Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing beverages or other food products which includes, generally and broadly, controllably dispensing water from the system for use in brewing. Water is introduced to a heated water reservoir heating and subsequent use in a process such as brewing. An active thermal expansion system is provided to accommodate water which expands from the reservoir as a result of the heating process. One form of thermal expansion system may include a controllable expansion device accommodates an accumulation of water which expands during the heating process and then returns the water to the flow of water during a brew cycle or drains the water from the system.

Abstract: A fluid-heating apparatus for heating a fluid and method of operating the same. The fluid-heating apparatus includes a heating element for heating a fluid surrounding the heating element and a control circuit connected to the heating element and connectable to a power source. The control circuit is configured to determine whether a potential dry-fire condition exists for the heating element. In one implementation, the method includes applying a first electric signal to the heating element, detecting a first value of an electrical characteristic during the application of the first electric signal, applying a second electric signal to the heating element, applying a third electric signal to the heating element, detecting a second value of the electrical characteristic during the application of the third electric signal; and determining whether a potential dry-fire condition exists based on the first and second values.

Abstract: A thermal storage unit having at least one conduit around which a cast is made is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional piping or tubing to create conduits that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass by proving multiple passes for the fluid through the cast. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the conduit.

Abstract: A fluid heating apparatus comprising a chamber for containing a quantity of fluid to be heated and a heating device in the chamber. The heating device comprises a hollow body having a flow inlet and a return outlet to allow a heating medium to flow through the hollow body. The hollow body has a first heat exchanging surface extending along the chamber between a fluid inlet and fluid outlet and defining a smooth, straight fluid passage between the inlet and outlet. The preferred apparatus takes the form of a thermosyphon and is particularly suited for use with a water storage tank, where it is arranged to cause thermosyphonic circulation of water between the thermosyphon and the tank.

Abstract: The present invention is a warmer for heating liquids for use with powdered infant formula. In an exemplary embodiment the device comprises a water reservoir and pump, heating element, and carafe demarcated in ounces to allow the user to easily add the appropriate amount of infant formula after the water is warmed. In use, up to 64 ounces of water is placed in the water reservoir. The reservoir warms the water to the optimum temperature and fills the carafe through a water outlet. The carafe rests on a platform that is not heated so as to not bring the temperature above the optimum temperature for making formula. As further described herein, the system ensures a smooth and silky mixed formula of the proper concentrations.

Abstract: A vertical water heater includes a machine body installed therein with plural quartz heating tubes respectively composed of a quartz external tube having its opposite ends sealed and a quartz internal tube positioned in the quartz external tube. Each quartz internal tube is provided with a remote-infrared-ray heating member in the interior and has one end connected with an electrode terminal. Each quartz external tube has its lower wall bored with plural water intakes 212 and its upper wall bored with vapor vents. The machine body has its bottom provided with a water inlet and a water outlet and its topside bored with an exhaust vent having a pressure release valve assembled thereon. The vertical water heater carries out heat conduction by vapor and by light and heat radiation, impossible to produce water stains and able to economize energy.

Abstract: A combination water dispenser with heating mechanism including a reservoir having an automatic inlet means for replenishing water into the reservoir and a controlled water outlet means for dispensing water from the reservoir. The reservoir includes a reservoir heating element which has an applied electric current for heating the water. An indicating means for indicating the activation and deactivation of the reservoir heating element is included on the dispenser. A user actuated means adapted to simultaneously activate the reservoir heating element and the indicating means is positioned on the dispenser. A temperature regulating means responsive to the temperature of the water monitors the temperature of the water during the heating of the water. The dispenser includes an automatic deactivation means adapted to deactivate the reservoir heating element upon receiving a signal from the temperature regulating means.

