Abstract: A control system for a burner assembly used in vehicles and boats particularly for a coolant storage type heater and a method of operating the control system. Sensors for producing a resistance change as a function of temperature are utilised to send a continuous signal to the control system from both the coolant and the potable water by being in contact with coolant and potable water throughout control system operation. The sensors and the control system allow flexible heater operation and may further dependent upon the user where commands can be entered to a touch screen connected to the control board of the control system.

Abstract: An auxiliary heater with a casing enclosing internal components which components include a heat exchanger separate from and outside the coolant tank and wherein two coolant loops each have their own coolant pumps and wherein a potable water loop exchanges heat with coolant within the heat exchanger. A control circuit provides enhanced coolant flow through the heat exchanger when the call for hot water is significant without significantly reducing the temperature of the hot water being used. A level switch within the coolant tank prevents coolant pumps from running without pump coolant and a filling and air purging operation improves the initial filling operation of the auxiliary heater with coolant and also prevents the coolant pump from running dry. A user switch may dedicate the hot coolant from the coolant tank to either the production of hot potable water or it may share both hot water and space heating.

Abstract: A distribution module for a boat or vehicle which distribution module includes at least one heat exchanger and inlet and outlet fittings for a plurality of water or coolant circuits. A pump is conveniently provided with the distribution module for zone heating and a mixing valve may be further provided for adjusting the temperature of potable water heated within the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A coolant heater having a coolant tank and a burner tube within the coolant tank is used for marine and motor coach installations. The burner tube is offset sidewise from the center line of the coolant tank to allow an exhaust manifold to be positioned within the coolant tank and beside the burner tube which allows a predictable coolant movement to more evenly distribute the heat throughout the coolant. An exhaust manifold is positioned within the coolant tank in the space obtained by the burner tube offset which allows an “up” or “down” exhaust duct configuration depending on the heater installation. An expansion tank connected to the coolant tank has a level switch located within the expansion tank and a pump is operably connected to the expansion tank and to the level switch. The pump terminates operation when the level switch indicates low coolant in the expansion tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for creating a vapor flame in a burner having an adjustable BTU output using a liquid diesel fuel and air mixture. A burner tube within which the fuel air mixture initially combusts to form a flame is heated from its outside circumference by a combustion flame within a counterflow chamber surrounding the burner tube. The temperature of the burner tube is maintained at a value where the fuel air mixture within the burner tube turns into vapor with a lack of combustion air which vapor fuels the flame within the counterflow chamber and which vapor also travels to a burner head where it combusts. The combustion air and compressor air are varied following establishment of the vapor flame to increase and decrease the heat output from the burner.

Abstract: A shroud is used to encompass a space heater ordinarily used within a tent or shelter. The shroud allows the space heater to be used outside the tent or shelter. The shroud is made from a series of components and is readily disassembled to allow compactness for storage or moving. The shroud is positioned over the space heater and ambient air is drawn into the spaces between the shroud and the heater where the air is heated by the heater. The heated air leaves the shroud through a duct when extends to the tent or shelter sought to be heated.

Abstract: A water heater for heating potable water used in a boat or vehicle has operating components which are easily accessible from one end of the heater. The heater further includes a water level sensor to indicate water quantity and a coolant stack which terminates in an exhaust stack which can have either of two configurations for installation flexibility.

Abstract: A water heater for heating potable water used in a boat or vehicle. Exhaust heated by the burner of the water heater is discharged from the burner and is conveyed through an exhaust duct which extends through a water jacket surrounding the burner and which water jacket holds the potable water to be heated. The potable water is heated by the burner and also by the hot exhaust gases in the exhaust duct. Operating components are accessible from one end of the water heater.

Abstract: A compressor for providing pressurized air at a predetermined pressure and at a predetermined volume. The compressor has a motor with a shaft to which an eccentric is attached which moves a crank rod upwardly and downwardly and to which is attached a flexible diaphragm. The reciprocal movement of the diaphragm draws air into a chamber while an inlet flapper valve opens and expels air from the chamber through an outlet flapper valve. The flapper valves are made from spring steel and act in a cantilever movement to open and close the inlet and outlet passageways. O-rings are provided to deaden the sound of the flappers. A counterweight is attached to the eccentric to provide an opposed force to the force generated by rotation of the eccentric. An air bleeder allowing air movement between the inlet and outlet passageways may be provided to adjust the air pressure emanating from the compressor.

Abstract: A coolant heater having a coolant tank and a burner tube within the coolant tank is used for marine and motor coach installations and is used for either a liquid powered or gas powered burner.

