Abstract: In a liquid heating apparatus according to the present apparatus, an external drum comprising a dual wall is provided in a water tank, the external drum has a combustion gas distribution chamber formed in the dual wall, an internal drum having a combustion chamber is provided therein and a partitioned water chamber is formed therebetween, an upper communicating tube penetrating the external drum and communicating to inside of the water tank and a lower communicating tube communicating the lower section of the partitioned water chamber to the base of the water tank are provided in the upper and lower sections of the partitioned water chamber respectively, a draft tube communicating a combustion chamber to a combustion gas distribution chamber is provided in the upper section of the partitioned water chamber, an exhaust tube opened to the outside of the water tank is provided in the lower section of the external drum, and a combustor support cylinder penetrating the external drum and the partitioned water chamb

Abstract: In a liquid heating apparatus according to the present invention, an internal drum is arranged at a space from and in an external drum, a combustion gas descending chamber is provided therebetween, an outer water chamber having a hot water outlet port and a water supply port in the upper and lower sections thereof is provided outside the combustion gas descending chamber, an inner water chamber communicating with communicating tubes in the upper and lower sections to the outer water chamber is provided inside the combustion gas descending chamber, a combustion chamber communicating to the combustion gas descending chamber in the upper section is provided inside the internal drum, and exhaust port is provided under the combustion gas descending chamber, a smoke collecting chamber having a larger cross-sectional area than that of said exhaust port is provided under the exhaust port, and a smoke exhaust port is provided in this smoke collecting chamber.

Abstract: A water heater includes a metal storage tank for holding a quantity of water to be heated. Extending into the interior of the tank is a sacrificial anode assembly operative to inhibit corrosion of the tank and including a cylindrical metal anode member having an end retained within a cylindrical plastic insulating sleeve which, in turn, is captively retained within a metal cap portion of the assembly. To regulate the amount of electrical current generated by the assembly during use thereof, a barrel-shaped resistor is supported within the assembly and interconnected between its anode and cap portions. The insulating sleeve has a generally U-shaped groove formed in a closed end thereof, with one leg of the groove extending diametrically across a central opening in the sleeve end that receiving a core wire portion of the anode member, and the other groove leg extending generally chordwise relative to the sleeve end.

Abstract: An outdoor, self-contained wood fueled furnace. The furnace includes a non-warping, laminated sheet metal door; a rear exiting flue with water discharge means; and a baffled, heat exchanger which surrounds the firebox. The door, particularly, includes an external panel which is secured with a single pin to a crossbroken first panel. An insulator is secured between the first panel and a second interior panel, and the first and second panels are riveted to each other.

Abstract: A swimming pool or spa heater unit having a heat exchanger manifold designed to permit the use of direct plastic piping connections to the manifold header. The manifold is principally characterized by a header end having an inlet port and outlet port located on a level below the manifold inlets and outlets communicating with the heat exchanger. The inverted arrangement of the header ports relative to the manifold inlets and outlets to the heat exchanger permits unreturned water in the unit heated by residual heat from the heater to form a temperature gradient therebetween which prevents the temperature of the water at the header connection from reaching a level incompatible with the use of direct plastic piping connections. The manifold is also integrally provided with weirs which serve to provide dry-fire protection for the heater.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is for foam insulating a water heater where the water heater has an outer shell and an inner tank with tank fittings, the outer shell having tank fitting openings and the inner tank and outer shell being separated by an insulation space. The method comprises locating foam flow barriers between the inner tank and the outer shell around the periphery of each of the tank fitting openings and then spraying foam forming material into the insulation space with the foam barriers preventing the foam from escaping outwardly through the tank fitting openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating water in a spa which has a plurality of venturi jets, a hosing which includes a plurality of venturi jets and a high speed pump which circulates water through the housing and the venturi jets in the spa and a water thermostat. The thermostat is positioned in the water of the spa and connected to the high speed pump such that the high speed pump is activated to propel water through the venturi jets at high speed and thus heat it whenever the water temperature falls below a preset level.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is for foam insulating a water heater where the water heater has an outer shell and an inner tank with tank fittings, the outer shell having tank fitting openings and the inner tank and outer shell being separated by an insulation space. The method comprises locating foam flow barriers between the inner tank and the outer shell around the periphery of each of the tank fitting openings and then spraying foam forming material into the insulation space with the foam barriers preventing the foam from escaping outwardly through the tank fitting openings.

