With Particular Mounting Means Patents (Class 392/501)
  • Patent number: 11698209
    Abstract: The metal tank portion of an electric water heater is protected against corrosion utilizing a corrosion protection system that detects a voltage potential between the sheath portion of a tank water-immersed electric heating element and the tank. In one embodiment of the corrosion protection system the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to enable a user of the water heater to accurately gauge the necessity of replacing a sacrificial anode extending into the tank. In another corrosion protection system, the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to provide impressed current cathodic protection of the tank and also to prevent dry firing of the electric water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jozef Boros, Raheel A. Chaudhry, Yan Hong, Troy E. Trant
  • Patent number: 8977117
    Abstract: Provided herein is a supplemental heating element that may be inserted into a tank of a residential or commercial hot water heater. A collar of the supplemental heating element engages a threaded inlet or outlet of the hot water heater and provides a flow path into or out of the hot water heater while the supplement element is suspended within a tank of the hot water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: David Kreutzman
  • Patent number: 8948580
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an inner rim, a base wall, a side wall and an outer rim. The inner rim has a first opening formed therein. The base wall extends outward from an inner edge of the inner rim and is integral with the inner rim. The side wall extends outward from an outer edge of the inner rim and is integral with the inner rim. The outer rim has a second opening formed therein and an inner edge integral with the side wall. The inner rim, base wall, side wall and outer rim are formed to prevent liquid seepage to one or more surrounding components of an appliance in which the apparatus is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eliel Fresco Rodriguez, Samuel Vincent Duplessis
  • Publication number: 20140376899
    Abstract: The metal tank portion of an electric water heater is protected against corrosion utilizing a corrosion protection system that detects a voltage potential between the sheath portion of a tank water-immersed electric heating element and the tank. In one embodiment of the corrosion protection system the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to enable a user of the water heater to accurately gauge the necessity of replacing a sacrificial anode extending into the tank. In another corrosion protection system, the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to provide impressed current cathodic protection of the tank and also to prevent dry firing of the electric water heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Jozef Boros, Raheel A. Chaudhry, Yan Hong, Troy E. Trant
  • Publication number: 20140126896
    Abstract: An electrical heating device with pluggable heating module includes a box body (10) and a heating module (20). The box body (10) has an accommodation space (14) for the liquid (74) contained therein, which is provided with a slot (111) communicating the accommodation space (14). The heating module (20) is received in the slot (111) in a pluggable way and separates the accommodation space into a first chamber (141) and a second chamber (142). The heating module (20) includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating component (21) and a heat conducting component (22) covering the outside of the PTC heating component (21). By this arrangement, the time for maintaining the electrical heating device (1) can be saved and the liquid (74) heating effect of the electrical heating device (1) can be improved as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Chih-Chang WEI, Etsuro HABATA
  • Publication number: 20130266300
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods directed to using renewable energy sources with hot water heating systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: David Kreutzman
  • 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: 8478117
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device having a heating arrangement in a housing through which a fluid medium can flow in a longitudinal direction, wherein the at least one heating arrangement comprises at least two grid elements as heat exchanger plates with openings through which the medium flows, the grid planes of which are embodied for the exchange of heat energy between the plate and the fluid medium, at least one heating element, in particular a PTC element, arranged between the grid elements, wherein the at least one heating arrangement is arranged in the housing in such a way that the grid planes of the grid elements are arranged substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, so that the flow of medium is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the grid planes, wherein the grid elements and the at least one heating element are arranged braced relative to one another by means of at least one tensioning element so that they touch, and wherein the grid elements each have at least one
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Stego-Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Eisenhauer, Elmar Mangold
  • Patent number: 8106337
    Abstract: A modular water heating assembly containing two heating elements (1, 2), each having a thermostat module (5, 6) inserted into a sensing tube (3, 4) and attached to the same threaded boss (7). The heating elements are therefor contained in a single assembly with the elements having a fixed temperature set point differential such that the elements are switched on or off to maintain a constant temperature and reduce energy consumption by minimizing temperature overshoot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Raoul Steenekamp, Vadim Kozyrkov
