Pipe Or Tube Forms Flow Path Patents (Class 392/488)
  • Patent number: 7439473
    Abstract: A method of supporting vertically hanging electrical resistance elements for heating furnaces or ovens in industrial operations. Each resistance element includes current-conducting legs that extend downward and upward a number of times, and the element includes along its length a number of ceramic discs that are provided with through-holes through which respective element legs extend. The upper part of the element merges with terminals that are connected to a source of electric current. The element is supported by at least one of the uppermost ceramic discs, wherein the uppermost ceramic disc supporting the element is placed in the insulation of the furnace roof above the underside of the roof. The legs of the element are short circuited at a location slightly or somewhat beneath the underside of the furnace roof with the aid of short circuiting plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventor: Thomas Lewin
  • Publication number: 20080085105
    Abstract: A multi-passage electric heater for heating a gas flowing through the passages uses electric heating elements disposed in the passages for gas heating. One of both of the inlet and outlet of the heater includes a ceramic foam material as a diffuser. The diffuser on the inlet side effectively distributes gas evenly to the passages for heating and insulates against radiated heat loss through the inlet. When located on the outlet side of the heater, a more homogenous outlet stream of heated gas is created, with the outlet diffuser minimizing loss of radiated heat from the outlet side and acting as a heat exchange medium for improved heater efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Dexter E. Diepholz
  • Patent number: 7190894
    Abstract: A water heater system that will provided immediate hot water to a point of use has a water storage container having an inlet coupled to a water pipe and an outlet coupled to a point of use fixture. A low current heating element is located within the water storage container and is used to immediately heat up and removes contaminants in the water stored and flowing through the water storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: MC3 Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland J. Chamberlain, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7158718
    Abstract: An electric heating device especially for fluids, such as liquid fuel, includes a heat element with an electrical resistance. The heat element can be connected to an electrical power source and also includes a carrier element to which en electrically conductive heat layer of a PTC material with positive temperature resistance co-efficient is applied. The heat layer can, at least in two interspaced positions, be connected to the electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Elias Russegger
  • Patent number: 7065292
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Global Heating Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlisle Thweatt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7065293
    Abstract: A heater for fluids includes a housing made of a non-metallic material and having an internal cavity. The housing has an inlet and an outlet, each of which are in fluid communication with the internal cavity. An elongated electrical heating element is disposed within the cavity for heating fluid flowing through the cavity. The heating element has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a U-shaped portion disposed in the cavity. The electrical heating element has electrical connectors at opposite ends extending through the housing, and a titanium outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Global Heating Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlisle Thweatt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7039305
    Abstract: A heat conductive tubular electric heater is disclosed. In the heater body, a water inlet tube is connected to a heat conductive tube and an electric tube is installed within the heat conductive tube so as to form a water path between a periphery of the electric tube and an interior of the heat conductive tube. When the cool water flows into the water inlet tube entering into the electric heater, the cool water can be heated continuously by the electric tube to increase it's a temperature thereof and is heated. Besides, the heat conductive tube is assembled within a water storage tank of the electric heater for being stored therein for further use. The heater is worthy for industrial uses, because of some advantages thereof, such as heating water fast, high thermal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Min Jie Chen
  • Patent number: 6974504
    Abstract: A method of remediating deposits within a pipeline comprising inserting a removable smaller pipe within said pipeline, providing an electrically insulating coating on said smaller pipe, providing a contactor proximate said distal end of said smaller pipe to electrically contact said internal diameter of said pipeline, flowing an electrical current along the wall area of said internal pipe, through said contactor, and along the wall area of said pipeline to generate heat within said smaller pipe to remediate blockages within said smaller pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Benton F. Baugh
  • Patent number: 6941064
