Abstract: An energy control and transmission system which monitors temperature in piping systems, electronic systems and the like. Energy in the form of a heated or chilled fluid is delivered to the devices and/or regions of interest to maintain temperature conditions thereat within a safe range of values. Electrical energy employed in the system is confined to the location from which the fluid is pumped, eliminating the presence of electricity in hazardous or dangerous areas. Non-electrical temperature indicators are utilized to permit branching flow of the temperature controlling fluid from a closed loop responsive to detection of a temperature condition outside of the desired range of values. The opening of such a branching path triggers operation of a pressure sensitive switch which activates a pump for delivery of the temperature controlling fluid.

Abstract: An automatic and improved electrical control for an automatic hydronic zone valve including a switching device for opening and closing solenoid valves based on adjustable temperature settings. Specifically, the preferred system involves a solenoid-controlled valve in which the solenoid is activated and deactivated by an electrical control circuit which relies on an external thermostatic switch and an internal relay to open and alternately close the following sub-circuits: a solenoid control sub-circuit which is directly connected to the valve solenoid, an AC to DC converter, relay control circuitry, a relay switch connection to a water circulator system and LED sub-circuits indicating power status and/or activation of the heating system. The solenoid control sub-circuit includes a series thermistor and a parallel capacitor to, respectively, slow the provision of electrical current to the solenoid to avoid "water hammer," and, quiet the electronic hum of the solenoid.

Abstract: According to the present invention, in an air conditioning apparatus setting a double laminar mode in which an inside air and an outside air are blown while being partitioned, when the maximum heating state is set during an air outlet mode in which air is blown out simultaneously from both of a foot opening portion toward feet of a passenger and a defroster opening portion toward a windshield, a passage for conditioned air is partitioned into a first air passage for the inside air and a second air passage for the outside air. The first air passage is communicated with the foot opening portion, and the second air passage is communicated with the defroster opening portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling a vehicular fuel-combustion heater, comprising an environmental condition input unit for inputting environmental conditions including an ambient air temperature; an operation start-judging unit for judging whether or not the inputted ambient air temperature is lower than a previously set first reference temperature, and starting operation of the fuel-combustion heater when the inputted ambient air temperature is lower than the first reference temperature; and a reference temperature-changing unit for setting, for the first reference temperature, a second reference temperature which is lower than the first reference temperature when the fuel-combustion heater is operated for the second time or later.

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.

Abstract: A self-powered, forced hot air space heating system including a boiler for generating steam, a mechanical power producing steam expander, and a heat exchanger for heating air. Steam from the boiler is supplied to the expander and the heat exchanger, which is disposed in close proximity to the boiler. A fan powered by the expander is mounted adjacent to the heat exchanger in order to force air to be heated past the heat exchanger and through the space being heated. By operation of the fan, cool air is forced past the heat exchanger and heated. The resulting warm air is then provided to the space being heated. The system provides central forced hot air heating without the need for any external supply of electrical power. In another embodiment, a hot water heater is used in place of the boiler to heat high pressure water. The high pressure hot water is expanded to obtain mechanical energy for driving a generator and, thereby, producing a supply of electrical power.