  • Publication number: 20110211818
    Abstract: Fracturing fluid in a fluid tank is heated at a wellsite to protect against freezing of the fluid because of cold weather conditions. Convection currents induced in the fluid during heating cause fluid circulation in the tank to stir the fluid without additional equipment for that purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Grady Rentals, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley R. Grady
  • Publication number: 20110042387
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heating unit which can comprise a tube, or pipe, having an aperture therein which can be configured to receive a heating element. In various embodiments, the heating element can comprise a resistive element which can be configured to generate heat when a voltage differential is applied thereto. In certain embodiments, the heating unit can further comprise a collar which is threadably engaged with the tube, wherein a flame path, or exhaust path, can be defined between threads on the pipe and threads on the collar, for example. In certain embodiments, the flame path can comprise a passageway defined between the circumference, or perimeter, of the tube and the collar. Such a flame path can be configured to allow pressurized gasses to safely escape from the tube along a predetermined path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Sam W. Henry, Paul Neilson, Gary Cook
  • Patent number: 7764871
    Abstract: An infrared irradiating device (1) comprising: a lamp-holder of a material adapted to withstand the thermal and mechanical stresses to which it is exposed in the conditions of use and adapted to house an irradiating system, an infrared bulb (2) inserted in the lamp-holder (20) and able to produces radiations in the infrared wavelength, connector elements (15) at the ends of said infrared bulb (2), adapted to connect them to complementary connector elements (14) which carry an electrical supply cable (26) and further comprising means (10) to protect a connector element assembly (21) from infiltrations of water and from other external agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Star Progetti Tecnologie Applicate
    Inventor: Roberto Rodegher
  • Publication number: 20090285570
    Abstract: A heating apparatus is used for heating liquid in a receiving body. The heating apparatus includes a cover body and a heating part. The cover body is for covering an opening of the receiving body. One end of the heating part is located at the cover body and extends downwards from the bottom of the cover body. Therein, one end of the heating part that is on the cover body is electrically connected with a power line. The power line is electrically connected with a source of electric power. Thereby, the inner wall of the receiving body can be easily cleaned. Additionally, a heating apparatus set is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Te-Shun Yeh
  • Patent number: 7592571
    Abstract: A seal assembly includes a mount that selectively rotates an element and a seal that prevents leakage of a liquid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Frymaster L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Andrew Theodos
  • 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: 20080310578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating rod for a pressurizer of a primary cooling system of a pressurized-water nuclear reactor, the rod comprising a metal outer shell (36) of longitudinally elongate shape having an external surface (62), and a heating element (40) mounted inside the shell (36). It comprises an anti-corrosion coating (60) covering at least part of the external surface (62) of the shell (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: AREVA NP
    Inventors: Francoise Steltzlen, Marc Foucault, Yves Meyzaud, Peter Scott
  • 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: 7316423
    Abstract: A fitting and pipe section assembly 10 that is capable of being installed in tubing 20A and 20B of a jetted bath to render the tubing 20A and 20B adaptable to accept a close fit fluid flow device 30. The fitting and pipe section assembly 10 includes a pipe section 12, first and second fittings 18A and 18B, and first and second indicia 17A and 17B. The pipe section 12 has a center segment 16 between inlet and outlet end portions 14A and 14B. The inlet and outlet portions 14A and 14B may be placed in fluid flow communication with an inlet and an outlet of the tubing 20A and 20B. The first and second fittings 18A and 18B are disposed on the inlet and outlet portions of the pipe section 14A and 14B. The first and second indicia 17A and 17B on the pipe section 12 define the center segment 16 of the pipe section 12 and guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section 12 at predetermined points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Global Heating Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary P. Rochelle
  • Patent number: 7076874
    Abstract: A method of modifying a bath to accept a heater (30) using a fitting and pipe section assembly (10) is provided. The method includes cutting the assembly (10) along first and second indicia (17A and 17B) disposed at the ends of a pipe section (12) and removing a center segment (16) of the pipe section (12), leaving first and second end fittings (18A and 18B) with a gap therebetween. The method further includes inserting the heater within the gap without displacement of the fittings and securing the heater in fluid communication with the fittings with a fastening assembly. A method of forming a fitting and pipe section assembly to permit the mounting of a heater in fluid communication with tubing of a bath is also provided. A method of modifying a segment of tubing of a jetted bath to accept a heater is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: AquaTemp Products Inc.
