US4398308A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy conservation in shower bathing
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-09-04
•
Granted: 1983-08-16
•
Expires: 2001-09-04
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a method and apparatus for decreasing the energy consumed by shower baths. The apparatus comprises a heat exchanger used to preheat incoming cold water with hot drain water and a local hot water heater used to elevate the temperature of the hot water feed to levels above about 170° F. The local heater and heat exchanger cooperate to result in energy savings of approximately 50% or more.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles A. Berg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:54
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28G; F28G1/00; F28G1/02; A; A47; A47K; A47K3/00; A47K3/28; E; E03; E03C; E03C1/00; E03C1/02; E03C1/04; E03C1/044; F28D; F28D21/00; F28D21/0001; F28D21/0012; E03C2001/005; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B30/00; Y02B30/56
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
A process for minimizing energy consumption in a shower bath having a bathing enclosure, a mixing valve for mixing first and second water flows, and a drain, said process comprising the steps of: A. preheating a first, incoming cold water, flow by heat exchange with hot drain water; B. delivering said first, preheated cold water, flow to the mixing valve; C. locally heating a second, feed water, flow to a temperature of at least about 170° F.; and d. delivering the second, locally heated water, flow to the mixing valve, whereby to attain a selected bath water temperature, the flow ratio between the first, preheated water, flow and the second, locally heated water, flow delivered to the mixing valve is no less than 1.0.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
A process for minimizing energy consumption in a shower bath having a bathing enclosure, a mixing valve for mixing first and second water flows, and a drain, said process comprising the steps of: A. preheating a first, incoming cold water, flow by heat exchange with hot drain water; B. delivering said first, preheated cold water, flow to the mixing valve; C. locally heating a second, feed water, flow to a temperature of at least about 170° F.; and d. delivering the second, locally heated water, flow to the mixing valve, whereby to attain a selected bath water temperature, the flow ratio between the first, preheated water, flow and the second, locally heated water, flow delivered to the mixing valve is no less than 1.0.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1 including the additional step of preventing escape of water vapor from said bathing enclosure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-08-15 | 1987-02-14 | 1987-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-08-15 | 1991-02-14 | 1991-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-08-15 | 1995-02-14 | 1995-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |