Abstract: Apparatus for heating pipes and particularly for thawing frozen pipes is disclosed. The apparatus may be a self contained trailer having a generator and step-down transformer. One pair of terminals is connected to the secondary of the transformer and a pair of bus bars is also connected across the secondary. A current transformer operates a warning system indicating that the current to the first terminals is above a maximum value. This warns the operator that another pair of cables is necessary to heat effectively the pipe.

Abstract: A solenoid comprises two coils wound on a common axis and a core within the coils which is supported for movement along the axis. Direct currents are applied substantially continuously to the two coils for resistively heating the solenoid to a temperature substantially above the ambient temperature. The direct currents are applied in the same direction to the two coils to produce additive magnetomotive forces when it is desired to energize the solenoid and in opposite directions to the two coils to produce subtractive magnetomotive forces which tend to cancel, when it is desired that the solenoid be in its unenergized condition.

Abstract: A pipeline to be laid over a very long distance e.g. 100 km, and heated by skin-effect-current, and used underground or on the seabed by employing an electric source frequency lower than commercial ones, is provided. The pipeline consists of a fluid-transporting pipe and a heat-generating pipe utilizing skin effect current laid so as to trace said fluid-transporting pipe (which will be referred to herein as SECT pipe). The SECT pipe consists of a ferromagnetic pipe and an insulated electric wire passed therethrough, and has a special circuit, and the pipeline is further provided with an outer covering pipe of a ferromagnetic material so as to enclose the fluid-transporting pipe and the SECT pipe.

Abstract: An energy saver control system for prevention of water freezing in an outdoor tank, such as a stock tank, which involves a conventional type of water level control valve to maintain a selected level of water in the tank, and an electrical switch which is controlled by the pressure which is in the water line leading to the water level control valve. Means are provided to control the rate of water flow into the tank to a selected low value, sufficient for prevention of freezing of the surface of the water in the tank. When water is flowing into the tank the electrical heater is cut off. The electrical switch is controlled by the pressure in the water line leading to the water level control means.

Abstract: An electrical heat generating system of the skin effect current type having a two part elongate hollow element of ferromagnetic material enclosing an insulated energizing conductor. One part of the hollow element comprises an open face channel having two elongated, coextensive, spaced longitudinal edges and the other part covers the open face of the channel. When the conductor is energized by an alternating current, the magnetic field generated thereby is confined within the interior of the hollow element to produce heat without any current passing through and along the outer peripheral surfaces thereof.

Abstract: The application discloses a procedure appropriate in the manipulation especially of small batches of liquid and an apparatus for carrying out the procedure, these being based on the use of valves closable by freezing and openable with the aid of electrical heating elements. The apparatus comprises an integral system composed of volumes and of conduits connecting these, wherein the conduits have been provided with said freezable valves. The transfer of liquids within the sytem is accomplished by means of control signals directed to the valve heating elements. As valve heating elements film resistances incorporated in plate-like components are employed in such manner that one component establishes a plurality of valves. At the same time these valves are connected to a common refrigerator.

Abstract: An electrically heated valve element for sliding type valve joints in the outlet of a molten metal vessel has an electrical heating conductor disposed predominately in the outlet closing surface section of the valve element so that when moved to the casting position where the molten metal flow passage aligns with the flow passage from the vessel, the outlet closing surface of the element is maintained at a uniformly high temperature so that any cooling down of the outlet closing surface is avoided. The valve element is made by embedding the heating conductor which is air annealed nichrome wire in spiral form, into the refractory material of the valve element by vibration, the embedding mass being free of organic substances, carbon, sulfur, metallic iron, alkalies and/or electrically conductive substances.