    Inventor: Gary P. Rochelle
  • Patent number: 6810206
    Abstract: A water heater has a housing, a heating element, and an electric power cord secured to the housing and to a three-pronged plug configured for insertion into a standard electrical power outlet. The power cord is continuous from the housing to the three-pronged plug. A portion of the housing has a diameter which is less than approximately one inch and is configured to extend through a drain plug opening in the tank for securing the housing to the tank. The plug has a diameter which is substantially equal to, or less than, the diameter of that portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Farm Innovators, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin T. Clark, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6707988
    Abstract: An electric water heater for use with a livestock water tank includes a heating element, a housing including a drain plug fitting, and a power cord. The power cord is interconnected with the heating element through a temperature control device, e.g. a thermostat, for delivering electrical power to the heating element in a controlled fashion so as to regulate the temperature of the contents of the tank. The heating element and housing are sized and configured for insertion through the drain plug opening from the outside of the tank. The housing includes a drain plug fitting for affixing the heater to the tank through the drain plug opening in a sealed manner, thereby preventing inadvertent removal of the heater and also preventing the contents of the tank from leaking out of the drain plug opening. The fitting includes a threaded portion or boss sized for insertion through the drain plug opening and a back wall which is larger than that of the drain plug opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Donald B. Owen
  • Patent number: 6633727
    Abstract: An integrated heater and controller assembly for monitoring and controlling the heating of a process in a reservoir is disclosed. The assembly includes a heater, a coupling adapter, a control unit, and a temperature sensor. The heater attaches to the reservoir and has a heating element extending into the process. The coupling adapter includes a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The first tubular portion attaches to the heater. The second tubular portion attaches to the control unit. The first tubular portion is rotatably attached to the second tubular portion. Wires from the control unit communicate through a pathway in the first and second tubular portions and connect to the heater. The control unit has control circuitry to control the power supplied through the wires to the heater. The heater may also have a thermowell that extends into the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Chromalox, Inc.
    Inventors: John Henrie, Myron L. Jensen, Steve U. Nestel, Randy C. Jarrett, Lorin T. Adkins
  • Publication number: 20030031472
    Abstract: An electric water heater for use with a livestock water tank includes a heating element, a housing including a drain plug fitting, and a power cord. The power cord is interconnected with the heating element through a temperature control device, e.g. a thermostat, for delivering electrical power to the heating element in a controlled fashion so as to regulate the temperature of the contents of the tank. The heating element and housing are sized and configured for insertion through the drain plug opening from the outside of the tank. The housing includes a drain plug fitting for affixing the heater to the tank through the drain plug opening in a sealed manner, thereby preventing inadvertent removal of the heater and also preventing the contents of the tank from leaking out of the drain plug opening. The fitting includes a threaded portion or boss sized for insertion through the drain plug opening and a back wall which is larger than that of the drain plug opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Donald B. Owen
  • Publication number: 20020127007
    Abstract: An integrated heater and controller assembly for monitoring and controlling the heating of a process in a reservoir is disclosed. The assembly includes a heater, a coupling adapter, a control unit, and a temperature sensor. The heater attaches to the reservoir and has a heating element extending into the process. The coupling adapter includes a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The first tubular portion attaches to the heater. The second tubular portion attaches to the control unit. The first tubular portion is rotatably attached to the second tubular portion. Wires from the control unit communicate through a pathway in the first and second tubular portions and connect to the heater. The control unit has control circuitry to control the power supplied through the wires to the heater. The heater may also have a thermowell that extends into the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: John L. Henrie, Myron L. Jensen, Steve U. Nestel, Randy C. Jarrett, Lorin T. Adkins
  • Patent number: 6353708
    Abstract: An electric water tank heater is installable through the drain plug opening of a water tank. The heater includes a power cord interconnected with a heating element through a temperature control device for delivering electrical power to the heating element in a controlled fashion. A housing hermetically seals the interconnection between the heating element, the power cord and the temperature control device. The power cord extends through the drain plug opening of the tank and terminates in a conventional male plug that is configured for insertion into a reciprocal power outlet. A drain plug adapter is secured about the power cord and is mountable through the drain plug opening in a water-tight fashion. The drain plug adapter may be permanently mounted about the power cord or may be removably mountable about the power cord. The power cord may include a detachable connector interposed between the heating element and the male plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Donald B. Owen
