Housing, Casing, Or Support Insertable Into Material Or Space To Be Heated (e.g., Immersion Type) Patents (Class 219/523)
  • Patent number: 7692122
    Abstract: A ceramic heat conductor support disc for supporting an electrical heating element for electrically heated furnace installations. The support disc has a center aperture lying parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating element, and one or more apertures located between the center aperture and the periphery of the disc. The disc is provided with one or more elongated openings running from the periphery to one of the apertures or to the center aperture, wherein each elongated opening penetrates the entire thickness of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventors: Thomas Lewin, Anke Krönert, Sune Linden
  • Patent number: 7629558
    Abstract: A method for controlling a coefficient of friction between an object and ice includes steps of (1) pulsing power to an interface between the object and the ice to melt an interfacial layer of ice at the interface and decrease the coefficient of friction, (2) facilitating refreezing of the interfacial ice at the interface to increase the coefficient of friction; and (3) repeating steps (1) and (2) to control an average coefficient of friction between the object and the ice. A slider having a surface intended to interface with ice or snow includes a power supply for generating power. The slider also has a heating element that converts power to heat at the surface, the heat being sufficient to melt interfacial ice at the interface, and a controller for controlling delivery of power to the heating element to control friction between the slider and the ice or snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventor: Victor Petrenko
  • Patent number: 7592572
    Abstract: A cartridge heater, especially a compressed cartridge heater (1) has at least one heating coil (8, 9), which is arranged exposed in a metallic tubular body (2) and is embedded in a granulated insulating material. The ends of heating coil portions (8, 9) are provided with terminals (7) projecting from the tubular body (2). To make it possible to manufacture such a cartridge heater with minimal effort in terms of labor and material, a flat insulating plate (10) coordinated in its width with the internal diameter of the tubular body (2) is provided as the carrier. The heating coils (8, 9) extend along the two flat sides of the insulating plate (10) and the two heating coils (8, 9) are connected to one another by a coil section (12, 12?), which is led around a deflecting edge (27) of the insulating plate (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Türk + Hillinger GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Schlipf
  • Patent number: 7576306
    Abstract: An electric heating element with radiant tube comprising a radiation pipe (1) and an electric heating element (2, 3) contained in said pipe, wherein the heating element has legs that run to and fro in the pipe, and wherein the heating element is connected at one end of the pipe close to a furnace wall with electric power outlets through which electric current is fed to the element, wherein the element is supported in the pipe by ceramic discs (9) that are provided with through-penetrating holes through which the legs of the elements extend, and wherein two elements (2, 3) are disposed sequentially in said radiation pipe along its long axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventor: Thomas Lewin
  • Patent number: 7560672
    Abstract: A heating system for heating fluid media including a carrier unit, a heating unit arranged on the carrier unit and a heat transfer element arranged on the carrier unit and includes a material which is a good conductor of heat, which heat transfer element has a first mounting portion for mounting a first safety device which responds at a first response temperature and a second mounting portion for mounting a second safety device which responds at a second response temperature which is lower than the first response temperature, which heat transfer element has a first temperature pickup portion which is in direct heat-conducting contact with the heating unit and the first safety device. The heat transfer element has a second temperature pickup portion is spatially separate from the first temperature pickup portion and in heat-conducting contact with the medium to be heated and the second safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Bleckmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Pleschinger, Gernot Teufl
  • Patent number: 7554064
    Abstract: An electrical resistance heater element has a metal tube containing an electrical resistance coil that is electrically insulated from the metal tube by magnesium oxide powder, the coil being bonded to a conductor pin that protrudes from an open end of the tube. The powder is sealed against moisture by placing at least the open end of the tube within a chamber and immersing the open end within liquid silicone. A gas is pumped into the chamber to pressurize the silicone sufficiently to cause some of it to encroach into the powder through the open end of the tube. The heater element is installed within a heat exchanger with the silicone remaining uncured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackie G. Fannin, Jack L. McClanahan
  • Patent number: 7538301
