With Baffle-defined Flow Path Patents (Class 392/491)
  • Patent number: 11856663
    Abstract: A PTC liquid heating device comprises a housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A PTC heating unit is inserted into the housing and extends along the longitudinal axis. The PTC heating unit includes a sleeve, a heat conductor and at least one PTC heating core. The heat conductor has a pair of metal profiles defining at least one chamber, the at least one chamber extending along the longitudinal axis to receive the at least one PTC heating core. The heat conductor is located in the sleeve and has a shape matching the sleeve. The PTC liquid heating device provides uniform and efficient heat transfer. In addition, the PTC liquid heating device has improved corrosion resistance and insulation properties, thereby prolonging the service life of the PTC liquid heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shuiyong Huang, Jiang Xu, Guoping Li
  • Patent number: 10849316
    Abstract: An apparatus to identify upside-down eggs of a batch of eggs includes a heating module configured to expose an air cell in each egg of the batch of eggs to a radiation flux. The apparatus also includes an imaging module with a thermal camera configured to capture thermal images of the batch of eggs when the eggs are not exposed to the radiation flux. The apparatus further includes an analyzer module configured to detect the presence of a heated zone in the air cell of each egg from the thermal images and identify upside-down eggs based on the presence of the heated zone. A method to identify upside-down eggs from a batch of eggs includes heating the batch of eggs with a radiation source, such as an infrared source, so as to generate a hot zone inside an air cell of each egg without significantly heating the rest of the eggs. Thermal images of the eggs are captured while the eggs are not exposed to the radiation source, analyzed to detect the presence of the hot zone and to identify the upside down eggs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: EGG-CHICK AUTOMATED TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Bertrand Malet, Laura Trubuil, Maharavo Andriamiarisoa
  • Patent number: 9233402
    Abstract: A steam generator for a surface cleaning apparatus is described. The steam generator includes: a first chamber for generating steam and collecting scale; a water inlet disposed proximate a first end of the first chamber; a heater in thermal contact with the first chamber; a second chamber housed within the first chamber and in fluid communication with the first chamber; and a steam outlet for releasing steam and in fluid communication with the second chamber, wherein the steam outlet is disposed distal to the first end of the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Charles J. Morgan
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9014548
    Abstract: Provided is a cooling-water heating type heater, and more particularly, a cooling-water heating type heater capable of effectively heating cooling-water, using a first pipe with a cylindrical first heating part and a second pipe with a second heating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation
    Inventor: Kil Sang Jang
  • 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: 20140226961
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a heated fluid. The apparatus includes at least a preheat zone, an expansion zone, and an expanded zone comprising a plurality of trim heaters, at least one fluid flow-distribution sheet, and an outlet. The apparatus may be used for delivering the heated fluid onto a moving fluid-permeable substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew W. Chen, Andrew R. Fox, Scott A. Jerde, William P. Klinzing, Bradley K. Kucera, Patrick J. Sager, James C. Breister
  • Patent number: 8759718
    Abstract: An electrical motor-vehicle auxiliary heating device is held in a housing forming oppositely situated air passage areas with formed air passage apertures. A flow resistance element protrudes beyond the outer side of the housing, is manufactured as a component independent of the housing, and is connected to it. The invention also relates to a motor-vehicle air conditioning device with an air conditioning housing which accommodates a motor-vehicle auxiliary heating system and which forms at least one flow channel, which leads to the motor-vehicle auxiliary heating and forms an insertion opening for the motor-vehicle auxiliary heating as well as a boundary wall situated opposite the insertion opening. At least one flow resistance element is provided that is manufactured as a component independent of the housing and the air conditioning housing and that bridges a clearance distance between the housing and the wall(s) of the air conditioning housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Eberspacher Catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Clade, Franz Bohlender
  • Patent number: 8728219
    Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Gaumer Company Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras
  • Patent number: 8731386
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric heating device for heating fluids, comprising at least one heating rod, which has at least one heating element, a housing, which encloses the heating rod and has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are interconnected by a winding flow channel. According to the invention, the flow channel forms a helix that has a longitudinal axis, wherein the heating rod is disposed next to the longitudinal axis of the helix and extends through a helically winding wall of the flow channel at a plurality of points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Waechter, Michael Stoerzinger, Bernd Halbrock, Alexander Dauth, Klaus Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20140131343
    Abstract: A heating device comprises a heater having a first surface and a second surface, with the second surface being generally opposite of the first surface. The heater is configured to receive an electrical current and convert it to heat. The heating device additionally includes at least one heat transfer assembly positioned along the first and/or second surface of the heater. In one embodiment, the heat transfer assembly includes a plurality of fins that generally define a plurality of fin spaces through which fluids may pass. In some arrangements, the heating device comprises an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the heater and one or more of the heat transfer assemblies. Heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly. In addition, fluids passing through the fin spaces are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventor: Ryan Walsh
  • Patent number: 8724978
    Abstract: Provided is a fluid heating device that is small in size and capable of heating a large flow of gas or liquid at a low cost. A flow path in which no backwater is produced is provided by providing grooved flow paths of a fluid are provided over an outer side surface of a metallic circular cylinder such that a fluid passing through a narrowed one of the flow paths impinges perpendicularly against a wall of the next flow path. This allows instantaneous heat exchange within a small space, and makes manufacturing of such a structure simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Philtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Furumura, Naomi Mura, Shinji Nishihara, Noriyoshi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20140050466
    Abstract: The invention relates to a electric heating device for heating fluids, comprising at least one heating resistor, a screw, which defines a helical flow channel, and a tube housing, which surrounds the screw. In accordance with this disclosure, the screw has a core in which the at least one heating resistor is arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Giffels, Helmut Mueller, Ralph Waechter, Michael Stoerzinger, Bernd Halbrock, Alexander Dauth, Klaus Lehmann
  • Patent number: 8600223
    Abstract: An integrated in-line heater for a liquid food or beverage preparation machine, in which liquid is circulated through the heater and then guided into a brewing chamber for brewing a food or beverage ingredient, for instance within a pod or capsule, supplied into the brewing chamber. An upstream part of the brewing chamber may be formed by the heater. One or more electric components may be incorporated into the heater and rigidly connected to a printed circuit board. The heater may have a tubular inner core that is eccentric with respect to a tubular or prismatic outer member which form together a helicoidal heating chamber of variable cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Stefan Etter, Gilles Gavillet, Thomas Hodel, Alexandre Kollep, Peter Möri, Renzo Moser, Peter Preisig, Robin Schwab
  • Publication number: 20130302021
    Abstract: Provided is a fluid heating device that is small in size and capable of heating a large flow of gas or liquid at a low cost. A flow path in which no backwater is produced is provided by providing grooved flow paths of a fluid are provided over an outer side surface of a metallic circular cylinder such that a fluid passing through a narrowed one of the flow paths impinges perpendicularly against a wall of the next flow path. This allows instantaneous heat exchange within a small space, and makes manufacturing of such a structure simple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: PHILTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Yuji FURUMURA, Naomi MURA, Shinji NISHIHARA, Noriyoshi SHIMIZU
  • Patent number: 8521014
    Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras
  • Patent number: 8463117
    Abstract: A water heating apparatus includes a water tank having a plurality of sidewalls, a main heating member mounted inside and across the water tank, and at least one secondary heating or partition member extending between the main heating member and the sidewalls to form at least one water compartment with a water path. At least one tertiary heating member is provided on the inner surface of the water tank. The partition member can be spiral in shape. Each heating member has at least a multi-layer conductive coating of nano-thickness deposited thereon, and electrodes coupled to the multi-layer conductive coating. The multi-layer conductive coating comprises a structure and composition which stabilize performance of the heating member at high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Materials Enterprises Company Limited
    Inventor: Wing Yiu Yeung
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8395089
    Abstract: An electrical heating device, which includes a housing, in which at least one heat generating element with at least one PTC element and electrical strip conductors abutting oppositely situated lateral faces of the PTC element and a plurality of heat dissipating elements arranged in parallel layers are accommodated, which are held abutted on oppositely situated sides of the heat generating element. An electrical heating device according to the invention and which fulfils the practical requirements, in particular with high voltage operation in an improved manner has at least one heat dissipating element which is situated, with the intermediate positioning of an electrically insulating layer, on the assigned heat generating element and can be electrically connected to a ground potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Eberspacher catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Bohlender, Michael Niederer, Holger Reiss
  • Patent number: 8395097
