Abstract: A heating device such as a heat gun or heat unit which includes a surface temperature sensor to measure the surface temperature of the work piece being heated.

Abstract: A dual-channel fluid temperature control apparatus controls temperature of cardiac fluids during surgery using power from an electrical convenience outlet having a power limit. A first pump receives a first heat exchange fluid to selectively pump the first heat exchange fluid within a first circulation channel. A second pump receives a second heat exchange fluid to selectively pump the second heat exchange fluid within a second circulation channel. A first heater unit comprises a first plurality of independently actuatable heating elements each having a respective power consumption. A second heater unit comprises a second plurality of independently actuatable heating elements each having a respective power consumption. A controller selectably actuates the first and second pumps and the first and second pluralities of heating elements to selectably heat or cool the first and second heat exchange fluids such that power draw of all activated pumps and heating elements is maintained within the power limit.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reducing DI water consumption by delivering the DI water at an elevated processing temperature when demanded. The DI water is passed through a heater for heating the DI water to a processing temperature in a single pass. The DI water is circulated through a recirculation loop, including the heater, until demanded. The DI water is monitored for contaminants and bubbles or voids. Detected contaminants or voids are discharged through vents of the system. Turbulence or biocides can be introduced into the recirculated DI water for inhibiting biological contamination.

Abstract: Control circuitry is disclosed for use with a tankless water heater system including a plurality of water conduits connected in series. The control circuitry includes a plurality of water heater elements, one each associated with each of the plurality of water conduits. A controller includes a central processing unit (CPU) with an operating program and each of the plurality of water heater elements are coupled to the CPU. The CPU is programmed to individually activate one of the water heater elements to a predetermined power level in response to a demand for heated water. The number of water heater elements activated and the power level of the activation is determined by the demand for heated water.

Abstract: An improved inline intravenous fluid warming device. In one embodiment, the device includes a resistive film heater that is thermally coupled to a body having a serpentine fluid path extending therethrough. The film heater is coupled to the body via a first layer that is a thermally conductive and electrically insulative and a second layer that is thermally conductive. In another embodiment first and second resistive film heaters are employed to support either line power or battery powered operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating fluid and a method for providing the same is provided. Generally, the system contains a metallic core; a dielectric layer thermally sprayed on the core; a resistive heater layer thermally sprayed on the dielectric layer; a metallic layer portion located at ends of the resistive heater layer; and a source of power providing said power via said metallic layer portion.

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.

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.

Abstract: The pipe heater manufacturing process comprises a vacuum making process A for introducing a stainless steel pipe into a furnace and evacuating the inside of the furnace, for example, to a pressure of 0.5 Torr, a pipe end sealing process B for brazing and sealing plugs 3 to both ends of the pipe under vacuum and brazing, a process C for forming a lower insulating layer by repeating several times the steps of screen printing an insulating glass material and baking it in a state in which the two ends of the pipe are sealed, and similar formation process D of a heat generating layer and formation process E of an upper insulating layer. With this method, baking in an oxygen-free state inside the pipe makes it possible to obtain the oxidation-free clean state without high-temperature corrosion on the inside of the pipe having the fluid to be heated flowing therein and to manufacture a pipe heater in which a heating response was improved by forming thin heating layer and insulating layer.

Abstract: A tankless water heater powered by a fuel cell. In preferred embodiments, a fuel cell powered water heater in which the fuel cell is electrically connected to the electrical system of the building in which the water heater is installed as well as to the public electrical power grid for providing emergency power to the building and/or power to the public electrical power grid, respectively. In alternative preferred embodiments, a tankless, solid oxide fuel cell powered water heater which utilizes heat from exhaust gases to heat input oxidant gases and, optionally, can be cooled by routing excess heat to the exterior of the building on hot days.

Abstract: A galley 1 has a main body 10 constructed of a panel material, and the galley main body 10 has a table 20, a sink 30, a storage compartment 40 and a service cart housing compartment 60. A hot-water supply unit 100 has a hot-water tank 10 with an electric heater and an electric instantaneous water heater 120 and is supplied with electric power by a control unit 150. The hot-water tank 110 and a hot-water tap 180 are connected via a hot-water supply line 190. In response to a command from a device that manages the electric power in the aircraft, the control unit 150 provides hot water using the instantaneous water heater 120 when the electric power consumption in the aircraft is low.

Abstract: A fluid heater apparatus supplies heat to wash fluid via a continuous, labyrinthian flow path in a thermally conductive body. A heat source is disposed in the thermally conductive body for imparting heat to the body. Fluid flowing through the thermally conductive body substantially envelopes the heat source to absorb heat from the body.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated heater assembly is provided for heating fluids and solids. The assembly includes an inner member, for example, a quartz glass tube with a low-emissivity conductive coating that produces heat when connected to external power. The inner member is attached to end caps that are attached to ends of, for example, an outer quartz glass tube, thus positioning the inner member within the outer tube. With a vacuum drawn within the space between the two tubes, the resulting heat radiates toward the center of the inner member, thus providing a thermos bottle type of construction. The fluid can be heated as it passes through the inner tube. If the inner member is not completely coated then heat would radiate toward the center of the inner member, pass through its uncoated portion, and then pass through the outer tube, where objects can be heated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling fluid temperature in a fluid heater apparatus which supplies heat to fluid from a controllable heater element(s) which includes establishing a discharge temperature range between a first high temperature and a second low temperature. The temperature of the fluid is measured and, in response to the measured temperature, activation of the heater elements is controlled to maintain the temperature of the fluid within the temperature range. The heater elements can be independently controllable for temperature control.