    Abstract: A heater for fluids including a housing made of a non-metallic material and having an internal cavity. The housing has an inlet and an outlet, each of which are in fluid communication with the internal cavity. An elongated electrical heating element is disposed within the cavity for heating fluid flowing through the cavity. The heating element has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a U-shaped portion disposed in the cavity. The electrical heating element has electrical connectors at opposite ends extending through the housing. The electrical heating element has a titanium outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sherwood-Templeton Coal Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlisle Thweatt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6879780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device of inserting a coated electric heating wire (6) into a hot water tube (2) and to an apparatus for a sealing plug mounted at an end (1a) of said hot water tube (2). An end of a hot water tube (2), normally laid out in a zig-zag form under the floor of a room to be heated, is pipe-fitted to an outlet tube (3a) of a pump (3c) through a guide tube (2A). Said coated electric heating wire (6) is inserted through a guide hole (2h) with a 20˜30 degree slant to the guide tube (2A) and is connected to a ball-type guide member (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Du Nyun Kim
  • Patent number: 6873793
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Sherwood-Templeton Coal Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlisle Thweatt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6873790
    Abstract: An elongate heating element that includes an insulative substrate and a resistive coating that heats to a predetermined temperature when an electrical current is passed through the coating. The insulative material forming the substrate is preferably a ceramic such as cordierite, but the invention is not limited to any particular insulative material. An air moving device directs an air stream over the resistive coating in order to heat the air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Cooper, Thomas Fich-Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6853804
    Abstract: One or more dispensing conveyances (1) have outlet apertures (2) or conveying and dispensing heated water to surfaces of roofs (3) and other structural surfaces selectively when ice and snow is being accumulated or has accumulated thereon. The water is heated with an electric-resistance (7, 10) or optionally with a fuel-flame heater (8, 11), which can be a tank heater or a tankless geyser water heater. Electric-resistance members can be positioned inside of heat-resistant tubular conveyances proximate the outlet apertures. A programmable control unit (18) can be included for programmable heat, flow rate and flow time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Thad Whitinger
  • Publication number: 20040197095
    Abstract: A heater for fluids including a housing made of a non-metallic material and having an internal cavity. The housing has an inlet and an outlet, each of which are in fluid communication with the internal cavity. An elongated electrical heating element is disposed within the cavity for heating fluid flowing through the cavity. The heating element has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a U-shaped portion disposed in the cavity. The electrical heating element has electrical connectors at opposite ends extending through the housing. The electrical heating element has a titanium outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Carlisle Thweatt
  • Patent number: 6775474
    Abstract: A fluid heat transfer system including a motor and a tank located in adjacent compartments. The motor includes a rotatable shaft extending into the tank having an opposed end connected to an impeller for circulating a heated working fluid through the system. A hollow tube surrounding the rotatable shaft extends from the motor into the tank and forms a leak proof seal between the tube and the tank so that the fluid will not leak outside of the tank. The fluid circulates through numerous tubes positioned within the tank having respective inside surfaces which are each provided with a heating unit therein for collectively heating fluid as the fluid passes between each respective inside surface and heating unit. The tubes have dimples formed therein for more efficiently heating the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: George B. Desloge
  • Publication number: 20040091252
    Abstract: A heater for heating flowing fluid. The heater comprises a cylindrical heating chamber comprising an inlet at one base and on outlet at a second base. The flowing fluid traverses parallel to the chamber. A resistive heating element is received in the chamber wherein the resistive heating element comprises a rectangular base. The rectangular base comprises a long axis and short axis and the long axis is parallel to the chamber. The base comprises a multiplicity of first slots on one side and a multiplicity of second slots on a second side. A double helix filament is received in the first slots and the second slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Dexter E. Diepholz
  • Publication number: 20030210903
    Abstract: One or more dispensing conveyances (1) have outlet apertures (2) or conveying and dispensing heated water to surfaces of roofs (3) and other structural surfaces selectively when ice and snow is being accumulated or has accumulated thereon. The water is heated with an electric-resistance (7, 10) or optionally with a fuel-flame heater (8, 11), which can be a tank heater or a tankless geyser water heater. Electric-resistance members can be positioned inside of heat-resistant tubular conveyances proximate the outlet apertures. A programmable control unit (18) can be included for programmable heat, flow rate and flow time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Thad F. Whitinger
  • Publication number: 20030206734
