Convection Space Heater Patents (Class 392/347)
  • Patent number: 11852371
    Abstract: A ventilation device to be installed outdoors, includes: a casing; a heat exchanger accommodated in the casing and configured to perform heat exchange between outdoor air flowing indoors and indoor air flowing outdoors; an electric component unit including a control board and accommodated in the casing; and a fastener fixing, to the casing, an electric wire connected to the electric component unit. The heat exchanger is extractable sideward from the casing. The electric component unit is disposed above a projection region of the heat exchanger extracted from the casing. The casing includes a lead-out port disposed below the projection region and through which the electric wire is led out of the casing. The fastener is disposed between the electric component unit and the lead-out port. The electric wire fixed by the fastener is routed around the projection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Wataru Fukushima, Kanako Bando
  • Patent number: 11112162
    Abstract: A combination light and pressure relief vent (10) is disclosed which includes a housing (11), a valve assembly (12), and a light assembly (13). The housing include a valve body (16), port tube (17), and an outside louver (18). The valve body has a low pressure intake port (25), a high pressure intake port (26), and a low pressure exhaust port (27). The valve assembly includes a low pressure intake valve (40), a high pressure intake valve (42), and a low pressure exhaust valve (44). The light assembly includes a heat sink casing (51) which partially defines a heat chamber (52). The casing has a front wall (55) to which is mounted an LED module (57). A lens cover (61) is coupled to the front surface of the casing. Heat generated by the LED module is transferred through the casing to the heat chamber to warm the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Kason Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond J Hiller, Brett A Mitchell, Burl M Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 9868129
    Abstract: A fountain is provided. The fountain includes: a drape; a catch basin located below the drape and oriented to catch a fluid flowing at least one of over and through the drape; a conduit fluidly connected to the catch basin forming a circuit to return the fluid in the catch basin to flow at least one of over and through the drape; a pump fluidly connected to the circuit and configured to pump the fluid through the conduit; and at least one of the drape, catch basin, conduit includes surface oriented to contact the fluid and the surface includes at least one of copper and silver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: John B. Hayden
  • Patent number: 9261283
    Abstract: A system and method of heating or cooling a room of a building provides supplemental warmer or cooler air to the room with an inline duct supplemental heating and cooling device mounted along an air duct that supplies the room with air from a main furnace and/or cooling unit associated with the building. A thermostat is used to set a desired temperature for the room, and a controller of the supplemental heating and cooling device is in communication with the thermostat, and activates an electric heater and/or fan as appropriate to warm or cool the room as needed. When the device is used to cool the room, the fan may be operated to draw cooled air through the duct from the main cooling unit and/or from other areas in the building that are linked via ductwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: TPI Corporation
    Inventor: Eric P. Mulder
  • Patent number: 9188361
    Abstract: A ventilating fan for heating, includes a main body frame provided with an opening, a fan casing provided with a fan therein, a heater assembly fixed at an air outlet of the fan casing and a thermostat for detecting an indoor temperature, and the thermostat is embedded in an air-passageway wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: Panasonic Ecology Systems Guangdong Co., Ltd., Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hongjian Yuan, Guangmin Zeng, Liang Tian, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9089009
    Abstract: The electric heating system, in particular for a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle, is provided with a heating module. The heating module is provided with an electrically insulating, heat conducting ceramic substrate which has a heating zone and a control zone which are spaced apart from one another. The heating module comprises an electrical resistance heating element which is arranged on the ceramic substrate, in the heating zone thereof, and which is embodied as a resistance heating conductor which is mounted on the ceramic substrate. Further, the heating module comprises a transistor for controlling the current through the resistance heating conductor, wherein the transistor and other optionally present electrical components and conductor tracks are arranged in the control zone on the ceramic substrate. The heating module is provided with a first cooling element which is thermally coupled to the heating zone of the ceramic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH
    Inventors: Ralph Trapp, Hans-Dieter Röhling
  • Patent number: 9036985
    Abstract: The decoy system, notably for terrestrial mines or improvised explosive devices, includes: a means of producing heat energy including an air or water boiler, a means of emitting radiation in the infrared spectrum including a chamber that is fed with fluid by the production means, the chamber being provided with internal fins able to promote a build-up of heat energy inside said chamber, at least one detection means for determining the temperature of the chamber or the temperature of the fluid between the production means and the emission means, and a control unit able to control the operation of the heat energy production means at least according to the determined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ECA
