Abstract: A liquid filled cooling fin generally comprising two, roughly rectangular, opposing fin walls separated by a relatively thin liquid space or chamber. The opposing walls are sealed at both ends along the depth of the fin and at one of the two edges along the height of the fin. The second, open edge of the fin is attached along the height of the fin in a liquid tight seal to a tank in which a transformer or other heat generating device to be cooled is submerged in a cooling fluid. The tank is provided with holes or other fluid passages so that cooling fluid can circulate between the tank and the fin. Cooling fluid is heated in the tank by the transformer and flows from the tank to the cooling fins, where it is then cooled by transferring heat through the fin walls to ambient air. The cooled cooling fluid then circulates back to the tank, completing a circulation pattern which is continuously repeated in operation.

Abstract: In a refrigerant condenser including a super-cooling portion, the super cooling portion is located in the upper position of a core portion. Thus, when a vehicle engine idles, and high temperature cooling air having passed through the refrigerant condenser and the vehicle radiator is lead to the air upstream side of the condenser through the lower portion of the condenser, because the super-cooling portion is located at the upper position of the core portion, the super-cooling portion is not influenced by the high temperature air.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus is constructed by connecting a sight glass via a refrigerant pipe at a downstream side of a supercooling unit of an integrated type condenser-receiver. A required capacity VR of a receiver is obtained by subtracting a required capacity V3 for making the sight glass bubble-free from a total of a refrigerant fluctuation buffer amount V1 for accounting differences in the operating conditions of the refrigeration cycle, and an extra capacity to account for leakage of refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, even when the capacity of receiver is reduced by the required capacity V3 for making the sight glass bubble free, gaseous refrigerant containing bubbles flowing from the receiver are all liquified at the supercooling unit and gaseous refrigerant will never reach the sight glass as long as the refrigeration cycle is filled with the sufficient quantity of refrigerant.

Abstract: A second header pipe forming a second header of a refrigerant condenser and a receiver are joined by brazing. In a portion where the second header pipe and receiver are communicated, four ribs provided at a perimeter of a communication hole of the second header pipe are inserted within a communication hole of the receiver, and thereafter ribs are bent in an outer direction of the hole, and the second header and the receiver are provisionally joined at the communication-hole portion prior to brazing. Additionally, after a projection provided on an upper-side cap of the receiver has been inserted into an insertion hole provided in the second header pipe, an end portion thereof is widened outwardly, and the second header pipe and receiver are provisionally joined prior to brazing. In this way, both ends of the receiver are provisionally joined to the second header pipe prior to brazing, and so the second header and the receiver do not slip during brazing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cold-hot storage box which can be used as a constant temperature box, a refrigerator for household use, or a freezer, and to a manufacturing method therefor. The cold-hot box of the present invention being characterized by the provision of an insulating container comprising a space of a double walled container made from an inner container and an outer container, enclosing at least one gas having low thermal conductivity selected from the group consisting of xenon, krypton, and argon.

Abstract: A power fluid heating system according to this invention includes a heating apparatus positioned within a power fluid container having a first power fluid pickup conduit, a second power fluid pickup conduit positioned within the first power fluid pickup conduit, and a heat exchanger for directly heating both the power fluid in the container and the power fluid in the first and second pickup conduits. The power fluid heating system also includes a water separating device. The water separating device includes a power fluid reservoir and a heat exchanger inside the reservoir. The power fluid heating system also includes a heat exchanger having heat exchange fluid medium passages for the flow of a heatable fluid through the passages so that the heated power fluid exiting the water separating device provides heat transfer to the heatable fluid.

Abstract: A receiver is joined integrally to a header or a condenser at the flat portions formed at joined surfaces thereof. A flat portion is formed by pressing on a portion (central portion) of a tank plate of a header which has a longer vertical length than a receiver. A rib is formed to extend in the lengthwise direction of the flat portion, and excess material at the time of pressing is absorbed by forming the rib, so that wrinkling does not occur.

Abstract: The module integrated type refrigerant condenser includes a roughly cylindrical right side header connected to the outlets of a plurality of condensing tubes and the inlets of a plurality of supercooling tubes, and a modulator directly connected to the right side header in the width direction of the core. By providing a partition part for dividing the second inner space into two gas-liquid separation chambers, the modulator is formed into a shape as if two roughly cylindrical pipe bodies were stacked up in the thickness direction of the core, and the width thereof is made shorter in comparison with a simple, cylindrical modulator.