Abstract: An insulated firebox is disclosed which forms a portion of the combustion chamber of a pool heater and which is adapted for reducing the emission of smoke and odor from the firebox into the atmosphere. The firebox is comprised of insulation material which defines a combustion chamber enclosed by the insulation on its vertical sides. The insulation contains organic materials capable of resulting in the generation of smoke or odor. A liner extends substantially continuously about the insulation and seals the vertical sides of the combustion chamber from the escape therethrough of the organic materials contained by the insulation. The organic materials are thus directed into the combustion chamber, where the higher temperature will result in more complete combustion of the materials with a consequent reduction or elimination of the potential smoke or odor.

Abstract: A water heater comprising a tank defining a water chamber, a generally cylindrical combustion chamber located beneath the water chamber and centered on a generally vertical axis, a plurality of flues communicating with the combustion chamber and extending through the water chamber, and a single power burner for directing a flame into the combustion chamber. The power burner includes a nozzle centered on a generally horizontal axis intersecting the chamber axis. A flame deflector made of a refractory material is located in the combustion chamber. The flame deflector has a substantially hemispherical upper portion and a generally cylindrical lower portion centered on a common, generally vertical axis.

Abstract: A cooking vessel includes a kettle partially surrounded by a vapour jacket. An evaporator for containing fluid is mounted to the kettle and includes a tubular portion and is in fluid communication with the jacket to act as a vapour source for the jacket and to receive condensed fluid from the jacket. A burner is mounted to the kettle and located within the tubular portion of the evaporator.

Abstract: An electric water heater is provided with a vertically enlarged, sealed bottom end cap which functions as an integral drainage catch basin to receive water leaking from the water heater's internal hot water storage tank into the annular space between the storage tank and the outer jacket of the water heater. A drain pipe extends through a sealed opening in the end cap and is used to drain away water entering the cap, thus eliminating the previous necessity of providing the water heater with a separate drainage catch pan structure. The storage tank is electrically grounded to the outer water heater jacket at a point above the bottom end cap, thus eliminating the necessity of forming this grounding interconnection with a grounding screw extending upwardly through the bottom end cap and forming a water leak path through the bottom of the end cap.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transporting commodities, especially liquid commodities above their congealing temperature in a tanks or tank containers. At least a partial flow of hot exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine of a tank vehicle or tank container vehicle flows through a heat exchanger through which passes the heat transfer oil in a closed cycle and yields heat to the heat transfer oil and an electrically heated heat exchanger yields heat to the heat transfer oil and the heat transfer oil transfers heat to the commodity through a tank or tank container wall heat exchanger. The heat transfer oil is conducted in a closed cycle in a regulation circuit including the heat exchanger through which the exhaust gas passes and the electrical heat exchanger.

Abstract: An ignition mechanism for a heater which includes a metal exothermic container in which are mounted an exothermic part, a firing part and an igniter. The igniter is a type which may be actuated by pushing or pulling a string. The mechanism comprises a tube mounted on the container, the tube having one end positioned adjacent the igniter. A string is connected to the igniter and extends into the tube, the string being extendable to the other end, whereby the string may be manually pulled or pushed and thereby operate the igniter. A float may be attached to the string, and a water-soluble glue may be provided to initially hold the string in place before use.

Abstract: There is provided a system for blocking the inflow of water to an appliance such as a hot water tank in the event of a leak in the appliance or water supply thereto. A low voltage current solenoid selectively blocks said inflow in response to a leak. No current is drawn during normal operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A water heater for containing water surrounded in spaced apart relationship by an outer shell includes a sleeve of insulation material, such as fiberglass, located in the annular space between the inner tank and outer sleeve. The top edge of the insulation sleeve includes an annular cuff which is of a radial thickness greater than the radial thickness of the rest of the insulation sleeve such that the cuff is compressed between the interior wall surface of the outer shell and excterior wall surface of the inner tank. An expanded foam thermal insulation material fills the annular space above the cuff of the insulation mat.

Abstract: A portable camp stove has an upper chamber for holding a liquid to be heated and an integral lower chamber disposed below the upper chamber. An elongated chimney with corrugated sidewall extends from the lower chamber up through the upper chamber so that, in use, the liquid in the upper chamber surrounds the chimney. A solid fuel material is combusted within the lower chamber to warm surrounding air which flows upwardly through the chimney. Heat transfer through the corrugated chimney sidewall warms the liquid. The camp stove is compact and portable, obviating the need to carry bulky stoves, fuel bottles and pot or tea kettle.

