Electric resistance heating devices – Heating devices – Tank or container type liquid heater
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-15
2001-07-24
Walberg, Teresa (Department: 3742)
Electric resistance heating devices
Heating devices
Tank or container type liquid heater
C392S447000, C222S146600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266485
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to dedicated hot water dispensing stems. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a plastic tank and an external temperature control system in a dedicated hot water faucet system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of systems for heating and dispensing hot water is known in the market place. As used herein, “hot” refers to temperatures at or about 190° Fahrenheit (88° Celsius), but below the boiling point of water (212° Fahrenheit/100° Celsius). Water at this high temperature can be made available at a dedicated faucet for users needing hot water to make, for example, coffee, tea or cocoa. A typical preexisting system heats water in a relatively small tank that is situated below the sink on which the dedicated faucet is mounted. The tank may have a capacity of ⅓ or {fraction (1/2 )} gallons (1.3 or 1.9 liters). Such tanks are usually divided into two chambers, a main chamber and an expansion chamber. Water is heated electrically in the main chamber. The expansion chamber is contiguous with the main chamber and contains water that is initially heated in the main chamber and allowed to expand into the expansion chamber to preclude pressure buildup generated by heating the water.
Most known water heating chambers and tanks utilize metal fabricating wherein several pieces of metal must be integrated together to create separate air and watertight chambers. This metal construction is labor intensive, requires expensive cleaning operations during fabrication and is susceptible to leaks.
Most established metal tank systems utilize a temperature sensing system attached to the outside of a metal tank to directly sense the water temperature. The temperature of the metal on the outside of a hot water heating tank will register nearly the same temperature as the water inside the tank because metal conducts heat extremely well. Such temperature sensing systems would not effectively perform in the same manner with a plastic tank construction because a plastic tank does not efficiently conduct heat.
Accordingly, a need exists for a plastic water-heating tank with an exterior temperature sensing system that accurately and efficiently determines the water temperature inside the tank and adjusts that temperature accordingly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a plastic hot water tank with a temperature control system that is durable and requires little maintenance yet also accurately and efficiently is able to determine and alter water temperatures within the plastic tank. The plastic hot water tank comprises a main heating chamber and an expansion chamber. Supply line water enters the tank at a venturi valve and proceeds into an air collection chamber before emptying into the main heating chamber. The venturi valve limits the water pressure within the tank and eliminates undesirable air from being emitted at a faucet.
The temperature control system comprises a heating element located within the hot water tank, a metal temperature sensing bracket, means for connecting the temperature bracket to the heating element and a thermostat. The thermostat is attached to the temperature bracket on the outside of the tank. This thermostat is able to sense the water temperature because the excellent conductive properties of the metal means for connecting the temperature bracket to the heating element allow the temperature bracket to simulate changes in water temperature.
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DeSantis Paul M.
Fitzgerald Richard W.
Garrison Dale L.
Jones, Jr. Henry A.
Preischel Will J.
Campbell Thor
Emerson Electric Co.
Howrey Simon Arnold & White , LLP
Walberg Teresa
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