Abstract: A bushing for a hot water tank to connect a temperature sensing probe of a temperature controller device to the tank wall with the temperature controller device extending into the tank. The bushing is comprised of a cylindrical body having an outer connecting portion and a cylindrical inner bore portion. The temperature sensing probe is retained at a fixed position in axial extension through the inner bore portion. The inner bore portion has three equidistantly spaced-apart circumferential seal receiving channels with an O-ring seal receivable in friction fit in each of the channels. A central one of the O-rings provides a pivot for the probe and a substantially leak-proof seal about a cylindrical body portion of the temperature sensing probe. An outer and inner one of the O-rings resist to opposing load forces created by the load of the temperature controller device secured to an outer end of the temperature sensing probe, and equilibrates this load about the central O-ring.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the fabrication of a metal cylinder from a flat metal sheet is described. The cylinder is preferably, but not exclusively, for use in the construction of an outer casing for a hot water heater. Particularly, the method and apparatus is suitable for the fabrication of cylinders of different diameters with minor adjustments being necessitated to the assembly apparatus. A flat metal sheet is fed through a roll former where a curved sheet defining an unconnected cylinder having opposed overlapping free side edges is formed. Flanges are formed along the elongated edges of the cylinder with the flange of the outer overlapping edge being inturned and the flange of the inner overlapping edge being outturned.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly for securing a resistive electric heating element to a hot water heating tank. The adaptor assembly comprises a hollow hub sealingly securable with a hole in a hot water tank outer wall with a connecting portion of the hub extending outwardly of the outer wall. At least two opposed retention members are provided in a connecting portion of the hub to receive and removably retain an adaptor plate. The adaptor plate is connectable to a resistive heating element bracket by fasteners to secure the bracket to the plate with a resistive element of the bracket extending in the tank through the hub. The adaptor plate is secured to the hub by interference the retention members of the hub and a seal is disposed between the bracket and the hub and sealingly engaged by the pressure applied by the fasteners.

Abstract: An insulating support base for a cylindrical electric water heater tank. The base is formed of a rigid molded foam material and defines a flat circular base having a concentrically disposed support dome on a top face thereof and shaped for close fit within a bottom cavity of a hot water tank for support engagement with a dome shaped bottom wall of an inner casing of the tank. The support dome also guides the inner casing to permit it to be automatically centered on the support base. A spacer ledge is defined about the support dome and extends to an outer edge of the flat circular base. The spacer ledge accommodates an insulating jacket positioned about the tank inner casing with the outer edge of the circular base being disposed in close fit within a lower marginal edge portion of an outer cylindrical casing of the tank to position the outer casing equidistantly spaced about the inner casing with the insulating jacket therebetween.

Abstract: A water heater comprised of a tank having a water reservoir defined therein. The tank has a water feed inlet and a hot water outlet. A first resistive heating element is disposed in an upper part portion of the reservoir to heat a first volume of water. A second heating element is disposed in a lower part of the reservoir for heating a larger volume of water. A still further heating element is disposed intermediate the first and second elements. Second and third resistive heating elements have power ratings which are much smaller than or equal to the first heating element to consume less electrical energy during high peak periods of the day and save on the demand of energy during those high peak demand periods of the day.