Fluid-heating apparatus, circuit for heating a fluid, and method of operating the same
US7706670B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24H15/414
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid-heating apparatus for heating a fluid and method of operating the same. The fluid-heating apparatus includes a heating element for heating a fluid surrounding the heating element and a control circuit connected to the heating element and connectable to a power source. The control circuit is configured to determine whether a potential dry-fire condition exists for the heating element. In one implementation, the method includes applying a first electric signal to the heating element, detecting a first value of an electrical characteristic during the application of the first electric signal, applying a second electric signal to the heating element, applying a third electric signal to the heating element, detecting a second value of the electrical characteristic during the application of the third electric signal; and determining whether a potential dry-fire condition exists based on the first and second values.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.