Abstract: A method for insulating a gas-fueled water heater includes providing a tank for storage of water for heating and a combustion chamber adjacent to the tank. The method includes providing a compressed foam barrier circumferentially around the tank. Further, the method includes positioning a covering around the tank from a top end to a bottom end, the covering extending over the compressed foam barrier. Moreover, the method includes decompressing the compressed foam barrier such that an outer diameter of the foam barrier expands up to and seals against the covering so as to separate an internal volume defined between an outer surface of the tank and the covering into a first section and a second section. Then, the method includes injecting a foam material into the first section so as to provide a foam barrier around at least a portion of an outer surface of the tank.

Abstract: A water heater appliance is provided that includes a control panel assembly that has features that facilitate mounting of a control panel of the control panel assembly to a curved surface of the water heater appliance. For instance, the curved surface may be an outer surface of a wrapper or a shroud of the water heater appliance. Particularly, the control panel assembly includes features that permit mounting of the control panel assembly to surfaces of variable radii. Moreover, the control panel assembly includes features that facilitate access to the electrical components of the control panel during assembly and servicing of the control panel assembly. Specifically, the control panel assembly includes features that allow the control panel to hinge downward to permit easy access to the electrical components during assembly and service.

Abstract: The exhaust duct includes an exhaust collecting portion connected a heat exchanger and an exhaust guiding portion communicating with the exhaust collecting portion and extended upward in a state close to a side of a cylindrical body of the heat exchanger. The exhaust collecting portion includes a connection opening constituting an inner peripheral wall, into which a cylindrical outlet side connection portion at the lower end of the heat exchanger is fitted, and a groove provided on an outer peripheral side than the inner peripheral wall of the connection opening. The packing includes a seal portion sandwiched in a compressed state between the inner peripheral wall of the connection opening in the exhaust collecting portion and an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical outlet side connection portion in the heat exchanger to constitute a seal and an anchor portion inserted into the groove of the exhaust collecting portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a sound attenuator around a compressor of an air conditioning system includes providing a molding cover, positioning a compressor of an air conditioning system in a cavity of the molding cover, and placing a first material in the cavity of the molding cover. The method further includes placing a second material in contact with the first material in the cavity of the molding cover. The first material and the second material chemically react with each other to form a self-forming foam around the compressor.

Abstract: An electric heating device includes a casing that forms inlet and outlet openings for the fluid to be heated and a circulation chamber as well as a connection chamber separated from the circulation chamber by way of a partition wall. A heat-emitting surface of a PTC heating element is exposed in the circulation chamber and is coupled in a heat-conductive manner to a PTC element. The PTC element is in electrically conductive contact, which via electrical conductor tracks with different polarities that are electrically connected in the connection chamber. The casing is a plastic casing provided with a shielding.

Abstract: A system for making a craft comprises a core and a sleeve. The core includes a molding portion. The sleeve has an exterior surface and defines an interior space. The sleeve comprises a collapsible portion that is collapsible towards the interior space. The sleeve is configured to cover the molding portion such that the molding portion of the core prevents collapsing of the collapsible portion interiorly. The core is configured to be releasable from the sleeve and when there is a layer of dried molding material on the exterior surface, the collapsible portion of the sleeve is articulable interiorly away from the layer of dried molding material to at least partially collapse the sleeve for removal from the layer of dried molding material.

Abstract: A radar level gauge comprising a directional antenna, a hollow wave guide connected to the antenna, a tank connection having a through hole with an annular abutment, a dielectric filling member arranged in the tank connection, the dielectric filling member comprising an annular collar portion resting against the annular abutment, a clamping member inserted into the tank connection, a fastening member attached to the fixed tank connection to secure the clamping member between the fastening member and the annular abutment, and a spring member arranged between the fastening member and the clamping member. The spring member presses the clamping member towards the annular abutment, to apply a controlled pressure on the annular collar portion, allowing the annular collar portion to serve as a pressure tight sealing between a tank interior and a tank exterior.

Abstract: A thermal protection apparatus is disclosed. The thermal protection apparatus may comprise a thermally insulative layer positioned proximate to a portion of a structure having a dimensional transition, wherein the dimensional transition is thermally protected.

Abstract: An inlet stratification device for providing and maintaining stratification of a fluid in a tank. The stratification device includes a pipe of a flexible non-porous material, having a number of holes, with the pipe configured to contract and expand such that exchange of fluid through the holes of the pipe is substantially prevented in regions of the pipe where the temperature of the fluid inside the pipe is higher than the temperature of the fluid outside of the pipe.

Abstract: The concepts relate to reducing energy loss associated with hot water systems. One example is manifest as a system with an automatic hot water recovery apparatus and selective hot water isolation devices. In one example a selective hot water isolation device is configured to be connected in fluid flowing relation with a first water line and a second water line and the selective hot water isolation device is configured to control water cross-over from the second water line into the first water line based upon water flow through the first water line.

Abstract: A reflective pilot light viewer is disclosed. The reflective pilot light viewer has an attachment flange securable to a water heater tank by fasteners. The reflective pilot light viewer also has a viewing segment joined to the attachment flange and extending from the access outer panel at an approximate forty-five degree to fifty degree angle, the viewing segment having an upper portion which is a reflective surface. An access outer panel having the reflective pilot light viewer and a water heater having the reflective pilot light viewer are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an inner rim, a base wall, a side wall and an outer rim. The inner rim has a first opening formed therein. The base wall extends outward from an inner edge of the inner rim and is integral with the inner rim. The side wall extends outward from an outer edge of the inner rim and is integral with the inner rim. The outer rim has a second opening formed therein and an inner edge integral with the side wall. The inner rim, base wall, side wall and outer rim are formed to prevent liquid seepage to one or more surrounding components of an appliance in which the apparatus is installed.

Abstract: A versatile container a versatile pipe section comprising a sleeve and a tube inserted into the sleeve, the tube being held in place using a first capping element at a first end, at least one mounting element in a middle portion and a second capping element at a second end. The first and second capping elements are provided with an opening of a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the tube for allowing liquid or gas to flow through the tube. Also, a versatile container comprising a sleeve, at least one liquid or gas holding compartment adapted to be positioned within the sleeve, the at least one compartment being held in place using at least one mounting element. The sleeves are adapted to hold the contents of the tube or the at least one compartment in case of a leak.

Abstract: An exhaust adapter A having an inner tubular wall 41 forming a through hole 40 communicating with an exhaust port 14, an outer tubular wall 42 surrounding the inner tubular wall 41, and an annular concave part 43 formed between the inner tubular wall 41 and the outer tubular wall 42. One of at least two types of exhaust pipes having different pipe diameters can be selectively connected as an exhaust pipe 2 by utilizing either the through hole 40 or the annular concavity 43. Height H1 of the inner tubular wall 41 is designed to be lower than height H2 of the outer tubular wall 42. Drain flowing in the annular concave part 43 is prevented from flowing out around the outer tubular wall 42 and furthermore the exhaust adapter A can be accurately used for various types of exhaust pipes with different pipe diameters.

Abstract: A water heating system includes a housing that defines a substantially enclosed interior region. A control panel is attached to the housing and includes a display that displays a particular condition of the water heating system. An access panel is attached to the housing for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position of the access panel, a passageway to the interior region of the housing is provided, and, in the second position of the access panel, the passageway to the interior region of the housing is closed. The display is visible in both positions of the access panel such that movement of the access panel from the second position to the first position facilitates simultaneous access to the display and to the interior region of the housing though the passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating water comprises a tank formed by a tank wall and having a water inlet and a water outlet and a water collection pan in a bottom portion thereof and a burner located through a wall of the tank so as to position a flame originating therefrom above a surface of water located in the collection pan. The apparatus further includes an exhaust pipe extending from the tank, at least one water distribution manifold sized to be located in the exhaust pipe of the water heater in fluidic communication with a water supply and having a plurality of ports therein to distributed water therethrough and at least one permeable layer supported below the at least one water distribution manifold.

