Abstract: A "drinking water supply for automobile" comprising a main unit box body, a water take-up rack and a water storage bottle, wherein inside the main unit box body is the installation of an electric heating water tank, a control circuit and a two-way water pump, and inside the electric heating water tank is the installation of an electric heater in connection with the control circuit, a cooler and a water level sensor, said control circuit is in connection with three control switches and a sensor on the water take-up rack; between said electric heating water tank and the water storage bottle is the connection of a ventilating pipe and a water sucking pipe, on the water sucking pipe is the installation of a two-way water pump, on the water sucking pipe is the connection of a water output pipe, the sensor is located at an appropriate place at the outlet of the water output pipe; based on the above construction, the user may preset the control switches for hot water, ice water or untreated water, thereby activating

Abstract: A heating and pressurization system for a liquid-cooled engine having a cooling system is provided. The heating and pressurization system includes a coolant circulation and pressurization system comprising a coolant tank, a coolant pump receiving coolant from the coolant tank through a manifold, a coolant outlet conduit, and a coolant inlet conduit. The coolant outlet conduit and coolant inlet conduit each have an end which has a double dry break quick disconnect coupling which is detachably fixable to the cooling system of the engine and to another double dry break quick disconnect coupling attached to the coolant tank though an access passage. An immersion heater is incorporated into the coolant circulation and pressurization system which is operable to heat coolant circulating therein.

Abstract: A remote and programmable indash defrost/cooling system includes a processing unit coupled to the vehicle's ignition system, heating system, and cooling system. A memory coupled to the processing unit stores a computer readable program which is designed to direct operation of the vehicle's ignition, heating, and cooling systems to allow preprogrammed warming or cooling of the vehicle. The processing unit may also cause the windows of the vehicle to be defrosted and cleaned by starting front and rear defrost systems and then activating the front and/or rear windshield wipers to clear the defrosted ice from the windows.

Abstract: A block heater for the cooling fluid of an engine block has a main body with a surrounding flange at the front face for engaging into an aperture in the block. A clamping element attached to the rear face can be actuated by a screw which is rotated from the front face to pull the clamping element into engagement with the inside surface of the block to cooperate with the flange in a clamping action. The clamping member cooperates with the screw to be pulled forwardly. The rear face of the clamping member has a countersink around the threaded bore therethrough and the screw has a bore in the end face thereof so that a portion of the screw material can be worked into a flange surrounding the end of the screw to engage into the countersink portion. This arrangement prevents reverse rotation of the screw from releasing the clamping member for discharge into the engine compartment.

Abstract: A washerless block heater for automotive engines includes an externally threaded nipple surrounded by a sharp shoulder, which shoulder is provided with a pair of forwardly facing ribs. When the nipple is screwed into an engine block the ribs form a seal with the block wall to resist leakage from the block and to damp the transmission of vibrational forces from the block to the heater body which tend to unscrew the heater from the block.

Abstract: A system in a land vehicle for the delivery of a hot or cold drink. The system includes at least one closed loop for heating or cooling with a circulating heat carrier fluid, and at least one open loop in which a drink is conducted from a reservoir to a dispenser via an indirect heat exchanger that forms part of the closed loop. In one embodiment the system delivers by choice either a hot or a cold drink and it includes two open loops and two closed loops.

Abstract: An engine heater is provided for installation in a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine. The heater includes an electrical resistance heater element and a pump driven by an electric motor to circulate heated fluid through the engine. A thermostatically-controlled switch in thermal contact with the housing may be provided, to shut the device off when the temperature of the device exceeds a predetermined level. The heater may comprise dual resistors housed within a helical sheath that surrounds a direct-current ("DC") pump motor housed within a watertight pump casing. The motor drives an impeller positioned externally to the motor casing. An array of anti-swirl vanes are positioned within the housing extending outwardly from the motor casing adjacent to and downstream of the impeller to guide the flow of fluid and prevent it from rotating with the impeller.

Abstract: A series hybrid engine has an electric traction motor drive of the vehicle wheels and a regenerative braking system that converts the motor to a generator for the output of useful electrical energy, the latter being used either to charge the storage battery for a power source for the traction motor, or if the battery is charged, diverting the regenerative energy to a resistive heater located in the cooling circuit of an independently operated accessory driving ICE; the resistive heater providing heat to the coolant to preheat the ICE prior to engine start-up; or, alternatively, or concurrently to supply heat to the core of a heater for the passenger compartment of the vehicle, or, to store the heat in a heat battery type reservoir for future use.