    Abstract: A tubular heating element for heating fluid media, in particular for household appliances, comprising a jacket pipe inside which there is disposed at least one heating coil made of an electrical resistance heating wire and embedded in an electrical insulation material, the heating coil having a first and a second terminal portion by means of which the heating coil is connected to a source of current via at least one connection element at each end, and at least one operating portion extending between the two terminal portions of the heating coil. It is further specified that the diameter of said heating coil increases at at least one terminal portion in the direction of the operating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Bleckmann GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Gernot Teufl, Andreas Pleschinger
  • Publication number: 20090047008
    Abstract: An immersion heater comprising temperature elevating components contained within a housing. The housing comprises a thermally conductive, electrically insulating epoxy on an upper portion thereof, and a highly thermally conductive epoxy on a lower portion thereof. The temperature elevating components comprise a heating element in communication with a heat regulating system comprising a thermostat, an electrically conductive bracket, and a thermal cut off fuse. The heating element comprises electrical resistant wire elements which are disposed in the lower portion of the housing and contained within a sheath. A temperature non-regulating portion of the thermostat, which is in communication with the electrically conductive bracket, is contained in the lower portion of the housing, and the temperature regulating component of the thermostat is contained in the upper portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: James Straley
  • Patent number: 7491912
    Abstract: A portable food delivery container includes a food storage compartment, a control compartment, and a temperature control source. A control compartment lies adjacent to and in thermal conductivity with the food storage compartment. A modular removable temperature control source is disposed within the control compartment, where the temperature control source effects transfer of thermal energy between the food storage compartment and the control compartment to maintain the food storage compartment at a temperature other than the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Check Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Check
  • Publication number: 20090026192
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a mat includes a base and a plurality of studs that together may position an electric radiant heating element within a floor or wall, and may protect the electric radiant heating element as the floor or wall are constructed. The base extends in at least two directions that define a plane. Two or more of the plurality of studs has a cylindrical body that includes a surface that extends from a respective portion of the base in a third direction that does not lie within the plane and that is at an angle between and including 84 and 96 degrees relative to the respective base portion. By using the mat one can quickly install a plurality of positioning devices to hold the electric radiant heating element at desired locations in the floor while the floor is constructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Michael D. Fuhrman
  • Publication number: 20080173637
    Abstract: An insulated waterproof-type heater includes: a heat-generating body unit including, an heat-generating element, an electrode member superposed in contact with the heat-generating element, an insulating sheet enveloping the heat-generating element and the electrode member, and a tubular body containing internally the heat-generating element and the electrode member that are enveloped in the insulating sheet; a heat-releasing body unit stacked on the heat-generating body unit; a cap mounted at an end of the heat-generating body unit; and a sealing material having an electrically insulating property and a waterproof property, and being filled inside the cap to seal both ends of the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Koshiro Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7402776
    Abstract: Described is a device and system for heating an electronic mobile device. The system includes a mobile electronic device including a power supply arrangement and a removable heating arrangement detachably coupled to the mobile electronic device. When the heating arrangement is coupled to the mobile electronic device, the arrangement draws power from the power supply arrangement to generate heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alton Smith, Gregory Carras, Hayden Eastman, Keith Linker, Andrew M. Doorty
  • Patent number: 7372007
    Abstract: An electrical heater bundle has heater elements, each including a metal tube, an electrical resistance coil within the tube, a conductor pin connected to the coil and protruding from an end of the tube, and an electrical insulation powder surrounding the coil within the tube. A conical cavity is located in the insulation powder at the end of the tube, the cavity extending from an inner diameter of the tube to the conductor pin. The cavity is filled with an epoxy that is cured in place. The insulation powder may have an infiltrated layer at the cavity that is an uncured liquid silicone. The heater elements are mounted to a header plate, and the elements associated with the three different phases of electrical power may protrude past the header plate at different distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras, Jackie G. Fannin
