Abstract: A storage-type water heater and method of operating the storage-type water heater. The water heater includes a water tank for storing water, at least one heating element to heat the stored water, a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the tank, and a control system for controlling the water heater. In one construction of the water heater, the water heater includes two heating elements, and the control system includes three temperature sensors and two moisture sensors. The control system can also include circuitry for detecting errors and change operation of the water based on a detected error.

Abstract: A storage-type water heater and method of operating the storage-type water heater. The water heater includes a water tank for storing water, at least one heating element to heat the stored water, a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the tank, and a control system for controlling the water heater. In one construction of the water heater, the water heater includes two heating elements, and the control system includes three temperature sensors and two moisture sensors. The control system can also include circuitry for detecting errors and change operation of the water based on a detected error.

Abstract: A storage-type water heater and method of operating the storage-type water heater. The water heater includes a water tank for storing water, at least one heating element to heat the stored water, a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the tank, and a control system for controlling the water heater. In one construction of the water heater, the water heater includes two heating elements, and the control system includes three temperature sensors and two moisture sensors. The control system can also include circuitry for detecting errors and change operation of the water based on a detected error.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of incorporating a resistive interface between an anode rod and a water heater tank connector. The resistive interface can include a conductive polymer material or coating.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A heat trap for use in a conduit through which fluid flows. The heat trap comprises a unitary body having a central bore extending therethrough, and first and second blocking portions having on a circumferential edge respective first and second resilient hinge portions. Both of the blocking portions substantially entirely block the central bore when in an at-rest condition. The first and second hinge portions hingedly interconnect the blocking portions to the unitary body in cantilever fashion and permit resilient deflection of the blocking portions on the hinge portions in response to fluid flow through the conduit. The resilient hinges also provide for the resilient return of the blocking portions to the at-rest condition in the absence of fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A storage-type water heater and method of operating the storage-type water heater. The water heater includes a water tank for storing water, at least one heating element to heat the stored water, a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the tank, and a control system for controlling the water heater. In one construction of the water heater, the water heater includes two heating elements, and the control system includes three temperature sensors and two moisture sensors. The control system can also include circuitry for detecting errors and change operation of the water based on a detected error.

Abstract: A storage-type water heater and method of operating the storage-type water heater. The water heater includes a water tank for storing water, at least one heating element to heat the stored water, a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the tank, and a control system for controlling the water heater. In one construction of the water heater, the water heater includes two heating elements, and the control system includes three temperature sensors and two moisture sensors. The control system can also include circuitry for detecting errors and change operation of the water based on a detected error.

Abstract: A storage-type water heater and method of operating the storage-type water heater. The water heater includes a water tank for storing water, at least one heating element to heat the stored water, a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the tank, and a control system for controlling the water heater. In one construction of the water heater, the water heater includes two heating elements, and the control system includes three temperature sensors and two moisture sensors. The control system can also include circuitry for detecting errors and change operation of the water based on a detected error.

Abstract: A novel, one-way nut fastener including a nut body with a side wall that is internally threaded and lobes that extend from the side wall of the nut body. Each lobe has a flat portion that extends substantially radially away from the side wall and a curved portion that extends from the flat portion to the flat portion of an adjacent lobe. A special tool uses the leverage that is gained from the flat portions of the lobes to tighten the cap threads onto the threads of a stem portion. Since the leverage gained from the lobes, which is used to tighten the nut fastener, cannot be used to loosen the fastener, it is much more difficult to remove the nut fastener.

Abstract: A novel, one-way nut fastener including a nut body with a side wall that is internally threaded and lobes that extend from the side wall of the nut body. Each lobe has a flat portion that extends substantially radially away from the side wall and a curved portion that extends from the flat portion to the flat portion of an adjacent lobe. A special tool uses the leverage that is gained from the flat portions of the lobes to tighten the cap threads onto the threads of a stem portion. Since the leverage gained from the lobes, which is used to tighten the nut fastener, cannot be used to loosen the fastener, it is much more difficult to remove the nut fastener.

Abstract: A novel, one-way nut fastener including a nut body with a side wall that is internally threaded and lobes that extend from the side wall of the nut body. Each lobe has a flat portion that extends substantially radially away from the side wall and a curved portion that extends from the flat portion to the flat portion of an adjacent lobe. A special tool uses the leverage that is gained from the flat portions of the lobes to tighten the cap threads onto the threads of a stem portion. Since the leverage gained from the lobes, which is used to tighten the nut fastener, cannot be used to loosen the fastener, it is much more difficult to remove the nut fastener.

Abstract: A water heater including a water-tight tank, a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet in the tank. A first heat trap assembly is mounted at the cold water inlet and a second heat trap assembly is mounted at the hot water outlet. The first and second heat trap assemblies are adapted to allow flow of water both into and out of the tank when hot water is drawn out of the hot water outlet. The first and second heat trap assemblies are adapted to reduce convection heat loss from inside the tank when the water heater is in a stable condition, i.e., when water is not being drawn out of the hot water outlet. The heat trap assemblies are comprised of a housing member having a flange and a cylindrical body formed integrally therewith and a bushing member having a flange and a cylindrical body formed integrally therewith. The body of the bushing member is securely mounted inside the body portion of the housing member.

