Abstract: The energy saving stove water heater includes a heat collecting body, with a tubular shape, having a water chamber surrounding with a heat source of the cooking stove, a water pipeline operatively communicating with the water chamber, and a top opening aligning with the heat source. Therefore, when a cooking tool supports on the heat collecting body at the top opening thereof, the heat source of the cooking stove is arranged to generate relatively high heat energy thermally transferring not only towards the cooking tool at the top opening but also towards the water chamber to heat up the water therewithin.

Abstract: A direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum. At least one piece of dead livestock infected with various diseases such as infectious diseases is heated for complete sterilization using high-pressure steam, and undergoes complete moisture removal to become dry by means of the vacuum, thereby allowing the dead livestock to be easily crushed. To this end, a carcass processing drum is directly heated by a heating means instead of a conventional steaming process, which provides steam from a boiler to the dead stock, to reduce a processing time and cost due to removal of the boiler. The vacuum can be converted into atmospheric pressure using a pressure valve so that the processed dead livestock can be discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: An underwater ultrasonic thawing apparatus includes a thawing treatment tank where thawing treatment water; an underwater ultrasonic vibrator configured to be fixed to an inner face of the thawing treatment tank and to emit ultrasound; a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the thawing treatment tank; a temperature adjuster configured to adjust the thawing treatment water to a predetermined temperature; a controller configured to control the underwater ultrasonic vibrator; and a separation and hold means configured to separate and hold a stuff to be thawed which is thrown in the thawing treatment tank and the underwater ultrasonic vibrator.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a high-thermal-mass hydronic furnace. In one embodiment of the present invention, a high-thermal-mass hydronic furnace includes a firebox, an insulated outer casing, a fluid-transport system, and a draft air-flow system. Fuel input to the firebox is combusted on a high-thermal-mass ceramic refractory. Heat from the fuel combustion is transferred to fluid within the fluid-transport system, via an internal heat exchanger, and circulated to a location external to the insulated outer casing for subsequent distribution to an interconnected heat-delivery system. The draft air-flow system regulates the fuel combustion by controlling the amount of air passing through the firebox.

Abstract: A monitoring system is connected to a hot water heating system. The monitoring system includes a controller and various controls and sensors. Sensors are connected to the components of the hot water heating system including the thermostats, pipes, pumps and valves. Controls are connected to the pumps and valves to control operation of the hot water heating system for testing. During normal operation of the hot water heating system, the sensors are monitored to ensure proper operation. If the heating system does not operate within certain defined time parameters, the system is activated to test components of the heating system. An alarm is activated if the system does not operate properly.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid medium (25) within the closed system is arranged to boil to form a vapor in the evaporation section (12) and such that release of heat from the condensation section (11) to the fluid to be heated (4A) causes the vapor to condense to liquid in the condensation section (11). The conduit forms a loop (10) and back flow in the loop (10) is prevented by providing a trap (27) of liquid in the conduit at a position adjacent to or at the evaporation section (12). The flow around the loop (10) at high speed sufficient to carry all condensate forwardly is caused solely by application of energy to the system by the heat source (21) without mechanical pumping. Inert gases are collected immediately upstream of the trap (27) and can be purged therefrom.

Abstract: A water heater comprising: a case main body; a front cover for closing a front opening of the case main body; a waterproof packing member interposed between a first inner peripheral flange formed on an inner peripheral edge of the front opening of the case main body and a second inner peripheral flange formed on an inner peripheral edge of a rear end of the front cover; and a water receiver which is located below the waterproof packing member disposed in an upper region and which extends from the first inner peripheral flange of the case main body or the second inner peripheral flange of the front cover.

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 specially configured fuel-fired water heater production platform may be used as a natural draft water heater. Alternatively, by modifying an upper end portion of the production platform using associated conversion apparatus, the same platform may be converted to a power vented water heater subassembly, a natural draft direct vent water heater subassembly, or a powered direct vent water heater subassembly to thereby lower the overall production costs for these different types of fuel-fired water heaters.

