Combined With Water Heater Patents (Class 237/19)
  • Patent number: 6857578
    Abstract: A combination water heating and space heating apparatus includes a water heating unit and a space heating unit. The water heating unit has a water storage tank, a heating device for heating water stored in the tank, and a first temperature sensor for sensing water temperature. The space heating unit includes a heat exchanger for heating air supplied to an indoor space, a blower for blowing air over the heat exchanger, and a second temperature sensor for sensing air temperature in the space. Heated water is supplied from the tank to the heat exchanger by means of a circulation pump when the second temperature sensor indicates a demand for heat in the space. The apparatus is controlled to give priority to domestic hot water use (e.g., potable water) over space heating use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Lennox Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Alvarez, Gregory W. Murtha, Islam O. Shahin
  • Publication number: 20040251310
    Abstract: A low-pressure energy system is provided that includes a combustion chamber immersed in water within an insulated container. Low-pressure air flow is introduced into one end of the combustion chamber. Fuel, sparks and water are also introduced to the combustion chamber, thereby generating steam and heat. The steam is blown through the combustion chamber to a first radiator, which emits heat and a steam exhaust, which can be used to increase the humidity of the enclosure housing the energy system. The heat generated by the combustion chamber heats the water in the insulated container. The heated water is pumped through a second radiator, thereby extracting additional heat from the system. A fan may be configured to introduce air flow over both the first and second radiators, thereby further improving heat transfer to the ambient air. Water can optionally be omitted from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Vapor Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Aldon R. Reinhardt
  • Publication number: 20040206831
    Abstract: A method of ventilating a boiler system (10) during boiler system outages includes shifting (64) to the ventilation system (11) by stopping (70) the boiler system induced draft fan (32), closing (71) an internal isolation damper (19) in the boiler system ductwork (14), opening (72) a ventilation isolation damper (18), and starting (73) a ventilation fan (12). At the completion of the outage, before resuming operation of the boiler, the ventilation system (11) is secured (64) by stopping (80) the ventilation fan (12), closing (81) the ventilation isolation damper (18), opening (82) the internal isolation damper (19), and starting (83) the induced draft fan (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Robert John Underhill
  • Publication number: 20040200905
    Abstract: A hot-water supply system heats water through heat exchange between high-temperature refrigerant of a heat pump circuit and water of a water circulating circuit. The system is an instantaneous water heater unit for instantaneously heating, at a water heat exchanger, water supplied through a water supply pipe and supplying hot water to a using end unit. Therefore, a large-capacity hot-water storage tank is not needed. Sufficient heat of condensation to heat water can not be produced, because pressure conditions of the heat pump circuit is not stabilized just after the start of operation. Therefore, during a short period of rising time, hot water stored in a hot-water supply tank and water from the water heat exchanger are mixed and the mixture is supplied to keep the hot water at a preset temperature. Therefore, it is possible to use a smaller hot-water supply tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Kenichi Saitoh, Masahiko Gommori, Hiroshi Kogure, Haruko Ashida, Takeo Ozawa, Tetsunobu Okamura
  • Patent number: 6792201
    Abstract: A water heating device is arranged between a water tank and a water faucet located below the water tank. Water from the water tank flows along a pipeline through the water heating device to the faucet. The water heating device includes a hydroelectric generation system including a turbine mounted in the pipeline and a generator coupled to the turbine by a shaft. Water flowing through the pipeline drives the turbine and thus causes the generator to generate electricity. The electricity is supplied to an electrical heater that heats the water flowing through the pipeline. A control unit controls the electricity supplied to the electrical heater thereby controlling the thermal energy transferred to the water. Thus, no external and independent energy source is required for heating the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Yen-Hui Tsai, Ching Yi Lin, Jay Shieh
  • Patent number: 6772712
    Abstract: A low-pressure energy system is provided that includes a combustion chamber immersed in water within an insulated container. Low-pressure air flow is introduced into one end of the combustion chamber. Fuel, sparks and water are also introduced to the combustion chamber, thereby generating steam and heat. The steam is blown through the combustion chamber to a first radiator, which emits heat and a steam exhaust, which can be used to increase the humidity of the enclosure housing the energy system. The heat generated by the combustion chamber heats the water in the insulated container. The heated water is pumped through a second radiator, thereby extracting additional heat from the system. A fan may be configured to introduce air flow over both the first and second radiators, thereby further improving heat transfer to the ambient air. Water can optionally be omitted from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Vapor Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Aldon R. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 6761135
    Abstract: A combination capable of providing all of the functions of a ground heater and a pressure washer in a more economical, convenient and effective manner by employing and engine, as pump, a generator, a burner, a boiler, a water tank, a float tank, a ground heater hose and reel, and a pressure washer hose and reel all mounted on a skid or trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Bryon Edward Becktold
  • Patent number: 6739517
    Abstract: A tank for use with a liquid heating vessel of a hydronic radiant heating system to assist in the simultaneous sealing and venting of air from the system where the heating vessel has a flue for release of exhaust, the tank including a liquid holder that is exposed to the atmosphere and an aperture defined in the holder such that the flue of the vessel may extend upward through the aperture of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory A. Krueger
  • Patent number: 6612267
    Abstract: A combination domestic hot water and space heating system has an instantaneous domestic hot water heat exchanger and a low mass boiler-type heat generator connected in a series by a boiler water flow circuit containing a circulating pump. The boiler-type heat generator has an internal reservoir containing between 10 and 20 U.S. gallons (37.85 to 75 liters) of boiler water, which is sufficient to enable the heat exchanger to supply normal short term demand, yet avoid excessive downtime thermal losses. A three-way diverter valve in the flow circuit diverts boiler water to a second heat exchanger in an air handler unit for space heating. Priority is given to domestic water heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Vebteck Research Inc.
    Inventor: Harry R. West
  • Patent number: 6547153
    Abstract: A frictional heating system for communicating with an air supply duct to heat and cool air in a building, including an enclosure defining an interior, two air inlets, and at least one air outlet therein communicating with the interior of the enclosure for permitting air flow therethrough. A plurality of turbines are carried on a common shaft for rotation therewith. Each of the turbines is positioned within the enclosure for drawing air into the enclosure and frictionally heating the air therein. A first conduit is in fluid communication with the air outlet, a water heater and an air conditioning system, for moving frictionally-heated air from the air outlet to one or the other of the water heater and the air conditioning system. A motor assembly including a motor is operatively connected to the common shaft and positioned outside the enclosure for driving the common shaft and turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Maxie C. Davis
  • Publication number: 20030062423
    Abstract: A supplemental heating system for heating a first fluid such as potable water. The supplemental heating system is configured for use in a recreational vehicle having a primary heating system that also heats the first fluid. The supplemental heating system includes a heating element that heats a second fluid and a heat exchanging component removably fitted into the recreational vehicle and having a first fluid conduit for permitting the first fluid to enter and exit the heat exchanging component, and a second fluid conduit for permitting the second fluid to enter and exit the heat exchanging component. Heat from the second fluid is transferred to the first fluid within the heat exchanging component and thereby provides a heating operation of the first fluid independent of the heating system of the recreational vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: James M. Rixen
  • Patent number: 6435420
    Abstract: Since the starting of an engine at a lower temperature is troublesome, the temperature of the engine is measured by a sensor. When the measured temperature is lower than a reference temperature, the pump is first switched on for circulating a thermal medium. This permits the thermal medium to transfer heat of the hot water stored in a hot water storage tank to the engine, hence warming the engine, decreasing the viscosity of the oil, and preventing the generation of dew in the engine to ease the start up of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Kasai, Takahiro Ideguchi, Yoshinori Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6431124
    Abstract: A portable vacuum insulated bottle includes a heat source having a minimum volume and a heat pipe which acts as a heat transmitting device. With this construction, a portable vacuum insulated bottle is provided which makes hot water instantly. In particular, a portable vacuum insulated bottle is provide which makes hot water using liquid propane gas as a possible heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignees: PNT Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Yun Sang Kwon
  • Publication number: 20020100813
    Abstract: In a system for supplying a heat by a heat medium, a heat discharged from a customer requiring only a high temperature heat is effectively utilized, and respective prices paid by the customer requiring only the high temperature heat and a customer requiring only a low temperature heat are reduced. In this system, a heat medium discharged by the customer requiring only the high temperature heat is recovered so as to be fed to the customer requiring only the low temperature heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Osamu Yokomizo
