With Heating Means Patents (Class 4/598)
  • Patent number: 11447939
    Abstract: An electric water-recycling shower system comprising a first heating element, a fresh water intake arranged to pass the first heating element, an intake valve to control the flow of water through the fresh water intake, a water output, and a shower waste, wherein during a normal mode of operation, the intake valve is configured to allow a flow of water from the fresh water intake to pass by the first heating element and out of the water output, characterised in that the system is adapted to switch between the normal mode and a recycle mode of operation, the recycle mode comprising a waste water intake, and a waste valve connected to the shower waste, wherein the waste valve is configured to close in order to allow collection of waste water for diversion of water through the waste water intake, past a heating element and out of the water output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Leonard Pendlebury
  • Patent number: 10863870
    Abstract: A portable shower device is provided having a housing comprised of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the housing is preferably pivotally attached to the lower portion of the housing by a hinge or the like so that the upper portion may be selectively pivotable from either an open position or a closed position. The upper portion includes a channel and a spout to receive and expel liquid, respectively. The lower portion of the housing has a generally hollow interior and an outlet adapted to direct liquid to outside the housing. The housing can include a wheel assembly to facilitate movement of the portable shower. The portable shower can further include a base portion that is formed on or fixedly secured to the housing adjacent to the lower portion. The base portion may be generally hollow and may have an inlet, a conduit, a pump, a nozzle, and one or more electrical connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Echcho Maria Hart
  • Patent number: 10166484
    Abstract: The post is preferably made in sections including a lower post section connected to a middle post section connected to an upper post section. A water conduit passes through the post or along the post to deliver water from the water outlet to the bucket. A pool is formed as an aboveground pool and preferably includes an inflatable ring at an upper edge of the pool. A pool cavity for retaining water is defined by the inflatable ring. The pool has a pool outlet connected to an outlet line. The outlet line delivers water to a water pump. The water pump delivers water to a pressurized water line. The pressurized water line is connected to a water conduit. The first arm and the second arm form a yoke that attach to sidewalls of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 9970183
    Abstract: A flushing assembly comprising a foundation and a heat exchanging member. The foundation comprises a bowl shape providing an envelope surface defining an upper inlet and a lower outlet, the lower outlet being arranged to communicate with a drainage. The heat exchanging member comprises a helical channel defined between an upper and a lower wall, the helical channel having an extension along the envelope surface of the bowl shaped foundation, and the helical channel being arranged to be provided with a through flow of a secondary fluid. The flushing assembly is configured to provide a helical channel for a primary fluid extending between the envelope surface of the foundation and the lower wall of the heat exchanging member for guiding the primary fluid there through from the upper inlet to the lower outlet towards the drainage, thereby allowing heat exchange between the primary fluid and the secondary fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Martin Holm, Anders Nyander
  • Patent number: 8973178
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a shower tray can be arranged in the bottom of the shower tray for the heat recovery from wastewater so as to heat fresh water. To this end, the heat exchanger has a planar cover plate as the drain surface over which the wastewater drains. The cover plate forms the bottom of the shower tray, over which a lid that can be removed without the use of tools is arranged as a tread plate. The heat exchanger preferably includes a distributor element, which is arranged for distributing the wastewater over the drain surface. The distributor element is preferably a retaining element, which retains the wastewater at an upper edge of the drain surface and forms an overflow along the upper edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Joulia AG
    Inventor: Christoph Rusch
  • Patent number: 8907257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a contactlessly chargeable heater. In one example, the contactlessly chargeable heater includes: an induction patch emitting magnetic field by means of current applied to an inner coil; and a heating body, receiving the magnetic field from the charging patch to perform a contactless charging operation, and including a conductive metal yarn for emitting heat via the power generated through the contactless charging operation. The conductive metal yarn is woven together using threads within the heating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventor: Gi Soo Chung
  • Patent number: 8893319