  • Patent number: 7355147
    Abstract: A floating ice removal device with a disk shaped upper cover, a disk shaped lower cover and a heat emitting cup. An electric circuit board is mounted on an inner bottom of the lower cover, and a helical heat emitting wire is mounted on the inner top surface of the upper cover in a contact mode, and the cup having a heat emitting source is mounted on the outer bottom surface of the lower cover. An electric power line is extended in from the bottom of the heat emitting cup to connect the circuit board to supply electric power, so that the helical heat emitting wire keeps the surface temperature of the upper cover above 5 degrees Celsius, so that the surface of the entire ice removal will not be covered by snow or ice, while the heat emitting cup can emit heat under the water for removing ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Eiko Electric Products Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 7339136
    Abstract: The present invention features a cooking utensil for creating an elongated cavity in a bread item, wherein a meat item may be inserted. The cooking utensil comprises a bread-impaling spike supported by and extending from a base member, wherein the bread-impaling spike comprises an elongated body portion and a piercing end portion, each of which are configured to pierce the bread item and form a cavity therein, and wherein the elongated body portion has a shape configured to form at least two condiment receiving channels within the cavity of the bread item upon inserting the meat item. The condiment receiving channels are defined by at least one wall of the cavity and the inserted meat item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hole-e-Cow Corp.
    Inventor: Donald W. Schmanski
  • Patent number: 7335857
    Abstract: A rod-shaped heating element with a tubular carrier element attached to a cylindrical carrier ring and to the rod-shaped heating element using a magnetic forming process, the carrier ring and the rod-shaped heating element being within the tubular carrier element with the outer circumferential surface of the carrier ring contacting the inner circumferential surface of the tubular carrier element. As a result of the parts having been joined by magnetic forming, they are in a plastically deformed state which is free of thermal treatment effects and scuffing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Beru AG
    Inventor: Martin Eller
  • Patent number: 7279660
    Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Edgecraft Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Long, Daniel D. Friel, Sr., Daniel D. Friel, Jr., James M. Fitzgerald, H. William Busch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7230214
    Abstract: A metal sheathed heater utilizes splice connections that connects ends of a heater cable with ends of a lead wire. Each splice connection has a connector that connects core wires of the lead wires and heater cable together. Heat shrinkable tubing surrounds the connector and ends of the heater cable and lead wires. An adhesive is interposed between the heat shrinkable tubing and heater cable and lead wire ends to bond with the heat shrinkable tubing and complete the splice connection. The metal sheath of the heater can be formed with an enlarged diameter portion to account for the heat shrinkable tubing surrounding the lead wire and heater cable ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kirby
  • Patent number: 7227100
    Abstract: A warmer includes: a main casing adapted for storing a wiper box therein; a drawer casing slidably engaged in the main casing and operatively withdrawn outwardly for storing a fluid container including nursing bottle or beverage cup in the drawer casing; and a heating device provided in the casing for warming a wet tissue or wiper in the wiper box stored in the main casing and for warming the fluid container in the drawer casing; whereby when the warming of the fluid container is unnecessary, the drawer casing may be pushed inwardly into the main casing just for warming the wiper box only and also for saving the volume of the complete warmer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Tsang-Hung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7173225
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction heating pan comprising a pan body having an inner pan and an outer pan, a lid and a hinge member to connect the lid to the pan body, wherein the hinge member comprises a hollow cylindrical part which contains various connecting elements therein to control the opening angles of the lid, so that the loss of the connecting elements can be prevented in separating the lid from the pan body and it becomes more convenient to clean the lid and the hinge member, and the lid can be lifted smoothly at predetermined angles and easily separated from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tiger Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Myung Yeol Chang
