Externally Heated Line Connected Section Patents (Class 392/479)
  • Patent number: 7741815
    Abstract: A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery pack having LiPo battery cells is provided which includes battery protection circuitry, charging circuitry, cell balancing circuitry, and control and communication circuitry. The batteries can be charged while in use by an internal charger. Battery charging and discharging are accomplished in a controlled and protected manner to avoid overcharging and overdischarging conditions. The novel battery pack has built-in safeguards against dangerous LiPo battery conditions and is implemented in a small, portable unit which contains the battery cells, control and protection circuitry, internal charger and display gauge. The battery pack is useful for powering an intravenous fluid warmer or other medical or electrical devices and equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David Cassidy
  • Patent number: 7715700
    Abstract: An infusion fluid warming apparatus for warming an infusion fluid to a predetermined temperature prior to supply of the infusion fluid into a living body through an infusion fluid tube. The apparatus includes: (a) a tube holding device detachably holding the infusion tube; and (b) a heat accumulator member generating a latent heat in phase change thereof from liquid phase to solid phase. The heat accumulator member is disposed in the tube holding device, so as to warm the infusion fluid passing through the infusion fluid tube that is held by the tube holding device, by the latent heat generated in the phase change from the liquid phase to the solid phase. Also, disclosed is an infusion fluid warming method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Genshirou Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7687745
    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: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: NORMA Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Janos Kertesz
  • Patent number: 7626146
    Abstract: A heat trace assembly for heating a conduit is provided that comprises at least one preformed heat trace section adapted to be placed around at least a portion of the conduit and a connector secured to the heat trace section. The connector is adapted for coupling the heat trace section to an adjacent heat trace section, and the heat trace section and the connector have mating mechanical features to allow the heat trace section to be quickly connected to and disconnected from the conduit. Additionally, a heat trace junction is provided that preferably defines a cross configuration and comprises a plurality of arms extending from a central portion of the heat trace junction. The plurality of arms are deformable to conform to a junction within a conduit system. Thermal insulation jacket configurations are also provided in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Louis P. Steinhauser, Christopher C. Lanham
  • Publication number: 20090263114
    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: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Chia-Hsiung WU
  • Patent number: 7567750
    Abstract: An instantaneous water heater includes a heating tube, a heating device over a lower end of the heating tube, a spiral pipe held in the heating tube, water inlet and outlet pipes connected to two ends of the spiral pipe, a water-discharge switch installed on the other end of the water outlet pipe; the heating tube is made of metal, and emptied of air, and it contains heat media, which will vaporize into gas rapidly when heated by means of the heating device; the heating device isn't powered usually, yet it will be activated to heat the heat media in the heating tube, which in turn transform into gas to heat water in the spiral pipe, as soon as the water-discharge switch is turned on to discharge hot water through the water outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Phile Yang
  • Publication number: 20090047007
    Abstract: An instantaneous water heater includes a heating tube, a heating device over a lower end of the heating tube, a spiral pipe held in the heating tube, water inlet and outlet pipes connected to two ends of the spiral pipe, a water-discharge switch installed on the other end of the water outlet pipe; the heating tube is made of metal, and emptied of air, and it contains heat media, which will vaporize into gas rapidly when heated by means of the heating device; the heating device isn't powered usually, yet it will be activated to heat the heat media in the heating tube, which in turn transform into gas to heat water in the spiral pipe, as soon as the water-discharge switch is turned on to discharge hot water through the water outlet pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Phile Yang
  • Publication number: 20080273868
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid heating device, in particular for household application, mainly, for preparing hot beverages comprising a body provided with a liquid flow channel which comprises a liquid inlet and outlet and is connected to at least one electrical heating body whose feeding is controlled by switching means connected to control means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe S. Boussemart, Jean-Bernard Pulzer
  • Publication number: 20080212954
