Steam Or Vapor Generator Patents (Class 392/324)
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Patent number: 11813385Abstract: A portable, efficient, integrated humidification system for use, e.g., with a positive airway pressure devices. The portable, efficient, integrated humidification system described herein offers many advantages over current humidification systems! There are many advantages to a portable respiratory humidifier. Portability reduces the amount of space the humidifier occupies in the user's bedroom environment. Portability enhances travel for the user. With less to pack, carry, and manage, the user is more likely to remain adherent to therapy when not at home. Portability allows for better utilization in recreational vehicles, while camping, in foreign countries, in the sleeping cabins of trucks or airliners, and on marine craft.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2020Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: ResMed Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Goff, Kirby Chiang, Nathaniel Bowditch
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Patent number: 11712535Abstract: A respiratory apparatus is configured to deliver breathable gas to a patient's airways and includes a flow generator configured to pressurize the breathable gas and a humidifier configured to vaporize water and deliver water vapor to humidify the breathable gas. The respiratory apparatus further includes a gas flow path leading from the flow generator to the humidifier and from the humidifier to a patient interface. A continuous heater is positioned within the gas flow path and includes multiple separately controllable heating zones.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: ResMed Pty LtdInventors: Paul Jan Klasek, Alexander Virr, Nathan John Row, Ronald James Huby, Jack Wei Cheng
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Patent number: 10974568Abstract: A coolant heating apparatus includes: a housing having a coolant flow path therein and configured to cause coolant to flow into the housing and to flow out from the housing after being heated; a sheath heater provided in an inside of the housing and configured to heat the coolant; and a heat conduction plate provided inside the housing and made of a heat-conductive material. A portion of the heat conduction plate is bent in a shape to enclose an outer circumferential surface of the sheath heater and to be in surface contact with the sheath heater so as to carry out heat conduction with the sheath heater, and a remaining portion of the heat conduction plate is in surface contact with the coolant inside the housing such that the coolant is heated by heat conducted from the sheath heater.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation Doowon, Climate Control Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang Shin Lee, Jae Woong Kim, So Yoon Park, Man Ju Oh, Du Youl Choi
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Patent number: 10758701Abstract: Methods of an apparatus determine a quantity of a body of water in a humidifier such as by indirect measurement. The quantity of water may be determined by measuring one or more properties or characteristics, from which the quantity of water may be inferred. Characteristics of a flow of air, the humidifier, and/or the body of water may be measured. The characteristics may be, for example, pressure, flow rate, noise, vibration, temperature, electrical or mechanical. These may be measured by one or more sensors, which may be located in the humidifier, RPT device, air circuit or the patient interface. The methods described may have advantages, for example in being able to detect the quantity of water without requiring sensors to be present in a disposable component, and in some cases, without introduction of additional sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: ResMed Pty LtdInventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Liam Holley, Ronald James Huby, Richard Llewelyn Jones, Ian Malcolm Smith
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Patent number: 9801964Abstract: A cycles of concentration (COC) control process and system for an evaporative media cooling system having a water storage tank in fluid communication with a drain valve and a refill valve is disclosed. In one step, the COC control process includes the step of executing a plurality of discrete refill events to maintain a level or volume of water within the storage tank. In another step, the COC control process includes the step of executing a discrete drain event, equaling the volume of a refill event, after a discrete refill event has been executed when necessary to maintain a target cycles of concentration value of the water within the storage tank. In one embodiment, a discrete drain event is executed when the number of refill events is greater than or equals a target cycles of concentration of the water in the storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: DRI-STEEM CorporationInventors: Mark Allen Kirkwold, Cole K. Farley, James M. Lundgreen
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Patent number: 9394504Abstract: A stovetop extraction apparatus and method for rendering infused lipids for ingestion in the home including a base compartment, an insertable portion seatable into the base compartment, and an upper compartment having an internal chamber disposed in open communication with a column projecting into the upper compartment, wherein lipids and water dispositional interior to the base compartment are heatable upon a stovetop, said lipids thereby conveyable, by action of saturated steam producible interior to the base compartment, across substrate disposed in the insertable portion, into the internal chamber, up the column, and thereby collectable in the upper compartment separate from the substrate, whereby substrates dispositional interior to the insertable portion are subject to extraction of lipophilic substances therefrom and infused lipids are thereby rendered collectable in the upper compartment for use in subsequent culinary or medicinal preparations.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Inventors: Brandon Shepherd, Seth Cox, Victor Battin
