Abstract: An adjustable work surface comprises first and second decks that are pivotally connected by pivot arms. The pivot arms are located and configured so that the second deck can pivot relative to the first deck between a storage position and an extended position where the two decks are in substantially the same plane. The pivot arms are located and configured so that the upper surfaces of both decks are substantially parallel both in the storage position and the extended position. Preferably the forward wall of the first deck and the rear wall of the second deck are configured so the first deck supports the second deck in the extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a plurality of vertically hanging trays includes a vertical rotating means comprising a first pair of rotating chains carrying the plurality of trays at respective tray apexes and a second pair of rotating chains carrying the trays at respective bases, the first and second pairs of rotating chains being operatively coupled. The apparatus may be used in a furnace, a cleaning apparatus and a combined furnace/cleaning apparatus as well as in medical and other applications.

Abstract: A method of combustion for pulverized hydrocarbonaceous fuel includes injecting a concentrated fuel and air stream into a burner, causing a low-pressure zone; directing a flow of a high-temperature combustion gas from a combustion chamber into the low-pressure zone in the burner; mixing the high-temperature combustion gas with the injected concentrated stream to heat the injected concentrated stream; injecting the heated concentrated stream from the burner to the combustion chamber, wherein the concentrated stream is rapidly devolatilized and combusted in a flame that has a fuel-rich flame zone; sensing a combustion parameter; and, based on the sensed combustion parameter, controlling combustion to achieve at least one of a desired NOx reduction and a desired distance from the burner to a flame front.

Abstract: A sequin device which is mounted on a side portion of a head of a sewing machine in order to draw a sequin from a sequin roll and place the sequin on an object to be sewn while performing a cutting operation with respect to the sequin is disclosed. The sequin device can stably feed a sequin from a sequin roll provided on a support plate with a simple structure and simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing costs thereof.

Abstract: An overlock sewing machine including a main shaft rotated by a sewing machine motor; a vertically moving sewing needle and an overlooper and an underlooper respectively driven by the rotation of the main shaft; a single looper drive shaft forming overlock stitches in cooperation with the overlooper, the underlooper and the sewing needle and rotated by the rotation of the main shaft, shaft line thereof being arranged perpendicularly to the main shaft; and a swing generating member having first and second swing generating portions fixed to the looper drive shaft for swinging the overlooper and the underlooper respectively; a first and second swing link mechanisms, both of which extend perpendicularly to the looper drive shaft, swinging the overlooper and the underlooper by conveying the drive force generated by the first and second sewing generating portions.

Abstract: A watercraft of the “float boat” type, including spaced apart inflatable pontoons interconnected by a platform structure having a chair thereon and a front ramp and support rail movable between a stowed out-of-the way position to a use position and including a removable wheel for moving the float boat over land.

Abstract: A pontoon usable for supporting a load, said pontoon being towable on land and usable on water to support the load thereonto. The pontoon includes a hinge; a first platform attached to said hinge, said first platform including a first substantially buoyant body extending therefrom; a second platform attached to said hinge so that said first and second platforms are hingedly attached to each other, said second platform including a second substantially buoyant body extending therefrom; a first and a second wheel respectively reversibly attachable to the first and second platforms respectively substantially adjacent the first and second buoyant bodies; the first and second platforms being movable between a deployed configuration and a folded configuration wherein in said folded configuration, the pontoon is usable on water to support the load and in the folded configuration, the pontoon is towable on land.

Abstract: The invention discloses a wastewater ballast method that includes the steps of collecting wastewater, treating the collected wastewater, storing the treated wastewater, and discharging the treated wastewater during ballast operations.

Abstract: A marine handling craft and system is intended for use in deploying, inspecting and receiving vessels and payloads to and from locations on, under, over or near water and wet soils in potentially turbulent aquatic or atmospheric conditions. The marine handling craft may operate as a robot, or deployed from a crane or boom on a mother ship or other platform or helicopter so that it can transport and mate and dock at various locations, such as supply ships or autonomous marine vessels, at a stand off distance to limit potential harm to valuable assets. A sliding fastener and track are included on the marine handling craft so that it can be tethered and lifted by a single line or cable, and so can be manipulated by a single crane or helicopter. The utility of the handling craft is not limited to the transport of payloads and it may function as a stand-alone vessel for various remote sensing purposes.

