Abstract: A heating device for filter elements of a soot filter, as well as a soot filter are described. The filter elements are disk-shaped and stacked on one another in said soot filter. The heating device has a tubular heater with an outer tube and a heating conductor located therein. The essence of heating device is a very small diameter of the tubular heater compared with conventional tubular heaters. It is also constructed in such a way that its path covers a certain area. This can e.g. be a quadrant or semi-circle in a round filter element. The arrangement of the tubular heater in the soot filter is such that it passes close to the filter surface of the filter elements.

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 system for stripping an optical fiber includes a source of air and means for generating very short bursts of air. A heater heats the bursts of air to a temperature sufficient to remove the outer coating from an optical fiber, while maintaining the air isolated from the heat source. A single burst of heated air removes the outer coating of an optical fiber, within less than about one second. A series of closely spaced bursts or a prolonged burst of heated air may be used to remove an expanded length of fiber coating. Stripping may include translation of the fiber or the heater or portions thereof. The stripper may be configured to strip several loaded fibers or a single fiber.

Abstract: A fluid heat exchanger for use in a fluid heating system is disclosed that includes a rapidly heatable inside tube surrounded by a hollow outside tube for heating a fluid flowing between the inside tube and the outside tube for circulation through the fluid heating system. When the inside tube is rapidly heated, the circulated fluid is rapidly heated to a predetermined temperature for use in the fluid heating system.

Abstract: A temperature maintenance heater assembly 10 for maintaining the temperature of a heated fluid circulating through piping of a bath, including a pipe section 70, base plate 40, control device assembly 30, base plate cover 80, and a heating element 20. The pipe section has an outer wall 72, an inlet 74, and an outlet 76. The control device assembly 30 has a first and second pressure switch 32A and 32B, wherein each of the first and second pressure switches have first and second electrical terminals 34A, 36A, 34B and 36B, pressure sensors 38A and 38B, and switch mechanisms 39A and 39B activated by the pressure sensor 38A and 38B. The base plate 40 has an upper surface 42 and a lower surface 52, wherein the control device assembly 30 is attached to the upper surface 42 of the base plate 40, and the base plate 40 is attached to the outer wall 72 of the pipe section 70. The base plate cover 80 is removably attached to the base plate 40, and wherein the cover 80 encloses the control device assembly 30.

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 in-line tankless electrical resistance water heater includes removable brass bottom and top flanges to form an internal chamber in a tubular body. The top brass flange has a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet for connection to a hot water line. The water heater includes an internal passageway through which cold water travels into a flow sensing/heat element activating device and then into the internal chamber. An enlarged double-coiled heating element passes through the bottom flange and a bracket holds sealing elements firmly against connecting ends of the heating element to seal the connecting ends and firmly hold the heating element in place.

Abstract: A heater having a shut off device is provided which prevents false over temperature lockouts. The heater comprises a body having walls defining a volume for holding water, a heating element thermally coupled to the body for heating water within the body, and a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the material. The heater also has a shut off switch for shutting off electric current in the heater when the sensed temperature of the water exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature limit, and a manually actuated reset input for resetting the shut off switch to allow current to be applied to the heater. The heater further includes a controller coupled to the shut off switch and the reset switch, wherein the controller determines the presence of a false over temperature event and overrides the need to manually actuate the reset input.

Abstract: A fuel filter 10 for filtering diesel fuel, in which a heater 14 is provided which at temperatures below 0° C. warms the diesel fuel in order to liquefy the diesel fuel so that a filter element 13 will not clog. The heater 14 includes a heat transfer body 29 onto which a supporting layer 35 is applied, which is thermally stable and electrically insulating. On this supporting layer 35 a heating element is provided which heats the thermal transfer body 29. A protective layer 37 is disposed over the heating element 34 in order to protect it.