Abstract: In a condenser for a vehicle air-conditioning system having a pipe-rib block (10) provided on both sides with collecting pipes (13, 14) which are divided by means of partitions (17, 18) into an upper condensing portion for gaseous refrigerant and a lower supercooling portion for liquid refrigerant, there is disposed parallel to a collecting pipe (14) a collector (23), which is connected by a first connecting opening (24) to the condensing portion and by a second connecting opening (25) to the supercooling portion.

Abstract: An evaporator of the plate-fin construction has attached a formed housing which together with the evaporator end plate comprises a suction accumulator. A liquid conduit passes through the accumulator and induces fluid from the accumulator into the evaporator via a venturi located in the conduit. A tube inserted into one tank of the evaporator is in direct connection to the accumulator and increases storage capacity of the accumulator. A field removable filter-drier assembly is installed in the exit tank or compartment of the evaporator. A baffle is located in the accumulator section and separates liquid from gas and allows mostly gas with entrained oil to flow to the compressor. A secondary flow path which opens under low charge conditions aids in oil return to the compressor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a condenser for a refrigeration circuit through which a refrigerating fluid passes. The condenser comprises an array of tubes mounted between two header tanks and a reservoir connected to the condenser, the array comprising an upstream part for condensing the refrigerating fluid, and a downstream part for supercooling the condensed refrigerating fluid, all the condensed refrigerating fluid coming from the upstream part of the array being introduced into the downstream part, and the reservoir being connected to the outlet of the downstream part. The invention is particularly applicable to air-conditioning installations for automobiles.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a long, thin-shelled heat transfer tube closed at one end and secured at the other end to a manifold collar which has an exhaust tube extending from the center thereof and a manifold housing extending from the collar side opposite that from which the heat transfer tube extends. A plurality of longitudinally extending distributor tubes extend from the heat transfer tube through the collar in fluid communication with a sealed manifold chamber and a plurality of orifices spaced at longitudinal increments along the length of each distributor tube permits the wind mass in the manifold chamber to exit the orifices as high speed, free-standing gas jets for impingement against the interior of the heat transfer tube so that the heat transfer tube acts either as a heat source or as a heat sink.

Abstract: A heat exchanger element for exchanging heat between a fluid circulating in the element and a phase-change medium in a reservoir housing the element is formed of a plurality of spiral coils of flexible tubing disposed horizontally, one above the other, in a vertical stack. One end of each spiral coil is in communication with an inlet manifold and the opposite end is in communication with an outlet manifold. Preferably, the manifolds are disposed vertically, extending the height of the stack and side-by-side. Preferably, the manifolds are adjacent the outer periphery of the vertical stack of spiral coils. The spiral coils of the stack are wound alternatively clockwise and counterclockwise from a first radially outermost turn to a last radially innermost turn and arranged in pairs, one above the other. One spiral coil of each pair has the first radially outermost turn connected directly to the inlet manifold and the last radially innermost turn connected directly to the outlet manifold.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a power fluid comprising a temperature responsive mechanical manifold which automatically bypasses a heating or cooling heat exchange medium from flow into a heat exchange conduit in a reservoir tank and around a power fluid intake conduit. Improved heat rise within the power fluid intake conduit is accomplished by a baffle assembly. The bypassing of heat exchange medium from the heat exchange conduit is controlled by the fuel temperature sensed proximate the outlet end of the power fluid intake conduit.

Abstract: A storage tank for water heaters and the like having a vertical, cylindrical tank, with a curved top wall, means for heating water within the tank, a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet at the top includes an inlet dip tube with means for transferring heat from the upper portion of the tank to the lower portion of the tank. The dip tube has a relatively large surface area to effect increased heat transfer between incoming water and heated tank water.

Abstract: A fuel heater formed form an elongated structure which defines a fuel channel passing through the length thereof and which defines in the bottom thereof a fuel intake. The unitary structure also defines a heating fluid inlet and outlet on one side of the fuel channel which communicate with one another on that one side of the fuel channel and fuel measurement means. The fuel measurement means is fit to a conduit formed in the elongated structure. The fuel measurement means can be a capacitive-type level sensor.

