Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater that sustains energy during the standby mode so that it can power energy saving devices while e minimizing energy loss and controlling the stored water temperature. The present invention may include an outer casing, an insulated tank containing flue tubes, a combustion chamber, a burner rack containing a pilot and thermopile assembly a flue collector, a damper and a draft diverter. These components are preferably arranged to enable heat from the main burners to be transferred in an efficient manner to the water when needed and heat loss from the water to be minimized when the main burners are not fired. This may be accomplished without the use of external electric power, and the energy producing and heat transferring components of the water heater are optimally balanced, resulting in a sustained energy level that minimizes heat loss, prevents unwanted increases in water temperature, and enables the use of a damper without external electrical power.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater has a combustion chamber with a bottom wall defined by a perforated flame arrestor plate forming a portion of a flow path through which combustion air may be supplied to a burner structure within the combustion chamber. During firing of the water heater a combustion air shutoff system having a heat-frangible temperature sensing structure disposed within the combustion chamber senses an undesirable temperature increase in the combustion chamber, caused by for example a partial blockage of the flow path, and responsively terminates further air flow into the combustion chamber, thereby shutting down the burner, prior to the creation in the combustion chamber of a predetermined elevated concentration of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater has a combustion chamber with a bottom wall defined by a perforated flame arrestor plate forming a portion of a flow path through which combustion air may be supplied to a burner s structure within the combustion chamber. During firing of the water heater a combustion air shutoff system senses an undesirable temperature increase in the combustion chamber, caused by for example a partial blockage of the flow path, and responsively terminates further air flow into the combustion chamber, thereby shutting down the burner, prior to the creation in the combustion chamber of a predetermined elevated concentration of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater has a combustion chamber with a bottom wall defined by a perforated flame arrestor plate forming a portion of a flow path through which combustion air may be supplied to a burner structure within the combustion chamber. During firing of the water heater a combustion air shutoff system senses an undesirable temperature increase in the combustion chamber, caused by for example a partial blockage of the flow path, and responsively terminates further air flow into the combustion chamber, thereby shutting down the burner, prior to the creation in the combustion chamber of a predetermined elevated concentration of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A fuel-fired heating appliance, representatively a gas-fired water heater, has a combustion chamber with an outer wall portion defined by a perforated flame arrestor plate having specially configured louvered combustion air intake openings through which combustion air is flowed into the combustion chamber. The louvered openings function to cause the entering combustion air to undergo directional changes as it inwardly traverses the openings and impart turbulence to the air entering the combustion chamber in a manner substantially inhibiting foreign matter blockage of the plate openings, providing an even combustion air inflow across the perforated plate area, and providing the plate with improved operational temperature uniformity along its sides.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a domestic water supply including a glass-lined storage tank for the domestic water supply and having a domestic water inlet port, a domestic water outlet port, and a heat-exchanging coil mounted therein. A heating tube is connected to the heat-exchanging coil to contain a recirculating fluid supply. The heat-exchanging coil within the glass-lined storage tank has a double-wall construction with a non-metallic outer wall in contact with a metallic inner wall. The double-wall prevents mixing of the domestic water supply with the recirculating fluid supply. The apparatus also includes a recirculating fluid heater positioned externally of the glass-lined storage tank to heat recirculating fluid to a temperature sufficient to heat the domestic water supply by heat transfer from the recirculating fluid in the heat-exchanging coil to the domestic water supply in the glass-lined storage tank.

Abstract: A burner is disclosed, comprising: a burner body and a burner lid coupled to the burner body so as to form a plurality of gas ports in a substantially circular and substantially planar arrangement, said gas ports being interposed between the burner body and the burner lid and adapted to have a corresponding array of flames extending from the gas ports during combustion of a fuel gas.

Abstract: An inlet is provided for delivering water into a water heater through a port in its top. The inlet includes a conduit having a distal portion that extends downwardly toward a bottom of the water heater. The inlet includes means for deflecting the water flow through openings in the inlet's wall in order to reduce the generation of temperature gradients that otherwise tend to develop within water heater tanks. A water heater assembly including such an inlet is also described.

Abstract: The gas burner of the present invention includes a mated burner body and a burner lid. A plurality of gas ports in a substantially circular and planar arrangement are interposed between the mated body and lid and are directed radially from the body and lid. An air shield member is coformed to and extends radially from the burner body or burner lid. Extending radially from the air shield member in substantial radial alignment with the gas ports is a plurality of flame partitions equal in number to the gas ports. Each flame partition has two attached tabs which are substantially perpendicular to each other when the flame partition is observed in cross-section.