Abstract: Methods of determining the likelihood of the existence of a dry fire condition in a hot water heater without requiring energization of any of the heating elements are presented. Such methods utilize only the sensor inputs required for normal operation of the hot water heater. Such sensory inputs are characterized in a process of fuzzification to enable the utilization of fuzzy logic rules to determine the likelihood of a dry fire condition before any energization of a heating element occurs. Alternatively, the sensory inputs are assigned logical values and are processed using Boolean logic to determine if a dry fire condition exists, prior to the energization of any electrical heating element within the hot water heater. Upon the determination that a dry fire condition is likely, the controller may perform a soft or hard lockout, may allow reset(s), and may provide an indication to the user of the condition.

Abstract: A system for heating water includes a first tank, a solar panel, a control circuit, and a second tank for receiving water from the first tank. There is a first resistive heating element in the first tank and a second resistive heating element in the second tank. The control circuit couples power from the solar panel to the second resistive heating element unless the water in the second tank is at a preset maximum temperature, then the control circuit couples power to the first resistive heating element. If the water in the second tank is below a preset maximum temperature and above a preset minimum temperature, then the control circuit couples power from the solar panel to both the first heater element and the second heater element. If the temperature of the water in the second tank is below a preset minimum temperature, then the control circuit turns on conventional heating means in the second tank. Water is withdrawn from the second tank for use.

Abstract: A heating system for heating fluid media including a carrier unit, a heating unit arranged on the carrier unit and a heat transfer element arranged on the carrier unit and includes a material which is a good conductor of heat, which heat transfer element has a first mounting portion for mounting a first safety device which responds at a first response temperature and a second mounting portion for mounting a second safety device which responds at a second response temperature which is lower than the first response temperature, which heat transfer element has a first temperature pickup portion which is in direct heat-conducting contact with the heating unit and the first safety device. The heat transfer element has a second temperature pickup portion is spatially separate from the first temperature pickup portion and in heat-conducting contact with the medium to be heated and the second safety device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a urea supply system for a waste gas cleaning catalyst of an internal combustion engine, comprising a urea tank for the receiving of urea solution, a connecting line that connects the urea tank with a waste gas cleaning catalyst, a pump in order to pump urea solution via the connecting line from the urea tank to the catalyst, and a heating insert for the defrosting of frozen urea solution. According to the invention it is provided that the return line is configured and arranged in such a manner that, during operation, because of the urea solution discharged from the return line there is prevented the forming of an air gap between the heating insert and the frozen urea solution. The invention relates also to a heating insert for such a urea supply system.

Abstract: A vertical water heater includes a machine body installed therein with plural quartz heating tubes respectively composed of a quartz external tube having its opposite ends sealed and a quartz internal tube positioned in the quartz external tube. Each quartz internal tube is provided with a remote-infrared-ray heating member in the interior and has one end connected with an electrode terminal. Each quartz external tube has its lower wall bored with plural water intakes 212 and its upper wall bored with vapor vents. The machine body has its bottom provided with a water inlet and a water outlet and its topside bored with an exhaust vent having a pressure release valve assembled thereon. The vertical water heater carries out heat conduction by vapor and by light and heat radiation, impossible to produce water stains and able to economize energy.

Abstract: Disclosed are a water heating system, a method of heating water and a water heating apparatus for use in providing successive volumes of heated water at a generally consistent temperature. In one aspect of the disclosure, a water heating system includes a reservoir (22) for containing water (28), the reservoir having an inlet zone (50) comprising a lower portion of the reservoir and an outlet zone comprising an upper portion of the reservoir. A water inlet (38) is provided in fluid communication with a source (34) of water and the inlet zone. A heater (26) is positioned within the inlet zone is coupled to the reservoir. A temperature sensor (30) is positioned within the inlet zone, and a water outlet (46) is provided in fluid communication with the outlet zone. A controller (24) is coupled to the heater and the temperature sensor, the controller using information from the temperature sensor to controllably operate the heater to generally maintain a desired temperature within the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tank heating system, in particular for a urea tank of an internal combustion engine, comprising: a housing (2) in which is provided at least one PTC element, an electric connection line (3, 4) that is connected to the PTC element in order to carry a heating current via the PTC element, an intake pipe (5) for the conveyance of fluid, wherein at least a section of the electric connection line (5) is configured as a resistance heating element, that is in heat-conducting conduction with the inside of the intake pipe (5).