Abstract: A flow-powered platform carries envirosensors, under tether (or remote-transmission) control from one shore, driven by at least one active waterfoil (ideally remotely interchangeable), with surfaces curved horizontally across the flow. Preferably: there are plural foils; the platform is a single unitary body, best a planar flat shallow panel (deterring aft submersion) or volume-enclosing hull; the foil mounts beside, parallelling, the body, depending from and below it, and, if dual, at opposite sides; the foil has at least one force-enhancing flap, tether-adjustably extending longitudinally to trim an effective overall foil surface, and with laterally extending length roughly 0.05 to 0.4 times the waterfoil length, or 3 to 90 cm, best 60 to 250 cm; and the foil has greatest curvature radius, along a longitudinal surface, roughly 2 to 10 m, or forming a lateral excursion from 0.1 to 0.2 times the foil length, or 2½ to 25 cm.

Abstract: A mechanism for maintaining a surface such as a landing pad in a desired orientation with respect to a supporting surface includes a pair of columns that rotate with respect to each other. The angle at which the columns engage, or the angle at which the columns engage the surface and the supporting surface, are offset with respect to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinders. By selectively rotating the columns with respect to each other and with respect to the supporting surface, the tilt and orientation of the surface are adjusted.

Abstract: A pipe sleeve assembly includes a base plate and a sleeve portion. The base plate includes a base portion defining a longitudinal axis. The base plate further includes a first flange extending from the base portion in a first direction generally normal to the longitudinal axis and lying in a first plane. The base plate also includes a second flange extending from the base portion in the first direction, spaced from the first flange in a second direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and lying in a second plane spaced from the first plane. The sleeve portion includes a body portion and a third flange extending from the body portion in the first direction. A fastener stud extends from the second flange and is received in an aperture in the third flange to secure the sleeve portion to the base plate.

Abstract: Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy is a new approach to oil and gas platform design with superior construction and performance characteristics compared to state-of-art off-shore drilling and production platforms. Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy platforms capitalize on low cross sectional area of the portion of the platform exposed to waves. The low cross sectional area reduces buoyancy forces that result from vertical platform movement, enabling the platform to oscillate at a low natural frequency. The low cross sectional area also minimizes the cyclical vertical forces induced by waves. Compare to current designs, application of the Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy concept will result in a lower natural frequency of oscillation, lower overall weight of platform, or both. Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy offers an attractive alternative with improved platform stability, fatigue considerations, lower construction and installation costs, and shorter implementation schedule.

Abstract: A collapsible or compactable hydrofoil device having front and rear foils, a support structure and a steering mechanism that may be collapsed into a compact size for transport and storage. The steering mechanism includes several releasably coupled components that are in turn coupled to a drive platform and drive foil. The drive platform may be configured in a plurality of embodiments that each achieve ready disassembly and reassembly. The drive foil may be configured of multiple releasably couplable sections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a motorized watercraft. The watercraft includes a pontoon section, a strut section, a deck section, and an optional a canopy section. The pontoon section includes a pontoon to which a housing capable of storing an object is coupled. The pontoon includes a receptacle that mates with the housing. The receptacle may include a recess formed in the surface of the pontoon that receives the housing. Alternatively, the receptacle may include an opening that enables the housing to be partially inserted into the pontoon. In another embodiment, the housing may be secured to the exterior surface of the pontoon. The housing extends from pontoon and either terminates such that it is generally flush with the surface of the deck, or may extend through the deck surface. The housing permits a user to selectively access the object from the deck.

Abstract: A folding platform for mounting to an outer surface of a watercraft includes a platform, a hinge base attached to the outer surface of the watercraft, and a hinge arm pivotally coupled to both the hinge base and the platform. The hinge arm operates to position the platform in a deployed position and a stowed position. A top side of the platform in the deployed position faces away from the outer surface of the watercraft in the stowed position. Where the outer surface of the watercraft is curved, one of a plurality of hinge bases may be pivotally attached to the surface, such that a corresponding plurality of hinge arms move in substantially parallel planes. The hinge arm may be adjustably coupled to the platform such that the position of the hinge arm is capable of being adjusted along the axis of rotation of the pivotal coupling of the hinge arm to the platform.