  • Publication number: 20020015586
    Abstract: A rotatable integral wiring enclosure. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a rotatable integral wiring enclosure comprising: (a) an enclosure base having an opening larger than the diameter of an external threaded plug affixed to or forming the base of a heater; (b) a locknut having an inner and outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter is larger than the enclosure base opening and the inner diameter is threaded to screw onto the external threaded plug; and (c) a cover adapted to attach to the enclosure base, wherein after inserting the external threaded plug through the enclosure base opening and screwing the locknut onto the external threaded plug the enclosure base is both captive and capable of rotating about the external threaded plug independently of the heater and locknut prior to fully tightening the locknut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Company
    Inventors: Sid Furlong, Ed Zelazny, Joey Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020015585
    Abstract: A multivariable circulation heater. In one embodiment, the invention is a multivariable circulation heater comprising: (a) a heater having a bundle of configurable heating elements, a plurality of heating elements having selectable electrical terminations, wherein the heater may be configured for a plurality of heating capacity and/or power supply configurations by configuring the selectable electrical terminations; (b) a chamber having an insulated vessel for surrounding the bundle of configurable heating elements, wherein the vessel has a threaded screw plug opening and a plurality of bosses for adapting to inlet and outlet connections; (c) a screw plug adapted to screw into the threaded screw plug opening, the screw plug having two ends, wherein a first end is secured to the bundle of configurable heating elements and a second end is secured to the selectable electrical terminations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Company
    Inventors: Myron Jensen, Steve Nestel, Randy C. Jarrett, John L. Henrie, Sam Henry, Lorin Adkins, Bruce Barnes
  • Publication number: 20010046380
    Abstract: A portable, submersible heater for heating water in an aquaculture water container by resting the heater on a bottom surface of the container includes an electric resistance heater enclosed in a cylindrically shaped heater body, a pair of standoff plates fixed in proximity of either end of the heater body for preventing contact between the heater body and the bottom surface of the aquaculture container regardless of the orientation of the heater within the container and a power cord connected to the resistance heater and entering the heater body through a water tight connector at a first end of the heater body. The cord has an external cord section located outside the heater body and an internal cord section located within the heater body. A thermal protection device in electrical communication with the resistance heater allows the heater to cool in when the water level falls below the heater while automatically restoring power to the heater after a power outage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Cleveland Process Corporation
    Inventor: Fred LeFebvre
  • Patent number: 6317559
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an end portion of a hot-water tube in which electric heating wires are inserted enables electric heating wires in hot-water tubes to extend through to the outside, while preventing leakage of water from the hot-water tubes. A plug (3) is screw-connected to the end portion (1a) of a hot-water tube (1). A silicone cock (4) of an elastic material, through which coated electric heating wires (2) of the hot-water tube are placed, is inserted into the cylinder-like concave (3b) of the plug (3). A crown nut (5) is screwed onto the plug (3), pressing the cock (4) to enhance the water-tightness of the end portion of the hot-water tube and to allow the electric heating wires to be placed effectively from inside to the outside of the hot-water tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Du Nyun Kim
  • Patent number: 6282372
    Abstract: A point-of-use electric water heater is provided with a unique configuration permitting it to be selectively used in (1) a wall or ceiling-mounted horizontal orientation, (2) a floor or wall-supported vertical orientation, or (3) a wall-supported inverted vertical orientation without any substantial modification of the water heater, thereby advantageously avoiding the previous necessity of manufacturing differently configured water heaters for mounting in these various operational orientations. Specially designed mounting brackets are provided to support the water heater in any of its wall or ceiling-mounted orientations. In one embodiment of the water heater a dual element electric resistance type immersion heater is provided with an integral temperature control structure illustratively in the form of a separate sensing tube having operatively mounted therein a pair of thermistors each operatively associated with a different one of the two heating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jozef Boros, Subbu Thenappan
  • Patent number: 6256456
    Abstract: The present invention presents a heat dissipating system for protecting a hot water tank dispenser from damage during a dry operation. The dispenser includes a hot water tank with a plastic wall. The hot water tank contains a heating element extending through a plurality of bushings mounted to the plastic wall. The heat dissipating system comprises at least one heat dissipation plate mounted to the plastic wall by the bushing and isolated from the heating element by the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Paul M. DeSantis
