AU616479B2 - Automatic hot water recovery apparatus - Google Patents

Automatic hot water recovery apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
AU616479B2
AU616479B2 AU30611/89A AU3061189A AU616479B2 AU 616479 B2 AU616479 B2 AU 616479B2 AU 30611/89 A AU30611/89 A AU 30611/89A AU 3061189 A AU3061189 A AU 3061189A AU 616479 B2 AU616479 B2 AU 616479B2
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
water
tank
piston
hot water
closed cylinder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
AU30611/89A
Other versions
AU3061189A (en
Inventor
Spencer Kim Haws
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES Inc
Original Assignee
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US07/150,072 external-priority patent/US4798224A/en
Application filed by ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES filed Critical ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES
Publication of AU3061189A publication Critical patent/AU3061189A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AU616479B2 publication Critical patent/AU616479B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24DDOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D17/00Domestic hot-water supply systems
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/6416With heating or cooling of the system
    • Y10T137/6497Hot and cold water system having a connection from the hot to the cold channel
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/6416With heating or cooling of the system
    • Y10T137/6606With electric heating element
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8158With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
    • Y10T137/8342Liquid level responsive indicator, recorder or alarm
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593Systems
    • Y10T137/86348Tank with internally extending flow guide, pipe or conduit
    • Y10T137/86372Inlet internally extending

Description

OPI DATE 25/08/89 APPLN. ID 30611 89 PCT w( AOJP DATE 28/09/89 PCT NUMBER PCT/US89/00317 INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (51) International Patent Classification 4: (11) International Publication Number: WO 89/ 07218 F16K 49/00 A l 3) tern nal P blic D 10 August 1989 (10.08.89) (21) International Application Number: PCT/US89/00317 (l1) Designate States: A uropean patent), AU, BB, BE (European patent), BG, BJ (OAPI patent), BR, CF (22) International Filing Date: 25 January 1989 (25.01.89) (OAPI patent), CG (OAPI patent), CH (European patent), CM (OAPI patent), DE (European patent), DK, FI, FR (European patent), GA (OAPI patent), GB (31) Priority Application Number: 150,072 (European patent), HU, IT (European patent), JP, KP, KR, LK, LU (European patent), MC, MG, M..
(32) Priority Date: 29 January 1988 (29.01.88) (OAPI patent), MR (OAPI patent), MW, NL (European patent), NO, RO, SD, SE (European patent), (33) Priority Country: US SN (OAPI patent), SU, TD (OAPI patent), TG (OAPI patent).
(71) Applicant: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. [US/US]; 201 North First Street, Mesa, WA Published 99343 With international search report.
(72) Inventor: HAWS, Spencer, Kim 302 May Avenue, Mesa, WA99343 (US).
(74) Agent: HACKLER, Walter, 2302 Martin Street, Ste.
320, Irvine, CA 92715 (US).
(54) Title: AUTOMATIC HOT WATER RECOVERY APPARATUS (57) Abstract Automatic hot water recovery apparatus is provided for conserving the energy in a pressurized plumbing system and water heater apparatus (40) by recovering hot water flom hot water lines (16) extending to plumbing fixtures (20) tem.
otely disposed from the water heater A piston (52) is provided within the water heater (40) to enable the displacement of water therein and to act as an indicator of system operation.
WO 89/07218 PCT/US89/00317 i.
AUTOMATIC HOT WATER RECOVERY APPARATUS The present invention is generally directed to automatic hot water recovery apparatus for the conservation of thermal energy, And is more particularly directed to a pressurized plumbing system and water heater apparatus for substantially reducing the thermal losses from unused hot water remaining in hot water lines.
It is well known that a considerable amount of thermal energy is wastefully dissipated from the hot water lines which provide intermittent hot water to plumbing fixtures, such as domestic wash basins, dishwashers and clothes washers.
The earliest attempt to reduce this thermal loss included the insulating of hot water heaters and hot water lines, which feed the plumbing fixtures. While the insulating of hot water lines slows the dissipation of heat, over an extended period of time no savings occurs if the intermittent use of hot water through the line still allows the hot water line to cool to ambient temperature.