Abstract: A water heater construction including an inner tank for containing water surrounded in space apart relationship by an outer shell. A sleeve of insulation material, such as fiberglass mat is located in the annular space between the inner tank and outer sleeve and extends from proximate the bottom end of the water heater construction upwardly longitudinally thereof a distance less than the entire height of the water heater construction such that the top edge of the insulation sleeve is a distance below the top end of the water heater construction. The top edge of the insulation sleeve includes an annular cuff which is of a radial thickness greater than the radial thickness of the rest of the insulation sleeve such that the cuff is compressed between the interior wall surface of the outer shell and exterior wall surface of the inner tank. An expanded foam thermal insulation material fills the annular space above the cuff of the insulation mat.

Abstract: A direct venting system for an indoor domestic type water heater vents the combustion chamber of the water heater directly with the outdoor atmosphere by means of natural convection both to supply incoming combustion air and to expel flue gases. A conduit assembly extends from an indoor end associated with the water heater to an outdoor end in communication with the outdoor atmosphere, and provides continuous combustion air inlet and flue gas outlet plenums to isolate the combustion chamber of the water heater from the indoor room air.

Abstract: A wall-mounted hot water boiler of the instant type comprises a plurality of plumbing components in fluid communication with one another by plumbing lines preformed on a wall member, which wall member forms a hanging frame for the wall-mounted boiler; the plumbing lines are defined between two juxtaposed metal sheets and provided with fittings for connecting and supporting mechanically respective ones of the plumbing components.

Abstract: A water heater for containing water surrounded in spaced apart relationship by an outer shell includes a sleeve of insulation material, such as fiberglass, located in the annular space between the inner tank and outer sleeve. The top edge of the insulation sleeve includes an annular cuff which is of a radial thickness greater than the radial thickness of the rest of the insulation sleeve such that the cuff is compressed between the interior wall surface of the outer shell and exterior wall surface of the inner tank. An expanded foam thermal insulation material fills the annular space above the cuff of the insulation mat.

Abstract: A submersible chamber water heater having improved efficiency. The water heater includes a tubular member that is mounted in an opening in the tank and defines a combustion chamber. A fuel-air mixture is supplied to a burner located within the combustion chamber and the waste gases of combustion are conducted from the combustion chamber into a series of heat exchanger tubes which are positioned beneath the combustion chamber and are then discharged to a flue. A conduit extends through the combustion chamber and the ends of the conduit communicate with the interior of the tank. One end of the conduit is at a higher level than the other, so that water flows by convection through the conduit to increase the efficiency of the heating operation.

Abstract: A vertical hot water storage tank with an access opening in its underside, for positioning an internal heating element in the tank, and connectors for the supply of cold water to the tank and for the egress of hot water therefrom, is in the form of a pressure tight cylindrical vessel. In order to simplify the construction of the vessel, it is assembled from separate modular elements made of a plastics material, which are relatively adjustable to determine the capacity of the vessel and which are finally bonded together. The modular elements may comprise a pair of inter-fitting top and bottom lid elements, or top and bottom lid elements interfitting with a central tubular element. The capacity of the vessel may be determined prior to the bonding of the elements together, by the extent to which they overlap one another or by suitable dimensioning of the elements.

Abstract: A wind deflector shield for the ventilation opening in the door of a water heater closet of a vehicle. The deflector shield is resiliently flexed to install the shield in the ventilation opening.

Abstract: An agitating mechanism to aid in preventing the buildup of sediment in a gas fired water heater. The agitating mechanism includes a pump located outside of the tank and a first conduit connects the inlet of the pump to the interior of the tank, while a second conduit connects the discharge side of the pump to the lower end of the tank. Operation of the pump will withdraw water from the tank and discharge the water back into the tank adjacent the lower head to help provide agitation and prevent the buildup of sediment. The conduits, as well as the pump, can be mounted on a cleanout panel which encloses a cleanout opening in the lower end of the tank.

Abstract: An agitating mechanism to aid in preventing the buildup of sediment in a gas fired water heater. The agitating mechanism includes a pump located outside of the tank and a first conduit connects the inlet of the pump to the interior of the tank, while a second conduit connects the discharge side of the pump to the lower end of the tank. Operation of the pump will withdraw water from the tank and discharge the water back into the tank adjacent the lower head to help provide agitation and prevent the buildup of sediment. The conduits, as well as the pump, can be mounted on a cleanout panel which encloses a cleanout opening in the lower end of the tank.

Abstract: A modular outdoor heating system comprising a heating module and generally a fuel module both modules being enclosed, insulated, and positioned outdoors adjacent the building to be heated. The heating module contains a complete hydronic heating unit including boiler, burner, water circulation system, and positive air draft system while the fuel module includes an oil storage tank with associated fill and vent means. The modules are interconnected so that heat from the boiler keeps both modules warm and dry.

