Plural Heated Line Sections (e.g., Series Or Parallel, Etc.) Patents (Class 392/490)
  • Patent number: 12007146
    Abstract: A water heater system includes a water heater rack system with a plurality of vertically stacked tankless water heaters and a water heater storage tank and provides the ability to install a water heater in environments where horizontally oriented heater rack systems would not fit. The tankless water heaters comprise a bifurcated vent arrangement with separate intake and exhaust vents. Accordingly, vent pipes of diameters of two (2) inches or less may be used in comparison to coaxial vent arrangements which may have diameters of three inches or more. The smaller vent pipe diameter allows a plurality of water heaters to be stacked, one above the other, such that the water heater rack system has a maximum height of 76 inches or less. This vertical orientation may allow tankless water heaters to be installed in an environment where a horizontally configured plurality of tankless water heaters would not fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Rinnai America Corporation
    Inventors: Ansley Houston, Parth Patel, Rohan Scafe
  • Patent number: 9822985
    Abstract: A radiant heating system includes a housing and a plurality of heating elements. The housing includes a top cover configured to cover and seal an upper surface of the housing and a coolant directing enclosure positioned on an upper interior surface of the top cover. The top cover includes a plurality of openings, an inlet configured to allow a coolant to enter into the housing and an outlet configured to allow the coolant to exit the housing. The plurality of heating elements are configured to be inserted into the plurality of openings of the top cover such that the plurality of heating elements project into the housing and contact a coolant. A diameter of the inlet is greater than a diameter of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: DYNACURRENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Ray King
  • Patent number: 9587853
    Abstract: A liquid heater such as a direct electrical resistance liquid heater having multiple flow channels is provided with a temperature-sensing element in the form of a wire extending across numerous channels, preferably all of the channels, near the downstream ends of the channels. The resistance of the wire represents the average temperature of the liquid passing through all of the channels, and hence the temperature of the mixed liquid exiting from the heater. A bubble suppressing structure is provided in the vicinity of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Heatworks Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Bowers, Gregory S. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20150131981
    Abstract: Provided is a heating device which makes it possible to effectively perform heat exchange between a heating element and a heat medium without increasing the number of components, and further to eliminate air retention and increase of a pressure loss. A heating device 1 is constituted of a case 2 including therein a flow path 3 through which a heat medium flows, and an electric heating wire heater 4 disposed in the flow path of the case to heat the heat medium. The case comprises a first case section 6 and a second case section 7 each of which has at least one opened surface and which are connected to each other in a state where respective openings are made to abut on each other, and a plate-like gasket 8 which is interposed between abutment portions of the first case section and the second case section, and seals a space between both the case sections, and the gasket controls the flow of the heat medium in the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Yusuke Sakai, Hiroyuki Yokoyama, Shinji Tagami
  • Publication number: 20150110479
    Abstract: A heating device of an instant hot water dispenser is provided with an inlet, an outlet, a PCB, a solenoid valve, a flow meter, a first heating unit, and a second heating unit. The PCB includes a first transformer for supplying DC to the first heating unit, a second transformer for supplying DC to the second heating unit, a receiver for receiving pulses of IR light from a remote control, and a microcontroller electrically connected to the PCB for controlling the solenoid valve, sensing a flow rate measured by the flow meter, and communicating with the receiver so that an operation of the remote control wirelessly commands the microcontroller to control electric current to the first and second heating units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Kuo Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 8890039
    Abstract: A method for heating a fluid line system with at least two electric heating elements (R1, R2, R3), which are operated electrically in parallel and each heating element (R1/R2/R3) is separately supplied with a controlled operating current (I1/I2/I3) for adjusting its heating power. Furthermore, the invention relates to a heating system for such a fluid line system (1), in particular for the application of the method according to the present invention. The heating system has heating elements (R1-R3) which are electrically connected in parallel and are each connected to a separate control element (T1, T2, T3). Each heating element (R1/R2/R3) can be controlled via its associated control element (T1, T2, T3) for the individual adjustment of its heating power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Etscheid, Olav Borgmeier, Thomas Schüler
  • Publication number: 20140314399
    Abstract: A water heating pod includes at least one water heating module packaged within a container. The water heating module includes a plurality of water heating units in fluid communication with a basin. The basin is configured to support a first fluid communication between the water heating units and provide a second fluid isolation between the water heating units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ARMSTRONG HOT WATER, INC.