Abstract: A device for making a predetermined quantity of a hot beverage comprising a boiler chamber (5) for heating water and a tubular heating element (6) inside the boiler chamber (5) near the bottom (16) of the boiler chamber (5). A main portion (7) of the tubular heating (6) element extends along a substantial helical line around a substantial horizontal axis. The bottom of the boiler chamber (5) comprises a wall (16) substantially having the shape of a part of cylindrical surface around said horizontal axis.

Abstract: A temperature control system and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a beverage contained within a beverage server. The temperature control system enabling a user to control of a plurality of attributes of temperature of a beverage from the making of a beverage until the dispensing and disposal of the beverage.

Abstract: A combination water dispenser with heating mechanism including a reservoir having an automatic inlet means for replenishing water into the reservoir and a controlled water outlet means for dispensing water from the reservoir. The reservoir includes a reservoir heating element which has an applied electric current for heating the water. An indicating means for indicating the activation and deactivation of the reservoir heating element is included on the dispenser. A user actuated means adapted to simultaneously activate the reservoir heating element and the indicating means is positioned on the dispenser. A temperature regulating means responsive to the temperature of the water monitors the temperature of the water during the heating of the water. The dispenser includes an automatic deactivation means adapted to deactivate the reservoir heating element upon receiving a signal from the temperature regulating means.

Abstract: An electric fluid or water heater is shown in which the heat generation is accomplished by a non-metallic element. The heating element exploits properties of carbon black based polymers. These basic elements have both electrically conductive and electrically restive properties. Metal strips are injection molded into the carbon black body of the heating element with physical contact between the metal and the carbon black. When current is passed through the metal strips, the resistivity of the carbon black causes heat to be generated. Prior art metal heating elements are subject to corrosion and degradation of performance over time. In addition, the inflow and outflow pipes may be constructed in the same manner to heat fluid en route.

Abstract: A control system for an electric water heater having an upper heating element and a lower heating element includes a control module that controls operation of the electric water heater by selectively toggling the upper and lower heating elements between an ON state and an OFF state. The control module maintains a stratification of water within the water heater including a first volume maintained at a set point temperature and a second volume held at a setback temperature, which is less than the set point temperature. The setback temperature is low enough to maintain the stratification yet high enough to allow the upper heating element to heat water from the second volume to the set point temperature prior to exiting the water heater.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for brewing a brewing substance. The apparatus including a liquid conduit (18) for supplying a brewing liquid, a liquid permeable container (28) for retaining the brewing substance and allowing the brewed liquid to pass through, a spray member (20) for delivering the brewing liquid from the liquid conduit to a brewing substance and discharging the brewing liquid into the liquid permeable container, a liquid flow modifier (52) for varying the flow rate of liquid at the spray member, and a control member (44) operably connected to the liquid flow modifying member for causing the liquid flow modifying member to vary the liquid flow rate. The alteration of the discharge of the liquid from at least a first spray pattern to at least a second spray pattern facilitating mixing of the brewing liquid and brewing substance within the liquid permeable container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing steam for a test chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a heating element contained within a vessel which is fluid communication with an exterior reservoir wherein the heating element provides heat to generate steam from the water entering the vessel from the reservoir. The method for generating steam includes providing a chamber configured to contain a fluid insetting water into the chamber from a reservoir external from the chamber, controlling an amount of water inlet into the reservoir substantially equalizing the water level in the reservoir with the water level in the chamber. The method also includes heating the water in the chamber to turn at least some of the water into steam and venting at least some of the steam out of the chamber.