  • Patent number: 6367703
    Abstract: A heating system for a building that includes a furnace having a water jacket surrounding a burner unit. Heated water is circulated from the water jacket to a heat exchange system in the building such as radiators and the water is returned to the water jacket through a return conduit to be reheated. Water from the jacket is also circulated through supplemental conduit through a gas tube water heat exchange apparatus located at the exhaust flue from the furnace for recovering heat from the exhaust gases. Water heated from the exhaust gases returns to the primary circulation system. More specifically, water flows from the cooler portions of the water jacket and/or the return conduit of the main circulation system to the gas-to-water heat exchange unit. Water flows from the gas-to-water heat exchange unit to the relatively warmer portions of the jacket and/or to the primary conduit that delivers water from the jacket to the heat exchange system of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher G. Morosas
  • Patent number: 6354511
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for heating water. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a portable apparatus for heating water that may also be self-contained such that connection to additional sources of fuel or electrical power are not required. Certain embodiments of the present invention may be used to provide heated water for showers, cleaning, food preparation, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hardee Enterprises
    Inventor: Mitchell C. Hardee
  • Publication number: 20020011524
    Abstract: A heating pump 10 includes a rotor 20 having a plurality of blades 21. A dividing wall 15 radially extends within an interior portion of the heating pump 10. The dividing wall 15 has a width W. A distance L is defined along a circular arc between adjacent blades 21 in an intermediate position 21a along the radial direction of the blades 21. A ratio W/L is preferably about 0.07 to 0.36, more preferably about 0.11 to 0.30 and most preferably, about 0.20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Shigeru Suzuki, Tatsuyuki Hoshino, Masami Niwa, Takahiro Moroi
  • Publication number: 20020008151
    Abstract: Fluid heating devices may be utilized, for example, heat a vehicle coolant and may include a rotor body rotatably supported within a rotor housing. A plurality of blades may be disposed on a circumferential surface of the rotor body and a channel may be defined between each two adjacent blades. Each channel has a base portion, an inner circumferential end and an outer circumferential end. Preferably, the inner circumferential end is longer than the outer circumferential end as measured from the base portion. Further, the outer circumferential ends of the channels may define wall portions and the wall portions are preferably shorter than the inner circumferential ends as measured from the base portions of the channels. It is not necessary to provide shields toward the outer circumferential ends of the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Takahiro Moroi, Masami Niwa, Shigeru Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20010048031
    Abstract: In a heat-pump water heater, an ECU sets a target temperature difference between water flowing into a water heat exchanger and refrigerant flowing out from the water heat exchanger, and controls a valve opening degree of an expansion valve so that the target temperature difference is obtained. When a refrigerant temperature discharged from a compressor is higher than a predetermined value, the target temperature difference is increased until the refrigerant temperature discharged from the compressor becomes lower than the predetermined value. Further, when water-heating capacity is decreased due to the increase of the target temperature difference, a rotation speed of the compressor is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Shinya Noro, Hisayoshi Sakakibara, Jyouji Kuroki, Tomoaki Kobayakawa, Kazutoshi Kusakari, Michiyuki Saikawa
  • Patent number: 6220520
    Abstract: A modular manifold includes master modules and possibly also slave modules which each provide a respective terminal unit with a relatively constant rate of water flow at a modulated supply water temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Tekmar Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald R. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 6202935
    Abstract: A combined potable water heater and hydronic heating system including: a water tank for holding hydronic heating water; a flue extending through the tank; a burner below the flue so that heat and exhaust gases generated by the burner pass through the flue to heat the water in the tank; and a potable water container mounted in the tank so that the hydronic heating water heats the water in the potable water container and so that the hydronic water is separated from the potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: AOS Holding Company
    Inventors: Marc W. Akkala, Jill M. Szczech, Frank A. Mueller, Dennis R. Hughes, Kevin M. Field, Ray O. Knoeppel, Timothy J. Bodnar
  • Patent number: 6168086
    Abstract: A dehumidifier comprising hot and cold water supply pipes interconnected to a showerhead in a bathroom, a hot heat exchanger interconnected to the hot water supply pipe, fan means to pull air from an adjacent room across the hot air exchanger and into the bathroom, and an exhaust fan to remove air from the bathroom
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Aaron Tanenbaum