    Abstract: An electrical heating device, includes a housing in which at least one heat generating element with at least one PTC element and electrical strip conductors abutting oppositely situated lateral faces of the PTC element and a plurality of heat dissipating elements arranged in parallel layers are accommodated. The heat dissipating elements are held abutted on oppositely situated sides of the heat generating element, with the intermediate positioning of an electrical insulation. In order to be capable of improved high voltage operation, at least one conducting element electrically connects together a plurality of heat dissipating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Eberspacher catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Bohlender, Michael Niederer, Holger Reiss
  • Patent number: 8391696
    Abstract: A feed gas conditioner includes a passageway with a plurality of heating elements positioned within the passageway. A plurality of baffle assemblies can cause a fluid flowing through the feed gas conditioner to flow in a serpentine flow pattern so that the fluid flows transverse to at least a portion of the heating elements. The baffle assemblies can each include two or more baffle elements, the baffle elements being positioned at an angle relative to each other. The heating elements can pass through passages within one or more of the baffle elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras
  • Patent number: 8391695
    Abstract: A liquid heating unit for use in a vehicle surface cleaning and deicing system, the liquid heating unit including a liquid heating assembly, having an inlet through which a washing fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning at least one vehicle surface, at least one heating element for heating fluid in the liquid heating assembly and a freeze protection element located in the liquid heating assembly, the freeze protection element including a deformable container being deformable in at least two generally perpendicular axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: M-Heat Investors, LLC
    Inventors: Uri Arkashovski, Vychislav Ivanov, Joseph Rogozinski
  • Patent number: 8358922
    Abstract: A fluid heating device is provided that is to be mounted in a continuous flow heater and includes at least one heating element embodied as an electric resistance heater, and at least one heat exchanging element that is connected in a heat-conducting manner to the heating element and the fluid so as to transfer the heat generated by the heating element to the fluid. The heat exchanging element forms an integral housing component of a pressure-resistant and temperature-resistant continuous flow heater and is provided with an essentially planar central area on which the heating element is mounted. In order to produce a continuous flow heater, the heating device is joined in a positive, pressure-resistant, and thermally stable manner to a molded part encompassing at least one inlet and at least one outlet so as to form a fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Stickel
  • Publication number: 20130016959
    Abstract: A radiant heating system comprising a substantially hollow housing having detachable baffle plates internally positioned within the housing. The housing has an inlet and outlet for a flow of coolant to enter into and leave the housing, and a top plate sealing the upper surface of the housing has openings defined therein for insertion of heating elements to project into the housing and be in direct contact with the coolant to heat it. The inlet and the outlet are interconnected with piping to form a closed fluid flow circuit. Two or more baffle plates are used to increase turbulence of the coolant within the housing as it flows through, and temporarily keep coolant in the housing longer to heat it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Ray King
  • Patent number: 8346069
    Abstract: A water heating apparatus includes a water tank and at least one heating member mounted inside the water tank. The heating member includes a heating body, at least a multi-layer conductive coating of nano-thickness deposited on the heating body, and electrodes coupled to the multi-layer conductive coating. The multi-layer conductive coating includes a structure and composition which stabilize performance of the heating member at high temperature. The heating body can be made of ceramic glass in the form of a flat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Materials Enterprises Company Limited
    Inventor: Wing Yiu Yeung
  • Patent number: 8295692
    Abstract: A feed gas conditioner includes a passageway with a plurality of heating elements positioned within the passageway. A plurality of baffle assemblies can cause a fluid flowing through the feed gas conditioner to flow in a serpentine flow pattern so that the fluid flows transverse to at least a portion of the heating elements. The baffle assemblies can each include two or more baffle elements, the baffle elements being positioned at an angle relative to each other. The heating elements can pass through passages within one or more of the baffle elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras
  • Patent number: 8249439
    Abstract: A high-pressure gas-heating device has a pressurized container (1) carrying a gas, a heating element (3) arranged in the pressurized container (1), and an insulation (2). The insulation (2) is arranged on the interior wall of the pressurized container (1). The pressurized container (1) is designed for pressures of to 100 bar, and at least one flow distributor element (5) is arranged in an inflow area of the pressurized container (1) to distribute the inflowing gas over the entire width of the heating element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Heinrich, Heinrich Kreye, Tobias Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8180207
    Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a substantially pillar sheathed heater, a substantially cylindrical case, and a spiral spring. The sheathed heater is accommodated in the case. The spring is provided so as to be wound around an outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater. Thus, a spiral flow path is formed among an outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater, an inner peripheral surface of the case, and the spring. The spring functions as a flow velocity conversion mechanism, a turbulent flow generation mechanism, a flow direction conversion mechanism, and an impurity removal mechanism. A water inlet and a water outlet are respectively arranged at positions eccentric from a central axis of the case on a side surface of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Shirai, Yasuhiro Umekage, Kazushige Nakamura, Mitsuyuki Furubayashi, Keiko Yasui
  • Patent number: 8103156
    Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras
  • Publication number: 20110212010
    Abstract: A thermal oxidizer assembly is adapted for mounting onto a furnace, such that a heating chamber of the assembly is in direct flow-through communication with an interior of the furnace and defines a flow path for volatile organic compounds that are released from workpieces being processed within the furnace. A heating module is mounted within the heating chamber of the assembly and is located within the flow path to create turbulent flow therethrough. The assembly is configured to allow a natural draft to pull the volatile organic compounds from the furnace and through the flow path, and the heating module heats the volatile organic compounds, within the heating chamber, to a temperature necessary to destroy greater than approximately 99% of the volatile organic compounds. A flow rate of the volatile organic compounds being pulled along the flow path is, preferably, between approximately five and thirty standard cubic feet per minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: DESPATCH INDUSTRIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventor: Jeffry A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20110150440
    Abstract: A dual wall axial flow electric heater for leak sensitive applications provides an improved corrosion and leak resistant assembly and includes protective tubes over electrical heater rods, double tubesheets spaced apart by a plenum and leak detectors positioned to sensor leaks through the walls of the protective tubes. The design includes the option of two or more tube bundles with each inserted into opposite ends of a shell surrounding the tube sheets and heaters. The design provides ease of maintenance since each heater rod can be replaced independently while the unit is in service. Variable heat flux is provided from standard single flux heater rods by providing protective tubes of varying diameters. A built-in thermowell is provided to allow the rod temperatures to be monitored directly. Hot spots are avoided by the use of turning baffles and vibration is avoided by use of spider baffles to support the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Lord, Kurt Lund
  • Patent number: 7920779
    Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a substantially pillar sheathed heater, a substantially cylindrical case, and a spiral spring. The sheathed heater is accommodated in the case. The spring is provided so as to be wound around an outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater. Thus, a spiral flow path is formed among an outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater, an inner peripheral surface of the case, and the spring. The spring functions as a flow velocity conversion mechanism, a turbulent flow generation mechanism, a flow direction conversion mechanism, and an impurity removal mechanism. A water inlet and a water outlet are respectively arranged at positions eccentric from a central axis of the case on a side surface of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Shirai, Yasuhiro Umekage, Kazushige Nakamura, Mitsuyuki Furubayashi, Keiko Yasui, Koji Oka
  • Publication number: 20100061710
    Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras
  • Patent number: 7326883
    Abstract: A housing and a base formed integrally with the housing or attached thereto. An array of louvres is attached to or formed integrally with the housing. An electric motor-driven fan is located within the housing and blows air toward the louvres. An electric heating element is situated within the housing between the fan and the array of louvres. This avoids subjecting the fan to excessive heat of the heating element and reduces turbulence of airflow past the louvres, thereby reducing operational noise levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Chung Mei Industries Limited
    Inventor: Carlo Bertani
  • Patent number: 7035533
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is the application of simple production methods for electrical resistance heating elements with a honeycomb body and use total capacity with regard to the specific electrical power per volume unit. Said aim is achieved for an electrical resistance heating element with a honeycomb body of resistance material with positive temperature coefficients for the resistance (PTC resistance), in which the channels, for throughflow of a medium for heating, comprise metallised walls and are electrically alternately contacted after the fashion of a chess-board on the front faces of the honeycomb body by means of a front face metallisation, whereby an insulation region (1) is alternately let into the metallisation (3) on the walls of the channels running from the front faces, whilst the front face metallisation (2) completely covers the front faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hermsdorfer Institut Fuer Technische Keramik E.V.
