Continuous Flow Type Fluid Heater Patents (Class 392/465)
  • Publication number: 20090263113
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of heating a fluid (9) containing dipolar particles, such as molecules or clusters of molecules, whereby the fluid (9) is subjected to an electric field in a heat generator (1) causing its particles to be oriented according to their charge. Voltage pulses are applied to the particles, as a result of which their short-range order is destroyed, after which the short-range order can be re-combined during pulse pauses or externally to the heat generator (1), thereby releasing or generating thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Bierbaumer, Philipp Michaylovich Kanarev
  • Publication number: 20090238547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid line for conducting and heating a medium, having a heating line comprising a conduit and an electrical heating element which is assigned to the conduit. In this case, a particular heating power per unit length can be set, the heating element comprising at least three heating conductors which run along the conduit. The ends of the heating conductors are connected to one another and can be connected to a supply voltage in such a manner that a plurality of heating conductors are connected in series and/or in parallel such that, for a particular supply voltage, the heating power of the fluid line is determined by the total resistance of the heating conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Olav Borgmeier
  • Patent number: 7580618
    Abstract: A water heating apparatus comprising: a device body for heating and producing hot water that is capable of connecting to one or more remote control units for remotely operating the device body, the device body having an outer casing; a connection-number counter disposed within the outer casing of the device body for determining the number of remote control units upon powering-up the device body; and a display unit disposed within the outer casing of the device body for indicating the number of the connected remote control units determined by the connection-number counter, wherein a display of the display unit is visible from the exterior through a window formed in the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Masayoshi Takayama
  • Publication number: 20090199588
    Abstract: A refrigerator with a body and a door attached to the body wherein the body and the door delimit a thermally-insulated interior space, the refrigerator including a pressure-compensating valve for controlling an inflow of air from the outside of the refrigerator into the interior space and an outflow of air to the outside of the refrigerator out of the interior space to the outside of the refrigerator, wherein the pressure-compensating valve is disposed in thermal contact with a heat source and for heating the pressure-compensating valve to a temperature greater than the freezing point of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Laible
  • Patent number: 7567751
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a system for heating a liquid, such as, for example, water, comprising a plurality of liquid heaters, the inlets and outlets of which are respectively connected in a parallel flow relationship by respective manifolds, and configured to provide liquid having a temperature of greater than about 90 degrees Fahrenheit at a flow rate of greater than about 10 gallons per minute. In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electric tankless liquid heater system capable of delivering hot liquids, and in particular water, at even higher flow rates and or temperatures, including, but not limited to, flow rates greater than about: (1) 6 gpm; (2) 9 gpm; and (3) 12 gpm; and/or temperatures of greater than about: (1) 100° F.; (2) 120° F.; (3) 140° F.; and (4) 180° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Eemax, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Vincent Fabrizio
  • Patent number: 7565065
    Abstract: A fluid heater is configured by passing a cartridge heater H covered by a fluororesin, through a casing 1. The casing 1 has: a fluororesin-made case body 4 which incorporates the cartridge heater H; fluororesin-made lid bodies 5 which are attached to both ends of the case body involving sealing portions S, respectively; fluid supplying/discharging portions 31 which are formed in the lid bodies 5, and through which a fluid is introduced and discharged; and fluororesin-made union nuts 6 which are externally fitted to both ends of the case body 4 and screwed to the lid bodies 5. Sealing portions S formed between the case body 4 and the lid bodies 5 are closely contacted by fastening the union nuts 6 to the lid bodies 5. A lead-out portion 34 for the cartridge heater H is formed in at least one of the paired lid bodies 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Kato
  • Patent number: 7509036
    Abstract: A well bore fluid is being heated to prevent paraffin build-up in the production line by an electrical heating element lowered into a pre-determined subterranean location. The heating element is controlled by a control unit that is connected to a temperature sensor, which detects temperature in the vicinity of the heating element and energizes an above-the-surface electric power source to deliver sufficient electric power to the electric heating element to keep the paraffin substance in a liquefied state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Ray Carr, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7496285