    Abstract: A heat exchanger device (1) such as for use in recovering heat from shower waste water includes a casing base (2) and lid (3) forming an enclosure containing a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit (5), the second conduit being for fresh water supply and located in the first conduit, the second conduit having conduit sections in a serpentine path through the first conduit, the first and second conduits being arranged generally for counter-flow heat exchange with the second conduit having elongate sections configured generally transverse to a flow direction through the first conduit, the first conduit having baffles at an inlet and an outlet thereof for keeping the second conduit submerged in the first conduit, the device being provided with a foot or bodyweight operated actuation valve for actuating fresh water supply through the first conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20140304908
    Abstract: A shower water recycle and reheat system which can be retrofitted into existing showers or tub showers without physical attachment to the house waste or water lines and does not interfere with the existing shower function. The system includes equipment for electrical safety and recycled water bacteria protection. The system can be installed without having to remodel the bathroom which lowers the overall cost of the installed system. This system can also be installed in new construction or during a bathroom remodel project where the equipment enclosure portion of the system can be installed in a remote location. The system gives the user the ability to take longer showers without the associated waste of water, energy and the depletion of the household hot water supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Henry Newman
  • Patent number: 8840041
    Abstract: A combined showerhead and tankless water heater. A control panel permits a user to adjust the temperature level of the water that is heated. In one embodiment, the water flowing through the tankless water heater portion can be heated up about an additional eighteen (18) degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Drakken Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Marta Martinez
  • Publication number: 20140237714
    Abstract: A shower tray having a heat exchanger that is arranged beneath the shower tray for recovering heat from waste water in order to heat up clean water, wherein a first heat-exchanger surface is in contact with the waste water and a second heat-exchanger surface is in contact with the clean water, and the first heat-exchanger surface forms the floor, or part of the floor, of the shower tray. The shower tray here is produced from one metal material and, in the region of the tray floor, beneath the shower tray, a base plate made of some other metal is fastened on the tray floor, so as to form a heat-conducting connection to the tray floor is formed substantially over the entire surface of the base plate. Beneath the base plate, tubes are connected to the base plate in an integral manner. The tubes form the second heat-exchanging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: JOULIA AG
    Inventors: Christoph Rusch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Christopher Rast, Reto Schmid, Martin Sigrist
  • Patent number: 8646121
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting a normal shower room into a steam and sauna facility. The apparatus comprises a vertical panel, a rain shower, a hand held massage means, a back and foot massage means, a seat with seat massage means, a steam and hot air generating means. The apparatus also includes an electronic device incorporating radio, CD player Hook Up, Telephone, Video features and buttons for controlling steam, heat, massage means, Audio and Video means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Huan Thanh Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20140033422
    Abstract: The invention provides a recirculating shower system comprising a showerhead and shower tray, a circuit configured to collect used water from the shower tray and to recirculate at least part of the used water to the showerhead for further use, the circuit including at least one heat pump to exchange heat between relatively hot water and relatively cold water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas Christy
  • Patent number: 8375479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for recycling wasted heat using waste hot water that includes: a tub that charges and discharges waste hot water; a heat exchange unit that transfers the heat of waste hot water to cold water supplied to a shower bat; and an upper cover that the open upper portion of the tub, and is friendly to the environment by reducing the amount of fuel consumed to supply hot water and it is possible to reduce the fuel cost by the reduced amount of fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Gomyung-Enertech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Il Kim
  • Publication number: 20130031715
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a shower chamber includes a flexible chamber barrier intermediate a ceiling assembly and a chamber floor. The flexible chamber barrier is configured to form a seal with the ceiling assembly to retain heat inside the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Michael Hall
  • Patent number: 8337751
