Abstract: A gas-fired water heater including a water tank, a combustion chamber, a burner assembly disposed within the combustion chamber, a gas valve for controllably supplying gas to the burner assembly, a temperature sensor coupled to the combustion chamber, wherein the temperature sensor generating a signal related to the temperature of the combustion chamber, and a controller having an electronic processor and memory. The controller is configured to receive the signal at a first predetermined time and at a second predetermined time, calculate a change in temperature based on the signal received at the first predetermined time and the signal received at the second predetermined time, compare the change in temperature to a rate of change threshold to produce a first comparison, and shut the gas valve in response to the change in temperature being less than the rate of change threshold.

Abstract: A water heater includes a water container, a combustion chamber adjacent the, water container, a burner associated with the combustion chamber and arranged to combust fuel to heat water in the water container, a blower assembly positioned to receive combustion gases generated by the burner, a shield positioned below at least a heating portion of the burner, a diverter that directs combustion air into the combustion chamber below the shield, and a passageway that directs at least a portion of the combustion air from the combustion air inlet, as primary combustion air, to the burner.

Abstract: A combustion chamber is disposed below the water container of a water heater and formed at least partially by a shell. A burner disposed within the combustion chamber and a fuel supply line is connected to the burner. A valve associated with the fuel supply line. A combustion chamber sensor is disposed within the combustion chamber and adapted to sense a rise in temperature indicative of an abnormality in the combustion chamber. A circuit connected to the sensor and the valve such that the circuit triggers the valve to shut off fuel to the burner in response to a sensed temperature by the sensor.

Abstract: A combustion chamber is disposed below the water container of a water heater and formed at least partially by a shell. A burner disposed within the combustion chamber and a fuel supply line is connected to the burner. A valve associated with the fuel supply line. A combustion chamber sensor is disposed within the combustion chamber and adapted to sense a rise in temperature indicative of an abnormality in the combustion chamber. A circuit connected to the sensor and the valve such that the circuit triggers the valve to shut off fuel to the burner in response to a sensed temperature by the sensor.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having at least one air inlet to admit air and extraneous fumes into the combustion chamber and confine ignition and combustion of the extraneous fumes within the combustion chamber; a burner associated with the combustion chamber and arranged to combust fuel to heat water in the container; and an air diverter positioned between the air inlet and the burner and adapted to channel at least a portion of combustion air passing through at least a portion of the air inlet to a position for mixture with the fuel prior to entering the burner to slow combustion and thereby reduce combustion temperatures and NOx emissions.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having at least one air inlet to admit air and extraneous fumes into the combustion chamber and confine ignition and combustion of the extraneous fumes within the combustion chamber; a burner associated with the combustion chamber and arranged to combust fuel to heat water in the container; and an air diverter positioned between the air inlet and the burner and adapted to channel at least a portion of combustion air passing through at least a portion of the air inlet to a position for mixture with the fuel prior to entering the burner to slow combustion and thereby reduce combustion temperatures and NOx emissions.