    Inventors: Gérard Falcou, Patrick Angeloni
  • Publication number: 20150131976
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses an oil-free radiator and a method of manufacturing the same. The oil-free radiator comprises a housing having a top plate, a bottom plate, two side walls, a front cover and a rear cover, with radiating holes disposed uniformly in the top plate; a cavity enclosed by the housing and with one or more heating elements provided on a bottom in the cavity. The oil-free radiator further comprises a plurality of radiating fins perpendicularly connected to the top plate of the housing and extending to the side walls. The present disclosure can solve simultaneously the technical problem of protecting the top of the oil-free radiator as well as dissipating heat from side faces of the oil-free radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Ningbo SMAL Electrics Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuejun DONG, Yingli YU
  • Patent number: 8975561
    Abstract: The invention describes a heating apparatus comprising at least one heater (9) in which one or more electric heating elements (11) are arranged, and at least one heat transmitter (1), which is connected with the at least one heater (9), comprises heat transmitter surfaces and is formed from an extruded profile (1a, 28, 28a) in which the at least one heater (9) is fitted, in which at least part of the walls (6, 22, 22a) of the extruded profile (1a), which are not in contact with a heating element (11), is provided with openings through which a gaseous or liquid medium can flow through the extruded profile (1a, 28, 28a) in transverse direction to the direction of extrusion (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Luppold, Alexander Dauth, Hans-Peter Etzkorn, Rolf Merte, Frank Bartmann, Stefan Brosig, Norbert Ernst, Stephan Dick, Christian Dörrie
  • Patent number: 8923690
    Abstract: A close quarter electric resistance heater comprises a ribbon heater element that is woven between ribbon support segments and within a heater shell. The ribbon support segments form an annulus on each end of the heater and are linked to each other using connectors. The connectors space the ribbon support segments apart from each other to facilitate the weaving of the ribbon element along the inside of the heater shell for heating purposes. The connectors also link the ribbon support segments to the shell. The ribbon heater element has faces that are wider than its edges and the ribbon heater element is woven on the support segments such that the edges face the heater shell. This configuration minimizes the migration of the ribbon heater element towards the shell and possible short circuiting of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventor: James Patrick Lollar
  • Patent number: 8909034
    Abstract: A radiator for domestic heating with a heat-transfer fluid operating in two-phase form includes a reservoir of the heat-transfer fluid; a hot source, intended to raise the temperature of the heat-transfer fluid to a temperature such that it causes said fluid to undergo a change of phase; and a heater, at which the heat transfer with ambient air takes place, having n channels, communicating in a lower zone with the reservoir, it being possible for n to be equal to 1. The heat-transfer fluid is a mixture of at least two different heat-transfer liquids, the heat-transfer liquids having between them boiling points differing by at least ten degrees Celsius, and the liquid with the lowest boiling point representing 70% to 95% of the volume of the mixture for a mixture temperature of about 20° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Stephane Colasson, Alain Marechal
  • Publication number: 20140355965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle heater, comprising at least one pipe, which has a plurality of chambers, ceramic heating elements, which are arranged in the chambers, and contact plates, which rest against the heating elements in the chambers via a front side and face an upper side or underside of the chamber via a rear side, wherein at least two chambers of the pipe are separated by an intermediate wall, which runs from the upper side to the underside of these two chambers. The contact plates have a slit, in which the intermediate wall is arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Victor Ritzhaupt, Alexander Dauth, Michael Luppold, Sisay Tadele, Jörg Baginski
  • Publication number: 20140348494
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device for heating the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of heating modules arranged in at least one heating unit, each heating module comprising at least one heating resistor, at least one heat exchanger configured for delivering heat generated by the heating resistor to an airflow, and a rectangular frame surrounding the at least one heating resistor and the at least one heat exchanger, each frame having openings in opposed frame legs, wherein in the at least one heating unit the frame legs, comprising openings, of adjacent heating modules face one another and electrical connection elements reaching through the openings electrically connect the heating modules to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Klingebiel, Stephan Weinhold
  • Patent number: 8886024
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus is provided with an air plenum in fluid communication with an air inlet and an air outlet. A fan moves air through the air plenum. An interchangeable air conditioning core is removably installed within the air plenum and interposed between the air inlet and air outlet such that air moving along an air pathway is forced to proceed through the interchangeable air conditioning core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Suarez Corporation Industries
    Inventor: Neil R. Tyburk
  • Publication number: 20140319125
    Abstract: A sealed housing of an electric heating device to be installed in a motor vehicle includes a housing lower part and a housing cover abutting on the housing lower part via an intermediate sealing element. An elongate positive locking element, which interconnects the housing lower part and the housing cover in a form fit manner, is provided between opposed contact surfaces of the housing lower part and a housing cover. The positive locking element abuts on the contact surfaces under a pretensioning force caused by compression of the sealing element. A method of producing a sealed housing also is disclosed via which the contact surfaces move into contact with the elongate positive locking element under a pretensioning force of the sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Eberspacher catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Bohlender, Michael Niederer
  • Patent number: 8837922
    Abstract: A method of heating or cooling a room of a building includes providing supplemental warmer or cooler air to the room with an inline duct supplemental heating and cooling device mounted along an air duct that supplies the room with air from a main furnace and/or cooling unit associated with the building. A thermostat is used to set a desired temperature for the room, and a controller of the supplemental heating and cooling device is in communication with the thermostat, and activates an electric heater and/or fan as appropriate to warm or cool the room as needed. When the device is used to cool the room, the fan may be operated to draw cooled air through the duct from the main cooling unit and/or from other areas in the building that are linked via ductwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: TPI Corporation
    Inventor: Eric P. Mulder
  • Publication number: 20140219641
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a ceramic rod having a ceramic PTC heating conductor and a ceramic insulation layer, which is sintered with the PTC heating conductor. According to this disclosure, the PTC heating conductor has a transition temperature that does not exceed 300° C., and preferably does not exceed 200° C. This disclosure also relates to the use of a ceramic rod, which comprises a ceramic PTC heating conductor and a ceramic insulation layer, which is sintered with the PTC heating conductor, as a heating rod for an auxiliary heater or a liquid heater in a motor vehicle. This disclosure also relates to an auxiliary heater for heating an air flow and a liquid heater comprising a heating rod, which is a ceramic rod, which has a ceramic PTC heating conductor and a ceramic insulator sintered therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander Dauth, Rüdiger Hanf
  • Publication number: 20140219642
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of electrical heating elements in a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in accordance with fan operating conditions, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring speeds at which a fan motor is operating; communicating status signals indicative of fan motor operating speeds; and upon receiving a status signal indicating the fan motor is operating at a speed exceeding a predetermined maximum speed, communicating a control signal instructing a heater interlock to interrupt power supplied to at least one electrical heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Wayne Helt
  • Patent number: 8787738
    Abstract: An inline duct supplemental heating and cooling device is mounted along an air duct that supplies a room of a building with supplemental warmer or cooler air to the room. The air duct also supplies the room with air from a main furnace and/or cooling unit associated with the building. A thermostat is used to set a desired temperature for the room, and a controller of the supplemental heating and cooling device is in communication with the thermostat, and activates an electric heater and/or fan as appropriate to warm or cool the room as needed. When the device is used to cool the room, the fan may be operated to draw cooled air through the duct from the main cooling unit and/or from other areas in the building that are linked via ductwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: TPI Corporation
    Inventor: Eric P. Mulder
  • Patent number: 8750692
    Abstract: Electric air heater, in particular for electrical domestic appliances, comprising at least one heating element (20) provided with an insulated supporting element (21) on which at least one resistance wire (22) is wound. An electrical connector (17) clamps, with at least one electrical pin (18), said at least one heating element (20), tapping at least one end of said resistance wire (22). The electrical connections of a thermostat (15) and/or a thermistor (14) are made by means of electrical tracks (16) formed directly on a surface (25) of housing (13) to which said thermostat (15) and/or thermistor (14) are attached. Said electrical connector (17) clamps said surface (25) with at least one further electrical pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: I.R.C.A. S.p.A. Industria Resistenze Corazzate e Affini
    Inventors: Angelo Irrera, Gianni Palu
  • Publication number: 20140112648
    Abstract: An air-handling unit for use in a greenhouse. The unit provides an efficient, sturdy and easily assembled and transported means for drawing air and/or gas into a greenhouse air distribution conduit. The unit also provides an efficient means for adjusting the temperature of air drawn into air distribution conduits by the air handling unit by causing more incoming air to be exposed to an internal temperature-adjustment element. The unit comprises a housing body, an air inlet, an air outlet, a fan, and a temperature-adjustment element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Geurt Reinders, Casey Houweling
  • Patent number: 8699865
    Abstract: The decoy system, notably for terrestrial mines or improvised explosive devices, includes: a means of producing heat energy including an air or water boiler, a means of emitting radiation in the infrared spectrum including a chamber that is fed with fluid by the production means, the chamber being provided with internal fins able to promote a build-up of heat energy inside said chamber, at least one detection means for determining the temperature of the chamber or the temperature of the fluid between the production means and the emission means, and a control unit able to control the operation of the heat energy production means at least according to the determined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: ECA
    Inventors: Gèrard Falcou, Patrick Angeloni
  • Patent number: 8625976
    Abstract: A method of heating or cooling a room of a building includes providing supplemental warmer or cooler air to the room with an inline duct supplemental heating and cooling device mounted along an air duct that supplies the room with air from a main furnace or cooling unit associated with the building. A thermostat is used to set a desired temperature for the room, and a controller of the supplemental heating and cooling device is in communication with the thermostat, and activates an electric heater and/or fan as appropriate to warm or cool the room as needed. When the device is used to cool the room, the fan may be operated to draw cooled air through the duct from the main cooling unit and/or from other areas in the building that are linked via ductwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: TPI Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Peter Mulder
  • Patent number: 8588592
    Abstract: Method for thermally spraying a heater onto a substrate, comprising providing a metallic material having a core and an insulator therein and thermally spraying the metallic material and the insulator onto a substrate to form a heater. Method of fabricating a thermally sprayed gas heater, comprising providing a gas flow apparatus that propels a gas through a housing; thermally spraying a material to form a resistive heating layer; bonding the resistive heating layer to a surface of the apparatus, the heating layer being positioned to heat the gas flow in the housing. Method of fabricating a heater system of a turbulent gas flow duct, comprising providing a duct having a gas flow channel, the channel having a shaped surface providing a turbulent gas flow therein; thermally spraying a material to form a resistive heating layer; positioning the resistive heating layer to heat the gas flow in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Thermoceramix Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Abbott
  • Patent number: 8526799
    Abstract: An air dehumidifier for use in small enclosures such as gun and other types of safes is disclosed. The air dehumidifier provides a natural convection dehumidifier circulation system for use in enclosures that reduces natural convection airflow through a drying chamber and thereby dehumidifies and circulates air within the enclosure. Heated air released through the air flow apertures combine with air drawn in through the air intake apertures in the base, to provide air circulation and dehumidification within the safe interior. This invention also provides a drying chamber end cap which prevents articles within the enclosure from blocking the airflow out of the drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Peet Shoe Dryer, Inc.
    Inventor: Blair G. Peet
  • Patent number: 8463113
    Abstract: A fan heater includes a main body having a suction port provided at a lower side thereof and a hot-air outlet port provided at an upper side thereof, blower provided below the hot-air outlet port within the main body, a plurality of heating cartridge holders provided on in the main body, a plurality of heating cartridges, each of the heating cartridges configured to be secured to each of the heating cartridge holders and to heat air flowing into the main body through the suction port, a carbon fiber ribbon provided in each of the heating cartridges, and an interior housing that guides the air introduced through the suction port to the hot-air outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Gyu Eob Hwang
  • Patent number: 8447176
    Abstract: A space heater and a method for generating a convection flow of air through chimneys of the space heater for heating an area adjoining the space heater is provided. The space heater includes a first panel, a second panel, and an element having one or more heatable surfaces. The second panel is coupled to the first panel and the element is located therebetween to define the chimneys between the first panel and the second panel. The element has the one or more heatable surfaces located within the chimneys. When activated, the one or more heatable surfaces create thermal energy for generating heated air within the chimneys, the heated air flowing by convection substantially upwardly through the chimneys to provide the heated air to the area adjoining the space heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Mark J. McCourt
  • Patent number: 8437627
    Abstract: The inventive warmer apparatus comprises a holding unit, enclosed on four sides, but open at the top to allow restaurants and kitchen operators easy access to food held in it. Food in the apparatus is exposed to radiant heat generated by a heated bottom surface and to hot convection air. Part of the convection air is used to create an air curtain to improve heat loss characteristics and protect from the environment. The apparatus uses a combination of radiant heat, convection air and a warm air curtain to keep food products hot and crisp. The air curtain provides additional food protection. The warmer apparatus conditions food to attain a noncooking biologically safe temperature and to retain its freshly cooked texture and internal moisture for at least twenty minutes. This allows restaurants to serve such food items longer to its customers, allowing more efficient batch cooking and significantly reducing food waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Meister Cook, LLC
    Inventor: Erik Magner
  • Patent number: 8428445
    Abstract: A thermally sprayed gas heater comprises a gas flow apparatus that propels a gas through a housing; and a thermally sprayed heater bonded to a surface of the apparatus, the heater positioned to heat the gas flow in the housing. In other aspects, a heater system for a turbulent flow gas duct comprises a duct having a gas flow channel, the channel having a shaped surface providing turbulent gas flow in the channel, and a thermally sprayed heater positioned to heat the gas flow in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Thermoceramix, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Abbott
  • Patent number: 8395097
    Abstract: An electrical heating device, includes a housing in which at least one heat generating element with at least one PTC element and electrical strip conductors abutting oppositely situated lateral faces of the PTC element and a plurality of heat dissipating elements arranged in parallel layers are accommodated. The heat dissipating elements are held abutted on oppositely situated sides of the heat generating element, with the intermediate positioning of an electrical insulation. In order to be capable of improved high voltage operation, at least one conducting element electrically connects together a plurality of heat dissipating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Eberspacher catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Bohlender, Michael Niederer, Holger Reiss
  • Patent number: 8395089
    Abstract: An electrical heating device, which includes a housing, in which at least one heat generating element with at least one PTC element and electrical strip conductors abutting oppositely situated lateral faces of the PTC element and a plurality of heat dissipating elements arranged in parallel layers are accommodated, which are held abutted on oppositely situated sides of the heat generating element. An electrical heating device according to the invention and which fulfils the practical requirements, in particular with high voltage operation in an improved manner has at least one heat dissipating element which is situated, with the intermediate positioning of an electrically insulating layer, on the assigned heat generating element and can be electrically connected to a ground potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Eberspacher catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Bohlender, Michael Niederer, Holger Reiss
  • Patent number: 8362406
    Abstract: An electric heater, comprises a heating block held in a housing and including parallel layers of heat-emitting and heat generating elements. A grid arrangement covers the respective frame apertures in the housing and reinforces the housing. First struts of the grid arrangement, extending at right angles with respect to the layers, are assigned to the housing, and second struts extending parallel with respect to the layers are defined by the heating block. Moreover, a heat generating element of an electric heater, comprises a position frame made of an insulating material and defining receptacles arranged side by side each for at least one PTC heating element. The receptacles are arranged between conductor paths against which the PTC heating elements are placed in an electrically conductive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Bohlender, Michael Niederer, Michael Zeyen, Rainer Wuenstel, Detlef Stephan
  • Publication number: 20130016958
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating air comprising an elongate body adapted to receive, or integrally formed with, one or more electrical heating elements in thermal contact therewith, said body comprising a plurality of heat exchange fins defining a plurality of axially extending flow passages therebetween for heating air flowing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Munster Simms Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Christopher William Ragg
  • Patent number: 8304700
    Abstract: A portable space heater is combined with a compact and collapsible rack that may be folded, stored and transported adjacent with, in the outline of, and supported by the portable space heater. The rack may be removed from the storage position, unfolded, and coupled to a protective grid found on the face of the portable space heater. The rack positively engages with this grid using bifurcated legs that swivel about a main support surface. The bifurcated legs intertwine with the protective grid in such a way as to prevent the rack from collapsing, even when impacted with substantial force. The main support surface of the rack is vertically displaced from the space heater heating element, so that food or beverage is much less likely to contaminate the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Weston A. Eilers
  • Patent number: 8285127
    Abstract: An inline duct supplemental heating and cooling device provides heated and/or cooled air to a room in a building to supplement the heating provided by the existing furnace or the cooling provided by the existing cooling unit in the building. The device includes an electric heater and fan that are activated and deactivated individually by a controller, which receives room temperature data from a thermostat. The device may include one or more separate safety devices to prevent overheating of heater air or of the device itself. Optionally, a vibration-insulating sleeve may be used to couple the device to an existing ventilation duct of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: TPI Corporation
    Inventor: Eric P Mulder
  • Patent number: 8249435