    Inventors: Friedhelm Tupaika, Hans-Juergen Voigtsberger, Dieter Gruetzmann
  • Patent number: 7003221
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus has hot air supply mechanisms disposed in association with light-shielding shrinkable films wound on a rolled photosensitive material sheet, for ejecting hot air locally to the light-shielding shrinkable films, and a drive mechanism for relatively rotating the hot air supply mechanisms along an outer circumferential surface of the rolled photosensitive material sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Tsujimura
  • Patent number: 6647204
    Abstract: A small portable steam generating system comprised of an elongate cylindrical cylinder having a turbulent baffle circulation system. The steam generator includes a plurality of baffles, having alternating ports spaced along the length of the cylinder. The baffles have ports offset at 180° respectively to each other to provide turbulent flow that speeds up and slows down as it passes through the ports. The series of baffles in the elongate cylinder are mounted around a centrally located heater. The surfaces and ports in the baffles, positioned along the elongate cylinder and heater body, form a diffused turbulent flow of variable length and time as it passes from an input to an output. The steam generating system described herein is fitted with a steam water droplet separation system plus a high pressure steam superheater fitted to an exit tube and a non-conductive high temperature tube for transporting super-heated steam to a surface cleaning applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Harwil Corporation
    Inventor: Harold D. Hutchinson
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6393212
    Abstract: A small portable steam generating system comprised of an elongate cylindrical cylinder having a turbulent baffle circulation system. The steam generator includes a plurality of baffles, having alternating ports spaced along the length of the cylinder. The baffles have ports offset at 180° respectively to each other to provide turbulent flow that speeds up and slows down as it passes through the ports. The series of baffles in the elongate cylinder are mounted around a centrally located heater. The surfaces and ports in the baffles, positioned along the elongate cylinder and heater body, form a diffused turbulent flow of variable length and time as it passes from an input to an output. The steam generating system described herein is fitted with a steam water droplet separation system plus a high pressure steam superheater fitted to an exit tube and a non-conductive high temperature tube for transporting super-heated steam to a surface cleaning applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Harwil Corporation
    Inventor: Harold D. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6167845
    Abstract: An instantaneous water heater comprises a sealed enclosed tank having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first end, and a second end, and an inlet, a baffle tube, and a baffle segregating said tank into a baffle chamber and a main heating and storage chamber. The baffle chamber receives unheated water from said baffle tube. The baffle has baffle openings between said baffle chamber and said main heating and storage chamber providing for intermixing of water therebetween. The tank has a plurality of heating elements and a plurality of temperature sensors and activators. The main heating and storage chamber has an outlet and a safety valve attached thereto, said outlet discharging heated water from said tank and being located in said top portion of said first end of said tank and said safety valve preventing over-heating and over-pressurization in said tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Robert C. Decker, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6078731
    Abstract: A fluid heater comprises a first elongated cylindrical housing having a first diameter, a first end for heated fluid exit, a second end for fluid entrance, and a longitudinal axis. An elongated cylindrical airflow member is fixedly positioned within the housing and coaxial therewith. The airflow member has a second diameter and has a length less than the length of the housing and terminates before the first end. A heating element has a third diameter and is positioned coaxially within the airflow member and is fixed therein. A baffle tube is fixed to the first end in a fluid-tight manner, this baffle tube having a diameter greater than the third diameter of the heating element and less than the diameter of the airflow member. The baffle tube surrounds the forward portion of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Arold, E. Forrest Decatur, Jr., Joseph P. Stark
  • Patent number: 5729653
    Abstract: Devices and methods for heating a fluid to normothermic temperature prior to delivery of the fluid to a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid to be warmed prior to delivery to a patient can be passed through a polymeric, flow-through chamber disposed in the fluid delivery line. An electrically resistive heating element for heating the fluid can be molded into the chamber to heat the fluid from room or ambient storage temperatures to a normothermic or body temperature of the patient. A probe of a temperature monitoring element can be used to monitor the temperature of the fluid exiting the chamber. In another embodiment, this information can be relayed back to a controller for controlling the power to the resistance element and hence, the temperature of the fluid. In still another embodiment, an infrared temperature sensor can be used for monitoring the temperature on the fluid exiting the chamber by scanning through a window in the outlet port of the chamber or elsewhere in the fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Urosurge, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Magliochetti, Carolyn Pals