Abstract: Process for the heating and double electromagnetic polarization for liquid and gaseous fuel, comprising the phases of a controlled heating of the fuel at a determined temperature, comprised between 30° C. and 65° C., a passage of the fuel flow along the axis of an electromagnetic field, and a return of the fuel through the same electromagnetic field according to an external, opposite and coaxial flow with respect to the preceding flow, and relative device comprising:—a hydraulic module (6) supported by a collector and crossed by the fuel flow, comprising two coaxial pipes;—heating elements (10); and polarization elements for generating an electromagnetic field with constant intensity.

Abstract: A spa system includes a tub, a pump, an electrical heater, and a tubing system interconnecting the tub, pump, and electric heater to provide recirculating flow of water through the spa system. The electrical heater includes a housing made of a polymer material and defining an internal passageway adapted for fluid flow through the housing. The housing has a first opening in fluid communication with the passageway, and a pair of access openings. The housing further includes a second opening in fluid communication with the tubing system. The heater also includes a heater tube defining a first end connected to the first opening in the housing. An elongated electrical heating element is at least partly disposed within the outer tube, and has opposite ends extending out of the first end of the heater tube and through the pair of access openings. The electrical heater includes compressions fittings sealingly connecting the heater tube and the elongated heating element to the housing.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph with multiple valves is disclosed. An embodiment of the multi-valve gas chromatograph includes multiple valves, multiple thermal conductivity detectors (TCD's), and a manifold. This allows separation and measurement of a gas sample in one compact integrated unit. The unit is particularly desirable because the solenoids associated with the valves are attached directly to the underneath of the manifold, thus eliminating the need for tubing between the solenoids and the valves. Other features may also be present. For example, a leak free multi-valve block may include a first temperature zone heating the valves and detectors and a second temperature zone heating the columns. The leak free feature may be achieved by placement of tightening screws through the center of each valve. Carrier gas insertion areas may be provided in the multi-valve block to improve performance.

Abstract: A control system for bathers includes an electronic controller which controls operation of an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. The heater assembly includes a heater housing and electric heater element. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. The presence of water in the heater housing is detected electronically, by turning on the heater, and monitoring the temperature sensors for unusual temperature rises or other faults for a period of time thereafter. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus can also be used to determine the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing.

Abstract: A spiral shaped device for thermally processing a gas stream and a method of use thereof is provided. The spiral shaped device has at least one sidewall formed into a coil; at least one spiral passage, defined by the sidewall, for directing the gas stream through the device, and having an inlet and an outlet; and a matrix of heat resistant inert media disposed in at least a portion of the device. The device is particularly useful as a recuperative flameless thermal oxidizer for oxidizing organic material contained in the gas stream or as a heat exchanger. When the device is used as a flameless thermal oxidizer, the device preferably has at least two coiled sidewalls; at least two spiral passages defined by the coiled sidewalls; a chamber located proximate to the interior ends of the coiled sidewalls for directing the gas stream from the spiral inlet passage to spiral outlet passage; and a matrix of heat resistant inert media, preferably disposed in at least the chamber.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a process fluid to a vacuum processing system includes a secondary containment line surrounding a process fluid line. A purge gas flows through the secondary containment line and around the process fluid line in order to flow away any leaked process fluid. Alternatively, a heated fluid flows through the secondary containment line forming a heat trace around the process fluid line to heat the process fluid line and the process fluid by means of convection, which provides for precise uniformity of temperature throughout the length of the secondary containment line. The heated fluid loses heat to the ambient environment creating a temperature gradient through which the process fluid flows. The secondary containment line may have a heating element along its length for adding heat to the heated fluid to change the temperature gradient.

Abstract: A hand held dispenser of hot water intended for weed control purposes has a handle containing a hose connection, a flow regulator, a heating tube, an exit tube, a nozzle and a power switch. The handle is connected to a tube which contains a main electric water heating element surrounded by a tube through which water can flow form the bottom of the wand towards the handle before being piped through an exit tube to the nozzle. A temperature sensor is positioned adjacent the handle to regulate the power supplied to the heating element.

Abstract: A control system for bathers includes an electronic controller which controls operation of an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. The heater assembly includes a heater housing and electric heater element. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. The presence of water in the heater housing is detected electronically, by turning on the heater, and monitoring the temperature sensors for unusual temperature rises or other faults for a period of time thereafter. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus can also be used to determine the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing.