    Abstract: A fluid heat transfer system including a motor and a tank located in adjacent compartments. The motor includes a rotatable shaft extending into the tank having an opposed end connected to an impeller for circulating a heated working fluid through the system. A hollow tube surrounding the rotatable shaft extends from the motor into the tank and forms a leak proof seal between the tube and the tank so that the fluid will not leak outside of the tank. The fluid circulates through numerous tubes positioned within the tank having respective inside surfaces which are each provided with a heating unit therein for collectively heating fluid as the fluid passes between each respective inside surface and heating unit. The tubes have dimples formed therein for more efficiently heating the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: George B. Desloge
  • Patent number: 6607608
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carmine J. Vetrano, Robert G. Wiley, Matthew W. Reed
  • Patent number: 6591063
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Alpha-Western Corporation
    Inventor: Gary P. Rochelle
  • Patent number: 6555796
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Sherwood-Templeton Coal Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon B. Cusack
  • Publication number: 20020146244
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Carlisle Thweatt
  • Patent number: 6456785
    Abstract: A system for electrically heating a flow of liquid singularly passing over a heating element contained within a housing. Liquid is inserted into the housing and passes over a heating element, with the straight embedded resistance wire, which causes the liquid to be heated faster and with less energy than would be employed by a coiled heating element. The heating element is composed of resistance wire connected to a conductor lead by a transition splice, all surrounded by compacted magnesium oxide encased within a stainless steel sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Evans
  • Patent number: 6402943
    Abstract: The present invention provides a diesel filter system and a fuel heating device comprising a PTC heating element and a rod-shaped heat conductor which is in thermal contact with PTC heating element. The rod-shaped heat conductor comprises at least two tubular parts arranged in parallel. The PTC heating element is located between said at least two tubular parts. The system and device according to the invention is of compact constructional design and can therefore be installed in different kinds. The invention increases the rate of flow and allows for a high heat transfer from the PTC heating element to fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: David & Baader DBK
    Inventor: Franz Bohlender
  • Publication number: 20020015585
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Company
    Inventors: Myron Jensen, Steve Nestel, Randy C. Jarrett, John L. Henrie, Sam Henry, Lorin Adkins, Bruce Barnes
  • Patent number: 6280688
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Tekmar Company
    Inventor: Martin B. Motz
  • Patent number: 6260608
    Abstract: A windshield clearing and de-icing system including a first housing having air inlet and outlet ports extending through walls of the first housing and further having fluid inlet and outlet ports extending through the walls of the first housing, and also including a first air conduit member connected to the air inlet and outlet ports and a first fluid conduit member connected to the fluid inlet and outlet ports. The system and also includes a heating member connected to a fan having a motor and securely mounted in a second housing which is adapted to be mounted in an engine compartment of a vehicle. The system and further includes a heater member being adapted to be connected to a fluid reservoir pump and connected to a second fluid conduit member which is connected to the first fluid conduit member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Donald Ray Kim
  • Patent number: 6236810
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Komatsu, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kanichi Kadotani
  • Patent number: 6184506
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a catalyst carrier suitable for use of three-phase alternating current. In the present invention, three catalyst foils are spirally wound and surface contact among the catalyst foils is prevented thereby allowing the catalyst carrier to be connected to a three-phase alternating current source. Each of the catalyst foils is a strip-shaped conductive foil formed of a heat-resistant alloy, and a wavy shape is imparted to the foil. Further, an insulating layer and a catalyst-carrying layer are formed on a surface of the catalyst foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Tohru Shoji
  • Patent number: 6080973
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Sherwood-Templeton Coal Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlisle Thweatt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6054692
    Abstract: In a heating device used for melting snow on a road, a roof or the like, or for room heating of in-door facilities, in order to heat a to-be-heated or heated object uniformly over its entire area and enable to utilize effectively a PTC heater, a heat diffusing plate 14 for diffusing heat generated from a heat generating body 16 is arranged on an upper face of the heat insulating member 12 and the heating body 16 is arranged in a recess portion 13 installed on its upper face. The heating body 16 is constituted by inserting a heat generating element 4 mounted with heat radiating plates 5 into a vessel 2 enclosed with a heat storing agent 3 of a latent heat absorbing type in a state in which the heat generating element is brought into contact with the heat storing agent 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignees: Takehiko Hitomi, Mitsukazu Ogawa
