Back to results
US 4,246,871 AGranted
Steam generator
OwnerRonald W. Bocksruker, Zvi H. Schachterinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A heat exchanger for an instant steam generator is disclosed comprising a small diameter, continuous metal tube formed into a closed, cylindrical helix. A heat source in contact with either surface of the helix such as a cartridge heater inserted into the helix generates steam in the water flowing in the tube. A set of thermostats in contact with each end of the helix permits fast turn on of the heater but prevents overheating and fusion of the output end of the helix.
Claims9
A vapor generator comprising in combination:
- a heat exchanger in the form of a continuous helix in which each revolution is in tangential contact with the adjacent revolution and the revolutions are joined and sealed to each other, said helix having an inlet end for receiving a flow of vaporizable liquid and an outlet end for emitting vapor;
- thermal means comprising an electrical resistance cartridge heater inserted into the interior of the helix for applying sufficient heat to a surface of the helix for vaporizing the liquid therein;
- means for regulating the electrical power supplied to the heater including a first thermostat mounted near the cold inlet end of the helix and a second thermostat mounted near the outlet end of the helix, and means connecting the thermostats in series contact with the heater.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.