Buoyant In Liquid Patents (Class 392/499)
  • Patent number: 8478118
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming including a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature, and a control unit in communication with the heating element and the temperature sensor. The heating element is supported by the main body. The temperature sensor is thermally connected to the heating element. The control unit is adapted to determine a temperature of the water based at least in part on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The control unit is adapted to control the heating element based at least in part on the determined temperature of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley, James R. McHugh
  • Patent number: 8168924
    Abstract: The invention provides an overheat protection control component for a liquid heating vessel which includes a control body (1); a single-integrated dual-actuation thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator (2) is provided on the upper face of the control body (1), wherein the single-integrated dual-actuation thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator (2) is two integrated and relatively independent actuating units which are formed on a piece of bimetallic strip, and the outer kick limb (3) of either said actuating unit will produce an actuating movement downwards when an overheat state occurs; two groups of switch contacts (6) are also provided on the control body (1), wherein either group of switch contacts (6) cooperate with the outer kick limb (3) of a corresponding actuating unit, and the outer kick limb (3), when producing a downward actuating movement, will open a corresponding group of switch contacts (6) and cut off the power supply of the heater for the liquid heating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Zhejiang Jiatai Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Yang, Hesheng Zheng, Yu Yan
  • Patent number: 8121466
    Abstract: A system for preventing a deicer from being removed from a liquid receptacle includes a deicer, an anchoring assembly and a tether. The deicer includes a main body and a heating element. The heating element is configured to heat liquid within the liquid receptacle. The anchoring assembly is configured to be secured to or within the liquid receptacle. The tether has first and second ends. The first end is securely fastened to a portion of the deicer. The second end is securely fastened to the anchoring assembly. The anchoring assembly is configured to ensure that the deicer remains within the liquid receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 8041200
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicing system configured to prevent ice from forming in a water containment vessel. The system includes a heating element configured to heat the water within the containment vessel, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is electrically connected to the heating element through an electrical path and may be configured to monitor water temperature. The second temperature sensor is electrically connected to the heating element through the electrical path and may be configured to monitor heating element temperature. At least one of the temperature sensors may include a reset button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 8041199
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming. The system may include a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, wherein the heating element is supported by the main body, and a concealing cover that is configured to hide the main body the said heating element from view. The concealing cover has a larger axial envelope than the main body and the heating element. The concealing cover may be shaped as a naturally existing object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 7941040
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming, the system including a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature of the water, a switch adapted to activate and deactivate the heating element, and a control unit in communication with the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the switch. The heating element is supported by the main body. The control unit is adapted to control the heating element using the switch based at least in part on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley, James R. McHugh
  • Patent number: 7917019
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming including a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature, and a control unit in communication with the heating element and the temperature sensor. The heating element is supported by the main body. The temperature sensor is thermally connected to the heating element. The control unit is adapted to determine a temperature of the water based at least in part on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The control unit is adapted to control the heating element based at least in part on the determined temperature of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley, James R. McHugh
  • Patent number: 7853133
    Abstract: A deicing system configured to heat water within a water receptacle includes a main body supporting a temperature sensor, a heating element, and a pump. The main body is positioned proximate a base of the water receptacle. The temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the water. The heating element is configured to heat the water when a temperature of the water approaches a freezing point. The pump is configured to circulate the water within the water receptacle to prevent temperature gradients within the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 7680400
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming, the system including a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature of the water, a switch adapted to activate and deactivate the heating element, and a control unit in communication with the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the switch. The heating element is supported by the main body. The control unit is adapted to control the heating element using the switch based at least in part on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley, James R. McHugh
  • Patent number: 7560672