Abstract: A heating device for filter elements of a soot filter, as well as a soot filter are described. The filter elements are disk-shaped and stacked on one another in said soot filter. The heating device has a tubular heater with an outer tube and a heating conductor located therein. The essence of the invention is a very small diameter of the tubular heater compared with conventional tubular heaters. It is also constructed in such a way that its path covers a certain area. This can e.g. be a quadrant or semicircle in a round filter element. The arrangement of the tubular heater in the soot filter is such that it passes close to the filter surface of the filter elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat generation includes a vessel having a working chamber with a flow of working fluid passing therethrough. A source of pulsed light and a light-reflecting surface wettable by the working fluid are situated within the working chamber. A thermal energy is released into the working polar fluid by the pulsed light irradiation of the working fluid in the vicinity of the light-reflecting surface. The released thermal energy is continuously removed from the vessel by the flow of working fluid.

Abstract: An electrical heater for fluid including a generally tubular housing have a wall portion made of a titanium material, and an elongated electrical heating element having electrical connectors on opposite ends thereof extending through the wall portion. The electrical heating element has an outer sheath made of a titanium material, and an inner sheath made of a stainless steel material. The electrical heating element has an electrical resistance line disposed within the inner sheath and connected to the electrical connectors at opposite ends thereof. The electrical heating element includes a dielectric material disposed within the inner sheath around the electrical resistance line to facilitate heat transfer from the electrical resistance line to the inner sheath.

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.

Abstract: A temperature maintenance heater assembly 10 for maintaining the temperature of a heated fluid circulating through piping of a bath, including a pipe section 70, base plate 40, control device assembly 30, base plate cover 80, and a heating element 20. The pipe section has an outer wall 72, an inlet 74, and an outlet 76. The control device assembly 30 has a first and second pressure switch 32A and 32B, wherein each of the first and second pressure switches have first and second electrical terminals 34A, 36A, 34B and 36B, pressure sensors 38A and 38B, and switch mechanisms 39A and 39B activated by the pressure sensor 38A and 38B. The base plate 40 has an upper surface 42 and a lower surface 52, wherein the control device assembly 30 is attached to the upper surface 42 of the base plate 40, and the base plate 40 is attached to the outer wall 72 of the pipe section 70. The base plate cover 80 is removably attached to the base plate 40, and wherein the cover 80 encloses the control device assembly 30.

Abstract: A water heating system having an electric heater and an automatic temperature control system having high dynamic response for supplying water on demand at a substantially constant, controlled temperature is provided. The device includes a heat exchanger, and inlet diverting pipe, an outlet diverting pipe, a mixed flow pipe and a temperature control system. A tuning valve on each of the inlet flow diverting pipe and the outlet flow diverting pipe controls the ratio of heated and unheated flow entering the mixed flow pipe. The temperature control system controls the temperature of the water by establishing an empirical, monotonic relationship between the current applied to the heater and the temperature of the mixed flow.

Abstract: A heater protective device of a cooling system includes a couple of thermostats and one thermal fuse. The thermostats are secured to opposing sides of one metal plate. When a temperature of each thermostat rises due to the heat conducted through the metal plate and substantially reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, an internal connection of the thermostat is turned off, i.e., is opened. When the temperature of the thermostat decreases substantially below 40 degrees Celsius, the internal contact of the thermostat is turned on, i.e., is closed. The metal plate is secured to a heat receiving bracket that is secured to a heater cover and that is heated upon receiving radiated heat from the electric heater. A thermal fuse extends through the metal plate in a thickness direction of the metal plate and is secured thereto.

Abstract: The heater includes a resistance heating element comprising a resistance heating wire having a pair of terminal ends connected to a pair of electrical connectors and encapsulated with a thin electrically insulating polymeric layer. The resistance heating wire is capable of maintaining a fluid initially heated by a primary heat source substantially at the desired use temperature. A first connecting body is configured to couple to the section of piping containing the fluid. The connecting body includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, a fluid passageway defined between the fluid inlet and outlet ports, and an electrical connection port. The resistance heating element is disposed at least partially within the fluid passageway and at least a first one of the terminal ends is coupled to a respective one of the pair of electrical connectors through the electrical connection port.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat generation includes a vessel having a working chamber with a flow of working fluid passing therethrough. A source of pulsed light and a light-reflecting surface wettable by the working fluid are situated within the working chamber. A thermal energy is released into the working polar fluid by the pulsed light irradiation of the working fluid in the vicinity of the light-reflecting surface. The released thermal energy is continuously removed from the vessel by the flow of working fluid.

