Continuous Flow Of Fluid Being Heated Patents (Class 392/314)
  • Patent number: 11661570
    Abstract: A beverage maker may include a base, a fermentation module disposed on the base, a heater configured to heat a fluid, such as water supplied to the fermentation module, and a heater case disposed on the base. The heater case may be configured to accommodate the heater so as to allow the heater to be spaced upward from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Shic Yoon
  • Patent number: 10921021
    Abstract: A blood warmer (10) has a first heating plate (12) and a second heating plate (14) as well as an exchangeable conductor (18, 20, 22, 24) for blood, which is arranged between the first heating plate (12) and the second heating plate (14). The blood warmer (10) has an inlet (66) and an outlet (68) for blood to which the conductor (18, 20, 22, 24) is fluidically connected. Due to the roughness of the surface (46) of the conductor (18, 20, 22, 24), an intermediate space (50) remains between the first heating plate (12) and/or the second heating plate (14) and the conductor (18, 20, 22, 24). A medium (52), which has a higher thermal conductivity than air, is at least partially statically arranged in the intermediate space (50). The blood warmer (10) may also have an electromechanical oscillating circuit and/or a vibration motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: WWT Technischer Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Schmider, Axel Stihler, Wolfgang Theilacker-Beck, Matthias Theilacker
  • Patent number: 10281138
    Abstract: An electrode water heater/steam generator is provided. The electrode water heater/steam generator comprises a housing for containing water therein. The housing has at least an opening for transmission of water therethrough. At least two electrodes are disposed inside the housing and secured thereto such that at least one of the electrodes is enabled to vibrate during provision of AC electrical power. Electrical circuitry connects at least one of the electrodes to a live wire of an AC electrical power supply and at least another of the electrodes to a neutral wire of the AC electrical power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: 3278470 NOVA SCOTIA LIMITED
    Inventor: Jeff Mahoney
  • Publication number: 20150110933
    Abstract: Apparatus for the ohmic-heating of a particulate liquid, including degassing structure for degassing the liquid, which is turn includes a vacuum tank and at least one sprayer, in order to carry out a method that may include degassing the liquid by spraying it onto a vertical or sloping internal wall of a vacuum tank, in such a way that a vertical cylindrical inner region of the vacuum tank that is away from said wall and reaches the top region of the vacuum tank is substantially free of liquid. The apparatus also includes a conduit for passing the degassed liquid through an ohmic-heating unit, a pump located between the vacuum tank and the ohmic-heating unit, a safety valve arranged in parallel with the pump and a back-pressure valve located after the ohmic-heating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: FRUIT TECH NATURAL S.A.
    Inventor: Yoram Zack
  • Patent number: 8953932
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for altering the temperature of a liquid, comprising: a pipe having a first end for receiving a liquid and a second end for discharging the liquid; and a thermal element for altering the temperature of the liquid, wherein the thermal element is located in the pipe such that the volume available for the liquid within the pipe is in the range 0 to 20% of the pipe volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Karl William Hughes
  • Patent number: 8901468
    Abstract: A heating system for hot water and conditioned air uses electromagnetic energy created by one or more magnetrons operated by high voltage transformers. The heating system includes oil cooled transformers and magnetrons. Using radiators in the form of heat exchangers, heat recovered from the transformers and magnetrons is dissipated directly into the path of the return air and the air handler blower. The magnetron heating system includes a coiled conduit sized to allow complete heating of the fluid flowing therethrough. The conduit has a conical shape to allow upper magnetrons to heat the outside of the conduit and lower magnetrons to heat the inside of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent A. Bravo
  • Patent number: 8861943
    Abstract: A liquid heater such as a direct electrical resistance liquid heater having multiple flow channels is provided with a temperature-sensing element in the form of a wire extending across numerous channels, preferably all of the channels, near the downstream ends of the channels. The resistance of the wire represents the average temperature of the liquid passing through all of the channels, and hence the temperature of the mixed liquid exiting from the heater. A bubble suppressing structure is provided in the vicinity of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: ISI Technology, LLC
    Inventors: John H. Bowers, Gregory S. Lyon
  • Patent number: 8649670