Abstract: A liquid-backed gas-fired heating system is disclosed which utilizes an infrared burner module having a helical coil wrapped concentrically thereabout. The helical coil located in the radiant zone and convective zone of the module receives heat from the hot products of combustion and transfers the heat to a circulating fluid, which in turn transfers the heat through a fan coil to the space to be heated.

Abstract: The hydraulic microturboalternator comprises a plastic molding which wraps the laminated stator (2) of the microalternator while providing an interior water chamber (20) intended to receive the rotor (1) and of which the inner diameter is at least equal to the outer diameter of the rotor increased by a fraction of the radial thickness of an airgap of particular shape and size, said molded body being sealingly closed by a casing (14) which limits a water chamber (21) containing the turbine (15) and which communicates with the chamber (20). Application is to gas-operated apparatuses for the production of hot water but designed to function without a permanent ignition pilot.

Abstract: A gas heater for heating a mat 12 soaked with an insecticide or the like, is heated by a catalyst reaction of a combustion gas, e.g. butane comprises a gas container 1, a gas burner 5 surrounded by a catalyst 6 which are contained in a burner 3 with apertures 3a, through which a pilot flame 81 from a pilot nozzle 8 ignited by a high voltage generator 9 is blown; a main valve 41 for the gas burner 5 and a pilot valve 82 for the pilot nozzle 8 and a high voltage generator 9 are controlled in a interlinked fashion.

Abstract: A water heater having improved efficiency. The water heater includes a tubular member that is mounted in an opening in the side of the tank and extends horizontally across the lower portion of the tank. The tubular member defines a combustion chamber. An elongated burner is positioned within the combustion chamber and includes an inner metal support screen and an outer layer of woven ceramic fabric. A fuel-air mixture is supplied to the interior of the burner and the fuel is ignited on the outer surface of the burner with heat being transferred to the water in the tank. The waste gases of combustion are discharged from the inner end of the tubular member and are directed into a series of heat exchange tubes which are positioned beneath the combustion chamber. The hot waste gases passing through the tubes act to transfer further heat to the water in the tank. The outer ends of the tubes extend through the wall of the tank and communicate with a collector which is connected to a flue.

Abstract: A portable sanitary device for cleansing the lower torso of the human body by a stream of warm water extracted from a reservoir of water heated by an electrical heating device is disclosed. The reservoir of the device comprises an enclosed lower compartment containing a heating device and a constant volume of warmed water. An upper compartment open at the top receives a supply of cold water. The upper compartment is detachable from the lower compartment to permit filling with cold water. The upper cold water reservoir contains a tubular extension which extends downward and when mounted to the sanitary device, extends to the bottom of the lower warm water reservoir. A hollow breathing tube extending from the lower compartment to the top of the upper compartment permits gravity feed of the cold water into the warm water reservoir as warm water is pumped from the lower compartment.

Abstract: A water heater including a tank, a cylindrical jacket, surrounding the tank to provide an insulating space therebetween and a cover member mounted on top of the jacket to close off the top of the insulating space. An insulating wall is provided in the insulating space between the tank and the jacket. The insulating wall is comprised of a plastic envelope member and a wall of insulating material which has been foamed-in-place inside the envelope member.

Abstract: A pool or spa water heater comprises:(a) a housing containing a combustion chamber,(b) gas burner means associated with the housing to produce hot products of combustion rising in said chamber,(c) a heat exchanger associated with said chamber in the path of said products of combustion to transfer heat to water flowing through said exchanger,(d) said exchanger including inner and outer metal tubes for transferring heat from the outer to the inner tubes and then to water flowing in the inner tube or tubes, said tubes having metal to metal contact,(e) whereby condensation of moisture from said products of combustion on exposed surfaces carried by the outer tubes is reduced.

Abstract: An electric sauna heating unit provided with electric heating elements arranged in a casing through which sauna room air flows to be heated has a temperature regulator including a transmitter, such as a thermostat bulb or thermistor, for sensing the temperature in the sauna room and a thermostat responsive thereto for connecting or disconnecting the heating elements in accordance with signals from the transmitter. The transmitter is mounted remotely from the heated air flow from the unit on an imperforate sidewall (preferably, the backwall) of the casing in spaced relationship thereto so as to be exposed only to the air flow in the sauna room and is located substantially horizontally and symmetrically relative to the center line of the unit and within the upper third of the height of the unit at a distance of 10-20 cm from the upper edge thereof. The transmitter is enclosed in a protective cover provided with air flow passages.