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 heating vessel comprises a chamber having enclosed sides, a thermally conductive bottom end and a top end forming an opening for the introduction and extraction of contents to be heated, the bottom end having an external bottom side. A heater comprises a heat exchanger and a heat source having a heat outlet disposed at a fixed distance from the external bottom side and configured to deliver heat to a central area thereof. The heat exchanger includes a series of thermally conductive radially disposed fins are coupled circumferentially about the central area of the external bottom side, the fins extending for a fixed distance to encase the heat outlet. A gas flow path is formed to allow intake of air and output of exhaust.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of accumulations of snow. A first step involves providing a receptacle which is adapted to hold and retain liquids, has a loading mouth, heat pipes which melt accumulations of snow positioned within the receptacle and a drain. A second step involves connecting a liquid conduit from the drain of the receptacle to an access opening to a municipal sewer system. A third step involves dumping loads of snow into the receptacle with a front end loader. A fourth step involves melting the snow within the receptacle to convert the snow to water. A fifth step involves draining the water through the drain of the receptacle and the liquid conduit for disposal in the municipal sewer system.

Abstract: In a hybrid water heater, a heat pump unit and a combustion heating unit are combined for heating water to be stored in a hot water tank. The combustion heating unit includes a combustor for heating water in a chamber by combustion operation. The chamber of the combustion heating unit communicates with the hot water tank through a first water port provided at an upper side of the hot water tank and a second water port provided at a lower side of the hot water tank, so that hot water heated in the chamber flows into the upper side in the hot water tank through the first water port, by using natural convection. Further, water in the hot water tank at the lower side flows from the second water port into the chamber.

Abstract: A water heater comprising a water-tight tank having a combustion chamber located in the bottom portion of the tank. A combustion air blower is operable to draw combustion air into the combustion chamber through a vertical tube in which the air flows from atmosphere downwardly into the combustion chamber. Combustion air entering the combustion chamber supports combustion of gas emanating from burners positioned in the combustion chamber. The products of combustion (flue gases) are drawn upwardly through a plurality of tubes, which extend from the combustion chamber to a flue gas collector box on the top of the water heater. From the flue gas collector box, the flue gases flow into an air/flue product mixing chamber and then out through an exit port.

Abstract: A fuel pre-heating device for use with gas heaters to increase fuel efficiency including an orifice and a pre-heat tube. Fuel enters the device through the orifice and travels through the preheat tube and back to the orifice where it is then expelled and mixed with air to ignite into a flame that envelopes the entire pre-heat tube and heats the fuel within the tube to a very high temperature. Any air mixer known to those skilled in the art can be used with the heating tube. A heat conductor can also be used with the pre-heat tube. The pre-heating device can be easily added to standard heaters, is small in configuration, and inexpensive to manufacture. The small size of the heating tube allows for immediate preheating of the fuel, which is used by the heater in the same heating cycle, thereby yielding a more efficient preheat. This preheating system prevents the fuel from being wasted.

Abstract: A gas fryer comprising: a tank for holding cooking oil, a heat pipe located proximate in the middle depth of said tank so that said heat pipe is soaked in said cooking oil, a combustion chamber located at the combustion gas inlet side of said heat pipe, and a flue located at a combustion gas outlet side of said heat pipe, wherein said heat pipe comprises a sleeve fitted in the inner wall of said heat pipe, and a spirally shaped mixer installed in said heat pipe, and wherein said flue comprises an introduction system of fresh air, said system comprising of a blowing nozzle of the fresh air positioned proximate to a narrowed region located proximate in the middle of said flue along a longitudinal axis, an inlet of fresh air located at a part of said flue, and a passage of fresh air provided along the inner and/or outer wall of said flue was provided.

Abstract: A hot gas water heater has a housing, and at least a pair of concentric coils in the housing through which liquid to be heated is sequentially passed. Each coil has a helical tube with adjacent turns connected by a web member such that the tube and web member form an imperforate coil wall. Hot gas passes sequentially between the coils in co-current flow with liquid flow in one adjacent coil and counter-current flow with liquid flow in another adjacent coil.

