Richard R Welch

US Patent:

6546796, Apr 15, 2003

Filed:

Mar 15, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/809480

Inventors:

Bernd Zimmermann - Ashland OH
David W. Reynolds - Galion OH
Richard E. Welch - Lexington OH
Hank E. Millet - Piqua OH

Assignee:

Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated - Mansfield OH

International Classification:

G01F 2327

US Classification:

73295, 73290 R, 73304 R

Abstract:

An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor of the present invention utilizes a plurality of thermocouples grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. A first thermocouple of each pair is located in relatively close thermal proximity to an electrically powered heater and the second of each pair of thermocouples is spaced away from the heater. The thermocouples are connected in series and produce a signal directly indicative of the level of the liquid along the sensor. Additionally, a pressure sensing circuit may also be incorporated with the liquid level sensor.

US Patent:

6584940, Jul 1, 2003

Filed:

Jan 9, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/042984

Inventors:

Prasad S. Khadkikar - Seville OH
Richard L. Gerich - Mansfield OH
Christine M. Hudson - Hudson OH
Jeffrey A. West - Bellville OH
Derek J. Rose - Mansfield OH
Douglas J. Kempf - Mansfield OH
Douglas E. Prather - Jackson MI
Richard E. Welch - Lexington OH

Assignee:

Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated - Mansfield OH

International Classification:

F24H 140

US Classification:

122 181, 122 1831, 122 442, 1221552

Abstract:

An improved flue pipe construction particularly adapted for a fuel fired water heater is disclosed which serves to reduce or minimize heat loss when the water heater is in a standby mode. The flue pipe construction comprises inner and outer concentric flue pipes which define an air space therebetween and one or more valve arrangements associated therewith to selectively restrict air flow through such air space. The valve arrangements include a thermally responsive actuator operative to open and close the valve member in response to heat generated by firing of the burner assembly without the need for any external power supply or interlocks.

US Patent:

D507977, Aug 2, 2005

Filed:

May 5, 2004

Appl. No.:

29/204868

Inventors:

Richard E. Welch - Lexington OH, US
Tung-Sheng Yang - Mansfield OH, US
William E. Miller - Centerburg OH, US

Assignee:

Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated - Mansfield OH

International Classification:

1004

US Classification:

D10 57

US Patent:

D510709, Oct 18, 2005

Filed:

May 5, 2004

Appl. No.:

29/204867

Inventors:

Richard E. Welch - Lexington OH, US
Tung-Sheng Yang - Mansfield OH, US
Lawrence J. Brazis - Doylestown OH, US
Richard Miu - Lexington OH, US

Assignee:

Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated - Mansfield OH

International Classification:

1004

US Classification:

D10 57

US Patent:

7162150, Jan 9, 2007

Filed:

Nov 23, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/287005

Inventors:

Richard E. Welch - Lexington OH, US
Tung-Sheng Yang - Mansfield OH, US

Assignee:

Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated - Mansfield OH

International Classification:

F24H 1/20

US Classification:

392455, 392497

Abstract:

A bracket operable to support a temperature control device and a sensor probe at an external surface of a water tank for controlling and monitoring the water temperature of the tank. The bracket comprises a first receptacle, a second receptacle, and a coupling feature. The first receptacle is operable to receive the temperature control device. The second receptacle is operable to receive the sensor probe. The coupling feature is operable to attach the bracket at the external surface of the water tank.

US Patent:

7242858, Jul 10, 2007

Filed:

Mar 13, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/374620

Inventors:

Richard E. Welch - Lexington OH, US
Michael L. Miller - Huntersville NC, US

Assignee:

Therm-O-Disc Incorporated - Mansfield OH

International Classification:

F24H 1/20

US Classification:

392455, 392441, 361816

Abstract:

An external reset device that is operable in combination with an electric water heater is disclosed. The external reset device is attached to an element cover that is mounted to the water heater and conceals the water heater's control device, such as a manual reset thermostat. The external reset device comprises a bushing member and a key member attached to the element cover. The bushing member is aligned with a reset button on the control device. The key member is adapted for insertion into the bushing member to depress the reset button and close a switch, enabling the heating elements of the electric water heater to power ON and heat the water within the electric water heater.

US Patent:

20070175883, Aug 2, 2007

Filed:

Jan 27, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/342375

Inventors:

Richard Miu - Lexington OH, US
Lawrence Brazis - Orrville OH, US
Richard Welch - Lexington OH, US

Assignee:

Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated - Mansfield OH

International Classification:

A21B 1/00

US Classification:

219400000

Abstract:

A control system for an electric water heater having an upper heating element and a lower heating element is disclosed. The control system includes a control module that controls operation of the electric water heater by selectively toggling the upper and lower heating elements between an ON state and an OFF state and a consumer interface module that allows a consumer to input a set point temperature and select an energy savings mode for the electric water heater. The control module regularly monitors hot water usage and adjusts the set point temperature by a predetermined setback amount until a capacity of the water heater matches consumer usage.

US Patent:

62396862, May 29, 2001

Filed:

Aug 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/369729

Inventors:

Philip B. Eder - Mansfield OH
William F. Quinn - Greenwich OH
Mark A. Roberts - Mansfield OH
Richard E. Welch - Lexington OH
David W. Clow - Spring Lake MI

Assignee:

Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated - Mansfield OH

International Classification:

H01H 3746
H01H 3772

US Classification:

337382

Abstract:

A temperature actuated switch having a resilient switch blade that is movable between open and closed positions and extends perpendicular to an elongated actuator of shape memory alloy. The actuator has an elongated deformed shape at normal temperatures and a contracted recovered shape at an elevated temperature. An end portion of the actuator is attached to the switch blade to provide movement of same between open and closed positions as the actuator changes between its deformed and recovered shapes.