Abstract: A fluid-heating apparatus for heating a fluid and method of operating the same. The fluid-heating apparatus includes a heating element for heating a fluid surrounding the heating element and a control circuit connected to the heating element and connectable to a power source. The control circuit is configured to determine whether a potential dry-fire condition exists for the heating element. The method includes applying a first electric signal to the heating element, detecting a first value of an electrical characteristic during the application of the first electric signal, applying a second electric signal to the heating element, applying a third electric signal to the heating element, detecting a second value of the electrical characteristic during the application of the third electric signal; and determining whether a potential dry-fire condition exists based on the first and second values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating liquids, comprising: a first liquid container for liquid for heating, and a heating element connected to the first liquid container. The invention also relates to an assembly for use in such a device. Such a heating device can be applied in diverse electrical appliances for heating liquids.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for heating foodstuffs, or other contents sensitive to high heat flux, such as sauces and gravies, without sticking; so that watching and stirring of the foodstuff is not needed during heating. The novel apparatuses and methods provide such heating in a relatively quick time, such as one hour. A pitcher is shown which sets into a heating unit fitted with a heating element below a baffle that shields the bottom of the pitcher from radiant heat and has apertures which cause favorable convective heating which reduces the risk of sticking. The pitcher or pot is easily installed and removed from the heating unit and a close fit is formed in the installed position to retain heat between the pitcher and heating vessel. The methods include inducing a convective heat flow with the baffle and reduced direct radiant heat to reduce or prevent sticking.

Abstract: A filament-wound tank portion of an electric water heater has a wall opening through which an electric heating element of other structure extends into the interior of the tank. The opening is reinforced by a stacked series of single layer, open weave patch members which are interdigitated with layers of the filament winding and through which the opening extends. The filament winding and the patches are impregnated with and intersecured by a cured resin material. As an alternative to cutting portions of the patches during formation of the tank wall opening, the patches may be provided with suitable pre-formed openings with reinforced peripheries, the subsequently formed tank wall opening extending through these reinforced, pre-formed patch openings. The single layer, open weave patches are also utilized to reinforce other types of filament-based tank wall structures.

Abstract: A foam dam in the insulation cavity of an electric water heater comprises a plastic bag into which liquid foam insulation is injected, the bag having an essentially closed top edge portion with only a small opening for receiving the injected insulation. A small portion of the insulation injected into the bag is forced outwardly therefrom via small metering holes to form external protrusions on the bag that mechanically interlock with a second batch of insulation subsequently injected into the cavity and prevent the hardened second insulation batch from pulling away from the bag. The substantially closed top edge of the bag permits the insulation injected into the bag to pack therein and increase the top-to-bottom hardened foam density uniformity. Side edges of the bag may be pleated to increase the sealing area of the foam dam.

Abstract: Hot water dispersing systems having a self-resetting heater control switch that prevents heater burn-up if the water tank becomes empty, and a variable volume expansion chamber having a flexible bladder that is designed to withstand a pressure of at least 300 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: A tank for retaining and heating water is defined by tank walls, including a bottom wall portion comprised of stainless steel. The tank has a water inlet and a water outlet for dispensing hot water. An aluminium intermediate plate is brazed to the lower surface of the bottom wall portion. A heating element secured within a heat conductive sheath, is brazed to the intermediate plate. A baffle is positioned within the walls of the tank, dividing the tank into an upper water reservoir and a lower preheating chamber, the baffle having at least one open portion defined therethrough. A thermostat which activates the heating element to provide heat to the tank when the thermostat reads a temperature at or below a preset temperature is positioned on the tank wall below the midway point between the top and bottom wall of the tank and where a baffle is present in the tank, below the position of the baffle.

Abstract: A household appliance for steam generation with a boiler containing a heating source for water vaporization intended to be partly immersed in water; a control means for adjusting the pressure valve of the steam in the boiler that operatively associated with the heating source to switch on or off so as to maintain the steam pressure at a desired value; and a steam delivering means. The means for adjusting the pressure value in the boiler is operatively associated with the steam delivery means so as to switch the heating source on and off in function of the open or closed status of the steam delivery means.