Abstract: A water heating and dispensing device includes a tank which forms the main hot water container, a heating device in the tank which is thermostatically controlled in order to maintain the temperature of the water at the desired level, inlet and outlet conduits associated with the tank and a valve associated with the inlet conduit for controlling water flow into the tank and dispensing of water from the outlet conduit. A separate reservoir is connected to the inlet conduit between the valve and the tank through a venturi nozzle which permits water to flow into and out of the reservoir. The reservoir has collapsible wall portions which collapse to provide for a decrease in volume in the reservoir as water is drawn from it through the venturi nozzle during dispensing of water, and which is expandable to an expanded maximum completely filled condition after dispensing has ceased, as a result of water flowing back from the main hot water container through the venturi nozzle.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a thermally conductive conduit section having both interior and exterior heat exchange surfaces, with the interior surface being adapted to contact fluid flowing thereover. A controllable heat transfer means coupled to the conduit section has a first operative state for removing heat from the exterior heat exchange surface to reduce the temperature of the conduit section sufficiently to freeze liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby at least partially restrict the flow of fluid thereover. In a second operative state, the heat transfer means supplies heat to the interior heat exchange surface to melt at least a portion of any frozen liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby permit the flow of fluid thereover.

Abstract: A shielded vent port for equilization of the pressure on opposed faces of a wall comprises a frame for fitting into an opening in said wall, a conduit through said frame, a sloping plate in said conduit, said plate being sealed against the walls of said conduit and having a large aperture therethrough, and a riser lying against the upper face of said sloping plate, said riser preventing flow of air in a downward direction through said plate and being movable away from said plate to permit flow therethrough in an upward direction. To provide for flow of air through said wall in either direction, the frame may have two conduits therethrough with a sloping plate and a fitted riser in each, the planes of said plates sloping in opposed directions. The shield may be lifted away from the plate to permit flow of air therethrough by an excess of pressure below the plate or by a solenoid in response to an external signal.

Abstract: A livestock watering device includes a liquid supply tank having an access opening in its top and an outlet opening in its lower end. A removable lid hermetically closes the access opening and an automatic feed means transfers liquid through the outlet opening to a collecting vessel arranged therebeneath in response to liquid consumption from the vessel. An electric heating element is attached to the lid and extends into the tank and is immersed in the liquid therein. The heating element comprises a resistance heating foil inserted between two concentric tubes sealably connected together to electrically isolate the foil from the liquid in the tank. The tubes define a tubular structure having a first open end removably secured to the lid and a second open end spaced above the bottom of the tank whereby the liquid in the tank is heated by contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular structure.

Abstract: A compact, economical electrically heated vaporizer having a fast response time and capable of vaporizing liquified petroleum gas at a rate of ten to forty gallons or more per hour with safety and without excessive superheating and/or cracking of the liquified petroleum gas utilizes a metal casting having a closed internal cavity separated into two chambers by an integral barrier. The casting serves as a pressure vessel and heat sink as well as providing a heated interface between electric resistance heaters received in passageways in the barrier and the liquified petroleum gas. The heat generated by the heaters is disseminated uniformly throughout the casting surrounding the chambers. The liquified petroleum gas inlet at one end of the casing connects with the end of one chamber. Multiple small passageways in the barrier at the other end of the casting connect the other end of the one chamber to the adjacent end of the other chamber.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a thermally conductive conduit section having both interior and exterior heat exchange surfaces, with the interior surface being adapted to contact fluid flowing thereover. A controllable heat transfer means coupled to the conduit section has a first operative state for removing heat from the exterior heat exchange surface to reduce the temperature of the conduit section sufficiently to freeze liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby at least partially restrict the flow of fluid thereover. In a second operative state, the heat transfer means supplies heat to the interior heat exchange surface to melt at least a portion of any frozen liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby permit the flow of fluid thereover.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US 79/00837 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 10, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 10, 1979 PCT Filed Oct. 10, 1979Pneumatically operated control mechanisms (10-18) for vehicles have often been found to leak control fluid during start-up in extreme cold conditions until attaining normal operating temperature. It has been discovered that the problem lay in loss of resiliency of poppet valves (21) because of the exposure of the elastomer seals (24,26) to extremely cold ambient operating conditions. The problem has been solved by heating the incoming air. Reliable heating is accomplished under extreme cold conditions by use of a fluid heater (40) having an elongated heating member (41) and inner and outer sleeves (48,51) around the heating member to provide inner and outer annular spaces (49,52) through which the fluid to be heated flows in counter-current directions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for the selective production of hot water and steam from a constantly operating heater and with the use of a water pump intermittently feeding a constant volume of water through a conduit toward the heater, the pump and the heater being operable at a first rate of pumping frequency and at a first level of temperature for the production of hot water at a first operating condition. A control arrangement is provided for establishing a second rate of pumping frequency at the pump less than the first rate and a second level of temperature at the heater greater than the first level for the production of steam at a second operating condition.