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Patent number: 9031391Abstract: A liquid control apparatus that controls a spread of a liquid has a main body that has a supply subject surface onto which the liquid is supplied. The apparatus also has a mesh form body that is woven into a mesh form and provided to contact the supply subject surface and a guiding member that is provided to contact an opposite side of the mesh form body to the main body side.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: CKD CorporationInventors: Masayuki Kouketsu, Hiroshi Itafuji
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Patent number: 8925445Abstract: Provided is a cooking appliance. Steam generated in a steam generation part is selectively supplied into a cooktop part or a steam cooking part. The steam supplied into the cooktop part is used for cleaning a top plate. Also, the steam supplied into the steam cooking part is used for cooking a food. Thus, the steam may be used in a lot of uses, e.g., for cooking the food and cleaning the top plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jae-Hyoun Park, Young-Soo Kim
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Patent number: 8901468Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Inventor: Vincent A. Bravo
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Patent number: 8731382Abstract: A method of generating steam by moving at least a portion of an electrically conductive fluid body along a curved path, passing an electrical current through at least a portion of the fluid body that is moving along the curved path, and vaporizing at least a portion of the fluid body. A steam generating apparatus having a first hydrocyclone configured to promote a rotational kinetic characteristic of a fluid body introduced into the first hydrocyclone and a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver an electrical current to the fluid body. A method of servicing a wellbore by providing a fluid body with rotational kinetic characteristics, passing an electrical current through the fluid body to heat the fluid body, converting liquid of the fluid body to vapor, and delivering the vapor to the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender
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Patent number: 8661858Abstract: A home laundry machine (1) having an outer casing (2) and, inside said casing (2), a laundry container (3, 5) for housing the laundry to be dried, and a steam generator (15) for feeding a given amount of steam into the laundry container (3, 5), and which in turn has a tubular vaporizer (16) containing a given amount of water; a heater (19) for boiling and converting the water in said tubular vaporizer (16) into steam; and a steam exhaust pipe (20) for feeding the steam produced in the tubular vaporizer (16) into the laundry container (3, 5), and which has at least one tubular portion (20a) contacting the heater (19), so that the steam flowing along the tubular portion (20a) receives a certain amount of heat from said heater (19).Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Alberto Santarossa, Roberto Colombo, Angelo Irrera, Maurizio Biasi
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Patent number: 8616157Abstract: A steam generating apparatus includes a body for receiving water to be heated and has a first portion including a first metal, and a heating device having a second portion including a second metal. The heating device includes a heating plate connected with the body by forming an intermetallic layer between the first and second portions. A temperature sensor measures temperature indicative of pressure inside the body and thermally contacts the heating device outside the body. A method of controlling the pressure of steam in the steam generating apparatus includes setting the target water temperature for a first time period to a first set temperature; setting the target water temperature for a second time period to a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature; and setting the target water temperature for a third time period to a third set temperature lower than the second set temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Taikang Xiao, Roel Alexander Rethmeier, Tamilselvan Thirumazhisai Sankaralingam, Barry Eng Keong Tay, Hock Soon Tiew, Chaitra Belle
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Patent number: 8351769Abstract: A heating apparatus and a steam generator that is capable of heating water to produce hot water or steam and an electric home appliance that is capable of washing, rinsing, drying, or sterilizing an object using the same are disclosed. The heating apparatus and steam generator include a heating member, a fixing unit assembly for fixing the heating member to a predetermined support structure, a thermostat mounted to the fixing unit assembly for preventing the heating member from overheating, and a heat transfer member connected between the heating member and the thermostat for transferring heat from the heating member to the thermostat. The electric home appliance includes the heating apparatus and steam generator.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Kyeong-hwan Kim
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Patent number: 8049143Abstract: A heater unit for a respiratory system includes a hot plate heater including a heat conducting hot plate and a plastic hub mounted together. The hot plate may define a thin heat conducting disc and may further define a depending flange circumferentially surrounding the hub. The hub and flange may include snap-together apertures and fingers. The hub is mounted to a housing of the heater unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.Inventors: David F. Andel, Keith J. Bradley
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Publication number: 20110170844Abstract: A method of generating steam by moving at least a portion of an electrically conductive fluid body along a curved path, passing an electrical current through at least a portion of the fluid body that is moving along the curved path, and vaporizing at least a portion of the fluid body. A steam generating apparatus having a first hydrocyclone configured to promote a rotational kinetic characteristic of a fluid body introduced into the first hydrocyclone and a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver an electrical current to the fluid body. A method of servicing a wellbore by providing a fluid body with rotational kinetic characteristics, passing an electrical current through the fluid body to heat the fluid body, converting liquid of the fluid body to vapor, and delivering the vapor to the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender
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Patent number: 7817906Abstract: The Direct Electric Resistance Liquid Heater comprises a liquid heating chamber containing a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are spaced apart to create a plurality of channels through which the liquid to be heated passes. The electrodes are each connected to a power supply by one or more switches. A controller controls the switches based upon data received from a temperature sensor, sensing the temperature of the liquid, and/or an electric current sensor, sensing the current utilized by the liquid heater. Selection of the number and spacing of the electrodes, and the number of switches, provides the controller with various current levels options to apply to the liquid to be heated.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: ISI Technology, LLCInventors: Jeremiah M. Callahan, James E. Barzyk, John H. Bowers
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Patent number: 7760993Abstract: The device and the method for forming steam are used for household appliance. Principle: water enters into the heated spiral tube chamber through the inner end of the spiral tube chamber; water contacts the side wall of the spiral tube chamber, and is vaporized, then diffused along the spiral tube chamber; part of the water droplets diffuses with vapor, and contacts the side wall of the spiral tube chamber gradually, then is vaporized; vapor is obtained from the outer end of the spiral tube chamber. In one word, the invention provides a method to obtain “dry” steam which doesn't contain water. It is more efficient than other facilities.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Inventor: Tuming You
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Patent number: 7734158Abstract: A steam generator includes a tank having an inlet in a lower part for feeding a fluid, and an outlet in an upper part for discharging a vapor-liquid two phase flow. A heating unit heats the fluid in the tank thereby producing the vapor-liquid two phase flow. A porous cylindrical member projects from the outlet into an inside of the tank and functions as a rectifying unit that homogenizes vapor-liquid distribution in the vapor-liquid two phase flow before the vapor-liquid two phase flow is discharged from the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kondo, Jiro Kasahara
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Publication number: 20100034526Abstract: The invention refers to a steam generator for household appliances. The steam generator comprises a container having an inlet for water and an outlet for steam, and an electrical heating element fixed to the container. The container comprises a first part and a second part which are connected along a joint such that a critical pressure inside the container causes a slit to appear in a predefined section of the joint, said slit providing a security vent for releasing pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Martin Kleemann, Marc Schulze
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Publication number: 20090071345Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a steam chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, a steam chamber is placed in selective communication with a vacuum pump and a heat transfer medium, such as a source of deaerated water. The steam chamber is then placed in communication with the vacuum pump, which draws a vacuum on the steam chamber and begins removing air from the interior thereof. Once a sufficient vacuum has been drawn on the steam chamber and substantially all of the air removed therefrom, the steam chamber may be placed in communication with the heat transfer medium. In one exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer medium is deaerated water. A predetermined amount of heat transfer medium is then allowed to fill the steam chamber. Once the predetermined amount of deaerated water has been received within the steam chamber, a steam chamber may be sealed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: ACCUTEMP PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Larry R. Wolf
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Patent number: 7454308Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting the occurrence and extent of waterlogging in steam heating coils which consists of a series of two or more sensors disposed to measure temperature at strategic locations on the heating coils of a steam heat coil panel, a recording device which logs and stores the temperature measurement data at pre-defined incremental intervals over a significant length of the steam heating cycle, and a method for displaying and interpreting the data to accurately identify the existence and extent of waterlogging within the steam heating system. The temperature sensors preferably are attached to the outside wall of the steam heating coils and transmit data to an electronic recording device. In a preferred embodiment the data is displayed as a series of line graphs which can be analyzed by the use of described techniques to identify the occurrence and location of waterlogging within a steam heating coil.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventor: Steven Wayne Carroll