Abstract: A shank mount assembly for a water heater that includes an annular nipple having an opening, the nipple configured to removably attach to an opening in a water heater tank. The shank mount assembly further includes an annular shank mount having an opening, the shank mount configured to removably attach to the nipple, wherein the shank mount is further configured to attach to a gas valve assembly.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of valves and controllers for water heaters. Also disclosed are mounting methods for valves and controllers for water heaters. In an exemplary embodiment, a gas valve and controller are mounted to and/or located at a burner door of a water heater.

Abstract: A water heater is provided that includes a centering ring or thermal barrier that facilitates centering or alignment of the water tank while also diminishing heat loss through the bottom of the water heater. Features are provided with the bottom of the water heater and centering ring that can also improve the stability of the water heater when placed in a vertically upright position.

Abstract: A water heater door assembly includes a base plate sized and shaped to substantially sealingly cover an access opening in a water heater combustion chamber and has at least one opening through which a fuel supply line extends at least partly between a burner in the combustion chamber and a gas control valve, and a flexible seal positioned at least partly within the opening including an engaging portion substantially sealed to an edge portion of the opening, and a through hole that is shaped to receive the fuel supply and has a size slightly smaller than the size of an outer dimension of the fuel supply line such that the flexible seal and the fuel supply line are friction fit together to form a seal.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed in which thermal insulation is used to provide a thermal break and/or thermally insulative barrier generally between a body and flange assembly of a gas water heater control. An exemplary embodiment of a valve assembly for a water heater generally includes a flange, a body, and a thermal insulator. The thermal insulator is configured for placement generally between the body and the flange. The thermal insulator has a lower thermal conductivity than the flange and the body. The thermal insulator is operable for inhibiting heat loss from within the storage tank through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A wood burning hydronic heater comprises a primary firebox into which the wood is loaded and wherein initial combustion occurs. The heater also includes a secondary combustion chamber below the primary firebox into which the combustible gases from the primary firebox are forced and into which a fresh air stream is passed to burn the gases. A primary heat exchanger downstream of the secondary combustion chamber is adapted to reduce the temperature of the exhaust exiting from the secondary combustion chamber. A catalytic combustor, located in a chamber downstream of the secondary combustion chamber and primary heat exchanger, completes combustion and reduces emissions.

Abstract: A water boiling device includes a heat tank unit received in a machine body, a high frequency induction heater, and a heat pipe unit. The heat tank unit includes first and second heating tanks in communication with each other. Outside water can flow into the first and second heating tanks. The high frequency induction heater includes a heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils. The heat pipe unit includes first and second heating pipes. An upper section of each heating pipe is received in one of the heating tanks, and a lower section of each heating pipe extends out of the heating tanks and is inserted into the heat pipe induction coil. The first and second heating tanks will heat up to heat the water in the first and second heating tanks when a high frequency current is passed through the heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils.

Abstract: A method of making a circular support base for a water heater in which a sheet of material having two ends is formed with corrugations such that the corrugations are progressively more pronounced towards one longitudinal edge thereby creating a generally circular shape out of the formerly straight sheet material, the two ends are connected to form an unbroken circular shape, the corrugated material is shaped to form a lip at an inner circumferential region, and the circular lip intersects with an outer circumferential region of the support base to form a circular trough for supporting and positioning a water tank of the water heater.

Abstract: Improvements in a catch and drain pan for a water heater is disclosed. The improvement includes an immersion resistant water heater support having a fixed or an adjustable leveling capability. The water heater Lifesaver support fits on the water heater support stand/area or inside a catch drain basing to elevate the water heater weight supporting base or metal legs above any standing water. The water heater Lifesaver support is also fabricated to level an uneven water heater to bring the water heater to a vertical orientation. The adjustable water heater support uses a sandwich of two supports in a cam configuration that are indexable in a plurality of finite engagement positions to slightly alter the vertical orientation of the water heater to account for variations and or horizontal orientation of the water heater mounting surface.