Abstract: A control system for providing instant hot water at a hot water tap comprising a control unit adapted to be interposed in the fluid line between the source of water supply and the hot water tap. A heating unit is also interposed in the fluid line between the control unit and the hot water tap. The heating unit includes a closed heating chamber, a pipe arranged within the chamber and comprising a portion of the fluid line between the control unit and the hot water tap. A heating means is provided within the heating chamber for heating the pipe. The control unit comprises a fluid passageway therethrough constituting a portion of the fluid line between the source of supply and the heating unit. A flapper chamber is formed in the passageway and an inlet pipe from the source of supply has an inlet end disposed within the flapper chamber. A flapper is pivotally mounted within the flapper chamber and disposed over the inlet end of the pipe when there is no water passing through the control unit.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for the vaporization of a mixture of two liquefied gases in chemical equilibrium with a binary compound thereof includes a vertically disposed enclosed vessel having a lower liquid zone to which the mixture to be vaporized is supplied as a liquid from an external supply source and an upper vaporized gas zone from which gas can be removed for use. A vertically disposed heating element, which may be an electric heating element, steam tube, and the like, extends downwardly in the vessel through the vaporized gas zone and terminates above the portion of the liquid zone communicating with the liquid supply and is adapted to supply sufficient heat to vaporize a gaseous mixture from the liquid zone. A housing is disposed about the heating element in spaced relationship thereto and a heat transfer medium is contained within the space.

Abstract: A venturi-type ejector for delivering cleaning liquid to an article to be cleaned and having cold and hot liquid inlets; a high pressure pump for delivering cold liquid to the cold liquid inlet; a boiler for heating liquid and having an outlet for connection to the hot liquid inlet; and a low pressure pump for delivering liquid to the boiler. A pair of motors are connected each to a different pump and are controlled to cause cold or hot fluids to be delivered to the ejector for ejection therefrom separately or together, selectively. Control elements are included for controlling operation of the boiler responsive to flow of liquid to the boiler and to temperature of fluid discharged from the boiler.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus has an exterior housing with a water pipe disposed therein leading from a below ground source of water under pressure to an above ground outlet valve mechanism which can be actuated by an animal to release water directly into the animal's mouth. A longitudinally extending electric heating element disposed within the housing in immediate heat exchange relationship with one side of the water pipe continually supplies heat to the pipe to prevent freezing of the water therein. Thermal insulation surrounds the heating element and pipe. A circuitous passageway, provided within the heated portion of the pipe by means of an open-ended tubular member disposed therein, causes continuous water circulation in the pipe for preventing build-up of heat at the water outlet valve of the watering device.

Abstract: A tubular enclosure for a pipe which provides air-blanket insulation around the pipe, and an electric heater cable in the enclosure running along the underside of horizontal lengths of the pipe, cooperate in a system to prevent condensation of moisture on the pipe, loss of heat from a hot liquid in the pipe, and, with the benefit of convection in the air-blanket, heat around the pipe from the heater cable, to prevent freezing of the liquid.The tubular enclosure has thin walls of substantially uniform thickness which are corrugated in the direction of the tubular longitudinal axis to provide an array of axially spaced circumferential air cells around the pipe. The innermost diameter of the corrugated enclosure walls is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe to provide space between the enclosure and pipe for the heater cable. The corrugations render the enclosure freely flexible transversely to its longitudinal axis for following the pipe around curves.

Abstract: An electrically heated spray nozzle assembly adapted to be mounted upon an automotive vehicle in a position to direct a fluid spray upon the windshield thereof includes a hollow angled pipe having a fluid inlet at one end and a spray nozzle at its other end. The pipe is enclosed in a housing made of heat-insulating thermoplastic material and a pill-shaped PTC heating element is mounted in a downwardly open chamber in the housing below the nozzle. The element is in contiguous heat exchange relationship with the pipe and nozzle and the power supply connections thereto pass through a plastic closure element closing the downwardly open chamber. The housing is circumferentially grooved for releasable engagement with the rim of an opening in the vehicle body. The PTC element has its temperature-resistance curve rising sharply at or about 0.degree. C. with its steepest portion below 50.degree. C.