    Abstract: A heating system for heating fluid media including a carrier unit, a heating unit arranged on the carrier unit and a heat transfer element arranged on the carrier unit and includes a material which is a good conductor of heat, which heat transfer element has a first mounting portion for mounting a first safety device which responds at a first response temperature and a second mounting portion for mounting a second safety device which responds at a second response temperature which is lower than the first response temperature, which heat transfer element has a first temperature pickup portion which is in direct heat-conducting contact with the heating unit and the first safety device. The heat transfer element has a second temperature pickup portion is spatially separate from the first temperature pickup portion and in heat-conducting contact with the medium to be heated and the second safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Bleckmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Pleschinger, Gernot Teufl
  • Publication number: 20090116827
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming. The system may include a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, wherein the heating element is supported by the main body, and a concealing cover that is configured to hide the main body the said heating element from view. The concealing cover has a larger axial envelope than the main body and the heating element. The concealing cover may be shaped as a naturally existing object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 7355147
    Abstract: A floating ice removal device with a disk shaped upper cover, a disk shaped lower cover and a heat emitting cup. An electric circuit board is mounted on an inner bottom of the lower cover, and a helical heat emitting wire is mounted on the inner top surface of the upper cover in a contact mode, and the cup having a heat emitting source is mounted on the outer bottom surface of the lower cover. An electric power line is extended in from the bottom of the heat emitting cup to connect the circuit board to supply electric power, so that the helical heat emitting wire keeps the surface temperature of the upper cover above 5 degrees Celsius, so that the surface of the entire ice removal will not be covered by snow or ice, while the heat emitting cup can emit heat under the water for removing ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Eiko Electric Products Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 6970645
    Abstract: A pond heater with a water pump, the housing of the heater is provided with a holed seat for receiving the water pump; cold water enters the pond heater via a water inlet, and hot water generated by the heater is discharged from a water outlet to create convection in the pond to increase effect of ice removing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Eiko Electric Products Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 6778763
    Abstract: A water deicer for maintaining an opening in a body of water that would otherwise freeze over with ice, includes a water pump having an inlet and an outlet, and a heater. The heater is constructed and positioned to deliver heat to the body of water at or near the water surface. The combination of the heater and the pumped water functions to maintain an opening in the water's surface that would otherwise freeze over with ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Donald B. Owen
  • Publication number: 20040151485
    Abstract: A water deicer for maintaining an opening in a body of water that would otherwise freeze over with ice, includes a water pump having an inlet and an outlet, and a heater. The heater is constructed and positioned to deliver heat to the body of water at or near the water surface. The combination of the heater and the pumped water functions to maintain an opening in the water's surface that would otherwise freeze over with ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Donald B. Owen
  • Patent number: 6597863
    Abstract: A device for keeping a portion of a body of water free from ice includes a heating element and a buoyant enclosure to contain the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: James Donald Koskey, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020136545
    Abstract: A device for keeping a portion of a body of water free from ice includes a heating element and a buoyant enclosure to contain the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: K & H Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James Donald Koskey
  • Patent number: 5933575
    Abstract: A water heating appliance for use in a hottub or spa with said appliance consisting of an especially designed float-body with a safety shield which protrudes from the bottom of the body and also acts as a heating chamber, with an especially designed float as differs from the float-body that activates and deactivates an on/off switch but is not a part of said switch which allows the flow of electricity to a preset temperature shut-off switch that lets electricity flow to a heating element where it is changed into heat and heats the water in the heating chamber until the temperature sensor of the shut-off switch senses a preset temperature and stops the flow of electricity by opening a circuit in said switch keeping the water from getting too hot and avoids scalding of the user of the hottub or spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Clifton Omer Sanders
  • Patent number: 5235161
    Abstract: A detachable metallic safety guard for use with a portable electric immersion heater is formed as an endless metallic band defining an open central area for receiving the heating element of the heater with the inner periphery of the band in spaced surrounding relationship to the heating element. The vertical height of the band is greater than the height of the heating element and the band is provided with openings allowing fluid to circulate therethrough. The guard is adapted to be directly attached to the heating element by a pair of clips carried by a diametric crossbar secured at its ends to the band. The band includes at least two tabs extending radially inwardly for providing peripheral support for the heating element. The heater may be a portable floating heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Reusche, Thomas K. Reusche