    Abstract: A multi-pass parallel tube heat exchanger is disclosed. The multi-pass parallel tubes heat exchanger provides a compact, light and inexpensive heat exchanger that may be oriented in any direction. These features and others make the disclosed exchanger ideal for use in a restricted area such as that available when providing localized cooling systems. This design is more efficient than the prior art and allows for a versatile operation with multiple circuiting options for the flow path and enhanced performance with multiple fluid and heat transfer operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony S. Molavi
  • Patent number: 7489986
    Abstract: A remotely controlled and monitored spa. An interface signal converter is electrically connected to a spa controller. A remote computer can control the spa and monitor the status of the spa via a communications link between the remote computer and the interface signal converter. The interface signal converter converts communications signals transferred from the remote computer via the communications link and directs the converted signals to the spa controller. Also, the interface signal converter converts signals from the spa controller to be communicated to the remote computer via the communications link. In a preferred embodiment, the interface signal converter comprises an IR and an RS-485 transceiver. In a preferred embodiment, the communications link is the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Michel Authier, Jean-Luc Trahan
  • Patent number: 7477836
    Abstract: A tankless water heater includes a sensitive flow sensor that has a magnetic sensor and a plunger with an imbedded magnet. The plunger is configured to lift in a direction of the magnetic sensor in response to the flow of water thereby changing the state of an output of the sensitive flow sensor. There are electric water heating elements situated within water heating chambers. The sensitive flow sensor and the water heating chambers are fluidly connected in series between a supply of water and at least one hot water spigot. In response to the flow of water, a change of the output of the sensitive flow sensor energizes the electric water heating elements, thereby heating the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Dolphin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. White, III
  • Patent number: 7471882
    Abstract: A removable heat inducer may be used in either a heated regulator or a fluid heater. The removable heat inducer has various embodiments. In one embodiment, helical threads are formed on the outside surface of the inducer. The inducer expands when heated causing the crest of the threads to come into contact with the inside surface of a heating chamber to form a spiral fluid passageway which promotes better heat exchange between the fluid and the heating element. In a first alternative embodiment of the inducer, a series of walled partitions and slots are formed on the outside surface of the inducer, which likewise expand and contact the inside surface of the heating chamber to form a dead head flow passageway. Again, the purpose of the passageway is to promote efficient heat exchange. In a second alternative embodiment of the removable heat inducer, a plurality of rods are placed in the heating chamber to promote heat exchange. The spaces between the rods form passageways for the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Welker, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy Dean Peebles, Thomas S. Green
  • Patent number: 7460769
    Abstract: Modular water heating systems include a self-standing rack on which one or two separate tankless water heaters and a separate water storage tank are mounted. A pump recirculates the water between the storage tank and the water heater or heaters to maintain a drawdown supply of hot water. The various water lines between the tankless water heater or heaters, storage tank and water circulation pump may include isolation valves, quick connectors and flexible lines for easy replacement of any of the component parts as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: William R. Ryks
  • Publication number: 20080282568
    Abstract: A dryer, which can control the amount of heat generated from a heater in accordance with the clogging degree of an air passage, is disclosed. The dryer includes a heater for heating air passing through an air passage, the heater generating heat in a controlled amount, and a controller for controlling the amount of heat generated from the heater in accordance with a clogging degree of the air passage. Since the amount of generate heat is controlled in accordance with the clogging degree of the air passage, it is possible to achieve an enhancement in power consumption efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Chang Hun Oh, Seon Il Heo, Yang Hwan Kim, Yeon Sik Choi, Seog Ho Ko, Ju Han Yoon
  • Patent number: 7440684
    Abstract: A microfluidic system and method for employing it to control fluid temperatures of fluids residing within microchannels of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device is provided with a top layer and a bottom layer and microchannels configured therebetween. Temperature of the fluid within the microchannels is controlled in various ways including the use of electrical resistive heating elements and by providing zones located in contact with the top and bottom layers of the microfluidic device for circulating heat transfer of fluid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Michael A. Spaid, Andrea W. Chow, Yevgeny Yurkovetsky, Seth R. Stern, Allen R. Boronkay, Morten Juel Jensen, Carlton F. Brooks, Ken Swartz
  • Publication number: 20080187300
