David L Poole

US Patent:

59238194, Jul 13, 1999

Filed:

Jun 24, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/881674

Inventors:

David O. Ross - Montgomery AL
Timothy D. Gantt - Pike Road AL
David C. Poole - Quincy IL

Assignee:

Rheem Manufacturing Company - New York NY

International Classification:

F24H 118

US Classification:

392441

Abstract:

The body structure of a fluid storage apparatus, which may be used for both liquids and gases, is formed from a coaxially and sealingly joined series of one-piece molded polymeric body sections including opposite end sections having closed outer ends. Each one piece molded polymeric body section has tubular inner and outer shell portions that are coaxial with one another and radially separated by a circumferentially spaced series of radially extending ribs molded integrally therewith and defining therebetween a circumferentially extending series of arcuate insulation spaces. In the assembled body structure the inner shell portions entirely define in the apparatus an internal fluid storage vessel portion that is useful in storing both liquids and gases. The interior fluid storage vessel is outwardly enveloped by the insulation spaces and structurally reinforced, via the integral ribs, by the outer shell sections. The apparatus is representatively a water heater storage tank with suitable inlet and outlet piping operatively communicated with the interior of the vessel, and water disposed in the internal storage vessel portion thereof may be selectively heated by one or more electric resistance type heating elements operatively mounted on the water heater body structure.

US Patent:

56689225, Sep 16, 1997

Filed:

Nov 16, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/558680

Inventors:

David O. Ross - Montgomery AL
Timothy D. Gantt - Pike Road AL
David C. Poole - Quincy IL

Assignee:

Rheem Manufacturing Company - New York NY

International Classification:

F24H 118

US Classification:

392441

Abstract:

An electric water heater has a body structure formed in a manner eliminating the need for a separate metal water storage tank therein. The body structure is formed from a coaxially and sealingly joined series of one-piece molded plastic body sections including opposite end sections having closed outer ends. Each one piece molded plastic body section has tubular inner and outer shell portions that are coaxial with one another and radially separated by a circumferentially spaced series of radially extending ribs molded integrally therewith and defining therebetween a circumferentially extending series of arcuate insulation spaces. In the assembled body structure the inner shell portions entirely define in the water heater an internal water storage vessel portion that is outwardly enveloped by the insulation spaces and structurally reinforced, via the integral ribs, by the outer shell sections. Suitable inlet and outlet piping is operatively communicated with the interior of the body structure, and water disposed in the internal storage vessel portion thereof may be selectively heated by one or more electric resistance type heating elements operatively mounted on the water heater body structure.