Abstract: A water heater includes an exhaust hood, a heat exchange module, a main heat valve and a control valve extending downwardly in turn between a case and a plate. Inlet and outlet heads are installed on the two sides at the end of the hot water pipes respectively. Holes are punched on the case and the plate correspondingly to connect intake heads with water supply pipes going through the plate. The outlet head goes through the case and the pin connects with one water-intake hose directly. The control valve has one gas valve, one control switch and one water plate. The gas inlet of gas valve is connected with a gas can. Two pipes are installed on the water plate, which are pin connected with the intake head of the heat exchange module. With low flow capacity, the temperature of hot water output can be adjusted for direct use by a human body without mixing cold water.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for a gas-fired hot water heater comprises a top wall which is defined by a bottom wall of an inner tank. A flue extends through the inner tank bottom wall. A circumferential skirt is disposed about the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is supported elevated from a support surface by a bottom pan assembly of a hot water heater housing. A combustion air inlet means leads to the combustion chamber. A floor shield is supported above the bottom wall and spaced below a gas burner assembly. The circumferential skirt and/or the floor shield are coated on at least one surface thereof with refractory paint to reflect radiant heat inwardly in the combustion chamber whereby to maximize heat transferred to the inner tank and to minimize heat loss through the skirt and floor shield.

Abstract: A water heater is arranged with the hot water storage chamber R1 at the top and the combustion chamber R2 at the bottom within the body 11 which is a container. The combustion chamber R2 is equipped with the air supply inlet 13a, and the flame arrester 27 is provided at the air supply inlet 13a. Within the combustion chamber R2, the main burner 22 and the pilot burner 25 are provided, the changing state of flame of the pilot burner 25 is detected by the thermocouple 26, and a controller 41 closes an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing the main gas passage, stops the combustion of the main burner 22 as well, and rings the alarm 44. In a alternate embodiment, a sensor burner 60 is used as a safety device to detect a state of flame of the sensor burner and to shut off fuel to the main gas burner.

Abstract: A water heater including a water inlet line having an inlet opening that introduces cold water to a tank, a water outlet line having an outlet opening that withdraws heated water from the tank, and a heating element. The water heater further includes a control circuit. The heating element can be an electrical resistance heating element, a gas heating element, or a combination thereof. In one construction, the gas heating element includes a first combustive section and a second combustive section separately controlled from the first combustive section.

Abstract: A portable instant water heater. Water is delivered to a base unit of the instant hot water heater by a pump that draws water from a reservoir through a flow control valve. The water flows into a pre-heater that wraps around a base of the burner and that is heated by the burner. Water is heated in a heat exchanger and then exits the base unit through an outlet spout that swings out from the base unit to dispense water and that may be stored and locked into position in a handle for the base unit. The flow control valve may lower the flow of water through the heat exchanger, so the water has more time to absorb heat and to get hotter. The base unit includes a single control knob that turns on the pump and the burner and operates the flow control valve.

Abstract: A solar energy system comprises a solar absorber in the form of a solar boiler tank with a lower working liquid region having a liquid inlet and filled with a working liquid capable of boiling under a predetermined pressure, and an upper vapor accumulation region having a vapor outlet for withdrawing from the tank a vapor created in the tank. The system further comprises vapor utilization means associated with the vapor outlet. The solar boiler tank has at least one transparent window to receive and pass towards the working liquid highly concentrated solar radiation. The system also comprises means for controlling the pressure of vapor in the vapor accumulation region to make the working liquid boil at the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a boiler to either a wall or floor is provided. The boiler is also adaptable to a pipe up or down configuration. An improved apparatus and method of draining condensate is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a combustion intake for a boiler from inside air is provided. A method and apparatus for providing a transition piece for venting fresh air to and combusted air away from a boiler is also provided. A method of connecting a transition piece to PVC, ABS OR CPVC ductwork is also provided.

Abstract: A water heater includes a water tank adapted to contain water; a flue extending through the water tank and having a first end communicating with the water heater's combustion chamber for the flow of products of combustion through the tank; a damper communicating with the flue; and an apparatus for creating a flow of air proximate the second end of the flue to resist the flow of warm air out of the second end of the flue due to standby convection.

Abstract: A tank for use with a liquid heating vessel of a hydronic radiant heating system to assist in the simultaneous sealing and venting of air from the system where the heating vessel has a flue for release of exhaust, the tank including a liquid holder that is exposed to the atmosphere and an aperture defined in the holder such that the flue of the vessel may extend upward through the aperture of the tank.

Abstract: A water heater having improved operating characteristics and lower costs of manufacturing is described. The water heater has an unified combustion chamber and burner construction with a ceramic fiber matrix burner.

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 shield for a combustion chamber of a hot water heater is described. The combustion chamber is a sealed or not combustion chamber and the metal heat shield encircles and is spaced about the burner and pilot which is located in the combustion chamber. The shield is also spaced from the skirt and a bottom wall of the combustion chamber. The shield is further provided with apertures to permit passage of air supplied by an air supply duct. The shield provides for heat concentration on a lower heat transfer wall of the inner casing containing the water to be heated. The shield also reduces heat loss through the skirt and the bottom end wall of the combustion housing.

Abstract: A flue system is provided for a water heater having improved heat exchange efficiency. The flue system includes an upstream heat exchange portion having at least one substantially vertical flue tube. The flue system also includes a downstream heat exchange portion having at least one substantially vertical flue tube. The upstream heat exchange portion provides a first pass for heat exchange with water in a water heater. The downstream heat exchange portion provides a second pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater.

Abstract: A water heater includes a water tank adapted to contain water; a flue extending through the water tank and having a first end communicating with the water heater's combustion chamber for the flow of products of combustion through the tank; a damper communicating with the flue; and an apparatus for creating a flow of air proximate the second end of the flue to resist the flow of warm air out of the second end of the flue due to standby convection.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container having an inlet and an outlet; a main burner positioned to heat water in the water container; a pilot burner positioned to supply flame to the main burner; and a control valve to supply fuel to the main and pilot burners.

Abstract: The trouble occurring followed by air supply shortage due to the clogging of the flame arrester is prevented.

Abstract: A device for sensing a dangerous condition includes a sensor that provides a signal when a dangerous condition is sensed by the sensor. A power source is provided which is in communication with the sensor. The power source supplies the sensor with power. A trigger is provided which is in communication with the sensor. The trigger is activated by the signal to prevent the dangerous condition from producing a harmful effect. In one embodiment of the invention the power source is a thermoelectric power supply and the sensor is a self calibrating sensor.

Abstract: A fuel-fired heating apparatus, representatively a forced draft or natural draft gas-fired water heater having a combustion chamber, is provided with a flammable vapor control system that functions, during firing of the apparatus, to substantially prevent entry into and combustion within the combustion chamber of extraneous flammable vapors externally adjacent the bottom of the apparatus, without detecting the extraneous flammable vapors or terminating firing of the apparatus. The flammable vapor control system includes a dilution air flow passage connected to a discharge portion of the apparatus vent structure and having an inlet externally adjacent a bottom portion of the apparatus and operative to draw dilution air and extraneous flammable vapors into the vent structure discharge portion, and a combustion air flow passage having an inlet disposed adjacent the upper end of the apparatus, and an outlet communicated with the interior of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An exhaust system for withdrawing a supply of exhaust gases from an exhaust flue of a heater and expelling the exhaust gases to atmosphere at a remote location that includes a mixing tee for mixing a flow of dilution air and a flow of exhaust gases. The mixing tee includes a first end coupled to the inlet opening of a blower housing and a second end coupled to a supply of dilution air. The dilution air inlet pipe of the mixing tee extends along a longitudinal axis. The mixing tee includes a flue pipe having a first end positioned to receive the exhaust gases from the heater and a second end that enters into the dilution air inlet pipe. The flue pipe extends along a longitudinal axis that is positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the dilution air inlet pipe. The exhaust flue extends toward the upstream end of the dilution air inlet pipe such that the flow of dilution air impinges upon the flow of exhaust gases.

Abstract: An explosion proof gas-tired water heater is comprised of a housing having a water reservoir provided with a sealed combustion chamber thereunder. A flue pipe is disposed above the combustion chamber and extends through the reservoir. A gas burner and pilot are provided in the combustion chamber. At least one air supply channel is provided to supply fresh air to the combustion chamber. The air supply channel has an intake disposed a predetermined height above the floor to prevent combustible vapors from entering the combustion chamber. Vapor detectors and/or pressure sensors may be provided as added features to detect the presence of combustible vapors as well as the production of harmful carbon monoxide in the combustion chamber and to actuate the gas supply cut-off valve.

Abstract: A water heater adapted to be mounted on the rooftop of a building includes a substantially cylindrical tank having a horizontally-oriented longitudinal axis. A U-shaped flue tube has a burner end and an exhaust end, both ends being mounted in a head portion of the tank. The legs of the flue tube define a flue plane that is preferably angled 30°-60° with respect to vertical. An inlet tube and an outlet tube also extend through the head of the tank. The inlet tube is positioned at the bottom of the tank and has holes that open downwardly only; the outlet tube is positioned at the top of the tank and has holes that open upwardly only. The tank is weather-tightly enclosed by a cabinet. A base member of the cabinet is supported by a roof curb and supports the water tank. The base member includes a drain opening for draining water from the inside the cabinet to the sewage system of the building, and a water pipe opening through which extend a plurality of pipes communicating with the tank.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for conserving water and heat energy in a hot water supply system. A holding tank is provided near the Point Of Use to capture unwanted cooled water. An integrated displacement actuator allows this volume to be recirculated back into the hot water supply line after use. The actuator consists of a flexible bladder or rolling diaphragm that divides the holding tank into two compartments; one for non-compressible supply water, and the second for a compressible phase change fluid. At ambient temperature, the phase change fluid condenses to a liquid phase at a relatively low pressure, allowing diverted water to flow into the tank from the hot water supply system. When the phase change fluid is warmed by the adjacent hot water, it changes to a gaseous phase, pressurizing the holding tank and allowing re-injection of the cool water into the hot water supply system. A control system is provided direct water flow based on time, temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Combustible vapors from flammable materials spilled near a gas water heater can enter the water heater's combustion chamber and cause a serious fire or explosion. This problem can be avoided by ensuring that all combustion air is supplied from at least some selected distance (preferably eighteen inches or more) above a floor on which the water heater is placed. One version of the invention provides a flanged tube that can be installed so that an upper, inlet, end of the tube is above the selected height and so that the lower, outlet, end of the tube is sealed over a pilot flame access doorway. Various materials, such as an aerosol sealant foam or a flexible tape, are used to seal all other air inlets to the water heater.

Abstract: A water heater includes a water tank adapted to contain water; a flue extending through the water tank and having a first end communicating with the water heater's combustion chamber for the flow of products of combustion through the tank; a damper communicating with the flue; and an apparatus for creating a flow of air proximate the second end of the flue to resist the flow of warm air out of the second end of the flue due to standby convection. The apparatus for creating airflow may be a fan or an ionic wind generator. Additionally, the airflow may be directed into or across the end of the flue at the top of the water heater to either create a downdraft or an air curtain for containing warm air within the flue.

Abstract: A baffle for slowing the incoming water flow into a booster heating tank so that the turbulence in the water tank is minimized. The baffle consists of an inner cap and outer cap which are positioned over the inlet to a water heating tank. The outer cap is spaced apart from the inner cap such that the incoming water flows through openings in the inner cap and is directed to the underside of the outer cap. The water, having been sufficiently slowed by the contact with the underside of the outer cap, then smoothly flows downward along the outer cap flange and into the main plenum of the tank.

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 sight glass assembly for a water heater flame trap and a method of making same is disclosed. A rectangular-shaped sight glass frame casing being comprised of a thin metal plate further comprising a rounded rectangular cut-out window and two metal tabs on opposite sides of the casing acting as a retainer to hold the planar transparent material of the sight window tight to the rectangular-shaped gasket. The metal frame casing of the sight glass assembly attaches to the exterior of the flame trap compartment of the hot water heater by: (a) either inserting the tabs, further comprising metal clips, into the gasket whereby they expand, locking the metal frame casing in place; or in a second embodiment (b) riveting the tabs, now in the shape of a flange, directly to the hot water heater shell. The metal frame casing is formed by a metal stamping procedure that allows for easier and more economic manufacture of the sight glass retainer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boiler apparatus useful for the heating of living and working spaces. The disclosed boiler apparatus incorporates a burner element and controller element that cooperate to provide a modulated firing rate. The modulated firing rate serves to increase the efficiency of the disclosed boiler apparatus. The boiler apparatus of the invention incorporates a heat exchanger and a combustion system. In operation, the control element collects and analyzes information from a multiplicity of sensors in order to modulate the firing rate of the burner element so as to maintain a selected output temperature for the water being heated. This monitoring activity by the control element also avoids short cycling of the boiler apparatus of the invention. The boiler apparatus of the invention also includes an indicator light that provides a visual indication the invention's operational status.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container having an inlet and an outlet; a main burner positioned to heat water in the water container; a pilot burner positioned to supply flame to the main burner; and a control valve to supply fuel to the main and pilot burners.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container, a combustion chamber adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having a side wall and at least one flame arrestor to admit air and extraneous fumes into the combustion chamber and confine ignition and combustion of the extraneous fumes within the combustion chamber, and a burner having a multiplicity of burner ports associated with the combustion chamber and arranged to combust fuel to heat water in the container, and an air diverter including a baffle plate with an upper surface and an outer edge portion, the diverter positioned in the combustion chamber and having a lower portion of the upper surface positioned at about the same height as at least a portion of the burner ports, the baffle plate sized to form a gap between the outer edge portion and the side wall such that flames generated by combustion of the fuel tend to attach to at least a portion of the lower portion, and a flange attached to and angled upwardly from the outer edge portion and adapted to

