Water heater heat trap

Details Water heater heat trap Water heater heat trap

2000-01-28

2001-08-07

Lu, Jiping (Department: 3749)

Liquid heaters and vaporizers

Stand boiler

And condition responsive feature

C122S014310, C137S845000, C137S846000, C137S855000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06269780

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to heat traps for water heaters.
BACKGROUND
It is known to provide a heat trap in a storage-type water heater to reduce heat losses from the heated water in the tank through water in the pipes communicating with the tank. Known heat traps have various constructions, including floating or sinking balls that seat against a seal to reduce heat losses when there is no flow of water through the pipes communicating with the water storage tank.
SUMMARY
Known heat traps are often orientation prone, and are therefore useful in only the inlet or outlet of the water heater. Known heat traps also often require a separate nipple or other part to bridge between the spud on the tank and the water pipe.
The present invention provides a water heater including a tank having a wall defining an opening, a spud connected to the wall and surrounding the opening, and a support surface defined within the spud. Preferably, the support surface is a portion of the tank wall extending inwardly of the spud. A heat trap is disposed at least partially within the spud and is supported by the support surface, and a pipe communicates with the spud. Preferably, a portion of the heat trap is captured between an end of the pipe and the support surface.
The heat trap includes a valve that opens upon the flow of fluid through the heat trap, and that closes in the absence of fluid flow through the heat trap. The heat trap may also include an elongated portion that acts as a dielectric between the pipe and the tank. The elongated portion may extend at least partially into the pipe.
One feature and advantage of the present invention is to provide a water heater having a spud surrounding an opening in a wall of the water heater such that the wall of the water heater provides a support surface within the spud to support a heat trap.
Another feature and advantage of the present invention is to provide a heat trap that may be inserted into and used with a spud without requiring a nipple or other adapter.
Another feature and advantage of the present is to provide a heat trap that includes a portion interposed between the end of the pipe and the support surface.
Another feature and advantage of the present invention is to provide a heat trap that acts as a dielectric between the pipe and the tank.


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