Abstract: The method of heating the piping system for a HITEC or PARTHERM 290 (trademarks) heat exchange flow system in which this fusible salt is used as the heat exchange fluid throughout a solar electric power plant field. To prevent the fusible salt from freezing in the stainless steel pipes and to heat up the pipes prior to introduction of the molten salt the entire piping system in the field is heated up above the melting temperature of the salt. That is, they are heated to a temperature somewhere above 150.degree. C. and below 500.degree. C. For this purpose, a high current at a very low voltage flows through the piping system and uses the stainless steel pipes themselves as the resistive heating element and dissipates energy within the stainless steel pipes bringing them up to an appropriate temperature.

Abstract: An in-line electric heater for heating fluids, such as paint, moving in a conduit has a thermally conductive massive body in which is formed a fluid passage having an inlet port and a outlet port. An electric heating element in the body directly heats only the upstream portion of the fluid passage and heater body. The downstream portion of the fluid passage and heater body is indirectly heated to a substantially lesser temperature by heat conduction from the upstream portion whereby the downstream portion acts as a "thermal accumulator" which damps the cycling, overshoot and undershoot of the temperature of the fluid at the outlet port of the passage.

Abstract: An energy saving device for use in connection with a heat-insulated storage vessel in a domestic hot-water system is disclosed. When there is no demand for hot water, water contained in the vessel is heated in an electric through-flow heater and circulated by gravity, with the heated water rising into the vessel through an outflow pipe of the vessel and the water to be heated being supplied to the heater from the lower portion of the vessel through a jet pump, a vortex diode and a valve which are connected in series between the through-flow heater and a water inlet pipe to the vessel. As soon as a hot water faucet is opened, water from a supply enters the jet pump, and the jet pump causes water to flow through the water inlet pipe into the lower portion of the vessel. At the same time water of medium temperature from the upper portion of the vessel flows through the heater and is brought to high temperature before flowing to the faucet.

Abstract: A fuel oil supply system for providing fuel oil to a heater in a building includes a storage tank, a gravity feed supply line running from the fuel oil tank to the building, a fuel oil heater in the building receiving the fuel oil from the supply line, and a canister filter connected in the supply line. A means for heating the canister filter includes a heater enclosure defining a filter cavity which is sized to receive the canister filter. The heater enclosure includes a substantial cylindrical lower portion and a substantial cylindrical cap portion which interfit to enclose the filter. The cap portion defines openings for passage of the supply line therethrough and the lower portion and the cap portion are joined by set screws. An electrical heater in the filter cavity comprising a light bulb positioned below the bottom of the filter provides a source of heat to the canister filter. Power is supplied to the light bulb by a power cord including a thermostat.

Abstract: A centralized deicing system includes, in one embodiment, a large fixed location supply tank of deicing fluid which is heated and supplied to a plurality of terminal boxes located at several aircraft loading ramps. The system includes a recirculation loop for preheating the conduits for the deicing fluid by circulating heated deicer fluid through them before application to an aircraft. Each terminal box includes a coupler for receiving ends of a hose employed on a movable vehicle used for deicing an aircraft to also preheat the hose. In one embodiment of the invention, separate tanks of water and glycol are provided, and the terminal box includes a mixing valve which can be remotely controlled by an operator for blending the heated water and glycol in the desired proportion depending on weather conditions.

Abstract: A regulator of air pressure within a hot or cold storage chamber which comprises a damper and frames. The damper is disposed within an opening provided at a wall of the storage chamber defining an air passage, and the frames are airtightly in contact with peripheral surfaces of the opening and the damper at the inside and outside of the storage chamber to close the air passage. The damper and either one of the frames are moveable in the inside or outside direction of the storage chamber in accordance with variations of air pressure within the storage chamber to thereby release the sealing of the air passage and establish pressure equilibrium between the inside and outside of the storage chamber.

Abstract: A spigot for connecting the inlet of a low pressure casting mould to a pipeline connected to an electromagnetic pump for supplying the mould with liquid metal, the spigot being adapted to be clamped against the mould inlet, comprises a supply conduit surrounded by thermally insulating means within an external metal jacket, said conduit including a sleeve at that end to be connected to the mould inlet which is removable from the spigot in the event that metal solidifies in the sleeve, the sleeve being made of thermally insulating refractory material and being held in place, in use, by clamping the spigot to the mould inlet.