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending a gas feedline through a vapor barrier enclosure simplifies and reduces the costs associated with manufacture and installation while establishing a seal between the vapor barrier and the feedline.

Abstract: A gas-fired combustion apparatus includes a burner disposed in a substantially sealed combustion chamber and a permeable flexible member arranged to suppress pressure fluctuations within the combustion chamber while concurrently providing for intake of combustion air and restriction of particulate which may interfere with burner operation and increase the risk of ignition of flammable vapor remote of the combustion chamber. The permeable flexible member forms a portion of the combustion chamber wall and is displaceable to provide volume changes. Water heater applications of the burner apparatus are illustrated.

Abstract: A steamer for pastries and the pastries to be steamed thereby. The steamer includes primary and secondary receptacles, a lid, and a mold. The primary receptacle holds water therein that is turned into steam when the primary receptacle is heated. The lid selectively closing the primary receptacle. The secondary receptacle is steam permeable and holds the pastries to be steamed above the water in the primary receptacle, and is disposed in the primary receptacle. The mold contains the pastries and is hingedly attached to the secondary receptacle so as to allow the mold to pivot upwardly from the secondary receptacle for insertion of, and removal of, the pastries, and has a piece of perforated material that allows the steam to pass therethrough, as opposed to being trapped therein, and as result thereof, provides the pastries with a pleasing texture. The pastries include flour, yeast, sugar, milk, salt, and either butter or margarine.

Abstract: A burner apparatus includes a mounting head having a fuel inlet opening defined in the mounting head for receiving combustion air and fuel gas through the opening. An inner support structure is attached to the mounting head. The inner support structure defines an interior zone communicated with the fuel inlet opening of the head. An exterior layer of flexible woven heat resistant material is received about the inner support structure and defines an exterior flame attachment surface. The mounting head may include a radial opening defined therethrough. An igniter is located outside of the mounting head adjacent the radial opening so that the igniter is proximally spaced from a combustion zone surround the burner apparatus. The burner apparatus may include a plurality of foraminous back pressure plates located in the interior zone distal of the igniter for balancing the pressure of the fuel gas/combustion air mixture along the length of the burner.

Abstract: A fuel-fired heating appliance, representatively a gas-fired water heater, has a combustion chamber with a flame arrestor plate forming a bottom wall thereof. The arrestor plate has a spaced series of flame quenching perforations therein through which combustion air upwardly flows into the combustion chamber during firing of the water heater. A shield structure within the combustion chamber overlies the arrestor plate perforations in an upwardly spaced relationship therewith and blocks operating scale on the bottom side of the top combustion chamber wall, and/or a flue extending upwardly from the top combustion chamber wall, from falling on and blocking the combustion air transfer perforations in the flame arrestor plate.

Abstract: A gas water heater including a water container adapted to be heated by a gas burner; and an enclosure surrounding the burner, the enclosure having at least one entryway adapted to allow air and fumes to enter the enclosure without igniting flammable gases or vapors outside of the enclosure.

