Abstract: An electric heating device that provides additional heating for motor vehicles includes several heating elements assembled to form a heating block, and a controller for controlling the heating elements. The controller forms a constructional unit together with the heating block. Contact and/or cooler elements extend between the controller and the heating block. The controller is held at a control means support. Between the controller support and a heating block housing accommodating the heating block, sealing elements are provided through which the contact or cooler elements project and which are sealed by clamping between the controller support and the heating block housing.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting a single electrical heating element of a hot water heater to first and second AC electrical power sources. Typically, these first and second AC electrical power sources include a utility provided electrical power source and a renewable power source that generates AC power from DC power. The method includes operating a controller that selectively connects and disconnects the first and second power sources. If sufficient electrical power is available from the renewable power source, the utility provided electrical power source may be disconnected to preferentially utilize renewable energy.

Abstract: A heater assembly for a fluid reservoir includes an outer housing coupled to a flange on the fluid reservoir, an inner tubular member disposed within the outer housing, the inner tubular member having a central passageway therethrough, wherein an annulus is formed between the outer housing and the inner tubular member, and a heating device coupled to a lower end of the outer housing and having heating elements which extend upwardly into the central passageway of the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A radiant heating system comprising a substantially hollow housing having detachable baffle plates internally positioned within the housing. The housing has an inlet and outlet for a flow of coolant to enter into and leave the housing, and a top plate sealing the upper surface of the housing has openings defined therein for insertion of heating elements to project into the housing and be in direct contact with the coolant to heat it. The inlet and the outlet are interconnected with piping to form a closed fluid flow circuit. Two or more baffle plates are used to increase turbulence of the coolant within the housing as it flows through, and temporarily keep coolant in the housing longer to heat it.

Abstract: A storage tank and method for monitoring thereof is provided. The tank includes a first panel that defines a mounting surface for carrying a heating element. The heating element extends into the tank for heating liquids stowed therein. A sidewall interconnects the first panel and a spaced-apart second panel. A support extends from a bottom-facing surface of the second panel for supporting the tank in a spaced-apart relation from a nearby surface. The support further defines an upward-facing pocket for receiving a portion of the heating element. A control system may monitor the storage tank and alert a service provider of operative conditions thereof.

Abstract: An improved solid heat transfer element composed of an elongate member having a generally cylindrical surface with male vortex generating protrusions is provided. The vortex generating protrusions, which may be referred to as “turbulators,” provide improved heat transfer by convection to a flow of air transverse to the elongate members without substantially increasing the pressure drop in the flow of air passing over the members. Advantageously, a plurality of the heat transfer elements, or of straight portions of a single serpentine heat transfer element, may be arranged in an aligned or staggered array of elements or straight portions. Many advantageous profile shapes of the element and vortex generators are provided, including aerodynamic profile shapes that are symmetrical with respect to a fluid flow to provide low drag and pressure drop. Heat in the element may be generated by means of electrical resistance or absorption of radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boiler for heating water in a coffee or espresso machine, comprising a boiler housing (1), a cold water inlet (7), a hot water outlet (8) and an electric heating device (5). Said boiler housing (1) is cylindrical and comprises a boiler cover (2), a boiler top (4) and a boiler base (3) having a cylinder axis (A) that is horizontal when in operation. The cold water inlet (7) and the hot water outlet (8) and the electric heating device (5) are mounted on the boiler base (3) of the boiler housing (1), that extends vertically, and the heating device (5) is configured in such a manner that each point inside the container volume is at a normal distance from the heating device (5) that is less than 40% of the container diameter (D).

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating unit which can comprise a tube, or pipe, having an aperture therein which can be configured to receive a heating element. In various embodiments, the heating element can comprise a resistive element which can be configured to generate heat when a voltage differential is applied thereto. In certain embodiments, the heating unit can further comprise a collar which is threadably engaged with the tube, wherein a flame path, or exhaust path, can be defined between threads on the pipe and threads on the collar, for example. In certain embodiments, the flame path can comprise a passageway defined between the circumference, or perimeter, of the tube and the collar. Such a flame path can be configured to allow pressurized gasses to safely escape from the tube along a predetermined path.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a booster water heater for fluids, e.g., water, that has a reservoir for the fluids, at least one electrical heating element extending into the reservoir and a control system for applying an overload voltage to the heating element. In a more preferred embodiment, the booster water heater is used to preheat water in commercial dishwashing applications.