    Abstract: A flow-through heater includes a heating element and a liquid-bearing tube connected to the heating element. The liquid-bearing tube has a flat area on which a thermostat is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Melitta Haushaltsprodukte GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Sachtleben, Yat Chuen Wong
  • Publication number: 20080101781
    Abstract: An electrical heatable fluid line includes an inner cross sectional area which surrounds a medium conducting duct, a heating conductor arrangement which is arranged in a thermally conductive connection with the inner cross sectional area, and an outer cross sectional area which surrounds the heating conductor arrangement between the inner cross sectional area and the outer cross sectional area an intermediate layer which separates the heating conductor arrangement from the outer cross sectional area and which mechanically has a lower stability than the inner cross sectional area and the outer cross sectional area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Dominic Muller
  • Patent number: 7330645
    Abstract: Provided is an instant water heating apparatus for a cleaning machine capable of instantaneously heating fluid passing through a flow path and preventing the temperature of the heated fluid from creating a laminar flow. The instant water heating apparatus includes a housing having a water inlet port, a water outlet port, and a flow path formed between the water inlet port and the water outlet port; a heat exchange part having a heating part for exchanging heat with fluid supplied through the water inlet port and guiding the fluid to the water outlet port; and a mixing part for uniformly mixing the laminar fluid when the fluid heat-exchanged in the heat exchange part is guided to the water outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Novita Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sun-Duc Kwon
  • 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: 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: 7206506
    Abstract: A fluid heating system includes a fluid supply conduit, a hot fluid conduit, and a fluid heating tube assembly. The fluid heating tube assembly includes an inlet coupling coupled to the fluid supply conduit, an outlet coupling coupled to the hot fluid conduit, and at least one fluid heating tube coupled between the inlet coupling and the outlet coupling. The at least one fluid heating tube includes a tube formed of heat conducting material, a dielectric coating permanently bonded on an outer surface of the tube, and a resistive layer permanently bonded on the dielectric coating. A power distributor is coupled to the fluid heating tube assembly and coupleable to a power source. A switch is coupled between the power distributor and the fluid heating tube assembly to control current flow from the power distributor to the at least one fluid heating tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Tankless Systems Worldwide Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Sturm
  • Patent number: 7203419
    Abstract: A conduit comprising a pipe, an electrical heater extending along the length of the pipe, and a thermally insulating jacket extending around the pipe and heater. The pipe comprises a plastic inner tube. The plastic inner tube is received within a deformable metal tube such that the plastics inner tube and deformable metal tube form a composite double-walled structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Heatsafe Cable Systems, Ltd
    Inventors: Neil Malone, Jason Daniel Harold O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7177536
    Abstract: The invention provides a fluid heater in which the efficiency of heat transfer to a fluid is improved, downsizing of the heater itself can be achieved, and the rise time until warm water heated to a necessary temperature is supplied is shortened, which results in reduction of the power consumption. The heater includes a flat ceramic substrate (1) and a beating element formed on one surface of or in the interior of the ceramic substrate (1). The ceramic substrate (1) is made of AlN, etc. or silicon nitride, whose thermal conductivity is 50 W/m·K or more. A zigzag water channel is formed by walls 6, etc., on the fluid-heating surface of the ceramic substrate (1). A plurality of fins 5 are fixed in the water channel. A heat insulating material 8 can be mounted so as to cover a surface excluding the fluid-heating surface of the ceramic substrate (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masuhiro Natsuhara, Hirohiko Nakata
  • Patent number: 7151892
    Abstract: A rapid electric heating water dispenser includes a body, a base, an electric heating element located in the body, a hot water drain valve and a hot water outlet. A water pipe and an electric heating tube cling to each other through a casting body. A liquefaction inner tube between the outlet of the aforesaid water pipe and the hot water drain valve. The electric heating tube has a capacity matched with the volume of the water pipe to heat the water passed by to at least 75° C. A water head is located between the water inlet of the liquefaction inner tube and the water circuit connected with it, and the water level of the liquefaction inner tube should be higher than that of the water circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Zhejiang Qinyuan Drinking Water Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: MingJu Li, ZhenHao Pan, Neng Zhang, ShuTao Hu