Abstract: A control unit for operating an auxiliary vehicle heater at cold temperature. The unit can be preprogrammed or manually actuated and includes a plurality of sensors and control outputs for operating the auxiliary heater. The time of operation is based upon sensed ambient temperature. A compartment fan is operated automatically by the control unit to warm the passenger compartment.

Abstract: It is difficult if not impossible to install conventional engine block heaters robotically. The present device includes a cylindrical body with a heater element extending upon one side thereof and operatively connected to terminals on the other side thereof with a sealing o-ring around the body portion for sealing engagement with a cylindrical aperture formed in the engine block wall. A retainer ring surrounds the outer end of the body portion having at least one of standing portion formed thereon with an aperture formed therethrough and a corresponding screw-threaded aperture is formed in the wall of the block to one side of the aperture into which the heater engages.

Abstract: A vehicle preheating system which provides for the preheating of the vehicle interior, as well as other components, is disclosed. The system includes an electrical heating element installed within the water lines of the vehicle and is supplied with electrical power by an external source. The unit containing the electrical heating element may also include a valve which can shut off coolant flow to and from the engine block, thus warming the vehicle interior more quickly. Alternatively, the electrical heating element may be used to preheat the engine as well as the interior as desired, or additional electrical heating elements may be installed in other areas. The standard vehicle heater fan is supplied with electrical power from a transformer and rectifier in the circuit, thus using only external power rather than vehicle battery power.

Abstract: The clamping mechanism for securing in place an electric heating element insertable through a frost plug aperture into the coolant passage in the blocks of a water cooled internal combustion engine includes a screw having a head located on the outside of a removable body member carrying the heating element, which body member is adapted to be inserted into the apertures to sealingly close it against leakage. The inner end of the screw extends freely through an opening formed in a bight portion connecting a pair of opposed side walls of a rigid yoke having a length greater than the largest dimension of the aperture and adapted to engage the inner surface of the block around the aperture and is threaded into a nut loosely captivated within the yoke by the bight portion, side walls and detents extending inwardly from the side walls and overlying the bight portion. The yoke opening is so sized and the detents are so arranged that the rigid yoke may be tilted about the screw to enter the block through the aperture.

Abstract: A pre-heater for internal combustion engines, especially adapted for use in cold climates while a vehicle is being stored, parked, or otherwise idle. The heater has a base member that is adapted to be secured in an opening of the engine block, and an electric heating element carried by the base member and exposed to the interior area of the block so as to be in contact with the coolant thereof. Electric terminals carried by the base member are connected to the heating element to effect energization thereof. An electric cable is also provided, having a plug detachable from the base member. The plug has mating terminals cooperable with the electric terminals of the base member to establish an electrical circuit through the heating element. A heat-responsive sensor device is carried by the plug, and monitors the temperature of the base member and heating element in order to effect an automatic control of the energization of the latter.

Abstract: An electric preheater for an internal combustion engine includes a heater having a metallic base member adapted to be secured to and cover an opening of an engine block and carrying an electric immersion heating element adapted to project through the opening into the coolant passage of the block. The base member has electric terminals for supplying power to the heating element. An electric power supply cable is detachably connected to the terminals by a molded plug having mating connectors embedded in a projecting resilient boss on the plug. A heat sensor, in the form of a thermistor, is embedded in the boss and has an exposed sloping leading surface at the side of the boss to facilitate insertion of the plug into a hollow recess defined by an encircling metallic side wall provided on the base around the heating element terminals.

Abstract: A jacket for maintaining or adding heat to a diesel fuel-type fuel filter as fuel passes through the filter in order to decrease the incidence of congealing and avoid problems associated with condensation. The jacket includes a sleeve of thermally insulative material closely surrounding the fuel filter housing. A mounting ring has a base embedded in the jacket and mounting fingers extended axially from the upper edge of the sleeve. The mounting fingers are bendable over the top wall of the fuel filter element housing. Heating means embedded in the sleeve selectively provide heat to the fuel filter housing for transfer to passing diesel-type fuel.