Abstract: A wood furnace permits controlled combustion of sectors or segments of wood-type fuels for a high turn down ratio. The primary combustion chamber comprises a refractory base portion for high temperature combustion and an upper portion with a water jacket in heat exchange relationship with the upper portions of the fuel for quenching combustion. A plurality of refractory secondary combustion channels or a single laterally extending or distributed secondary channel leads away from the refractory base portion of the primary combustion chamber. The secondary channels or distributed channel conduct flue gases from different sectors of the fuel, and permit completion of combustion in a high temperature environment. A plurality of flue draft pathways lead from the secondary combustion channels or distributed channel for transfer of heat from the end products of combustion to a heat transfer medium. Separate dampers are provided for controlling the draft in the separate flue draft heat exchange pathways.

Abstract: An energy-saving system for reclaiming the waste water contained in the ice shavings obtained from resurface ice at an ice skating rink, the system including a first tank for holding the ice shavings, a second tank for storing the waste water from the melted ice shavings, a first conduit system for conveying waste water from the melted shavings in the first tank to the second tank, a second conduit system for conveying waste water from the second tank to be sprayed on the shavings in the first tank, and a solar heating system for supplying heated waste water to the second tank.

Abstract: A wood or coal burning stove having walls defining a fire chamber with a flue disposed in one of the walls. A door provides access to the fire chamber, and a vent for controlling the combustion air is provided in the door. A manifold connected to inlet and outlet pipes passing through the walls provides for circulation of water through the fire chamber to heat the water with a fire burning in the fire chamber. Fuel supporting members extend downwardly from the manifold to support the fuel below the manifold, a number of generally U-shaped pipes with both ends of each pipe in fluid communication with the manifold providing the fuel supporting members. A baffle or like structure is provided in the manifold for preventing short-circuiting between the inlet and outlet pipes, and the manifold is supported in a generally horizontal plane.

Abstract: A cup formed of a cylindrical vessel and a hollow carrying handle attached to the vessel containing a liquid fuel reservoir from which fuel in a gaseous state is conducted to a burner located beneath a domed portion of the bottom wall of the vessel.

Abstract: Provided is a sauna heater comprising an upright casing including an upper open receptacle for rocks to be heated and a burner at the bottom of the casing. An air intake communicates with the burner for the supply of air thereto. A heat deflector plate of planar configuration is disposed in the path of the gases within the combustion chamber and such that gases from the burner past the plate end and onto the top and thence downwardly toward a flue. The top of the burner is provided with an arcuate cover plate supporting the piled rocks. Upon heating the rocks, water is poured thereon to provide steam at a desired level. Excess water not absorbed by the heated rocks is drained in a free flow from the cover plate and directed to passage ways isolated from the combustion chamber and extending from the extremities of the cover plate to a point well below the bottom of the burner.

Abstract: A hot water heater having a heating tank and a superjacent basin for receiving cold water to be delivered to the tank. A duct is provided leading from the basin into the tank for transferring water from the basin to the tank. A heater is provided for heating the water in the tank. Structure is provided in the duct for breaking up lime which may form at the upper level of the water in the tank and cut as a result of a continued heating of the water therein. The lime breakup structure includes a float and a retaining cage for controlling the movement of the float during delivery of cold water from the basin through the duct to the tank. The cage and float are removably carried in the hot water heater for facilitated installation and maintenance.

Abstract: An improved rock heater having a hollow housing provided with a dome-shaped, heat conductive top and means therewithin for creating combustion gases. Means of heat conductive material is provided adjacent to the top for retaining a pile of rocks to be heated on the top, said retaining means having a fluid passage in fluid communication with the housing so that rising combustion gases, after heating the top, will pass into and through the retaining means. Thus, the heat energy from the top and retaining means will heat the rocks. Flue means coupled with the retaining means directs the combustion gases away from the housing. A shield surrounds the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to steam cleaners for cleaning rugs, upholstery, and the like which comprise (a) a liquids pump, (b) a soap tank adapted to contain a mixture of water and detergent during use of the steam cleaner and having an outlet at the bottom thereof, and (c) means of fluid communication between the outlet at the bottom of the soap tank and the liquids pump.

Abstract: A disinfector for heating and disinfecting contact lenses in which a main plastic housing is provided having a lens well recess from the top thereof dimensioned for receiving a standard lens carrier, and a vented lid covering the well opening. The lens well has a downwardly facing annular recess on the bottom surface thereof for receiving the top edge of an annodized aluminium cup reservoir. The top lid portion is dimensioned for the measurement of water which is poured into the lens well and hence into the aluminium cup reservoir through a plurality of apertures in the bottom of the lens well. These apertures also serve to allow steam from the water in the reservoir to enter the lens well which is in itself a steam compartment. A annular flat electric heater coil is glued to the bottom of the aluminium cup reservoir leaving a circular section exposed in the center thereof.