  • Patent number: 7091450
    Abstract: A grip heater has a tubular insulator that is designed to slip over a handlebar and has two interposed pairs of helical recesses. Each pair of helical recesses is formed by two parallel helical grooves and accommodates a heating element; the heating elements can have different resistances to provide differing degrees of heat when selectively connected to a voltage source. Preferably, the pairs of recesses overlap such that the heating elements reside in alternating grooves and cross over each other. The heating elements can be connected to a common ground to allow replacement of existing three-wire grip heaters. When a common ground is employed, the heating elements are preferably isolated where they cross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: James M. Hollander
  • Patent number: 7084377
    Abstract: A device for carrying a heated liquid, and controlling the temperature of the heated liquid includes a liquid conveying element including a passage for carrying the heated liquid. First and second temperature sensing devices are operatively associated with the liquid conveying element to sense the temperature of the heated liquid. A controller is actively connected to the first temperature sensing device. The first temperature sensing device thereby senses the temperature of the heated liquid in the passage and conveys the temperature information or readings to the controller for use in the heater control. The second temperature sensing device is capable of being actively connected to the controller upon failure or malfunction of the first temperature sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Raterman, Edward C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7024106
    Abstract: A system and a method for melting ice that has formed in an exhaust tube operably coupled to a container holding helium are provided. The exhaust tube is configured to exhaust pressurized helium from the container. The method includes determining when a pressure level in the container is greater than a threshold pressure level. The method further includes applying heat energy to the exhaust tube to melt ice in the exhaust tube to thereby allow pressurized helium to exit the container through the exhaust tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Peter John Feenan
  • Patent number: 6952524
    Abstract: A fluid heater apparatus supplies heat to wash fluid via a 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 in a flow path enveloping the heat source to absorb heat from the body. A seal member and a metal plate are fixed to one surface of the thermal body. A high thermally conductive pad is disposed between a printed circuit board carrying a control with heat generating switch elements. The pad conducts heat generated by control switching elements to the plate to reduce the temperature differential between the plate and the thermally conductive body to balance the temperature of the heater apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Bissonnette, Franck Faucon
  • Patent number: 6915070
    Abstract: A quick heater for drinking water includes a helical water pipe defining a narrow space therebetween for fitting an electric heating tube and having a water inlet and a water outlet. The water pipe and the electric heating tube are wrapped up with a support base having its outer side bored with plural holes respectively for the opposite ends of the water pipe and two wire connecting terminals of the electric heating tube to extend out therethrough. The support base has plural lugs at the inner side for support a container with a water intake pipe and a water-releasing pipe, the water intake pipe connected with the water outlet of the water pipe. When cool water gets into the water pipe, it flows circularly therein and is heated by the electric heating tube, and then conveyed to the container for use through the water intake pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Lee
  • Patent number: 6862405
    Abstract: An active temperature control system for a DUT utilizes a heat sink containing HFE7100 liquid and an electric heater. The liquid is cooled below the set point and the heater is used to bring the DUT up to the set point. Set points in the range of ?10 degrees C. to +110 degrees C. can be achieved. The heat sink utilizes only a single coolant for all of the set points, allowing set points to be changed within a few minutes. At a given set point, the heater provides a quick response to offset the effect of self-heating and keep the set point deviation to within a few degrees C. Power following techniques can be utilized to achieve the quick response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Delta Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Malinoski, Thomas P. Jones, Brian Annis, Jonathan E. Turner
  • Publication number: 20040170410
    Abstract: Circuit boards (1100, 1400) and methods for fabricating circuit boards that include conduits (1004) are provided. The conduits formed by patterning a metal layer (1102) are lined by inert coating (1106) and caped by a photodefinable polymer layer (1110) that is affixed to the inert coating by with the help of an initially uncured polymer layer (1106). Holes are formed by patterning the photodefinable polymer layer for admitting and removing fluid from the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Claudia V. Gamboa, Manes Eliacin, Keryn K. Lian