Abstract: An aquatic vessel safety device, comprised of a set of automatically inflatable water-tight inflatable flotation bladders, attached to the hull of any aquatic vessel or boat capable of being quickly inflated when the aquatic vessel is in danger of being sunk or capsized.

Abstract: A tire pressure warning device with adjustable pressure setting includes a case divided into a lower and an upper chamber and having a shoulder portion formed near a top thereof; a valve structure mounted in the lower chamber of the case; a membrane, a bushing, a push member, an elastic element, and a pressure-adjusting element sequentially mounted in the upper chamber of the case; and a cover connected to the top of the case. While the elastic element defines a basic pressure setting for the device to measure the air pressure inside a specific type of tire, a pressure-adjusting element with a suitable thickness may be selected to adjust the tightness of an elastic fixing element and thereby changes the pressure setting for the device, so that the device could also be used to measure the tire pressure of other different types of tires.

Abstract: To provide a semiconductor substrate of a group III nitride with a little warp, this invention provides a process comprising such steps of: epitaxial-growing a GaN layer 33 with a GaN low temperature grown buffer layer 32 upon a sapphire substrate 31; removing the sapphire substrate 31, the GaN buffer layer 32 and a small portion of the GaN layer 33 from the substrate taken out of a growth reactor to obtain a self-supporting GaN substrate 35; and after that, heat-treating the GaN substrate 35 by putting it into an electric furnace under the NH3 atmosphere at: 1200° C. for 24 hours; which leads to a marked reduction of the warp of the self-supporting GaN substrate 35 such that dislocation densities of its obverse and reverse surface are 4×107 cm?2 and 8×105 cm?2, and thereby such a low ratio of dislocation densities of 50 is well-controlled.

Abstract: A method of producing a single crystal according to Czochralski method comprising the steps of, charging polycrystalline material into a crucible, heating and melting the polycrystalline material by a heater disposed so as to surround the crucible, immersing a seed crystal into the material melt and then pulling the seed crystal to grow a single crystal, wherein in the case of growing a single crystal of which resistivity is controlled by doping with boron, the highest temperature of the crucible is controlled to be 1600° C. or less to grow the single crystal. Thereby, there is provided a method of producing a single crystal in which generation of dislocation is prevented when a single crystal having high gettering property and doped with boron is produced, and thus the single crystal can be produced at high productivity and at low cost.

Abstract: The axial temperature gradient G at the vicinity of the solid-liquid interface 24 in an ingot is calculated in consideration of the heating value of a heater 18, the dimensions and physical property values of furnace inside components and the convection of the melt 12 before pulling up the single crystal ingot 15 by a puller 10 by use of a numerical simulation of synthetic heater transfers and a numerical simulation of melt convection. Then, the pulling velocity V of the single crystal ingot is determined from an value experienced of the ratio C=V/G of the pulling velocity V and the axial temperature gradient G of the single crystal ingot at which the single crystal ingot becomes defect-free, obtained when the single crystal ingot was pulled up by a same type puller as the puller in the past, and the axial temperature gradient G calculated by use of the simulations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concurrent growth of multiple crystalline ribbons from a single crucible employ meniscus shapers to facilitate continuous growth of discrete and substantially flat crystalline ribbons having controlled width.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) is provided for manufacturing a single crystal rod (2) from a poly crystal feed rod (3), said apparatus (1) comprising a closed chamber (4), at which chamber (4) the feed rod (3) is located, said chamber (4) comprising an annular energy supply (5) arranged around the feed rod (3) for melting off the one end (23) of the rod for providing single crystals, said apparatus comprising first moving means (6) for axial movement of the feed rod (3) and second moving means (7) for a rotating relative movement between the feed rod (3) and the annular energy supply (5). The apparatus (1) comprises a monitoring system (8) for recording the distance between the surface (9) of the feed rod (3), and an annular inwardly radially facing reference face associated with the energy supply (5), and third moving means (10) for regulating the distance.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus comprising an autoclave 1 for preparing a supercritical solvent equipped with a convection control means 2 for establishing a convection flow, wherein the dissolution zone 13 where a feedstock 16 is located above the convection control means 2 and the crystallization zone where a seed 17 is located below the convection control means are formed. A convection flow rate of the supercritical solution between the dissolution zone 13 and the crystallization zone 14 is determined by the degree of opening of the convection control means 2 and the temperature difference between the dissolution zone 13 and crystallization zone 14.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, the method comprising: forming a semiconductor device using a crystalline semiconductor film after the surface of the crystalline semiconductor film with two plane directions or more is treated by chemical mechanical polishing, wherein an alkali solution with a hydrogen ion concentration of PH 11.0 or less is used as a polishing liquid in the chemical mechanical polishing.