    Abstract: A systematic decontamination and containment method for decontaminating personnel is disclosed. This method includes providing a plurality of components positionable on a selected location for establishment of a multi-station decontamination and containment facility to decontaminate personnel and to contain contaminants collected during the decontamination process. The components can include a plurality of collapsible frame and roof assemblies, wall and roof covers, a weapons clearing assembly, a weapons storage locker, a hanging bar, a signage assembly, collapsible containment hamper assemblies, a covered dispensing assembly, a shuffle box, a multi-wipe dispensing assembly, and a transportable containment enclosure. The enclosure is shaped and sized to removably retain the system's components for transportation or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Ricky William Stewart, Lee Walker Brillhart, III
  • Patent number: 8312574
    Abstract: A portable solar shower includes two detachable water reservoirs. One of the reservoirs may be coupled to a water source and includes a diverter valve regulating the flow and temperature of water spayed by a shower head, and the other reservoir has a port for coupling to the shower head. When the solar shower is not in use, the reservoirs may be separated from one another to form a compact package adapted for storage or transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Jyh-Hsin Tsai, Huai-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 8225436
    Abstract: A portable pressurized solar shower which is mounted on the roof of a vehicle using roof rack mounting hardware. The vessel is an elongated shape such as a pipe (20), which is capped on both ends (32) (33). It can be filled by removing a fill cap (36) on top. Water can be sprayed out using an attached hose (60) and nozzle (70). Part of the vessel is a clear tube (41). Sunlight comes through a clear tube and heats a black surface (42) inside of the tube which heats the water. The vessel can be pressurized by a hand air pump via a valve stem (39) installed on the vessel. Privacy while showering is afforded by an attached shower curtain (86) that is easy to set up by using the easy to adjust curtain frame (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Joel Brian Cotton
  • Patent number: 8104112
    Abstract: A portable solar shower includes two detachable water reservoirs. One of the reservoirs may be coupled to a water source and includes a diverter valve regulating the flow and temperature of water spayed by a shower head, and the other reservoir has a port for coupling to the shower head. When the solar shower is not in use, the reservoirs may be separated from one another to form a compact package adapted for storage or transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Jyh-Hsin Tsai, Huai-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 8104532
    Abstract: A heat exchanger placed underneath an elevated tub or shower stall or under the bathroom floor includes a flat top heat conductive plate. The top plate is fastened to a flat lower plate, having a serpentine pattern with a shallow depth embedded into the top surface. When the top plate is fastened and sealed to the lower plate, the flow of the incoming cold water is contained within the confines of the serpentine lower plate of the heat exchanger. Heat is transferred from the grey waste water falling onto the top plate to preheat the incoming cold water flowing underneath the top plate in the serpentine conduit chamber of the lower plate in contact with a bottom surface of the top plate. The cold water is thereby preheated and used as a substitute for the incoming cold water that would be normally plumbed to the discharge shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Jeremiah Cardone
  • Patent number: 8046849
    Abstract: The shower heated by solar energy comprises a platform (2), to a base (2a) of which is connected a piping (3) containing a water supply. A tubular body (4) is connected superiorly to the platform (2), bearing a shower head (5) at a top thereof. The platform (2) internally exhibits a plurality of conduits (7) for retaining water, which plurality of conduits (7) is exposed to solar rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: G.F. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giorgio Gaiti
  • Patent number: 7996933
    Abstract: A trap for recovering heat energy from a liquid has a chamber 7 with an internal baffle wall 45-48. An upper chamber opening 9 and a weir at an inlet end 13 of a discharge conduit 11 are on opposite sides of the baffle wall. Liquid fed into the chamber via the upper opening flows downward and under the baffle wall before flowing upward and over the weir to be discharged from the chamber through the discharge conduit. A second liquid flows through a heat exchange conduit 17-24. One preferred embodiment has a concentric arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical baffle walls alternating with a plurality of cylindrical chambers of the heat exchange conduit. A corresponding method of heat recovery is also claimed. In one preferred application, the trap is fitted into the base or floor tray of a shower for recovery of heat energy from waste shower water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Garth Kennedy McGregor
  • Patent number: 7849530