    Inventors: Takehiko Hitomi, Mitsukazu Ogawa, Toshio Saburi
  • Patent number: 5975119
    Abstract: Apparatus for conducting fluid and preventing its icing have a fluid line structure and a tubular fluid line element located in that fluid line structure and having a cross-section sufficient for a desired throughput of fluid. A heater element is located inside the fluid line structure and is in heat-transfer relationship with an inside of the tubular fluid line element. Such heater element may be an electric heater element inside the fluid line structure encompassing the tubular fluid line element in heat-transfer relationship with an inside of that tubular fluid line element. A frangible or other fluid line nipple may be removably connected to the fluid line structure, and the tubular fluid line element may extend from that fluid line structure to that fluid line nipple. A heat transfer reduction may be provided between the electric heater element and the fluid line structure outside of the tubular fluid line element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Transdigm, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rudolph Silva, Verne James Morand, Thomas Bruce Rose
  • Patent number: 5960857
    Abstract: A machine for circulating cooling water through manufacturing process equipment includes a combination pump and heat exchanger assembly. The machine has a cast metal pump case with two upwardly opening sockets receiving the lower ends of two tanks, one of them "the suction tank" communicating through the case with the pump impeller intake, and the other "the discharge tank" communicating with the impeller discharge. The tanks are constructed to function as heat exchangers, and they are readily and removably secured to the pump case by threaded fasteners and are sealed therein by compression seals. The discharge tank has electrical heating elements. The suction tank has a motor-operated modulator valve precisely fixed thereon, so as to enable discharging excessively warm water from the process to drain while cool make-up water from city water supply is admitted through the suction tank to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Advantage Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Oswalt, Steven E. Wash, Ronald A. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5963709
    Abstract: A hot air blower is provided having a first material, a second material, and a gap disposed between the two materials. The gap provides residence time in order for a gaseous flow delivered through the blower to become heated. The materials preferably comprise porous ceramic foam and provide a tortuous path for the gaseous flow. The preferred ratio of the volume of the materials to the volume of the gap is 3. The blower also preferably comprises a heating element for imparting heat to the gaseous flow, and a fan for creating the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Micropyretics Heaters International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kandy Staples, Vijay Sarvepalli, Ming Fu, Jainagesh A. Sekhar
  • Patent number: 5957384
    Abstract: A windshield wiper system for an automotive vehicle is disclosed in which the windshield wiper washer fluid is heated and delivered to the windshield through the rubber wiping element. In one embodiment, the windshield wiper fluid is heated to a substantial level of temperature and pressure within a sealed reservoir by the heat from the engine coolant system. In another embodiment, a tubular electrical high intensity heating element with turbulent counter flow is used to instantly heat the windshield wiper fluid, and the heating element is automatically electrically energized in response to fluid flow through the tubular heating element. In another embodiment electrical direct current vehicle power or selectively alternating current external power is used to heat fluid to a substantial level of temperature and pressure within a sealed insulated reservoir. A novel windshield wiper blade is also disclosed in which the wiper blade has a longitudinally elongated fluid chamber formed along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Jere Rask Lansinger
  • Patent number: 5907663
    Abstract: Disclosed is a far-infrared electric heater mainly including an electric heating coil, an inner element set in the heating coil, and an outer tubular member enclosing and insulating the heating coil and the inner element. The inner element is made by mixing and sintering quartz and far-infrared optical material. Continuous teeth are provided on outer surface of the inner element and/or inner surface of the outer tubular member to increase surface area for enhancing the reflection of the radiant far-infrared rays, so that an object can be heated by the electric heater in a highly efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Wen-Ching Lee
  • Patent number: 5892887
    Abstract: A water heater for use in a carpet cleaning system has a pair of inner copper tubes which are press fit into outer copper sleeves. Each tube/sleeve combination defines a heating chamber. A hollow tubular bridge extends perpendicularly between and in fluid communication with the heating chambers. A heating element extends coaxially into each heating chamber. A small annular clearance extends between each heating element and inner tube. High pressure fluid enters one of the heating units through an inlet/outlet port and circulates through the bridge to the other heating unit for additional heating. An electronic thermostat is mounted to the exterior surface of each outer sleeve at a desired location to detect the temperature of the fluid by monitoring the temperature of the exterior surface of the heating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Venturi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William O. Thomas, Jimmie L. Riley, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5882416
    Abstract: A liquid delivery system for delivery of an initially liquid reagent in vaporized form to a chemical vapor deposition reactor arranged in vapor-receiving relationship to the liquid delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Van Buskirk, Steven M. Bilodeau, Ralph J. Carl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5875283
    Abstract: An immersion heater for corrosive fluids includes an electrically resistive material strand operative upon connection to a source of power to provide heat. A thermally conductive electrically insulating fill material is disposed around the electrically resistive material strand. An electrically conductive sheath encases the fill material. A tubular jacket of a flexible chemically inert material encases the electrically conductive sheath. A fluid flow passage is defined between the tubular jacket and the sheath for allowing a fluid to flow therethrough. The fluid is a purge gas that flows between the sheath and the jacket in order to remove any corrosive fluid which may have penetrated the jacket. A method for manufacturing an immersion heater is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lufran Incorporated
    Inventors: Daryl J. Yane, Howard J. Base
  • Patent number: 5872890
    Abstract: A linear cartridge heater has a cylindrical heater element and an integral, concentrically-mounted current collector element positioned within a fire retardant chlorinated PVC enclosure. The enclosure includes a unitarily-molded mounting flange for sealingly mounting the cartridge heater, a unitarily-molded special "tee" section interconnected with the mounting flange, and an alignment bushing. The alignment bushing is interconnected with the special "tee" section by a pipe section to form a fluid flow path between the alignment bushing and the special "tee" section. The special "tee" section provides an outlet for discharging heated water and a mounting place for a first thermistor temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas David LaCombe
  • Patent number: 5838880
    Abstract: A ground heating system is provided comprising an internal combustion engine which has a shaft output and an exhaust gas stream. An electric alternator/generator is driven by the shaft output of the engine. A working fluid is provided for transferring heat to the ground. A heat exchanger receives the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine and transfers waste heat from the exhaust gas to the working fluid. An electric heating element is provided for converting some of the electric output of the generator into heat and transferring this heat to the working fluid. A pump circulates the working fluid through a ground-engaging heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Ground Heaters, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Edgar Brooks, Jr., Mark Bruckelmyer
  • Patent number: 5828039
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a chemical used in microelectronic device fabrication processes. The apparatus includes a chemical supply and chemical bath for containing a chemical. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the chemical contained in the chemical bath. A first heater, powered by a first electric power source, heats the chemical while it is being supplied to the chemical bath. A second heater, powered by a second electric power source, heats the chemical contained in the chemical bath. First and second power controllers regulate the first electric power and the second electric power sources, respectively, through a plurality of electrodes having different intensity levels that are selected according to the temperature of the chemical sensed by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee-Sun Chae
  • Patent number: 5800787
    Abstract: An electrically heatable honeycomb body includes a plurality of passages which are each defined by partition walls made of an electroconductive material and which are substantially parallel to the direction of a gas flowing through the honeycomb body, and two ends which are the gas inlet and outlet sides of honeycomb body, wherein the heat generation of the honeycomb body by electrification is controlled by adjusting the flow of electricity therein and wherein those cells each constituted by a passage and partition walls, present in the vicinity of each current-concentrating portion are formed in such a structure that the stress caused by current concentration can be reduced. This honeycomb body can reduce the stress caused by current concentration and thereby can prevent the rupture of its cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Kato, Shigeharu Hashimoto, Yoshinobu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5749715
    Abstract: A circulation and heating device for a hot tub, consisting of a motor-pump-unit and a pipe forming a stand, whereby said pipe ends in a dry portion of the pump housing, and contains a rod shaped resistance heating element with the leads on one end which receive their power supply from inside said dry portion, and that the water conveyed through the pipe leaves through a lateral opening of the pipe which communicates with the suction side of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Karsten Andreas Laing
  • Patent number: 5649049