Abstract: A water heater comprising a water-tight tank having a combustion chamber located in the bottom portion of the tank. A combustion air blower is operable to draw combustion air into the combustion chamber through a vertical tube in which the air flows from atmosphere downwardly into the combustion chamber. Combustion air entering the combustion chamber supports combustion of gas emanating from burners positioned in the combustion chamber. The products of combustion (flue gases) are drawn upwardly through a plurality of tubes, which extend from the combustion chamber to a flue gas collector box on the top of the water heater. From the flue gas collector box, the flue gases flow into an air/flue product mixing chamber and then out through an exit port.

Abstract: A header for a heat exchanger having a plurality of parallel hollow tubes mounted between a pair of flat mounting plates and defining a plurality of passages through the plates. The header comprises a tubular elongated body portion having an outer surface and an interior cavity. The body portion is provided with a plurality of parallel, hollow ports projecting from the outer surface to provide fluid communication between the passages and the cavity. The projecting ports space the header from the tube plate so that the header body remains relatively cool. This permits the header to be made from a plastic material.

Abstract: A pressureless electric water heater for domestic use has a cylindrical double-walled tank for holding a quantity of a heat transfer liquid such as water. Cold water enters a copper coil immersed in the heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid is heated by an electric heating element which extends down from a hinged tank top. Cold water flowing through the immersed coil is heated by the heat transfer liquid and exits the coil as hot water. The hinged top allows easy access to the interior of the tank and to the heating element, further easing access and replacement thereof. Sedimentation in the tank is minimized because the tank water is rarely replaced. Sedimentation in the coil is reduced because pressurized water flows through the coil when hot water is required and continuously cleanses the tubing. A sensor block is used to activate the heating element whenever water is introduced into the coils. An automatic fill valve maintains the tank level.

Abstract: A fluid heating and pumping apparatus for use with hot fluid space heating systems includes a fluid tank containing heated fluid and a collapsible bladder contained within the fluid tank for absorbing expansion of the fluid within the fluid tank as it is heated. An air venting device is mounted at a high point in the fluid tank to discharge any air as the heating system is filled with fluid and operated. A fluid circulating impeller, volute, and pressure bypass valve apparatus are also contained within the fluid tank and are connected to an outlet in the fluid tank through which heated fluid is pumped to heat transfer components of a space heating system. A fluid mixing apparatus is attached to the fluid circulating impeller to mix heated fluid from the fluid tank with cooled fluid returned from the heat transfer components to thereby provide fluid having a desired temperature.

Abstract: A fluid heater includes a housing, a burner unit disposed in a bottom portion of the housing for burning combustible fuel, a combustion chamber disposed within the housing where the fuel is burned and a heat exchanger disposed substantially within the housing over the combustion chamber. The heat exchanger absorbs heat generated from burning the fuel and conducts the heat to a fluid to be heated. The heat exchanger includes a pair of spaced, parallel, stainless steel tubesheets with a plurality of tubes running therebetween and sealingly received within mating apertures in each of the tubesheets. A plastic front header and a plastic rear header are removably attached to the tubesheets distal to said tubes. The apertures in the tubesheets preferably have forged flanges for increasing the surface contact area with the heat exchanger tubes. The heat exchanger is corrosion resistant due to the combination of corrosion-resistant tubesheets, tubes and headers.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for transferring heat to a fluid from combustion gases including a housing (12) extending between a first end (14) and a second end (16). The apparatus further includes a burner (24) in which a combustible gas and oxygen react to form hot combustion gases which flow from the burner to a gas outlet (28) in the second end. The fluid flows in a length of helically coiled tubing (30) extending the length of the housing. The tubing includes a fin portion (36) which is spirally wound about the length of tubing. The apparatus further includes a core member (40) which extends within the coils of the tubing, and which engages the tubing. The core member includes a spirally-wound threaded area (62) about which the tubing is wrapped. The core member further includes a recessed portion (66) which creates stagnant air pocket adjacent the end of the core member.