    Abstract: A water heater comprises an inner container (1) and an outer container (2). An upper part of the inner container (1) is connected with an insulating water inlet pipe (3) which communicates with a cavity of the inner container (1); the outer container (2) is provided to encase the inner container (1) and it is axially movable relative to the inner container (1); two different heating electrodes (4) are connected with one end of the inner container (1) and one end of the outer container (2) respectively; water outlet holes (5) are provided on the inner container (1) and the outer container (2). As a result, the insulating water inlet pipe forms a hot water supply circuit in a sandwiched layer between the inner and the outer containers. By adjusting the spaces between the inner and the outer containers to regulate electrical current, water temperature control is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventors: Yijian Lu, Jinhe Lu
  • Patent number: 8644693
    Abstract: An apparatus integrated with micromachined (a.k.a. MEMS, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) silicon thermal sensor as a proximity switch sensor in air/oil Lubricators is disclosed in the present invention. The present invention relates to mass flow sensing and measurement for both gas and liquid phase and relates to air/oil lubrication process for multi-point lubrication machine. The invented apparatus is utilized as an alarm device to prevent mechanical system failures caused by the discontinuity of oil lubrication. The MEMS silicon thermal sensor is distinguished with a variety of advantages of small size, low power consumption, high reliability and high accuracy. In addition to the above benefits, the most significant and critical advantage is its fast response time of less than 20 msec, which makes the proximity switch control become viable for preventing equipment damage from oil lubricants discontinuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siargo Ltd.
    Inventors: Liji Huang, Jiliang Ruan, Jian Luo, Chih-Chang Chen
  • Publication number: 20130315574
    Abstract: A method is provided for heating an electrically conductive fluid, including steps of: (i) circulating the fluid in a circuit from an inlet to an outlet, through an inlet path of the circuit in which the fluid flows in a first average direction and an outlet path of the circuit in which the fluid flows in a second average direction substantially opposite to the first direction; (ii) subjecting the fluid to a specific ohmic heating while the fluid flows through the outlet path; and (iii) transferring heat from the fluid flowing through the outlet path to the fluid flowing through the inlet path by thermal conduction through an at least partially first electrically insulated partition wall. An associated heating device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE MONTPELLIER 2 SCIENCE ET TECHNIQUES, EMMEPIEMME
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lucien Joseph Pain, Stephanie Roux, Mario Massa
  • Patent number: 8532474
    Abstract: An electrical liquid heating system and method of heating a liquid includes providing at least two spaced apart electrical conductors and applying an electrical energy source to the conductors. A liquid is directed into contact with the conductors thereby delivering electrical energy to the liquid. Electrical energy is delivered to the liquid at a power level that is sufficient to generate an electrical current to produce resistive heating of the liquid. The electrical energy may be delivered to the liquid at a power level that is sufficient to break at least some molecular bonds of molecules defining the liquid. A regulator may be provided for regulating delivery of electrical energy to the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Mark E. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20130129327
    Abstract: A heat generator and method for generating heat is described and includes an electric fluid heater for receiving fluid and for heating the fluid by passing electric current through the fluid, which heats the fluid by virtue of the fluids resistive properties. A fluid receptacle within a heat exchanger receives heated fluid from the electric fluid heater and transfers the heated fluid to a substance via the heat exchanger, wherein the substance is in proximity to the heat exchanger. The method includes pumping fluid to an electric heater which heats the fluid by passing electric current through the fluid for heating the fluid through resistive properties. The method further includes pumping heated fluid from the electric fluid heater into a fluid receptacle within a heat exchanger, wherein the fluid receptacle transfers heat from the heated fluid via a heat exchanger to a substance in proximity to the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Cedric Israelsohn, Robert C. Van Aken
  • Publication number: 20120308212
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for heating a fluid (9), with a housing (2) comprising a housing shell (3), a housing base (4) and a housing cover (5), with at least one inlet opening (11) and at least one outlet opening (13) for the fluid (9), and at least two electrodes are disposed in the housing (2) at a distance (25) apart from one another, which are each electrically conductively connected to a pole of at least one pulse generator (20). A smoothing section (38) for the fluid (9) is provided after the electrode(s) in the flow direction—arrow (27)—of the fluid (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: PHENOM TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Bierbaumer