    Abstract: A device may include a housing defining a generally nonlinear path between an intake port for taking in fluid and an outlet port for outputting heated fluid. The device may also include a fan assembly disposed of the intake port for supplying the intake port with the fluid. Additionally, the device may also include a heat source disposed along the generally nonlinear path for heating the fluid supplied by the fan assembly. Further, the device may also include a compression assembly for at least partially defining the generally nonlinear path. The compression assembly may be configured for creating a first pressure region proximal to the intake port and a second pressure region distal to the intake port. The first pressure region may be a higher fluid pressure than the second pressure region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: James Rookstool
  • Publication number: 20120033951
    Abstract: A close quarter electric resistance heater comprises a ribbon heater element that is woven between ribbon support segments and within a heater shell. The ribbon support segments form an annulus on each end of the heater and are linked to each other using connectors. The connectors space the ribbon support segments apart from each other to facilitate the weaving of the ribbon element along the inside of the heater shell for heating purposes. The connectors also link the ribbon support segments to the shell. The ribbon heater element has faces that are wider than its edges and the ribbon heater element is woven on the support segments such that the edges face the heater shell. This configuration minimizes the migration of the ribbon heater element towards the shell and possible short circuiting of the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: James Patrick Lollar
  • Patent number: 8107797
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a reflection heating fan comprising at least one fan rotating over a main axle, at least one heating element and at least one reflector, said heating element and reflector are continuing from said main axle, wherein said heating element indirectly heats an air stream by reflecting heat produced by a heating element into the air stream produced by said fan. The present invention also discloses a method of indirectly heating a stream of air, comprising applying energy to a heat emitting element incorporated into a bi-functional rotation axle, reflecting said energy by means of a reflective surface into an air stream produced by applying rotation to a bladed fan structure, achieved by transferring the power from a motor through the bi-functional axle to at least one bladed fan structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: David Abodreham, Jacob Ben-David
  • Patent number: 8107798
    Abstract: A portable electric heater possessing characteristics similar to a portable electric oil filled heater absent the use oil and its associated manufacturing and environmental problems. The device includes an electric heater, a rotatable plenum and an external housing providing space saving characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lasko Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Shapiro, Paul W. Orr, Robert L. Boohar
  • Patent number: 8101890
    Abstract: A fan apparency arrangement for an appliance having a fan for moving air in an interior of the appliance, including a pipe disposed in the airflow path of the fan and having first and second ends; a heater disposed in the pipe, the heater being energized when the fan is turned on; and a thermal switch disposed in the pipe, the thermal switch being closer to the first end than the heater. The fan is operative in normal operation to move air in the pipe in a direction from the first end to the second end. The pipe is disposed so that when the fan fails to move air in the pipe after turned on, air heated up by the heater passes the thermal switch in a direction from the second end to the first end so that the thermal switch is activated to signal malfunction of the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joshua S. Wiseman, Steve B. Froelicher
  • Patent number: 8103154
    Abstract: A hot air blower has at least one fan impeller and at least one electrical heating device. The hot air blower is designed to interact with a coding unit provided with coding. The hot air blower is releasably connected to the coding unit. The coding unit is designed to predefine at least one of heating power and hot air temperature of a heating device in the hot air blower on the basis of the coding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Steinel GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo H. Steinel, Thomas Schreckenberger
  • Patent number: 8081872
    Abstract: A flame imitation manufacturing device of a fireplace relates to a flame imitation manufacturing device for simulating the burning state in a fireplace in the field of household appliances. Said device comprises a housing, a cross flow fan and a light source mounted on a base plate of the housing, a simulated fire chamber mounted on a back plate of the housing, ribbons mounted on the back plate of the housing by means of upper and lower strip bars and above the cross flow fan, and a light-transmitting glass plate mounted on the housing and in front of said ribbons. This invention, characterized in that said cross flow fan is a swinging one, is advantageous in that supplying wind non-directively by utilizing the swinging of said fan improves the flying state of ribbons so as to make the image state of burning flames more vivid, greatly enhances the authenticity of flames and lowers the cost thereof, and thus is adaptable to various flame imitation electrical-heated fireplaces and electrical appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Zhuhong Wang
  • Patent number: 8059944