Devices, have been devised to actually recover the hot water remaining in hot water lines after the use of a fixture by drawing the hot water back into the hot water tank. Because the hot water is removed from the lines, there is an actual reduction in the amount of heat loss rather than just a slowing of the heat, loss as occurs through the use of insulation alone.
I I J WO 89/07218 PCT/US89/00317 2.
An example of this type of system was disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,321,943, which utilizes a pressure reducer in combination with the hot water heater and a bridge coupling, or conduit, interconnected between the hot and cold water lines of a hot water system proximate each of the fixtures therein. In operation, the pressure reducer lowers the pressure in the water heater tank and water pipe when cold water outlet is opened, in order to produce a flow of cold water' from the cold water pipe into the hot water pipe thus forcing the hot water in the lines back into the hot water tank. This system relies on the creation of an air pocket in the heater tank, working as a pneumatic spring to return the hot water. In operation, the cold water backflow, forcing hot water back into the tank, continues until the pressure in the tank rises to equal the pressure in the cold water line.
Although workable, this system has a number of disadvantages, particularly in view of the fact that the system is intended for use in domestic installations and expected to function for periods of ten, or more years, without service or maintenance.
Because the system relies on an air pocket being developed within the tank, it is faced with the inherent problem of the air being dissolved in the water. When this occurs, there is not sufficient room in the tank in order to draw all of the hot water back into the tank during the backflow cycle WO 89/07218 PC/US89/00317 3.
of the system. This represents a gradual degradation in the effectiveness of the system and as the air pocket in the tank diminishes to zero, so does the effectiveness of the system.
Another disadvantage of the system in domestic use is the overall effectiveness of the system over a long period of time. It must be appreciated that once installed, the average homeowner is not motivated to provide any maintenance therefor, unless he or she has an indication of malfunction.
It is apparent from the system disclosed in Patent No. 4,321,943, that there is no easy way that a homeowner could determine, after an indeterminate period of time, whether the system is operating efficiently. Energy savings from such a system is important over long periods of time; that is, the energy saved during each recycle of water back into the water heater is rather small, but the accumulative effect over many, many years provides the incentive for installing such a system.
Thus, it is imperative that not only must the system be reliable, it must be conveniently and easily checked as to its operability over periods of time measured in years.
This lack of long term effectiveness was recognized in U.S. Patent No. 4,518,007, in which there is disclosed a heat recovery system, utilizing a separate discreet insulated tank for use in conjunction with a water heater. The advantage of this later system resides in the fact that it eliminated a disassembly of the water heater tank and the installation of extra pipes for installation i I -4of the system.
As can be seen from the subject patent, the apparatus disclosed is quite complicated, using a piston with convoluted faces to effect a differential in pressure thereacross and an internal volume of air trapped inside to act as an air-spring. As in the prior system, this later developed separate heat recovery tank relies on an internal trapped air pocket which must be sealed from hot water for periods of many years. It also has the disadvantage of being unserviceable by the homeowner, who also has no way of determining whether the piston disposed therein is operating in a normal function and that the automatic hot water recovery system is 15 providing the energy conservation it was designed initially to product.
Embodiments of the present invention, however, constitute an automatic hot water recovery system which 20 is not only simple in operation, but its operation can be easily monitored without the use of special instruments or tools, or special instructions. Because of this, such a system is most suitable for installation in domestic applications where little or no maintenance will be 25 provided thereto for the life of the water heater, with an obvious display of its operability to a homeowner.
910816,wpftdiL3M,361 Lzes,4
-I
-4A- According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided water heater apparatus for use with a pressurized plumbing system having separate hot and cold water lines and conduit means, interconnected between the hot and cold water lines, for enabling cold water to pass from the cold water line into the hot water line, said water heater apparatus comprising: tank means for containing a volume of water under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, said tank means including an outlet configured for coupling to said hot water line; heating means for heating water contained in said tank means; and, eoo.ei water inlet means for introducing water to and 15 withdrawing water from said tank means, said water inlet means having fitting means for coupling said water inlet means to a cold water supply line via said cold water line, said water inlet means including piston means for displacing water within said tank means to both enable 20 hot water heated in said tank means to flow into the hot water line from the tank means and to enable hot water from the hot water line to return into said tank means, said water inlet means further including means for exerting atmospheric pressure on a portion of the piston means.
