GB2482155A - An aquarium water heater - Google Patents
An aquarium water heater Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2482155A GB2482155A GB1012260.4A GB201012260A GB2482155A GB 2482155 A GB2482155 A GB 2482155A GB 201012260 A GB201012260 A GB 201012260A GB 2482155 A GB2482155 A GB 2482155A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- water
- aquarium
- temperature sensing
- heating
- temperature
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 141
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- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- -1 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
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- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
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- 239000013505 freshwater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
- A01K63/06—Arrangements for heating or lighting in, or attached to, receptacles for live fish
- A01K63/065—Heating or cooling devices
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Farming Of Fish And Shellfish (AREA)
Abstract
An aquarium water heater 1 comprising a heating element 2 and a temperature sensing member 3 connected by a flexible cable 4. The temperature sensing member communicates with the heating element via the cable. The heater is powered via a cable 14 and power pack (fig 3). The temperature sensor constantly detects the temperature of the water in the aquarium in a location remote from the heating element to ensure that the aquarium is heated evenly. The temperature sensor activates the heating element when the temperature of the aquarium water falls below a predetermined threshold. When the sensor is removed from the aquarium water it causes the heating element to switch off to prevent overheating. Visual indicators are provided on the temperature sensor.
Description
AN AOUARIUM WATER HEATER
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a water heater, in particular to water heaters for heating water in an aquarium or the like.
Background to the Invention
Known aquarium water heaters incorporate a resistive heating element and a bi-metal temperature controlling device, which are both enclosed within a glass vessel. The heating element and the bi-metal device are typically sealed within the vessel by an "0" ring seal.
The bi-metal temperature controlling device controls the electrical power to the heating element, therefore regulating the temperature of the water within the aquarium. The electrical power to the heating element, originates from a mains electricity supply.
Known water heaters are disadvantaged in that if they over heat, This may be due to either a fault occurring within the bi-metal temperature control device, or the water heater itself being powered when out of the water within the aquarium. The containing glass vessel will either crack or break in a manner which allows water to enter the vessel, therefore potentially exposing the water within the aquarium to the mains electrical supply.
Furthermore, some known aquatic life forms are sensitive to temperature fluctuations within the living environment of the aquarium. The bi-metal temperature control device has a control characteristic, which requires substantial thermal inertia for the device to function in regulating the temperature of the water within the aquarium. For example, for a bi-metal temperature control device will incur large hysteresis in which it will not switch off the heating device until the water temperature reaches 26° to 27° Celsius. It will then subsequently switch on the heating device when the water temperature has dropped down to 19° to 20° Celsius. Therefore, these temperature fluctuations may be too severe to support the aforementioned aquatic life forms.
The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.
Summary of the Invention
In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides an aquarium water heater comprising a heating member attached to a temperature sensing member and said temperature sensing member activates said heating member if the water temperature of said aquarium is below a predetermined threshold; wherein said heating member is disposed away from the body of said temperature sensing member in a manner whereby said temperature sensing member senses, in use, the temperature of water that is not in close proximity to said heating device. This configuration provides a means of accurately monitoring and heating a Large body of water in the aquarium. The heating means is not in close proximity of the sensing means, therefore there is no thermal contamination from the heating means to the temperature sensing means, which obviates the initial thermal offset calibration in regards to the heating means and the temperature monitoring means of known aquarium water heaters.
Preferably, said temperature sensing means iteratively senses and stores information over a predetermined period of time which is representative of the water temperature of said aquarium that is not in close proximity to said heating member; said temperature sensing member activates said heating member if said information is indicative of said water temperature of said aquarium having a temperature below a predetermined threshold.
This configuration obtains fast periodic samples for use in obtaining an accurate digital representation of the water temperature, which are utilised by microcontrollers for providing a fast reactive response to any required temperature adjustments within the aquarium.
Preferably, said attachment of said heating member to said temperature sensing member is via a flexible attachment means. This allows the heating member to be located at any angle in relation to the flexible attachment means. This enables the heating probe to be located in locations within the aquarium where space is limited. It also allows the heater to be placed in a flow of water which is not in close proximity to the temperature sensing member.
More preferably, said flexible attachment means is an electrical cable which incorporates a plurality of cores for communication signals between said heating means and said temperature sensing member. This provides a rugged and durable means of communicating electrical power to the element within the heating member from the temperature sensing means.
Preferably, said temperature sensing member communicates a signal pulse to said heating means; whereby the width of said pulse is substantially indicative of the electrical power required to heat the water contained within said aquarium. This provides a means of accurately controlling the temperature of the water for large temperature adjustments or fine temperature adjustments. Therefore, a series of wide pulses will power the element for longer durations and therefore provide more heat for the water. A series of fast narrow pulses will power the element for shorter durations and therefore provide a means of stabilising the heat for the water. Therefore, accurately maintaining the temperature of the water at a predetermined temperature.
Preferably, said temperature sensing means is encapsulated in a substantially thermoplastics material. This provides a durable and rugged means of mechanically protecting the heating and / or temperature sensing means in a harsh environment, such as fresh or salt water aquariums and the environmental conditions established within them. Furthermore, thermoplastics material will not contaminate the water of the aquarium by bleeding molecules into its surrounding environment.
Preferably, said heating means is encapsulated in a polytetrafluoroethylene coated stainless steel material. This provides a durable and rugged means of protecting the heating at high temperatures, while providing a coating that facilitates the easy cleaning of the surface of the heating means to remove any built up bacteria / algae.
Preferably, said heating means further comprises a helical sheath. This provides a high flow rate of water over the heating means which communicates heat to a large volume of water, whilst maintaining a Level of protection that prevents fingers and live forms contained within the aquarium form coming into direct contact with the heating means.
Preferably, said temperature sensing means further incorporates a transparent portion which facilitates the observation of visual indicators incorporated within said temperature sensing means. This allows the user of the aquarium to visually monitor the operation of the water heater, whilst it is installed within the aquarium.
Preferably, said temperature sensing means further comprises an aperture for communicating the water within the aquarium through temperature sensing means. This allows the water within the aquarium to flow through the temperature sensing means, via cavities, which enables the water to flow within close proximity of temperature sensing components incorporated within the temperature sensing means.
Preferably, said temperature sensing means disconnects electrical power to the heating means whenever it senses said water heater member is not immersed in water. This prevents the element within heating means from over heating and potentially causing structural damage to the heating means body.
Preferably, an aquarium water heater further comprising a power supply unit for providing electrical power to said heating means and temperature sensing means; wherein electrical power at mains voltage is reduced to a safe working voltage within said aquarium when filled with water. This provides a safe environment should a fault occur within the heating means and / or temperature sensing means, which exposes the water within the aquarium to the reduced electrical power and not to a potentially lethal mains voltage supply.
In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides an aquarium water heater system comprising: * means of attaching a heating member to temperature sensing member; * means of activating said heating member when said temperature sensing member senses the water temperature within the aquarium is below predetermined threshold; and * means disposing said heating member away from said temperature sensing member Preferably, an aquarium water heater system further comprising means of iteratively sensing and storing information over a predetermined period of time which is representative of water in the aquarium that is not in close proximity to said heating member.
Preferably, in which the means of activating said heating means if said information is indicative of said water temperature having a temperature below a predetermined threshold.
Preferably, an aquarium water heater system further comprising a means for providing electrical power to said heating means and temperature sensing means; wherein electrical power at mains voltage is reduced to a safe working voltage within said aquarium filled with water.
Preferably, an aquarium water heater system further comprising a means for communicates a signal pulse from said temperature sensing member to said heating means; whereby the width of said pulse is substantially indicative of the electrical power required to heat the water contained within said aquarium.