Abstract: A domestic dishwasher is provided with a control system having circuitry including timer switch means adapted to insure automatic wash water at a normal set temperature for all cycles with the user having an option to preselect an elevated wash water temperature. During wash periods, power for the heater is provided through timer switch means connected through a first thermostat whereby if the water in the chamber is below its set temperature, the first thermostat will energize a heater to provide auxiliary heat to the wash water. The timer switch means is operative to stop the timer motor until the water is heated to said set temperature. Once the water reaches the minimum set temperature, or if the water supply is initially above said minimum setting the first thermostat will switch, deenergizing the heater.

Abstract: A method for improving the heat transfer between an elongated electric resistance heating element and a pipe on which the heating element is mounted without use of heat transfer cement comprises utilizing a close fitting elongated rigid channel member to directly cover and press into direct contact with the outer surface of the pipe an elongated electric resistance element arranged lengthwise of the pipe. The heating element has a flat pipe contacting surface and comprises parallel resistance wires encased in a resilient electrically insulating sheath. The channel member is coextensive in length with the heating element and is pressed down against the heating element with substantially uniform pressure and contact to ensure that at least about 25% of the heating element is in continuous contact with the surface of the pipe. The channel member and heating element are entirely devoid of heat transfer cement.

Abstract: The installation for heating liquid and gaseous media comprises at least one heating unit which consists of an insulating body whose external surface is coated with a conducting film. The heating unit is made as a combination of variable-section containers interconnected in series. Buses are used for delivering electric voltage to the conducting film.The installation according to the invention increases the efficiency of heating extra-pure liquid and gaseous media three to four times, reduces the consumption of electric power three to four times and requires only a small amount of costly metals for its manufacture.

Abstract: An improvement in a heat-generating pipe made up of a ferromagnetic pipe having an insulated conductor extending through it to a given point so that both the pipe and conductor may be connected in series with a power source of alternating current. The invention is directed to both a method and nonferromagnetic means for reducing the heat output over a desired segment of the pipe by reducing the magnetic field created by the alternating current flowing in the insulated conductor and that segment of the pipe.The nonferromagnetic means comprises a portion of the insulated conductor that is exterior to the ferromagnetic pipe along the segment of reduced heat output so that it is magnetically decoupled from the pipe.

Abstract: An improvement in a heat-generating pipe made up of a ferromagnetic pipe having an insulated conductor extending through it to a given point so that both the pipe and conductor may be connected in series with a power source of alternating current. The invention is directed to both a method and nonferromagnetic means for reducing the heat output over a desired segment of the pipe by reducing the magnetic field created by the alternating current flowing in the insulated conductor and that segment of the pipe.The nonferromagnetic means comprises an electrically nonconductive, nonferromagnetic section of pipe connected in place of the segment of the ferromagnetic pipe and shunted by a second conductor connected at each end of the nonferromagnetic pipe to the ferromagnetic pipe.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for inserting into a bottom unloading valve of a railroad tank car which has been locked in an opened or partially opened position due to liquids solidifying therein. The apparatus is a portable electrical heating unit removably insertable into the valve so as to be in a heat-transmitting relationship within the fluid passage of the valve. The apparatus has a removable flange adaptor which is connected to the heating unit and securable directly to the bottom unloading valve or a fitting connected to the valve. A control means for regulating the heat output of the heating unit is electrically connected to the heating unit. A drain may be provided to allow the liquefied fluid to escape from the valve's fluid passage.

Abstract: A U-shaped heating element is attached to a bracket having an elongated back portion and ear portions joined normal to each end of the back portion. The ear portions extend to the same side of the back portion, and each ear portion has a plurality of perforations formed therethrough and a V-shaped recess formed in the extended free end thereof. The heating element is affixed to the back portion and disposed on the same side of the back as the ear portions. Plastic pipe is received in the V-shaped recesses of the ear portions, and springs hold the bracket to the pipe.