Abstract: A hot-water heating system has a heater for producing hot water, a heat radiator, a supply pipe for supplying them hot water from the heater to the heat radiator, a return pipe for returning the heat radiator to the heater, and a circulation pump for circulating the hot water from the heater successively through the supply pipe, the heat radiator, and the return pipe. A supply pipe temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water flowing through the supply pipe is mounted on an outer surface of the supply pipe. A return pipe temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water flowing through the return pipe is mounted on an outer surface of the return pipe. A control unit controls the circulation pump to reduce an output rate thereof as the difference between the temperatures of the hot water detected by the supply pipe temperature sensor and the return pipe temperature sensor is reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and cooling an enclosed operator space in an off-road vehicle controlling evaporator fan speed, compressor clutch and condenser fan operation, and having sensors for detecting operator space temperature and an evaporator freezing condition, the condenser fan motor fuse condition, and under or over pressure conditions in the compressor; the apparatus also controls the operation of a heat source such as a heat valve in a coolant path or an electric resistance heater. The evaporator fan speed is controlled by pulse-width modulating power to the fan motor and speed is displayed by a bar graph; a digital display of temperature and system diagnostics is also provided. Operation of the clutch is inhibited when the evaporator freezes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving heating system efficiency. An electronic circuit senses a firing signal from a boiler energy value sensor such as a thermostat or pressuretrol. The circuit prevents the boiler energy value sensor from firing the burner, while the circuit senses an energy value of the outflow line at the boiler. The circuit monitors the outflow energy value and records the outflow energy value at a first time of the firing signal. The circuit then continually monitors the outflow energy until it detects an energy drop from the initial outflow energy value. The circuit responds to the energy drop by firing the burner. The invention self adaptively responds to present thermal load, reduces the number of on-off cycles, increases each burner run time while reducing total run time, improves fuel consumption, and reduces air pollution.

Abstract: A heat recovery system (including associated methods, apparatus and controls for implementing such a system) integrated in a hot water heating system that is combinable with an air conditioning loop containing hot gas wherein the hot water system selectively utilizes heat recovered from the hot gas to produce and store hot water at a preselected temperature level requiring the use of only a single water storage tank. According to one aspect of the invention, hot gas is taken from the air conditioning loop and placed directly into a heat exchanger coil immersed in the water storage tank for selective use therein to produce hot water.

Abstract: An integrated zoning circulator includes a priority controller, integral with the zoning circulator, for determining the priority given to the circulator in an individual zone of a multi-zone hydronic system. The zoning circulator also includes a priority circulator system for a multi-zone hydronic system having a zoning circulator at each zone, a plurality of control boxes each having a thermostat, one control box being associated with each circulator, and, a plurality of priority controllers, one priority controller being associated with each control box. Each priority controller, when activated, functions to assure that when the associated thermostat calls for the circulator to operate, other circulators in non-priority mode are prevented from operating simultaneously.

Abstract: A recirculating hot water system comprises a boiler for heating a continuous supply of hot water, a recirculating water line comprising a supply line connected to an outlet of the boiler for conveying water from the boiler to at least one use station and a return line for returning water not consumed at the station to the boiler, a circulating pump in the return line for continuously circulating water in the water line, a by-pass circuit for by-passing the recirculating line connected at an outlet of the pump and an inlet to the pump, and a by-pass valve in the recirculating line at the by-pass line for directing water at a predetermined temperature through the by-pass line.

Abstract: A method for heating liquid including the steps of pressurizing the liquid; and heating the liquid while under pressure. An apparatus for heating liquid including a conduit system for transporting a liquid to be heated; an assembly for applying heat to the conduit system to heat the liquid in the conduit system; and an assembly for pressurizing the liquid during transporting substantially to prevent conversion of the liquid to vapor.

Abstract: A gas fired direct contact water heater in which the heated water is led off from a reservoir in a lower part of the heater through an outlet conduit including a continuously running pump pumping the heated water along the conduit to a user's valve which is opened when the user requires heated water. To replace that water a water supply conduit controlled by a ball-cock valve conveys water to a first spray bar in an upper part of the heater above heat transfer means through which passes the downward flowing water and upward flowing products of combustion resultant from the burning fuel gas. A return conduit opens into the outlet conduit between the user's valve and the pump. The return conduit leads to a second spray bar in the heater above the heat transfer means.

Abstract: A system for monitoring, processing and storing operating parameters of a boiler room. A sonar gauge for measuring the level of liquid fuel in a storage tank, thermocouples to measure temperatures at varous points in the boiler room, and means to monitor the operating status of boiler room equipment are provided. Means to convert to digital data, store and analyze the digital data, and transmit the digital data to a remote location are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the amount of energy consumed in heating a building with a direct fired boiler having a supply reheat line and return reheat line including operating the direct fired boiler at full capacity until the supply reheat water temperature reaches a preset temperature, and varying the total water in the return reheat line and the supply line to maintain the temperature differential between the temperature of the water in the return reheat line at a preset value. A method and apparatus for turning off one or more direct fired boilers utilizing two or more direct fired boilers connected in parallel when one or more of the direct fired boilers is not needed to heat the building is also disclosed. Each of the direct fired boilers having a supply reheat water line and a return reheat water line.

Abstract: A water heating system for a concrete batching plant comprising a closed tank (1) having low heat transfer properties for containing the liquid to be heated, a heat exchanger having liquid carrying conduit means connected by conduits (2,3) to said tank (1), a first pump (3a) for circulating liquid from the tank (1) to the heat exchanger (4) while the liquid is being heated by said heat exchanger (4), a second pump for transferring the heating liquid from said tank to the concrete batching plant, control means for controlling the operation of said heat exchanger and said pumps and including means for monitoring the ambient temperature, the temperature of the water in the tank, the temperature of the water delivered from the tank, and the amount of water delivered from the tank, and a mixing valve for mixing cold water and/or recycled water with said heated water, said control means controlling the positioning of said mixing valve based on the temperature of the water in the tank and the temperature of the wate

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for operation and optimization of boilers in a multiboiler heating plant. The apparatus includes a boiler selection means which is typically a computer which includes a fuel consumption profile for the boilers in the plant. A boiler controller is connected to the boiler selection means. An outdoor air temperature sensor is provided. In operation the fuel consumption profile of the various boilders at the current outdoor air temperature are compared and the boiler which will consume the least amount of fuel per degree day or other time unit is selected for operation.

Abstract: A control means and process for a recirculating hot water system having a hot water supply pipe and a hot water return pipe connected in a loop between a hot water outlet of a hot water tank and a return inlet to that tank, and having an electrically controlled recirculating pump in the loop, for keeping sufficient circulation in the loop as to assure substantially instant dispensing of water of a desirably high temperature. The control governs the operability of the recirculating pump, causing it to operate for a pre-established time period as determined by the amount of time required to bring the supply pipe portion of the recirculation loop up to desired maximum operating temperature.

Abstract: A water conservation system for use in residential dwellings or other buildings having a hot water distribution system. The system conserves water which is typically wasted by users while waiting for warm water to flow from a hot water faucet. The system provides a recirculating cooled hot water supply line from the cooled-off end of a hot water line back to the hot water heater of the hot water distribution system. The system is provided with a plurality of control means to electrically energize the system's recirculating pump so long as a pressure switch detects that the main water supply is providing sufficient water pressure to the system. In operation the recirculating pump opens a check valve in the recirculating line and closes the check valve in the main water supply line and recirculates the cooled hot water back to the hot water heater for ultimate use. If the main water supply has insufficient pressure, the recirculating cooled hot water system is non-functional.

Abstract: A hot water heating system for a building has a hot water storage tank, a combustor, a burner for firing the combustor, a plurality of radiators, a pump for circulating hot water to and from the plurality of radiators, a first thermostat for measuring the temperature of the hot water in the storage tank and for controlling the burner in response to such temperature, a heat exchanger in the storage tank, a cold water inlet line, and a hot water outlet line. The improvement comprises a cold water heating element arranged around a portion of the inlet line, a temperature sensing element arranged in close proximity to the heating element, and a second thermostat for anticipatorily controlling firing of the combustor by the burner via the first thermostat. Also, the second thermostat, via an electrical line, shuts off the pump when the second thermostat is causing firing of the combustor by the burner.