Abstract: A method and structure for fabricating III-V nitride layers on silicon substrates includes a substrate, a transition structure having AlGaN, AlN and GaN layers, and a superlattice structure having AlGaN and GaN layers. In the invention, the large lattice mismatch (17%) between GaN and silicon is solved by using AlN as the first buffer layer with a 5:4 coincidence between AlN(0001) and Si(111) lattice to reduce the lattice mismatch to 1.3%.

Abstract: An elevated containment structure in the shape of a wafer edge ring surrounding a surface of a semiconductor wafer is disclosed, as well as methods of forming and using such a structure. In one embodiment, a wafer edge ring is formed using a stereolithography (STL) process. In another embodiment, a wafer edge ring is formed with a spin coating apparatus provided with a wafer edge exposure (WEE) system. In further embodiments, a wafer edge ring is used to contain a liquid over a wafer active surface during a processing operation. In one embodiment, the wafer edge ring contains a liquid having a higher refractive index than air while exposing a photoresist on the wafer by immersion lithography. In another embodiment, the wafer edge ring contains a curable liquid material while forming a chip scale package (CSP) sealing layer on the wafer.

Abstract: A coating system using a protective layer forming material includes a coating device which is movable according to information taught by an operator, and disposed adjacent to a transport line for an object to be coated. The coating system includes a roller mechanism having a roller and a cushion mechanism. The roller is connected to the coating device. The coating system further includes a supply mechanism which supplies liquid material to the roller. The liquid material is dried to form a peelable protective layer on the object. A force is applied to the roller on an external surface of the object through the cushion mechanism. The roller is lifted and lowered corresponding to unevenness of the external surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal film, including a reaction vessel in which a substrate to be treated is placed, a raw material gas feed pipe inserted into the inlet vessel for feeding chlorine or hydrogen chloride, a spiral tube attached to the inner end of the raw material gas feed pipe, having a raw material gas flow passage whose inner surface is made of copper, and equipped with a heating element, an atomic reducing gas producing device for producing an atomic reducing gas within the reaction vessel, at least in the neighborhood of the substrate to be treated, and an evacuation device for evacuating any gas from the reaction vessel and the raw material gas flow passage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the design of a plasma CVD chamber which provides more uniform conditions for forming thin CVD films on a substrate. In one embodiment, an apparatus for processing semiconductor substrates comprises a chamber defining a plasma processing region therein. The chamber includes a bottom, a side wall, and a dome disposed on top of the side wall. The dome has a dome top and having a side portion defining a chamber diameter. A top RF coil is disposed above the dome top. A side RF coil is disposed adjacent the side portion of the dome. The side RF coil is spaced from the top RF coil by a coil separation. A ratio of the coil separation to the chamber diameter is typically at least about 0.15, more desirably about 0.2-0.25.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a surface treatment apparatus, which can form a high-quality film at a high speed while preventing deterioration of the film due to collisions of charged particles. The surface treatment apparatus (1) of the present invention comprises a casing (2) partitioned to two chambers, that is, a plasma generating chamber (3) provided with plasma generating electrodes (5, 5?) and a substrate processing chamber (4) provided with a substrate supporting table (8). A plasma vent (6) is formed in the electrode (5?) that composes the partition between the chambers (3, 4). A conductive mesh-shaped sheet (9) is disposed in a direction across the plasma between the plasma vent (6) and a substrate (S) on the substrate supporting table (8). The sheet (9), to which a variable bias is applied, captures charged particles in the plasma so that the charged particles can be excluded from the plasma.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus of this invention includes a sealable chamber, a gas supply source of reactive material gas, placed outside the chamber, a gas introduction pipe connected to the gas supply source, for introducing the material gas into the chamber, and a plurality of sets of cathode-anode bodies for forming a plurality of discharge spaces which perform plasma discharge of the material gas in the chamber. Herein, the gas introduction pipe includes a gas branch section arranged in the chamber, a main pipe for connecting the gas supply source to the gas branch section, and a plurality of branch pipes connected from the main pipe to each of the discharge spaces via the gas branch section. The branch pipes are configured so that conductances thereof are substantially equivalent to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal film, including a reaction vessel for housing a substrate, a precursor feeding device for bubbling a carrier gas through a liquid organometallic complex, vaporizing the organometallic complex, producing a precursor from the vaporized organometallic complex, and feeding the precursor into the reaction vessel, a rotating magnetic field generator for creating a rotating magnetic field in a space above the substrate, and a second plasma generator for generating a plasma from a reducing gas fed into the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A wafer processing apparatus capable of obtaining a uniform CD distribution within a wafer is provided. The wafer processing apparatus comprises at least two separate circuits of temperature regulating means provided in a wafer stage, a plurality of cooling gas pressure regulating means for feeding cooling gas between the semiconductor wafer and the wafer stage, means for regulating heater input power, and a control computer. The control computer receives input of line width dimensions resulting from processes in an arbitrary plurality of temperature conditions obtained by changing at least one of the conditions of the temperature of the temperature regulating agent, the cooling gas pressure, and the input power of the heater. The line width dimensions are used to calculate, and control, at least one of the temperature of the temperature regulating agent, the cooling gas pressure, and the input power of the heater for obtaining an arbitrary etching line width dimension.