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a household heat recovery device and more specifically to a wastewater heat recovery unit, which absorbs residual heat from the water flowing onto the floor and down the drain of an ordinary household shower or bathtub unit. In one embodiment, the heat recovery device adapts for ease-of-use and enables quick set-up in most existing and typical showers or bathtubs without any tools and without coupling to the existing plumbing. Internal passages direct the effluent shower water through a serpentine path to a discharge drain. Over time, the heat transferred from the water to the device then radiates into the environment—thus reducing the total energy cost for a household by reducing the thermal load on the main heating unit for the household.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Craig Hendricks
  • Patent number: 7506386
    Abstract: A portable hot water heater for larger-scale applications including emergency use, situations involving hazardous materials, and the like. The hot water heater advantageously efficiently and rapidly heats large quantities of water for providing a stream of hot water for immediate use. The hot water heater includes a pump that can draw water from any suitable water source, a power source, a heating assembly that quickly and efficiently heats the water as it flows through the heating assembly. The heating assembly is attached to a shower head or other fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Taph, LLC
    Inventor: Trevor Adrian
  • Patent number: 7461416
    Abstract: A portable water heating system for use with a spa. The heating system circulates water from a spa, heats the water and returns the heated water to the spa. The portable heating system includes a housing that encloses a heater and a pump; a water intake hose; a water outlet hose; and a thermostat. The heating system may also include temperature-setting dials and flow and pressure regulating switches. A thermostat is also disposed within the portable spa heating system and is attached to the heater. The thermostat may be set to a predetermined temperature so that the heater, and therefore water temperature, may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: John J. Stover
  • Publication number: 20080256700
    Abstract: The shower heated by solar energy comprises a platform (2), to a base (2a) of which is connected a piping (3) containing a water supply. A tubular body (4) is connected superiorly to the platform (2), bearing a shower head (5) at a top thereof. The platform (2) internally exhibits a plurality of conduits (7) for retaining water, which plurality of conduits (7) is exposed to solar rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: G.F. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giorgio Gaiti
  • Patent number: 7434745
    Abstract: A method and system for supplying temperature-controlled water to emergency shower and/or eyewash units (“SS/EWs”). In one embodiment, the water is circulated through a normally closed system containing a heat source such as a heat exchanger, a tank and pipes leading to the SS/EWs. Sensors in the system detect the temperature of the water and controllers regulate the amount of heat supplied to the heat exchanger to keep the temperature of the water in the system within a desired range of temperatures. A timer-controlled drainage subsystem periodically drains some or all of the water in the system. Water drained or supplied to the SS/EWs is made up by a cold water supply that feeds the heat exchanger. The system may use an alarm to signal water out of the desired temperature range, improper drainage, or water leaking from the system or being used by an SS/EW.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: CH2M Hill Industrial Design & Construction, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Deiss, Larry L. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20080196156
    Abstract: The present invention provides a recirculating shower system comprising a shower head 22, a circuit configured to recirculate at least part of the used water to the shower head, a heater 18 included in the circuit for heating the recycled water to a temperature at which micro organisms in the water are killed and a heat exchanger 16 arranged to exchange heat between the water flowing towards and away from the heater. The system provides an efficient use of water and energy and also allows a high flow rate of water at a relatively low use of energy and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Royal College of Art
    Inventor: Peter Brewin
  • Patent number: 6978496
    Abstract: A portable hot water heater for use during camping, boating, hunting, hiking, fishing, backpacking, etc. The hot water heater advantageously efficiently and rapidly heats large quantities of water for hot showers, cooking and cleaning. The hot water heater includes a pump that can draw water from any suitable water source, a power source, a heating assembly that quickly and efficiently heats the water as it flows through the heating assembly. The heating assembly is attached to a shower head or other fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Taph, LLC
    Inventor: Trevor Adrian
  • Patent number: 6962005
    Abstract: A shower dryer system includes a dryer tower with nozzles for directing heated air into a shower enclosure interior. A programmed controller controls the rate of air flow and the temperature of air flow to and through the air nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Jacuzzi, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Khosropour, Harold Leung, Jim R. Pauls, Bob A. Davis