Abstract: A trip-free high limit control for a water heater having a source of heat to heat the water. A switch arm is mounted in a control housing for movement in the housing. The switch arm has a first contact portion at one end thereof. A second stationary contact is mounted in the housing. The contact portion on the switch arm is movable relative to the stationary contact between closed and open positions to control the energization and de-energization of the source of heat for the water heater. A bi-metallic snap disk is mounted in the housing and is movable with snap action between first and second positions of stability at a predetermined overheat temperature. A switch arm actuating plunger is mounted in the housing for movement by the snap disk to open the switch contacts at a predetermined overheat temperature. A reset mechanism is provided which includes a reset spring mounted in the housing in operable engagement with the plunger.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch construction including a housing having a switch arm mounted for movement inside. A bi-metallic disk is mounted in the housing and movable in response to temperature change with snap action between two positions of stability. A switch arm actuating plunger is slidably mounted in the housing with its lower end adapted for contact with the bi-metallic snap disk. A bi-metallic disk mounting assembly is provided in which the disk is mounted. The disk housing serves to isolate the bi-metallic disk from contact with any part of the switch housing. The bi-metallic disk housing assembly is comprised of an aluminum platform member and an aluminum cup-shaped cup member mounted thereon to provide an enclosed space in which the bi-metallic snap disk is mounted.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch construction including a housing having a switch arm mounted for movement inside. A bi-metallic snap disk is mounted in the housing and movable in response to temperature change with snap action between two positions of stability. A switch arm actuating plunger is slidably mounted in the housing with its lower end adapted for contact by and snap movement by the bi-metallic snap disk. A creep gap assembly is provided which includes a creep gap screw threadably mounted in the switch arm opposite the upper end of the plunger. Axes of the plunger and the gap set screw are in alignment. The creep space between the lower end of the set screw and the upper end of the plunger is adjustable by rotation of the set screw. A temperature setting adjustment is provided which includes a spring member mounted in the housing with one end of the spring member in direct contact with the bi-metallic snap disk to thereby exert pressure on the disk.

Abstract: A dual element comprises two electrical heating elements of different ratings. Each heating element has first and second terminals. The second terminals of the two heating elements are secured to a common clip, which is wired into an appropriate electrical circuit. The heating element first terminals are secured to respective clips. A second wire of the circuit is connected to a selected one of the first terminal clips, thereby determining the power rating of the dual element. A jumper is provided that is selectively installable between the two first terminal clips. With the jumper installed, the second wire may be connected to either of the first terminal clips to thereby place the two heating elements in parallel. The rating of the dual element is then the sum of the ratings of the two individual heating elements. In that manner, the dual element is operable at three different ratings.

Abstract: The housing for an electrical device or control has a plurality of electric terminals, each having a base into which a screw is threaded with the screw head overlying the base to clamp a wire therebetween. Each base is recessed into the housing in a cavity having one side closed by a tab bent up from the base. The housing cavity and tab prevent lateral access to the space between the screw head and base except where permitted by a hole in the tab. The hole has an inverted teardrop shape and has its longitudinal axis tilted about 20.degree. so the larger end of the hole is further from the screw. The hole is positioned to the left of the screw (when viewed from outside the tab). As the screw is tightened the wire is forced down the tilted axis of the hole closer to the screw while friction between the screw head and the wire urges the wire further into the cavity. The base is provided with raised bumps or a recess. When the screw is tightened the wire is deformed against the bumps or into the recess.

Abstract: A thermostat control for an electric water heater is held in firm contact with the heater storage tank by a mounting assembly comprising a tank bracket including a body having an opening adapted to lockingly fit over the heater tank stud and a pair of laterally-spaced legs extending from the body and having a bent upper end portion adapted to apply spring pressure toward the tank outer wall. The mounting assembly also includes a thermostat bracket carrying the thermostat control and having a pair of laterally-spaced, upstanding ears adapted to fit beneath the upper end portion of the legs on the tank bracket. Each of the ears includes a nib which is received in a slot in the legs on the tank bracket to interlock the two brackets. The tank bracket has a retaining lip located between the laterally-spaced legs which is positioned to tightly bear against the end wall of the thermostat control when the parts are in assembled position and an outward horizontal load is applied.

Abstract: A water heater including a water tight tank and a source of heat for heating water inside the tank. A hot water outlet is located in the top of the tank. An inlet agitator tube is mounted in the tank. The tube includes a straight vertical portion, a first curved portion lying in a vertical plane and a second curved portion lying in a horizontal plane adjacent the bottom of the tank. The second curved portion has a plurality of openings in the underside thereof through which streams of water will be directed into the tank each time water is drawn out of the top of the tank, said streams of water serving to agitate the water in the bottom of the tank to prevent accumulation of sediment therein.

Abstract: The heating element has an outer connector assembly including a cylindrical threaded portion adapted to be threaded into a boss on the heater water tank and a sheathed continuous electric resistance heating rod which has both ends secured to the connector assembly and which extends generally perpendicular to the heater tank centerline when installed. The heating rod is formed in a serpentine, generally W-shaped pattern with respect to the centerline of the cylindrical threaded portion, which provides the heating rod with an effective length greater than the inside diameter of the water tank, permits the heating rod to be inserted and withdrawn through the bore of the tank boss and permits the heater rod to be rotated, as the connector assembly is being threaded into and out of the tank boss, without striking any obstructions inside the water tank, such as the cold water dip tube, the hot water pipe and the anticorrosion anode.