Abstract: A refrigerant receiver of elongated pipe 4 shape arranged in front of a refrigerant condenser 3. The receiver is of a dimension matched to that of the condenser, and has an inlet 34 for connection with the condenser section 13 and an outlet 38 for connection with a supercooler section 14. The receiver has inclined pipe portions 35 and 37 having inclinations to the horizontal direction, between which a bent portion 36 is arranged. No bubble is created in the refrigerant in the receiver irrespective of large values of the inclination of the receiver, thereby allowing only the liquid phase refrigerant to flow into the supercooler 14 from the outlet of the receiver 4.

Abstract: The heat exchanger is made up of a shell having a coaxial tubular outer and inner wall with end plates attached thereto to enclose a tubular shell cavity provided with an inlet and outlet for a first fluid. Within the shell cavity is a spiral coil of tubing through which flows a second fluid. The coil is wound helically about the axis of the shell and sized to fit the inner and outer walls with limited radial clearance. The coils are axially spaced from one another to define a spiral flow path within the shell cavity for the fluids to first flow. The radial and axial clearance establish a spiral flow path and an axial flow path which are relatively sized to cause the first fluid to travel in a spiral motion, thereby enhancing heat transfer between the first and second fluids. Also, an enclosed central receiver, include communication with the shell cavity, may be formed within the inner tubular wall which serves as a fluid accumulator or reservoir.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a refrigeration circuit for condensing gaseous refrigerant and incorporating an integral refrigerant subcooler. The heat exchanger utilizes an oversized header communicating with the heat exchanger coils of sufficient volume to serve as a reservoir for condensed refrigerant eliminating the need for a separate receiver receptacle. Refrigerant subcooling occurs at the lower region of the receiver whereby the subcooler is automatically provided with liquified refrigerant from the condensing portion of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for recovering high-pressure CFC refrigerants in vapor form includes a removable tank for receiving and storing the liquefied refrigerant to be recovered and two refrigeration circuits. The first refrigerant circuit processes the refrigerant to be recovered and includes a compressor and a condenser. The removable tank acts as the evaporator of the first refrigeration circuit. The second refrigeration circuit is included to cool both the condenser of the first refrigeration circuit and the removable tank. This second refrigeration circuit includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, and contains a second refrigerant physically isolated from the refrigerant to be recovered. Both the condenser of the first refrigeration circuit and the evaporator of the second refrigeration circuit are preferably coil shaped, with the condenser coil preferably coaxially arranged within the evaporator coil.

Abstract: A new and improved portable, immersible heat exchanger apparatus is provided for immersion into a quantity of material that is to cooled or heated. The apparatus includes a continuous copper tube assembly which is comprised of a straight, horizontal handle portion, a helically coiled immersion portion, and a vertically oriented, hook-shaped hanger portion. The top end of the immersion portion is connected to the handle portion; and the bottom end of the immersion portion is connected to the hanger portion. In use, the immersion portion is immersed in the material that is to undergo heat exchange. Tap water from a faucet is passed through the tube assembly to serve as a medium for heat exchange. The water enters the tube assembly at the handle portion, runs through the handle portion, the immersion portion, and the hanger portion, and exits from the end of the hanger portion. A flexible hose connects the handle portion to the water faucet.

Abstract: Formaldehyde and similar biocides are transported in a gelled, semi-solid or solid state by providing formaldehyde in a concentration in methanol of about fifty-five percent (55%) to eighty-five percent (85%) by weight, loading the solution in rail cars or truck transport tanks in a liquid state and cooling the solution to a gelled, semi-solid or solid state for transport to a destination followed by reheating the solution and/or mixing with a solvent for discharge to an application such as the produced water flowstreams from Alaskan North Slope oil fields, for example.

Abstract: A heat exchange humidifier for generation of steam-to-steam or fluid-to-steam humidity may include at least one steam tube in a heat exchanger array which may be coated with a non-stick surface such as tetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON.RTM.) coating or the like, to prevent the build-up of minerals. The steam tubes in the heat exchanger array are in a substantially layered configuration, each layer being offset and below the preceding upper layer, or in helical configuration. This organization of the tubes in the heat exchanger array maximizes convection currents in a fluid surrounding the steam tubes to minimize dead water films and maximize heat transfer from the steam or fluid inside of the tubes to the surrounding water, resulting in an overall increase in boil-off capacity for adding humidity to the air.