  • Patent number: 7104706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device having at least a first heating element 102 for heating at least one protective sleeve 105, 602 arranged around at least a first uncoated optical fiber section 501, 603. Said sleeve 105, 602 being arranged to shrink when exposed to heat to form a protecting member tightly enclosing said uncoated optical fiber section 501, 603. The at least first heating element is flexible, and arranged to take at least a first open state and a second substantially closed state. Said first open state is suitable for inserting and removing said protecting sleeve and fiber into and out off said heating device. Said heating element, in said second state, substantially surrounds said sleeve to form an enclosure around said sleeve, so that said heating element radiates heat around substantially the complete circumference of said sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Dag Bergstrsöm, Hans Johansson, Moshen Janbakhsh, Torsten Lund
  • Patent number: 7081602
    Abstract: A heater comprising a conduit made of corundum (e.g. synthetic sapphire) and having a wall forming a closed cross-section with an interior surface, and an exterior surface. At least one of the interior and exterior surfaces may have a roughened portion comprising inclusions and corresponding protrusions formed substantially continuously therethroughout. An electrically resistive coating may extend substantially continuously over, in, and around the inclusions and protrusions of at least a part of the roughened portion to form a conformal cross-section having a thickness selected to promote bending thereof to accommodate annular expansion and contraction occurring in response to a differential in the coefficients of expansion between the electrically resistive coating and the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Trebor International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Black
  • Patent number: 7078659
    Abstract: A ceramic heater is provided which may be employed in a gas sensor. The ceramic heater includes a heating element disposed inside a ceramic body, a connector assembly, and a cover coating. The connector assembly consists of an external terminal, a connector terminal, and a metallic joint layer. The external terminal is affixed to an outer surface of the ceramic body in electrical connection with the heating element. The joint layer is formed on the external terminal to establish an electrical joint between the external terminal and the connector terminal. The cover coating is wrapped over a surface of the connector assembly and made of a metallic material containing a main component of one of Au, Pt, and Cr, thereby ensuring a corrosion resistance of the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Taiji Yokoyama, Kozo Takamura, Makoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 7064303
    Abstract: A tubular heater that is manually bendable to fit into a channel comprises a heating element positioned in an insulative material such as magnesium oxide and encased in a continuous inner nickel tubular sheathing. An outer sheathing, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a coil of copper with a nickel coating swaged such that the cross-section of a strand of the coil is generally rectangular. The invention also includes the method of manufacturing and method of use of the tubular heater. Alternate embodiments include an outer tubular sheath that has a multiplicity of slits extending in a circumferential direction through the outer sheathing and the outer sheathing swaged directly on the inner sheathing. A further embodiment includes the outer tubular sheathing formed from a multiplicity of individual rings, the outer sheath could be swaged directly on the inner sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Thermetic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7055763
    Abstract: A mist generating apparatus having a casing that is divided into a storage chamber, a pump chamber, a waterwheel chamber and a mist chamber. The storage chamber is provided with a water storage tank having a heater, while the pump chamber is provided with a pump. A waterwheel located in the waterwheel chamber and a fan located in the mist chamber are provided around a rotating axis so as to rotate together, and then warm water in the water storage tank is sprayed onto the waterwheel by means of the pump, whereby mist is generated. The generated mist is guided to the mist chamber by means of the fan with warm air from a warm air generator and is discharged from an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Sera Corporation Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Torigoe
  • Patent number: 7049554
    Abstract: An adjustable heater for aquaria, comprising a substantially tubular container (2) within which are housed an electrical heating element (3), a switch (6) comprising s fixed contacts (7, 8) and moving contacts (9, 10) and capable of electrically connecting the heating element (3) with an external source (R) of electrical power, a temperature sensor (12) with a bi-metal strip (13) capable of detecting the temperature of the liquid and interacting with the switch (6) to move it from a closed position to an open position when a predetermined temperature (T) is to reached. The moving contacts (9, 10) of the switch (6) are secured to a free end (13?) of the bi-metal strip (13) while the other end (13?) of the bi-metal strip (13) is electrically insulated. This yields the advantage that electrical current does not pass through the bi-metal strip (13) and therefore does not create a Joule effect within it which affects the sensitivity and proper behavior of the temperature Is sensor (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Eden SRL
