Abstract: To provide a small movable connector. A movable connector includes a fixed housing mounted on a substrate, a movable housing movable with respect to the fixed housing, and terminals. The terminals each include a movable spring part supporting the movable housing movably, and a contact portion coming into conductive contact with a pin terminal. The fixed housing includes a top wall, and a bumper projection provided on the top wall. The movable housing includes an upper wall, and a bumper recess provided in the upper wall. The bumper projection and the bumper recess stop a displacement of the movable housing when the bumper recess bumps against the bumper projection. The movable connector can have a smaller size than in a case where elements that stop the displacement of the movable housing project from the side walls of the fixed housing and the end walls of the movable housing.

Abstract: System and methods of operating a water heater receiving power from an electrical grid. The water heater includes a heating element, a controller, and a first control circuit. The first control circuit including an energizing terminal and a microprocessor. The method includes connecting an energizing terminal of the first control circuit between a power output terminal of the controller and the heating element, receiving driving power from the controller based on a temperature signal. The method also includes receiving control signals from the controller based on electrical grid information, and selectively energizing the heating element, by the microprocessor of the first control circuit and through the energizing terminal of the first control circuit based on the control signals.

Abstract: A water heater has a tank defining an interior volume, a heating element disposed within the interior volume, and a temperature sensor disposed with respect to the heating element so that the temperature sensor detects temperature of an area ambient to the heating element in the interior volume. The heating element is actuated at a predetermined actuation rate and for a cumulative actuation period so that the predetermined actuation rate maintains the heating element below a predetermined maximum temperature in air and so that the actuation period contributes a predetermined amount of energy to the ambient area when the heating element is immersed in water.

Abstract: An electrical water heater adapted for energy management and a method of controlling the consumption of electrical power from the power supply grid of a utility is described. The bottom resistive heating element of the water heater is a dual element resistive heating element which has a high power rated resistive heating element to heat water and a further low power rated resistive heating element. The power rating of the low power resistive heating element is calculated to be lower than the supply grid diversified mean load. A controller has a communication link with a utility which manages the power supply grid. The utility can control the resistive heating elements of the dual element in such a way, and depending on conditions of the grid, to conserve energy and regulate its frequency thereby resulting in a cost saving to the consumer and the utility. The low power rated resistive heating element is also connectable to an alternative power source.

Abstract: An electrical water heater adapted for energy management and a method of controlling the consumption of electrical power from the power supply grid of a utility is described. The bottom resistive heating element of the water heater is a dual element resistive heating element which has a high power rated resistive heating element to heat water and a further low power rated resistive heating element. The power rating of the low power resistive heating element is calculated to be lower than the supply grid diversified mean load. A controller has a communication link with a utility which manages the power supply grid. The utility can control the resistive heating elements of the dual element in such a way, and depending on conditions of the grid, to conserve energy and regulate its frequency thereby resulting in a cost saving to the consumer and the utility. The low power rated resistive heating element is also connectable to an alternative power source.

Abstract: A water heater has a tank defining an interior volume, a heating element disposed within the interior volume, and a temperature sensor disposed with respect to the heating element so that the temperature sensor detects temperature of an area ambient to the heating element in the interior volume. The heating element is actuated at a predetermined actuation rate and for a cumulative actuation period so that the predetermined actuation rate maintains the heating element below a predetermined maximum temperature in air and so that the actuation period contributes a predetermined amount of energy to the ambient area when the heating element is immersed in water.

Abstract: Water heater apparatus is provided with features that allow for a horizontally compact water heater installation comprising upper and lower vertically stacked electric individual water heaters served by a single electrical branch circuit. Each of the upper and lower water heaters has a water storage capacity not exceeding 55 gallons, and the combined water storage capacity of the upper and lower water heaters is greater than 55 gallons. The electric heating elements of the two water heaters are non-simultaneously controlled so that at no time do the two water heaters heat water at the same time.

Abstract: A method of managing electrical power storage can include remotely controlling operation of one of a plurality of water heating units included in a single water heater, separately from controlling a remainder of the plurality of the water heating units, at a customer location in response to a remotely transmitted indication.

Abstract: A hot water heater is provided and includes a tank, a cold water supply, a hot water outlet, and a heating element. The element has a component with incorporated screw bulkhead, plastic terminal block, resistor and Ultem sleeve.

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: Methods of managing electrical power storage can include remotely controlling operation of one of at least two water heating units included in a single water heater, separately from one another, at a customer location in response to a determination that an imbalance exists in a distribution of electricity to a power grid coupled to the single water heater.

