System, method and tube assembly for heating automotive fluids
First Claim
1. A tube heating assembly, comprising:
- (a) a heating tube having a proximate and a distal end portion;
(b) a manifold insert having a proximate and a distal end portion and being disposed within the heating tube; and
(c) a pair of end caps removably secured to the proximate and distal end portions of the manifold insert and the heating tube respectively.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A tube heating assembly having a heating tube with proximate and distal end portions, a manifold insert disposed concentrically within the heating tube and likewise having proximate and distal end portions, and a pair of end caps removably secured to the proximate and distal end portions of the manifold insert and the heating tube respectively. The manifold insert includes a raised spiral thread on its surface. An electrical assembly such as a resistive path applied to the outer surface of the heating tube is used to heat the tube. The tube heating assembly may be embodied in a system and method for delivering an automotive fluid in a vehicle, wherein the tube heating assembly is installed as a heat exchanger in a fluid delivery path through which the fluid is pumped, preferably in pulses to enhance heating of the fluid.
73 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A tube heating assembly, comprising:
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(a) a heating tube having a proximate and a distal end portion;
(b) a manifold insert having a proximate and a distal end portion and being disposed within the heating tube; and
(c) a pair of end caps removably secured to the proximate and distal end portions of the manifold insert and the heating tube respectively. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A tube heating assembly, comprising:
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(a) a tube;
(b) an electrical assembly that heats the tube; and
(c) a manifold insert disposed within the tube. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. In combination with an automotive vehicle having a fluid delivery system, a tube heating assembly in the fluid delivery system for heating a fluid conveyed therein, the tube heating assembly comprising:
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(a) a heating tube having a proximate and a distal end portion;
(b) a manifold insert having a proximate and a distal end portion and being disposed within the heating tube and defining an annular fluid heat exchange path therebetween;
(c) a pair of end caps secured to the proximate and distal end portions of the manifold insert and the heating tube respectively, the end caps being connected respectively with inlet and outlet sections of the fluid delivery system for directing fluid flow through the annular fluid heat exchange path; and
(d) an electrical assembly that heats the tube.
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- 8. A system for delivering a heated fluid, comprising a fluid supply, a fluid delivery path comprising a heat exchanger, and an arrangement for pumping fluid in pulses from the fluid supply through the fluid delivery path.
- 19. A method for delivering a heated fluid, comprising the steps of providing a fluid supply, and delivering a fluid in pulses from the fluid supply along a delivery path including a heat exchanger.
Specification