초록 ▼

A single control device is operational to control the flow of gas to a water heater as well as to protect against excessive temperature and pressure. The control device requires only a single fitting to be attached to the water heater tank to expedite the assembly process, eliminate a number of pote

A single control device is operational to control the flow of gas to a water heater as well as to protect against excessive temperature and pressure. The control device requires only a single fitting to be attached to the water heater tank to expedite the assembly process, eliminate a number of potential sources of leakage and reduce heat loss.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A device for controlling the operation of a water heater wherein a gas flow control valve actuator and a water valve are integrated in a single housing that is attachable to said water heater via a single port formed in said water heater, and wherein said water valve is configured to open when wa

1. A device for controlling the operation of a water heater wherein a gas flow control valve actuator and a water valve are integrated in a single housing that is attachable to said water heater via a single port formed in said water heater, and wherein said water valve is configured to open when water within said water heater exceeds a preselected pressure. 2. A control device for the operation of a gas-fired water heater, comprising: a housing affixed to said water heater and in fluid communication therewith; a first temperature sensor contained within said housing and extending into said water heater, operative to actuate a gas valve that controls the flow of gas to a burner for heating water contained in said water heater; and a water valve disposed in said housing operative to allow the release of water contained in said water heater. 3. The control device of claim 2, further comprising a second temperature sensor disposed within said housing and operative to open said water valve when the temperature of water within said water heater exceeds a preselected limit. 4. The control device of claim 3, further comprising a pressure sensor disposed within said housing and operative to open said water valve when the pressure of water within said water heater exceeds a preselected limit. 5. The control device of claim 4, wherein said water valve is manually actuatable. 6. The control device of claim 5, wherein said valve is manually actuatable by the rotation of an externally disposed knob. 7. The control device of claim 4, wherein said pressure sensor comprises a compression spring. 8. The control device of claim 3, wherein said second temperature sensor comprises a wax pellet type sensor. 9. The control device of claim 2, further comprising a pressure sensor disposed within said housing for actuating said water valve when the pressure of water exceeds a preselected limit. 10. The control device of claim 9, wherein said water valve is manually actuatable. 11. The control device of claim 2, wherein said water valve is manually actuatable. 12. The control device of claim 2, wherein said first temperature sensor comprises an Invar rod. 13. A method for controlling the temperature of water within a water heater, comprising the steps of: forming a single opening in said water heater; and attaching to said opening a single housing having disposed therein a first temperature sensor operative to control a gas valve supplying gas to a burner for heating said water within said water heater and having further disposed therein a water valve for releasing said water from within said water heater. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said single housing contains a second temperature sensor operative to open said water valve in the event the temperature of said water exceeds a preselected limit. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said single housing contains a pressure sensor operative to open said water valve in the event the pressure of said water exceeds a preselected limit. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein said water valve is manually actuatable. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein said water valve is operable to release water from within said water heater when said water exceeds a preselected temperature, when said water exceeds a preselected pressure and when a knob disposed on the exterior of said housing is manually rotated.