Abstract: A heat transfer oil boiler system to minimize heat loss and prevent heat transfer oil from deterioration due to temperature fluctuations includes a high-level tank disposed with a vent, a transfer oil buffer, and an oil-gas separator; the heat transfer buffer includes one or more oil storage unit containing a chamber within; the heat transfer buffer is disposed between the high-level tank and the oil-gas separator; an oil inlet pipe and an oil outlet pipe for directing oil to and from the oil storage unit, respectively, is disposed in the upper and the lower chamber.

Abstract: An exhaust adapter A having an inner tubular wall 41 forming a through hole 40 communicating with an exhaust port 14, an outer tubular wall 42 surrounding the inner tubular wall 41, and an annular concave part 43 formed between the inner tubular wall 41 and the outer tubular wall 42. One of at least two types of exhaust pipes having different pipe diameters can be selectively connected as an exhaust pipe 2 by utilizing either the through hole 40 or the annular concavity 43. Height H1 of the inner tubular wall 41 is designed to be lower than height H2 of the outer tubular wall 42. Drain flowing in the annular concave part 43 is prevented from flowing out around the outer tubular wall 42 and furthermore the exhaust adapter A can be accurately used for various types of exhaust pipes with different pipe diameters.

Abstract: A gas burner including a burner body having a lower housing, an inlet conduit and a combustion surface element attached to the lower housing. A diffuser/reflector positioned within the body encourages even distribution and mixing of a combustible gas/air mixture. The diffuser/reflector is preferably of a sheet metal construction and includes a plurality of stamped openings with each of these openings having an overhanging guide plate. The combustion surface element includes a plurality of integrally formed rigidizing ribs and is made from a high temperature steel alloy wire cloth. The inlet conduit is secured directly or indirectly to an access door/bulkhead that is used to close off an access opening formed in a water heater wall through which the burner is installed. In one construction, an air scoop shrouds the inlet conduit and at least partially defines a flow path of primary air, substantially isolated from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A hot water heater, particularly but not exclusively for domestic use, is herein described and having removably secured thereto a modular heat exchanger or an external water heater to heat the water in a separate tank portion. The two are easily separable from one another for service, repair or interchange. The air-to-air heat exchanger extracts heat loss from the central flue of a gas fired water heater to provide a source of heat for the building in which the hot water heater is installed. The external water heater is provided with a gas-fired burner for heating water from the tank circulated in a heat exchanger to transfer heat from a fluid heated by the burner and circulated in the heat exchanger to transfer the heat to water circulated from the water tank.

Abstract: A fluid heating system includes a tank assembly having an interior surface bounding a chamber, the tank assembly including a sidewall and a lid. A collapsible bag is removably disposed within the chamber of the tank assembly, the collapsible bag bounding a compartment adapted to hold a fluid. A boiler can be used for pumping heated fluid through the wall of the tank assembly for heating the fluid within the collapsible bag. An impeller is disposed within the compartment of the collapsible bag. An elongated drive shaft is removably coupled with the impeller such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller within the compartment of the collapsible bag. A drive motor assembly is coupled with the drive shaft, the drive motor assembly being adapted to rotate the drive shaft when the lid is in an open or closed position.

Abstract: A heater, comprising a fuel burner, a primary heat exchanger, and an enclosure around the fuel burner and primary heat exchanger and defining a gas flow path, wherein the enclosure further comprises a secondary heat exchanger and/or heat storage means.

Abstract: A water heating system includes a housing that defines a substantially enclosed interior region. A control panel is attached to the housing and includes a display that displays a particular condition of the water heating system. An access panel is attached to the housing for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position of the access panel, a passageway to the interior region of the housing is provided, and, in the second position of the access panel, the passageway to the interior region of the housing is closed. The display is visible in both positions of the access panel such that movement of the access panel from the second position to the first position facilitates simultaneous access to the display and to the interior region of the housing though the passageway.