    Inventors: James B. Baker, IV, Matthew Dautle, Brad Allison
  • Publication number: 20140314398
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical liquid heating device for a motor vehicle. The heating device comprises at least a first (7a) and a second (7b) heating module for heating the aforementioned liquid, defining at least one circuit (15) for guiding the liquid to be heated. The device is characterised in that the heating modules (7a, 7b) each have a generally cylindrical shape and are arranged side by side substantially in parallel. The invention also relates to a heating and/or air-conditioning unit for a motor vehicle, comprising such a heating device (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Valeo Sytemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Frederic Pierron, Laurent Tellier, Jose Leborgne
  • Patent number: 8768154
    Abstract: A representatively pumpless water heater system has an instantaneous water heater coupled in series with a storage water heater by piping circuitry incorporating a fixed (and selectively fixed) bypass useable to route pressurized incoming cold water sequentially through the instantaneous and storage type heaters. The fixed bypass can also route pressurized incoming cold water to mix with the heated water exiting the instantaneous heater for delivery to the storage heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Daichi L Nakagawa, Kevin J Pirotin
  • Publication number: 20140056580
    Abstract: To improve temperature distribution of fluid in a flow channel of a microfluidic device in which a resistive element disposed in substrate as that in which the channel is formed is heated to control the temperature in accordance with resistance of the element, provided is a microfluidic device including: a substrate; a flow channel disposed in the substrate for flowing through fluid therein; a first resistive element for primarily heating the fluid; and multiple second resistive elements for supplementarily heating the fluid, the elements being disposed at positions different from position where the first element is disposed. A microfluidic apparatus operating the device stores a relational expression between a temperature of the fluid and resistance of the first element, and a fixed value of a ratio between a heat energy input into the first and second element, and controls the temperature in accordance with the expression and the value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirotomo Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20130308930
    Abstract: An electric heating device includes a main tube which includes multiple heating areas. Each heating area has a hating bar received therein to provide thermal energy to the liquid passing through the heating areas and to increase the temperature of the liquid. A control unit has multiple control members and each control member is electrically connected to and controls one of the heating bars. Each of the control members has a heat dissipating tube connected thereto. The multiple heating areas are cooperated respective heating bars to increase the contact areas between the liquid and the heating bars to quickly increase the temperature of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Yu-Chen LIN
  • Patent number: 8450666
    Abstract: A water boiling device includes a heat tank unit received in a machine body, a high frequency induction heater, and a heat pipe unit. The heat tank unit includes first and second heating tanks in communication with each other. Outside water can flow into the first and second heating tanks. The high frequency induction heater includes a heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils. The heat pipe unit includes first and second heating pipes. An upper section of each heating pipe is received in one of the heating tanks, and a lower section of each heating pipe extends out of the heating tanks and is inserted into the heat pipe induction coil. The first and second heating tanks will heat up to heat the water in the first and second heating tanks when a high frequency current is passed through the heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Shun-Chi Yang, Mao-Hsiung Yang, Tsung-Chuan Yang, Fang-Ming Wu, Cheng-Yen Wu
  • Publication number: 20130058637
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating or cooling a fluid is provided. In one embodiment, a heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger includes a first subassembly comprising an insert. The insert comprises a body having a blind passage formed axially in the body, a plurality of nozzles formed therein, and a first plurality of heat exchange elements disposed within the body. The heat exchanger also comprises a second subassembly comprising a sleeve and a second plurality of heat exchange elements disposed within the sleeve, wherein the insert is sealably engaged inside the sleeve and the insert and the sleeve cooperatively define a thin gap, and wherein each of the plurality of nozzles are disposed radially between the blind passage and the thin gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Tao Hou, Son T. Nguyen, Kenric T. Choi, Anh N. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130055902
    Abstract: The device (2) comprises: a first water heater (9), having at least a first water duct (45) and at least a first heating member (43); and a second water heater (23), having at least a second water duct (55). The first water heater (9) and the second water heater (23) are in thermal connection the one to the other one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Giovanni Berto, Massimo Baldo, Marco Santini
  • Patent number: 8297525
    Abstract: A digital control system for a tankless water heater assembly designed to heat water on a continuous basis as it passes from a conventional water source and through a heating system. The digital control system comprises a display capable of displaying at least three display modes. The first display mode displays a power setting in the form of a bar graph, and real-time voltage used and efficiency in percentage form. The second display mode displays kilowatt usage and percentage draw. The second display mode is defined as a “generator mode” because a generator unit displays actual kilowatts the tankless water heater assembly is using. While in the second display mode, a user can manually adjust the kilowatts to be used. The third display mode displays amperage draw and actual power usage in percentage form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Niagara Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Luis Bolivar
  • Patent number: 8280236
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a system for heating a liquid, such as, for example, water, comprising a plurality of liquid heaters, the inlets and outlets of which are respectively connected in a parallel flow relationship by respective manifolds, and configured to provide liquid having a temperature of greater than about 90 degrees Fahrenheit at a flow rate of greater than about 10 gallons per minute. In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electric tankless liquid heater system capable of delivering hot liquids, and in particular water, at even higher flow rates and or temperatures, including, but not limited to, flow rates greater than about: (1) 12 gpm; (2) 18 gpm; (3) 20 gpm; and (5) 20 gpm; and/or temperatures of greater than about: (1) 100° F.; (2) 120° F.; (3) 140° F.; and (4) 180° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Eemax Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward Vincent Fabrizio
  • Patent number: 8249437
    Abstract: A hybrid heater that includes a structural mass into which passages are provided to create a labyrinth for chemical flow through the structural mass, the passages being sized and disposed to receive a plurality of heater rods such that the chemical is traversed through the passages in direct contact with the heater rods. A coiled spring may be disposed or other spiral arrangement provided in the space between and against the walls of the passages and the heater rod to facilitate flow uniformity around the rods. A temperature sensor may be provided in direct contact with the heating element and may be fitted with a mass sleeve to draw off any excess heat on the sensor during transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis S. Commette, Jerome Priest
  • Patent number: 8119952
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that is designed to be connected to an electrical power supply. The system comprises a plurality of electric load component comprising stages for cooperatively producing an output (Tout), each stage in a first subset of the stages comprising at least one electrical load component having a first load and each stage in a second subset of the stages comprising at least one electrical load component having a second load, the first load being larger than the second load. The system has a controller for controlling the electrical load components. The controller is designed to estimate voltage variations on the electrical power supply from the switching frequencies of the respective electrical load components during a predefined time frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Tim Palmer, Paul Winter, Brendan Ronayne, Matthew Charles Bradley Lumb
  • Patent number: 8104434
    Abstract: In various aspects, the present invention provides an electric tankless liquid heater system capable of delivering liquid, such as, for example, water, with an acceptable increase in output liquid temperature upon a sudden and substantial decrease in liquid demand. In various aspects, the electric tankless liquid heater comprises an inlet manifold and a plurality of liquid heaters the inlets of which are connected in a parallel flow relationship by the inlet manifold, and the outlets of which are each connected to a separate outlet conduit, and which is configured to provide water to a plurality of automatic water fixtures with a less than about 2° F. (about 1.1° C.) increase in output water temperature upon about a one-and-a-half-fold or greater decrease in water demand that occurs in less than about 500 milliseconds as measured by the increase time of the inlet liquid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Eemax, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Vincent Fabrizio
  • Patent number: 8064758
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a system for heating a liquid, such as, for example, water, comprising a plurality of liquid heaters, the inlets and outlets of which are respectively connected in a parallel flow relationship by respective manifolds, and configured to provide liquid having a temperature of greater than about 90 degrees Fahrenheit at a flow rate of greater than about 10 gallons per minute. In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electric tankless liquid heater system capable of delivering hot liquids, and in particular water, at even higher flow rates and or temperatures, including, but not limited to, flow rates greater than about: (1) 12 gpm; (2) 18 gpm; (3) 20 gpm; and (5) 20 gpm; and/or temperatures of greater than about: (1) 100° F.; (2) 120° F.; (3) 140° F.; and (4) 180° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Eemax, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Vincent Fabrizio
  • Patent number: 7822326
    Abstract: A hybrid heater that includes a structural mass into which passages are provided to create a labyrinth for chemical flow through the structural mass, the passages being sized and disposed to receive a plurality of heater rods such that the chemical is traversed through the passages in direct contact with the heater rods. A coiled spring may be disposed or other spiral arrangement provided in the space between and against the walls of the passages and the heater rod to facilitate flow uniformity around the rods. A temperature sensor may be provided in direct contact with the heating element and may be fitted with a mass sleeve to draw off any excess heat on the sensor during transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis S. Commette, Jerome Priest
  • Patent number: 7773868
    Abstract: A method of delivering hot water to a water fixture in which a supplemental hot water heater is installed before the cold water inlet of a tankless hot water heater. The supplemental hot water heater is used to recirculate heated water through the tankless hot water heater at a flow rate below the minimum flow rate of the tankless hot water heater (the flow rate at which the tankless heater's heating element is activated) so that water entering the tankless hot water heater is pre-heated by the supplemental hot water heater without activating the heating element of the tankless hot water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Lyndal Moore
  • Patent number: 7731491
    Abstract: A fuel storage device in accordance with a present invention includes a fuel containing substance and a heater in thermal communication with the fuel containing substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: L. Chris Mann, Makarand P. Gore
  • Publication number: 20100086289
    Abstract: Modular tankless water heater apparatus designed for use in a system including a water supply conduit and a hot water conduit. The apparatus includes a heating tube assembly with a plurality of tubes positioned in parallel juxtaposition and connected adjacent the ends into a series connected configuration to form a continuous fluid passage. A heating element is enclosed in each tube and extends between the ends with each heating element including an electrical connector and an electrical control. A programmable electrical power controller is connected to the electrical controls of the heating elements and to flow sensor and heat sensor apparatus positioned in the continuous fluid passage. The controller is programmed to activate the electrical controls one at a time in response to a demand signal from the flow sensor and heat sensor apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Gregg C. Johnson, Stephen D. Neale, Scott A. Holland
  • Publication number: 20090285569
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a system for heating a liquid, such as, for example, water, comprising a plurality of liquid heaters, the inlets and outlets of which are respectively connected in a parallel flow relationship by respective manifolds, and configured to provide liquid having a temperature of greater than about 90 degrees Fahrenheit at a flow rate of greater than about 10 gallons per minute. In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electric tankless liquid heater system capable of delivering hot liquids, and in particular water, at even higher flow rates and or temperatures, including, but not limited to, flow rates greater than about: (1) 12 gpm; (2) 18 gpm; (3) 20 gpm; and (5) 20 gpm; and/or temperatures of greater than about: (1) 100° F.; (2) 120° F.; (3) 140° F.; and (4) 180° F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: EEMAX, INC
    Inventor: Edward Vincent Fabrizio
  • Patent number: 7616873
    Abstract: A flow-through instantaneous fluid heater system is designed to satisfy the need for a heater not limited by being connected to a storage tank and which can be made using a plastic casing, incorporating cool-down when out of service and with features of venting and simplified flushing and draining. The system incorporates the use of one or more compartments, usually assembled in two compartment modules connected in series. Each compartment includes a casing having a hollow cylindrical interior region. An inlet aperture is located at one end of the casing and an outlet aperture is located at the other end of the casing. The lower end of each casing is closed by a removable base and the upper end of the casing is closed by a top plate and a heating element. The heating element is positioned axially in the interior region of the compartment. The heating element is activated by a control system which senses and compares temperatures of the water at the compartment outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: David E. Seitz
  • Patent number: 7567751
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a system for heating a liquid, such as, for example, water, comprising a plurality of liquid heaters, the inlets and outlets of which are respectively connected in a parallel flow relationship by respective manifolds, and configured to provide liquid having a temperature of greater than about 90 degrees Fahrenheit at a flow rate of greater than about 10 gallons per minute. In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electric tankless liquid heater system capable of delivering hot liquids, and in particular water, at even higher flow rates and or temperatures, including, but not limited to, flow rates greater than about: (1) 6 gpm; (2) 9 gpm; and (3) 12 gpm; and/or temperatures of greater than about: (1) 100° F.; (2) 120° F.; (3) 140° F.; and (4) 180° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Eemax, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Vincent Fabrizio
  • Patent number: 7460769
    Abstract: Modular water heating systems include a self-standing rack on which one or two separate tankless water heaters and a separate water storage tank are mounted. A pump recirculates the water between the storage tank and the water heater or heaters to maintain a drawdown supply of hot water. The various water lines between the tankless water heater or heaters, storage tank and water circulation pump may include isolation valves, quick connectors and flexible lines for easy replacement of any of the component parts as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: William R. Ryks
  • Publication number: 20080258092
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided having two valve sections, each having a tubular passageway portion and when joined together, defining a ball cavity in communication with the tubular passageways. One of the body sections is provided with an inlet/outlet in communication with the ball cavity as well as a spindle flange. An elongate spindle extends through the spindle flange projecting into the ball cavity region to rotate a spherical ball element between an open and a bypass position. The ball valve has a primary elongate passage which interconnects the two tubular passage portions in the valve body sections when the ball valve is in the open position. When the ball valve is rotated to the bypass position, the tubular passage portion of one of the ball body sections is sealed closed while the other tubular passage portion communicates with an internal bypass port within the ball valve which in turn, communicates with the auxiliary inlet/outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Giulio Pettinaroli, Sergio Anchisi
  • Publication number: 20080152331
    Abstract: Modular water heating systems include a self-standing rack on which one or two separate tankless water heaters and a separate water storage tank are mounted. A pump recirculates the water between the storage tank and the water heater or heaters to maintain a drawdown supply of hot water. The various water lines between the tankless water heater or heaters, storage tank and water circulation pump may include isolation valves, quick connectors and flexible lines for easy replacement of any of the component parts as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: William R. Ryks
  • Publication number: 20080085106
    Abstract: A two stage water heater assembly comprising a tankless stage, which preheats water, and water storage tank stage, which stores the preheated water and maintains the water at a desire temperature. This water heater assembly provides the user with an unlimited supply of hot water on demand while doing so in a more energy efficient manner than either an inline tankless water heater or a traditional tank-type water heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Scott L. Jenson
  • 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: 7113695
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat treatment system, which includes a treatment chamber having an input port and a discharge port for charging and discharging materials to be treated. A heating system including a plurality of pipe-like heaters positioned one after another in serial arrangement is provided so that the heating temperature is gradually increased for heating the steam or the atomized water introduced from the water feeding system into the heaters by applying voltage on the heaters to turn the steam and the atomized water to superheated steam, and for performing heat treatment on the materials to be treated by injecting the superheated steam into the treatment chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignees: Aoki Kogyo Kabushikikaisha
    Inventor: Tatsumi Ono
  • Patent number: 7088915
    Abstract: A tankless water heater module is disclosed and includes a casing having a first end, a second end and a plurality of conduits formed therein. A top head manifold is coupled to the first end of the casing and includes a port aligned with each of the plurality of conduits. A bottom head manifold is coupled to the second end of the casing and includes a port aligned with each of the plurality of conduits. An immersion heating element extends through each port of the top head manifold and into the conduit aligned therewith. A flow path extends through the plurality of conduits, the plurality of conduits coupled in fluid communication by channels between ports of the top head manifold and a channel between ports of the bottom head manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ion Tankless, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Sturm, Joseph M. Sullivan, Thomas J. Shortland, Kevin Hay, Gregg C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7046922
    Abstract: A tankless water heater module is disclosed and includes a casing having a first end, a second end and a plurality of conduits formed therein. A top head manifold is coupled to the first end of the casing and includes a port aligned with each of the plurality of conduits. A bottom head manifold is coupled to the second end of the casing and includes a port aligned with each of the plurality of conduits. An immersion heating element extends through each port of the top head manifold and into the conduit aligned therewith. A flow path extends through the plurality of conduits, the plurality of conduits coupled in fluid communication by channels between ports of the top head manifold and a channel between ports of the bottom head manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ion Tankless, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Sturm, Joseph M. Sullivan, Thomas J. Shortland, Kevin Hay, Gregg C. Johnson
  • 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: 6909843
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a system for heating a liquid, such as, for example, water, comprising a plurality of liquid heaters, the inlets and outlets of which are respectively connected in a parallel flow relationship by respective manifolds, and configured to provide liquid having a temperature of greater than about 90 degrees Fahrenheit at a flow rate of greater than about 10 gallons per minute. In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electric tankless liquid heater system capable of delivering hot liquids, and in particular water, at even higher flow rates and or temperatures, including, but not limited to, flow rates greater than about: (1) 12 gpm; (2) 18 gpm; (3) 20 gpm; and (5) 20 gpm; and/or temperatures of greater than about: (1) 100° F.; (2) 120° F.; (3) 140° F.; and (4) 180° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Eemax Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward Vincent Fabrizio
  • Publication number: 20040131346
    Abstract: A water heater system that will provide 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: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Roland J. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 6701069
    Abstract: An improved pre-heating, contiguous in-line water heater is described. The in-line water heater utilizes a passive heating means to passively heat at least a portion of the input water received by the in-line water heater. The result is a more cost efficient water heater. The in-line water heater is integrated with a control means to receive input from various sensor and to regulate the operation of the in-line water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventors: Cem Cezayirli, Mel Silvers, Chester Z. Gates
  • Patent number: 6600875
    Abstract: Water flow heater with a first heater element (20) for supplying a fixed power, a second, controllable heater element (30), a temperature sensor (40, 50) for measuring the temperature of heated water, and a control unit (22, 32, 80) for controlling the heat supply from the second heater element (30) in dependence on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor (40, 50). A water flowrate lying within a predetermined range is safeguarded in that a pump (60) is provided for generating a water flow through a channel (13), and the control unit is designed so as to activate the heater elements (20, 30) in dependence on activation of the pump (60). As a result, the first heater element (20) of fixed power can have a comparatively high power rating without the risk of water being too strongly heated thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Hans Kodden, Thijs De Haan, Simon Kaastra
  • Patent number: 6574426
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Byron Blanco, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6539173
    Abstract: A water heater apparatus for aircraft applications has three water heating tubes joined in series interconnection and positioned in side-by-side adjacency, where each of the tubes provides an electrical resistance heater part of a 3 phase electrical power circuit. Each tube also has a thermostat, and an electrical circuit breaker. The thermostats establish an open electrical circuit if water temperature exceeds a temperature set point. The circuit breakers establish an open circuit if electric current flow exceeds an electrical current set point. The apparatus uses a pressure check valve to expel pressure from the water heating tubes when pressure exceeds a water pressure set point. A temperature sensor is positioned for sensing water temperature at a water outlet and an ultrasonic water flow sensing switch identifies water flow in the water heating tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dynamo Aviation, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong S. Chu