  • Patent number: 6210208
    Abstract: A screwplug type water heating unit (10) has a body (12) through which ends (14a, 14b) of a heating element (14) extend. Separate terminal quick connects (22) have tabs (38a, 38b) which engage the ends of the heating element. Electrical leads (L1, L2) which connect with the ends of the heating element are separately engaged in slots (50) of each terminal quick connect by an engagement tab (60) so the heating element is electrically connected in a circuit supplying power to the heating unit. A terminal block (24) attaches to an outer face (26) of the screwplug. The terminal block has openings (94a, 94b, 96a, 96b, 98a, 98b) in it by which the terminal quick connects are installed in the terminal block. The terminal quick connects each have a tab (70) received in a slot (98a, 98b) formed in the terminal block to attach the terminal quick connects to the terminal block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Barnes, Robert K. Cockrell
  • Patent number: 6157007
    Abstract: An improved heater assembly for use with a chafing dish having water and food pans with complemental peripheral flanges is disclosed. The assembly includes a corner piece sized to be interposed between such flanges to maintain at least portions of such flanges in spaced relationship when the chafing dish is in use. The assembly also includes an immersible heater element sub-assembly including an upstanding arm connected to and depending from the corner piece. The sub-assembly including an encased electrical resistance heater loop having end portions connected to the arm with the arm and loop being sized to position the loop near a bottom of such water pan and immersed in water when such chafing dish is in use. Side and end arms are connected to the corner piece and adapted to be positioned respectively between side and end portions of such peripheral flanges. The spacer arms are each of thickness from a thick portion near the corner portion to a thinner remote end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Chesterfield Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Chester B. Scott, III
  • Patent number: 6154608
    Abstract: A water heater assembly (20) is disclosed. The water heater assembly includes a tubular housing (22) having an inlet, an outlet, and a channel extending between the inlet and outlet for passing water through the water heater assembly. A plurality of heating element conduits (102a-102e) extend between the inlet and outlet. The water heater assembly also includes a plurality of heating elements (100a-100d) removably disposed within the conduits and extending between the inlet and outlet. The heating element housings surrounding the heating element for sealing the heating element from direct contact with the water and permitting heat transfer between the heating elements and the water passing adjacent the heating element housing. The water heater assembly also includes cylindrical first and second end caps (62 and 62b). One end cap being releasably fastened to one of either the inlet or outlet of the housing. Each end cap has a sealed end and a hole (76) extending through and off the center of the sealed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Alpha-Western Corporation
    Inventor: Gary P. Rochelle
  • Patent number: 6151448
    Abstract: An electric water tank heater is installable through the drain plug opening of a water tank. The heater includes a power cord interconnected with a heating element through a temperature control device for delivering electrical power to the heating element in a controlled fashion. A housing hermetically seals the interconnection between the heating element, the power cord and the temperature control device The power cord extends through the drain plug opening of the tank and terminates in a conventional male plug that is configured for insertion into a reciprocal power outlet. The power cord includes detachable connector interposed between the heating element and the male plug. The connector is smaller than the electrical plug, and, as a result, the heater may be installed through drain plug openings that are too small to permit the passage of the electrical plug. The connector can be positioned anywhere along the length of the power cord, and integrally formed with the male plug or the heater housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Donald B. Owen
  • Patent number: 6064801
    Abstract: An integral water heating assembly is mounted to the tank wall or bottom of a water heater. The integral water heating assembly in accordance with the invention is able to detect conditions such as overheating of the heating element or boil dry conditions and accordingly switch off power to the heating element. This sensing and switching of the electrical power to the water heating element is accomplished without any sensing element external to the water heating assembly housing. The water heating assembly includes a sheathed heating element having ends which pass through apertures in the housing. The heating element preferably has a number of U-shaped bends and an intermediate section which contacts the housing at a point. The electrodes of the heating element are connected to a source of electrical energy through a control unit. The control unit includes a switching element for turning the power on and off, the switching element being controlled by a silicon chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Stokes (Australasia) Limited
    Inventors: Paul W Stokes, Philip T Hancock, Kevin A Altschwager
  • Patent number: 6054692