Abstract: The insulation kit for covering a hot water boiler has a series of insulation panels joined to each other along straight joints and corner joints. Each of the straight joints and corner joints has elastic tape mounted transversely thereon in a stretched mode, for maintaining the joints in a compressed state. In another aspect, each vertical corner joint is a miter joint forming a right angle, and is made with abutting edges each having a 55° bevel angle thereon in a relaxed mode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating/cooling system operating on the basis of a novel SPLIT BUFFER TANK; representing an efficiency improvement alternative to HVAC systems functioning with existing commercial buffer tanks. Currently, commercial buffers have the heat source provider (HSP)-return and system-return discharging to a common buffer/vessel. Novel SPLIT BUFFER is provided with a SEPARATION DISK placed inside the tank as mechanical way of separating the hot water inflow from the HSP from the warmer water inflow from system return. The disk moves up and down along the tank driven by demanded water supply and return. Pump-1 circulates hot water from the hot section of the buffer to the secondary system claiming for heat. Pump-2 circulates warmer water from the warmer section of the buffer through the HSP where it is reheated, and subsequently stored in the hot section of the buffer to reinitiate this cycle again.

Abstract: A water-heater casing has a barrel, two covers and a chamber. The barrel has a cylindrical body and at least one hump and two open ends. The at least one hump is formed from the cylindrical body and has at least one tangential side. The covers are respectively mounted on the open ends of the barrel. The chamber is formed between the cylindrical body, hump and covers and corresponds to a water tank and components. The water-heater casing saves space and is attractive.

Abstract: A fuel energy saving water heater includes a food cooking apparatus, a heat collecting tank, and a water guider. The heat collecting tank includes an outer tank body and an inner tank body spacedly supported within the outer tank body to define the water chamber between the outer tank body and the inner tank body. The water guider is thermally communicated with the heat chamber, having a water chamber, a water outlet communicating with the water chamber, and a water inlet for operatively connecting to a water source. When a water flow is guided to pass through the water chamber from the water inlet to the water outlet, the water flow is heated by the excessive heat therewithin at a predetermined water temperature.

Abstract: A support base is provided for a water heater, the support base having a structure for supporting components of the water heater in their proper position in a manner that elevates an outer jacket of the heater and provides space for insulation between the outer jacket and an inner water tank. The support base comprises a lip at one end of the support base, an angled middle portion projecting upwardly from the lip such that the lip and the angled middle portion intersect to form a trough for positioning and supporting the water tank. The support base also has a top portion extending in a generally vertical direction from an upper end of the angled middle portion such that the top portion provides support for the outer jacket.

Abstract: A water heater door assembly includes a base plate sized and shaped to substantially sealingly cover an access opening in a water heater combustion chamber and having at least one opening through which a fuel supply line extends at least partly between a burner in the combustion chamber and a fuel control valve, and a seal positioned at least partly within the opening and having a through hole that is sized and shaped to receive the fuel supply line, the seal comprising a plurality of complementary deformed seal pieces sealed together, to the opening and to the fuel supply line by a deforming force.

Abstract: A water heater door assembly includes a seal positioned over an access opening in a water heater combustion chamber and having at least one opening through which a fuel supply line extends at least partly between a burner in the combustion chamber and a gas control valve, the seal including a pair of complementary seal pieces adjacent each other in sealing contact with at least edge portions of the access opening and in sealing contact with the fuel supply line and a retainer affixed to edge portions of the combustion chamber adjacent the access opening which sealingly holds the seal pieces over the access opening.

Abstract: An insulation kit for use with a water heater is provided. The kit includes an insulating cover configured to be wrapped about an exterior surface of the water heater. The insulating cover includes a substantially rectangular body with opposed edges configured to overlap or abut one another when the insulating cover is wrapped about the exterior surface of the water heater and at least one downwardly facing flap configured to provide selective access to the water heater. The kit further includes a fastener packaged with the insulating cover and configured for fixing the opposed edges together, thereby securing the insulating cover adjacent the exterior surface of the water heater.

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.