    Abstract: System of electrical thermostatation of pipes or tanks, including a jacket that serves to at least partially cover a surface of the piping or tank, the jacket including an external mechanical protection in the form of an external shell and an internal shell, a thermal insulation supplied between the internal shell and the external shell, a heating element for generating thermal energy, an element to spread the thermal energy towards the interior, and a conduit for an electricity supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Luciano Scarzella, Cristina Scarzella, Maria Grazia Scarzella
  • Publication number: 20080138052
    Abstract: An automotive water heater having application to a windshield of an automobile, which is able to produce hot water that can be sprinkled on the windshield to melt accumulated snow and frost, in which a water heater is mainly structured from a laminated assembled heating unit side joined to a heat conducting surface of an exchange bed. Heat quantity produced by the heating unit forms a heat balance function, which transfers the heat to the exchange bed, and water flow paths are defined interior of the exchange bed. The face joining of the laminated heating units is used to facilitate maintenance of component members and allow changing of the number of heating units assembled to the exchange bed, thereby providing choice to accommodate different power requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Chia-Hsiung Wu
  • Publication number: 20080128401
    Abstract: An electrical heating device for a motor vehicle has a layer structure held by a retaining device. The heating device has several heat generating elements and heat dissipating elements between the heat generating elements, and a control device for controlling the heat generating elements. The heating device has a sound deadening housing, which circumferentially encloses the control device and by which sound waves produced by the control device are deadened. Through this measure, disturbing exposure of persons located in the vehicle to structure-borne noise and/or to sound waves borne by the air flowing through the electrical heating device is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: CATEM GmBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Franz Bohlender, Michael Zeyen
  • Patent number: 7379663
    Abstract: A continuous casting installation includes a furnace (2) for heating metal to a first liquid metal temperature, a degassing unit (4), a filter (6), a heating unit (8) and a casting machine (10). The casting machine (10) includes a pair of casting rollers and a nozzle arranged to deliver liquid metal into a nip between the casting rollers, such that the metal solidifies as it passes through the nip. The heating unit (8) is located between the furnace and the casting machine, and is thermostatically controlled to heat the liquid metal to a second liquid metal temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Pyrotek Engineering Materials Limited
    Inventor: Mark Vincent
  • Patent number: 7372002
    Abstract: A washing water inlet for receiving washing water is provided on an upper surface at one end of a case main body in a fluid heating device, and a washing water outlet for feeding heated washing water to a pump is provided on an upper surface at the other end of the case main body. A linear sheathed heater is arranged so as to penetrate the case main body. A spring is spirally wound around an outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater. An outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater, the spring, and an inner peripheral surface of the case main body form a flow path. The flow path is formed in a spiral shape with the length of the case main body used as its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushige Nakamura, Shigeru Shirai, Yasuhiro Umekage, Mitsuyuki Furubayashi, Koji Oka
  • Patent number: 7332140
    Abstract: An improved air sterilization system has unobstructed air passageways from a chamber substantially enclosing a volume of air to the air sterilization assembly unit in which the air sterilization assembly unit has heating elements located within air passageways in the unit to exterminate airborne micro-organisms by applying heat to the continuously flowing airstream, and in which the temperature of air leaving the system is insignificantly higher than the temperature of air entering the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Carlos J. D. Matias
  • Patent number: 7327950
    Abstract: A water heater system includes a boiler having a supply port, an output port and a recirculation input port. A heat exchanger includes first input and output ports, and second input and output ports. An averaging tank has an inlet and an outlet. A first fluid flow subsystem is for controllably directing water along a primary loop through the boiler and from the output port of the boiler to the input recirculation port via either a first path through the first ports of the heat exchanger or a second path bypassing the heat exchanger. A second fluid flow subsystem is for directing water along a secondary loop through the second ports of the heat exchanger, through the inlet and outlet of the averaging tank, and back to the heat exchanger, whereby water directed through the secondary loop is heated from water directed through the primary loop via the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Westcast, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Cohen
  • Patent number: 7324746
    Abstract: A temperature regulator has two headers connected to both ends of a heat receiving tube in which gas flows. The heat receiving tube has a heating element at the outer periphery thereof and a mixer accommodated therein to cause turbulent flow of gas passing through the heat receiving tube. The headers each have fins radially attached thereto, thereby ensuring strength of the headers and improving heat exchange efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Espec Corp.