According to another aspect of the present invention' there is provided a pressurized plumbing system comprising: tank means for containing a volume of water under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; heating means for heating water contained in said tank means; a hot water line coupled to said tank means and extending to at least one plumbing fixture; water inlet means for introducing water to and withdrawing water from said tank means, said water inlet means having fitting means for coupling said water inlet 910816,wpftdisk ,3061 L.res,4 L I 4,
S,
means to a cold water supply line via a cold water line, said water inlet means including piston means for displacing water within said tank means to both enable hot water heated in said tank means to flow into the hot water line from the tank means and to enable hot water from the hot water line to return into said tank means, said water inlet means further including means for exerting atmospheric pressure on a portion of the piston means; said cold water line extending to said plumbing fixture; and conduit means, interconnected between the hot water and cold water lines, for enabling cold water to pass from the cold water line into the hot water line, said 15 conduit means being distally disposed from said tank means.
Embodiments of the water heater apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, are suitable for use with a pressurized plumbing system having separate 20 hot and cold water lines and conduit means, interconnected between the hot and cold water lines, for enabling cold water to pass from the cold water line into *the hot water line, and include tank means for containing a volume of water under pressure greater than atmospheric 25 pressure having an outlet configured for coupling to the hot water line. Heating means are provided for heating water contained in the tank means and water inlet means are provided having fitting means for coupling to a cold water supply line via a cold water line. The water inlet means is operational for introducing water to and withdrawing water from the tank means and includes piston means for displacing water within the tank means to both enable hot water, heated in the tank means, to flow into the hot water line from the tank means and hot water, from the hot water line, to return into the tank means.
In addition, the water inlet means further includes means for exerting atmospheric pressure on a portion of the 910816,uwpftdsk3,3OdI resS -6piston means. As will be described hereinafter in greater detail, this eliminates the need for an internal air pocket as required by prior art devices. Because one side of the piston is subjected partially to atmospheric pressure, while an opposite side of the piston is subjected to the total pressure in the system when water is not being withdrawn therefrom, the piston acts to displace water within the tank and return hot water from the hot water lines into the tank means.
Indicator means may be included for providing an indication of the piston means displacement operation in a manner which is visible from the outside of the tank means. In this manner, operation of the system can easily be checked by the observation of the indicatory 15 means without the use of special tools or instructions.
More particularly, the inlet means may include ."closed cylinder means disposed within the tank means for both guidirlg the piston means and enabling movement of the piston means to displace water within the tank means.
20 In addition, the means for exerting atmospheric pressure on a porton of the piston means may include a rod attached to the piston means for movement therewith, with the rod extending outside of the tank means.
Importantly, the portion of the rod extending outside of the tank means may operate as the indicator means. In this manner, operation of the piston is easily noted from outside of the tank means by observation of the rod moving in and out of the tank.
More particularly, a seal may be disposed between a perimeter of the piston means and an inside wall of the closed cylinder means and the closed cylinder means may include slot means disposed in one end of the closed cylinder means for both 910816,wpftdk36,3061 .rees,6 i:.i ii. -7enabling flow of water out of the closed cylinder means to displace water in the tank means outside of the closed cylinder means and enabling water to flow out of one end of the closed cylinder means when the piston resides at the one end of the closed cylinder means.
The fitting means may be disposed in an opposite end of the closed cylinder means for enabling water disposed between the closed cylinder means opposite end and the piston means to flow into the cold water line when the piston means moves toward the closed ,cylinder means opposite end. The piston means movement toward the closed cylinder means opposite end caused displacement of water within the tank into the closed cylinder means 15 through the slots means.
In terms of a pressurized plumbing system, the present invention includes tank means for containing a volume of water under pressure greater than atmospheric 20 pressure and heating means for heating the water contained in the tank means. The hot water line is S"provided which is coupled to the tank means and extends to at least one plumbing fixture.
25 Water inlet means having fitting means for coupling to a cold water supply line via a cold water line is provided for introducing water to and withdrawing water from the tank means. The water inlet means includes piston means for displacing water within the tank means to both enable hot water, heated in the tank means, to flow into the hot water line from the tank means and hot water, from the hot water line, to return into the tank means. More particularly, 910816,wpftdisk3,3061 .res,7 -8the water inlet means further includes means for exerting atmospheric pressure on a portion of the piston means.