Abstract: A self-powered combustion furnace unit. A combustion furnace providing circulating hot fluid heating is equipped with a thermoelectric generator comprised of a plurality of thermoelectric modules mounted on the furnace. The heat from the combustion provides a high temperature hot side heat source for the thermoelectric modules and the fluid of the circulating hot fuid system provides the cold side heat sink for the thermoelectric modules. Electric power produced by the thermoelectric modules powers a motor driving a pump which circulates the circulating hot fluid. In a preferred embodiment low cost, high temperature thermoelectric modules are provided which comprise thermoelectric elements installed in injection molded eggcrates. The thermoelectric modules are held in close contact with the hot side heat exchanger and the cold side heat sink with a spring force such as that provided by Belville springs.

Abstract: A foam distribution jacket (10) for containing an insulating expandable liquid foam mixture (44) prior to expansion into a space (17) between a hot water tank (22) and an outer casing (29) secured thereabout. The jacket (10) comprises a pair of sheets (11-12) which are superimposed to define a bottom trough section (13) having a straight bottom edge (15) and opposed end edges (16). A seal (17) is formed along the straight bottom edge and the opposed end edges to form the trough (13) and to interconnect the sheets (11-12). The pair of sheets (11-12) converge to a crest portion (19) at a top end section (14) thereof. An attachment hole (20) is provided in the crest of an inner one of the pair of sheets (11-12) and is adapted to attach the jacket (10) in a depending manner from a nipple (21) in a top wall (48) of a hot water tank (22). The method of insulating a surrounding space (27) formed between the hot water tank (22) and the outer casing (29) using the foam distribution jacket (10) is also described.

Abstract: A protective collar means for surrounding the lower periphery of a cylindrical water heater. The collar means comprises a cylinder attached at the top and bottom edges to flanged and grooved rings for keeping the cylinder stable. The collar means may be easily assembled by placing the cylinder inside the flange of the lower ring and placing the flange of the upper ring on top of the cylinder. The collar means is preferably secured by a plurality of springs, which attach to the upper and lower rings to keep the collar means assembled. The collar means is spaced away from the walls of the water heater so as to ensure adequate ventilation of the air space surrounding the water heater, but is close enough to contain any fires or explosions that may occur near the gas flames.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating installation comprising a closed liquid circuit which is under pressure during operation, in which are incorporated a heating boiler in which heat is supplied to a liquid circulating in the circuit and heat-generating means such as radiators and/or convectors, further comprising a pressureless liquid reservoir connectable by valve means to the circuit, which valve means are mechanical valve means controlled by the pressure in the circuit.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle heater includes a combustion air fan, an intermittently rotating, absorbent wick, a glow plug for initiating combustion and a water jacket surrounding a combustion chamber. Fuel is supplied to the rotating wick by a metering pump and the hot combustion gases enter the combustion chamber and give up heat to the vehicle coolant surrounding it in the water jacket. The coolant is then pumped to the heater core of the vehicle heater. A thermocouple in the exhaust passage of the combustion chamber senses the exhaust temperature and three thermostats in the water jacket provide temperature data to a microprocessor which controls operation of the heater in response to sensed conditions and operator commands.

Abstract: This invention provides a water heater including a water storage tank, a flue, a jacket around the tank and the flue and having a top end, a top cover which extends over the tank and the flue and which closes the jacket top end, and a flue collector within the top cover and having an exhaust opening within the top cover and in communication with the flue. The water heater further includes a flue damper mechanism comprising a damper disk pivotally mounted within the flue collector exhaust opening so that the disk can pivot between a closed position closing the exhaust opening and an open position opening the exhaust opening, and drive means for pivoting the damper disk. The drive means comprises a damper actuator exterior of the top cover, a mounting tube secured to the flue collector and secured to the damper actuator, and a damper shaft within the mounting tube and extending between the damper actuator and the damper disk.