  • Patent number: 6736598
    Abstract: A pump, particularly for washing machines, dishwashing machines or the like, having a housing and a heating device for the continuous heating of a liquid, particularly water, is proposed, in which the heating device is constructed as the circumferential wall of the housing and on one face of the heating device is arranged in sealing manner a base and on another face of the heating device is sealingly arranged a cover of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignees: Eichenauer Heizelemente GmbH & Co. KG, Kaco GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Kleemann, Helmut Nauerth, Klaus-Jürgen Uhrner
  • Patent number: 6694093
    Abstract: An antifreeze heating system which prevents the freezing of water present in an instant water heater of the type having a primary heater which remains inactive under static flow conditions. A secondary heater is placed within an enclosed housing volume of the instant water heater, and electrically connected to a temperature-sensitive switch which activates the secondary heater when a monitored temperature, such as the ambient temperature, falls below a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Acorn Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Morris, Robert L. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20030206733
    Abstract: Electrical heating apparatus includes an electrical heater in which the inlet conduit for inletting cold water to the electrical heater and/or the outlet conduit for outletting hot water thereto from the electrical heater is integrally formed with a pressure-responsive device which senses the flow rate to or through the electrical heater to control the energization of the electrical heater. The apparatus also includes a regulating valve constituted of a membrane and a stem having a head of convex configuration facing the membrane but normally spaced therefrom to define a flow-control passageway which creates differential pressures acting on the membrane tending to deform the membrane such as to maintain a relatively constant flow rate through the flow control passageway despite variations in water inlet pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Yoram Hadar
  • Publication number: 20030142967
    Abstract: An antifreeze heating system which prevents the freezing of water present in an instant water heater of the type having a primary heater which remains inactive under static flow conditions. A secondary heater is placed within an enclosed housing volume of the instant water heater, and electrically connected to a temperature-sensitive switch which activates the secondary heater when a monitored temperature, such as the ambient temperature, falls below a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Donald E. Morris, Robert L. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6577817
    Abstract: A pressureless electric water heater for domestic use having a cylindrical double-walled tank for holding a quantity of a heat transfer liquid such as water. Cold water enters a copper coil immersed in the heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid is heated by an electric heating element that extends down a double-walled top. The inner walls and the outer walls of the tank and the upper and lower walls of the top may be spaced apart using any convenient spacing distance, in order to accommodate an amount of thermal insulation, such as fiberglass, foam, cellulose or cardboard, preferably includes open air spaces between the linings of insulation or between a lining of insulation and a wall or surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Howard Harris Builder
    Inventor: Howard Harris
  • Patent number: 6564011
    Abstract: A heating device for a subsea oil and gas production equipment component comprises at least one heating cable which includes first and second generally parallel electrical conductors that are positioned in heat exchange relation with respect to a flow path through the component, a source of electrical power which is connected to the first and second electrical conductors and which when activated conducts a current between the conductors to generate heat, and an insulation layer which is disposed over the heating cable and the component. When the temperature of a well fluid in the component drops to a point below its flow temperature, the heating cable will generate heat that is transferred to the well fluid to maintain the temperature of the well fluid above its hydrate formation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight D. Janoff, John C. Vicic
  • Publication number: 20030086701
    Abstract: A trap heater for a purge and trap. The heater includes a metal tube with a heat transfer surface around a central trap passageway. An electrical insulating layer is formed on the heat transfer surfaces. A heating element is formed on the electrical insulating layer. The heating element has a serpentine path and a rectangular cross section, with a wider side of the rectangular cross section contacting the electrical insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Martin B. Motz
  • Publication number: 20030044173