Abstract: A compact tankless water heater of modular configuration to accommodate a range of potential demands is disclosed. A heat transfer chamber is divided into subchambers, each of which may may mount more than one heating element. Notched passageways at the top of each dividing wall allow water passage between chambers, and a plurality of temperature sensors act in concert with a flow sensor and microprocessor control of the heating elements to maintain a constant set point output water temperature.

Abstract: A heater box for PCB boards uses open cell metal foam as a heat sink and diffuser of heated gas. The heated gas is dispensed through a metal fabric mesh and then to the PCB to be heated. The gas is introduced under pressure and flow regulated to conduits in the metal foam diffuser. The conduits have side holes that allow the gas to diffuse evenly through the foam. The gas is heated by electrical resistance heaters built into the conduits or by a resistance heated layer between the conduits and the foam. The frame that holds the PCB to be heated and the metal fabric mesh and the heater box itself are all laterally floating with respect to each other.

Abstract: A multivariable circulation heater. In one embodiment, the invention is a multivariable circulation heater comprising: (a) a heater having a bundle of configurable heating elements, a plurality of heating elements having selectable electrical terminations, wherein the heater may be configured for a plurality of heating capacity and/or power supply configurations by configuring the selectable electrical terminations; (b) a chamber having an insulated vessel for surrounding the bundle of configurable heating elements, wherein the vessel has a threaded screw plug opening and a plurality of bosses for adapting to inlet and outlet connections; (c) a screw plug adapted to screw into the threaded screw plug opening, the screw plug having two ends, wherein a first end is secured to the bundle of configurable heating elements and a second end is secured to the selectable electrical terminations.

Abstract: Air heater with PTC heating element with semiconductor switch, the semiconductor switch (5) without the housing being located in the heating tube (9) in the immediate vicinity of the PTC heating element (15).

Abstract: A heater protective device of a cooling system includes a couple of thermostats and one thermal fuse. The thermostats are secured to opposing sides of one metal plate. When a temperature of each thermostat rises due to the heat conducted through the metal plate and substantially reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, an internal connection of the thermostat is turned off, i.e., is opened. When the temperature of the thermostat decreases substantially below 40 degrees Celsius, the internal contact of the thermostat is turned on, i.e., is closed. The metal plate is secured to a heat receiving bracket that is secured to a heater cover and that is heated upon receiving radiated heat from the electric heater. A thermal fuse extends through the metal plate in a thickness direction of the metal plate and is secured thereto.

Abstract: A new encapsulated heating element fluid heater for heating a fluid such as water. The inventive device includes a vessel and an end cap. The end cap has a plurality of bores therethrough extending between the first and second ends of the end cap. A plurality of elongate heating element rods extend through the bores of the end cap and each heating element rod has a heating portion outwardly extending from the first end of the end cap and an electric coupling portion outwardly extending from the second end of the end cap. The first end of the end cap is inserted into an open end of the vessel such that the heating portions of the heating elements extend into the vessel. The end cap is then welded to the end of the vessel.

Abstract: A heating or air-conditioning system for a passenger cell of a motor vehicle has a heat exchanger which is arranged in the cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine and through which an air stream passes. The system also has a supplementary electric heater through which the same air stream flows. The heat exchanger and supplementary electric heater are arranged in an air box, and have an electronic control unit for controlling heating or air conditioning. In order to give the heating or air-conditioning system a design which is economical in terms of installation space and which is easy to mount, the control unit is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger and the supplementary heater in the floor area of the air box. The supplementary heater is oriented at a right angle with respect to the control unit and makes contact with the control unit on its underside.