Abstract: The heat output over a segment of a heat generating pipe of the type comprising an elongated ferromagnetic pipe having an insulated conductor extending therethrough up to a given point with both the pipe and the conductor connected in series with a source of alternating current is reduced by making the pipe segment of a non-ferromagnetic material, e.g., aluminum. Dielectric unions can be used to couple the non-ferromagnetic pipe segment into the ferromagnetic pipe, in which case means are provided to electrically bypass the dielectric unions in order to maintain the series circuit through the conductor, ferromagnetic pipe and the non-ferromagnetic segment. Alternatively, the non-ferromagnetic segment can be connected directly is series with the ferromagnetic pipe.

Abstract: A liquid rheostat includes a conductive element which surrounds multiple electrodes. The element provides a multiplicity of current paths between the electrodes at a given depth of electrolyte solution thus decreasing current concentration of the electrodes. In order to further decrease current concentration, cylindrical electrodes are used. In a second embodiment, the liquid rheostat and an electrolyte storage container are disposed so as to surround a fluid transport pipe of a pumping system, the fluid being transported in the pipe serving to cool the electrolyte. The rheostat and storage container combined with the pipe provide a compact arrangement for saving space in a pump installation.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the pressure within a tank to prevent excessive above or below atmospheric pressure conditions, including a pressure responsive valve and a vacuum responsive valve, wherein each valve includes a pallet with seals and blowdown rings of polytetrafluorethylene material, which is commercially marketed under the trademark Teflon. The pressure pallet includes guide means having Teflon parts, while the vacuum responsive valve includes hinge means having coacting Teflon parts. The breather valve includes structure defining a vertically extending vent structure having an opening arranged alongside the tank in which the valve is mounted, which opening is positioned to avoid being sealed by any normal buildup of ice and snow.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus of a type having an inlet pipe connected to a source of water under pressure and an outlet valve which can be actuated by an animal to release water directly into the animal's mouth. A tubular casing is disposed around the water supply pipe. A conduit is disposed along side the water supply pipe within the casing and has a heating element therein for preventing the freezing of the watering apparatus. Still another conduit is disposed within the casing for allowing a power supply cord to be connected to the heating element. The casing being filled with an insulation material such a urethane foam. A baffle structure is provided in the water supply line for causing the water within the water supply line to continually circulate and thereby prevent a buildup of heat in the water which the animals are drinking and furthermore distributing the heat from the heating element along the entire water supply pipe so as to insure that it does not freeze.

Abstract: An electrically heated spray nozzle assembly is mounted upon a vehicle in position to direct a fluid spray onto the windshield thereof. The spray nozzle assembly includes a hollow angled pipe having a fluid inlet at one end and a spray nozzle at its other end. The pipe is enclosed in a housing made of heat insulating thermoplastic material. A PTC heating element is mounted in the housing below the nozzle, contiguous to and in heat exchange with the nozzle and the pipe. The housing is circumferentially grooved for releasable engagement with the rim of an opening in the hood of the vehicle. The PTC heating element has its temperature-resistance curve rising sharply at or about 0.degree. C with its steepest portion below 50.degree. C.

Abstract: The heater has various provisions which severally and in combination improve its life, protect it from overheating and burnout under all operating conditions, and adapt it for shower use with maximum safety. These include a special arrangement with a water pressure responsive switch of a heating unit of the type having a rigid tubular housing so as to effect adequate heating with relatively low current density, provision for confining the heating of said unit to portions thereof which are fully submerged in water during operation, provisions affording air chamber means for accommodating exudations from the heating unit and facilitating operation of the pressure responsive switch, provisions for lockingly enclosing its insulating electrical housing and for encapsulating with the aid of potting compound all electrical elements of the device.

Abstract: An instant hot water dispenser system utilizes the same spout to dispense instant hot water as is used to dispense water from the plumbing system of the building and mixtures thereof. The instant hot water dispenser utilizes a small electrically heated hot water tank located adjacent to the faucet and includes a faucet spout having an inside passage for dispensing instant hot water and an outer passage for dispensing plumbing system water. The outer water passage provides an insulating water jacket surrounding the instant hot water passage to prevent high temperatures of the spout surface and eliminate the possibility of burns to the user. Various valving arrangements are disclosed to dispense through the spout plumbing system water only, instant hot water only, a mixture of instant hot water and plumbing system water, etc.