  • Patent number: 6123147
    Abstract: A system for controlling the humidity with a residential air conditioning system without compressor or air flow control employs a simple control technique of matching inlet air temperature prior to the refrigeration coils of the air conditioning system to outlet temperature after the refrigeration coil and as raised by a reheat coil supplied with hot water from the residential hot water heater. The system permits heating and cooling cycles and may be retrofit into existing residential units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Jerry R. Pittman
  • Patent number: 6109339
    Abstract: A heating system uses a dynamic thermal stabilizer for receiving, mixing, holding and outputting a circulating heat exchange liquid in a fashion similar to the use of a flywheel in the mechanical arts. Liquid is returned to the dynamic thermal stabilizer from both an input heat exchange unit and an output heat exchange unit. A two pump system affords a simple tee fitting arrangement that provides room air heating by directly using hot liquid either from the dynamic thermal stabilizer or directly (and at higher temperature) from the input heat exchange unit itself to automatically achieve an additional boost of room heat using higher temperature liquid. The system can also provide initial short draws of domestic hot water from the dynamic thermal stabilizer alone or long draws of hot water by using the input heat exchange unit as a further source of heat input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: First Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Sherwood G. Talbert, David A. Ball, Jan B. Yates, Stephen E. Petty, Steve Grimes
  • Patent number: 6102297
    Abstract: An automatic modulating regulator device and method of operation for use with a non-electrical hot water heat source supplied by a pressurized water supply. The hot water heat source has a hot water circuit to pump hot water to heat exchange elements. The regulator device comprises a valve which when a power failure occurs changes to a normally open state. The regulator device is adapted to be connected to a hot water return conduit of the hot water circuit. A self-powered thermostatic valve is responsive to a temperature sensor and modulates the flow of hot water returned through the regulator device. A flow restrictor is connected downstream of the regulator device for releasing controlled quantities of water from the return hot water conduit to a drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Centre des technologies du gaz naturel
    Inventors: Henry Nachaj, Alain Hebert
  • Patent number: 6101984
    Abstract: A fluid heater, comprising a tank having an inner chamber for accommodating a fluid to be heated, a heat exchanger having a tube bundle and a shell surrounding the tube bundle, the shell being introduced in the tank so that a wall of the shell is in contact with the fluid in the interior of the tank, the shell having an inlet for introducing a heating fluid, the tube bundle having an outlet which communicates through an upwardly raising pipe with the interior of the tank and an inlet for introducing a fluid to be heated, so that when the heating fluid is introduced through the inlet of the shell into the shell heat of the heating fluid is transferred through the wall of the shell to the fluid in the interior of the tank and also heats the fluid inside the tube bundle so that the heated fluid from the tube bundle is supplied through the upwardly raising pipe into the interior of the tank, providing a heat transfer between the heating and heated fluid by forced and natural convection simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Ari Nir
  • Patent number: 6032868
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for supplying domestic potable hot water and also heating an air space using a single combination unit having a common water tank and heat source for heating water therein. The water tank has an outlet for the supply of heated potable water and an inlet for the replenishment of same with cold water. A portion of the hot water is recirculated through a heat exchanger mounted in an air handler or housing. The air handler has a blower for passing the room air through the heat exchanger to heat the air space. The temperature drop of the water circulating through the heat exchanger is limited to 6.degree. F. by using a low pressure drop heat exchanger and a relatively high flow rate circulating pump, so the supply of potable hot water is always sufficient. Air heating is suspended if the heated air drops below 115.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Giovanni DiMarco
  • Patent number: 5931379
    Abstract: Disclosed is a an apparatus for controlling a bi-directional pump of a gas boiler in which a shock noise generated when a rest or hot-water mode is switched to a heating mode, or when the heating mode is switched to the hot-water mode, during an operation of the gas boiler, is not produced. A bi-directional pump motor drives a bi-directional pump based on the selection of the heating or hot-water mode. A switching section selects a positive or reverse revolution of the bi-directional pump motor. A power control section controls an electric power supplied to the bi-directional pump motor via the switching section. When a rest or hot-water mode is selected while performing the heating mode, a control section cuts off the power supplied to the bi-directional pump motor via the power control section, and controls the switching section to be switched over to a motor reverse revolution switching terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics K.K.
