Fluid heater with integral heater elements
First Claim
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1. A heater apparatus for heating fluid, the heater apparatus comprising:
- a thermally conductive mass;
heating means, insert molded in contact with the thermally conductive mass, for imparting heat to the thermally conductive mass; and
a fluid flow path formed in the mass between an inlet and an outlet, the fluid flow path coupled in heat transfer relation to the heating means so that fluid in the fluid flow path absorbs heat from the thermally conductive mass, the fluid flow path open to the exterior of the thermally conductive mass;
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Abstract
A heat source is disposed in a thermally conductive mass for imparting heat to the mass. Fluid in a flow path through the mass absorbs heat from the mass. Substantially all of the surface area of one or more heater elements forming the heat source are insert molded in the mass in direct contact to the mass. The mass may be cast using a sub-liquidous temperature material for low porosity and high thermal conductivity.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A heater apparatus for heating fluid, the heater apparatus comprising:
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a thermally conductive mass;
heating means, insert molded in contact with the thermally conductive mass, for imparting heat to the thermally conductive mass; and
a fluid flow path formed in the mass between an inlet and an outlet, the fluid flow path coupled in heat transfer relation to the heating means so that fluid in the fluid flow path absorbs heat from the thermally conductive mass, the fluid flow path open to the exterior of the thermally conductive mass;
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14)
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11. The heater apparatus of claim 11 further comprising:
a controller for controlling the activation of each of the heater elements.
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15. A method for heating fluid comprising the steps of:
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providing a thermally conductive mass having at least one fluid flow path extending therethrough; and
insert molding a heater means in the thermally conductive mass, with a substantial portion of the heater means in contact with the mass. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method for heating fluid comprising the steps of:
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providing a thermally conductive mass having at least one fluid flow path extending therethrough; and
insert molding a heater means in the thermally conductive mass, with a substantial portion of the heater means in contact with the mass; and
fluidically coupling a fluid inlet to one end of the fluid flow path and a fluid outlet to the other end of the fluid flow path wherein fluid in the fluid flow path absorbs heat from the thermally conductive mass, the heat imparted to the mass by the at least one heater element.
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Specification