Heating systems – Combined with water heater
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-13
2001-03-20
Joyce, Harold (Department: 3749)
Heating systems
Combined with water heater
C165S057000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202935
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to apparatus for heating potable water and to hydronic heating apparatus.
A conventional residential gas water heater includes a potable water tank, a combustion chamber below the tank, a gas burner in the combustion chamber, and a flue extending upwardly from the combustion chamber and through the tank so that heat from the flue heats water in the tank.
A conventional residential hydronic heating system includes a boiler connected to radiators by pipes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a combined gas potable water heater and hydronic heating system. The system of the invention includes a conventional gas water heater with a flue extending through a tank, except that hydronic heating water, rather than potable water, is heated in the water tank. Potable water is heated in a heat exchanger or potable water container, preferably a coiled conduit surrounding the flue, inside the tank. Thus, the potable water is heated by the heating water in the tank and is maintained separate from the heating water.
The combined potable water heater and hydronic heating system is preferably contained in a cabinet having a relatively small footprint and is particularly suited for use in apartments or other small living quarters. The system is adaptable to various types of gas, including natural, LP and manufactured. The system is inexpensive to manufacture and is easy to operate and maintain.
The invention also provides a spacer for maintaining the spacing of the coils of the coiled conduit during shipping, the spacer being fixed to the flue.
The invention also provides a special union connecting an end of the coiled conduit inlet with a conduit external of the tank. The special union includes an externally threaded spud mounted on the exterior of the tank, the spud having an outer end with an internal chamfer. The end of the coiled conduit extends through the spud, and the special union also includes a ferrule surrounding the coiled conduit end, and a union member having an inner portion which is threaded onto the spud, which surrounds the ferrule and which has an internal chamfer. The ferrule is compressed between the chamfers so that the ferrule seals around the coiled conduit end and seals against both the spud and the union member, thereby sealing the coiled conduit end relative to the tank. The union member also has an outer portion to which the external conduit is sealingly connected, thereby sealingly connecting the external conduit to the coiled conduit end. The external conduit has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the coiled conduit end so that the coiled conduit end can extend into the external conduit if the coiled conduit end extends beyond the union member.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings.
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Akkala Marc W.
Bodnar Timothy J.
Field Kevin M.
Hughes Dennis R.
Knoeppel Ray O.
AOS Holding Company
Boles Derek S.
Joyce Harold
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
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