Also provided is a cold water line extending to the plumbing fixture and conduit means, interconnected between the hot water and cold water lines, for enabling cold water to pass from the cold water line into the hot water line. The conduit means is distally disposed from the tank means.
The advantages and features of embodiments of the present invention will appear from the following description when considered, by way of example only, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic drawing of an embodiment of the pressurized plumbing system and water heater 15 apparatus in accordance with the present invention, generally showing the exterior of the tank hot and cold :0.0e.
water lines with a conduit therebetween proximate a plumbing fixture. Also shown is an indicator protruding from the top of the tank means by which continuous 20 monitoring of the operability of the system can be S: visually maintained; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an enlarged S. portion of the top of the tank of Figure 1 showing greater detail. Inlet means in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention which includes a closed cylindrical cylinder within the tank means and a piston slidably disposed therein; and Figure 3 is another cross-sectional view of the tank of Figure 1 showing operation of the inlet means, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the piston disposed at one end of the cylindrical tube in a position where water entering from an inlet can pass thereby through slots into the remainder of the tank.
Turning to Figure i, there is a pressurized plumbing system 10 which generally includes a tank 12 having a heater 14, a hot water line 16 coupled to the tank 12 and 91 16, ftdl ,306 re,8 910816,wpldlcs 1 Ol~e faV I I I. 1 -1 1 1- I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 I .11 1 N o r I extending to at least one plumbing fixture 20. A cold water line 22 coupled between the hot water tank inlet means 24 and the fixture 20 and a conduit 28 intercoupled between the hot water line 16 and the cold water line 22 proximate the plumbing fixture 20 provides means for enabling cold water to pass from the cold water line 22 into the hot water line 18, as will be hereinafter described in greater detail.
The pressurized plumbing system 10 diagrammed in Figure 1 thus illustrates a portion of a domestic plumbing system, with the tank 12 providing means for containing a volume of water under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and the heater 14 which may be gas or electric, providing means for heating the water contained in the tank 12.
An important feature of a preferred embodiment is the use in which the operation of the system may be monitored whereby, as shown in Figure 1, an end portion 30 of a movable rod 32 provides an indication of the 910816,wpftds36,30611.res,9 WO 89/07218 PCT/US89/00317 system operation, as will be hereinafter described in greater detail.
The conduit 28 may have a smaller diameter than the hot and cold water lines 16, 22, or a flow restricter 36 may be provided to control the water flow between the cold water line 22 and the hot water line 16, as will be hereinafter described.
The water heater apparatus 40 which includes the tank 12, heater 14 and water inlet means 24, is shown in cross-sectional view in Figures 2 and 3, is shown in cross-sectional view in Figures 2 and 3, only the top portion of the tank being shown to more clearly illustrate the structure and function of the inlet means 24. The inlet means 24 generally includes a fitting 46, a cylinder 50, a piston 52, with the rod attached thereto in any conventional manner. A line 54 interconnects the inlet means with the cold water line 22. An end cap 56 with a dip tube 56a is fitted to the cylinder 50 to enable the inlet' means 24 to introduce water proximate the heater 14.
More particularly, the fitting 46 may include conventional plumbing threads 58 disposed in a top of the cylinder 50 which provides means for coupling the water inlet means 24 to the water supply line 62 and the cold water line 22 through the line 54.
In order to introduce water to and withdraw water from the tank 12, the water inlet means 24 includes the piston 52 which is slidably mounted in the cylinder 50, with a piston seal 64 disposed between a perimeter 66 and an inside wall 70 of the cylinder 50. In operation, as will be hereinafter described, the piston 52 provides means for displacing water within the tank 12 which enables hot i WO 89/07218 PCT/US89/00317 11.
water, heated in the tank 12, to flow into the hot water line 16, and hot.water, from hot water line 16, to return into the tank 12. During this operation, ho piston 52 moves from a position approximate one end 74 (Figure 3) of the cylinder 50 to an opposite end 76 (Figure 2) carrying along with it the rod 30 which also provides means for guiding the piston 52 within the cylinder by engagement therewith through a top seal 80. Since the end 32 of the rod 32 is visible from outside of the tank, the movement of the piston and the rod 30 is easily observed. Should the piston fail to move during operation of the system, malfunction is easily detected.