  • Publication number: 20120224836
    Abstract: An electro-thermal heating system comprising a substantially hollow housing having detachable upper and lower plates for covering and sealing top and bottom surfaces of the housing. The housing has an inlet and an outlet for a flow of coolant to enter into and leave the housing, and has openings defined therein, for insertion of electric heating elements therein to project into the housing and be in direct contact with the coolant to heat it. The inlet and the outlet can be interconnected with piping to form a closed fluid flow circuit. The housing is substantially circular, to circulate flow of the coolant in a circular manner within the housing, and a diameter of the inlet is greater than a diameter of the outlet, to keep coolant in the housing longer to heat it. A pump and a power source can be interconnected to the system to circulate the coolant in the closed fluid flow circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Ray King
  • Patent number: 8019206
    Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body having a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating is characterized in that a ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, at least one lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and the ring electrode comprises a core portion of electrode of platinum or platinum alloy and a thick portion of platinum or platinum alloy or of a metallic material other than platinum or platinum alloy, provided at an outer side of the core portion of electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yasuharu Hirabara, Hajime Itoh
  • Patent number: 8009970
    Abstract: There is provided a method for electrically energizing and heating a platinum or platinum-alloy composite tube structure having a structure including a first main tube, a second main tube, and a branch tube connecting the first main tube and the second main tube, which prevents a local part of the branch tube from being electrically energized and heated in an excessive or insufficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Sei Nagano, Yasuharu Hirabara, Hajime Itoh
  • Patent number: 7941038
    Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass in which local-overheating is reduced at the time of conduction heating. The hollow tubular body has a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating, wherein a platinum or platinum alloy ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, a lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and a thick portion is provided in at least the joint portion closest to the lead-out electrode, of the ring electrode and in the vicinity thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hajime Itoh, Sei Nagano, Yasuharu Hirabara
  • Patent number: 7742689
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for heating an electrically conductive fluid, such as potable water, and to a method of heating the same. The heating apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes in an array, and a controller for selectively energizing the plurality of electrodes, in different combinations, to thereby adjust the electrical resistance observed across the electrode array, in order to maximize the current drawn by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: C-Tech Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Michael Harrison, John Collins, Andrew Rowley
  • Publication number: 20100074602
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating fluid, includes a preheat reservoir having at least one pair of reservoir electrodes between which an electric current can be passed through fluid in the preheat reservoir, to heat fluid in the reservoir to a preheat temperature, the preheat temperature being less than a desired output fluid temperature of the apparatus; and an outflow temperature boost passage through which fluid from the preheat reservoir flows to an outlet of the apparatus, the outflow temperature boost passage having at least one pair of outflow electrodes between which an electric current can be passed through fluid in the outflow temperature boost passage, to heat fluid dynamically in the outflow temperature boost passage to the desired output fluid temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Cedric Israelsohn, Robert Cornelis Van Aken
  • Publication number: 20100040352
    Abstract: A device for heating a liquid includes a tank, electrodes, and a conductive liquid. The tank holds the conductive liquid and the electrodes. The electrodes are connected to provide current flowing in the conductive liquid. The device also includes an electrolytic material supply vessel for holding the electrolytic material. The electrolytic material supply vessel is switchably connected for providing the electrolytic material to the tank. The device also includes an electrical parameter sensor for detecting a parameter of electrical energy dissipated in the conductive liquid. The device also includes a controller connected to automatically add the electrolytic material to the conductive liquid if the electrical parameter sensor detects the electrical parameter differing from a set point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Michael George Colburn, Stephen John Bogner
