초록 ▼

A control system for bathers includes an electronic controller which controls operation of an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. The heater assembly includes a heater housing and electric heater element. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provide

A control system for bathers includes an electronic controller which controls operation of an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. The heater assembly includes a heater housing and electric heater element. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. The presence of water in the heater housing is detected electronically, by turning on the heater, and monitoring the temperature sensors for unusual temperature rises or other faults for a period of time thereafter. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus can also be used to determine the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing. An independent circuit apparatus is connected to the water temperature sensor apparatus and to a power relay, automatically causing high voltage power to be disconnected from the heater assembly when the water temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. The independent circuit apparatus requiring a manual reset once the water temperature has dropped below a predetermined level to allow the high voltage power to be reconnected to the heater assembly. The system includes ground continuity detection, ground current detection and ground fault detection circuits.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A heating and control system for bathers, comprising:an electronic controller;an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water passing therethrough, comprising a heater housing and electric heater element, the controller arranged to control t

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A heating and control system for bathers, comprising:an electronic controller;an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water passing therethrough, comprising a heater housing and electric heater element, the controller arranged to control the operation of the heater element;water temperature sensor apparatus providing electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within said heater housing or a combination thereof;water presence sensor apparatus to determine the presence or absence of water within said heater housing, and to provide electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing;the controller responsive to signals from the water temperature sensor apparatus and the electrical water presence signals to control the heater element, said controller responsive to said electrical water presence signals indicating the absence of a body of water within the heater housing to disable operation of the heater element, and to automatically enable operation of the heater element upon subsequent receipt of water presence signals indicating the presence of a body of water within the heater housing.