It should be appreciated that a cylinder piston and rod may be constructed of any suitable material that can withstand the temperature of typical domestic hot water heaters. Of course, for industrial applications, higher temperature materials may be required.
Importantly, however, since there is no great pressure differential across the cylinder, the material is able t0 withstand high pressures not required. The only portion of the tank subjected to pressure is the top It is important to recognize that the rod not only serves as an indicator of the system operation, but also provides means for exerting atmospheric pressure on a portion of the piston 52, which is fundamental to the operation of the water inlet means 24.
Initially, before use of the fixture 20, the piston 52 resides at the opposite end 76 of the cylinder 50 (Figure When the WO 89/07218 PCT/US89/00317 12.
fixture 20 is utilized to draw hot water through the hot water line 16, a drop in pressure in the wacer tank 12 causes water to flow through the fitting 46 and between the piston and top 60, thereby forcing the piston 50 downward in the cylinder 50 as shown by the arrow 82 in Figure 2. Slots 86, or the like, disposed in cylinder end 74 enable water flow therefrom into the body 90 of the tank via the dip tube 56a and thereafter into the hot water line 16. In this manner, io the piston displaces water within the tank 12 to enable hot water, heated in the tank 12, to flow into the hot water line 16. This continues until the piston 52 reaches the end 74 of the cylinder 50 as shown in Figure 3. In this position, the slots, or openings 86 are sized to enable continued water flow past the piston 52 and into the body of the tank It should be appreciated that the volume of the cylinder 50 is made to capacity, approximately equal to the anticipated volume of water to be returned from the hot water line 16. When hot water is no longer drawn from the hot water line 16, the pressure in the tank hot water line and cold water line 22 become equal and exert an upward force on the bottom 96 of the piston 52. As hereinbefore pointed out, the rod 5EG exerts atmospheric pressure on a portion of a top 98 of the piston 52.
Water enters the hot water line through the conduit 28 from the cold water line 22kconnected to the fitting 46 through line 54. The conduit 28 may be of a smaller diameter than the hot and cold water lines 16, 22, in order to limit mixing of cold water with WO 89/07218 PCT/US89/00317 13.
hot water when hot water is withdrawn from the hot water line 16 via the fixture 20. Alternatively, a restriction 36 may be used to so limit the water flow.
Because the bottom 96 and top 98 of the piston 52 are of the same area and a portion of the piston 98 is subjected to atmospheric pressure, the total force on the bottom of the piston 96 is than the force on the top of the piston 98, consequently, the piston will move toward the top 60 of the cylinder, drawing water through the slots 86 and displacing water within the tank which in turn causes the hot water in the hot water line 16 to return into the tank 12.
Piston movement continues until it reaches the top of the cylinder 50, thus withdrawing all of the hot water from the hot water line if the volume of the cylinder 50 is equal to the volume of water in the hot water line 16. Importantly, there is no required air pocket within the tank or within the inlet means as is required by prior art devices. The only moving portion of the system is the piston 50 and rod which can be selected to provide long term reliability.
It is to be appreciated that the seal 80 may be a typical O-ring seal, or it may include a diaphragm type seal, not shown, or any other suitable arrangement.
As hereinbefore noted, the rod end 32 provides an indication of the operation of the system. When water is withdrawn from the tank, the rod protruding from the tank 12 is substantially less than when the system has recovered all the hot water from the hot WO 89/07218 PCT/US89/00317 14.
water line 16. In many instances, where the water heater is installed in a garage location, a casual look will reveal the operation of the system. On the other hand, if the tank 12 is disposed in a separate locker, or the like, operation can easily be determined by a brief examination of the tank.
Although there has been hereinabove described a particula.r arrangement of a pressurized plumbing system and water heater apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used to advantage, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations, or equivalent arrangements which may occur to those skilled in the art, should be considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, 4.