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device comprising a housing (15), through which air to be heated can pass and which delimits a heating space controlled by a power supply control circuit connected to a power source. The heating space includes electric heating modules (14), each heating module consisting of a first and second metal tape (10, 10) that arc essentially parallel in a transversal direction (D) and of a positive temperature coefficient resistive elements (12) fixed between the two metal tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Fredéric Pierron, Christophe Marange, Gilbert Terranova, Olivier Colette
  • Publication number: 20110240623
    Abstract: An adaptive heating system for optimizing energy resources while heating a confined area. The adaptive heating system includes at least the following components: a controller, a first heat source, a switch device, and a wireline system. The wireline system is configured to connect the controller to the first heat source, a second heat source, and the switch device. The controller is configured to receive an input from the switch device, determine whether the input indicates a selection of the first heat source or a selection of the second heat source, and then initiate operation of either the first or the second heat source, based on the determined selection. The first heat source is associated with an electric heater and the second heat source is associated with a gas furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Larry McGaugh
  • Patent number: 8027573
    Abstract: An integrated lamp and heater assembly comprises in one embodiment a table lamp and heater intended to be positioned on a table, such as an end table, coffee table, nightstand, or the like and in another embodiment a free-standing floor lamp and heater. The integrated lamp and heater assembly is intended to be positioned proximate to a chair, a bed or other area that is desirous of being illuminated and being provided with a supplemental flow of heated air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: James Anthony Byrne
  • Patent number: 8019207
    Abstract: An apparatus for flame simulation in an electrical fireplace which improves the realism of leaping and flickering flames, comprising a fixed light source, simulated charcoal, and a flame display screen which is arranged above the fixed light source. The simulated charcoal is located in front of the flame display screen. A twisted-style light reflector is located behind the flame display screen and is driven by a motor mounted inside the wall of the electrical fireplace. By rotating the twisted-style light reflector, light emitted from the fixed light source is reflected onto the flame display screen so the simulated dynamic leaping and flickering flames can be seen. The fixed light source also illuminates the simulated charcoal to produce an effect of burning charcoals. A heater produces warm air that is expelled from the fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jun Zhou
  • Patent number: 7977607
    Abstract: A frame for receiving a heating element for an electric heater of a ventilating, heating and/or air conditioning unit of a vehicle, in particular. The frame is shaped in the form of a hollowed-out box whose large faces, intended to be traversed by airflow conveyed by the unit, are held at a distance from each other in order to create between them a space for receiving the heating element. The frame is made of a single part in which means for holding the heating element inside the space are located in the area of the large faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques, S.A.S.
    Inventors: Olivier Colette, Frederic Pierron
  • Patent number: 7949236
    Abstract: A home heating radiator using a heat transfer fluid operating in phase change form, includes a reservoir of heat transfer fluid, and electric resistance heat source, for raising the temperature of the heat transfer fluid to a temperature such as to cause a phase change of the fluid, and a heating body where heat transfer takes place with the ambient air, the heating body including a number, n, of channels, communicating in the lowermost part of the reservoir, where n may be equal to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Alain Marechal, Stéphane Colasson
  • Publication number: 20110085783
    Abstract: A space heater and a method for generating a convection flow of air through chimneys of the space heater for heating an area adjoining the space heater is provided. The space heater includes a first panel, a second panel, and an element having one or more heatable surfaces. The second panel is coupled to the first panel and the element is located therebetween to define the chimneys between the first panel and the second panel. The element has the one or more heatable surfaces located within the chimneys. When activated, the one or more heatable surfaces create thermal energy for generating heated air within the chimneys, the heated air flowing by convection substantially upwardly through the chimneys to provide the heated air to the area adjoining the space heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Mark J. McCourt
  • Patent number: 7925143
    Abstract: An apparatus to heat potable water aboard a recreational marine watercraft includes a metal enclosure that sits atop one burner of a conventional galley stove powered separately from the engine and the source of AC power. Potable water is circulated through a tubing unit mounted within the enclosure by a pump operated by a low DC voltage. The heated potable water is then transferred back to the potable water holding tank through a check valve which prevents reversed flow of the heated water. This provides a boater with the ability to maintain a source of hot water while away from shore power or while the engine is turned off. The top of the enclosure is partially open to allow use of the burner for cooking, or boiling water as needed with the cooking vessel being placed atop of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Lapwood