  • Patent number: 6826357
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an electric water heater providing high efficiency and safety to users, increasing time intervals as required for maintenance and consequently considerably increasing its working life. The electric water heater (1) of the present invention is formed by a higher cap (2) and a sprayer element (3), being internally provided with a monobloc (10) to accommodate mechanical and electrical devices for the operation of the heater. Said sprayer element (3) is provided with whirling elements (6) attached inside ring bodies (7) and incorporated to the water outlet holes (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Duchacorona LTDA
    Inventor: Helio Tommaso
  • Patent number: 6714726
    Abstract: A shower fixture for installation between a shower nozzle and shower supply pipe comprising: a top lid member comprising an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, wherein the top lid member is integrally formed; an insulated main tank member for containing water, the insulated main tank member having an opening, wherein the top lid member is shaped to form a watertight seal with the periphery of the opening in the insulated main tank member, wherein the inlet pipe leads to the bottom portion of the main tank member; an electrically heated hot plate cooperating at low voltage, and attached to the insulated main tank member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: Shigeto Mitani, Michael Mitani
  • Patent number: 6675403
    Abstract: A sauna apparatus (1) is configurable in an assembled configuration and in a disassembled configuration to allow storage and/or transport. The apparatus is formed from at least a first frame portion (2) and a second frame portion (3) connectable to the first frame portion. Each of the first and second frame portions (2, 3) comprises a respective part (2a, 3a) of a base of the sauna, a respective part of the roof (2c, 3c) of the sauna, and at least one support member (2b, 3b) connecting the respective part of the base of the sauna to the respective part of the roof of the sauna. The support members (2b) are preferably provided with hinges (9, 10; 9′) to allow the frame portions to be folded so reduce the space required for storage. The base of the sauna is preferably provided with a recess 11 for receiving a footspa 12 or other foot relaxation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Aroma Health International Limited
    Inventors: Aijaz Akhtar, Man Kei Chang
  • Publication number: 20030097710
    Abstract: A portable hot water heater for use during camping, boating, hunting, hiking, fishing, backpacking, etc. The hot water heater advantageously efficiently and rapidly heats large quantities of water for hot showers, cooking and cleaning. The hot water heater includes a pump that can draw water from any suitable water source, a power source, a heating assembly that quickly and efficiently heats the water as it flows through the heating assembly. The heating assembly is attached to a shower head or other fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Trevor Adrian
  • Patent number: 6481028
    Abstract: In apparatus to facilitate taking prolonged showers consisting of a shower stall or a bath and shower stall system which has features of a shower stall or a bath and shower stall, a water supply system, which has a fresh water supply system which can convey and control cold and hot fresh waters to a common water supply system which conveys waters to the shower head of the shower stall or the bath and shower stall system, and, a recycled water supply system, which can store, pump, reheat, control, and recycle the used shower water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Yu Hsia
  • Publication number: 20020166164
    Abstract: A shower heating device has an undulated tube, a plurality of semiconductor heating elements securely received in the undulated tube, a plurality of pairs of electrical plates each being provided to have one of the semiconductor heating elements sandwiched therebetween and a plurality of pairs of insulation plates each having one of the pairs of the electrical plates received therebetween. With such an arrangement, the water in the undulated tube is able to be heated shortly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Ming-Hsin Sun
  • Patent number: 6477324
    Abstract: A shower heating device has an undulated tube, a plurality of semiconductor heating elements securely received in the undulated tube, a plurality of pairs of electrical plates each being provided to have one of the semiconductor heating elements sandwiched therebetween and a plurality of pairs of insulation plates each having one of the pairs of the electrical plates received therebetween. With such an arrangement, the water in the undulated tube is able to be heated shortly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Ming-Hsin Sun
  • Patent number: 6430760