Abstract: A shut-off cut-off nozzle for a plastic injection machine is constructed to ensure even heating and thereby avoid seizure of moving parts and to provide efficient and reliable mechanism.

Abstract: An electrically heated fluid coupling apparatus having an electrical resistance heating element positioned inside a hollow heating conduit which runs along the side of the fluid conduit, which conduit is connected at its lower end to the fluid source. Positioned opposite the hollow heating conduit along the fluid conduit is a power cable conduit carrying the power cable which connects to the heating element at the top of the apparatus and near the bottom of the apparatus travels away therefrom to be connected to a source of electrical energy. A casing is positioned about the apparatus and thermal insulation fills the area between the casing and the internal components.

Abstract: A compact portable electrically heated steam generator includes an electrical resistance heating element loosely centrally located within a flexible reinforced non-metallic tube through which the liquid to be converted to steam can flow. Grounded metallic inlet and outlet couplings are provided at the ends of the tube and the ends of resistance element is electrically connected thereto. At least one intermediate point of the resistance element is connected to a source of electricity in such manner that electrical current flows across the resistance element to ground so that the liquid flowing through the tube is heated and vaporized. A part of the resistance element is arranged to be under control of a temperature responsive switch having a temperature sensor downstream of the outlet coupling.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for maintaining the pressurized gas source at a desired temperature in an inflatable, vehicle passenger, safety cushion system. The gas source is heated by a heating source such as the engine cooling water, air heated by the exhaust, or electrical energy, for example. A control system enables heating when the temperature of the gas source is below the desired temperature and disables heating when the gas source temperature is above the desired temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating fluids includes a pipe through which the fluid to be heated flows having a ferromagnetic pipe attached in heat-transmitting relationship thereto. An insulated wire extends longitudinally through the ferromagnetic pipe and is electrically connected in series therewith. The secondary windings of a pair of transformers are connected in series with each other and the ferromagnetic pipe by the insulated wire and the primary windings of the transformers are connected to a source of alternating current. A control responsive to the temperature of the fluid in the fluid conveying pipe is provided for regulating the power output to the series connected ferromagnetic pipe and insulated wire by, in alternative embodiments, disconnecting the transformers from the circuit, reversing the polarity of one transformer secondary with respect to the secondary of the other or bypassing one of the transformers.

Abstract: A heat-generating pipe is made up of a ferromagnetic pipe having an electrically insulated wire extending through the pipe to a given point so that the pipe and first wire may be electrically connected in series with an alternating current supply to generate heat in the pipe. A second electrically insulated wire is provided parallel to the first wire in that portion of the pipe wherein increased heat output is desired. The second wire is connected to the alternating current supply and the first and second insulated wires are simultaneously energized. The power supply may comprise separate alternating current sources for energizing each of the first and second wires. Alternatively the second wire can be energized from the secondary of a transformer having its primary in series with the first wire. The first and second insulated wires can comprise a single wire looped back along the heat-increase section to provide two series connected wire segments.

Abstract: When an insulated conductor wire is adjacent to and coextensive with the outside of a steel pipe transporting a fluid and it carries alternating current as one leg of a circuit, with the pipe itself carrying the AC for the return leg, induction and magnetic effects develop which cause the AC flow to concentrate on a band of the surface or "skin" of the pipe close to the wire, thus greatly increasing the resistance of the pipe wall and the heat produced therein. No current is carried in the inner wall of the pipe nor in that part of the outer wall removed from the wire; and there is no current loss to the ground or other surroundings. The insulated conductor wire may be uncovered throughout those portions of its outer surface not directly confronting the pipe by any electrically conductive material which would shield the electromagnetic field generated around the wire in a direction away from the pipe, or it may be covered by a shaped cover of electrical insulation material.

Abstract: A preinsulated pipe assembly and pipeline formed from a plurality of such assemblies. Each pipe assembly includes a pipe with a heater housing mounted thereon to form a cavity along the exterior of the pipe and a preformed insulation layer for insulating the pipe and the heater housing. A connecting assembly is used to join the pipe assemblies and form a pipeline. Pull means detachably connected to a heating element facilitates placement of the heating element in the heater housing cavities, and a pulling assembly attached to the heater element permits removal of the heater element after installation of the pipeline.