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 device for rinsing sample processing components of an analytical instruments including an inlet coupleable to a fluid source, an outlet coupleable to sample processing components of an analytical instrument, and a fluid reservoir between the inlet and outlet. The device includes a heater coupled to the fluid reservoir and the fluid reservoir includes at least two reservoir chambers connected in series and separated by a restricted passageway.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, an electrical heating member is disposed integrally with a heating heat exchanger including a core portion and upper and lower tanks. An electrical connection portion of the electrical heating member is disposed on a downstream air side of the lower tank of the heating heat exchanger. Therefore, the lower tank of the heating heat exchanger can restrict water from being covered onto the electrical connection portion of the electrical heating member. Thus, an electrical short circuit in the electrical connection portion is prevented, while air flow resistance is restricted from being increased.

Abstract: A heater for heating air in an intake passage of an internal combustion engine. The heater includes a heating element coupled to a first holder and a second holder. The heating element has a preselected resistance corresponding to plurality apertures formed therethrough. A second embodiment includes a heating element positioned within a housing. The heating element includes a plurality of selectively removable slugs. After removal of one or more of the slugs, the electrical resistance of the heating element increases.

Abstract: A compact “in-line” tankless double element water heater includes a top connected to a manifold having a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet for connection to the cold, and hot water lines of a faucet. The compact water heater includes a body with a passageway through which cold water travels, from the top towards the bottom, where it is fed into four separate chambers, two each separated on opposed sides of the body and of a diaphragm. A first of the two chambers on each side has no outlet, and the pressure of cold water therein presses against a first side of the respective diaphragm, while the second of the two chambers on each side includes an outlet to a separate hot water chamber on each side, having a separate heating element therein. A second of the two chambers on each side also includes a plunger, biased by a spring against a second side of the diaphragm, and a plunger rod, which contacts an operating member of a microswitch.

Abstract: A fluid temperature control device, which has a high cooling capacity, wide controllable temperature range and an excellent temperature control accuracy. A transparent cylinder (3) is inserted in a cylindrical-shaped vessel (1), and a columnar-shaped heating lamp (5) is inserted in the transparent cylinder (3). A fluid desired to be temperature controlled is made to flow in a passage (25) between the vessel (1) and the transparent cylinder (3). Joined to an outer peripheral al surface of the vessel (1) is a thermoelectric conversion element (7) , to an outer surface of which is joined a cooling pipe (9). A cooling liquid is made to flow in the cooling pipe (9) . Fluid heating is effected by the heating lamp (5). Fluid cooling is effected by the cooling liquid and the thermoelectric conversion element (7) forcibly absorbs heat from the fluid and discharges heat to the cooling liquid to thereby cool the fluid rapidly and cool the fluid to a temperature lower than that of the cooling liquid.

Abstract: A dental water sterilization unit having a heat treater which raises the temperature of domestic water supply to the sterilization unit sufficiently to sterilize and deoxygenate the water and then cools the water to a suitable temperature for comfort of the dental patient. The unit may have a water chiller or heat exchanger to lower the temperature. The unit may also have a porous packing in the heat treater to enter mixed steam and water to facilitate the sterilization and deoxygenation process.

Abstract: A compact vaporizer system is presented to produce a high quality vapor feed from a liquid feed to be delivered to a chemical vapor deposition processing chamber to produce thin film devices based on highly dielectric or ferroelectric materials such as BaTiO3, SrTiO3 and others such materials. The vaporization apparatus comprises a feed tank for storing the liquid feed; feed delivery means for transporting the liquid feed by way of a feed delivery path; a vaporizer section disposed in the delivery path comprising a high temperature heat exchanger having a capillary tube for transporting the liquid feed and a heat source for externally heating the capillary tube; and a vaporization prevention section disposed upstream of the vaporizer section for preventing heating effects of the vaporizer section to the liquid feed within the vaporization prevention section.