Abstract: An inlet is provided for delivering water into a water heater through a port in its side. The inlet includes a conduit having a distal portion that extends toward a bottom of the water heater. That portion includes means for deflecting the water flow in order to reduce the generation of temperature gradients that otherwise tend to develop within water heater tanks. A water heater assembly including such an inlet is also described.

Abstract: A water heater is capable of being hung from a support, and includes a water tank, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a jacket positioned around the water tank so as to define a space between the water tank and the jacket. Foam insulation is positioned in the space between the water tank and the jacket, and the foamed insulation has increasing density and cell uniformity gradients in a direction running from a first portion to a second portion of the water heater. A curved bracket assembly is positioned on the second portion of the jacket to coincide with the positioning of foam insulation having highest density and best cell uniformity. A bumper is optionally positioned on the outer surface of the jacket and is vertically aligned with the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A method of making a water heater capable of being hung from a support, which includes a water tank, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a jacket positioned around the water tank so as to define a space between the water tank and the jacket. Foamed insulation is positioned in the space between the water tank and the jacket, and the foamed insulation has increasing density and cell uniformity gradients in a direction running from a first portion to a second portion of the jacket. A curved bracket assembly is positioned on the outer surface of the jacket at the second portion of the jacket to coincide with the positioning of foam insulation having highest density and best cell uniformity. A bumper is optionally positioned on the outer surface of the jacket and is vertically aligned with the bracket assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a domestic water supply including a glass-lined storage tank to contain the domestic water supply. A combustible fuel burner is positioned to heat the domestic water supply within the glass-lined storage tank. A solar heating tube is connected to supply solar heated fluid to a heat transfer coil mounted within the glass-lined storage tank. The heat transfer coil has a double-wall including a non-metallic outer wall in contact with a metallic inner wall, both walls being sealed to prevent mixing of the domestic water supply with the solar heated fluid. A sensor is positioned to sense the temperature of the solar heated fluid as it is delivered to the heat transfer coil.

Abstract: A water heater is provided for connection to a heated fluid source for transfer of heat from the heated fluid to water in the water heater. The water heater includes a shell having a water storage tank and a heat exchange chamber mounted within the tank. The water heater also has an inlet tube and outlet tube for the introduction and removal of water from the tank. A supply line is connected to the heat exchange chamber to introduce heated fluid into the chamber. A return line, also connected to the heat exchange chamber, removes fluid for reheating. Water stored in the tank is heated by heat exchange from heated fluid recirculated through the heat exchange chamber.

Abstract: A system for heating two independent water supplies having a water storage tank adapted to contain a first, potable water supply and a coiled heat exchange tube mounted within the tank to contain and conduct a second, non-potable water supply. The tank has a top, bottom, wall, and flue communicating between the top and bottom. The tube is in communication with the exterior of the tank and with a circulatory space heating system. The tube has a double wall to protect against the mixing of the potable and non-potable water supplies, and the ends of the tube terminate at the surface of the water storage tank at a dielectric fitting which maintains electrical isolation between dissimilar metals otherwise exposed to the water.

Abstract: A system for heating two independent water supplies having a water storage tank adapted to contain a first, potable water supply and a coiled heat exchange tube mounted within the tank to contain and conduct a second, non-potable water supply. The tank has a top, bottom, wall, and flue communicating between the top and bottom. The tube is in communication with the exterior of the tank and with a circulatory space heating system. The tube has a double wall to protect against the mixing of the potable and non-potable water supplies, and the ends of the tube terminate at the surface of the water storage tank at a dielectric fitting which maintains electrical isolation between dissimilar metals otherwise exposed to the water.

Abstract: A water heater cold water inlet deflector means which creates turbulent flow within the inlet conduit and creates turbulent water circulation throughout the water storage tank so that sediment is disturbed and suspended, stacking is prevented and efficiency is improved.

Abstract: An energy conserving device for the prevention of heat loss resulting from convection currents in water heater systems comprising a housing component adapted for mounting on the water heater system inlet and outlet ports, a mounting component rigidly supported inside the housing component, and at least one seal component rigidly attached to the mounting component. The seal component is formed from a flexible material and extends from the mounting component to the inside surface of the housing component to make sealing contact with the housing component to prevent the flow of water caused by convection currents while allowing the flow of water when water is drawn from the water heater system.