  • Publication number: 20090120590
    Abstract: A heating system for a spray dryer has a heating element, a heating unit having an open-pore metal foam, and a fluid input and a fluid output. The metal foam is arranged between the fluid input and the fluid output so that fluid which flows in through the fluid input and out through the fluid output is laminarized. A method for simultaneously heating and laminarizing a fluid with the aid of an open-pore metal foam is also disclosed, as is an electrostatic precipitator having a sleeve-shaped electrode connected to a base part of the precipitator. Also disclosed is a device for detaching particles from an inner surface of a sleeve-shaped electrode, a method for detaching particles, and a spray dryer with a heating system as above and/or with an electrostatic precipitator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: BUCHI LABORTECHNIK AG
    Inventors: Mathias Schon, Ralph Baumgartner
  • Publication number: 20090074389
    Abstract: A method for generating heat includes passing a liquid between electrodes connected to an alternating current power supply. The liquid must have a sufficient level of electrolytes or dissolved minerals so as to be effectively heated. The level of current applied to the electrodes is preferably monitored and controlled. Exothermic, electrochemical reactions occur within the liquid and at the surface of the electrodes. More particularly, the electrodes are comprised of a material that can be oxidized, and the oxidation process during operation of the heater supplies additional current to heat the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: LEXINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan H. Noe, David A. Boyd, Richard M. Cox
  • Patent number: 7424211
    Abstract: An arrangement for influencing the temperature of flowable media, especially of lubricants found in a lubricant system, has a line through which the medium flow. At least one element (11) is assigned to the line section (1, 5) for influencing the temperature, and can be activated by supplying energy. At least one element (11) is located within the line section (1, 5) in the flow path of the medium. The wall in the line section (1,5) has a connection means (9) for supplying energy to the element (11) located in the line section (1, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hydac System GmbH
    Inventor: Frank GĂĽnter Lehmann
  • Patent number: 7372002
    Abstract: A washing water inlet for receiving washing water is provided on an upper surface at one end of a case main body in a fluid heating device, and a washing water outlet for feeding heated washing water to a pump is provided on an upper surface at the other end of the case main body. A linear sheathed heater is arranged so as to penetrate the case main body. A spring is spirally wound around an outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater. An outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater, the spring, and an inner peripheral surface of the case main body form a flow path. The flow path is formed in a spiral shape with the length of the case main body used as its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushige Nakamura, Shigeru Shirai, Yasuhiro Umekage, Mitsuyuki Furubayashi, Koji Oka
  • Patent number: 7176421
    Abstract: A heater for heating a rigid fluid line or hose for freeze protection. The heater has a base made of an outer base layer, a middle base layer attached to the outer base layer; and an inner base layer attached to the middle base layer. The inner base layer can be uncured silicone (before assembly processing). A resistance wire is wound around an electrically non-conductive core and located on the inner base layer. The resistance wire can be a high gauge wire providing for a small moment of flexure. A cover includes an inner cover layer covering said resistance wire. This inner cover layer can be uncured silicone (before assembly processing). A middle cover layer is attached to the inner cover layer, and an outer cover layer is attached to the inner cover layer. The outer cover layer protects the heater from abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: TransDigm Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rudolph Silva, David Lau
  • Patent number: 7171111
    Abstract: An improved scheme for dissociating water into hydrogen and oxygen is provided in which a two dimensional matrix of electrodes is provided in a reaction vessel. The electrodes are connected to a source of electrical power for providing a potential difference there between sufficient for dissociating the water. The matrix includes a smallest two dimensional repeating group that consists of four electrodes arranged in a quadrilateral clockwise plus, minus, plus, minus. The hydrogen can be used for burning, running an internal combustion engine, or for providing electrical power in a fuel cell. Core water from the matrix can also be used directly as heating water. Direct current, or switched direct current can be used for generating hydrogen while AC sources can be used for generating heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Carlton W. Sheldon