Abstract: Safety equipment is disclosed comprising a three-phase heat pipe for the protection of apparatus from exceeding maximum or minimum safe working temperatures. The heat pipe has a working fluid selected so that it will not function below the desired temperature. A working fluid which has a melting point slightly above the minimum safe temperature of the equipment to be protected is preferred for protecting equipment from exceeding its minimum safe working temperature. This heat pipe may be used to cool an apparatus to a temperature where the heat pipe automatically stops functioning and keeps an apparatus from exceeding its minimum design temperature. A working fluid which has a melting point slightly below the maximum safe temperature is preferred to keep equipment from exceeding its maximum safe working temperature. This heat pipe will be inactive at normal operating temperatures but will release excess heat to cooler surroundings before safe working temperatures are exceeded.

Abstract: A receiver tank includes a container extending vertically along one of two spaced opposed header pipes of a condenser, a guide pipe extending from a lower end of the one header pipe into the internal space in the container and further extending upwardly within the container, the guide pipe having a number of perforations at an upper portion thereof for guiding a refrigerant into the container, and a refrigerant outlet pipe connected at a lower end portion of the container for discharging the refrigerant from the container. The guide pipe is inserted into the container from the bottom end thereof and guides the refrigerant from the condenser into an upper part of the container. The receiver tank having such guide pipe and container is easy to assembly. The refrigerant flows out from perforations formed at the upper portion of the guide pipe and then falls down toward the bottom of the receiver tank so that a vapor-liquid separation process can be performed efficiently.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a conduit formed by two elongated channel forming sheets bound and sealed together along facing flat edges by encapsulating plastic extending around the edges of the sheets and extending through matching openings in the flat sheet edges. The encapsulation is preferably carried out as part of the reaction injection molding of a container, with the heat exchanger encapsulated in a wall of the container.

Abstract: A method for heating fuel by a fuel heater formed from an elongated unitary structure which defines a fuel channel passing through the length thereof and which defines in the bottom thereof a fuel intake. The unitary structure also defines a heating fluid inlet and outlet on one side of the fuel channel which communicate with one another on that one side of the fuel channel.

Abstract: A precooked-food warmer for baby and diet food which is contained in an openable, rigid container comprises a housing that can be fixed to the container and in which is located an electrical heating unit. The unit is equipped with connectors such that energy is supplied to the unit and with a heat-conducting means to transfer heat from the heating unit to liquid or semi-liquid food in the container. A transfer member of a rigid heat-conducting material that is immersible in the food and is detachable from the heating unit is also provided. Preferably, the transfer member defines at least one sword-like section of large surface area that is immersible in the food.

Abstract: A fuel heater formed from an elongated unitary structure which defines a fuel channel passing through the length thereof and which defines in the bottom thereof a fuel intake. The unitary structure also defines a heating fluid inlet and outlet on one side of the fuel channel which communicate with one another on that one side of the fuel channel.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for oil from a machine, and particularly from the main spindle system of a machine tool comprises a heat pipe having a heat absorbing portion which is immersed in an oil tank and a heat dissipating portion which is disposed outside the oil tank. An oil guide surrounds the heat absorbing portion and guides hot oil from the machine tool past the heat absorbing portion. A working fluid sealed inside the heat pipe cools the hot oil by evaporation and dissipates the heat to the surrounding air. An oil weir may be disposed at one end of the oil guide so as to maintain an adequate level of oil in the oil guide when the oil level in the oil tank is below the bottom of the heat pipe.

Abstract: A system for controlling the heating of diesel fuel in a fuel tank of a diesel engine system to prevent diesel engine control electronics damage. The system is operable to bypass heat exchange medium flow at predetermined temperature ranges to prevent further heating of diesel fuel in a diesel fuel reservoir tank by the heat exchange medium. More particularly, this mechanically operated system permits identical temperature control means for controlling various temperatures of hydraulic oil in hydraulic oil reservoir tanks. The system may also be utilized to facilitate flow of a heat exchange medium which cools fluid in either diesel fuel or hydraulic oil reservoir tanks.