Claims (7)

1. Water heater apparatus for use with a pressurized plumbing system having separate hot and cold water lines and conduit means, interconnected between the hot and cold water lines, for enabling cold water to pass from the cold water line into the hot water line, said water heater apparatus comprising: tank means for containing a volume of water under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, said tank means including an outlet configured .for coupling to said hot water line; heating means for heating water contained in said tank means; and, water inlet means for introducing water to and withdrawing water from said tank means, said water inlet means having fitting means for coupling said water inlet means to a cold water supply line via said cold water line, said water inlet means including piston means for displacing water within said tank means to both enable hot water heated in said tank means to flow into the hot water line from the tank means and to enable hot water from the hot water line to return into said tank means, said water inlet means further including means for exerting atmospheric pressure on a portion of the piston means.
2. The water heater apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising indicator means for providing an indication of the piston means displacement operation, said indicator means being visible from outside of the tank means.
3. The water heater apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the inlet means further includes closed cylinder means, disposed within said tank means, for both guiding said piston means and enabling movement of the piston to V(I -I, '4' *1;E 910816,wpftdik3,306 I
4.
16- 999999 9 9 9 9 9. 9 9r 9 9. I. 999 displace water within the tank means. 4. The water heater apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the means for exerting atmospheric pressure on a portion of the piston means comprises a rod attached to the piston means for movement therewith, said rod extending outside of the tank means. The water heater apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said indicator means comprises a portion of the rod extending outside of the tank means. 6. The water heater apparatus according to claim wherein the inlet means further includes a seal disposed between a perimeter of the piston means and an inside wall of the cylinder means and said closed cylinder means includes slot means disposed proximate one end of the cylinder means for both enabling flow of water out of said cylinder means to displace water in the tank means 20 outside of said closed cylinder means and enabling water to flow out of the one end of said closed cylinder means when the piston resides at said one end. 7. rhe water heater apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the fitting means is disposed in an opposite end of said closed cylinder means for enabling water disposed within the closed cylinder means opposite end and the piston means to flow into the cold water line when the piston means moves toward the closed cylinder means opposite end, the piston means movement toward the closed cylinder means opposite end causing displacement of water within the tank means into the closed cylinder means through said slot means. 8. The water heater apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the closed cylinder means is heat insulated from water disposed in said tank means. ~c4 0 91o816,vpftdisL6,3061res, 16 l, 1
17- 9. A pressurized plumbing system comprising: tank means for containing a volume of water under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; heating means for heating water contained in said tank means; a hot water line coupled to said tank means and extending to at least one plumbing fixture; water inlet means for introducing water to and withdrawing water from said tank means, said water inlet means having fitting means for coupling said water inlet means to a cold water supply line via a cold water line, said water inlet means including piston means for displacing water within said tank means to both enable hot water heated in said tank means to flow into the hot water line from the tank means and to enable hot water from the hot water line to return into said tank means, said water inlet means further including means for exerting atmospheric pressure on a portion of the piston means; said cold water line extending to said plumbing fixture; and conduit means, interconnected between the hot water and cold water lines, for enabling cold water to pass from the cold water line into the hot water line, said conduit means being distally disposed from said tank means. The pressurized plumbing system according to claim 9 further comprising indicator means for providing an indication of the piston means displacement operation, said indicator being visible from outside of the tank means. 11. The pressurized plumbing system according to claim 10 wherein the inlet means further includes closed cylinder means disposed within said tank means, for both guiding said piston means and enabling movement of the 91816,wpfuftsk36,3061 .res,17 -18- piston to displace water within the tank means. 12. The presszsrized plumbing system according to claim 11 wherein the means of exerting atmospheric pressure on a portion of the piston means comprises a rod attached to the piston means for movement therewith, said rod extending outside of the tank means. 