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Publication number: 20080279539Abstract: The invention relates to a steam generator (1) comprising an evaporation tank (2) which is provided with a base (21) and a water outlet (22). A heating device (3) is arranged in said evaporation tank (2) and an impeller (4) is arranged under said heating device (3), as a swirling device. The water outlet (22) is arranged in the base (21) of the evaporation tank (2) and the impeller (4) is arranged in the water outlet (22). Due to the inventive arrangement of the water outlet (22) and the impeller (4), which rotates in an essentially continuous manner when in operation, a whirl is produced in the water of the evaporation tank (2) and, in particular, in the water outlet (22). As a result, limescale which is present in the water, in particular, in the region of the water outlet (22) is continuously displaced and maintained in suspension in small particle sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2006Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Andrzej Szpilski, Andre Gerold, Daniel Dietziker
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Patent number: 7055763Abstract: A mist generating apparatus having a casing that is divided into a storage chamber, a pump chamber, a waterwheel chamber and a mist chamber. The storage chamber is provided with a water storage tank having a heater, while the pump chamber is provided with a pump. A waterwheel located in the waterwheel chamber and a fan located in the mist chamber are provided around a rotating axis so as to rotate together, and then warm water in the water storage tank is sprayed onto the waterwheel by means of the pump, whereby mist is generated. The generated mist is guided to the mist chamber by means of the fan with warm air from a warm air generator and is discharged from an outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Sera Corporation Inc.Inventor: Kenji Torigoe
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Patent number: 7053341Abstract: A method for controlling the level of a drum in a drum-type boiler includes adjusting a gain of a drum level PID (such as a Proportional Integral Derivative control) in accordance with a signal representative of a set of tuning constants, a signal representative of drum level, and a signal representative of a drum level setpoint. The method also includes utilizing a flow control PID to adjust a drum level control valve, wherein the flow control PID adjusts the drum level control valve in accordance with an output of the drum level PID, a signal representative of steam flow, and a signal representative of drum feedwater flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Manu Dev Arora, Leroy Omar Tomlinson, Raub Warfield Smith, Bruce Gordon Norman, Matthew Lennon
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Patent number: 6792963Abstract: A hot water humidifier with an automatic siphon drain fed with cooler source water is flushed via a drain. The humidifier includes the humidifier tank and an inverted U-shaped siphon conduit having one end coupled to the tank and the other end coupled to the drain. A valve controlling the cooler source water feeds the water into the tank to maintain the temperature of an admixture of cooler source water and any preexisting tank water at or below a predetermined temperature during a flush cycle. The tank is flushed and drained via the automatic siphon based upon the level of the admixture in the tank and the level of admixture in the siphon. The source water may be coupled to the humidifier tank via the siphon conduit such that cooler source water may be added during the siphoning action. A method of flushing a hot water humidifier is also included.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: National Environmental Products, Ltd.Inventor: Zev Kopel
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Patent number: 6681998Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies IncorporatedInventors: David E. Sharpe, John L. Felter
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Publication number: 20030016952Abstract: A humidifier has a tank (10) and a boiling chamber (12), and a heater (14) disposed in said boiling chamber. Said humidifier tank and said boiling chamber communicate with each other near said boiling chamber's top and again near said boiling chamber's bottom, so that convection and the upward motion of steam bubbles create a circulation of water between said humidifier tank and said boiling chamber. A jet pump (38, 40, 42 & 44) is disposed in said humidifier tank so that said humidifier tank can be emptied with force, and without requiring water and minerals to pass through a drain valve. A boilover tank (54) communicates with said humidifier tank at a vertical level above the normal operating water level (48), so that if steam bubbles reach a specific height in said humidifier tank they will spill over into said boilover chamber. Controls are disposed in said boilover tank for monitoring the amount of water in said boilover tank and generating a signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2001Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventor: David Andrew Elphee
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Patent number: 6078729Abstract: The control system for a humidifier, which is part of a heat, ventilation or air conditioning HVAC system, detects the level of water and generates control signals by detecting the capacitance of the water in the humidifier. These control signals are used to fill the humidifier with water and control heater elements and, to some degree, drain cycles. A capacitor is utilized to detect the change in capacitance as the water level changes. The control circuit, coupled to the capacitor, generates fill control signals based upon first and second predetermined capacitive levels. In one embodiment, the capacitor sensor includes an electrically conductive element extending into the water as a first electrode which is shielded by an insulating cover, where the water acts as a medium through which capacitance is measured and the humidifier casing or another electrically conductive element in the water functions as the second electrode for the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1997Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: National Environmental Products Ltd., Inc.Inventor: Zev Kopel