    Abstract: In a heating device used for melting snow on a road, a roof or the like, or for room heating of in-door facilities, in order to heat a to-be-heated or heated object uniformly over its entire area and enable to utilize effectively a PTC heater, a heat diffusing plate 14 for diffusing heat generated from a heat generating body 16 is arranged on an upper face of the heat insulating member 12 and the heating body 16 is arranged in a recess portion 13 installed on its upper face. The heating body 16 is constituted by inserting a heat generating element 4 mounted with heat radiating plates 5 into a vessel 2 enclosed with a heat storing agent 3 of a latent heat absorbing type in a state in which the heat generating element is brought into contact with the heat storing agent 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignees: Takehiko Hitomi, Mitsukazu Ogawa
    Inventors: Takehiko Hitomi, Mitsukazu Ogawa, Toshio Saburi
  • Patent number: 6028294
    Abstract: A heating assembly for imparting energy to a liquid which is enclosed in a vessel, is described and which includes a base plate borne by the vessel and having a first portion which has a given first mass, and a second portion which is made integral with the first portion and which has a given second mass; a heating element borne by the second portion of the base plate and disposed in heat emitting relation relative to the liquid in the vessel; and a temperature sensor mounted in heat sensing relation relative to the second portion of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Kim Hotstart Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Lee A. Nilson
  • Patent number: 5990455
    Abstract: A heater for use with a chafing dish having water and food pans with complemental peripheral flanges is disclosed. The heater includes a spacer sized to be interposed between such flanges to maintain at least portions of the flanges in spaced relationship. An immersible heater assembly including an upstanding arm is connected to and depends from the spacer. The heater assembly includes an encased electrical resistance heater loop having end portions connected to the arm. The arm and loop are sized to position the loop near a bottom of the water pan and immersed in water when the chafing dish is in use. A temperature sensitive switch is connected to the heater unit for interrupting a power supply when the temperature of the heater unit exceeds a predetermined temperature. A power supply cord extends from the spacer outwardly from the dish when the heater is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Chesterfield Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester B. Scott, Chester Scott, III
  • Patent number: 5978550
    Abstract: A water heating element (12) has an encapsulated bulkhead flange (16). The water heating element includes a heating coil (32) that is housed in an outer sheath (34). The bulkhead flange is secured onto the outer sheath at a sheath-to-bulkhead braze joint (42). A polymeric bulkhead flange seal (18) encapsulates the bulkhead flange, and extends sufficiently to keep the bulkhead flange and the brazing connection out of contact with water. The polymeric bulkhead flange seal includes a polymeric potting cup (44) that has a top (46), a bottom (48), and a sidewall (50). The bulkhead flange is received within and surrounded by the potting cup. The potting cup is filled with a potting material such that the potting (52) encapsulates the sides and bottom of the bulkhead flange. The potting cup includes standoffs (54) that space apart the bottom of the potting cup from a top (36) of the bulkhead flange, and the potting also covers a majority of the top of the bulkhead flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Aquatemp Products Corporation
    Inventor: Gary P. Rochelle
  • Patent number: 5946448
    Abstract: An immersion heater has a support plate on which there is provided an electrical heating element in the form of a printed circuit conductive track. The element is provided with a portion which allows it to be clamped in direct relation to a control unit in order to provide direct electrical, thermal, and mechanical connection to that unit. This allows the control unit to operate in the same manner as a control unit connected to a conventional immersion heater. A water heating vessel using the immersion heater mounted to a control unit through an aperture in the base of the vessel is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Strix Limited
    Inventor: John Crawshaw Taylor
  • 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: 5919386
    Abstract: A purge manifold assembly, which can be used in a gas purged immersion heater, includes a housing having a vessel wall having an aperture extending therethrough. A purge manifold is located adjacent the vessel wall. The purge manifold includes an aperture extending therethrough and colinear with the vessel wall aperture, a bore extending in the purge manifold, in a direction approximately normal to the purge manifold aperture, and a port communicating the bore with the purge manifold aperture. A fitting body extends into the vessel wall aperture and the purge manifold aperture. The fitting body includes a longitudinally extending through bore and a port communicating with the through bore. The port also communicates with the port of the purge manifold. In this way, a purge gas is allowed to flow through a sheath enclosing a heater wire held in the housing of the gas purged immersion heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Lufran Incorporated
    Inventor: Joseph E. James
  • Patent number: 5892888