Abstract: In an electric water heater having adjustable set point and differential temperatures, upper and lower heating elements, and associated temperature sensors respectively operative to sense upper and lower tank water temperatures, a specially designed control system is provided for controlling the heating elements. The control system is operative to automatically set a selected setpoint temperature to a second setpoint temperature less than or equal to a predetermined magnitude, and to reduced the second setpoint temperature and/or the differential temperature, as a predetermined function of the magnitudes of detected time intervals between successive heat demands of the water heater, to reduce the energy cost associated with the water heater.

Abstract: An integrated semiconductor heating assembly includes a semiconductor substrate, a chamber formed therein, and an exit port in fluid communication with the chamber, allowing fluid to exit the chamber in response to heating the chamber. The integrated heating assembly includes a first heating element adjacent the chamber, which can generate heat above a selected threshold and bias fluid in the chamber toward the exit port. A second heating element is positioned adjacent the exit port to generate heat above a selected threshold, facilitating movement of the fluid through the exit port away from the chamber. Addition of the second heating element reduces the amount of heat emitted per heating element and minimizes thickness of a heat absorption material toward an open end of the exit port. Since such material is expensive, this reduces the manufacturing cost and retail price of the assembly while improving efficiency and longevity thereof.

Abstract: A heating control system for controlling heating of a fluid within an associated fluid vessel includes a first sensor responsive to a low fluid level in the fluid vessel and a second sensor responsive to a temperature of the fluid within the fluid vessel. The heating control system also includes a control circuit electrically connected with the first sensor and the second sensor to control electrical power to a heating unit for heating the fluid within the fluid vessel. The control circuit allows electrical power to be connected to the heating unit upon a first predetermined condition of the first sensor and a first predetermined condition of the second sensor. The control circuit disconnects power to the heating unit upon either a second predetermined condition of the first sensor or a second predetermined condition of the second sensor.

Abstract: An on-demand, closed-loop fluid heating system with a control system for providing fluid on-demand at consistent desired precise temperatures. The closed loop assembly may include a heating system, an air separation chamber with an air vent valve, a circulation pump, a small fluid accumulation tank, and plumbing forming the closed loop. Various sensors related to flow and temperature of fluids provide input to the combined feed forward and feed back temperature control system, such as a Programmable Logic Controller that precisely adjusts intermittently outgoing fluid temperature by immediately controlling the amount of heating to the fluid at precisely near usage temperature. Output from the control system can regulate various aspects of the system. A check valve in the closed loop between the system inlet and the system outlet avoids incoming fluid from being mixed with heated outlet fluid.

Abstract: A water heating control and storage system, including an insulated tank for containing water to be heated. The tank has at least two heating elements, including an upper heating element and a lower heating element. An operation control device receives a demand response signal and enables each element to independently heat water for usage. A method for controlling a water heating storage system includes providing an insulated tank for containing water to be heated; providing an upper heating element with a thermostat and thermal limiting device and a lower heating element with a thermostat and thermal limiting device to heat upper and lower portions of water inside the tank; and providing a pair of switches for enabling each of the heating elements to independently heat upper and lower portions of the water for usage.

Abstract: A heat pump water heater has a tank portion, an electric heating structure for adding electrical heat to water stored in the tank, and a heat pump for adding refrigerant heat to the tank water. A control system associated with the water heater has three user-selectable heating modes for heating the tank water during a given heating demand cycle—a first mode that initially heats the tank water with refrigerant heat while the electric heat is locked out for a first predetermined period before supplementing the refrigerant heat if necessary, a second mode similar to the first mode but with a longer electric heat lockout period, and a third mode in which only the electric heat is utilized to satisfy a tank water heating demand. Illustratively, the heat pump is disposed in a compact component arrangement on the top end of the water heater tank.

Abstract: A system for heating water which includes a first container and a second container, an air-tight connection between upper ends of the first and second containers, each container including a respective water heating element, and a water outlet port and a water inlet port, a manifold which is operatively connected to the respective inlet and outlet ports of each container and which connects, in a controlled manner, the respective inlet port of each container to a pressurized source of cold water, and each container, at least in a respective upper volume thereof, and in the air-tight connection, containing a gas, and whereby cold water which is introduced into the first container via the manifold displaces gas via the air-tight connection from the first container into the second container thereby to expel warm water from the second container through the respective outlet port.