Abstract: A modular water heating assembly containing two heating elements (1, 2), each having a thermostat module (5, 6) inserted into a sensing tube (3, 4) and attached to the same threaded boss (7). The heating elements are therefor contained in a single assembly with the elements having a fixed temperature set point differential such that the elements are switched on or off to maintain a constant temperature and reduce energy consumption by minimizing temperature overshoot.

Abstract: A device for making a predetermined quantity of a hot beverage includes a boiler chamber for heating water and a tubular heating element inside the boiler chamber near the bottom of the boiler chamber. A main portion of the tubular heating element extends along a helical line around a horizontal axis. The bottom of the boiler chamber includes a wall substantially having the shape of a part of cylindrical surface around the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A water heater (10) including a tank (12) adapted for mounting with its longitudinal axis substantially vertical and a duct (32) adapted for mounting with its longitudinal axis substantially vertical. The duct (32) is positioned within the tank (12) and extends through at least most of the height of the tank (12). The duct (32) defines a first volume (34) within the duct interior and a second volume (36) between the duct exterior and the tank interior. The first volume (34) being smaller than the second volume (36). The duct (32) has at least one upper opening (38) at or near the top of the duct (32) and at least one lower opening (40) at or near the bottom of the duct (32). The heater (10) also has a heating element (44) within, or forming all or part of, the duct (32). The element (44) extends at least substantially through the upper half of the duct (32). The heater (10) also has an inlet (24) at or near the bottom of the tank (12) and an outlet (22) at or near the top of the tank (12).

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: An electric water heater includes a container, a cold water inlet pipe, a hot water outlet pipe, and a separation board. The separation board includes a first vertical plate having a first end connected to an upper portion of the container, a separation plate having a first end connected to a second end of the first vertical plate, and a second vertical plate having a first end connected to a second end of the separation plate and a second end connected to a lower portion of the container. Thus, the separation board divides the inside of the container into a heat storage space and an instantaneously heating space, so that the hot water from the hot water outlet pipe is kept at a preset temperature.

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 concerns devices for water storage, heating and delivery. A storage water heater of the invention provides an amount of unmixed recently heated water from an internal small volume during a draw along with water from a main volume. When water is drawn from the storage water heater, an amount of recently heated water substantially unmixed with the remaining volume of the tank is drawn along with heated water from the remaining volume. Substantial performance increases in the hot water that may be delivered over a period, such as an hour, may be achieved compared to an otherwise identical storage water heater that lacks the invention.

Abstract: A water heater has a housing, a heating element, and an electric power cord secured to the housing and to a three-pronged plug configured for insertion into a standard electrical power outlet. The power cord is continuous from the housing to the three-pronged plug. A portion of the housing has a diameter which is less than approximately one inch and is configured to extend through a drain plug opening in the tank for securing the housing to the tank. The plug has a diameter which is substantially equal to, or less than, the diameter of that portion of the housing.

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 temperature maintenance heater assembly for maintaining the temperature of a heated fluid circulating through piping of a bath, including a pipe section, a base plate, a control assembly, a heater assembly cover, and a heating element. The heater element is mounted within the pipe section. The control device assembly is electrically connected to the heater element and to a source of power. The control assembly includes a flow switch operable to interrupt the supply of power to the heater element under certain operating conditions, such as when the fluid flow through the pipe section is less than a pre-selected threshold value. By interrupting the supply of power to the heating element under certain operating conditions, the temperature maintenance heater assembly provides operational safety measures to the user.

Abstract: This invention is related to a supply device for use with a hydrogen source, comprising: at least one pressurized bottled filled with metal hydride and having a bottom end and a port end; a gas discharge valve device provided at the port end; a receiving tank having a compartment therein, the compartment having a closed end and an open end, through which open end the pressurized bottle is placed into the compartment so as to be steadily held within the compartment; at least one quick connection, provided at the closed end of the compartment and connected to the gas discharge valve device of the pressurized bottle for activating the gas discharge valve device; a heating device, provided around the compartment for heating the pressurized bottle, so as to enable endothermic reaction of the metal hydride within the pressurized bottle for releasing hydrogen from the gas discharge valve device at a constant pressure.

Abstract: An electric water heater has a base, a tank mounted on the base, a partition wall mounted in the tank to divide the tank into a heating chamber and a reservoir and at least one electric heating element extending into the heating chamber. A cool-water supply pipe extends into the heating chamber to supply cool water to the tank when a user uses the hot water stored in the reservoir, This can immediately provide unlimitedly hot water at a desired high temperature to a user. In addition, the space for locating the tank can also be reduced. The convenience of using and locating the water heater can be improved.