Abstract: A removable dam provides a way to prevent liquid insulation from interfering with electrical components and from squirting out an opening in the jacket of a hot water heater.

Abstract: A water feed system at constant temperature keeping the hot water from mixing with the cold water in a single tank, the cold water being fed during use of the hot water, comprising a cold water filing tube, a solenoid of controlling circuit and a double layer type hot water means with a single tank, characterized in that: a cold water flexible container such as a bag is provided above a hot water storage tank, a cold water feed tube is provided on the upper portion of the cold water container; and a cold water discharging tube is connected to the single hot water storage tank, whereby under the control of a control circuit, upon use of the hot water, the cold water is fed into the closed means above the hot water storage tank while upon nonuse of the hot water, the cold water in the flexible container is compressed into the hot water storage tank, thereby keeping the hot water in the hot water storage tank at a predetermined level.

Abstract: An improvement in electrical elements for a water heater includes a mass attached to the element for reducing the deposition of hard water scale on element surfaces, particularly in the return bend areas. In one embodiment, a flow accelerator tube encloses the element. The flow accelerator tube has an inlet at one end and an outlet at a higher elevation at the opposite end. Water is induced to flow through the tube because of temperature change. In another embodiment, a solid mass with high surface area encloses the return bend areas to increase heat transfer at a lower temperature to reduce scaling and increase element life.

Abstract: A water heater tank is designed to be installed within a wall to provide substantially instantaneous and continuous hot water when the faucet is activated. The tank maintains water at a hot temperature to be mixed, if necessary, with standing water from the main hot water line. The tank includes a narrow channel through which the water traverses as it proceeds through the tank. A controller calculates the appropriate mixing ratio of the water sources depending on the desired water temperature.

Abstract: An overflow control system includes a vessel having a liquid input and output, the vessel having a top and bottom defined by the gravity vector. The system further includes a housing peripherally surrounding the vessel about all surfaces, other than the bottom, to provide a fluid and thermal insulation region between the vessel and the housing. The system also includes a liquid collection chamber formed integrally beneath the vessel and housing, and in fluid communication with the insulation region. A leak or fracture of the vessel will result in an accumulation of liquid in the collection chamber. The system further includes a normally open electrically actuatable solenoid disposed within the liquid input. Within the liquid output of the vessel is provided a check valve for closing the output responsive to any gradient of fluid pressure in the direction of the vessel in excess of a reference level.

Abstract: An air inlet system for gas water heaters that prevents or delays the ignition of fumes from flammable liquids accidentally spilled on the floor. The air inlet is above the quickly combustible fumes from spilled liquids, allowing time for personal escape or other response. Two concentric air baffles are placed around the tank of the water heater, and are sealed against the floor. They are spaced from each other and from the tank, forming two concentric air chambers around the tank which are open at the top. The inner air baffle is taller than the outer baffle, and has holes or gaps around its lower end for air passage. When the burner is operating, combustion inlet air enters the top of the outer air chamber, travels downward, passes through the holes in the inner baffle, and under the tank to the burner.

Abstract: A pressureless electric water heater for domestic use has a cylindrical double-walled tank for holding a quantity of a heat transfer liquid such as water. Cold water enters a copper coil immersed in the heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid is heated by an electric heating element which extends down from a hinged tank top. Cold water flowing through the immersed coil is heated by the heat transfer liquid and exits the coil as hot water. The hinged top allows easy access to the interior of the tank and to the heating element, further easing access and replacement thereof. Sedimentation in the tank is minimized because the tank water is rarely replaced. Sedimentation in the coil is reduced because pressurized water flows through the coil when hot water is required and continuously cleanses the tubing.