Abstract: The invention is an on-demand electric water heater which includes one heater housing having an electric cartridge heating element surrounded by at least one water heating chamber containing a partition member mounted on the top cover or base cover of the heater housing to define opposing flow passages along the longitudinal direction of the electric cartridge heating element such that as cold water enters the housing and proceeds along the opposing flow passages, heat generated by the electric cartridge heating element is absorbed by the incoming cold water flowing along the opposing flow passages to minimize heat losses from the on-demand electrical water heater.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting a boiler and heating system from damage comprising a control board having inputs and outputs, a processor having inputs and outputs, at least one ambient sensor in communication with the processor, at least one boiler sensor in communication with the processor, a power failure relay, the power failure relay being in communication with the processor wherein the power failure relay is capable of detecting power failure of the boiler, an alarm relay connected to the control board by the at least one output and which is capable of sending notification to an alarm system. When an ambient temperature detection event occurs the ambient sensor communicates with the processor and switches the control board from passive mode to monitoring mode.

Abstract: An electric heater assembly suitable for use with molten metals, the heater employing improved heat transfer media.

Abstract: Water dispensers are disclosed which include a Sabbath function. When activating the Sabbath function, water refill of the hot water reservoir tank is prevented and the heating of the water in the hot reservoir tank is modified to provide a constant heating at a less than boiling temperature.

Abstract: An integrated semiconductor heating assembly includes a semiconductor substrate, a chamber formed therein, and an exit port in fluid communication with the chamber, allowing fluid to exit the chamber in response to heating the chamber. The integrated heating assembly includes a first heating element adjacent the chamber, which can generate heat above a selected threshold and bias fluid in the chamber toward the exit port. A second heating element is positioned adjacent the exit port to generate heat above a selected threshold, facilitating movement of the fluid through the exit port away from the chamber. Addition of the second heating element reduces the amount of heat emitted per heating element and minimizes thickness of a heat absorption material toward an open end of the exit port. Since such material is expensive, this reduces the manufacturing cost and retail price of the assembly while improving efficiency and longevity thereof.

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 water heating apparatus including a tank divided into first and second chambers, wherein water in the first and second chambers has first and second temperatures, respectively, a first outlet for supplying water from the first chamber, a first thermostat to measure the first temperature, a second thermostat to measure the second temperature, means for heating water in the second chamber, a pump having a pump inlet in fluid communication with the second chamber and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber, and a controller configured to initiate pumping of water from the second chamber to the first chamber when the first temperature is below a predetermined first value. The controller is also configured to initiate heating of water in the second chamber when the second temperature is below a predetermined second value, the second value being greater than the first value.

Abstract: A high efficiency, peak-power reducing, domestic hot water heater is described. It comprises a closed tank having a predetermined water holding capacity. A hot water outlet is provided in a top end wall of the tank. A cold water inlet is provided in a side wall of the tank adjacent a bottom wall thereof. Three spaced apart resistive heating elements project substantially horizontally in the tank. A bottom one of the resistive heating elements extends in the tank and spaced slightly above the bottom wall. A middle one of the resistive heating elements extends in the tank at a level close to an average maximum water consumption volume drawn during a peak power demand time period. A top one of the resistive heating elements extends between the middle element and the top end wall of the tank. The bottom element has a low watt density in the range of from about 15 to 30 W/in2.

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: There is herein described a peak-power reducing domestic hot water heater comprising: a closed tank having a predetermined water holding capacity, a hot water outlet in a top end wall of said tank, a cold water inlet in a side wall of said tank adjacent a bottom wall thereof, three spaced apart resistive heating elements projecting substantially horizontally in said tank, each of said resistive heating elements having a temperature sensing element to enable a control of their respective activation; a bottom one of said resistive heating elements extending in said tank spaced slightly above said bottom wall and having a lowest power rating, said bottom resistive heating element being turned on when water is flowing into said cold water inlet and drawn out of said hot water outlet during a peak-power demand time period; a middle one of said resistive heating elements extending in said tank at a level which is calculated to be equal or above an average maximum daily water consumption volume drawn out during the

Abstract: A storage-type water heater and method of operating the storage-type water heater. The water heater includes a water tank for storing water, at least one heating element to heat the stored water, a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the tank, and a control system for controlling the water heater. In one construction of the water heater, the water heater includes two heating elements, and the control system includes three temperature sensors and two moisture sensors. The control system can also include circuitry for detecting errors and change operation of the water based on a detected error.