Abstract: In a heating device used for melting snow on a road, a roof or the like, or for room heating of in-door facilities, in order to heat a to-be-heated or heated object uniformly over its entire area and enable to utilize effectively a PTC heater, a heat diffusing plate 14 for diffusing heat generated from a heat generating body 16 is arranged on an upper face of the heat insulating member 12 and the heating body 16 is arranged in a recess portion 13 installed on its upper face. The heating body 16 is constituted by inserting a heat generating element 4 mounted with heat radiating plates 5 into a vessel 2 enclosed with a heat storing agent 3 of a latent heat absorbing type in a state in which the heat generating element is brought into contact with the heat storing agent 3.

Abstract: An electric heating apparatus heats a circulating fluid for a basin or pool. A section of a duct is connected, at its upstream end, to an intake duct for the fluid. Its downstream end is connected to a duct for the discharge of that fluid, this forming an end-to-end series for conducting the fluid. The apparatus includes a plurality of heating elements elongated in the direction of the elongation of the duct. The heating unit includes the heating element mounted on an elongated base and approximately parallel with the longitudinal dimension of said base. The heating unit is mounted on the duct in such a manner that the base closes an opening which is provided to facilitate the assembling of the heating unit on the duct. The heating elements are supported by a support that is movably mounted inside an opening in the base.

Abstract: A water heater including a steel water tank having a bottom plate and a deep drawn body portion welded together, the tank having a glass lining and openings to receive and discharge water; foam insulation surrounding the body portion; an outer covering surrounding the foam insulation; a bottom pan connected to the outer covering adjacent the bottom plate; and a heater connected to the tank.

Abstract: A washerless block heater for automotive engines includes an externally threaded nipple surrounded by a sharp shoulder, which shoulder is provided with a pair of forwardly facing ribs. When the nipple is screwed into an engine block the ribs form a seal with the block wall to resist leakage from the block and to damp the transmission of vibrational forces from the block to the heater body which tend to unscrew the heater from the block.

Abstract: An electric immersion water heater comprises a vessel with a heating element having cold tail ends extending individually through a side wall of the vessel. Temperature sensing elements sense temperature levels of an outer wall of the heating element outwardly of the vessel and are arranged to disconnect power to the element upon either a boil condition within the vessel occurring or upon sensing an elevated temperature indicative of dry or partially dry operation within the vessel. The heating element further including a jacket defining a space around the outer wall of a core part of the heating element within the vessel adjacent the vessel wall and arranged to fill with steam upon a boil condition occurring in the vessel during normal operation.

Abstract: An elongate hollow tubular assembly mounts a temperature sensing element in a reservoir to determine the temperature of a liquid in the reservoir. The tubular assembly includes an inner tubular member constructed of a thin, light-weight, electrically insulating and thermally conducting material, an intermediate tubular member constructed of a thin, heat-sealable, dielectric material, having an end thereof which extends into the reservoir heat-sealed; and an outer tubular member constructed of a moldable, water-impervious, heat-resistant and durable material. A sealing arrangement is provided for sealing an end of the outer tubular member which extends into the reservoir.

Abstract: It is difficult if not impossible to install conventional engine block heaters robotically. The present device includes a cylindrical body with a heater element extending upon one side thereof and operatively connected to terminals on the other side thereof with a sealing o-ring around the body portion for sealing engagement with a cylindrical aperture formed in the engine block wall. A retainer ring surrounds the outer end of the body portion having at least one of standing portion formed thereon with an aperture formed therethrough and a corresponding screw-threaded aperture is formed in the wall of the block to one side of the aperture into which the heater engages.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating silicon wafers in an acid bath, comprising at least one advantageously quartz tank (1) for containing an acid in which the wafers are immersed and with which electrical resistors (14) are associated for heating the acid, the tank (1) being positioned during use in a usual process bench or wet hood (3). The tank (1) comprises tubular ducts (5), advantageously of quartz, which are closed at one end (6) and positioned transversely in the tank (1), and which open at (7) into one of its sides (8), the tubular ducts (5) being arranged to removably receive the electrical resistors (14), which are removably connected to the process bench.

Abstract: A positive-acting mechanism for pressurizing a liquid CO.sub.2 storage cylinder involves a sealed tube suspended from the cylinder top and extending down into the bottom of the cylinder. The sealed tube contains an electric heating element and a temperature sensor connected to a thermostat. A pressure-stat with its capillary connected to the top of the cylinder is connected in electrical series with the thermostat. One wire from the heating element goes to a source of electricity and the other to the thermostat or pressure-stat. Another wire to the source of electricity is connected to the thermostat or pressure-stat whichever is not connected to the heating element.