Abstract: A water heater and method of assembling the water heater are disclosed. The method includes the step of positioning an insulation member around a water tank. An expandable tube is positioned at an elevation between a top surface and a bottom surface of the insulation member. An outer shell is positioned over the water tank, the insulation member, and the expandable tube to at least partially encapsulate the water tank. The expandable tube is expanded to compress at least a portion of the insulation member against the water tank or the outer shell. Foam insulation is delivered into a space defined adjacent the top surface of the insulation member and between the water tank and the outer shell. The foam insulation is substantially limited from traveling past the expandable tube when the expandable tube is maintained in an expanded state.

Abstract: A water heater includes an air intake assembly that includes a blower for providing primary and secondary air to a combustion chamber at pressures above atmospheric pressure. The primary air is mixed with gaseous fuel and the mixture is combusted at a burner in a partially premixed but substantially diffusion flame having an envelope. Combustion of the mixture is completed within the envelope in the presence of secondary air at elevated pressure. A 24 V controller provides power to a user interface and a powered anode in the tank. The controller receives input from a pressure sensor in the air intake assembly, a flame sensor in the combustion chamber, and a flammable vapor sensor outside the water heater. The controller controls operation of the blower and a gas valve. A flue and baffle arrangement in the tank causes products of combustion from the burner to lose pressure and vent at near atmospheric pressure at the top of the flue.

Abstract: A fabric insulating material is configured for enclosing a hot water heater, and uses strips of insulating material to establish dead air spaced between the fabric and the surfaces of the hot water heater. The dead air spaces function as high efficiency insulators. The fabric is flexible enough to be folded for storage and shipping and is easily applied to common heater units.

Abstract: An article configured to distribute foam insulation between a water tank and an outer shell of a water heater is provided. The article comprises a body portion configured to extend between the water tank and the outer shell of the water heater. The body portion at least partially defines a flow passage for foam insulation. Opposed flap portions extend from an end of the body portion. Means are provided on the flap portions for attaching each of the flap portions to the water tank.

Abstract: A hot water tank mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, a vending machine, or the like, is provided. The separable hot water tank has a separable structure to facilitate its cleaning and is provided with a vacuum space formed on an outer wall thereof to improve heat resistance. In the separable hot water tank, a cover is separably engaged with a body provided with a water storage space formed therein. A cover screw part and a body screw part, which are formed on the cover and the body, respectively, are screw-engaged with each other, or a fastening part provided on the cover and a locking part provided on the body are separably engaged with each other. A sealing means is interposed between the body and the cover to seal the interior of the hot water tank.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater is provided with a combustion chamber assembly, representatively a sealed combustion chamber assembly, operative to create from combustion air delivered thereto via a circumferentially limited vertical side portion thereof a flow of primary combustion air to the underside of a centrally disposed fuel burner within the assembly via a first location underlying the burner, a first flow of secondary combustion air delivered to the burner via the first location, and a second flow of secondary combustion air delivered to the burner via a second location outwardly circumscribing the first location.

Abstract: A water heat includes a case having an airtight chamber therein, a water pipe received in the chamber of the case with a first connection end and a second connection end extended out of the case respectively, a thermal medium, which is liquid in a room temperature, received in the chamber of the case, and a heating device for heating the thermal medium directly or indirectly.

Abstract: A water-heating device (1) includes a water tank and a heating unit (4). The tank has a plurality of separate and juxtaposed pipes (5) communicating via the main end thereof with a hot-water intake section and in that the secondary ends of the pipes (5) communicate with a common water-heating portion. The invention is suitable for home water-heating.

Abstract: Improvements in a catch and drain pan for a water heater is disclosed. The improvement includes an immersion resistant water heater support having a fixed or an adjustable leveling capability. The water heater Lifesaver support fits on the water heater support stand/area or inside a catch drain basing to elevate the water heater weight supporting base or metal legs above any standing water. The water heater Lifesaver support is also fabricated to level an uneven water heater to bring the water heater to a vertical orientation. The adjustable water heater support uses a sandwich of two supports in a cam configuration that are indexable in a plurality of finite engagement positions to slightly alter the vertical orientation of the water heater to account for variations and or horizontal orientation of the water heater mounting surface.