Portable Patents (Class 392/365)
  • Patent number: 11395374
    Abstract: An infrared heating mechanism and device are provided. The infrared heating mechanism includes infrared heating tubes, wherein a plurality of reflection plates are disposed at intervals in a length direction of the infrared heating tubes, and mounting holes corresponding to the infrared heating tubes are provided on the reflection plates so that the reflection plates are sleeved on side walls of the infrared heating tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: NINGBO YOUMING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wenguo Qi
  • Patent number: 11330676
    Abstract: A heater for use in heating a fluid flow through a passageway is provided that includes a continuous resistive heating element having a predefined shape that is directly exposed to the fluid flow. The predefined shape includes a cross-sectional geometry that provides a required heat distribution, structural strength, and reduced back pressure within the passageway. The predefined shape may include airfoils, while the cross-sectional geometry provides a required heat distribution, structural strength, and reduced back pressure within the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark D. Everly, Mike Bange, Jeremy Ohse, Richard T. Williams, Sanhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 10906379
    Abstract: A compact air conditioning apparatus and supporting assembly for electric vehicle and other battery driven applications, and a cord harness for sheathing a power cord. The air conditioning apparatus may include a PTC heater array with stacked PTC heaters with a fan blowing air through the PTC heater array to raise air temperature. The apparatus includes power management features to limit the power consumption, such as staggered PTC heater start-up, a user presence detector and battery threshold monitoring. The air conditioning apparatus may include cooling components to lower air temperature. The cord harness including a series of guard sections and hinges facilitating a foldable protective design for wiring. The air conditioning apparatus may attach to a supporting assembly configured to fit in a cupholder. The supporting assembly may be configured to fit multiple cupholder designs. The air conditioning apparatus and supporting assembly may include additional accessory components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: TSI Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen William O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10845090
    Abstract: A heating system may include at least two different types of heating elements. The heating elements may include at least one infrared heating element and at least one halogen lamp. The heating elements may be positioned within a heating section of a duct through which air flows to be heated by the heating elements, which air flow may be driven by a fan. The heating system may be incorporated into a variety of heating devices, such as electric fireplaces and space heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Twin-Star International, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Crowe
  • Patent number: 10221860
    Abstract: A bladeless fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base. The nozzle comprises an interior passage and a mouth for receiving the air flow from the interior passage and through which the air flow is emitted from the fan assembly. The nozzle defines an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The nozzle is detachable from the base, which is preferably sized to be accommodated within the opening of the nozzle for transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Peter David Gammack, James Dyson
  • Patent number: 9587820
    Abstract: An active cooling device in the form of a torsional, oscillating synthetic jet is provided. Fins are oscillated in a manner that creates a flow of air that can be used to cool an electronic device such as a lamp. Embodiments of the active cooling device can be compact and readily incorporated within heat sinks of different sizes and configurations. The flow of air can be provided as jets of air distributed over multiple directions as may be desirable with certain electronics such as an omnidirectional lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Kristian Udris, Glenn Howard Kuenzler, Jeremias Anthony Martins
  • Patent number: 9036986
    Abstract: A heater comprising a housing including an intake aperture and an output aperture. The heater includes a heat exchanger operatively disposed within the housing between the intake aperture and the output aperture. The heat exchanger includes a shell forming a cavity therein, wherein an interior surface of the shell is substantially black in the infrared domain. The heater includes an infrared emission module disposed within the cavity of the heat exchanger and substantially enclosed thereby such that emitted infrared light does not escape therefrom. The infrared emission module includes a first infrared emitter and a second infrared emitter. The heater includes a fan positioned to motivate air into the housing through the intake aperture, across the heat exchanger, and out of the output aperture. The heater also includes a power module functionally coupled to the infrared emission module and the fan and configured to provide operational power thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Amberson
  • Publication number: 20140341550
    Abstract: A portable heater providing both radiant and forced air heat a closed loop heating element positioned within a substantially oval shaped reflector, The reflector air vent allows air to pass in from a bottom of the reflector, over the closed loop heating element and the reflector. A housing surrounds the reflector and heating element. A blower is located at a lower end of the housing and draws air inward and up between the reflector and the heating element from which it emerges past the heating element. Control knobs for controlling a thermostat and output power level are located at the top surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Vernaglia