    Abstract: The invention provides a fluid heater in which the efficiency of heat transfer to a fluid is improved, downsizing of the heater itself can be achieved, and the rise time until warm water heated to a necessary temperature is supplied is shortened, which results in reduction of the power consumption. The heater includes a flat ceramic substrate (1) and a beating element formed on one surface of or in the interior of the ceramic substrate (1). The ceramic substrate (1) is made of AlN, etc. or silicon nitride, whose thermal conductivity is 50W/m·K or more. A zigzag water channel is formed by walls 6, etc., on the fluid-heating surface of the ceramic substrate (1). A plurality of fins 5 are fixed in the water channel. A heat insulating material 8 can be mounted so as to cover a surface excluding the fluid-heating surface of the ceramic substrate (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Masuhiro Natsuhara, Hirohiko Nakata
  • Patent number: 6516971
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing unit and method for sensing temperature of an electric valve. In one embodiment, the liquid dispensing unit includes a manifold which has a liquid passageway adapted to connect to a source of heated liquid. An electrically operated dispensing valve is coupled to the manifold. The dispensing valve includes an external surface and a liquid passageway which is in fluid communication with the liquid passageway of the manifold. The dispensing valve is selectively operative to dispense the heated liquid. The liquid dispensing unit further includes a temperature sensing device operatively associated with the dispensing valve. The temperature sensing device has a sensing element contacting the external surface of the dispensing valve to measure the temperature of that external surface and thereby indirectly measure the temperature of the heated liquid within the dispensing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Daryl Reece, Laurence B. Saidman, David J. Zgonc
  • Publication number: 20030007790
    Abstract: A pressureless electric water heater for domestic use having a cylindrical double-walled tank for holding a quantity of a heat transfer liquid such as water. Cold water enters a copper coil immersed in the heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid is heated by an electric heating element that extends down a double-walled top. The inner walls and the outer walls of the tank and the upper and lower walls of the top may be spaced apart using any convenient spacing distance, in order to accommodate an amount of thermal insulation, such as fiberglass, foam, cellulose or cardboard, preferably includes open air spaces between the linings of insulation or between a lining of insulation and a wall or surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Howard Harris
  • Patent number: 6498899
    Abstract: A method of controlling a temperature of a semiconductor device during testing is used with a system including a heater and a heat sink and a temperature control system. The semiconductor device is thermally coupled to the heater, which is thermally coupled to a heat sink. The heat sink defines a chamber, and the chamber is adapted to have a liquid flowing through the chamber. The temperature control system is coupled to the heater and the heat sink. In the method, the temperature of the semiconductor device is moved to approximately a first set point temperature. The temperature of the semiconductor device is moved to approximately a second set point temperature, from approximately the first set point temperature, by changing a temperature of the heater and maintaining the liquid flowing into the chamber at a substantially constant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Delta Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Malinoski, Thomas P. Jones, Brian Annis, Jonathan E. Turner
  • Publication number: 20020191970
    Abstract: An assembly for changing the temperature of ultrahigh-pressure fluid as it flows through ultrahigh-pressure tubing includes several thermally conductive blocks. Each block has a first bore through which the ultrahigh-pressure tubing passes, and a second bore containing a source of heating or cooling. Alternatively, resistance heating is used to increase the temperature of the ultrahigh-pressure fluid, by coupling electrodes to the outer surface of the tubing. The ultrahigh-pressure fluid is heated or cooled after it is pressurized, and is then discharged from the ultrahigh-pressure tubing at a selected temperature for use. For example, the ultrahigh-pressure fluid at a selected temperature may be discharged through a nozzle to form an ultrahigh-pressure fluid jet to cut or clean any desired surface or object, or it may be discharged to a pressure vessel to pressure treat a substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Chidambaram Raghavan, Edmund Y. Ting, Bruce M. Schuman, Mohamed A. Hashish
  • Patent number: 6459854
    Abstract: A liquid heating module for use in a hot beverage machine, a beverage forming system that includes the module, and a process for heating liquid for forming beverages. The liquid heating module includes a hollow metal tube, a cylindrical insert which is disposed inside the hollow tube along its entire length and substantially along its axis of symmetry, at least one electrical resistor on a first outer part of the tube for preheating liquid flowing through the tube, and at least one additional electrical resistor on a second outer part of the tube for temperature adjustment of the liquid flowing through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Ruguo Hu