Abstract: An electric hot water heater tank is fitted with a plurality of separators that divide the tank into a plurality of chambers surrounding the tank axis and extending between the top and bottom walls. The adjacent chambers communicate alternately in a direction radially outwardly with respect to the axis proximate to the top wall and proximate to the bottom wall such that water flows through the adjacent chambers in opposite directions generally parallel to the axis. An electric heating element is received in the innermost chamber, and a cold water supply inlet conduit leads from outside the tank into the innermost chamber. A hot water outlet conduit leads from the outermost chamber to outside the tank. An optional venturi injector draws water from one of the chambers radially inward from the outermost chamber and injects it into the outlet conduit.

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

Abstract: A water buffered essential oil non-open flame incensing system including a level fire plate with a metallic fire ring centrally bonded to the upper surface thereof. A stoneware urn is provided having a body portion with a pronounced belly, a bell lip, a throat defined between the body portion and the bell lip, a curved interior surface with a non-flat bottom portion, and an exterior surface. At least the curved interior surface has high fire glazed finish. Water and essential oils to be diffused are filled in the urn and the urn is placed on top of a burning charcoal briquette on the fire ring. Boiling of the water carries the oil in the form of droplets into the atmosphere. The urn is sized to have a small amount of water left at the time the charcoal burns out. A smokeless system may be beneficial for people with smoke allergies.

Abstract: A gas-flame heated, self-contained kettle comprises a housing (12); a gas burner (14) contained within the housing (12); a container (16) for the fluid (18) to be heated, positioned within the housing (12) and above the burner(14); and exhaust duct (22) leading from an area (24) above the burner (14), through the container (16), and out of a surface of the housing (12). Excess heat and combustion gases are exhausted in heat-exchanged contact with fluid in the container (16) via the ducts (22), for augmented heating of the fluid with simultaneous protection and insulation of the housing (12).

Abstract: A heating apparatus for a liquid includes a vessel (1) having a base and a side walls (2, 3), and a planar electrical element (5) integrated in the base wall (2). In order to render the apparatus efficient when only a small quantity liquid is to be heated, the base wall (2) of the vessel (1) surrounding the element (5) is inclined towards the element (5) so that the liquid retained in the vessel (1) is directed on to the element (5). Preferably, the portion of the base wall (2) of the vessel (1) surrounding the element includes a lip (9) whereby the element (5) is stepped downwardly from the base wall (2) to form a well whereby a small quantity of liquid is retained either in direct contact with or directly above the element (5). The angle (.alpha.) of inclination of the base wall (2) of the vessel (1) to the element (5) is preferably at least 5.degree..

Abstract: A hot water tempering system tempers the output of a hot water storage tank by mixing that output with a cold water flow in a defined ratio to produce a flow of water at a steady intermediate temperature. The system comprises a bypass line connectable between an inlet line and an outlet line of the storage tank, and a proportional flow controller for controlling the relative water flow rates through the tank and through the bypass line. The flow controller may be positioned on the inlet line and the bypass line, or on the outlet line and the bypass line. The tempering system allows the temperature of water in the storage tank to be maintained near the boiling point for killing organisms, but at the same time ensures that water leaves the system at a temperature sufficiently low to be safe for human use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and delivering water by use of a campfire, comprising drawing water from a first kettle through a supply hose to a heat exchanger that is placed in the campfire. The water in the heat exchanger boils to cause a discharge of water upwardly through a delivery tube to a collecting kettle, after which the pressure in the heat exchanger drops to cause a further supply of water to be drawn from the supply kettle to the heat exchanger. Thus, quantities of hot water (e.g. a cupful in each quantity) can be discharged at short intervals (45 seconds or so) to supply cups of hot water for a beverage such as coffee, tea, etc. Other embodiments are arranged to draw water from a lower location up to the heat exchanger and then pump the water upwardly to a storage container.

Abstract: A teapot has a handle provided therein with a receiving space shielded with a cover. The receiving space is intended to house therein a battery set and a circuit board comprising a sound-reproducing control circuit which is in turn composed of an integrated circuit for storing electronically a predetermined sound. The circuit board further comprises a control circuit and an automatic touch-control switch. The control circuit is intended to drive the electronic signals so as to reproduce the sound via a loud speaker housed in the cover. The touch-control switch is intended to actuate automatically the sound-reproducing control circuit at the time when the handle of the teapot is tilted to pour tea.