    Inventor: Yong-Bum Kim
  • Patent number: 5881952
    Abstract: A heating system is provided with a closed circuit system for a first liquid, a pass-through system for a second liquid and a controller. The closed circuit system has a primary heater with a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a circulating pump. The primary heater has a burner for burning hydrocarbon fuel and has a first heat exchanger for transferring heat from combustion products of hydrocarbon fuel to the first liquid. The second heat exchanger allows transfer of heat from the first liquid heated in the first heat exchanger to the second liquid in the pass-through system. The closed systems also has an outlet pipe connecting an outlet of the first heat exchanger to an inlet of the second heat exchanger, and an inlet pipe connecting an inlet of the first heat exchanger to an outlet of the second heat exchanger. The pass-through system has a storage tank, a recirculating tube system with recirculating pump, a main second liquid supply, a withdrawal tube and a fast response temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth R. MacIntyre
  • Patent number: 5810246
    Abstract: An external gas-fired heater for heating a water/glycol fluid is comprised of a housing having a combustion chamber therein. The chamber has a coil through which the water/glycol fluid is circulated and heated by a cylindrical gas burner disposed inside the coil with the coil spaced thereabout. The housing is adapted for mounting outside a building to which the heated fluid is convected for heat exchange with heating devices contained within the building. A cover is removably secured to the housing for access to the internal heater devices and is equipped to convect air within the housing for the air-gas mixing blower. Quick connect couplings permit the housing to be easily removed and replaced, if necessary. The cover also provides ease of access to the heater devices for servicing or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Centre des Technologies du Gaz Naturel
    Inventors: Charles Cote, Henry Nachaj, Kebir Ratnani
  • Patent number: 5730356
    Abstract: A system and method for recovering heat from waste fluids and gases and for improving the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels and the heat transfer within a boiler. The system comprises a controller, a distribution manifold, a plurality of heat recovery modules and a plurality of magnetic ionization modules. The system possesses the ability to monitor heated water demands within a building and to response by matching the demands with the most cost effective heated water supply source. The plurality of the heat recovery modules includes a flue heat recovery module, a waste water heat recovery module and a cooker heat recovery module for the recovery of heat from waste gases or liquids. The plurality of magnetic ionization modules includes a fuel magnetic ionization module and a water magnetic ionization module for charging fuel molecules to effect a more complete and efficient combustion and for charging the mineral molecules in water to prevent crystallization respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen Francis Mongan
  • Patent number: 5692676
    Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting the temperature of the boiler water in a hot water heating system in proportion to changes in the heat demand rate in the space heated by the boiler water wherein the change in heat demand rate is established on the basis of the off-time interval in the cyclic off and on activation of the pump which circulates the boiler water through heat radiators in the space being heated. The circulating pump off times are measured, and the boiler water temperature is continuously measured. The change in space heat demand rates is calculated by calculating the change in the length of the off-time intervals of the circulating pump. The boiler water control circuits are activated to adjust the boiler water temperature control set points upward or downward in direct proportion to the change in the calculated space heat demand rate. Apparatus for conducting the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Robert Walker
  • Patent number: 5687908