  • Patent number: 6532339
    Abstract: A spiral shaped device for thermally processing a gas stream and a method of use thereof is provided. The spiral shaped device has at least one sidewall formed into a coil; at least one spiral passage, defined by the sidewall, for directing the gas stream through the device, and having an inlet and an outlet; and a matrix of heat resistant inert media disposed in at least a portion of the device. The device is particularly useful as a recuperative flameless thermal oxidizer for oxidizing organic material contained in the gas stream or as a heat exchanger. When the device is used as a flameless thermal oxidizer, the device preferably has at least two coiled sidewalls; at least two spiral passages defined by the coiled sidewalls; a chamber located proximate to the interior ends of the coiled sidewalls for directing the gas stream from the spiral inlet passage to spiral outlet passage; and a matrix of heat resistant inert media, preferably disposed in at least the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Thermatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Edgar, Richard J. Martin, Michael P. Barkdoll
  • Patent number: 6463999
    Abstract: A multiloop temperature-control system has a hydraulic bus connected to a plurality of loops for the temperature-control medium and respective hydraulic modules connected to the hydraulic bus, and through the hydraulic bus, to these loops. Plug connectors join each hydraulic module with an electrical supply and control module and the supply and control modules in turn are connected by plug and jack connectors to an electrical bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: GWK Gesellschaft Warme Kaltetechnik mbH
    Inventor: Reinhold Jung
  • Patent number: 6418276
    Abstract: A method for heating water rapidly at low power requirement includes the steps of (1) energizing and heating a heating element of a first heating device for a first period; (2) simultaneously de-energizing the heating element of the first heating device, forcing cold water to flow from a first reservoir to a second reservoir via the first heating device such that the cold water is heated to form warm water, and energizing and heating a heating element of a second heating device for a second period; and (3) simultaneously de-energizing the heating element of the second heating device and forcing the warm water from the second reservoir into the second heating device such that the warm water is heated to form hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Olivia Huang
  • Patent number: 6282371
    Abstract: An integrated oxidation-reduction process whereby a thermal oxidation zone and a NOx reduction zone are incorporated into a single device. A thermal oxidation and catalytic reduction system having a multi-spiral, heat recuperative configuration and including a lean NOx catalytic section disposed in the low-temperature regions is disclosed, as is a corresponding method. The catalyst may be disposed on the oxidizer walls or on a matrix of porous inert media disposed in the spiral passages of the oxidizer. A film-injection technique to selectively provide reactants to the catalyst surface is also disclosed. The catalyst may be limited to a concave portion of a sidewall to diminish boundary layer separation of the reactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventors: Richard J. Martin, Bradley L. Edgar, Dorriah L. Page, Partha P. Paul
  • Patent number: 6240250
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Byron Blanco, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6076359
    Abstract: Provided is a novel system and method for delivery of a gas from a liquified state. The system includes: (a) a compressed liquified gas cylinder having a gas line connected thereto through which the gas is withdrawn; (b) a gas cylinder cabinet in which the gas cylinder is housed; and (c) means for increasing the heat transfer rate between ambient and the gas cylinder without increasing the temperature of the liquid in the gas cylinder above ambient temperature. The apparatus and method allow for the controlled delivery of liquified gases from gas cabinets at high flowrates. Particular applicability is found in the delivery of gases to semiconductor process tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: American Air Liquide Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jurcik, Richard Udischas, Hwa-Chi Wang
  • Patent number: 5947722
    Abstract: A particulate material heating system and method for heating particulate material having a core which is heated to a predetermined temperature. The core has a plurality of serpentine passages which receive particulate material from a metering device having a plurality of gears which meter the particulate material into the serpentine passages. Gravity causes the particulate material to pass through the serpentine passages such that the particulate material is agitated as it passes through the serpentine passages, thereby causing a substantial portion of the particulate material to come into contact with the core and become heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: IAP Research, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Bauer
  • 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.