Abstract: A water heating system comprises a low temperature stage with a stratified tank, connected by a line system to a high temperature stage and a distribution stage. Between the high temperature stage and the distribution stage there can be an oppositely flowing line system. Lines carry circulating or mixed water from the distribution stage to a consumption stage. A programmable switching unit is provided for monitoring and controlling the hydraulic network.

Abstract: A heating system comprising a closed conduit containing a liquid which is continuously circulated through the conduit by a pump. An electrical resistance heating unit serves to heat the liquid in the conduit and heat is transferred from the liquid through a heat exchanger to a medium to be heated. A proportional timer is operably connected in the electrical circuit with the heating unit. The timer has a cycle of fixed duration composed of an "on" interval and an "off" interval, with the duration of the "on" interval being variable within the cycle. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the liquid in the conduit and if the temperture falls below a set value, the sensor acts to operate the timer and energize the heating unit. A second temperature sensor acts to adjust the "on" interval of the timing cycle in proportion to the deviation of the liquid temperature from the temperature setting.

Abstract: An energy saving control circuit for a water heater having a hot water storage tank provided with an electrically operated heater, i.e., an electric heater or an electrically controlled combustion burner, includes a water flow detection device associated with either the cold water inlet or hot water outlet of the tank for sensing the flow of water into or out of the tank and arranged to energize the heater upon detection of water flow indicative of the withdrawal of water from the tank. A holding circuit maintains the heater energized, even though the flow of water ceases, until such time as a thermostatic switch responsive to the temperature of the water in the tank disables the holding circuit and deenergizes the heater upon the water stored in the tank attaining a predetermined desired temperature.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle heater core fluid flow system and bypass valve (10) therefor is disclosed having a butterfly valve member (24) rotatably mounted in a primary fluid passageway (14) and intermediate first (20) and second (21) fluid ports which fluidly communicate with the primary passage. Third (22) and fourth (19) ports are in fluid communication with the primary passageway and spaced at each end thereof. The first and third ports are connected to high and low pressure locations on the engine cooling system respectively. The fourth port is connected to the heater core inlet and the second port is connected to the heater core outlet. When the valve is in an open position, a pair of isolated parallel flow paths are defined by flow through the first and fourth ports and by flow through the second and third ports. In the closed position flow enters the first port and immediately exhausts from the third port without entering the heater core flow path, thereby preventing heat transfer to the heater core.

Abstract: A heating device for supplying hot water to home heating systems and hot water faucet outlets in the home includes a combustion chamber which is adapted to burn wood fuel for supplying the necessary heat. The heating device comprises a base member containing an ash bin and ash door for the removal of burnt fuel, a water tank positioned on the base and sealed thereto, the water tank containing therein the combustion chamber which includes a grate which rests over the ash bin, the water in the water tank substantially completely surrounding the combustion chamber, the combustion chamber further including an exhaust pipe for removing exhaust combustion gases from the combustion chamber out of the heating device, the water tank being fully enclosed by an insulating shell which fits over the top thereof.

Abstract: A fluid heater apparatus for providing heated fluid on demand, the apparatus including at least two microwave heating units with coiled tubing disposed in the microwave field and connected to a valving and electrical system wherein heated fluid is supplied alternately from the units thus permitting one unit to heat fluid therein and the other to supply heated fluid therefrom and thereby supply a continuous flow of heated fluid and yet providing no storage facilities for holding heated fluid other than the coiled tubing in the microwave field.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a heat source wherein a vaned rotor (2) is rotatably supported within a cavity (18) formed in a casing (16). Inlet (42) and outlet (54) ports in the casing (16) respectively conduct heat transfer fluid to and from the cavity (18). Heat is generated by blocking the inlet (42) and outlet (54) ports while rotating the vaned rotor (2) to impart mechanical energy of motion to heat transfer fluid contained within the cavity (18). Frictional forces subsequently developed between layers of rotating fluid particles serve to convert essentially all of the mechanical energy of motion of the fluid particles into heat. After the heat transfer fluid reaches a predetermined temperature, the rotation of the vaned rotor (2) is stopped and the inlet (42) and outlet (54) ports are unblocked, thereby enabling the conduction of hot heat transfer fluid to a remote heat transfer surface (116). An electrical control circuit (C) governs the sequencing of the heat generating and transfer cycles.