  • Patent number: 8768151
    Abstract: A portable air blowing appliance has a housing retaining a blower adapted when energized to create an airflow through and from the housing, and a heating element adapted when energized to impart heat to the airflow. A movable deflector selectively steers the airflow either though or not through the heating element. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the blower is, in combination, a motor-driven centrifugal blower rotatable about a blower axis to create the airflow, and a scroll surrounding the blower wheel and adapted to direct the airflow from the blower wheel forwardly from the housing. In this exemplary embodiment, the deflector is movable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the blower axis between a heating position wherein the airflow is steered through the heating element and a cooling position where the airflow is steered not through the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Yung-Ming Tai, Edwin Ho
  • Publication number: 20140169771
    Abstract: A heating and ventilating fan including a frame, a motor with fan blades, a casing, a heating device, and an air path switching plate disposed at an air outlet of the casing for switching outlets of the ventilating fan and a timing motor. The timing motor and the air path switching plate are fixed on either side of a frame wall. The air path switching plate is connected to the timing motor shaft through a connection part, and controls the air path switching plate to rotate by a constant angle in a single direction. A spring having a first end fixed to the frame wall, and a second end rotating synchronously with the air path switching plate controls the air path switching plate to rotate in an opposite direction to the single direction. When the timing motor is switched off, the spring returns the air path switching plate to its rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: Panasonic Corporation, Panasonic Ecology Systems Guangdong, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongjian Yuan, Zhicong Zhang, Zhusheng Hu, Yefan Weng, Guangmin Zeng, Liang Tian, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20140161425
    Abstract: An electric heating system is provided with a heater mountable and removable in a cabinet by a user using a mounting system. The mounting system may include at least an installation member, installation receiver, and bracket. The installation member may interface with a surface or interior shelf of the cabinet. The bracket is includable between the surface or interior shelf of the cabinet and the surface of the heater. The installation member may be receivable by the bracket. The bracket may be received by the installation receiver or an additional bracket. The electrical cable may pass through a portal locatable on the cabinet. The heater may be an infrared heater with a fan. A wired or wireless remote with an optional display may control operation of the heater. A method is provided to manipulate the electric heating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: TWIN-STAR INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Harley, Rui Hu, Corey Levy, Jianmin Huang, Matthew Crowe
  • Patent number: 8637796
    Abstract: An electrical heating device includes at least one heat generating element and at least one heat emitting element having opposed surfaces that abut the heat generating element. The heat generating element includes at least one PTC heating element having strip conductors on both sides of it for the electrical supply of the PTC heating element At least one of the strip conductor is provided with at least one contact projection which protrudes beyond a PTC heating element locating face formed on the strip conductor. Also disclosed is a heat generating element having at least one strip conductor provided with at least one contact projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Eberspacher Catem GmbH & KG
    Inventor: Franz Bohlender
  • Publication number: 20130251353
    Abstract: A heater comprising a housing including an intake aperture and an output aperture. The heater includes a heat exchanger operatively disposed within the housing between the intake aperture and the output aperture. The heat exchanger includes a shell forming a cavity therein, wherein an interior surface of the shell is substantially black in the infrared domain. The heater includes an infrared emission module disposed within the cavity of the heat exchanger and substantially enclosed thereby such that emitted infrared light does not escape therefrom. The infrared emission module includes a first infrared emitter and a second infrared emitter. The heater includes a fan positioned to motivate air into the housing through the intake aperture, across the heat exchanger, and out of the output aperture. The heater also includes a power module functionally coupled to the infrared emission module and the fan and configured to provide operational power thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce Amberson
  • Patent number: 8494350
    Abstract: A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply that allows the forced-air heater to operate without an external electric power source; a fuel tank; a combustion chamber; a support; a housing including upper and lower housing portions; a motorized fan that during operation draws in ambient air through an air intake and forces air into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis O'Toole, Brian S. Vandrak
  • Patent number: 8467668
    Abstract: An infrared, room heater system for installation in a wall or on a floor. An electric fan assembly draws room air into a housing, then through three parallel, air transit channels where the air is heated by infrared radiation within and about a heat exchanger assembly, and then back out into the room. One or more ceramic heating elements attached to a first copper plate emit infrared radiation when electrically energized. The first copper plate lies adjacent to, but spaced away from, a second copper plate such that radiation emitted from the heating elements reflects back and forth between the plates. Room air passed between the copper plates is heated by heat radiation concentrated between the plates, thereby achieving both energy and space efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Acepower Logistics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Searle, Alexander Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120281974
    Abstract: A fireplace assembly comprises a base defining a recess and an electric fireplace having wheels which are received in the recess when the fireplace is mounted on the base. The electric fireplace is removable from the base so that the fireplace can be rolled on its wheels to other locations. The base is typically configured to serve as a functional piece of furniture when the fireplace is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: HEAT SURGE, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Gallo, David M. Baker
  • Publication number: 20120216985
    Abstract: A portable air blowing appliance has a housing retaining a blower adapted when energized to create an airflow through and from the housing, and a heating element adapted when energized to impart heat to the airflow. A movable deflector selectively steers the airflow either though or not through the heating element. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the blower is, in combination, a motor-driven centrifugal blower rotatable about a blower axis to create the airflow, and a scroll surrounding the blower wheel and adapted to direct the airflow from the blower wheel forwardly from the housing. In this exemplary embodiment, the deflector is movable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the blower axis between a heating position wherein the airflow is steered through the heating element and a cooling position where the airflow is steered not through the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Yung-Ming TAI, Edwin Ho
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8129662
    Abstract: A portable heater (100) is provided. The portable heater (100) comprises an air inlet (108) and an air outlet (118). The portable heater (100) also comprises a heating chamber (115) including one or more heating elements (230). A preheating chamber (114) is provided that is located between the air inlet (108) and a heating chamber inlet (116).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Reliable Products International
    Inventors: Norman Cameron, Dennis Cook
  • 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: 8068724
    Abstract: A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply that allows the forced-air heater to operate without an external electric power source; a fuel tank; a combustion chamber; a support; a housing including upper and lower housing portions; a motorized fan that during operation draws in ambient air through an air intake and forces air into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Dennis O'Toole
  • Publication number: 20110268429
    Abstract: A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply that allows the forced-air heater to operate without an external electric power source; a fuel tank; a combustion chamber; a support; a housing including upper and lower housing portions; a motorized fan that during operation draws in ambient air through an air intake and forces air into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Dennis O' Toole
  • Publication number: 20110262114
    Abstract: The present invention provides a product line of solar or battery powered, fully portable space-heaters and air-conditioning units, designed for total portability and especially useful during times when ordinary household electrical service is interrupted. The units are presented in a host of models, styles, and sizes. The product line includes a series of embodiments such as, bi-faced “sandwich-style” heaters, carousel-style cylindrical heaters, floor lamp style cylindrical heaters, a carousel-style cylindrical air-conditioning unit and a shorter, carousel-style air-conditioning unit used aboard school buses. Each of the units is freestanding, ranging between approximately thirty-four and fifty-four inches in height, and generally featuring circumferences of approximately twenty-eight to thirty inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Josephine Montgomery
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20100178041
    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: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: James Rookstool
  • Patent number: 7664379
    Abstract: A fan heater including a housing through which air is able to flow in a longitudinal direction, a blower to propel the air and at least one heating element mounted elastically in the housing by means of a fixing element. Moreover the heating element is a PTC element and the blower is mounted separately from the PTC element in the housing. An assembly is also disclosed, which includes a fan heater as aforesaid, wherein at least two adapter plates, each exhibiting at least one fastening element for fixing the fan heater to a location intended for it and devices for fixing optionally one of the adapter plates to a housing in the fan heater, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: STEGO-Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Hartmut Eisenhauer
  • Patent number: 7554063
    Abstract: A heating apparatus including a housing defining a volume of air therein having an inlet and an outlet aperture. The heating apparatus also includes a heat generator having an elongate tubular metal sheath extending between an inner end and an outer end, a resistive wire within the sheath, and a substantially nonconducting material for electrically isolating the sheath relative to the resistive wire. The heat generator includes a terminal portion at the inner end and a heating portion extending between the terminal portion and the outer end of the sheath. The terminal portion is adapted for connection to a source of electrical power. Also, the heating portion of the heat generator is positioned in the housing to heat the volume of air. The heating apparatus also includes one or more insulators for electrically isolating the sheath relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, Jeffery J. Kube
  • Publication number: 20080260364
    Abstract: A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply that allows the forced-air heater to operate without an external electric power source; a fuel tank; a combustion chamber; a support; a housing including upper and lower housing portions; a motorized fan that during operation draws in ambient air through an air intake and forces air into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Dennis O'Toole
  • Patent number: 7388176
    Abstract: A heating device includes a case having a plurality of openings and a plurality of slits are defined in bars of the case so that a plurality of heating boards are engaged with the slits of the case at an equal distance. A power control device is connected to the case and includes a power line having a plurality of male connectors. Each heating board includes a heating layer sandwiched between two isolation plates. Two wires are connected to the heating layer and each wire has female connectors, which are connected with the male connectors of the power line. The heating layers of the heating boards dispense heat evenly from the openings of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Song Chen
  • Publication number: 20080124060
    Abstract: An airflow heater includes a housing, a control arrangement supported at an upper portion of the housing, an air source for generating a flow of air, a PTC heat generator for generating heat, and a terminal unit including an upward terminal connector upwardly extended from the PTC heat generator to align with the control arrangement and a sideward terminal connector rearwardly extended from the PTC heat generator to minimize a distance between the terminal unit and the control arrangement for electrical connection. The upward terminal connector and the sideward terminal connector are electrically connected to the control arrangement. The air source and the PTC heat generator are activated by the control arrangement for generating the air towards the PTC heat generator and for generating the heat respectively, such that when the air passes through the PTC heat generator, the air is heated up before exiting the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Tianyu Gao
  • Publication number: 20070297773
    Abstract: A fan heater includes a heater body, an electric unit, a plurality of fan assemblies, and a heating element. Each of the fan assemblies is mounted with the adjacent fan assembly to form a fan unit within the receiving cavity, wherein the fan unit is operatively coupled with the electric unit for being driven to rotate by the electric unit. The heating element is mounted within the receiving cavity in a vicinity of the air outlet, and electrically connected with the electric unit for being heated up at an elevated temperature, wherein the fan assemblies are adapted to draw air flowing from an air inlet to an air outlet via the heating element, so as to heat up the air drawn by the fan unit, and deliver the heated air to a predetermined heating zone from the air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Tianyu Gao
  • Patent number: 7190887
    Abstract: A portable room heater is provided comprising an upright enclosure defining an inlet at a lower end of the enclosure, an outlet at an upper end of the enclosure, and a passageway fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet. The portable room heater further comprises a blower imparting an airflow through the passageway, and thereby creating an inlet airflow through the inlet and a noncoplanar outlet airflow through the outlet. A heat generating member in the passageway selectively heats air flowing through the passageway. A method is provided for warming a room comprising providing the portable electric heater, drawing air from a relatively lower horizontal plane of the room into the heater, heating the drawn air, and releasing the heated air in a substantially horizontal direction in a relatively higher horizontal plane of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Stephan S. Compton
  • Patent number: 7180039
    Abstract: A heater is provided that has a temperature sensing control system which can be used for both temperature control and over-temperature protection against element burnout. The temperature control system is comprised of an inlet temperature sensing assembly positioned at the inlet to the heater element and an exit thermocouple positioned in the exit end of the heater element. The exit thermocouple may be used for control the heater temperature and provide over-temperature protection. The inlet temperature sensing assembly is used to detect low or no air flow conditions which could lead to heater element failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Arold, William H. Gosselin, Michael J. Frappier, Joseph P. Stark
  • Patent number: 7158716
    Abstract: A portable pedestal electric heater apparatus for providing a heated exhaust air stream at an elevation above a support surface comprises a tower electric heater and a support riser for supporting the tower electric heater at an elevation above a support surface. The tower electric heater comprises an elongate housing and at least one interior space within the elongate housing. At least one inlet opening in the elongate housing allows inlet air to enter the at least one interior space. An air blower assembly is disposed within the at least one interior space for receiving the inlet air. An air outlet opening in the housing allows the exhaust air stream to exit the at least one interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Lasko Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Shapiro, William E. Lasko, Paul W. Orr
  • Patent number: 7013079
    Abstract: In a hybrid hot air heater according to the present invention, a chassis having first and second outlets 13 on its front face and first and second inlets 12 on its rear face incorporates therein a gas heater unit 2 comprised of a gas burner 20 and a first air-blowing fan 21 and an electric heater unit 3 comprised of an electric heater 33 and a second air-blowing fan 30 in such a manner that the air blowing systems for the respective two heaters may be independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Ito, Yoshinori Fujisawa, Yukihiko Shimonoma, Yoshimune Yamada