    Abstract: A single system for providing heated water at two different temperature levels for space heating purposes and for domestic water heating purposes is provided. The system can be constructed using only one burner. The system features a first loop for circulating domestic hot water at a lower temperature from an insulated tank, through a first heat exchanger where the water is heated, and back into the insulated tank. The system also features a second loop for circulating space heating water at a different temperature through a second heat exchanger, where the water is cooled, through the first heat exchanger, where the water is heated, and back to the second heat exchanger, where the water is again cooled. A single diverter valve or equivalent is used to determine which heating loop is required and will be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Sherwood G. Talbert, Ronald A. Cudnik, Jeffrey J. Crisafulli
  • Patent number: 5573183
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating room space of a building. According to the invention, heat is conveyed from district heating water to a heating liquid of heating circuits for heating the building, tap water and supply air of ventilation. According to the invention, the heating circuits for heating the building and the supply air are connected in series in such a manner that the heating liquid flowing in the piping heats, after passing a heat exchanger, first the heating circuit for heating the building and thereafter the heating circuit for heating the supply air. On account of the invention, the temperature of the district heating return water is lower than in the known apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Flakt AB
    Inventor: Seppo Leskinen
  • Patent number: 5524820
    Abstract: A portable water heater unit is used to warm a source of ambient temperature water for field use. Warm or hot water is provided for food warming, making hot beverages, showering, and article washing purposes. The unit comprises a housing, a water heater mounted within the housing, a hot water holding tank mounted within the housing, an optional heat exchanger positioned in the hot water holding tank and a temperature control mixing valve operably associated with ambient and hot water lines. An ambient water inlet line leads from an external source of ambient temperature water to the water heater. A hot water line leads from the water heater to the holding tank. Water within the holding tank is directed to an external use source or is continuously recirculated back through the water heater and to the holding tank. An inlet line and an outlet line connected to the heat exchanger within the holding tank is used to supply hot water to make coffee, tea, soup or similar hot drink/food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel V. Regan
  • Patent number: 5485879
    Abstract: A system for heating two independent water supplies having a water storage tank adapted to contain a first, potable water supply and a coiled heat exchange tube mounted within the tank to contain and conduct a second, non-potable water supply. The tank has a top, bottom, wall, and flue communicating between the top and bottom. The tube is in communication with the exterior of the tank and with a circulatory space heating system. The tube has a double wall to protect against the mixing of the potable and non-potable water supplies, and the ends of the tube terminate at the surface of the water storage tank at a dielectric fitting which maintains electrical isolation between dissimilar metals otherwise exposed to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Bradford White Corporation
    Inventor: Eric M. Lannes
  • Patent number: 5470019
    Abstract: A device for heating boilers (1) in heating plants comprises a means (2) for heating a heat carrying medium present in the boiler and circulating out thereof in the heating plant as well as a means (11) adapted to detect the temperature of the heat carrying medium present in the boiler and send signals to the heating means (2) to start and stop the heating of the medium when a first lower temperature level is underpassed and a second higher temperature level is exceeded, respectively, by the medium in the heating boiler (1). The device comprises further means (12) adapted to delay the start of the heating means (2) when the first temperature level is reached by the medium and this is detected by the detecting means (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Riverlake Investments Ltd.
