Patents by Inventor Donald E. Woollen

Donald E. Woollen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8327810
    Abstract: An application for a method of heating water includes transferring the water from a water supply into an inner tank of the water heater which is held within an outer tank, transferring the water from the inner tank into an outer tank and then to supply a building with hot water. The water in the outer tank is heated with hot gasses, partially cooling to intermediate temperature gasses. The water in the inner tank is heated with the intermediate temperature gasses, further cooling the intermediate temperature gasses into cooler gasses that are then exhausted out of the water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Armstrong Hot Water Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Arnold, Donald E. Woollen
  • Publication number: 20100018475
    Abstract: An application for a method of heating water includes transferring the water from a water supply into an inner tank of the water heater which is held within an outer tank, transferring the water from the inner tank into an outer tank and then to supply a building with hot water. The water in the outer tank is heated with hot gasses, partially cooling to intermediate temperature gasses. The water in the inner tank is heated with the intermediate temperature gasses, further cooling the intermediate temperature gasses into cooler gasses that are then exhausted out of the water heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Armstrong Hot Water Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Arnold, Donald E. Woollen
  • Patent number: 7614366
    Abstract: An application for a method of heating water includes burning fuel to produce hot gases and heating a first mass of water with a first heat exchanger coupled to the hot gases. Heat remaining after the hot gases pass through the first heat exchanger is used by a second heat exchanger to heat a second mass of water. The first mass of water is partially isolated from the second mass of water and the first mass of water is contained substantially within the second mass of water. The second mass of water is colder than the first mass of water and, thereby, condenses more water vapor out of the hot gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: George R. Arnold, Donald E. Woollen
  • Publication number: 20080223313
    Abstract: An application for a method of heating water includes burning fuel to produce hot gases and heating a first mass of water with a first heat exchanger coupled to the hot gases. Heat remaining after the hot gases pass through the first heat exchanger is used by a second heat exchanger to heat a second mass of water. The first mass of water is partially isolated from the second mass of water and the first mass of water is contained substantially within the second mass of water. The second mass of water is colder than the first mass of water and, thereby, condenses more water vapor out of the hot gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: George R. Arnold, Donald E. Woollen
  • Patent number: 5313914
    Abstract: The inner surface of a hot water storage vessel is lined with a removable rigid plastic liner layer with injected foam insulation located between the liner and storage vessel. A heat exchanger is mounted through an integral first flange to a second flange integral with the liner. In turn, the second flange is mounted to a third flange integral with the storage vessel. Fittings on the first flange permit entry into the water containing chamber for inlet and outlet piping as well as for thermostats and pressure relief valves. No piping passes through the liner or storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Donald E. Woollen
  • Patent number: 5207212
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating water in a water tank includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member that has an input end and an exhaust end. The second tubular member is disposed at least in part within the first tubular member to form an annular clearance space therebetween. A burner is coupled to the input end of the second tubular member and supplies gases produced by combustion to the interior of the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Donald E. Woollen, Jr.