    Inventors: Hideki Tanaka, Kimio Yoshizumi, Hitoshi Ando, Akiko Kuse
  • Publication number: 20080006227
    Abstract: A water heater unit is described for providing convective water flow through a water circulatory system. In one embodiment, the water heater unit has an outer housing, a water tank disposed within the housing, and a first cold water inlet coupled to the tank and connectable to a cold water supply line. A hot water outlet is coupled to the tank and connectable to a hot water supply line. A connection chamber adjacent to the tank has a second cold water inlet connectable to the cold water line, and a chamber outlet connected to the first cold water inlet of the tank. The connection chamber has at least one return inlet connectable to the hot water return line at a position to allow a substantially continuous flow of return hot water driven by convection forces without the benefit of a recirculation pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: Evergreen Innovation Partners I, LP
    Inventors: Raymond G. Ziehm, John Funk
  • Patent number: 7316666
    Abstract: A fluid warming cassette useful in a system for warming parenteral fluids is provided. The cassette comprises a thermally conductive, flexible fluid container with a fluid channel. Rails are disposed in the fluid container near its periphery, and a stiffener is disposed in the fluid container, between the rails, near an end of the cassette. Together, the rails and stiffener impart structural rigidity to the fluid container. The fluid container, rails and stiffener are joined into an integrated structure useful as a fluid warming cassette. One or more of the rails has a multilateral shape to key the cassette for insertion into a fluid warming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Arizant Healthcare Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Entenman, Wayne E. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7317871
    Abstract: An electrical heater element of controlled resistivity which can be used for a wide range of applications is formed from an electrically conductive synthetic porous carbon monolith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Mast Carbon International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Robert Tennison, Andrew John Blackburn, Tho Truong Huynh, Piers Catton, Vladimir Strelko, Jr., Jonathan Robert Tunbridge
  • Patent number: 7286752
    Abstract: A device for heating a liquid for a domestic appliance, comprising a main body (1) which is connected to a reservoir of liquid and associated with an additional element (3) covering a surface of the main body (1) in order to define a liquid circulation volume, characterized in that the main body exhibits a thermal inertia which is lower than that of aluminum and in that the additional element (3) has a serigraphed heating resistor on the surface opposite the surface facing the main body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Thierry Gourand
  • Patent number: 7280750
    Abstract: A hot runner nozzle heater is provided that includes a sleeve defining a slot extending along a length of the sleeve. A first dielectric layer is disposed over an outer surface of the sleeve, and a resistive element layer is disposed over the first dielectric layer, wherein the resistive element layer defines a resistive circuit pattern that is preferably formed by a laser trimming process. A pair of terminal leads are secured to a portion of the resistive element layer thus defining a termination area, and the termination area is positioned proximate the slot and away from the proximal end and the distal end of the sleeve. A second dielectric layer is disposed over the resistive element layer but not over the termination area, a third dielectric layer is disposed over the termination area, and a protective layer disposed over the second dielectric layer and the third dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Elias Russegger, Gerhard Schefbänker, Gernot Antosch, Wolfgang Pöschl, Christopher C. Lanham, James McMillin, William A. McDowell, III, Kenneth F. Fennewald, Allen Boldt, Frederic Zimmermann, Reinhardt Lehnert, Kevin Ptasienski
  • Patent number: 7266292
    Abstract: A structure of steam swab comprises a rod assemblage and a base assemblage. The rod assemblage comprises a handle, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a third sleeve, and a water tank. With a fastener set at the end, the handle and the two ends of each of the first, the second, and the third sleeves can be easily assembled to the rod assemblage. The second sleeve comprises a tank fastener base and a tank fastener ring to fasten the water tank. The base assemblage comprises a triangular lid, a steam chamber body, and a base. The triangular lid comprises a pivot connector, which can pivotally connect to the rod assemblage. An appropriate concave is set in each angle of the triangular lid to fix with a spring and a clamp. The steam chamber body and a power control unit are set in the base, and the triangular lid covers on the base to assemble the base assemblage. The base assemblage connects to the rod assemblage via the pivot connector to assemble the steam swab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Sam Tsai
  • Patent number: 7266293
    Abstract: A hose for pumping heated liquids therethrough is disclosed which has, in combination, an interior hose construction which is adapted to prevent kinking and collapse of said hose, a heating element which has abrasive protection layers associated therewith, an insulator, a moisture barrier and a safety and containment barrier. At least two hose fittings are positioned at each end of the hose with at least one of said hose fittings having electrical connections in electrical communication with the heating element and a source of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Robert D. Dundas
