Activation flow switch for tankless water heaters
US6552283B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H36/02
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A flow switch for use in tankless water heaters. The present invention is an activation flow switch for tankless water heaters. More specifically, the flow switch is comprised of polypropylene balls through which is inserted a magnet. The balls have a specific gravity less than water and are therefore buoyant. When flow through the water pipe commences, the flow switch raises in the flow switch cylinder thereby bringing the magnet into operative connection with a relay switch. The relay switch, once activated, signals to the water heater that hot water is required which in turn activates the heating elements of the water heater. Once the flow in the pipe subsides, the flow switch returns to its inactive position, thereby deactivating the water heater.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.