    Inventor: Samuele Lolato
  • Patent number: 7046923
    Abstract: An immersion heater device for aquariums and the like. The heater device has a casing which contains a heating element. The casing, at least in the region of a radiant zone of the heating element, includes a layered structure having at least one layer of metal material and one layer of plastic material. The layer of metal material is interposed between the heating element and the layer of plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Contech Europe Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Magri
  • Patent number: 7034254
    Abstract: A heated delivery system for pizza and the like including a thermally insulated receptacle, an electrical resistance heating unit having a heat storing shell molded from thermosetting resin, and an electrical resistance heating member within the shell, the member having the capacity of being heated and maintained at a desired temperature. The heating member may be silicone rubber containing resistance heating elements, and its temperature may be regulated by a suitable temperature control, such as a thermostat or other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Brian M. Grabowski, Rao Atreyapurapu
  • Patent number: 7012226
    Abstract: A cartridge heater for mounting in the bore hole of a device to heat the device, having an improved release coating to facilitate the removal of the cartridge heater from the bore hole subsequent to operation at elevated temperatures, wherein the release coating is a fast-drying, graphite-based solid film lubricant that bonds to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Durex International Corporation
    Inventor: William J. George
  • Patent number: 6996336
    Abstract: A used cooking oil and grease storage tank is comprised of a plastic material such as, polyethylene. Advantageously, a metal heating element or member is secured to a top cover member of the tank and extends downward into the used cooking all and grease stored with in the plastic tank member. Input and drain connections are also preferably made through the top cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: John Mahoney, Donald Onken
  • Patent number: 6850551
    Abstract: An electric heater assembly suitable for heating molten metal, the electric heater assembly having a sleeve comprised of a closed end suitable for immersing in the molten metal. The sleeve is fabricated from a composite material comprised of titanium alloy and having an outside surface to be exposed to the molten metal coated with a refractory resistant to attack by the molten metal having a sealant metal applied thereto; and an electric heater located in the sleeve in heat transfer relationship therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: C. Edward Eckert
  • Patent number: 6755044
    Abstract: Heater-evaporator has a hollow refrigerator fluid evaporator body with which is incorporated a heater. The body can enclose the heater, which is separate from the body, or the body and the heater can be part of one another. The heater can be heated by any suitable means, to include electrical resistance and/or induction. The invention can be utilized in refrigeration and temperature control, to include, for example, in laboratory test devices requiring refrigeration and temperature control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: King Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc J. Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: 6723969
    Abstract: An electrical resistance ceramic heating element comprises: a) three or more ceramic legs comprising regions of the element in which at least the majority of the electrical heating occurs (hot zones), at least one of the legs being effectively entirely a hot zone and at least two of the legs each comprising a hot zone and a cold zone; b) a number of leg terminal portions less than the number of legs, for connection to a power supply; and, c) ceramic bridging portions providing electrical connectivity between the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kanthal Limited
    Inventor: John George Beatson
  • Patent number: 6710310
    Abstract: The invention relates to armoured heating elements. The invention specifically relates to a heating device (1) consisting of a tubular envelope, wherein a heating element (4) surrounded by insulation (3) is arranged, said heating element (4) is connected to an electric supply circuit by connecting (14) rods and pins (10,12) and said tubular envelope (2) is provided with two cylindrical sealing beads (16) arranged in the ends thereof, whereby at least one of the beads known as a specific bead (16) is in direct contact with the insulation (3) surrounding the heating element (4); The invention is characterized in that the specific bead (16) comprises an axially transversal recess (18), wherein a thermal fuse (20) is inserted and electrically and serially mounted with said heating element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Hantz
  • Patent number: 6694093