    Abstract: The apparatus for heating a fluid, such as water, as well as the method for using the apparatus are used in taking a personal shower or in cleaning an object. The apparatus includes an elongated tube formed of polymeric material and having two ends, one of the ends having a fitting attached thereto. The fitting is adapted to secure the apparatus in a fluid-tight manner to a source of a fluid flow. The other end of the tube has an applicator which includes one or more holes for the discharge of fluid flowing through the tube. A valve is disposed intermediate the ends of the tube. A portion of the elongated tube is formed into a coil which is disposed within a vessel. The coil is immersed in the liquid contained in the vessel. The vessel is disposed on a heating grate to heat water flowing through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: David Jessie Johns
  • Patent number: 6408457
    Abstract: What is described is a bathroom unit, in particular in the form of a shower unit (2), comprising a shower tub (12) and a shower unit wall provided with a door (18). A heating device (26), for instance in the form of a rung radiator (28), extends over at least a partial section of the shower unit wall. The shower unit wall may comprise in the region of the heating device (26) an additional door (20) which opens to the interior of the shower unit. The doors (18, 20) preferably are sliding doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Silvia Bader
  • Publication number: 20010047541
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating a fluid such as water as well as method for using the apparatus in taking a personal shower or in cleaning an object. The apparatus includes an elongated tube of polymeric material and having two ends, one of the ends having a fitting attached thereto, the fitting adapted to secure the apparatus in a fluid-tight manner to a source of a fluid flow, the other end of the tube having an applicator which includes one or more holes for the discharge of fluid flowing through the tube, and a valve intermediate the ends of the tube, a portion of the elongated tube being formed into a coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: David Jessie Johns
  • Patent number: 6302094
    Abstract: A heat exchanging coil is immersed in water in a heating pod heated over a fire or other heat source. Flexible tubing connected to the coil transmits heated water or other fluid under pressure from a water pump in a reservoir connected to the tubing. Loops of the tubing pass through various items used in outdoor activity including sleeping bags, tents, heaters, bowls, chairs, and even a shower. The heated water is pumped intermittently in a continuously recirculating flow through the system from the heating coil through the item(s) and back again through the heating coil. A timer connected to the pump allows flow of the heated water bolus at any desired timed interval. Alternately, cold water may be circulated through the system for cooling in conditions of extreme heat. Ice or snow or cold water may be used in the heating pod and the pump activated to circulate the chilled water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: John D. Wehrly, Agnes A. Wehrly
  • Patent number: 5944221
    Abstract: In a hot and cold water distribution system wherein the hot water is delivered from a water heater to a distant hot water tap adjacent a cold water tap, a hot water recirculation pump assembly purges the hot water line of any cooled-down water in order to assure instant hot water delivery when the hot water tap is opened. The volume of water drawn from the hot water line is flushed back through the hot water line by admission of an equal amount of water that was stored within a tank. That volume of water is pumped back into the tank, and automatically replaced by hot water drawn from the water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventors: Karsten Andreas Laing, Johannes Nikolaus Laing
  • Patent number: 5791401
    Abstract: A heat recovery device is disclosed which is adapted for use in the drain conduit of standard shower installations having a hot water line, a cold water line, means for mixing water from both lines to deliver water at a suitable temperature to a shower head, and a drain conduit for disposing of waste water passing through the shower installation, the heat recovery device transferring heat from the waste water to cold water flowing to the cold water line. The heat recovery device has a first conduit connected into the drain conduit of the shower installation, and a second conduit connected into the cold water line leading into the shower installation and either wrapped around or inserted within the first conduit so that the second conduit is in operative heat transfer relationship with warm waste water passing through the first conduit, so that the incoming cold water is preheated by heat recovered from the waste water and transferred to the cold water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: John R. Nobile
  • Patent number: 5584735
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying temperate water from a water cooled internal combustion engine to warm outdoor water enthusiasts during cool weather, said engine generally having a cooling system with an intake, a cool water pump with a discharge to supply cool water to the cooling system and a warm water pump having a discharge to circulate water in the cooling system, said apparatus and method comprising a warm water supply line connected to the discharge side of the circulating pump in the engine cooling system, a cool water supply line connected between the cool water pump discharge and the engine cooling system intake, the cool water supply line and the warm water supply line feeding into a Y-connection and delivery line having a shower head or other water distribution apparatus at the opposite end for warming, for example, a water skier; valves in the warm water supply line and cold water supply line control the flow of water in each line; a valve in the shower head regulates the volume of water d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: John W. McMath