Abstract: A heat collection apparatus which collects the lost or waste heat from a domestic gas water heater. This apparatus sits on top of the water heater over the flue, where the lost heat is directed through the collector fins on the coil into the hot water outlet of the tank where the heated water flows into the tank.

Abstract: a gas-using water heater having a water pressure-controlled gas general switch, wherein the water pressure-controlled gas general switch is disposed outside the water heater and is combined with the original manually operated gas general switch to form a dual general switch and with respect to a site provided with low water pressure, the water heater is additionally equipped with a pressurizing motor pump, fuses being disposed inside and outside the water heater, whereby when consuming the hot water, the movement of the water flow can activate an electric controlling system and a water guiding tube, making the water pressure-controlled gas general switch automatically cooperatively turn on/off the gas or turn on/off the pressurizing motor pump, and when the fuses burn down, the power is shut off, making the gas general switch automatically turn off the gas, so that the leak of gas can hardly take place and the user provided with low water pressure can obtain greater water pressure and in case of a fire, the g

Abstract: A portable thermosyphon water heating system for use by outdoor enthusiasts, or others at locations remote from a conventional supply of hot water. Water is heated by an open campfire flame in an enclosed heat exchanger, and is circulated between the heat exchanger and a portable non-pressurized reservoir by thermosyphon action. The hot water returning to the reservoir is discharged through a floating transfer conduit assembly, so the discharge rises and falls with the water level in the reservoir. The floating nature of the hot water return allows the majority of water within the reservoir to be used before refilling is needed, while maintaining thermosyphon action. A method of heating a liquid using the system described above is also provided, along with a retrofit apparatus for retrofitting existing reservoirs to use the thermosyphon principles and components of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating water over an open fire comprises a kettle having a substantially flat bottom and an upstanding perimeter sidewall. Two openings are provided in the upper portion of the sidewall of the kettle. A water inlet tube extends through one of the openings and has an open, inner end that is positioned in the lower portion of the interior of the kettle. The open, outer end of the water inlet tube is positioned outside the kettle and is adapted to have aliquots of cold water poured into the open end so that the cold water will flow into the kettle through the water inlet tube, with the cold water entering the lower portion of the interior of the kettle. A water outlet tube extends through the other opening and has an open, inner end that is positioned in the upper portion of the interior of the kettle. The open, outer end of the water outlet tube is positioned outside the kettle and forms a hot water spout on the outside of the kettle.

Abstract: A portable water heater for use in outdoor activities improved in thermal efficiency. The heater has a double-layered structure, i.e., is constituted of an outer housing, an inner heated vessel, and a gas burner at the bottom thereof. A thermal insulation layer is formed between the housing and the heated vessel sufficient to permit therebetween an upward flow of a combustion gas from the burner to an air outlet located at the top of the heater, thereby heating the vessel. Instead of the thermal insulation layer, a thermal insulation plate in a crimped shape may be interposed between the housing and the heated vessel, so that the thermal efficiency in heating the vessel is further enhanced. The internal heated vessel may be integrally fabricated with the outer housing, or may be arranged to be removable from the housing or the internally disposed crimped plate. The crimped insulation plate may also be shaped either triangularly or sinusoidally.

Abstract: A combustion device for producing predetermined radiation spectral output and heat for a variety of applications including lighting, cooking, heating water, electric power generation, and providing inexpensive photons to enhance chemical and physical reactions.A process for the preparation of a porous ceramic burner is described which comprises drawing a solution which contains metal oxide fibers onto a burner skeleton by use of a vacuum to form a base fiber layer. The base fiber layer is dried, after which an additional metal oxide fiber layer, the outer fiber layer, is added over the base fiber layer. In another embodiment of the invention, an intermediate fiber layer is placed over the base layer, prior to the addition of the outer fiber layer.