Abstract: This invention includes substrate susceptors which receive substrates to be deposited upon. In one implementation, a substrate susceptor includes a body having a substrate receiving side. The substrate receiving side has a face having a substrate receiving recess formed therein. The recess has an outer peripheral sidewall. At least three projections extend outwardly from a portion of the face. The projections respectively comprise a radially inner sidewall which extends outwardly from the recess outer peripheral sidewall to a projection upper surface. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing semiconductors includes a processing chamber including a plurality of chamber walls, a substrate holder, positioned within the processing chamber and configured to support the substrate, and a linear displacement device, coupled between a base wall of the plurality of walls and the substrate holder and configured to move the substrate holder relative to the base wall. A shielding part extending from the substrate holder to be in close parallel relation with at least one of the plurality of walls such that a first area of the processing chamber is substantially shielded from a processing environment to which the substrate is exposed.

Abstract: For the milking of animals, in particular cows, in a milking installation comprising a plurality of milking places, a method and a device are proposed wherein the milk yields extracted during a milking session at some milking places or the characteristics corresponding to the milk yields are determined and evaluated and in particular compared with prognoses as to milk yield or characteristics. These measures allow on the one hand that sufficiently accurate data are provided for herd management while on the other hand the investment cost for a milking installation are reduced.

Abstract: An animal feeder that is capable of dispensing bulky feed items at regularly-timed intervals. The feeder of the present invention is useful for attracting wildlife for hunting or recreational photography by placing food on the ground at a regularly scheduled time when there is adequate daylight for viewing. The animal feeder is especially useful for behavioral modification of wildlife species such as the whitetail deer. The feeder dispenses bulk food items from multiple bins using, in one case, a single, moving solenoid release mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal feeding assembly which includes a food receptacle in the form of a bowl, and a support adapted to hold the bowl at an orientation in which a mouth of the bowl is tilted such as to be disposed at an acute angle to a surface on which, in use, an animal stands while feeding from the bowl, in order to improve access to the bowl.

Abstract: A device for waste relief by an animal. The device includes a generally vertical pole portion and a generally horizontal tray portion operatively connected to the pole portion. The device includes a generally vertical screen portion operatively connected to the tray portion and an absorbent material operatively connected to the pole portion. A portion of the absorbent material is positioned generally vertically along the pole portion.