Abstract: An auxiliary heating system for an internal combustion engine powered vehicle having a coolant system in which the conventional engine coolant pump circulates heated coolant from the engine to a heater radiator for transferring heat from the coolant to the vehicle passenger compartment includes a thermostatically controlled electric heating element and an electric pump located in a branch conduit receiving coolant from the heater radiator. The heating element and electric pump are selectively energizable by the vehicle operator to heat and circulate the engine coolant through a check valve and then through selectively actuated electrically controlled valves which direct it through the heater radiator, the engine or both when the engine is not running. The check valve isolates the heating element and electric pump from normal engine coolant circulation flow when the engine is running. In another embodiment an electrically controlled valve replaces the check valve for the same purpose.

Abstract: A preheater unit magnetically attachable to the surface of the oil pan of an automobile engine includes an electric heating unit and a magnetic device situated within a rectilinear shell having an open side closed by a non-magnetic heat transfer plate. The heating unit is encased in the plate and surrounds the magnetic device. The magnetic device includes a permanent magnet disposed between two magnetic end portions situated to be operative in the same plane as the outer planar surface of the plate through parallel spaced apart openings in the plate for magnetically attaching the preheater unit to the surface of the oil pan. A temperature control switch within the shell maintains the heat transfer plate within predetermined temperature limits.

Abstract: A portable heater for radiantly heating the underbody, particularly the engine oil pan or crankcase, of a motor vehicle to facilitate starting in cold weather includes an elongate wheeled support member horizontally positionable adjacent and under the vehicle by a handle on one end of the support member. A radiant energy generator, such as a conventional infrared lamp or an electric resistance element, is mounted on the support member and oriented to project a beam of radiant energy substantially parallel to and along the longitudinal axis of the support member to a planar reflector on the support member downstream of the generator and disposed at an angle to reflect the beam of radiant energy upwardly to portion of the vehicle underbody desired to be heated.

Abstract: An engine block heater adapted for insertion through an opening in the block wall of an internal combustion engine has a novel arrangement for securing the heater within the opening of the block wall. The heater includes a plug member having a heating element, an adjustable screw and a fastening assembly attached to the screw and extending from one side of the heater into the interior of the engine block. The adjustable screw loosely passes through the plug member for adjusting the position of the fastening assembly. The fastening assembly comprises an elongated flexible bar and a rigid member. The flexible bar has the ends thereof normally biased such that one surface of the bar is flat and the distance between the ends is greater than the diameter of the block aperture. The flexible bar is capable of bending in opposing directions to reduce the distance between its ends and facilitate the insertion of the flexible bar through the block aperture.

Abstract: An engine block heater adapted for insertion through an opening in the block wall of an internal combustion engine has a novel arrangement for securing the heater within the opening of the block wall. The heater includes a plug member having a heating element and an adjustable fastening assembly extending from one side of the heater into the interior of the engine block. The fastening assembly passes through the plug member for adjustment from outside the block. A spiral spring is further included having its center positioned in fixed relation with the fastening assembly. The spring spirals towards the one side of the plug member. Additionally, two wing members are mounted in pivotal relation with the fastening assembly through an intermediate support member threadably mounted on the fastening assembly. The wing members have an inverted V shape with respect to the one side of the plug member when positioned within the spiral so as to facilitate insertion of the plug member into the aperture.