  • Patent number: 7050706
    Abstract: Apparatus for rapidly heating fluid includes a fluid circuit having electrodes between which the fluids flows. A voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes whereby current is caused to flow through the fluid. The inlet and outlet fluid temperatures are measured and the current controlled by varying the applied voltage to produce a desired temperature rise in the fluid in accordance with measured fluid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Microheat Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Cedric Israelsohn, Robert C. Van Aken
  • Patent number: 7003216
    Abstract: A portable space heater is provided in which a sealed vessel includes electrical heating elements for containing a fluid to be heated. A cooling tube communicates between an outlet at a top of the vessel and an inlet pipe extending down into the vessel. The inlet pipe includes an open top end for operating the vessel substantially at atmospheric pressure. A cooling fan directed at the cooling tube causes steam escaping from the outlet of the vessel to be condensed and returned at the inlet pipe. Plural independent electrical heating elements are provided for accurate control of heat output from the heater. The fan includes an inlet pipe extending upwardly thereabove for drawing air from the top of a space to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Philip Gus Wagner
  • Patent number: 6940054
    Abstract: A production/injection line including a production/injection tube and heating apparatus for heating of the production/injection tube. The line also includes insulation and heat conductive material to control the heat transfer from the heating apparatus towards the production/injection tube. A method is also described for supplying heat to a production/injection line in which cooling fluid from a process on an installation is supplied to transport channels extending along a production/injection tube. Methods are also described for manufacturing a production/injection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Kvaerner Oilfield Products AS
    Inventor: Ole A. Heggdal
  • Patent number: 6911631
    Abstract: The device concerns among other things a plate heat exchanger having at least one pile of plate elements, each of which plate elements has a central heat transferring part and an edge part (15) surrounding this part, the heat transferring parts of the plate elements delimiting flow spaces between one another for at least one heat exchanging fluid (F1) and every plate element being of a double wall construction and having two heat transferring plates (1, 5; 2, 6; 3, 7; 4, 8) with a space therebetween. At least one layer element (16) is present in the space between the heat transferring plates (1,5; 2,6; 3,7; 4, 8) in at least one of the plate elements, every layer element (16) having at least one electrical connected resistive layer making electrical heating of the layer element (16) possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Mats Nilsson, Hedbys Göran
  • Publication number: 20040091250
    Abstract: An electric heater for gaseous media with at least one support plate and at least one helix of corrugated, electric resistance heating wire wound continuously around the support plate and whose turns are held by means of heating wire bend-offs on the longitudinal edges of the support plate is characterized in that the heating wire is positioned in such a way that it only contacts longitudinal narrow sides and/or edges of the longitudinal narrow sides of the support plate, the bending angle being much larger than 40ø. This significantly reduces the risk of thermal damage to the heating wire, particularly in the vicinity of the plate edges. As a result of the largely naturally stable design of the heating wire, the heater according to the invention requires no spacers between the support plates and is therefore particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Jurgen Stritzinger, Norbert Kern
  • Patent number: 6681998
    Abstract: An aerosol generator includes an induction heating arrangement to vaporize fluid contained in a fluid passage. The vapor is then expelled from the fluid passage into the air creating a mist that forms the aerosol. The aerosol generator includes an excitation coil that inductively heats a heating element which transfers heat to the fluid in the fluid passage. The fluid passage can be located in a metal tube which can be removably mounted in the aerosol generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: David E. Sharpe, John L. Felter
  • Patent number: 6674054
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of quickly heating a gas-solvent solution from a relatively low temperature T1 to a relatively high temperature T2, such that the gas-solvent solution has a much higher dissolved gas concentration at temperature T2 than could be achieved if the gas-solvent solution had originally been formed at the temperature T2. Various apparatuses are also provided for carrying out the heating method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Phifer-Smith Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Boyers
  • Patent number: 6640048