Abstract: An “implant and forget” device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing means for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Abstract: A cat scratcher system for providing at least one surface suitable for cat scratching. This system includes a shell being capable of accepting at least one cat scratching insert, the shell having sides, an opening for inserting and removing the first cat scratching insert and a top and bottom. At least one of the shell surfaces, such as the top, is further characterized as having an open region for displaying a first cat scratching surface of the insert to the exterior of the shell. The system contemplates the use of replaceable inserts used as current cat scratching surfaces become degraded upon use. These inserts can provide alternative cat scratching surfaces. The entire system can be employed in many diverse orientations by hanging it from a wall or door, lying it horizontally on a floor or bracing it diagonally between a floor and wall.

Abstract: An animal collar assembly including a wireless receiver, at least one strap and a connection assembly. The at least one strap includes a first end and a second end, and is connected to the wireless receiver. The connection assembly includes an adjustable constraint and a quick release device. The adjustable constraint is adjustably connected between the first end and the second end of the at least one strap. The quick release device is attached proximate to the second end. The quick release device being releasably connectable to the adjustable constraint.

Abstract: A shoulder bar apparatus is adapted for attachment inside an animal chute comprising a headgate and side panels movably mounted on the chute frame. The apparatus comprises right and left vertical shoulder bars movably mounted to corresponding sides of the chute frame rearward of the headgate, each shoulder bar having a top end above a neck location and a bottom end below the neck location. A shoulder bar control mechanism is operative to simultaneously move the shoulder bars from an open position, where the shoulder bars are located in proximity to corresponding right and left sides of the chute frame, to a closed position where the shoulder bars are located in proximity to corresponding right and left sides of the neck location and behind headgate a distance about equal to the neck length of a confined animal. A lock is operative to maintain the shoulder bars in the closed position.

Abstract: A whale-safe goundline rope for attachment to undersea traps and seagoing buoys. This rope is made of melt-processable polymers having filler particulate distributed uniformly throughout the polymer, prior to it being extruded into a fiber or yarn. The resultant fiber or yarn includes a plurality of voids or cavities. The manufacturing process generates a hollow rope, with that being a rope made from hollow fibers or yarn or with a hollow twisted core. The rope has a negative buoyancy.

Abstract: An animal collar assembly including a wireless receiver and a collar. The wireless receiver having a pair of first attachment features. The collar having a pair of ends, each end having a second attachment feature, each second attachment feature coupled with a corresponding first attachment feature and maintaining the corresponding collar end at a fixed orientation relative to the wireless receiver.

Abstract: The invention discloses a heat pump type water heater employing energy in the hot air, including a compressor, a condenser unit, a throttle valve and an evaporator unit connected to each other, in which said condenser unit is composed of a plurality of condensers, each condenser is composed of a water tank and a heat radiator within the water tank, and each water tank is provided with an inlet and an outlet in a water piping system and a hot water outlet. According to the invention, the water heater produced hot water by absorbing the heat energy in the environment using heat pump principle so that the heat pollution to the environment is reduced and the energy is saved because of supplying hot water while providing refrigerating capacity. By connecting a plurality of condensers in series, hot water with different temperatures from 45° C.-100° C.

Abstract: A heating device is provided in a water passageway in a washing or rinsing machine and has a heating element in proximity with a sensor. In one embodiment, the heating element is mounted using a holder in an opening in a wall wherein the wall forms the water passageway. On the holder is also provided a conductivity measuring device which projects into the water passageway. The heating device and conductivity measuring device form a module.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber adjacent the water container; a burner associated with the combustion chamber; a blower assembly located to receive combustion products generated by the burner; an intake conduit sealingly connected to the combustion chamber and having a combustion air intake opening located adjacent an upper portion of the water heater; and a dilution air conduit sealingly connected to the blower assembly and having a dilution air intake opening located adjacent a lower portion of the water heater.

Abstract: A heater for a liquid has a combustion chamber, a jacket for the liquid extending about the combustion chamber and a burner head assembly connected to the combustion chamber. The burner head assembly includes a housing having a burner mounted thereon and a hollow interior. A control module and a fan are mounted in the hollow interior, the fan being connected to an electric motor. A compressor and a fuel pump are mounted on the housing and are operatively connected to the electric motor. The control module may include controls for exercising components of the heater prior to combustion, thereby verifying operation of these components. Preferably there is a speed control for the motor, such as a closed loop speed control which regulates motor speed and accordingly output of the heater. Preferably there is a backup system using a lookup table in the event that the closed loop speed control fails.