  • Patent number: 6973260
    Abstract: A portable electric heater producing a vertically oriented, heated exhaust air stream at an elevation above a support surface is provided. A base contacting the support surface and supporting an elongate housing in a substantially vertical position from the support surface. An inlet opening allows air to enter the interior of the housing and a vertically oriented outlet opening allows a heated exhaust air stream to exit the housing. An air blower assembly and elongate electric heating element are disposed within the housing. The air blower assembly has a substantially vertically oriented axis of rotation and the electric heating element is substantially vertically oriented proximate the outlet opening. The flow of the exhaust air stream from the air impeller assembly toward the vertically oriented elongate electric heating element is a substantially direct and straight vector and substantially all of the exhaust air stream passes through the electric heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Lasko Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Orr, Gary S. Beideman
  • Patent number: 6959144
    Abstract: Providing a hot air heater and an expansion in the air blowing passage of the hot air heater and suppressing increases in air trunk resistance even if electric heaters are arranged in this expansion in a plurality of stages prevents increases in the rotation speed of the air blowing fan in order to obtain a target air flow which in turn causes the operating noise to grow louder. Therefore, an expansion 35 was formed along the air blowing passage 32. This expansion 35 has an entrance opening 351 and an exit opening 352 and functions as a storage portion that contains the electric heaters 34. The electric heaters are arranged in a plurality of stages in such a manner as to face said entrance opening and a distance between the entrance opening in the expansion and one of the electric heaters that has a highest wind speed at the entrance opening in the expansion of distances between the entrance opening in the expansion and the respective electric heaters is set farther.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiko Shimonoma, Keiichi Ito, Yoshinori Fujisawa, Yoshimune Yamada
  • Patent number: 6907192
    Abstract: If both the electric heaters and combustion heaters constitute a hybrid type hot-air heater wherein both heaters are equipped with inlets adjacent to each other and are also housed within a frame and separated such that the air blowing systems of each heater are independent of each other, air leakage will occur in only the combustion heater during the heating operation in a direction opposite to the air blowing passage of the electric heater thereby resulting in dust adhering to the electric heater. If the electric heater is operated in this state, the dust will be heated and then burn causing a foul odor to occur when the heating operation first starts. Therefore, the air blowing fan 43 runs to remove any dust that entered into the air blowing passage before the electric heater 4 runs when the electric heater unit 4, equipped with an electric heater 44, is performing a heating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Ito, Toshiyuki Nomura, Yoshinori Fujisawa, Yukihiko Shimonoma, Yoshimune Yamada
  • Patent number: 6882796
    Abstract: In a configuration of a hybrid hot air heater in which a gas heater unit 2 and an electric heater unit 3 are incorporated into one chassis at the upper part and lower part, respectively, in such a manner that their respective air-blowing systems may be independent of each other, the heater itself is made more compact even with increases in the cross-sectional area of inlets 13a and 13b equipped with anti-dust filters 6a and 6b, respectively. The second inlet 13b of the electric heater unit 3 provided on the chassis 11 is arranged below a gas burner 20 in such a manner as to conserver space and serves as an air inlet passage on the rear side of a housing 211 of a first air-blowing fan 21 that separates the gas heater unit 2 and the electric heater unit 3 from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Ito, Yoshinori Fujisawa, Yukihiko Shimonoma, Yoshimune Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040218912
    Abstract: A portable pedestal electric heater apparatus for providing a heated exhaust air stream at an elevation above a support surface comprises a tower electric heater and a support riser for supporting the tower electric heater at an elevation above a support surface. The tower electric heater comprises an elongate housing and at least one interior space within the elongate housing. At least one inlet opening in the elongate housing allows inlet air to enter the at least one interior space. An air blower assembly is disposed within the at least one interior space for receiving the inlet air. An air outlet opening in the housing allows the exhaust air stream to exit the at least one interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Barry Shapiro, William E. Lasko, Paul W. Orr
  • Publication number: 20040197091
    Abstract: A portable electric heater for providing a heated exhaust air stream at an elevation above a support surface is provided. The heater comprises an elongate housing having a sidewall, a top end, a bottom end, and a longitudinal length extending substantially upward from the bottom end to the top end, and a horizontal cross sectional area. A base supports the elongate housing in a vertical and upright position on the support surface. There is at least one inlet opening in the housing allowing inlet air to enter the interior of the housing. An air blower assembly is disposed within the housing interior for receiving the inlet air. At least one outlet opening in the elongate housing allows the exhaust air stream to exit the interior space. At least one electric heating element is disposed within the interior space between the air blower assembly and the outlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Paul W. Orr, Gary S. Beideman