Abstract: An engine block heater adapted for insertion in an opening in the block wall of an automobile engine has a plug member and a novel yoke assembly for securing the heater within the opening. The yoke assembly includes a pair of wing members each having one end thereof abutting the inner face of the heater plug. Each of the wing members is hingedly mounted on and carried by a respective one of the opposite ends of a pressure bar so that each wing member is pivotable about the associated end of the pressure bar and adapted to fulcrum thereon. A screw passes through an axially extending opening in the plug member and is threaded into a tapped opening in the pressure bar. Upon insertion of the heater in the opening in the block wall, the screw is tightened to draw the pressure bar towards the inner face of the heater, thus causing the wing members to pivot about the ends of the pressure bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating liquid in a pipe to prevent freezing of the liquid and for de-icing of frozen pipes includes an elongated housing constructed of plastic material and having a central bore and fittings for detachably coupling each end of the housing to the open end of a liquid pipe so that the central bore connects a first liquid pipe to a second liquid pipe. The fittings each comprise a sleeve attachable to the pipe end, a sealing gasket between the end of the housing and an annular flange on the sleeve, and a threaded coupling nut cooperating with external threads on the housing and having a flange engaging the sleeve flange. The housing includes a lateral passageway intermediate its end communicating with the central bore and closed by a sealer valve having an opening with a normally closed penetrable seal of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A fuel tank is provided with an electric immersion heating element assembly directly immersible in the fuel within the tank and resting on the curved tank bottom. The assembly includes an elongated, cylindrically shaped, solid aluminum heater body having a longitudinally extending cavity in each end thereof closed by a resilient plastic end cap of larger diameter than the body and secured thereto by a snap fit rib and groove connection. One of the cavities has an inward axial extension in which is received an electric heating element with one end of the heating element electrically connected to the body at the inner end of the extension. An adjustable thermostatic switch is located in the other cavity and is electrically connected in series with the other end of the heating element and with one wire of a flexible power supply conduit extending in sealed relation through the end cap closing the other cavity.

Abstract: A stand-by heating/power supply system for an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance, has an auxiliary electric heater and pump connected in the conventional heater coolant line adjacent the upstream side of the rear heat exchanger normally employed in such a vehicle. A control unit is connected to supply operating power to this heater and pump and also to operate the heater fan independently of the standard fan control provided in the vehicle. The control unit, in turn, is supplied with operating power upon connection with a conventional residential alternating current power source and includes timer circuits and electronic switches to delay the turning on of the heater pump unit and the fan and other auxiliary electrical power supplies for a predetermined time period after the connection with the alternating power source is made. The time delays for turning on different ones of the utilization devices within the vehicle also is varied, so that no sudden power surge takes place.

Abstract: A diesel fuel tank has an opening in the top wall through which an electric immersion heater assembly is inserted into the tank to heat the contents thereof. The immersion heater assembly includes an outer tubular member arranged vertically in the tank and having an open upper end sealingly secured in the tank opening and a closed lower end near the bottom of the tank. An inner tubular member of slightly smaller diameter than the outer member and of a length coextensive with a major portion of the length of the outer member is removably inserted into the outer member through the open end thereof. A double filament DC light bulb mounted on the lower end of the inner member serves as an electric heating element located in the lower portion of the outer member. Air heated by the light bulb flows upwardly by convection into the narrow circumferential space between the inner and outer members thereby assuring that the entire length of the outer member in contact with the diesel fuel in the tank is heated.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for mounting a heating element to an opening in an engine block. The coupling assembly includes a guide member which prevents a blow-out of the coupling assembly from the engine block opening when high pressure is exerted against the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes an in-line arrangement of an outer clamping ring, a retainer ring, an O-ring seal, and an inner guide sleeve which are concentrically mounted to a threaded clamping sleeve having fixed at one end an electric heating element sized and shaped for insertion into the engine block through the opening. The O-ring seal and retainer ring are mounted onto the outer periphery of a first annular portion of the guide sleeve and a clamping nut on the threaded sleeve presses the clamping ring and retainer ring against the O-ring to compress the O-ring into sealing engagement with the walls of the opening.

Abstract: A frost plug immersion heater has improved clamping structure which comprises a clamp element having a base engageable against the inner end of the heater body and a pair of channel-shaped clamping arms narrower than the base extending in splayed relation from opposite sides of the base, with the free ends of the arms initially close enough together so that the heater can be installed straight into a cylinder block core plug hole. A T-shape bolt has a cross arm bar-shaped head which has opposite ends engaging in the arm channels and spreads the clamp arms when a nut threaded on the outer end portion of the bolt shank is tightened against the outer end of the heater body. The cross arm head has a thickened crown area of maximum mass providing a maximum strength portion aligned with the shank of the bolt and the top of the cross arm tapers with diminished mass toward the opposite ends thereof to provide a truss-like reinfocement for the head when force is applied through the bolt shank as the nut is tightened.