Abstract: A machine for in aircraft dispenses hot beverages, such as coffee, American-style coffee, and tea, as well as to dispense hot and cold water. The machine includes a hydralic circuit and an electrical circuit, and has a parallelepiped structure including a structural paneling and a paneling forming a covering, an open front compartment in which a container or jug for beverages is housed, and, located above the compartment, a front control panel and underlying cartridge-holder drawer which can be pulled out. The machine includes a heater through which passes water only at the moment of dispensing in the from of a beverage or hot water. The heater is connected to the cartridge-holder drawer and the and the hydraulic actuation system forces the heater to come down onto and close the cartridge-holder drawer in a sealed manner when the beverage or hot water is being dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides immersion heating elements, water heaters and methods for their fabrication and use. In the first embodiment of this invention, a resistance heating element is provided which includes a resistance heating material and an electrically insulating, substantially water impervious sheath disposed over the resistance heating material to form an active element portion having an envelope of about 50 in3, a total wattage of at least 1000 W, and a watt density of no greater than 60 W/in2. Such an element has been demonstrated to substantially reduce scale reduction in water containing calcium, calcium carbonate, or both in solution.

Abstract: A water heater having a water tank and multiple electric resistance heating elements extending into the water tank for heating water in the tank. The water heater includes a proportional band temperature controller for conducting electric power to the electric resistance heating elements in bursts. Each burst of electric power is followed by a period during which the temperature controller does not conduct power to the electric resistance heating element. In one embodiment, each burst of electrical power lasts for about 95% or less of a cycle comprised of one burst of electric power followed by the period during which the temperature controller does not conduct electric power. Further, activation of the heating elements by the controller is carried out in a sequential or other timed or controlled fashion to permit uniform heating of the water in the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating water in a domestic water heating system, that comprises the steps of: (a) providing a water tank containing mw liters of water, (b) providing at least one temperature sensing unit in said water tank for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank: (c) providing a heating element in said water tank; (d) providing a control unit for activating said heating element, said control unit continuously receiving indication for the water temperature from said temperature sensing unit; (e) providing to said control unit a desired water temperature, and designating a time for using the water at said desired temperature; (f) knowing the current water temperature, the desired water temperature at said designated time, the power of the heating element, and the specific heat of the water, calculating by the control unit the heating period &Dgr;t needed for heating the water in the tank from the current temperature as measured by said temperature sensing unit, to the desired

Abstract: A hot-water appliance capable of resisting at least the pressure of the public water supply system, comprising at least one hot-water vessel with a supply conduit connectable to the public water supply system and a discharge conduit connectable to a draw-off tap, wherein the hot-water vessel further comprises a substantially cylindrical jacket wall and two end walls, characterized in that a vacuum insulated jacket (2) surrounds at least the cylindrical wall part (1a, 9) of the hot water vessel, with said vacuum insulated jacket consisting of wall(s) composed of a solid non-plastic material composition and a thickness of less than ca. 2 cm, the wall(s) enclosing a hollow vacuum space whereupon at a temperature difference between the hot water vessel and the ambient atmosphere of at least 90° C. the vacuum insulated jacket will retain an internal absolute pressure in the vacuum space of less than 10−2 millibar, corresponding to a vacuum of less than 0.

Abstract: A water heater adapted to avoid peak temperatures of delivered water comprises a plate heat exchanger (1) connected to a storage container (2) provided with interior reinforcing means (9-11. FIG. 1; 13-13′″. FIGS. 5-18) connecting opposite parts of the outer wall (2′) of the container (2). Even provided with a thin storage container wall this makes it possible to use a box shaped water heater design without risk of deformations due to variations in the water pressure. The reinforcing means may consist of stacked interconnected plates (13-13′″). e.g. having the same form and size as plates (12-12′″) used in a plate heat exchanger connected to the container (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides heating elements and methods for their fabrication and use. The heating elements of this invention include a spirally shaped structure having a plurality of spiral forms, and may contain a thermally conductive, electrically insulated polymeric coating, such as a fluorocarbon resinous coating of about 0.001-0.020 in. in thickness. The preferred spirally shaped heating elements of this invention provide a lower, preferably substantially lower, flux or watt density than that for a Tubular Heating Element of substantially similar Active Element Volume (in3), wherein said spirally shaped heating element has the same or greater overall wattage rating (total watts) than the Tubular Heating Element. The heating elements of this invention preferably have an Effective Relative Heated Surface Area of about 5-60 in2/in3, with a target range of about 20-30 in2/in3, but can generate a heat flux of about 10-50 w/in2.