  • Patent number: 5507275
    Abstract: A reservoir for storing and solar-heating water, a shower head, and means in fluid communication between said reservoir and said shower head for adjusting a temperature of water leaving said shower head. The shower preferably includes a source of temperature-blending water, such as a hose, for pressurizing the reservoir. The reservoir preferably comprising a one-piece, unitary sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Solar Shower Partnership
    Inventor: Gregory M. Clark
  • Patent number: 5459890
    Abstract: A programmable electronic control controls water flow from a first electronically controlled valve assembly which receives water from the first water source, e.g. cold water. A second electronically controlled valve assembly is under the control of the programmable electronic control and controls the outflow of water received from a second water source, e.g. hot water. A mixing chamber assembly receives and mixes water coming from the first valve assembly and from the second valve assembly. A third electronically controlled valve assembly is connected to the mixing chamber assembly through a pipe and is under the control of the programmable electronic control. A temperature sensor assembly is connected to the programmable electronic control and senses water temperature at the third valve assembly. The temperature sensor provides a signal to the programmable electronic control representing the water temperature of the blended water sensed at the third valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Roger A. Jarocki
  • Patent number: 5301745
    Abstract: An installation for heat recovery from warm household drain water produced at household water consumption points, comprising a distributor tank, a first pipeline system which delivers warm household drain water from the consumption points to the distributor tank, a drain water channel, a heat exchange tank, and a second pipeline system which conveys warm household drain water to the heat exchange tank. The distributor tank has a first outlet leading into the drain water channel with a shut-off device which opens when the household drain water is below a predetermined temperature, and a second outlet into the second pipeline system when the household drain water in the distributor tank is above the predetermined temperature. Within the heat exchange tank is a coil containing cold drinking water which is heated by the household drain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventors: Klaus Seib, Hans W. Thomas, Rudolf S. Kodron
  • Patent number: 5299329
    Abstract: A hot water camping or other outdoor shower releasably mounted to a motor vehicle utilizes water-to-water heat exchange through a heat exchanger mounted in-line with the vehicle heater core, and circulates the shower water with an electric water pump through removable hoses. The apparatus may use any source of water such as a lake or stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Mark Constantini
  • Patent number: 5293654
    Abstract: A shower assembly is disclosed having a spray nozzle (41) through which liquid flows into a shower cabinet (10). The shower has a collecting container (22) for the liquid, the nozzle and container being integrated with a circulation system including a pump (33) with which the liquid in the collecting container can be circulated through the nozzle (41). The shower also has a mechanism (18, 20) by which the liquid either can be directed to the container (22) or directly to a sewage (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Lennart W. Castwall, Karl F. Andersson
  • Patent number: 5233706
    Abstract: A shower stall includes a drain, wherein the drain includes a slide plate to selectively direct fluid to a sewage or selectively to a reservoir, wherein the reservoir includes a heater and pump assembly therewithin to effect heating and recirculating of the fluid from the reservoir. A modification of the invention includes the shower stall arranged to include a pneumatic or foam filled mattress, wherein the mattress is formed with drainage canals therealong to direct fluid to the floor drain and wherein the shower head is formed as a portion of a manifold assembly slidably directed along guide tracks to provide for displacement of the shower assembly relative to the shower stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Maehr
  • Patent number: 5160197
    Abstract: A hand shower having an upstream end is connected to a downstream end of a hose to receive water therefrom by a fitting having a snap coupling and a display. The snap coupling has a male part fixed on one of the ends, a female part fixed on the other of the ends and fittable over the male part, and a latch in the female part for releasably retaining the male part therein. The display is mounted on one of the parts and gives a readout of a parameter of the water flowing through the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Odo Klose