    Inventor: Goran Martensson
  • Patent number: 5433379
    Abstract: A dual tank water heating system has an exterior tank which surrounds an interior tank. Water in the exterior tank is maintained at a prescribed temperature by heating elements located beneath the outer tank. Water in the interior tank is heated by water in the exterior tank and, when necessary, may be heated by a secondary heating element located beneath the interior tank. Water in the exterior tank may be used for general residential and commercial purposes and water in the interior tank is pumped through radiators for hydronic heating. Under moderate weather conditions, all heat is provided to the radiators through water in the interior tank which has been heated by water in the exterior tank. Under particularly cold circumstances, the secondary heating element is used to boost the heating ability of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Charles Harrison
  • Patent number: 5372185
    Abstract: A system for heating two independent water supplies having a water storage tank adapted to contain a first, potable water supply and a coiled heat exchange tube mounted within the tank to contain and conduct a second, non-potable water supply. The tank has a top, bottom, wall, and flue communicating between the top and bottom. The tube is in communication with the exterior of the tank and with a circulatory space heating system. The tube has a double wall to protect against the mixing of the potable and non-potable water supplies, and the ends of the tube terminate at the surface of the water storage tank at a dielectric fitting which maintains electrical isolation between dissimilar metals otherwise exposed to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Bradford-White Corporation
    Inventor: Eric M. Lannes
  • Patent number: 5366153
    Abstract: A heat pump system in which a vapor compression refrigerant is isolated from the space being conditioned, heat pumped by the refrigeration circuit is stored and a heat transfer fluid circuit is controlled for conditioning the space and for conducting heat from a heat storage medium at times when the refrigeration circuit does not operate in a regular heat pumping mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Consolidated Natural Gas Service Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Swenson
  • Patent number: 5361751
    Abstract: A combination hot air furnace and hot water heater (10) having a furnace (20), a gas flow control valve (40) and a hot water heater (60) constructed as an integral assembly. Furnace (20) has furnace gas burner (33) supported below furnace heat exchanger (32). Furnace heat exchanger (32) is supported within conduit (24) through which air is passed for heating. Gas flow control valve (40) is sealingly mounted upon the top outlet (36) of furnace heat exchanger (32), and may selectively direct the heat of combustion from furnace gas burner (33) toward water tank (62) for heating water within the water tank. Gas flow control valve (40) may also seal off furnace heat exchanger (32) from the flow control valve and draw outside combustion air into valve body (42) through side wall opening (48) for providing combustion air for water tank gas burner (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Robert C. Biggs
  • Patent number: 5248085
    Abstract: The gas boiler is intended for room heating and producing hot water and has a gas-heated primary heat exchanger which feeds two heating circuits lying in parallel. The heat exchange medium is circulated via a rotary pump driven by an electric motor, arranged on the cold side of the primary heat exchanger and has a control mechanism which is arranged on the pressure side and controlled by speed or direction of rotation. This control mechanism serves to actuate a switch mechanism connected to the pump housing, in that it connects in series one or other heating circuit to the primary heat exchanger. The switch mechanism is arranged on the hot side of the primary heat exchanger in the pipework to the heating circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Grundfos A/S
    Inventors: Niels D. Jensen, Horst Komossa, Thomas Blad
  • Patent number: 5226594
    Abstract: A heat storage system for a fuel fired prime mover driven space conditioner. Rejected heat from the prime mover is advantageously stored in a storage type potable hot water heater. Heat is transferred from a coolant fluid for the prime mover by forcibly circulating water from the tank of the potable hot water heater with a pump driven by the hydraulic energy of the coolant fluid. Since the coolant fluid flows when the prime mover is operated, control circuitry for the water circulating pump is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Consolidated Natural Gas Service Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Swenson
  • Patent number: 5221043
    Abstract: A furnace located outside of a building or other enclosure to be heated with the furnace utilizing waste oil as a combustible fuel. The furnace is associated with a storage tank for the oil which includes a preheater or warmer therein as well as an oil preheater located in the oil supply line between the tank and furnace with the oil preheater being located adjacent the furnace and being preheated by the hot water produced by the furnace with the preheater or warmer in the tank also being communicated with the hot water heated by the furnace to reduce the viscosity thereof to facilitate the oil being pumped to the preheater and furnace. The hot water produced by the furnace can be used to heat water to be used for domestic purposes through a heat exchanger and also provide fan coil units with hot water and many other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Hardy Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Willie J. Hardy
  • Patent number: 5203500
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a hot water supply for a building such as a mobile home, house, or business. A hot water storage tank is positioned within the building. A gas-fueled burner is positioned outside the building adjacent a heat exchanger which is connected in fluid communication with the indoor water storage tank. A pump circulates water from the tank through the heat exchanger and back into the tank responsive to a thermostat in the tank. The heat exchanger includes a thermostat for sensing the temperature of water therein to activate the pump and circulate relatively warm water from the tank through the heat exchanger to prevent freezing of water within the heat exchanger, such as during winter months when the ambient temperature falls below freezing. The gas heater may be used to convert a conventional electric water heater to operate from gas which is combusted outside of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Gas-Fired Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank L. Horne, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5193138
    Abstract: A thermal storage system (10) provides a means for storing thermal energy acquired from electricity purchased at off-peak demand times and from other fuel sources such as fossil fuels, waste heat, and solar energy. The thermal storage system (10) is also designed to supply a plurality of system outputs (124) at individually selected temperatures. The thermal storage system (10) includes a storage tank (12) for storing and heating fluids. Insulation (44) is provided to prevent energy from being transferred to the environment surrounding the storage tank (12). An external housing (46) is provided to protect the insulation (44) and to further insulate the storage tank (12). Heating elements (76) are included for the heating of the stored fluid. A fluid circulator (22) is provided for circulating the fluid to obtain a substantially constant temperature throughout the storage tank (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventors: Steven M. Richey, Richard E. MacDonald, Jimmy F. Mathis
  • Patent number: 5165596
    Abstract: The connection strip is for use with a dual-purpose hot water and central heating boiler. The strip comprises four modules made of molded hard plastic and assembled side-by-side by being mutually juxtaposed with tie bars passing through them, the modules being respectively associated with outgoing heating water, outgoing domestic hot water, incoming cold water, and returned heating water, each module including the corresponding stopcocks and ducts together with lengths of a short-circuit duct enabling the modules to co-operate to form a short-circuit on the heating circuit, suitable for feeding water to said heating circuits and for enabling leak tests to be performed when the boiler is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Chaffoteaux et Maury
    Inventor: Joseph Le Mer
  • Patent number: 5118039
    Abstract: Domestic hot water heating control circuit is used in conjunction with a furnace control unit of a hot air furnace system which utilizes a hot water heat exchanger. The hot water control circuit has a diverter valve which is electrically connected to a thermostat which monitors a hot water tank and a fan control circuit for controlling the operation of a comfort fan for the hot air system integrated with the furnace control system. The diverter valve controls the circulation of heated water between the heat exchanger of the furnace and the hot water tank. When the hot water tank thermostat calls for heat, the diverter valve switches a relay to start the furnace and to direct heated water from the heat exchanger of the furnace to the heating coil of the hot water tank. The fan control circuit then operates to shut "off" the comfort fan to prevent cold air from being supplied to the living space in the event that the space thermostat calls for heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: R. E. Phelon Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger W. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5076494
    Abstract: An integrated system for both space and water heating. Heating is accomplished in a condensing heating module having a small hot water storage reservoir to reduce burner cycling during periods of low demand. The space heating system includes a fluid flow loop with a fluid circulating pump for circulating a heat transfer fluid in the loop from the heating module to a remote space heating heat exchanger. The heating module can also supply hot water for service use. The system may be configured either as an open loop system, in which the space heating and water heating subsystem are combined and share common lines, or a closed loop system, in which the space heating subsystem fluid flow loop is isolated from the water heating subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Chester D. Ripka
  • Patent number: 5074464
    Abstract: A combined air and water temperature conditioning system provides for the heating of potable water and for the heating and cooling of indoor room air in a compact arrangement of components. A domestic type gas water heater having a driven draft direct vent system accepts a modular air handler on its top. The air handler comprises a heating coil within a closed loop water system and a pump circulating hot water between the water heater and the air handler coil. A blower in the air handler passes room air across the heating coil to an air outlet from an air inlet. An insertable second coil connected to a heat pump or air conditioner is optionally provided for heating or cooling air being propelled between the air inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Mor-Flo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry J. Moore, Jr., Wouter J. Wiersma, John M. Fabrizio