Abstract: An improved system, method and apparatus for control of an instantaneous flow-through fluid heater system is disclosed. The control incorporates a logic control method providing modulation of power in small steps to a plurality of heating elements retaining responsiveness to closed-loop control needs without inducing light flicker. Further, the life of the coils of heating circuit electromechanical relays are extended by energizing the coils with a pulse-width-modulated drive decreasing in duty cycle and thus the latent coil heat when an increase in mains voltage is sensed. The life of the contacts of same relays are extended by inhibiting heating element triac drive immediately upon sensing loss of relay coil power, such as by an over temperature limit switch opening, thus ensuring that relay contacts open with zero heating element current.

Abstract: A continuous flow heater has an elastic, flexible or rigid pipe (10) which is movably mounted and a heat source (6). When a liquid flowing through the pipe is heated in the pipe interior (1), undesired scale tends to be deposited on the interior of the pipe walls. To prevent or remove this deposit, the pipe (10) is moved and/or deformed by an internal overpressure or by application of external forces, causing the deposits to be detached from the pipe inner walls and carried away by the fluid flow. The overall pipe (10) can have an inner pipe (2), inner insulating layers (3-5), a filament (6) and external insulating layers (7-9).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the controlled heating of fluid comprises a general elongated electrically heating core (16) with an exterior surface (36) formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and frustoconically shaped to slidingly receive an assembly (14) so that the assembly envelops the surface along at least a portion of the length of the core. The assembly (14) forms a sealed passageway (46) for generally unidirectional sheet-like flow upward along the core (16). A control system (20) selectively operates the heating core (16) so that the fluid, under varying flow rates, is warmed to a desired temperature without overheating, before the fluid flows from the passageway (46).

Abstract: A method and heating system for a hose and dispenser wand of a hot melt mix applicator uses a three phase heating element powered by a generator to heat the hose and wand to maintain hot melt mix material within the hose and wand in a flowable state. To selectively energize the generator to control heat input, the heating system has (1) a controller in communication with a temperature sensor carried by the hose or wand, and (2) an output in communication with a generator control input. The generator control input enables operation of the generator to be controlled by the controller for controlling heating of the hose and wand. The heating element is a cord having a first wire receiving a phase of the three phase current, a second wire receiving another phase of the current, and a third wire receiving another phase of the current, with the cord being wrapped about the hose and wand in a helical configuration.

Abstract: The linear motor pump for a wave soldering apparatus comprises in accordance with the invention several pumping channels arranged substantially parallel to each other and separate from each other. It includes preferably a multiply segmented stator. Each stator segment has one pumping channel allocated to same. By means of this a homogeneous pumping performance i.e. homogeneous pumping pressure distribution over a practically arbitrary width is achieved, which leads to a homogeneous solder wave. By the arrangement of the pumping channels and the design of the stator in accordance with the invention a turbulent whirling of the solder is made practically impossible.

Abstract: A heated water apparatus which includes a reservoir for retaining a quantity of heated water and a controller for controlling the heated water apparatus. A controllable heater is coupled to the controller and the reservoir for controllably heating the water retained in the reservoir. A water sensor is coupled to the reservoir and to the controller for detecting the presence and absence of a desired quantity of water in the reservoir and providing a signal to the controller. The controller controls a water source which controllably admits water to the reservoir. The controller also controls an outlet valve coupled to the reservoir. The controller operates the inlet valve and the outlet valve to control the flow of water through the outlet valve in response to the presence and absence of water in the reservoir. When the water level is too low, the controller cycles the outlet valve for specific periods of time in order to allow the water level of the reservoir to catch up.

Abstract: A miniature gas chromatograph with thermostatically-controlled heating of its component parts which contact and conduct the sample to the analytical column. The microvalve assembly of the gas chromatograph is heated by passing a thermostatically-controlled electrical current through a metallic conductor formed on a surface of the microvalve assembly. The tubing which conducts sample from the gas chromatograph sample inlet to the microvalve assembly is heated by passing a thermostatically-controlled electrical current directly through the tubing or through a metal layer formed around the tubing. The sample inlet fitting is heated by a wire heater element wrapped around it. Each heater has an associated temperature sensor for controlling the amount of heating to maintain a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A self-regulating porous heater regulates the temperature of fluid passing through it. This device includes at least one layer of a porous material which has a magnetic permeability inversely related to temperature over a given range. Due to conductor skin effects, changes in permeability cause changes in the depth of penetration of alternating current passing through the magnetic layer. Changes in the depth of penetration, in turn, result in changes in resistance--the less the depth the greater the resistance--and in I.sup.2 R Joule heat. The combined result of these effects is to provide more heat where the temperature of the fluid and the layer through which the fluid flows is below a specified temperature which is related to the Curie temperature of the layer. Significantly, by properly defining pore dimensions, the heater device can filter contaminants from a fluid as it flows therethrough. In a preferred mode, a porous heater device is included in a chemical reaction chamber.