Abstract: A tank for heating deicing fluid in a mobile aircraft deicer comprises a submerged heat exchanger coil through which heating fluid passes. Propellers near the heat exchanger circulate the bulk of deicing fluid while it is being heated to help distribute the heat. Pivoting shutters isolate an area beneath the heat exchanger from the bulk of deicer fluid and from which deicing fluid is withdrawn by a pump. This allows the bulk of deicer fluid to be further heated in a "last-pass" before being discharged upon the aircraft. A method of heating deicing fluid using this apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A warm gas accumulator system 10 suitable for use in guidance vane-actuator systems of missiles comprising a tank 12 containing a supply of Tridyne gas, which tank 12 includes an internally mounted catalytic bed 26 and an internally mounted heat exchanger 18. A portion of the flow of Tridyne gas being discharged from the tank is first directed through the catalytic bed 26 and heat exchanger 18 for purposes of generating and transferring heat to the remainder of the contained Tridyne gas. Upon completing its circuit, the diverted portion of the flow is then mixed with the undiverted portion of the flow prior to discharge from the tank for pusposes of improving the volumetric flow rate of warm gas accumulator system 10.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat for pivotal movement relative to the transom about a generally vertical steering axis, and about a generally horizontal tilt axis, the propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, an engine drivingly connected to the propeller, and a wall at least partially defining a cooling water jacket and having therein an opening communicating with the water jacket, and a fluid cooler extending through the opening and including a portion extending internally of the water jacket and having therein a fluid passage adapted to communicate with a source of fluid to be cooled in the fluid cooler.

Abstract: In order to provide for a quick heating up of water in a container independently of its volume, a heat exchanger device comprises a container having a water inlet in a bottom section and a water outlet in an upper section as well as a heat transfer tube menas for conducting a heating fluid through said container. The heat transfer tube menas enter said container in said upper section and extend to a lower section so as to heat up the water in the upper section first.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering viscous fluid such as asphalt, which utilizes an elongated insulated buoyant housing with an elongated heating element disposed therein. The heating element extends through the elongated housing and out at an open end thereof to heat the viscous fluid. A pump located at a second end of the elongated housing is utilized to draw the heated viscous fluid through the housing. The insulated nature of the housing concentrates the output of the heating element into the fluid within the housing and prevents heat loss.

Abstract: This indirectly heated potable water tank makes available an appliance meeting all the requirements for safe potable water and gives the consumer a device with a high continuous output of hot water, even when demand is high. The improved device contains the following improvements:(1) vented double sided metal sheet heat exchangers which result in a significant increase in the temperature of the water,(2) vented heat exhanger tubes as a further means to heat the water,(3) a corrugated metal heat exhange sheet in the vent space to transfer heat through its surface to the water, and(4) a vented potable water temporary storage reservoir where the heated reservoir walls additionally heat the stored water.

Abstract: A valve attachment flange comprising the lading outlet for a railway tank car is placed in an insulative space between a heat element, heated fluid medium carrying heat ducts and the bottom of the car. The outlet is surrounded by a heat chamber in fluid flow communication with the heat ducts of the heat elements whereby the heat chamber surrounding the outlet is efficiently heated simultaneous with the heating of the lading by the heat element to promote flow of lading from the tank. This arrangement promotes fast efficient heating of the lading on top of and adjacent the valve and enables a valve attached to the recessed attachment flange to extend downwardly from the bottom of the car a lesser amount than conventionally mounted valves.

Abstract: A heated tank such as in a railroad tank car has a heat exchanger spaced from the bottom of the car to define a dead air space to insulate the heat exchanger from the bottom. The heat exchanger extends substantially longitudinally and transversely across the entire bottom of the car to provide a large heating transfer surface to the lading supported by the exchanger. A portion of the exchanger substantially encompasses a discharge valve of the tank car to provide heat transfer to the valve during unloading. The heat exchanger slopes toward the discharge valve to facilitate total removal of the lading. An inlet and an outlet associated with the heat exchanger are disposed adjacent the discharge valve for additional transfer of heat to the discharge valve. Baffles in the heat exchanger define a plurality of serpentine passages for conducting a heating medium.

Abstract: Induction device fitted inside a tank for drawing in fluids such as liquid fuels.Said device comprises an enclosure resting on a tray, said enclosure being provided at its base with vertical directional slots communicating with the tank, and at its upper part with a member adapted to connect the enclosure with the tank, and said enclosure containing, on the one hand, an induction pipe with an end portion which is bent towards the upper part of the enclosure and comprising a series of orifices distributed over its length, and on the other hand, a fluid return pipe ensuring the warming up of the enclosure.The invention is used to help drawing certain fuels into a tank.

Abstract: A portable appliance for quick chilling and heating of fluids, such as beverages, without dilution. The appliance comprises a pour-through, gravity operated heat exchanger, an intake reservoir connected to its upper end, and a discharge tap connected to its lower end. It operates without application of electric or mechanical power, and may be used both indoors or in the field.

