Darryl L Ruark

US Patent:

60364807, Mar 14, 2000

Filed:

Apr 1, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/053183

Inventors:

Dennis R. Hughes - Hartford WI
David W. Kramer - Milwaukee WI
Darryl L. Ruark - Lugoff SC
Gary J. Potter - Mooresville IN
Martin P. McCathern - Bishopville SC
Peter J. Phillip - Fort Mill SC

Assignee:

AOS Holding Company - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

F23D 1446

US Classification:

431353

Abstract:

A combustion burner includes a housing secured to the top of a water heater, a gas tube in fluid communication with a source of gas and depending vertically from the housing and positioned within a heat exchange tube of the water heater. The An ignition assembly depends vertically from the top of the housing through the gas tube and into the heat exchange tube. An angled nozzle, extending from the housing, transports air from an air blower through the housing and into an annulus defined between the exterior of the annular chamber and the interior of the heat exchange tube. A deflector plate having a first and second series of slots and adjacent louvers effects the mixture of the gas and air in the interior of the heat exchange tube and enables the production of a long narrow flame within the heat exchange tube. A removable air restrictor plate positioned within the angled nozzle accelerates the air through the housing, thereby enabling the burner to achieve different thermal ratings without altering the air blower output.

US Patent:

48724432, Oct 10, 1989

Filed:

Mar 13, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/322686

Inventors:

Darryl L. Ruark - Lugoff SC

Assignee:

A. O. Smith Corporation - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

F24H 100

US Classification:

126361

Abstract:

In a water heater (10), an access door (50) is provided covering dual openings (18, 44). The outer cylindrical jacket (14) of the water heater has an access opening (18). A power vent enclosure (34) extends outwardly and forwardly from the jacket and covers a portion of the access oopening (18). The power vent enclosure (34) has a sidewall (42) extending outwardly and forwardly from the jacket (14). The sidewall (42) has an opening (44) therethrough extending outwardly and forwardly from the jacket (14) at the access opening (18). The access door (50) covers both the sidewall opening (44) and the remainder of the access opening (18) not covered by the power vent enclosure (34).

US Patent:

47779330, Oct 18, 1988

Filed:

Nov 6, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/117335

Inventors:

Darryl L. Ruark - Lugoff SC

Assignee:

A. O. Smith Corporation - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

F24H 100

US Classification:

126361

Abstract:

An access door construction for a gas-fired water heater. The lower end of the outer jacket of the water heater is formed with an access opening and a door or panel bears against the outer surface of the jacket and encloses the opening. Tabs are formed on opposite side edges of the panel and engage the inner surface of the jacket adjacent the opening. In it unassembled condition, the panel is flat and when assembled with the cylindrical jacket, the resiliency of the panel will urge the tabs into tight engagement with the inner surface of the jacket. The panel is formed with a vertical channel having a generally semi-cylindrical cross section. By manually squeezing the sides of the channel together, the distance between the tabs will be decreased to thereby enable the panel to be removed and installed with the jacket.

US Patent:

52992802, Mar 29, 1994

Filed:

Oct 20, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/963781

Inventors:

Darryl L. Ruark - Lugoff SC

Assignee:

AOS Holding Company - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

H05B 102
F24H 120
F24H 900
F22B 3736

US Classification:

392449

Abstract:

An electric water heater tank defines a water chamber having an electrical component extending outwardly of the outer surface of the tank. A spaced outer jacket surrounds the tank and has a opening affording access to the component. A protective dam in the opening bridges the gap between the tank and jacket in surrounding relationship to the component and is covered by a cap extending over the component and engaging the dam. Electrical wires connected to the component extend outwardly of the jacket between the cap and dam. A door covers the cap and dam and is secured to the jacket such that the door engages the cap to force the dam into sealing engagement with the jacket and tank. Foam thermal insulation material fills the space between the jacket and the outer surface of the tank.

US Patent:

57352372, Apr 7, 1998

Filed:

Feb 16, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/602303

Inventors:

Peter J. Phillip - Hartsville SC
Darryl L. Ruark - Lugoff SC
Gary J. Potter - Bethune SC

Assignee:

AOS Holding Company - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

F22B 500

US Classification:

122 131

Abstract:

The present invention is a commercial water heater comprising a tank dimensioned to hold a quantity of water, a blower, a heater, a heat exchanger in the water, and a control system. The heat exchanger includes a central tube running from the top of the tank to the bottom and a coil connected to and encircling the central tube. The heater is mounted inside the central tube, and the blower is mounted to the top of the tank, which together simplify manufacture and servicing. The blower is capable of delivering sufficient air for combustion at a pressure and velocity sufficient to drive the exhaust gases fifty feet beyond the water heater outlet, thus avoiding the need for a chimney. The water heater according to the present invention has an average efficiency of 93% with a 1% standby loss and is considerably cheaper to manufacture than other similarly efficient water heaters.