13. The pressurized plumbing system according to claim 12 wherein said indicator means comprises a portion of the rod extending outside of the tank means. S 14. The pressurized plumbing system according to claim 13 wherein the inlet means further includes a seal 15 disposed between a perimeter of the piston means and an inside wall of the cylinder means and said closed cylinder means includes slot means disposed in one end of the cylinder means for both enabling flow of water out of said cylinder means to displace water in the tank means 20 outside of said closed cylinder means and enable water to flow out of the one end of said closed cylinder means when the piston resides at said one end. 15. The pressurized plumbing system according to claim 25 14 wherein the fitting means is disposed in an opposite end of said closed cylinder means for enabling water disposed within the closed cylinder means opposite end and the piston means to flow into the cold water line when the piston means moves toward the closed cylinder means opposite end, the piston means movement toward the closed cylinder means opposite end carrying displacement of water within the tank means into the closed cylinder means through said slot means. 16. The pressurized plumbing system according to claim wherein the closed cylinder means is heat insulated for water disposed in said tank means. 910816,*pftdsk36,3061 res, 18 19 17. The water heater apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
18. The pressurized plumbing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 16th day of August 1991 S 555555 E. S 5 0 S S S 0* Of S S q ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. By their Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON .5.555 S 005e *S S 5 S S S5 S.. S S S S. .f 910816,wpftdsk.M,3061 1.res, 19
AU30611/89A 1988-01-29 1989-01-25 Automatic hot water recovery apparatus Ceased AU616479B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/150,072 US4798224A (en) 1988-01-29 1988-01-29 Automatic hot water recovery apparatus
US150072 1988-01-29
PCT/US1989/000317 WO1989007218A1 (en) 1988-01-29 1989-01-25 Automatic hot water recovery apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU3061189A AU3061189A (en) 1989-08-25
AU616479B2 true AU616479B2 (en) 1991-10-31

Family

ID=26779332

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU30611/89A Ceased AU616479B2 (en) 1988-01-29 1989-01-25 Automatic hot water recovery apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
AU (1) AU616479B2 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4160461A (en) * 1978-02-21 1979-07-10 Marcel Vataru Water and energy conservation system
US4286573A (en) * 1978-08-04 1981-09-01 A. O. Smith Corporation Water heater heat trap assembly
US4391295A (en) * 1981-12-14 1983-07-05 Precision Plumbing Products, Inc. Hot water system and valve

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4160461A (en) * 1978-02-21 1979-07-10 Marcel Vataru Water and energy conservation system
US4286573A (en) * 1978-08-04 1981-09-01 A. O. Smith Corporation Water heater heat trap assembly
US4391295A (en) * 1981-12-14 1983-07-05 Precision Plumbing Products, Inc. Hot water system and valve

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3061189A (en) 1989-08-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4798224A (en) Automatic hot water recovery apparatus
US4930551A (en) Automatic hot water recovery apparatus
US4945942A (en) Accelerated hot water delivery system
AU616479B2 (en) Automatic hot water recovery apparatus
CN108103749A (en) Washing machine heat pump system, the control method for washing a dry body washer and heat pump system
CN2847171Y (en) Intelligent inner circulation emptying anti-freezing device for solar energy heat collector and pipeline fall difference
CN111945829A (en) Multifunctional intelligent control ground fire hydrant capable of preventing water burglary
CN111473241A (en) Inverted bucket type drain valve capable of preventing flash and leakage
CN201443986U (en) Efficient condensing heat exchanger for outer part of tube
CH649372A5 (en) HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE, REFRIGERATOR AND/OR FREEZER.
CN201547954U (en) Instant heating type energy-saving heat pump hot water device suitable for public bathrooms
CN106247662A (en) A kind of water source heat pump air-conditioner operating system
CN201314736Y (en) Closed loop automatic cooling machine set
CN219301031U (en) Water return emergency device of hot water system
CN209672418U (en) More floor central heating systems
CN107178920A (en) A kind of hydrocone type solar water heater cold water retracting device
CN102569852A (en) Pipeline system for all vanadium flow battery
CN106288074A (en) A kind of water source heat pump air-conditioner recycling-guard device
CN208815612U (en) One antifreeze emptying running water pipe
CN206245405U (en) A kind of water-saving flushing system of full Intelligent anti-freezing
CN209170799U (en) The miniflow amount detection systems of the spare cooling equipment of data center computer room
CN205119475U (en) Reinforce heat transfer formula heat pump system
CN219345593U (en) Buoyancy-driven low-pressure gas waterproof check valve
CN111473240B (en) Energy-saving inverted bucket type drain valve
CN209255845U (en) A kind of lead-power machine water supply device