Abstract: A high efficiency, peak-power reducing, domestic hot water heater is described. It comprises a closed tank having a predetermined water holding capacity. A hot water outlet is provided in a top end wall of the tank. A cold water inlet is provided in a side wall of the tank adjacent a bottom wall thereof. Three spaced apart resistive heating elements project substantially horizontally in the tank. A bottom one of the resistive heating elements extends in the tank and spaced slightly above the bottom wall. A middle one of the resistive heating elements extends in the tank at a level close to an average maximum water consumption volume drawn during a peak power demand time period. A top one of the resistive heating elements extends between the middle element and the top end wall of the tank. The bottom element has a low watt density in the range of from about 15 to 30 W/in2.

Abstract: A control for an electric water heater detects a condition of a heating element when the heating element is not being energized. A switching module is operable to interrupt power to the heating element, which de-energizes the heating element. A detector module detects the condition of the heating element when the heating element is de-energized. The detector module senses current flowing through the heating element and generates a detection signal that is indicative of the current.

Abstract: A storage-type water heater and method of operating the storage-type water heater. The water heater includes a water tank for storing water, at least one heating element to heat the stored water, a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the tank, and a control system for controlling the water heater. In one construction of the water heater, the water heater includes two heating elements, and the control system includes three temperature sensors and two moisture sensors. The control system can also include circuitry for detecting errors and change operation of the water based on a detected error.

Abstract: A storage-type water heater and method of operating the storage-type water heater. The water heater includes a water tank for storing water, at least one heating element to heat the stored water, a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the tank, and a control system for controlling the water heater. In one construction of the water heater, the water heater includes two heating elements, and the control system includes three temperature sensors and two moisture sensors. The control system can also include circuitry for detecting errors and change operation of the water based on a detected error.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperature control elements used to alter temperatures of a liquid comprises a temperature sensor, a first temperature control element, a second temperature control element, and logic. The temperature sensor is configured to sense temperatures of the liquid, and the first and second temperature control elements are each configured to alter a temperature of the liquid. The logic is configured to selectively control, based on the sensed temperatures, activation states of the first and second temperature control elements such that a total activation time associated with the first temperature control element is substantially equal to a total activation time associated with the second temperature control element.

Abstract: A liquid heater comprising a plurality of storage compartments for containing liquid to be heated. The storage compartments being connected together in series and comprising at least a first end compartment for receiving liquid to be heated and a second end compartment from which heated liquid can be drawn. A heating means is provided in each compartment for heating the liquid contained therein. A first flow control means is operable to allow liquid in one compartment to flow into the next compartment in a flow direction towards the first end compartment when liquid contained in said one compartment reaches a predetermined temperature. A second flow control means is operable to allow liquid flow from one compartment to the next compartment in a flow direction towards the second end compartment while preventing reverse flow.

Abstract: An electric water heater has a tank portion in which water to be heated is stored. The stored water is heated by a vertically spaced plurality of electric heating elements extending into the tank interior. The heating elements are of unequal wattages, and serve unequal volume water zones, but provide equal heating wattage densities in each of the water zones.

Abstract: A storage-type water heater and method of operating the storage-type water heater. The water heater includes a water tank for storing water, at least one heating element to heat the stored water, a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the tank, and a control system for controlling the water heater. In one construction of the water heater, the water heater includes two heating elements, and the control system includes three temperature sensors and two moisture sensors. The control system can also include circuitry for detecting errors and change operation of the water based on a detected error.

Abstract: A water heater having a water tight tank (10) with a cold water inlet (14) and a hot water outlet (16). First and second heating elements (24, 26) are mounted in the upper and lower portions of the tank (10). A controller is provided for energizing element (24) to heat water in the upper portion of tank (10) until the temperature of the water in the upper portion of tank (10) reaches a preset temperature, at which time, the element (24) will be de-energized. The controller is adapted to energize element (26) when element (24) is de-energized. The controller is further adapted to de-energize element (26) and at the same time energize element (24) when the temperature of the water in the lower portion of the tank reaches a preset temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a water container; an element located to heat water in the water container; a sensor located to sense temperature proximate the element; and a controller connected to the element and the sensor, the controller being programmed to energize the element with at least one electrical pulse over a predetermined time interval, comparing temperature information received from the sensor with a predetermined temperature, and disengaging the element in the event that the temperature received from the sensor is greater than a predetermined temperature for the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An electric water heater has a vertically disposed tank with a cold water inlet, a hot water outlet and at least one horizontally disposed elongated immersion heating element extending into the region of the tank between an upper region and a lower region. Each heating element is surrounded by an elongated closed end tubular sleeve having a plurality of lower openings distributed along the length of the sleeve below the heating element therein and a plurality of upper opening distributed along the length of the sleeve above the heating element. The total area of the upper openings is greater than the area of the lower openings to generate upon operation of the heating element an upwardly directed transverse flow of water in a direction from the lower openings to the upper openings along the entire length of the sleeve. A thermosiphon bypass check valve connected between the cold water inlet and the hot water outlet having a bypass conduit with one or more constrictions and a closure member.

