaging the element in the event that the temperature received from the sensor is greater than a predetermined temperature for the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermodynamically activated flue damper for a gas water heater that includes a flue damper for controlling the passage of exhaust gases through the flue; and a thermally sensitive member that is capable of contracting when the exhaust gasses in the flue heat the thermally sensitive member to its transition temperature and expanding when the temperature of the thermally sensitive material falls below its transition temperature. The thermally sensitive member is connected between the flue damper and a support member in the flue to control the pivoting of the flue damper as the thermally sensitive metal expands or contracts at the transition temperature. The flue damper system may also include a counter-balancing member to provide a counter-balancing force to the said thermally sensitive metal, such as a coil spring. The thermally sensitive member may be formed in the shape such as a rod, a wire, and an elongated bar, and may be made from Nytinol or other similar metals.

Abstract: A water heater of the invention includes a water container; an element located to heat water in the water container; a sensor located to sense temperature; and a controller, the controller monitors the sensed temperature and compares the sensed temperature against a control temperature, with the controller further adjusting the control temperature a defined amount when the sensed temperature varies a desired amount from the control temperature.

Abstract: A water heater has a water container and an element located to heat water in the water container. A sensor located to sense temperature proximate the element and a controller connected to the element and the sensor. The controller is programmed to compare a plurality of sensed temperatures and to disengage the element in the event that the difference between sensed temperatures over a predetermined time period is greater than a predetermined temperature difference and further to engage the element based on a comparison of sensed tempereatures.

Abstract: A water heater of the invention includes a water container; an element located to heat water in the water container; a sensor located to sense temperature; and a controller, the controller monitors the sensed temperature at termination of a defined time interval and compares the sensed temperature against a predetermined temperature, with the controller further identifying the element as defective when the sensed temperature is less than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A water heater heating element including a base member adapted to extend through and sealingly engage a wall of a water heater tank, the base member having a recess; a thermistor positioned in the recess; members connected to the thermistor and extending outwardly of the base member to transmit temperature information; a sheathing sealed to and extending outwardly from the base member; a heating coil positioned within the sheathing; cold pins connected to opposed ends of the heating coil and to the base member, the cold pins being sufficiently long that heat generated by the heating coil is not detected by the thermistor; and members connected to the cold pins and extending outwardly of the base member to transmit power to the heating coil.

Abstract: A water heater of the invention includes a water container; a combustion chamber adjacent the water container; a burner associated with the combustion chamber; a flue connected to the combustion chamber; a blower assembly positioned to receive combustion products from the flue and convey the combustion products to a remote location; and a pressure switch positioned to detect blockage of combustion products away from the blower assembly and flow of air from the flue prior to initiation of combustion in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A low NO.sub.x water heater burner including a burner body having opposed surfaces; and a multiplicity of spaced apart energy absorbing fins connected to at least one of the surfaces and positioned to absorb energy from burner flames generated by combustion of fuel, wherein flames generated by combustion of fuel proximate said fins are positioned such that the fins absorb energy from the flames, thereby lowering flame temperature and reducing NO.sub.x emissions.

Abstract: A water and/or space heater is provided in which water is circulated to prevent the localized overheating or vaporization thereof.