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: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for controlling boiling condition of hot H3PO4 solution by adjusting the vapor extracting rate thereof, wherein an acid tank filled with hot H3PO4 solution to a level surface is located in a treatment room and a temperature thermocouple is arranged above the level surface of the hot H3PO4 solution to monitor the vapor temperature near the level surface of the H3PO4 solution. The vapor temperature is used to adjust the extracting rate of the treatment room by control of a damper connected to an outlet of the treatment room. According to the present invention, the treatment apparatus and method can control the boiling condition of the hot H3PO4 solution thereof by properly adjusting the extracting rate, and therefore avoid defects and loss of control in manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A water heater having a water-tight tank and a sealed combustion chamber in which the fuel burner is mounted. A flame arrestor is mounted in the bottom wall of the combustion chamber. The arrestor functions to allow combustion air to flow from the atmosphere into the water heater combustion chamber and further functions to prevent flashback through the arrestor caused by the addition of a flammable material which may have been spilled in the area in which the heater is installed. This function of the arrestor is due to the provision of a pressure drop between the inlet and outlet faces of the arrestor sufficient to prevent a flashback of burning gasoline or other flammable material. The arrestor is of sufficient mass so as to function as a heat sink to thereby prevent the heat in the combustion chamber from passing through the arrestor by conduction to a degree sufficient to cause ignition of a flammable material located exteriorly of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A water heater includes a substantially cylindrical tank having a cold water inlet, a hot water outlet, and an exhaust flue. The cold water inlet is disposed adjacent the lower end of the tank to prevent condensation from occurring between the cold water inlet and the exhaust flue. A T connector having an inlet and first and second outlets is connected to the cold water inlet. A flush valve is connected to the second outlet of the T connector to allow the tank to be flushed. A nozzle is connected to the cold water inlet and is disposed inside the tank. The nozzle is angled to swirl the water that is being placed into the tank so that sediment is lifted into the water. The nozzle may be angled downwardly to stir up sediment from the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A water heater includes a water tank, a combustion chamber below the tank and communicating with the flue tube, and a flue system. The flue system includes a flue tube, and V-shaped fins that are metallurgically bonded to the flue tube wall to divide the flue tube into four flue chambers extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flue tube. The V-shaped fins include radially extending apertures that reduce the thermal expansion of the V-shaped fins with respect to the flue tube to reduce stress at the joint between the fins and the flue tube. The flue system also includes a removable baffle hanging in each flue chamber. The baffles include adjustable turbulation surfaces to control the quality of combustion in the water heater.

Abstract: The trouble occurring followed by air supply shortage due to the clogging of the flame arrester is prevented.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber containing a main burner and a pilot burner positioned to heat water in the water container and having a side wall; a main burner fuel supply line adapted to connect between a fuel control valve and a main burner; a pilot fuel supply line adapted to connect between the fuel control valve and a pilot burner; a heat sensor line connected to a heat sensor and adapted to connect to the fuel control valve and positioned to sense heat from the pilot burner; an igniter line connected to an igniter positioned proximate the pilot burner and connected to an igniter initiator; and a removable plate sealed to the combustion chamber through which the main burner fuel supply line, the pilot fuel supply line, the heat sensor line and the igniter line pass in a sealed condition.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber located adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having a floor portion with an opening; a conduit extending upwardly from and being substantially sealed to the opening; a burner located inside the combustion chamber; a flame trap positioned across the conduit, the flame trap permitting ingress of air and extraneous gases, if present, into the combustion chamber and prevent egress of flames from the structure; and a duct substantially sealingly positioned outwardly of the combustion chamber and over the opening and extending along a side portion of the water heater, the duct having a plurality of openings to receive combustion air.

Abstract: A gas water heater including a water container adapted to be heated by a gas burner; and an enclosure surrounding the burner, the enclosure having at least one entryway adapted to allow air and fumes to enter the enclosure without igniting flammable gases or vapors outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber containing a main burner and a pilot burner positioned to heat water in the water container and having a side wall; a main burner fuel supply line adapted to connect between a fuel control valve and a main burner; a pilot fuel supply line adapted to connect between the fuel control valve and a pilot burner; a heat sensor line connected to a heat sensor and adapted to connect to the fuel control valve and positioned to sense heat from the pilot burner; an igniter line connected to an igniter positioned proximate the pilot burner and connected to an igniter initiator; and a removable plate sealed to the combustion chamber through which the main burner fuel supply line, the pilot fuel supply line, the heat sensor line and the igniter line pass in a sealed condition.

Abstract: A gas water heater including a water container adapted to be heated by a gas burner; and an enclosure surrounding the burner, the enclosure having at least one entryway adapted to allow air and fumes to enter the enclosure without igniting flammable gases or vapors outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber located adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having a floor portion with an opening; a conduit extending upwardly from and being substantially sealed to the opening; a burner located inside the combustion chamber; and a flame trap positioned across the conduit, the flame trap permitting ingress of air and/or extraneous gases into the combustion chamber and prevent egress of flames from the structure.

Abstract: A water and/or space heater is provided in which water is circulated to prevent the localized overheating or vaporization thereof.