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: A water heater of the invention includes a water container; an element located to heat water in the water container; a sensor located to sense temperature; and a controller, the controller monitors the sensed temperature and compares the sensed temperature against a control temperature, with the controller further adjusting the control temperature a defined amount when the sensed temperature varies a desired amount from the control temperature.

Abstract: A vessel of substantially uniform curvilinear shape comprising at least one area of a different curvilinear shape that is adapted to closely conform to and engage a number of commonly contoured curvilinear segments on a housing member constructed and arranged to receive an outer covering panel in close fitting relation therewith is disclosed. In addition a method of manufacturing a vessel which comprises at least one area of a different curvilinear shape is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water heater has a water container and an element located to heat water in the water container. A sensor located to sense temperature proximate the element and a controller connected to the element and the sensor. The controller is programmed to compare a plurality of sensed temperatures and to disengage the element in the event that the difference between sensed temperatures over a predetermined time period is greater than a predetermined temperature difference and further to engage the element based on a comparison of sensed tempereatures.

Abstract: An electric water heater has upper and lower electric resistance type heating elements respectively controlled by a single pole, double throw upper thermostat and a single pole, single throw lower thermostat. The upper and lower thermostats are operatively interconnected by a wiring harness having outer wire end portions that may be connected in various orientations to the terminal block portion of an external junction box to provide the water heater with a variety of heating element operating modes without having to replace either of the thermostats or vary the wiring harness interconnections therebetween. The water heater may thus be advantageously manufactured in a single variant that may be easily and quickly modified in the field to selectively alter the heating element control mode of the water heater.

Abstract: A water heater of the invention includes a water container; an element located to heat water in the water container; a sensor located to sense temperature; and a controller, the controller monitors the sensed temperature at termination of a defined time interval and compares the sensed temperature against a predetermined temperature, with the controller further identifying the element as defective when the sensed temperature is less than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A water heater heating element including a base member adapted to extend through and sealingly engage a wall of a water heater tank, the base member having a recess; a thermistor positioned in the recess; members connected to the thermistor and extending outwardly of the base member to transmit temperature information; a sheathing sealed to and extending outwardly from the base member; a heating coil positioned within the sheathing; cold pins connected to opposed ends of the heating coil and to the base member, the cold pins being sufficiently long that heat generated by the heating coil is not detected by the thermistor; and members connected to the cold pins and extending outwardly of the base member to transmit power to the heating coil.

Abstract: A control device installed in an electric water heater to control its operation, the control device including a water temperature control circuit and a power control circuit, the water temperature control circuit being formed of a water temperature detection circuit, which detects water temperature at the water inlet and the water outlet of the electric water heater, a water flow rate detection circuit, which detects the flow rate of water passing through the water inlet, a CPU, an indicator circuit controlled by the CPU to indicate the working conditions of the electric water heater, and a digital display controlled by the CPU to show the value of water temperature at the water outlet, the power control circuit being formed of a power supply circuit, a TRAIC triggering control circuit, which turns on the heating elements of the electric water heater alternatively subject AC phase change, a TRAIC power circuit, which provides the TRAIC triggering control circuit with the base power, an AC phase detection inpu

Abstract: An electric water heater has a vertically disposed tank with a cold water inlet, a hot water outlet and at least one horizontally disposed elongated immersion heating element extending into the region of the tank between an upper region and a lower region. Each heating element is surrounded by an elongated closed end tubular sleeve having a plurality of lower openings distributed along the length of the sleeve below the heating element therein and a plurality of upper opening distributed along the length of the sleeve above the heating element. The total area of the upper openings is greater than the area of the lower openings to generate upon operation of the heating element an upwardly directed transverse flow of water in a direction from the lower openings to the upper openings along the entire length of the sleeve. A thermosiphon bypass check valve connected between the cold water inlet and the hot water outlet having a bypass conduit with one or more constrictions and a closure member.