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Patent number: 6067403Abstract: In this household electrical steam generator, particularly for smoothing irons, the water level within the boiler is stabilized by electronic and/or pneumatic action, electronic action being actuated by a temperature sensor positioned on that portion of the body of a usual armoured resistance element which is subject to emergence following reduction in the water level, to activate a make-up micro-pump transferring into the boiler cold water drawn from a reservoir, pneumatic action being actuated by a floating valve enabling air to enter during boiler cooling, in order not to enable the boiler to draw water from the reservoir through the body of the halted micro-pump.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Imetec, S.p.A.Inventor: Arturo Morgandi
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Patent number: 5943949Abstract: An indoor grille having a steam-generating reservoir is described. The reservoir is heated by the heating elements used to heat the grille structure of the unit. The combination of steaming and grilling provides a flavorful quality to meats and other foods prepared therein. The heating elements of the grille are disposed in the metal body of the unit, which acts like a heat sink. The heat sink ensures that the unit attains cooking temperatures faster.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Wing Shing Products (BVI) Co., Ltd.Inventors: John C. K. Sham, Kumkit KunavongVorakul
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Patent number: 5880438Abstract: A steam sterilization apparatus (10) includes an electronic control system having a main control circuit (C) including a central processing unit (68), an input device (36), and output devices (24,28) provided on a single circuit board (22) which is attached to a front bezel (16) of the sterilizer (10). The sterilizer (10) includes a flash steam generator (56). The main control circuit (C) implements an over-temperature feedback circuit (160) that disconnects the heating elements (162) in the steam generator (56) from electrical power when an over-temperature condition is detected. Isolated feedback is provided to the central processing unit (68) confirming the heating element disconnection operation. The control system includes error switches (82, 86, 88) that detect various error conditions. Upon an error condition being detected, the steam supply to the steam sterilization chamber (12) and/or to the pressurized steam seal (42) of the apparatus (10) is halted.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Steris CorporationInventors: Mark J. Parrini, David F. McCall, Francis J. Zelina, Terrence L. Lukas
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Patent number: 5805765Abstract: Steam generating apparatus in the form of a thin, compact generally self-contained wall-mountable fixture. The fixture includes an upright front face section of porcelain or the like for being mounted in the wall of a shower or other enclosed steam room. The fixture further includes a frame that is fixed to the rear of the face section and supports a closed steam tank or boiler. A steam line delivers live steam from the boiler into the steam room. An steam head delivers the steam safely and with minimum noise. The fixture may also include a mirror and be mounted so that the mirror is face height of a standing user. The mirror is positioned adjacent to the boiler so that heat radiated from the boiler warms the mirror and inhibits it becoming fogged over by the steam in the room. The fixture also includes an electrical control system that is operable by the user from inside the steam room.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventor: Mitchell Altman
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Patent number: 5739504Abstract: A control system for use with a boiler and associated burner. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first control circuit for producing a signal having alternating first and second states, the first state activating the burner and having a first predetermined duration, the second state deactivating the burner and having a second predetermined duration that defines a time period that allows foam and surging fluid in the boiler to settle, and a relay responsive to the first control circuit signal and adapted for connection to a power source and the burner, when the first control circuit signal has the first state, the relay connects the power source to the burner to activate the burner, when the first control circuit signal has the second state, the relay disconnects the power source from the burner to deactivate the burner.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1995Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: C. Cowles & CompanyInventors: Richard A. Lyons, Christopher L. Murray
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Patent number: 5619611Abstract: A device for removing deposits such as asphalt, hydrates, and paraffins from petroleum and natural gas production strings and pipelines include a tubular housing divided into a heating section at a forward end and a ballast section at a rear end, the heating section containing an electrically conducting heating medium and an electrode, and the part of the housing forming the heating section is made of an electrically conducting material, the electrode being connected to one pole of an electrical power supply and the part of the housing forming the heating section being connected to another pole of the electrical power supply, so that the heating medium and the heating section are heated by the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: TuB Tauch-und Baggertechnik GmbHInventors: Carsten Loschen, Alexander Thiel
