Thermostatically controlled electric diesel fuel heater
US4424422A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermostatically controlled electric fuel heater for raising the temperature of diesel fuel flowing from a fuel tank to a fuel filter to prevent precipitation of wax crystals in the fuel filter and consequent filter clogging at low ambient temperatures includes a heat conductive tube incorporated as part of the fuel line a short distance upstream of the filter. An electric heating assembly is positioned on the tube and includes an electric resistance heating element helically wound about the tube and controlled by a thermostat responsive to the temperature of the tube and located upstream from the heating element. The thermostat includes a molded plastic frame having a central opening through which the tube passes. The thermostat includes a bimetallic thermal element secured to the frame and arranged to actuate a snap-action switch carried by the frame. The frame includes a baffle for thermally isolating the thermal element from the heating element. A housing concentric with the tube encloses the electric heating element and thermostat.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.