Fluid heater with integral heater element ground connections
First Claim
1. A heater apparatus for heating fluid, the heater apparatus comprising:
- a thermally conductive mass;
heating means, disposed in contact with the thermally conductive mass, for imparting heat to the thermally conductive mass;
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; and
an electrical ground member electrically connected to the heating means and to the thermally conductive mass.
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Accused Products
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. One or more heater elements forming the heat source are disposed in direct contact with the mass. A ground plate connected to a ground terminal is fixedly connected to the heater elements, either on a portion of the heater elements extending exteriorly of the mass, on a portion of the heater elements disposed within the mass, or substantially all the ground plate insert molded in the mass on the heater elements. Alternately, the ground member is insert molded in the mass separate from the heater elements, but connects electrical heater elements to ground through the mass.
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Citations
20 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, disposed in contact with the thermally conductive mass, for imparting heat to the thermally conductive mass;
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; and
an electrical ground member electrically connected to the heating means and to the thermally conductive mass. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20)
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13. 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;
disposing a heater means in the thermally conductive mass, with a substantial portion of the heater means in contact with the mass;
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; and
providing an electrical ground member in electrical contact with the thermally conductive mass and the heater means. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A heater apparatus for heating fluid, the heater apparatus comprising:
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a thermally conductive mass;
heating means, disposed in contact with the thermally conductive mass, for imparting heat to the thermally conductive mass;
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; and
an electrical ground member electrically connected to the heating means through the thermally conductive mass, the ground member including a plate electrically connected to the thermally conductive mass.
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Specification