  • Patent number: 7260320
    Abstract: Heat tracing of an elongate, thermally-insulated substrate is effected by means of one or more elongate, constant wattage electric heaters mounted in thermal contact therewith beneath the thermal insulation. A metal conduit is mounted on the substrate and extends away therefrom out through the thermal insulation. The or each heater extends from the substrate through the conduit and is connected to a source of electric power within an external junction box. By this arrangement, the heat developed along the length of the constant wattage heater as it passes through the thermal insulation of the substrate can be dissipated safely through the body of the conductive conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Thermal Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin Stanzel, Dieter Spornitz
  • Patent number: 7254320
    Abstract: A water supply device for a humidifier having a water tank for retaining water and a vaporizing chamber for producing water vapor with the water supplied from the water tank, is disclosed in which the water supply device comprises a water tube for supplying the water from the water tank to the vaporizing chamber of the humidifier, the water tube formed of synthetic resin or glass material, and a heating coil disposed around the water tube connected to a electric source for heating the water to a predetermined degree. The water supply device preferably further includes an insulation material wound around the water tube and the heating coil, and a connecting elbow member for securely connecting each end of the water tube to the water chamber and the water tank, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: ohsung Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Keun Kang
  • Patent number: 7248792
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental water heater. The water heater has a columnar body, and the body includes heating means extending in the axial direction of the body, and a plurality of layers of water channel sections arranged around the heating means. Each of the water channel sections spirally extends in the axial direction of the body. The adjacent pairs of the water channel sections are communicated either at upper or lower end portions thereof so as to together form a whole water channel. The whole water channel has an inlet and an outlet for water to be heated, so that water is supplied through the inlet, passed through the entire length of the whole water channel, and taken out as warmed water through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nakanishi Inc.
    Inventor: Fukuhisa Mihara
  • Patent number: 7221859
    Abstract: A multi-function heat exchanger for use with a dispensing gun for dispensing hybrid plastisol hot melt material, the heat exchanger having an elongated tubular high temperature heater assembly having a front end hydraulically connected to an inlet port of a dispensing gun and a rear end connected to a heat dissipating assembly which in turn is connected to the outlet end of a supply hose for providing hybrid plastisol material which is liquid at room temperature and under sufficient hydraulic pressure to move the plastisol material through the heat dissipating assembly and the high temperature heater assembly into the dispensing gun when the gun is operated. The heater assembly has a heat source providing sufficient heat to turn the plastisol into a molten liquid as it passes into the dispensing gun. The heat dissipating assembly prevents heat from the high temperature heater assembly from migrating back into the plastisol supply hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Liquamelt Corp.
    Inventors: William C. Stumphauzer, Hugh F. Groth
  • Patent number: 7221860
    Abstract: A vacuum heater assembly for heating fluids flowing within; the assembly comprises an inner member having a heating surface with an average cross-sectional area with an aspect ratio of at least 2. The inner member is disposed within an outer member and with a vacuum drawn in the space between the inner member and the outer member, the heat transfers toward the center of the inner member, heating the fluids flowing within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Kensuke Fujimura, John Mariner
  • Patent number: 7214907
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying heated sealants, such as molten polymeric material, to surfaces such as for filling cracks in pavement surfaces. Aspects of the invention include block cutting assembly, heated dispensing hose, and crack filling applicator head. By way of example, the block cutting assembly comprises a ram device for driving sealant blocks against a heated cutting member which severs the blocks to speed liquefaction within the heated sealant chamber. An associated enclosure incorporates a loading door preferably configured for operation in response to the position of the ram device. The heated dispensing hose may comprise a heating element running through the interior of the hose to heat sealants as they pass through the hose. The crack filling applicator head comprises a dispensing tube upon which a sealing chamber is coupled for retaining a quantity of liquid sealant proximal to the pavement surface being filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Steven A. Velinsky, Duane A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7190894