    Abstract: An in-line water heater utilizing electrically conductive polymer structures for electrodes. The area of electrodes that confront one another can be varied, and thereby the temperature to which the water is heated can be variably adjusted. The heat is not generated by the electrodes, but instead by the resistance of the water to the electrical current flowing between them. While the electrodes can be moved relative to one another, preferably they will be fixed, and an non-electrically conductive current gating plate can adjustably be placed between them to variably adjust the amount of confronting areas. A field obstructor can be provided at the inlet and outlet of the heater housing to prevent the exit of electrical current from the heater electrodes, and also non-conductive grounding screens in place for secondary safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Don Novotny, Ivanhoe Chaput
  • Publication number: 20030185548
    Abstract: An-line water heater utilizing electrically conductive polymer structures for electrodes. The area of electrodes that confront one another can be varied, and thereby the temperature to which the water is heated can be variably adjusted. The heat is not generated by the electrodes, but instead by the resistance of the water to the electrical current flowing between them. While the electrodes can be moved relative to one another, preferably they will be fixed, and an non-electrically conductive current gating plate can adjustably be placed between them to variably adjust the amount of confronting areas. A field obstructor can be provided at the inlet and outlet of the heater housing to prevent the exit of electrical current from the heater electrodes, and also non-conductive grounding screens in place for secondary safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Don Novotny, Ivanhoe Chaput
  • Patent number: 6421501
    Abstract: A resistive heater comprises at least one heater chamber defined by walls, two of which are constituted by parallel conductive plates spaced apart by a selected distance. The chamber also has an inlet for introducing a fluid close to a first end of the plates and an outlet placed close to a second end of the plates, opposite from the first, for collecting the fluid after it has flowed between the plates, parallel thereto, and devices are provided to power the plates with electricity so that the fluid is heated in the chamber by the resistive effect while it is flowing parallel to the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignees: Electricite de France-Service National, Alfa Laval Vicarb
    Inventors: Marc Berthou, Christian Aussudre, Fabrice Chopard
  • Publication number: 20010021308
    Abstract: A resistive heater comprises at least one heater chamber defined by walls, two of which are constituted by parallel conductive plates spaced apart by a selected distance. The chamber also has an inlet for introducing a fluid close to a first end of the plates and an outlet placed close to a second end of the plates, opposite from the first, for collecting the fluid after it has flowed between the plates, parallel thereto, and means are provided to power the plates with electricity so that the fluid is heated in the chamber by the resistive effect while it is flowing parallel to the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Marc Berthou, Christian Aussudre, Fabrice Chopard
  • Patent number: 6088509
    Abstract: Electroheating apparatus including a conduit, a cone-shaped electrode circumferentially surrounding the conduit, an electrical power source connected to the electrode, an electrically non-conductive endcap connected to the conduit and electrode, the conduit, electrode and endcap defining a chamber therebetween, and an electrolytic solution disposed in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: David Reznik
  • Patent number: 5771336
    Abstract: Electrically stable electroheating apparatus and methods for continuously treating pumpable food are provided. The electrodes of the electroheater are connected to a source of AC electric current which resistively heats the food by passing current through it. The electrodes of the electroheating cell are also connected in parallel with at least one resistor. The stabilized electroheater provides long run times and prevents arcing within the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Thaddeus J. Polny, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5768472
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electroheating an electrically conducting flowable material are provided. In a preferred embodiment, flowable material is conveyed from an entrance passageway to first and second electrode assemblies. The flowable material is then conveyed from the first and second electrode assemblies to an exit passageway. Voltages of opposite polarity are respectively applied to the first and second electrode assemblies so that a first electric current passes through the flowable material as it is conveyed from the entrance passageway to the first and second electrode assemblies, and a second electric current passes through the flowable material as it is conveyed from the first and second electrode assemblies to the exit passageway, in order to electroheat the flowable material. The flowable material preferably is rapidly cooled after being electroheated. The present invention may, for example, advantageously be used to electroheat biological proteinaceous matter, such as liquid egg or milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: David Reznik
