Supplemental electric water heater unit for compensating cooling of a hot water supply line
US4680446A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/6606
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A supplemental electric water unit for immediately providing hot water of a desired temperature at a point of use, such a hot water faucet, when the standing line hot water from a remote conventional water heater is of insufficient temperature includes a small insulated tank interposed in the supply line immediately before the point of use. The tank is provided with a thermostatically controlled electric heater for maintaining the water the tank at the desired temperature. An inlet passage directs inflowing water from the supply line to the bottom of the tank and an upper water outlet connects the tank to the point of use. A thermostatic valve in the water inlet passage opens to automatically to bypass inflowing water of proper temperature directly to the top of the tank for discharge through the outlet. However, should the inflowing water be below the proper temperature, the thermostatic valve closes to divert the inflowing water to the bottom of the tank for heating, while the preheated water already present in the tank is delivered through the outlet for use. A pressure responsive check valve in the inflow passage prevents water flow to the tank bottom when the thermostatic valv…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.