  • Patent number: 6795643
    Abstract: When errors occurred that prevented operation of one heater unit in a conventional hybrid type hotair heater, the heating operation was continued by means of the other heater unit although the user could not immediately recognize that error thereby resulting in the possibility that the error condition might remain in the hotair heater. Therefore, an error detection means was installed in each gas and electric heater unit to detect errors that prevent heating operation in each of these heater units. When an error is detected in one heater unit during the heating operation by means of said error detection means, the heating operation of the device stops once. When the operation starts up again, the other heater unit, where said error did not occur, runs and the heating operation continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Ito, Yoshinori Fujisawa, Yukihiko Shimonoma, Yoshimune Yamada
  • Patent number: 6760543
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing thermal energy comprising a housing defining a first interior space and a second interior space; at least one electric heating element positioned within the first interior space; and an air circulator positioned within the second interior space and adjacent the first interior space, the air circulator receiving intake air from a first flow path and generating exhaust air along a second flow path, the second flow path substantially orthogonal to the first flow path such that the exhaust air flows through the at least one heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Lasko Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Orr, Gary S. Beideman
  • Publication number: 20040120700
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing thermal energy comprising a housing defining a first interior space and a second interior space; at least one electric heating element positioned within the first interior space; and an air circulator positioned within the second interior space and adjacent the first interior space, the air circulator receiving intake air from a first flow path and generating exhaust air along a second flow path, the second flow path substantially orthogonal to the first flow path such that the exhaust air flows through the at least one heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Paul W. Orr, Gary S. Beideman
  • Patent number: 6674049
    Abstract: A storage drum heater has an elongated housing and is typically used in a vertical orientation between storage drums arranged on a pallet. In one embodiment, the housing has closed ends and vertical sides that intersect four vertical, diagonal surfaces at their vertical edges. A column of holes is located in each diagonal surface, upper holes being axially spaced from lower holes. The housing contains a blower fan and a resistive heating element for heating air expelled by the blower. A battery is located in the housing and provides electrical power for operating the fan and the heating element. The fan draws air into the housing through the lower holes, then blows the air across the heating element and out of the housing through the upper holes, preferably into the V-shaped interstitial space between drums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Harold H. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6624397
    Abstract: A heater effectively uses a current controlled fan motor in series with a resistance heating arrangement. The fan motor preferably is wound with a gauge of wire to appropriate for the relatively high current provided to the fan motor. This arrangement is effectively used to adjust the fan speed to match the heat output when the heating arrangement has variable heat output. More desirable operating characteristics are achieved without increasing costs and fan motor manufacturing savings are realized. The portable heater preferably produces heat at different outputs and the current used to power the resistance heating arrangement is used to power the fan motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Art K. Tateishi
  • Publication number: 20030164367
    Abstract: A dual source heater with radiant and convection heaters operates to provide radiant and convective heat for heating a surrounding space. A quartz heating element provides radiant heat, and a resistive heating element provides convective heat, through openings in the heater housing. A reflector is positioned so that an airflow updraft is created within the housing and airflow is concentrated through the resistive heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Charles E. Bucher, John C. Bucher
  • Patent number: 6610082
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electric fan including a driving motor, a blower fan unit, and front and rear safety nets. A far infrared ray lamp part including a socket and a far infrared ray lamp is positioned in front of the blower fan unit. The front and rear safety nets are detachably fastened to each other by a fastening ring. A lamp protective net, which is covered with a stainless coating to be decreased in heat conductivity and heat-resistant, is placed in front of the far infrared ray lamp part where heat is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Chan Seok Park
  • Publication number: 20030095795
    Abstract: At least one aspect of the present invention relates to a system for heating a gas using positive temperature coefficient (PTC) elements. More particularly, aspects of the present invention are directed towards PTC element configurations and orientations. In one aspect of the present invention, PTC elements are interposed between heat sinks such that they transmit current from one heat sink to another. The PTC elements may be arranged in a radial configuration, which may have more than one PTC element per radial flange. The heat sinks may have grilles which allow air to flow perpendicular to the heat sinks and between the PTC elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Walter G. Birdsell, Bruce Chute