    Abstract: An antifreeze heating system which prevents the freezing of water present in an instant water heater of the type having a primary heater which remains inactive under static flow conditions. A secondary heater is placed within an enclosed housing volume of the instant water heater, and electrically connected to a temperature-sensitive switch which activates the secondary heater when a monitored temperature, such as the ambient temperature, falls below a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Acorn Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Morris, Robert L. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6684659
    Abstract: In a refrigerator using a flammable coolant, in order to decrease danger of ignition when defrosting is conducted under an environment of leakage of the flammable coolant, the refrigerator comprises a cooling cycle evaporator and a defrosting devicve for defrosting the evaporator, wherein a temperature of the defrosting device is lower than an ignition temperature of the flammable coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Refrigeration Company
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Takeshi Shimizu, Koichi Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20030142967
    Abstract: An antifreeze heating system which prevents the freezing of water present in an instant water heater of the type having a primary heater which remains inactive under static flow conditions. A secondary heater is placed within an enclosed housing volume of the instant water heater, and electrically connected to a temperature-sensitive switch which activates the secondary heater when a monitored temperature, such as the ambient temperature, falls below a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Donald E. Morris, Robert L. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6597863
    Abstract: A device for keeping a portion of a body of water free from ice includes a heating element and a buoyant enclosure to contain the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: James Donald Koskey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6555797
    Abstract: A fully submersible immersion heater having reduced dimensions. The immersion heater includes a waterproof housing, an electric heating element, a thermostat, an end cap, a temperature control, a power cable and a sheath. The waterproof housing has an opening at one end. The electric heating element, which generates a heat output, is placed inside of the housing. The thermostat is also placed inside of the housing. The thermostat is electrically connected to the heating element for regulating the heat output of the heating element. The end cap sealingly engages the opening in the housing to form a watertight seal between the end cap and the opening in the housing. The end cap has a first conduit and a second conduit that extend through the end cap from a first surface of the end cap outside of the housing to a second surface of the end cap inside of the housing. The temperature control, which controls the thermostat, is seated adjacent to the second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Rena France
    Inventor: Jean Luc Pauli
  • Patent number: 6539905
    Abstract: There is provided a glow plug connection apparatus for installing a plurality of glow plug connectors to corresponding glow plugs mounted in a cylinder head in an internal combustion engine while simultaneously preventing engine oil leakage. The apparatus comprises a rigid buss bar rail, a plurality of glow plug connectors attached to the buss bar rail, a plurality of connector wires routed in the buss bar rail and connected to the glow plug connectors, a wire router, a conduit retaining clip, and an apparatus connector angle. Additionally, the glow plug connectors preferably comprises a buss bar rail interface section, a glow plug connector angle, a sealing section having an O-ring seal, a guide section having guide fins around the periphery of the glow plug connector, and a clip section having a clip fingers around the periphery of the glow plug connector able to engage a glow plug terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edgardo Y. Estacio, Franco Franchi, Andrew D. Merrick
  • Publication number: 20020136545
    Abstract: A device for keeping a portion of a body of water free from ice includes a heating element and a buoyant enclosure to contain the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: K & H Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James Donald Koskey
  • Patent number: 6396033
    Abstract: An electrical heater is provided which includes a housing having an internal bore. A hot core is arranged in the internal bore of the housing. The hot core is made of an insulating material and has a plurality of passages extending therethrough. A resistance wire extends through the plurality of passages in the hot core. A hypo tube is connected to each end of the resistance wire. The heater also includes a cold core that is arranged in the internal bore of the housing. The cold core is made of an insulating material and has a pair of passages through which the hypo tubes extend. A pair of lead wires are provided each of which is connected to a respective one of the hypo tubes for connecting the hypo tubes to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Fast Heat, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian J. Renwick, Gus G. Savvas, Matt Hummel, Russell B. House
  • Patent number: 6300607
