Electronic temperature controller for water heaters
US5442157A · kind A · utility
88Cited by
8References
4Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24H15/486
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control/safety apparatus and method for an electrical or fuel fired water heater includes one or more temperature sensors strategically located on the water heater vessel at a level at or above a critical water level. The time rate of temperature change is calculated from the sensed temperature. An abnormal value of temperature change rate corresponding to an insufficient water level deactivates the heater to prevent damage to the heater. Water level, projected heating times, heater malfunctions and other operating parameters may be calculated or detected based on the time rate of change in sensed temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.