  • Patent number: 5609297
    Abstract: A fuel atomization device 10 is provided for an internal combustion engine having a fuel injection system with fuel injectors 15. The fuel atomization device is sealingly secured on a nozzle lip of the fuel injector nozzle. The device includes a base 1 in which a plurality of heating elements and profiled vaporizer contact baffles 3 are arranged in a sandwich-like manner. Vaporizer chambers 8 are formed between the heating elements 2 and the vaporizer contact baffles 3 for providing a passage for the fuel through the base 1. The fuel undergoes a rise in temperature and pressure while in the device; and as it exits the device at fuel outlet 6, it is atomized fuel at a lower pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Herbert Gladigow, Wolfgang Schaetzing
  • Patent number: 5463206
    Abstract: A heater unit includes a honeycomb heater having a resistance adjusting component and a casing for holding the heater, wherein at least part of the side of the heater is covered with protective member(s) via an inorganic adhesive and the resulting heater is held in said casing. This heater unit has a highly integral structure and can prevent short circuiting even under the severe driving conditions of automobiles and allows the resistance adjusting component (e.g. slits) to have reliable isolation from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Abe, Tomoharu Kondo, Yuuji Deguchi
  • Patent number: 5438642
    Abstract: A heater for the rapid heating of water includes a main body having plural vertical upwardly opening chambers, combined with a molded cover plate that can be removably installed over the upper part of the main body. A plurality of combination heating and chamber partition assemblies extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the installed cover plate and one each of the assemblies resides in a main body chamber, each assembly including a generally flat and vertically elongated partition member and a pair of heating coils mounted to each partition member, one each coil on opposite sides of the partition member, and each partition member cooperates with a chamber to form a first channel for conducting water downwardly and a second channel for conducting water upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Instantaneous Thermal Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Posen
  • Patent number: 5377300
    Abstract: A heater for heating processing gases used in semiconductor processing equipment; the heater including a chamber whose walls are heated by a strip heater whereby gases flowing through the chamber are heated by said heated walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Watkins-Johnson Company
    Inventors: Craig C. Collins, Eric A. Ahlstrom
  • Patent number: 5325822
    Abstract: A tankless, flow-through electric water heater whose housing is designed for modular application, where serially connected modules define the path of the fluid being heated, in this case water, through the heater from inlet to final outlet. Each module contains two separate chambers and each chamber is provided with an electric immersion type heating element. The first and last chambers will also have a temperature sensor which will signal an electronic temperature control system. The temperature sensor in the first and last chambers provides signal inputs to energize each heating element of each chamber for a period of time proportional to the temperature difference between first chamber and the desired set leaving temperature of the water, which is set by an adjustable temperature controller (potentiometer), included in this control system. This control system also has a minimum setting point for a "no flow" condition or for the prevention of water freezing, where extreme weather conditions exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Guillermo N. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5265318
    Abstract: A method for forming an in-line heater for heating water supplied to a hot water carpet cleaning extractor includes the formation of a spiral flange upon the exterior surface of an elongated cylindrical body having a bore therein to define a heat exchanger. The flanged heat exchanger is inserted into a cylindrical housing having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the spirally flanged heat exchanger by heating the housing to increase the inner diameter thereof sufficiently to allow the spirally flanged heat exchanger to be be received therein. Upon cooling, the housing shrinks into watertight engagement with the spiral flange to define a spiral water floe conduit between the ends of the in-line heater. The first and second ends of the heat exchanger are then welded to the housing. Quick disconnect fittings are threaded into the in-line heater to establish communication with the end of the spiral water conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: William K. Shero
  • Patent number: 5212763
    Abstract: A forced gas electric heater has a serpentine heating element disposed within a cylindrical glass tube. Infrared radiation emanating from the heating element enters the glass tube whereby part of the infrared radiation is directed within the wall of the glass tube to the edge of the glass tube. An infrared sensor is in line of sight with the edge of the glass tube. The infrared sensor senses the hot spot temperature of the heating element and, together with a controller, limits the maximum hot spot temperature of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Arold, E. Forrest Decatur, Joan L. Mishou