Abstract: Heavy hydrocarbon oil having a pour point higher at least than the environmental temperature is loaded into a storage vessel in a state heated up to a temperature above its pour point and is cooled down to a temperature below the pour point to be stored in a solidified form in the vessel. In unloading the heavy hydrocarbon oil stored in the solidified form in the vessel, the upper portion of the oil in the vessel is heated up to a temperature above its pour point, and the successively fluidized oil portions are pumped out of the vessel.

Abstract: A heat exchanger wherein an insulating upright jacket contains a body of relatively cold liquid and spacedly surrounds a hollow upright hollow cylindrical heat conducting body which, in turn, spacedly surrounds a helical heating body confining a flowing heating medium. The upper and lower ends of the heat conducting body are open so that cold liquid can enter the heat conducting body from below to exchange heat with the medium in the helical heating body, to thereby rise in the heat conducting body, and to issue at the upper end of the heat conducting body. The upper end of the heat conducting body has a flow restrictor which defines an outlet opening for the heated liquid. An electric heater can be installed in the jacket to heat the liquid when the supply of warmer medium is insufficient.

Abstract: In abstract, a preferred embodiment of this invention is a heat storage tank particularly adapted for use in conjunction with solar energy systems. The tank is insulated about its entire exterior with control means being mounted in a special compartment within the tank. The heat generated by the controls is thus put to useful purposes rather than being dissipated into the ambient air. Also, a unique venting system is provided so that atmospheric pressure can be maintained within the tank without loss of the fluid therein due to evaporation.

Abstract: The present invention is a heat transfer apparatus adapted for installation in a mobile liquid container such as a railroad tank car. The apparatus includes inlet and outlet ports at opposite ends of a continuous finned pipe. The continuous finned pipe extends within the container to provide a surface for conductive heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid flowing through the pipe to the contents of the container.The continuous finned pipe is provided with shock absorbers and flexible loop portions to prevent damage to the apparatus from inertial shocks to the container. A preferred embodiment is designed particularly for use in railroad tank cars adapted to carry molten sulfur. The apparatus is used to remelt the sulfur, which has solidified in transit, for unloading. The present invention accomplishes this purpose in a shorter time period, more economically and with lower construction and maintenance expense than prior art apparati.

Abstract: A portable appliance for quick chilling and heating of fluids, such as beverages, without dilution. The appliance comprises a pour-through, gravity operated heat exchanger, an intake reservoir connected to its upper end, and a discharge tap connected to its lower end. It operates without application of electric or mechanical power, and may be used both indoors or in the field.

Abstract: The invention is an improved apparatus for the removal of sodium carbonate from cyanide plating baths. The method involves the precipitation of sodium carbonate by the effect of cooling the cyanide plating bath liquid. A container is submerged in the solution with the container opening extending above the plating bath solution level. The container is filled with dry ice and water which produces a temperature of approximately zero degrees centigrade inside of the container. The solution adjacent to the exterior of the container is cooled so that excess sodium carbonate is precipitated as a crystalline deposit. After a desired interval, the container is removed with the encrustation of sodium carbonate for disposal.

Abstract: A domestic electric water heater includes inner and outer water heating compartments in thermal communication with each other and arranged for free thermal circulation of water therebetween. First and second electric heating elements, individually controlled at different temperatures by separate thermostats responsive to the temperature of the water in the outer compartment, are provided in the inner compartment for directly heating the water therein. First and second groups of water preheating pipe windings, connected in series, are located at the lower and upper portions, respectively, of the outer compartment in heat exchange with the water therein.

Abstract: A building element which inhibits the change of the interior temperature of a building beyond prescribed limits approximating room temperature. A rigid porous matrix structure is provided in thermal communication with the building interior. A store of phase change material impregnates the matrix structure. The phase change material has a melting point within the temperature limits so that the material melts when the interior temperature of the building exceeds the temperature limits. Melting of the material absorbs heat and reduces the interior temperature of the building, until the material is entirely melted. Conversely, the material freezes when the interior temperature of the building falls below the temperature limits to release heat and increase the interior temperature until the stored material is entirely frozen. The store of phase change material is sealed within the matrix structure so that the material undergoes repeated changes in phase between liquid and solid.

Abstract: A novel heat transfer element which permits simple, low-cost conversion of energy inefficient electrically heated water heaters to energy efficient potable-water storage tanks for storing water heated by energy-efficient gas-fired water heating systems.