Abstract: The heater includes a resistance heating element comprising a resistance heating wire having a pair of terminal ends connected to a pair of electrical connectors and encapsulated with a thin electrically insulating polymeric layer. The resistance heating wire is capable of maintaining a fluid initially heated by a primary heat source substantially at the desired use temperature. A first connecting body is configured to couple to the section of piping containing the fluid. The connecting body includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, a fluid passageway defined between the fluid inlet and outlet ports, and an electrical connection port. The resistance heating element is disposed at least partially within the fluid passageway and at least a first one of the terminal ends is coupled to a respective one of the pair of electrical connectors through the electrical connection port.

Abstract: A heating tank assembly for a hot water dispenser having a tank body, an electric heating element, a magnetic switch, and a movable float. The tank body has a plurality of walls and a main heating chamber for storing and heating water. At least a portion of the electric heating element is located within the main heating chamber of the tank body. The magnetic switch is electrically connected to the heating element and acts as a protective switch to the heating element. The movable float is located within the tank body and has a magnet that closes the magnetic switch when sufficient water is present in the tank. The heating tank assembly may also include at least one thermal cutout device. The thermal cutout device acts as a backup and will shut off the heating element if the heating element reaches a preset maximum temperature.

Abstract: The water heater has a built-in float switch working in conjunction with an external relay to prevent electrical power from being supplied to the heating element when there is no water in the tank. The heating element draws 6.5 amps of current and has an adjustable thermostat to heat the water to anywhere between 105° F. to 190° F. (41° C. to 85° C.). The water tank is made up of material such as polypropylene that will not burst when the water inside the tank is subjected to freezing temperatures over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides immersion heating elements, water heaters and methods for their fabrication and use. In the first embodiment of this invention, a resistance heating element is provided which includes a resistance heating material and an electrically insulating, substantially water impervious sheath disposed over the resistance heating material to form an active element portion having an envelope of about 50 in,3 a total wattage of at least 1000 W, and a watt density of no greater than 60 W/in.2 Such an element has been demonstrated to substantially reduce scale reduction in water containing calcium, calcium carbonate, or both in solution.

Abstract: The heater includes a resistance heating element comprising a resistance heating wire having a pair of terminal ends connected to a pair of electrical connectors and encapsulated with a thin electrically insulating polymeric layer. The resistance heating wire is capable of maintaining a fluid initially heated by a primary heat source substantially at the desired use temperature. A first connecting body is configured to couple to the section of piping containing the fluid. The connecting body includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, a fluid passageway defined between the fluid inlet and outlet ports, and an electrical connection port. The resistance heating element is disposed at least partially within the fluid passageway and at least a first one of the terminal ends is coupled to a respective one of the pair of electrical connectors through the electrical connection port.

Abstract: The present invention provides heating elements and methods for their fabrication and use. The heating elements of this invention include a spirally shaped structure having a plurality of spiral forms, and may contain a thermally conductive, electrically insulated polymeric coating, such as a fluorocarbon resinous coating of about 0.001-0.020 in. in thickness. The preferred spirally shaped heating elements of this invention provide a lower, preferably substantially lower, flux or watt density than that for a Tubular Heating Element of substantially similar Active Element Volume (in3), wherein said spirally shaped heating element has the same or greater overall wattage rating (total watts) than the Tubular Heating Element. The heating elements of this invention preferably have an Effective Relative Heated Surface Area of about 5-60 in2/in3, with a target range of about 20-30 in2/in3, but can generate a heat flux of about 10-50 w/in2.

Abstract: A water heater having a water tank and multiple electric resistance heating elements extending into the water tank for heating water in the tank. The water heater includes a proportional band temperature controller for conducting electric power to the electric resistance heating elements in bursts. Each burst of electric power is followed by a period during which the temperature controller does not conduct power to the electric resistance heating element. In one embodiment, each burst of electrical power lasts for about 95% or less of a cycle comprised of one burst of electric power followed by the period during which the temperature controller does not conduct electric power. Further, activation of the heating elements by the controller is carried out in a sequential or other timed or controlled fashion to permit uniform heating of the water in the tank. Further, the controller may operate a cold water introduction valve to further enhance temperature uniformity in the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.