  • Patent number: 5758015
    Abstract: An electroheating apparatus to continuously treating pumpable food is made up of a number of connected electroheating cells. In one embodiment, all of the cells include a pair of concentric electrodes between which the food is pumped. The electrodes are connected to a high frequency energy source which passes current through the food to heat them based upon their own resistivity and the electrode gap. In another embodiment, two different functioning electrodes are used, connected in series, so as to provide long run times and high process temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Thaddeus J. Polny, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5440667
    Abstract: An ohmic heater comprises at least two electrodes contained within a vessel such that the electrodes lie along the length of the vessel. The vessel has inlet and outlet ports in the top and bottom through which a fluid to be heated flows, passing through the vessel along the length of the vessel. The electrodes are equally spaced about the axis of the vessel and when in use, are each connected to a single phase of a power supply, such that the total voltage at any point in time at the electrodes is near or at a neutral potential of the electric power supply. Electrically conductive guard rings are positioned around the inner periphery of the inlet and outlet ports of the vessel and are connected to the neutral potential of the electric power supply by electrical connectors. A leakage current monitor is interposed between guard rings and the neutral potential to enable current leakage from said heater to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Electricity Association Technology Limited
    Inventors: David P. Simpson, Robert Stirling
  • Patent number: 5226106
    Abstract: An ohmic heating apparatus for heating flowable media which is flowing through a conduit comprises electrodes exposed to the flowing media and supply means connected to the electrodes and to the media to pass a heating current through the flowable media. The electrodes are made of a material of closed microporosity having a resistance to surface fouling. The material of closed microporosity is preferably made of vitreous carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Electricity Association Technology Limited
    Inventor: Robert Stirling
  • Patent number: 5222185
    Abstract: A portable electric water heater has spaced concentrically disposed ferromagnetic electrodes defining an annular chamber for an electrically conductive liquid to be contained between the electrodes. The electrodes are encased in a housing having a liquid inlet and outlet and wired to pass an electric heating current between the electrodes and through the liquid therebetween to heat the liquid in the annular chamber. The liquid acts as a switch, breaking the heating current flow when no liquid is present in the annular chamber. An electromagnetic induction coil is disposed around one of the electrodes and has one of its leads connected to the electrode. The other induction coil lead and the other electrode are connected to a source of electric current. Completion of the electric circuit by introduction of a liquid between the electrodes also energizes the electromagnetic induction coil to further heat the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Harry C. McCord, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5133041
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transporting commodities, especially liquid commodities above their congealing temperature in a tanks or tank containers. At least a partial flow of hot exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine of a tank vehicle or tank container vehicle flows through a heat exchanger through which passes the heat transfer oil in a closed cycle and yields heat to the heat transfer oil and an electrically heated heat exchanger yields heat to the heat transfer oil and the heat transfer oil transfers heat to the commodity through a tank or tank container wall heat exchanger. The heat transfer oil is conducted in a closed cycle in a regulation circuit including the heat exchanger through which the exhaust gas passes and the electrical heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventors: Gerhard Richter, Heinz-Herbert Lindenau
  • Patent number: 5058192
    Abstract: A container having an open upper end is provided with a moisture permeable film member disposed inside the container in such a manner that two outer surfaces of the film member face two mutually opposing inner surfaces of the container, and with a pair of electrodes disposed in the gaps formed between these inner and outer surfaces. A food material, a suitable amount of electrolyte and a suitable amount of water are placed within the moisture permeable film member, and they are then cooked by being subjected to warming or heating by supplying electricity to the electrodes so that current flows therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Dowa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kingo Miyahara