Abstract: A rapid-response water heating and delivery system for quickly and accurately heating water to a selected set point temperature within a predetermined temperature range, and for maintaining the selected set point temperature of the water for a wide range of volumetric flow rates and for a wide range of initial water temperatures. The heating and delivery system includes a water vessel containing electrical heating elements for heating the water flowing through the vessel and a control unit automatically operable to control the supply of electrical energy to the electrical heating elements, taking into account the actual temperature of the water being discharged from the vessel, the selected set point temperature called for, and the rate at which the actual temperature of the water being discharged from the vessel changes with respect to the selected set point temperature so that the temperature of the water flowing through the vessel quickly approaches the selected set point temperature.

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

Abstract: A multiple fluid medium energy conversion system for a building which includes a radiant energy panel assembly connectable alternatively with a closed Brayton cycle closed air circuit or an open environmental air circuit, the open environmental air circuit including a clothes dryer selectively mounted therein, a temperature water storage closed circulating system for storing the temperature energy, a room air temperature conditioning circuit and a potable hot water circuit, the potable hot water circuit including an improved potable hot water storage tank assembly, all of the circuits being interrelated by heat exchangers and a control circuit for the system.

Abstract: Only a limited number of organic or silicone liquid phase thermal exchange fluid types are suitable for operation over a wide range of hot and cold temperatures and these have an undesirable property of degrading at high temperatures. It is accordingly desirable to subject the thermal exchange fluid to high temperature only to the extent and times required by users. The present invention includes intermittent users which occasionally are required to attain maximum working temperatures at which thermal degradation of thermal exchange fluid occurs at a significant rate and a hot reservoir at the minimum working temperature. A stable heat transfer fluid transfers heat from the hot reservoir to the degradable thermal exchange fluid through a common intermediate heat exchanger. The degradable thermal exchange fluid is heated to a temperature just sufficient to satisfy the maximum current setpoint temperature of the intermittent users by controlling circulation of the stable heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preventing or limiting water damage caused by leakage from pipes or appliances in which a sensing element in the form of a pair of conductors having current applied thereto is positioned in an area to sense accumulation of water from leakage. The sensing element is connected to a resettable relay to operate the same when current flows between conductors of the sensing element. The relay is bi-stable and resettable and operates to disconnect the sensing element after initial conduction and to further apply heat through the heating element to a thermostatic valve to operate the thermostatic valve in a direction to close off water flow to piping or apparatus in which leakage occurs.

Abstract: A fluid supply system for supplying a fluid draw-off such as for example domestic showers includes a fluid blending valve discharging blended liquid into a recirculation pipeline delivering to the draw-off and returning to a cold inlet of the blending valve, liquid recirculation occurring when the draw-off is closed, and a pump is preferably provided to ensure satisfactory recirculation. At least a portion of the recycled liquid is fed to a heat exchanger. To ensure that the temperature of the recycled liquid is maintained at a desired value, which is particularly desirable in the case of a shower installation where excess temperature can be physically dangerous, an additional thermostatic control valve is provided responsive to the recycled liquid temperature and operatively associated with the heat exchanger to maintain the recycled liquid temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preventing or limiting water damage caused by leakage from pipes or appliances in which a sensing element in the form of a pair of conductors having current applied thereto is positioned in an area to sense accumulation of water from leakage. The sensing element is connected to a resettable relay to operate the same when current flows between conductors of the sensing element. The relay is bi-stable and resettable and operates to disconnect the sensing element after initial conduction and to further apply heat through the heating element to a thermostatic valve to operate the thermostatic valve in a direction to close off water flow to piping or apparatus in which leakage occurs.