  • Patent number: 6442341
    Abstract: A simple-type fluid tube structural arrangement providing a heating tube that directly heats a fluid in an uncomplicated structural configuration that achieves the objectives of affording convenience and efficient heating which consists of an aluminum extruded and drawn heating body. A horizontally oriented flow hole passes through one side of the heating body and a casement is disposed adjacent to the other side. Installed in the interior section of the casement is a regulating temperature coefficient ceramic resistor constituting a heat generator and, furthermore, a malleable side is formed at the two sides of the said casement for squeeze mounting the heat generator. Moreover, a connective opening is formed at the front and rear ends of the said flow hole. As such, due to the simpler configuration and the close proximity of the heat generator against the flow hole, the present invention achieves simplified assembly and installation, while providing a heating tube that efficiently heats fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Chia-Hsiung Wu
  • Patent number: 6389225
    Abstract: An active temperature control system for a DUT utilizes a heat sink containing HFE7100 liquid and an electric heater. The liquid is cooled below the set point and the heater is used to bring the DUT up to the set point. Set points in the range of −10 degrees C. to +110 degrees C. can be achieved. The heat sink utilizes only a single coolant for all of the set points, allowing set points to be changed within a few minutes. At a given set point, the heater provides a quick response to offset the effect of self-heating and keep the set point deviation to within a few degrees C. Power following techniques can be utilized to achieve the quick response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Delta Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Malinoski, Thomas P. Jones, Brian Annis, Jonathan E. Turner
  • Publication number: 20020034381
    Abstract: A fluid conduit includes a hollow inner tube which is made of a heat-conducting material and which confines a first chamber, and a hollow outer tube which is made of a heat-conducting material, which is disposed concentrically around the inner tube, and which cooperates with the inner tube to form a second chamber. One of the first and second chambers is adapted to permit passage of fluid therethrough. The other one of the first and second chambers has opposing closed ends, and is filled with a superconductor material so as to provide the fluid conduit with an enhanced thermal conducting ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Chin-Kuang Luo
  • Publication number: 20020001461
    Abstract: A thermostatic heating device for liquids, provided with a recirculation pump, comprising a heat-insulating dielectric material outer housing, a heat-conductive dielectric material inner casing, a resistive film interposed between said outer housing and said inner casing, and a tube of heat-conductive material positioned in the interior of said casing, said tube being lowerly open to house an impeller of a pump applied to one end of said cylindrical housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Valerio Bresolin
  • Patent number: 6178291
    Abstract: A control system for an in-line, ultra-pure deionized water (UPDI) heater including a housing, at least one fluid pathway through the housing, and a resistive heating element proximate the fluid pathway for heating an operating fluid flowing through the pathway. The control system includes a mechanism for determining an actual power value which is indicative of the power being applied to the resistive heating element, a mechanism for determining a needed power value which is indicative of the power required to achieve an outlet fluid temperature substantially equal to a user-selectable preset fluid temperature, a mechanism for adjusting the actual power applied to the resistive heating element based on an offset between the actual power value and the needed power value, and a mechanism for overriding the adjusting mechanism when the offset is greater than a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Lufran Incorporated
    Inventors: Theofani Zenios, Howard J. Base
  • Patent number: 6142974
    Abstract: A portable intravenous fluid warming system wherein the temperature monitoring and control is accomplished utilizing four monolithic IC thermosensors. The sensors operate in a serial multi-stage fashion with the first sensor functioning so as to provide a ramp or build up to the next stage thus smoothly and gently increasing the temperature of the fluid and reducing the dynamic range required for the final heater stage, thus ensuring a more accurate and consistent output temperature. Power FET's provide heater drive current from an unregulated DC input source. The sensor is coupled to a microprocessor that is factory preprogrammed with predetermined set points. The microprocessor will continuously determine the temperature so as to allow determination of when the desired temperature is reached and will adjust power to the FET as necessary to hold the temperature at the correct point without exceeding the temperature. Interfacing is provided to an optional external digital readout unit for monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Estill Medical Technologies, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kistner, Robert W. Storey, Daniel T. Kistner