Abstract: A diesel/electric appliance for heating coolant within an auxiliary heater circuit and for heating potable water within a potable water circuit. The appliance includes a diesel powered auxiliary heater and a coolant jacket surrounding the burner of the auxiliary heater. Electrical resistance elements are immersed within the coolant jacket to maintain the temperature of the potable water circuit by transferring heat through a heat exchanger to the potable water circuit.

Abstract: A diesel/electric appliance for heating coolant within an auxiliary heater circuit and for heating potable water within a potable water circuit. The appliance includes a diesel powered auxiliary heater and a coolant jacket surrounding the burner of the auxiliary heater. Electrical resistance elements are immersed within the coolant jacket to maintain the temperature of the potable water circuit by transferring heat through a heat exchanger to the potable water circuit.

Abstract: A coolant heater having a coolant tank and a burner tube within the coolant tank is used for marine and motor coach installations. The burner tube is offset sidewise from the center line of the coolant tank to allow an exhaust manifold to be positioned within the coolant tank and beside the burner tube which allows a predictable coolant movement to more evenly distribute the heat throughout the coolant. An exhaust manifold is positioned within the coolant tank in the space obtained by the burner tube offset which allows an “up” or “down” exhaust duct configuration depending on the heater installation. An expansion tank connected to the coolant tank has a level switch located within the expansion tank and a pump is operably connected to the expansion tank and to the level switch. The pump terminates operation when the level switch indicates low coolant in the expansion tank.

Abstract: A flame sensor circuit is used to sense the presence or absence of a flame in a burner. A first sensor generates a first intensity signal which is proportional to the light intensity of the flame in the burner. A second sensor generates a second signal produced by the flicker of the flame. The presence of both the first and second signals is sensed and if both are present, an output signal is generated to indicate the presence of the flame in the burner.

Abstract: A hot water heating system for use in a boat or vehicle which utilises the engine of the vehicle or boat, an AC power source or a fuel powered heater to heat a living area and to heat potable water. Each of the power sources can be utilised independently or in combination depending on the location and operation of the vehicle or boat. A valve is automatically controlled by a thermostat to allow heated fluid to circulate through the living area or to bypass the area. Aquastats are provided to automatically allow potable water to be heated. A display is provided for displaying textual and numerical information in user friendly format relating to the operation of the hot water heating system.

Abstract: A hot water system for a narrowboat which system comprises an auxiliary heater used to heat a potable water tank and further is used to heat living areas of the narrowboat. The auxiliary heater and a temperature measuring device are operably connected to the water tank which terminates operation of the heater when the temperature reaches a predetermined and comfortable level selected by the user. Likewise, a room water circuit is operably attached to the auxiliary heater and is operated by a thermostatically controlled solenoid valve which terminates hot water flow through a radiator within the living areas when the temperature reaches a value selected by the user.

Abstract: A circuit for a flame sensor and a method for sensing the presence of a flame in a burner. The signal from the sensor is passed to an amplifier located adjacent to the sensor and amplified without having a sensor signal contaminated with common mode radiation. The pulsed signal is passed from the amplifier to a rectifier. The pulsed signal of the amplifier is a fully amplified signal.

Abstract: A hot air heater having a burner tube surrounding a combustion area. The combustion gases travel from the burner tube through first and second circumferential and concentric annuluses surrounding the burner tube. Cool ambient air used for heating is blown over the outside surfaces of the annuluses and heat from the combustion gases is transferred to the ambient air used for heating by way of the surfaces of the jackets defining the annuluses.

Abstract: A hot water heating system for use in a boat or vehicle which utilises the engine of the vehicle or boat, an AC power source or a fuel powered heater to heat a living area and to heat potable water. Each of the power sources can be utilised independently or in combination depending on the location and operation of the vehicle or boat. A valve is automatically controlled by a thermostat to allow heated fluid to circulate through the living area or to bypass the area. Aquastats are provided to automatically allow potable water to be heated. A display is provided for displaying textual and numerical information in user friendly format relating to the operation of the hot water heating system.

Abstract: A hot water heating system for use in a boat or vehicle which utilises the engine of the vehicle or boat, an AC power source or a fuel powered heater to heat a living area and to heat potable water. Each of the power sources can be utilised independently or in combination depending on the location and operation of the vehicle or boat. A valve is automatically controlled by a thermostat to allow heated fluid to circulate through the living area or to bypass the area. Aquastats are provided to automatically allow potable water to be heated. A display is provided for displaying textual and numerical information in user friendly format relating to the operation of the hot water heating system.