Abstract: An automobile engine coolant heater for connection to hoses of the engine coolant systems has a elongated cylindrical jacket portion defining a coolant flow path from an inlet at one end to an outlet at the other end. A metal sheathed heating element is located within the flow path and includes elongated heat generating leg portions. A thermostat for regulating operation of the heating element is mounted in heat conductive relationship on a flattened exterior portion of the jacket. An elongated, open ended metallic heat transfer tube provides a thermal bridge between the heating element leg portions and the interior surface of the flattened portion of the jacket. The heat transfer tube and heating element legs are in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the jacket to minimize flow resistance through the flow path. The heat transfer tube is brazed to the leg portions and to the flattened portion.

Abstract: An automobile engine jacket heater includes a body member having a metal sheathed heating element projecting from the reverse face thereof. An expandable yoke assembly is provided on the reverse face of the body member for securing the heater in an aperture of the engine jacket. The yoke assembly includes a plurality of outwardly divergent wing members and a clamp member movable toward and away from the reverse face of the body member by a single screw operable from the obverse face of the body member for spreading the wing members into engagement with the interior surfaces of the engine jacket after the heater is inserted into the jacket aperture. The screw is loosely journaled in an aperture in the body member of larger diameter than that of the screw threads whereby the screw can be canted to an angle of at least 10 to 15 degrees relative to the face of the body member. The wing members are separately formed and have an enlarged aperture at their inner end through which the screw passes.

Abstract: A cylindrical valve body is secured within the body of the heater and includes a venturi inlet to reduce flow restrictions through the valve. A flexible flap valve spans the inner bore of the body at approximately 45.degree. so that it only has to be moved through 45.degree. to be fully opened or fully closed, and secured so that gravity aids in the seating of the flap valve in the closed position. A strip type retainer engages grooves in the side walls of a slot at the top of the body and engages the upper part of the flap valve and holds it in position when the valve assembly is incorporated in the heater and a projecting lug from the valve body engages an aperture in the heater body to position the valve assembly correctly relative to the heater assembly.

Abstract: An electric tank heater for heating the engine coolant system of an automotive vehicle comprises a tubular tank shell having an open end in which is secured an annulus having a U-shaped wall. The outer leg of the annulus is circumferentially secured and sealed the shell. The inner leg extends inwardly through the end of the shell and is spaced from the inner surface thereof. A removable closure plug member from which an electric immersion heating element depends for projection into the shell is inserted into the annulus and seals against the inner leg thereof with an O-ring seal. The closure plug member is retained in place by a yoke engaging the edge of inner leg.

Abstract: A reservoir has an electrical heating element therein connectable to a power line and the reservoir is connected in series with a coolant carrying hose which in turn is connected to the coolant system of an automobile engine or the like. The reservoir is provided with an inlet connection and an outlet connection both situated adjacent the upper side of the reservoir. The inlet connection has a one-way valve allowing coolant in only, and includes a ball which has a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of the coolant so that the ball floats in the coolant and closes off the inlet connection when the coolant level is adjacent the upper side of the reservoir. The outlet connection has a one-way valve allowing coolant out only and includes a ball which has a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of the coolant so that the ball normally engages the valve seat and is only displaced if and when the pressure of the coolant and/or the air in the air space above the coolant level increases.

Abstract: An engine preheater of the lower radiator hose type includes a housing that is adapted to be connected to a radiator hose and which has a passage extending therethrough for passage of coolant through the heater. An electric heating element is housed by the housing and is at least partly embedded therein. It supplies heat to coolant in the passage. A thermostat is located in heat transfer relationship with the housing and is separated from the heating element by a part of the housing which is heat conductive. The thermostat is responsive to the temperature of the heating element for interrupting the supply of power thereto when the temperature sets by the thermostat exceeds a predetermined upper limit. A plug is adapted to be electrically connected to the heating element, and the thermostat is incorporated in this plug.

Abstract: A preheater unit magnetically attachable to the surface of the oil pan of an automobile engine includes an electric heating unit and a magnetic device situated within a rectilinear shell having an open side closed by a non-magnetic heat transfer plate. The heating unit is encased in the plate and surrounds the magnetic device. The magnetic device includes a permanent magnet disposed between two magnetic end portions situated to be operative in the same plane as the outer planar surface of the plate through parallel spaced apart openings in the plate for magnetically attaching the preheater unit to the surface of the oil pan. A temperature control switch within the shell maintains the heat transfer plate within predetermined temperature limits.