    Abstract: A water heater system that will provided immediate hot water to a point of use has a water storage container having an inlet coupled to a water pipe and an outlet coupled to a point of use fixture. A low current heating element is located within the water storage container and is used to immediately heat up and removes contaminants in the water stored and flowing through the water storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: MC3 Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland J. Chamberlain, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7190892
    Abstract: A fluid line with a pipe provided with a sleeve of a woven or braided fabric, wherein the pipe, in turn, includes at least one conductor. In the finished state of the fluid line, the sleeve immediately surrounds the pipe and each conductor is loosely arranged in the sleeve. In accordance with another embodiment, the at least one conductor forms the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Janos Kertesz
  • Patent number: 7190890
    Abstract: A portable fluid heating tool capable of heating a flow of water under mains pressure to about 107 degrees Celsius and has a connection to a water supply via a hose. Water flows through an electrical heater within the tool, then to a thermally controlled pressure regulating valve (80) and then to the outlet nozzle. This valve (80) has a moveable member such as a diaphragm (83) sealing off a pressure chamber (88). Movement of the diaphragm (83) causes a valve (85) to open or at least partly close. When closed the valve (85) impedes, or restricts the flow of water from an inlet (86) to an outlet (87) through the valve. On the other side of the diaphragm a small quantity of water is trapped within the pressure chamber (88), so that as the valve (80) heats up, pressure within the pressure chamber (88) rises as the water turns to water vapor and the air within the chamber also expands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Green Weeder Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony J Higham, Peter Brude Clark, Brendon Tait
  • Patent number: 7177535
    Abstract: A hybrid fuel vaporization system and an apparatus for producing power from a source of liquid fuel. The hybrid fuel vaporizing system includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end in fluid communication with the source of liquid fuel; a heat source arranged along said at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from a liquid state to a vapor state; and a vaporizing member having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface exposed to heat produced by the apparatus for combusting fuel, the vaporizing member positioned so that fuel exiting the outlet end of said at least one capillary flow passage impinges on the second surface, whereby a stream of substantially vaporized fuel is delivered for combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto O. Pellizzari, Peter Loftus, James Moran
  • Patent number: 7130533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water heating apparatus having a heat exchanger that has a maximized heat transfer area between a hot water supply tube and a heater so that clean hot water is continuously fed without a time delay. To achieve these objects, a water heating apparatus comprises: a case defining a body; a hot water supply tube having an heat exchanger installed in the case; a heat storage liquid material received in the case; and a heater installed in the case, for heating the heat storage liquid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Jae Kim, Myung Ryul Lee, Ill Shin Kim
  • Patent number: 7127158
    Abstract: A water sprayer and heater assembly for windshield wiper is disclosed to include a controller; a water container connected between a water supply pipe and a water spray tube at the windshield wiper, a water pressure switch electrically connected to the controller and set in communication between the water supply pipe and the water inlet of the water container, and an electric heater mounted in the water container and electrically connected to the controller and controllable by the controller to heat water in the water container when a flow of water passes from the water supply pipe through the water pressure switch into the water container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventors: Jen-Yen Yen, Hung-Ta Huang
  • Patent number: 7123827
    Abstract: A system and a method of operating that system are used to quickly adjust the temperature of an electric stove-heating element, such as those used with a flat-top cooking surface. A heat transfer or moderating fluid is pumped into a cooking unit containing an electric heating element. The moderating fluid is heated or cooled to an appropriate temperature, and inserted into the cooking unit under the control of a microprocessor to more quickly modify the temperature of the cooking unit. The system allows rapid temperature changes in normally sluggish electric heating elements. Also, accurate temperature adjustment is permitted through the use of microprocessor control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: PBG02, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Garver
  • Patent number: 7123826
    Abstract: A pipe and a method of manufacturing same according to the pipe is formed, at least in part, with a tubular member formed of a plastic material, and dispersing a plurality of electrical current conductive materials in the plastic material for increasing the electrical conductivity of the tubular layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Wellstream International Ltd.