    Abstract: A honeycomb heater including a honeycomb structure which is made of a conductive material and which has a number of passages substantially parallel to a gas flow direction partitioned by partition walls and which has respective providing a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and at least two electrodes for electrification provided on the honeycomb structure. The honeycomb heater is characterized in that besides the passages, orifices which have a larger hydraulic diameter than the passages and which narrow a current flow path are formed at predetermined positions of the honeycomb structure to adjust resistance, whereby a specific region of the honeycomb heater is locally heated more quickly as compared with other regions at the time of the electrification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Abe, Tomoharu Kondo, Keiji Noda
  • Patent number: 5641421
    Abstract: An electrical heating system uses heating elements made of ribbons of amorphous metallic alloys. The heating elements have a large area using long and wide ribbons, to achieve good heat transfer to the surroundings, that is low thermal resistance. The area of the heating elements and thus the thermal resistance is determined according to the desired thermal power, under the constraint of a low operating temperature, that is a temperature well below the embrittlement temperature of the amorphous alloy used in the heating elements. The operating temperature is preferably kept low enough so as not to generate benzopyrene or other unhealthy or ecologically unfavorable fumes or gases. The thin ribbons with low thermal resistance also have a fast heating constant, that is the heater reaches its steady state temperature in a short time. The electrical heating system uses low cost insulation and support materials, that is materials intended for use at low temperatures only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventors: Vladimir Manov, Eliezer Adar, Mark Geller, Evgeni Sorkine, Iosef Margolin
  • Patent number: 5600752
    Abstract: A flexible hose assembly for conveying gas comprising an inner tube member having a reinforcing spring coil that selectively functions as an electric heater engaging the inner surface and an outer flexible tube member having its head and outlet ends closed upon those of the inner member. A second reinforcing spring coil surrounds the outer surface of the outer member such that a dead air space or insulating chamber is formed between the two flexible tubes. Superior insulation, flexibility, energy consumption, weight and strength characteristics are achieved. A temperature responsive electrical device can be mounted near the outlet end of the inside wall of the inner tube with leads extending through the hose exiting the head end for connection to a controller for controlling an external heating or cooling system or for controlling electric power applied to the inner spring coil for directly heating the flowing gas for delivering temperature controlled heated gas to the end user system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Industrial Design Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Lopatinsky
  • Patent number: 5549078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device for submersion within a tank of water to boil the water to produce steam, and for superheating the steam, comprising an outer sleeve; an inner sleeve partially disposed through the outer sleeve and having a proximal end, and a distal end in the form of an outlet port, the inner sleeve further defining a vapor chamber; a heating element disposed within the vapor chamber and in electrical communication with an external electrical power supply, the heating element adapted to produce heat in response to electrical energy from the power supply; a steam inlet tube extending outwardly from the inner tube and in fluid communication with the vapor chamber; and a one way valve disposed within the vapor chamber adjacent the outlet port, the valve adapted to selectively gate the flow of vapor from within the vapor chamber through the outlet port; wherein the heating device is configured to heat the water within the tank to a boil to produce steam, the steam inlet tube ada
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventors: Robert L. Annecharico, Norman Campbell
  • Patent number: 5501842
    Abstract: A metal honeycomb heater is protectively mounted in an axially assembled enclosure comprising opposing tubular enclosure sections incorporating internal bore stops and a resilient mounting material to support the heater. An axial force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the sections during assembly, preloading the resilient mounting material and generating a selected spring tension and preloading force on the honeycomb. The sections are fastened together under this force so that the preloading force and spring tension are retained during subsequent use of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Lawrence S. Rajnik, Paul S. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5494642
    Abstract: An electrically heated catalytic converter having a substrate for a catalyst which is formed as a scroll-like cylindrical laminated assembly, a rod like metal center electrode connected to the laminated assembly, and a casing accommodating the laminated assembly which also acts as an outer electrode. The center electrode extends from the laminated assembly along the central axis, bends towards the wall of the casing and penetrates the casing. The center electrode is fixed to the casing via an insulating material at the point where it penetrates the casing. Four buffer members are interposed between the laminated assembly and the casing, each of buffer members being made of a metal plate, one end of the respective buffer members being fixed to the casing at the portion near the penetration point of the center electrode, the other end of the respective buffer members being fixed to the outside of the laminated assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masakatsu Sanada