    Abstract: A molded polymer composite heater is shown. The use of transfer molding and compression molding allows for the use of thermoset polymers containing very high levels of reinforcement fillers. These improved materials, in turn create a heater with thermophysical properties superior to the prior art, including higher heat flux levels, thermal conductivity, impact resistance, and maintenance of mechanical properties at high temperatures (˜>300° F.). The present invention also allows for wide variety of geometric configurations and the possibility to insert temperature sensors directly in hot zones of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Louis P. Steinhauser, A. Konrad Juethner
  • Publication number: 20010017295
    Abstract: An oven particularly suitable for dental materials is provided with a firing plate on which a calibration apparatus can be removably located. The calibration apparatus includes a meltable element whose melting is detectable by a detecting device. The calibration apparatus is additionally provided with a control device. The firing plate includes a device for receiving therein the calibration apparatus including a non-electrically conducting support for supporting two electrically conducting contact posts of the calibration apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Applicant: Ivoclar AG
    Inventors: Gottfried Rohner, Johannes Lorunser, Horst Ulbricht
  • Patent number: 6262401
    Abstract: A self-cleaning water heater element is provided. The water heater element is plated with a layer of gold such that the gold surface has a low surface roughness. The smooth gold surface inhibits scale formation on the water heater element. The gold-plated smooth-surfaced water heater element may be manufactured by coating a standard water heater element with an adhesion layer, electroplating a layer of bright nickel on the adhesion layer, and electroplating a gold layer on top of the bright nickel layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: AOS Holding Company
    Inventors: Ray O. Knoeppel, Dennis R. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6157776
    Abstract: A system for storing grease in a storage tank for removal of spent grease from the storage tank. The storage tank includes a heating device which comprises a L-shaped tubular heating device having a heating element inserted into it, a non-flammable and preferably non-toxic heat transfer fluid supplied within the L-shaped heating tube of the device, and a pop-off or check valve supplied on the extremity of one leg of the L-shaped heat tube to relieve excess pressure should the heating element cause the heat transfer fluid to boil due to some malfunction. The heating element is desirably disposed in one leg of the L-shaped tube, preferably in the shorter of the two legs forming the L-shape of the heat tube, and extends into one of the legs at least a portion of its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Donald R. Onken
  • Patent number: 6140615
    Abstract: A heater apparatus includes a flat-shaped heater portion attachable to a vessel such as a water tank, and a controller for controlling the heater portion. The heater portion includes a flat heater, a first temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the flat heater, and a second temperature sensor for detecting temperature of what is contained in the vessel or water tank. The controller keeps the temperature constant inside the vessel in accordance with the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. If the rate of rise in temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is faster than is deemed normal, the controller stops current flowing to the flat heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Sanki Consys Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahide Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6124579
    Abstract: A molded polymer composite heater is shown. The use of transfer molding and compression molding allows for the use of thermoset polymers containing very high levels of reinforcement fillers. These improved materials, in turn create a heater with thermophysical properties superior to the prior art, including higher heat flux levels, thermal conductivity, impact resistance, and maintenance of mechanical properties at high temperatures (.about.>300.degree. F.). The present invention also allows for wide variety of geometric configurations and the possibility to insert temperature sensors directly in hot zones of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing
    Inventors: Louis P. Steinhauser, A. Konrad Juethner
  • Patent number: 6118108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling a pipe and a flanged pipe fitting. The pipe includes an end, an inner surface having an inner diameter, and an outer surface having an outer diameter. The fitting includes an inner surface defining a bore with a portion having an inner diameter larger than the pipe outer diameter. The fitting also includes a flange at least partially surrounding the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: David Earl Ufford
  • Patent number: 6118102
    Abstract: An immersion heating element comprises first and second heat conducting substrates defining top and bottom surfaces of the heating element. An electrically insulating layer is provided on one side of each substrate, and the two substrates are mounted together with the insulating layers facing each other and with a resistive heating track sandwiched between the insulating layers. This structure avoids the need for a thick protective insulating layer over the heating track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Sander Slegt