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Patent number: 5598766Abstract: An automatic cooking apparatus includes a plurality of mechanisms for supplying, based on input data, plural kinds of food stuffs to cook various foods. A control circuit for the automatic cooking apparatus is formed of an operating device for operating the plurality of mechanisms, a first DC power supply connected to a utility power supply for supplying electric power to the operating device, a driving device for controlling the operating device, and a second DC power supply connected to the utility power supply supplying electric power to the driving device. Even if a noise voltage is generated in either the operating device or the driving device, the noise voltage is not supplied to the other of the operating device or the driving device.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1996Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshimasa Yamada
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Patent number: 5408917Abstract: The appliance, in particular a coffee machine, comprises three boilers (1, 2, 3). In addition a heating element (10, 11, 12) is disposed in each boiler, which element can be switched on and off through one switching means each (20, 21, 22) which are provided in a control mechanism (16). In each of the boilers moreover there is one temperature sensor (13, 14, 15) to measure the temperature of the hot water. The control mechanism (16) has in addition computational means (17) as well as memory means (18, 19). Among other things predetermined desired temperatures for the water in the individual boilers as well as the maximum available power supply of the coffee machine can be stored in the memory means (18, 19). The control mechanism is designed in such a way that, based on the water heating pattern in the individual boilers, the heating capacity can be apportioned to the boiler which needs it most according to a certain order of priority.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1994Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Inventor: Andre Lussi
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Patent number: 5286942Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing steam for humidification of residential and commercial buildings by electrical induction heating of water are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a readily-removable non-magnetic water tank containing a magnetic target in contact with the water and an electrically powered induction coil located outside the water tank but in close proximity to the magnetic target.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1991Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Assignee: Arthur D. Little Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: David H. McFadden, Gorm A. Bressner
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Patent number: 5222185Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 1992Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Inventor: Harry C. McCord, Jr.
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Patent number: 5076467Abstract: A dental washer includes a heating vessel for heating a washing liquid by an electrical heater to generate superheated steam, so electromagnetic pump on a water supply pipe communicating with the heating vessel and a water source, an electromagnetic valve in a steam pipe having at its one end a nozzle for outputting steam and communicating with the nozzle and a superheated steam-filling region of the heating vessel and a level detector for detecting the level of the washing liquid in the heating vessel to turn the electrical heater on when the level reaches the preset upper limit and turn it off when the level reaches the preset lower limit.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1990Date of Patent: December 31, 1991Assignee: G-C Dental Industrial Corp.Inventor: Akihiro Sugo
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Patent number: RE33414Abstract: A humidifier for use with a forced air heating system. The humidifier comprises a water reservoir in the form of a sealed container having a water inlet connection and suitable control means for maintaining the level of the water at a predetermined depth within the reservoir. An electric immersion type heater is also provided within the sealed container at a level which is normally below the water level and, when energized, heats the water to produce steam. The reservoir can be mounted completely external to a duct of the forced air heating system, but an inverted U-shaped tube having preparations along the base thereof is disposed within the duct and has its parallel legs passing through the duct and reservoir so as to communicate with the portion of the reservoir above the level of the water therein. As such, the steam passes through the U-shaped tube and out its perforations to thereby add moisture to the air passing through the duct.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1989Date of Patent: October 30, 1990Assignee: DRI STEEM Humidifier CompanyInventor: Bernard W. Morton
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Patent number: RE41362Abstract: A radiation source includes an anode and a cathode for creating a discharge in a vapor in a space between anode and cathode and to form a plasma of a working vapor so as to generate electromagnetic radiation. The cathode defines a hollow cavity in communication with the discharge region through an aperture that has a substantially annular configuration around a central axis of said radiation source so as to initiate said discharge. A driver vapor is supplied to the cathode cavity and the working vapor is supplied in a region around the central axis in between anode and cathode.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Konstantin Nikolaevitch Koshelev, Frederik Bijkerk, Givi Georgievitch Zukavishvili, Evgenii Dmitreevitch Korop, Vladimir Vital'evitch Ivanov