    Abstract: An electric heating apparatus heats a circulating fluid for a basin or pool. A section of a duct is connected, at its upstream end, to an intake duct for the fluid. Its downstream end is connected to a duct for the discharge of that fluid, this forming an end-to-end series for conducting the fluid. The apparatus includes a plurality of heating elements elongated in the direction of the elongation of the duct. The heating unit includes the heating element mounted on an elongated base and approximately parallel with the longitudinal dimension of said base. The heating unit is mounted on the duct in such a manner that the base closes an opening which is provided to facilitate the assembling of the heating unit on the duct. The heating elements are supported by a support that is movably mounted inside an opening in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Piscine Service Anjou SA
    Inventor: Francis Romero
  • Patent number: 5859411
    Abstract: A compact immersion heater, for aquariums, includes: a watertight tubular container (2); an electric heating component (4); an adjustable thermostat (3); an electric circuit (6, 7, 8, 9) for connecting the heating component, arranged in series to the thermostat, to an external electric power source. The heating component is mounted in a radially offset and longitudinally superimposed position with respect to the thermostat and is accommodated in a torus-like gap formed between the thermostat and the inside surface of the container. The heating component is a resistive component having a laminar structure formed by a layer (16) of an electrically resistive material that is anchored to an electrically insulating and heat-resistant flexible laminar support (15). The layer of resistive material is a PTC ink that is printed onto the support in selected regions (17) that are connected to paths that conduct the electric power supply, directly face the sensitive part of the thermostat, and are adjacent to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Hydor S.R.L.
    Inventors: Valerio Bresolin, Daniele Ragazzon
  • Patent number: 5835680
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating water is provided having a water receptacle including a bottom wall and side walls for containing a volume of water therein to be heated. The bottom wall of the receptacle has an exterior surface and an interior surface proximate the volume of water to be heated. The water is heated by a heater contained within the water receptacle and secured to the interior surface of the bottom wall of the receptacle by a securement pin which extends through the bottom wall and is threadably engaged with the heater. The heater is elevated from the interior surface of the water receptacle by a collar of high insulation material which is received within a peripheral groove portion of the heater such that the tightening of the securement pin compresses the rubber collar to create a seal between the heater and the bottom wall of the water receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Appliance Development Corp.
    Inventors: Dov Glucksman, Karl H. Weidemann
  • Patent number: 5834741
    Abstract: A temperature control heater with sink type glass tube liquid crystal (LCD) display, especially relates to a temperature control heater having a structure for display the temperature precisely, the mainly structure thereof is comprised of a single opening tube, and a liquid crystal (LCD) display temperature control circuit board and a heating coil set is arranged with said tube, finally a plug and a cover are used to tightly seal the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Chuan-Tseng Tseng
  • Patent number: 5828810
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically heating fluid media with a bar shaped immersion heater is provided. The bar shaped immersion heater includes a thin strip heating element within a heat conductive bar. Electrical power is then connected to the thin heating element. The thin-strip heating element eliminates the hot spots found in coiled resistor wire immersion heaters. The heat conductive bar has a first bar and a second bar, the first bar and the second bar adjoin together, and the thin strip heating element is sandwiched between them. The heat conductive bar has fins to increase the surface area of the heat conductive bar. The fins project from the sides of the heat conductive bar to induce a convective flow around the heat conductive bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Nine Lives, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Frank, Aime A. Gehri
  • Patent number: 5793929
    Abstract: An immersion heater has a support plate on which there is provided an electrical heating element in the form of a printed circuit conductive track. The element is provided with a portion which allows it to be clamped in direct relation to a control unit in order to provide direct electrical, thermal, and mechanical connection to that unit. This allows the control unit to operate in the same manner as a control unit connected to a conventional immersion heater. A water heating vessel using the immersion heater mounted to a control unit through an aperture in the base of the vessel is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Strix Limited
    Inventor: John Crawshaw Taylor
  • Patent number: 5750960
    Abstract: A device for heating the water in an aquarium comprises a casing, and housed in the casing, at least one heater element, a thermostat, an electrical circuit by way of which the heater element and thermostat are wired in series to an external power supply, and a control facility for regulating the heater element, which is connected to the thermostat and can be activated from externally of the device; the operation of the heater element is indicated by a lamp. The casing affords at least one internal cavity consisting in a tubular glass wall around which the heater element is wrapped, and having open ends so that the water can pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Valerio Bresolin