Abstract: A core unit of a heat exchanger is composed of a plurality of parallel flat tubes, a plurality of corrugated fins, a support member disposed between two of the corrugated fins and an electric heater disposed inside the support member. The support member has a pair of parallel plates bonded to the corrugated fins at the summits of corrugation of the corrugated fins. The electric heater is composed of a heating element and an insulation member inserted between the heating element and the parallel plates.

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.

Abstract: In a heating device for an exhaust gas purification catalytic converter, an insulating coating or an insulating material is provided between a tubular electrode receiving member of a power relay means and an electrode received in this electrode receiving member.

Abstract: An improved “in-line” tankless electrical resistance water heater includes a top having a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet for connection to the cold, and hot water lines of a faucet in a sink. The water heater includes a body with a passageway through which cold water travels, from the top towards the bottom, where it is fed into two separate chambers on opposed sides of a diaphragm. A first of the two chambers has no outlet, and the pressure of cold water therein presses against a first side of the diaphragm, while the second chamber includes an outlet to a further chamber having a heating element therein. The second chamber also includes a plunger, biased by a spring against a second side of diaphragm, and a plunger rod, which contacts an operating member of a microswitch.

Abstract: An electrically heatable catalytic converter for the cleaning of exhaust gas from combustion processes, preferably from internal combustion engines, comprising a shell and a carrier located inside the shell, preferably with a multitude of parallel channels through which the exhaust gas being cleaned can flow, where the carrier exhibits at least one layer that is catalytically active in relation to the exhaust gas, and where, furthermore, at least a portion of the surface of the carrier exhibits at least one electrically conductive resistance heating layer with electrical connection areas, which is insulated against the carrier by means of an insulation layer, and with at least one connection element that contacts the resistance heating layer in the electrical connection areas, is easily manufactured and reliable during operation if at least one connection element runs through the resistance heating layer and the insulation layer, as well as the carrier.

Abstract: A fluid temperature control device is improved to be simpler in structure, less in fluid temperature non-uniformity, and able to heat a fluid having a small light absorbability. The fluid temperature control device has a cylindrical inner vessel (20), a cylindrical outer vessel (22) surrounding the inner vessel (20), and a heating lamp (25) inserted into the inner vessel (20). Metal fins (28a) and (28b) are provided on the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the inner vessel (20). A working fluid is passed through the inner space (21) between the inner vessel (20) and the heating lamp (25) and a cooling liquid is passed through the outer space (23) between the inner vessel (20) and the outer vessel (22). Infrared rays from the heating lamp (25) heat the working fluid, and the cooling liquid cools the working fluid. This device is applicable to, for instance, temperature control of plural process chambers of semiconductor processing apparatus.

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.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling small flows of gas, such as would be used by a satellite (or microsatellite) for orientation thrusters includes a photoetched silicon body etched to provide one or more particular flow paths, and optionally filters, where the flow path is defined by the silicon body and a sealing glass layer bonded thereto. Flow is controlled through the flow path(s) by heating the body to decrease the gas flow.

Abstract: A heating or air conditioning system for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle has a heat exchanger which is arranged in a cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine and through which an air stream passes. A supplementary electric heater through which the same air stream can flow is also provided. In order to design the heating or air conditioning system in such a way that a separate installation space is not necessary for the installation of the supplementary electric heater, the supplementary electric heater is physically integrated into the heat exchanger. The supplementary electric heater includes a plurality of electric heating rod assemblies arranged between water ducts of the heat exchanger which extend parallel with one another along the air passage surface of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A hot water supply system has a tank divided into a water heating chamber and a vented expansion chamber. A venturi orifice inlet is connected through a faucet valve to a cold water supply and the outlet of the orifice emits a high velocity jet at a negative pressure to cause water to be aspirated from the expansion chamber and mix with the supply water jet for pressurizing the heating chamber to cause hot water to be dispensed from the faucet spout, connected to the tank heating chamber, when the valve is opened. An air collection chamber receives the supply water jet stream which flows into the heating chamber until the expansion chamber is emptied of water for air to be aspirated into the collection chamber in which case the jet is disrupted and aspiration of air stops although the flow of water into and out of the heating tank can continue as long as the faucet valve remains open.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat generation includes a vessel having a working chamber formed within an interior thereof. The working chamber contains a working polar fluid. A source of pulsed light and a light-reflecting surface wettable by the working fluid are situated within the working chamber. A thermal energy is released into the working polar fluid by the pulsed light irradiation of the working fluid in the vicinity of the light-reflecting surface.