  • Patent number: 6144802
    Abstract: A fluid heater for a semiconductor device is provided to uniformly heat a gas, for thereby improving uniformity and speed of gas reaction and thus increasing the yield of semiconductor device fabrication. The fluid heater includes a main heater of a helical shape formed of a thermal conductor having various radii; a transparent tube, in which the main heater is located, having a plurality of holes at a lower portion thereof; an internal vessel disposed at an outer side of the transparent tube and having a plurality of holes at an upper portion thereof; an external vessel located at an outer side of the internal vessel; flanges placed on the external vessel, the internal vessel and the transparent tube and connecting a fluid inflow tube and the transparent tube and an external heater disposed at an outer wall of the external vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 6031972
    Abstract: An impedance heating system generally includes an outer tubular member having a first end and a second end, and an inner tubular member having a first end and a second end positioned coaxially inside the outer member. The inner member extends substantially the entire length of the outer member such that the first and second ends of the inner member terminate in close proximity to the first and second ends of the outer member, respectively. A power source is electrically connected to the first end of the inner member for supplying current to the inner member upon energization of the impedance heating system. A return path for current flow from the inner member to the power source generally includes either the outer member or a return cable electrically connected to the inner member. One or more spacer members are secured around the circumference of the inner member at spaced-apart intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Industrial Engineering & Equipment Company
    Inventor: Carl E. Barker
  • Patent number: 6014498
    Abstract: A device for heating a fluid control apparatus comprises a tape heater disposed on at least one of opposite lateral sides of the fluid control apparatus, and a plurality of brackets each comprising a bottom wall fastened to a panel with a screw and at least one side wall for holding the tape heater in contact with a fluid controller. The bottom wall of each of the brackets is formed with a screw hole, and each bracket is attached to the panel and adjustable in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Nobukazu Ikeda, Keiji Hirao, Yuji Kawano, Masayuki Hatano, Yukio Minami, Hiroshi Morokoshi
  • Patent number: 5974227
    Abstract: A method and heating system for a hose and dispenser wand of a hot melt mix applicator using 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Crafco, Incorporated
    Inventor: Floyd D. Schave
  • Patent number: 5708257
    Abstract: A heating assembly 1 for transferring liquid metal 28 has a closed cross-section and includes a refractory tube 4 wrapped in an insulating layer 5 which is in turn surrounded by an inductor 3 enclosed in refractory concrete within a metal shell, the insulating layer 5 consisting of an insulating refractory concrete layer 5a. The heating assembly 1 may be used in a liquid metal holding furnace 9 provided with a supply of pressurised gas Pr for producing metal parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Seva
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Comarteau, Daniel Boudot, Alain Remy, Patrice Nykiel
  • Patent number: 5632333
    Abstract: A temperature and humidity adjusting apparatus has an air cooling and dehumidifying device, an air heater and a humidifier arranged in order. The air cooling and dehumidifying device includes thermoelements that use the Peltier effect. The humidifier includes hollow yarn bodies, each of which are formed by winding metal wire that serves as a heater on the outer periphery of a hollow yarn that is formed into hollow construction from heat resistant fiber. The humidifier also includes means for supplying water to each of the hollow yarn bodies and a power supply that supplies power to the metal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toshihide Imamura, Kanichi Kadotani, Katsuyoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 5546746
    Abstract: There is provided an improved core element for use in converters, especially catalytic converters. The core is characterized by two portions one of which portions is capable of being electrically heated, and the other of which is isolated from the first portion electrically and thermally and is called a light-off portion. A plurality of core elements is wrapped about a central rigid metallic pin and the assembly tightly spirally wound about the pin to form the core, part of which is electrically heatable and the other of which is not heated electrically. The core is formed from a plurality of composite core elements, each including a corrugated strip backed up with a flat two-member strip, one band of the two-member flat strip being of generally relatively narrow width, contiguous with the leading portion of the corrugated strip, and the other band contiguous with the trailing portion of the corrugated strip and usually being of relatively greater width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Edward T. Woodruff