Abstract: A method of connecting a first fitting to a second fitting to provide a fluid coupling between the first fitting and the second fitting includes providing a first fitting having an exterior surface; providing a second fitting having an interior surface and an annular groove provided on the interior surface; positioning the first fitting at least partially within the second fitting; and deforming the first fitting in a generally annular direction to form an annular ridge extending at least partially into the annular groove to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.

Abstract: A modular manifold for a tankless water heater includes a first cavity member having a first opening, a second opening, and a base wall; a second cavity member coupled to the first cavity member, the second cavity member having a first opening, a second opening, and a base wall; a first cover plate coupled to either the first cavity member or the second cavity member; and a second cover plate coupled to either the first cavity member or the second cavity member, wherein two openings in the first and second openings are covered by the first and second cover plates, respectively, and wherein the base walls of the first and second cavity members, the first and second cover plates, and the two openings in the first and second openings not covered by the first and second cover plates define a fluid flow path in the modular manifold.

Abstract: A modular manifold for a tankless water heater includes a first cavity member and a second cavity member. The first cavity member includes a first opening, a second opening, and a first base wall. The second cavity member is coupled to the first cavity member and includes a first opening, a second opening, and a second base wall. Two of the openings are configured to receive a first conduit and a second conduit. The first and second base walls and the two openings that receive the first and second conduits define a fluid flow path through the modular manifold.

Abstract: An on-demand, closed-loop fluid heating system with a control system for providing fluid on-demand at consistent desired precise temperatures. The closed loop assembly may include a heating system, an air separation chamber with an air vent valve, a circulation pump, a small fluid accumulation tank, and plumbing forming the closed loop. Various sensors related to flow and temperature of fluids provide input to the combined feed forward and feed back temperature control system, such as a Programmable Logic Controller that precisely adjusts intermittently outgoing fluid temperature by immediately controlling the amount of heating to the fluid at precisely near usage temperature. Output from the control system can regulate various aspects of the system. A check valve in the closed loop between the system inlet and the system outlet avoids incoming fluid from being mixed with heated outlet fluid.

Abstract: An on-demand, closed-loop fluid heating system with a control system for providing fluid on-demand at consistent desired precise temperatures. The closed loop assembly may include a heating system, an air separation chamber with an air vent valve, a circulation pump, a small fluid accumulation tank, and plumbing forming the closed loop. Various sensors related to flow and temperature of fluids provide input to the combined feed forward and feed back temperature control system, such as a Programmable Logic Controller that precisely adjusts intermittently outgoing fluid temperature by immediately controlling the amount of heating to the fluid at precisely near usage temperature. Output from the control system can regulate various aspects of the system. A check valve in the closed loop between the system inlet and the system outlet avoids incoming fluid from being mixed with heated outlet fluid.

Abstract: An emergency water release device comprises heating elements adapted to heat water, a shower and an eyewash, a valve and a controller which sends a first signal to turn off at least one of the plurality of heating elements when a temperature of the water exceeds a predetermined limit, and when a flow rate of the water is reduced to a reduced flow rate, the valve opens so that water is dispersed away from both the shower and the eyewash in an amount equal to the difference between the flow rate and the reduced flow rate. The heating elements form a first set electrically connected in series which provides heat for water to be dispensed by the shower, a second set electrically connected in series which provides heat for water to be dispensed by the eyewash. The first and second set of heating elements can be connected in parallel. The controller may also be configured to send a signal to another valve to open so that unheated water is mixed with heated water.

Abstract: A closed loop, electronic temperature control system for a tankless water heater. The control system incorporates error range comparison circuitry for comparing the difference between a water temperature selected from a temperature selection device and an actual water temperature sensed by a temperature sensing device. An error range comparison circuit operates to select a high gain when the sensed water temperature is within about +/-3.degree. Fahrenheit of the selected temperature, and a low gain when the sensed water temperature is more than +/-3.degree. Fahrenheit of the selected water temperature. A slow start network is included for applying current gradually to the heating element of the water heater when power is initially applied to the system. A master power down circuit quickly interrupts current flow to the heating element after the system has been powered down.