Abstract: An electric water heater is provided with simplified phase conversion apparatus including a terminal structure having replaceable line lug portions which are wired to a single phase row of multi-pin connector sockets by single phase routing circuitry, and to a three phase row of multi-pin connector sockets by three phase routing circuitry. Electrical supply wires from sets of fuse holders connected to multiple thermostat/heating element sets are grouped and connected to associated multi-pin connector plugs. To ready the water heater for single phase operation, the plugs are connected to the single phase row of sockets, and to convert the water heater to three phase operation the plugs are simply disconnected from the single phase sockets and connected to the three phase sockets. In this manner the necessity of individually repositioning all of the fuse holder wires on the terminal structure to change from single to three phase operation, or vice versa, is eliminated.

Abstract: A pressureless electric water heater for domestic use has a cylindrical double-walled tank for holding a quantity of a heat transfer liquid such as water. Cold water enters a copper coil immersed in the heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid is heated by an electric heating element that extends down from a hinged tank top. Cold water flowing through the immersed coil is heated by the heat transfer liquid and exits the coil as hot water. The hinged top allows easy access to the interior of the tank and to the heating element, further easing access and replacement thereof. Sedimentation in the tank is minimized because the tank water is rarely replaced. Sedimentation in the coil is reduced because pressurized water flows through the coil when hot water is required and continuously cleanses the tubing. A sensor block is used to activate the heating element whenever water is introduced into the coils. An automatic fill valve maintains the tank level.

Abstract: A pressureless electric water heater for domestic use has a cylindrical double-walled tank for holding a quantity of a heat transfer liquid such as water. Cold water enters a copper coil immersed in the heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid is heated by an electric heating element which extends down from a hinged tank top. Cold water flowing through the immersed coil is heated by the heat transfer liquid and exits the coil as hot water. The hinged top allows easy access to the interior of the tank and to the heating element, further easing access and replacement thereof. Sedimentation in the tank is minimized because the tank water is rarely replaced. Sedimentation in the coil is reduced because pressurized water flows through the coil when hot water is required and continuously cleanses the tubing. A sensor block is used to activate the heating element whenever water is introduced into the coils. An automatic fill valve maintains the tank level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.

Abstract: A water heater includes: a reservoir having a feed pipe protruding inwardly into the reservoir for directing cold water into the reservoir; a main heater having a main thermostat sensor juxtapositionally secured in an immersion pipe section of the feed pipe inserted in the reservoir and a main electric heater electrically connected with the main thermostat sensor through a controller connected to a power source, whereby upon sensing of a preset high temperature by the main thermostat sensor, the main electric heater will be actuated to heat the water fed into the reservoir to the preset high temperature; and at least an auxiliary heater having an auxiliary thermostat sensor mounted in an outer pipe section of the feed pipe outside the reservoir and an auxiliary electric heater electrically connected with the auxiliary thermostat sensor, whereby upon sensing of a preset low temperature by the auxiliary sensor outside the reservoir, the auxiliary electric heater will also be actuated to heat the water in the re

Abstract: An Automated Bottle Temperature Control System 10 is provided having a main DC power source 34, a water temperature sensing and control means 38, a water level compliance circuit 58, a bottle container rack 205. The main DC power source is provided to supply required DC voltages of different levels and polarities to the different electronics circuits. The water temperature sensing circuit is provided to sense the temperature of the water in reservoir, if the temperature of the water is below the preset level, the water temperature control circuit is activated, if the water temperature is equal to or greater than the water temperature, the water temperature control circuit is not activated. The water temperature control circuit is provided to control the water temperature, by energizing and deenenergizing the heating element. The energizing and deenenergizing of the heating element hinge upon the voltage level it receives from the sensing circuit.