Method of manufacturing a water heater with a leak detection system
First Claim
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1. A method of manufacturing and installing a water heater, the method comprising:
- manufacturing an original equipment manufacturer water heater including;
a water tank including an inlet and an outlet;
means for heating water in the water tank;
a base pan at least partially supporting the water tank such that water leaked from the water tank collects in the base pan; and
a sensor positioned in the base pan, the sensor being configured to detect water, the sensor being battery-powered; and
installing the water heater by;
connecting a source of cold water to the water tank inlet;
installing a valve closable to prevent water from entering the water tank inlet from the source of cold water; and
connecting the sensor to the valve such that the valve closes when the sensor detects water and such that the valve closes in a low battery condition of the sensor.
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Abstract
An original equipment manufacturer water heater including a water tank including an inlet and an outlet, means for heating water in the water tank, a base pan at least partially supporting the water tank such that water leaked from the water tank collects in the base pan, a valve closable to prevent water from entering the water tank through the inlet, and a sensor positioned in the base pan, the sensor configured to close the valve upon detecting water.
46 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of manufacturing and installing a water heater, the method comprising:
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manufacturing an original equipment manufacturer water heater including; a water tank including an inlet and an outlet; means for heating water in the water tank; a base pan at least partially supporting the water tank such that water leaked from the water tank collects in the base pan; and a sensor positioned in the base pan, the sensor being configured to detect water, the sensor being battery-powered; and installing the water heater by; connecting a source of cold water to the water tank inlet; installing a valve closable to prevent water from entering the water tank inlet from the source of cold water; and connecting the sensor to the valve such that the valve closes when the sensor detects water and such that the valve closes in a low battery condition of the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of manufacturing and installing a water heater, the method comprising:
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manufacturing an original equipment manufacturer water heater including; a water tank including an inlet and an outlet; means including a combustion chamber for heating water in the water tank, the combustion chamber having a lower surface defining an aperture; a base pan at least partially supporting the water tank such that water leaked from the water tank collects in the base pan, the base pan including a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall, the side wall defining a water outlet port and an air inlet opening, the inlet opening being located above the outlet port and below the aperture, air flowing through the inlet opening, through the aperture and into the combustion chamber, leaked water flowing through the outlet port; and a sensor positioned in the base pan below the outlet port, the sensor being configured to detect water; and installing the water heater by; connecting a source of cold water to the water tank inlet; installing a valve closable to prevent water from entering the water tank inlet from the source of cold water; and connecting the sensor to the valve such that the valve closes when the sensor detects water. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification