Abstract: The present invention improves efficiency, and thereby save energy, in compressed fluid types of cooling systems, avoids instability in chiller controls, and thus provides for stable operation of a chiller in a cooling system, and provides a novel, improved single-circuit, chilled fluid cooling system that incorporates a variable flow chilled water distribution system without encountering control instability while obviating the need for constant high flow rates through a chiller by providing methods and apparatus for stable operation at reduced and variable flows.

Abstract: A control system for a gas water heater including a fuel rate control valve, a water flow switch to control the fuel rate valve, an inlet water temperature switch to reduce fuel flow when inlet temperature is high, a temperature switch at the water outlet to shut off fuel at a high temperature and a temperature sensor at the water outlet to regulate the fuel valve.

Abstract: A heating system in which water is heated by means of a gas heater or the like in which the heated water can be used for washing and the like or for making hot drinks such as coffee and the like, and in which the heated water can also be used to heat air in a heat exchanger to provide heated air for space heating.

Abstract: A fluid flow rate detector for controlling an electric switch in a circuit for regulating fluid flow, the detector including inner and outer portions where fluid is received in the inner portion and flows out into the outer portion through perforations in the inner portion. A magnetic slug is disposed in the inner portion and moves away from a home position in the direction of fluid flow when the flow exceeds a predetermined rate. The slug then is deposited in a zone between the perforations and an end cap of the inner portion so as to permit the flow of fluid to occur at a substantially unimpeded rate. A magnetically activated electric switch responds to the movement of the slug and opens and closes an electric switch in response to the fluid flow rate. The detector can be used in a system dually providing a source of hot water to a hot water sink and to a source of heat.

Abstract: A compact continuous flow energy efficient gas fired water heater/boiler for use in residential, commercial and industrial buildings wherein cold water enters the heater and flows downward through an outer annulus and then rises up through an inner annulus around a central gas flue, and wherein combustion gas flows upward through the central flue and then downward through a set of heat-conductive tubes and finally upwardly through the middle annulus to the exit. Air flow blower provides draft. The burner is capable of burning gas at widely varying rates of gas flow and is regulated by a gas modulator valve approximately proportional to the rate of hot water usage and the force for the gas modulator is generated by an orifice type differential pressure generator in the inlet water pipe.

Abstract: A water heater is disclosed having a heat exchanger, a main burner means for heating the heat exchanger, a standing burner, a main fuel passage means for supplying fuel to the main burner, a manual valve on the main fuel passage means which is operable by a manual operation member, an automatic valve disposed on the main fuel passage means at a point downstream from the manual valve, the automatic valve adapted to open in response to the pressure of a supply of water at a water pressure sensitive member, and a standing burner fuel passage means for supplying fuel to the standing burner, the standing burner fuel passage means drawing fuel from the main fuel passage means at a point in between the manual valve and the automatic valve.

Abstract: A rapid response water heating and delivery system having a flow restrictor which creates a pressure differential within the water inlet point to the heating system which is sensed by a pressure differential switch for activating the heating elements of the system. At a predetermined flow rate, the flow restrictor yields a threshold pressure differential which causes the pressure differential switch to activate the heating elements of the system. The pressure differential switch can be adjusted to actuate the heating elements at different desired levels of water flow through the system.

Abstract: A heater system having improved efficiency and performance embodies air and fuel regulator valves, water and air supply jackets, and flow directors for the hot combustion gas generated by the heater burner which gas passes through a central flue in a water storage tank and is then exhausted through an exhaust vent to atmosphere. The air and fuel regulator valves are non-electrically controlled and are responsive to water demand requirement for improved heater efficiency and performance. The water supply jacket closely surrounds the central flue and receives supply water at the top thereof and discharges same to the bottom of the storage tank thereby increasing the heat transfer characteristics of the heater. The air supply jacket surrounds the exhaust vent and air is drawn in through the top of the jacket along the exhaust vent for preheating and then is directed to the burner to support combustion.

Abstract: A water heater is disclosed having a main burner for heating a heat exchanger and a standing burner, and is also provided with an electromagnetic safety valve which is opened by a manual operation member and which is kept in its valve open condition by the electric current from a thermocouple element exposed to the standing burner and a water pressure sensitive member such that it opens in response to a supply of water to the heat exchanger (that is, the water flow is turned on). Both the electromagnetic safety valve and the water pressure sensitive valve are interposed in a fuel passage connected to the main burner. A standing burner fuel passage is connected on one end to the standing burner and is connected at its other end to a point located in between the two valves.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensor, comprising a tubular element having a greater diameter than and vertically mounted on a pipe for serially interconnecting two portions of this pipe. One portion is connected to the upper end of the tubular element while the other portion is connected to its lower end. A magnetic piston is slidably mounted within the tubular element and is therefore free to move along it. A by-pass conduit interconnects the lower portion of the pipe with the upper portion of the pipe. The piston moves upwardly in the tubular element when the fluid flows. Fluid flows from the portion of the pipe connected at the lower end of the tubular element to the one connected at its upper end through the by-pass. The piston moves downwardly by gravity to the lower end of the tubular element when the fluid stops flowing. A coil wound around a portion of the tubular element produces in electrical signal when the piston moves in the tubular element.

Abstract: A control valve system for a gas-fired, instantaneous water heater is disclosed. The valve has a "snap" action constructed to inhibit the supply to the burner of insufficient amounts of gas to ensure reliable ignition. In one example, a flexible diaphragm has opposite sides connected via respective passages to receive pressures upstream and downstream of a restriction in a water flow path. The diaphragm opens a gas valve in response to a predetermined flow of water along the path. In order to provide the "snap" action, a further passage is provided that links the two passages coupled to the diaphragm and contains a ball that can block the further passage only when the water flow is sufficient to open the gas valve sufficiently for an ignitable quantity of gas to flow to the burner.

Abstract: An improved temperature sensing and control apparatus for a spa is described, which control apparatus is located at the spa. A switching means is disposed in the series electrical circuit of a water heating mechanism. The switching means is remotely controlled as a function of the water temperature and operates in the low voltage and low current range, thereby minimizing a safety hazard.

Abstract: A central heating system comprising a heat exchanger, heat dissipating means, and a connecting piping circuit for liquid flow, has a pump capable of pumping the liquid around the circuit at a lower or a high flow rate, the flow rate of liquid being sensed to control the means which supplies heat to the heat exchanger so that heat is supplied when the pump means is operating at its higher rate and is not supplied when the pump means is operating at its lower rate. The rate of operation of the pump means is determined by means which senses the temperature of the circulating liquid so that the pump means operates at its lower rate when the temperature of the liquid exceeds a selected value and at its higher rate when the liquid temperature is below a selected value.

Abstract: An instantaneous, automatic gas water heater for a hot water system having a cold water supply conduit connected to a plurality of loosely wound small heat exchange tubes which, in turn are connected to a hot water outlet conduit having faucets. The heat exchange tubes are each of smaller internal diameter than the cold and hot water conduits but their total capacity is substanially the same as said conduits. A gas burner is disposed beneath the heat exchange tubes to subject them to the flame of the burner. There is a cover over the heat exchange tubes which confines the heat from the burner about the tubes. The burner is supplied with gas by a gas supply conduit controlled by a normally closed solenoid valve including a gas control valve and a solenoid controlling the gas control valve.