    Inventor: John Robert Belcher
  • Patent number: 7112768
    Abstract: A temperature control system for a bathing unit that includes a water holding receptacle and a heating module. The temperature control system comprises a plurality of actuators associated to the heating module and a temperature regulation device in communication with the actuators. The plurality of actuators are adapted for acquiring a first set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire a non-heating state and a second set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire a heating state. The temperature regulation device is operative for controlling the plurality of actuators to cause the heating module to acquire either one of the heating state or the non-heating state and for selecting a configuration from the first set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire the non-heating state. Alternatively, the temperature control system includes a solid state device associated with the heating module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: 9090-3493 Quebec Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard, Benoit Laflamme
  • Patent number: 7106957
    Abstract: A novel heat exchanger includes a thermal reservoir and a tube, the tube having straight sections and corrugated bends, and being in thermal contact with the thermal reservoir. The thermal reservoir has a first plate and a second plate fixed to the first plate. The first plate has a channel formed therein with straight sections to receive the straight sections of the tube, and curved sections for receiving the corrugated sections of the tube. The second plate has a channel formed therein as well that is complementary to the channel of the first plate. The heat exchanger is heated by one or more cartridge heaters. In a particular embodiment, two thermal reservoirs are fixed to one another and the cartridge heaters are disposed in channels formed therebetween. Optionally the thermal reservoirs can be heated or cooled by thermoelectric chips, and can include one or more heat sinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Integrated Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexei D. Abras, Saeed Taghipour
  • Patent number: 7088915
    Abstract: A tankless water heater module is disclosed and includes a casing having a first end, a second end and a plurality of conduits formed therein. A top head manifold is coupled to the first end of the casing and includes a port aligned with each of the plurality of conduits. A bottom head manifold is coupled to the second end of the casing and includes a port aligned with each of the plurality of conduits. An immersion heating element extends through each port of the top head manifold and into the conduit aligned therewith. A flow path extends through the plurality of conduits, the plurality of conduits coupled in fluid communication by channels between ports of the top head manifold and a channel between ports of the bottom head manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ion Tankless, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Sturm, Joseph M. Sullivan, Thomas J. Shortland, Kevin Hay, Gregg C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7082262
    Abstract: A manifold for a liquid material dispenser has a unitary manifold body with process air and liquid material passages formed therethrough. Heaters for heating the process air and liquid material are both coupled directly to the manifold body and cooperate to simultaneously heat both the air and liquid material. The air and liquid material heaters may be arranged in either a generally vertical orientation, or a horizontal orientation with respect to the manifold body. In one embodiment, the process air heater includes a cylindrical member which is substantially exposed to the process air to optimize heat transfer from the cylindrical member to the process air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Clark, Mark A. Gould, Kenneth Jones
  • Patent number: 7065293
    Abstract: A heater for fluids includes a housing made of a non-metallic material and having an internal cavity. The housing has an inlet and an outlet, each of which are in fluid communication with the internal cavity. An elongated electrical heating element is disposed within the cavity for heating fluid flowing through the cavity. The heating element has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a U-shaped portion disposed in the cavity. The electrical heating element has electrical connectors at opposite ends extending through the housing, and a titanium outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Global Heating Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlisle Thweatt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7057140
    Abstract: An improved water heater for use in spas, hot tubs, pools, hydrotherapy pools, bath tubs, and similar bodies of water used indoors, outdoors, or both indoors and outdoors are used for both therapeutic and recreational purposes. The water heater uses heating element technology know as thick film on substrate comprising resistive elements bonded to the outer dry surface of a substrate to heat the substrate which in turn heats the water flowing through the heating chamber. The heater is highly efficient due to the direct contact of the wet heating surface with the water and provides a smooth seamless inner heating surface by eliminating the need to pass electrical leads into the wet region of the heater. This virtually eliminates the risk of leaks in the water heater due to bulkhead fittings. The invention further eliminates the need for a heating element to be contained in the inner wet region of a spa heater, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pittman
  • Patent number: 7054548
    Abstract: The central position of each heating body 1 in the fluid flow direction is referred to as a heating body central position, the central position of a heat radiating section 33a located between the neighboring heating bodies 1 in the fluid flow direction is referred to as a heat radiating section central position, the end of a heat radiating section 33b connected to a pump 6 on the opposite side of a heat absorbing section is referred to as a heat radiating section front, the distances along the fluid flow from the heating body central position to the heat radiating section central position are referred to as heat transport distances and the distances from the heating body central position to the heat radiating section front are referred to as heat transport distances. S>=the maximum heat transport distance Lmax holds. Lmax is the longest of the heat transport distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Inoue, Kenichi Nara, Kimio Kohara, Shigeru Kadota, Nobunao Suzuki, Yukinori Hatano, Fumiaki Nakamura, Nobuyoshi Okada