Abstract: An electric water heater is provided which includes a polymeric body having an elongated hollow and an inlet opening and an outlet opening in communication with the hollow for flowing water to pass therethrough. An electrical resistance heater having a heating element of a material exhibiting a positive temperature coefficient of resistance is disposed in the hollow of the polymeric body and in heat transfer communication with water flowing through the hollow. An electrical source supplies electrical power to the heating element to generate heat. A controller senses current flow through the heating element and determines a resistance related value, such as current or resistance of the heating element. The controller also determines a first derivative of the resistance related value over time, and determines a second derivative of the resistance related value over time, and controls power supply to the heating element as a function of the first and second derivatives and/or absolute resistance.

Abstract: An electrically powered water heater includes a plurality of heating elements for substantially instantaneous heating of fluid passing through the heater. A controller for powering the plurality of heating elements is responsive to a temperature sensor in fluid communication with the heated fluid. The temperature sensor activates each of the plurality of heating elements for a predetermined period of time that is preferably no more than 32 half cycles. The controller activates a second heating element after a delay of preferably no more than 8 half cycles after activating a first heating element. The predetermined period of time for activating each of the plurality of heating elements may be substantially equal, such that each heating element contributes substantially equally to the heating of fluid. In one embodiment, the heater housing is provided with a plurality of chambers, and a heating element is provided within each of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: This invention is a heated corrugated (21) conduit (7) for use in a respiratory humidification system (5). A heater wire (20) within the conduit reduces the occurrence of condensation or "rain out". The heater wire is spirally wound in a helix or double helix with both ends of the wire available for termination at one end of the conduit.

Abstract: An insulated composite hot water heater is disclosed. The heater comprises an inner plastic pressure vessel for storing and heating water. The pressure vessel has an access opening provided with a removable closure plate. A heat exchanger unit is provided within said pressure vessel and retained therein by the closure plate. An outer housing surrounds the inner plastic pressure vessel and a thermal insulating material is interposed between the vessel and the housing.

Abstract: An electric heat emitter is disposed at a predetermined position in a heat exchanging core portion having a plurality of tubes and corrugated fins. The electric heat emitter includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate which are insulated from the heat exchanging core portion. An electric wiring cover made of resin having a positive electrode wiring member and a negative electrode wiring member is attached to an outlet tank of the heat exchanger. The positive and negative electrode plates connect to the positive and negative electrode wiring members respectively. Thus, the electric current is supplied to the electric heat emitter through an electric circuit insulated from the heat exchanger, thereby preventing metal parts of the heat exchanger from being electrically corroded.

Abstract: An off-peak electric heat storage and discharge device includes variably sized thermal media material contained in a rock box. A calrod-type heating element is located in and in direct thermal contact with the thermal media material. Air flow can move from a fan upwardly through a duct, through slots formed in the duct into the rock box, and through the thermal media material. Air flow can also move from the fan through a bypass duct. Heated air and cold air can be mixed in proper proportions by a rotatable damper movable between a position closing off all cold, bypass air and a position closing off all heated air. The damper falling to shut off the flow of heated air in the event of an actuator failure. All electric controls and the fan are contained in a vertical control chamber designed to convectively convey heat during static conditions. The thermostat for the device is located at the lowest point possible in the vertical control chamber and below a point which could be affected by convective air flow.