Brief Description of the Figures
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the aquarium water heater.
Figure 2A shows an end view of the temperature sensing member of the aquarium water heater.
Figure 2B shows an upper plan view of the aquarium water heater.
Figure 2C shows a lower plan view of the aquarium water heater.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the power supply unit for the aquarium water heater.
Figure 4A shows a side view incorporating the electrical outlets for the aquarium water heater.
Figure 4B shows a lower plan view of the power supply unit for the aquarium water heater.
Detailed Description of the Figures
Figure 1 shows the perspective upper view of an aquarium water heater, generally indicated by 1. The water heater 1 incorporates a heating member 2 attached to a temperature sensing member 3 via a flexible cable 4.
The heating member 2 is substantially probe like and incorporates an electrical resistive element (not shown) which is encapsulated within a cylindrical member 5, formed from a [teflon coated stainless steel] [Teflon for spiral cleaning]durable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE -Teflon®) coated stainless steel material. The cylindrical member 5 is enclosed within a helical sheath 6, which is substantially frusto-conically shaped. The helical sheath 6 is slidably attached over the cylindrical member 5 and is held in position by an interlocking portion (not shown). The helical sheath 6 is formed from a durable thermoplastic material. The heating member 2 is attached to the flexible cable 4 via a waterproof coupling 7, which incorporates a waterproof seal (not shown). The coupling 7 is attached and sealed to the cylindrical member 5 to prevent the ingress of water into the heating member 2. The flexible cable 4 is typically formed from a durable silicone based multi core cable. The cable 4 is attached and sealed to an integral waterproof coupling 8, within the temperature sensing member 3 to prevent the ingress of water into the temperature sensing member 3.
The temperature sensing member 3 is substantially tablet like and incorporates an electronic pack (not shown) encapsulated within a substantially elliptically shaped capsule 9. The electronic pack is sealed within the capsule 9 to prevent the ingress of water into the capsule 9. The capsule 9 is formed from a durable thermoplastic material, such as acrylic. The capsule 9 further incorporates a lower transparent body portion 10. The capsule incorporates a second transparent upper body portion 1 1, which is located upon the lower body portion 10. The second transparent body portion 11 extends centrally along the upper surface of the capsule 9. The second transparent body portion 11 incorporates a substantially fish-shaped recess 12, which provides enhanced thermal conductivity through a substantially thin thermoplastic portion. This allows the temperature sensitive components incorporated within the encapsulated electronic pack to accurately sense the water temperature of the aquarium. The electronic pack incorporates one or more optical sensors (not shown) that are visible through the second transparent body portion 11. A non-transparent body member 13 formed from a black durable thermoplastic, such as acrylic, surrounds the second transparent body portion 11. A flexible power lead 14 is permanently connected to the temperature sensing member 3 via a second water proof coupling (not shown). A power coupling connector 15 is attached to the opposite end of the power lead 14, which couples temperature sensing member 3 to a power supply unit (see Figures 3 and 4).
Figure 2A shows the end view of the temperature sensing member 3 which is opposite the end that incorporates the cable coupling 8 (shown in Figure 1). A semi-curved recess 20 is located within the transparent lower body portion 10 of the temperature sensing member 3. A tab portion 21 perpendicularly extends from the lower body portion 10 of the temperature sensing member 3. The lower body portion 10 of the temperature sensing member 3 incorporates two side cavities 22 and 23. The second transparent portion 11 is located on the lower body portion 10. The substantially fished shaped recess 12 is centrally located within the second transparent portion 11.
Figure 2B shows an upper plan view of the aquarium water heater 1. The substantially fish shaped recess 12 is centrally located within second transparent portion 11 and incorporates a second elliptically shaped recess 24, which is centrally located within the broad torso portion of the fish-shaped recess 12. The recess is aligned with temperature sensitive electronic device located on the encapsulated electronic pack (not shown). The second transparent portion 11 is surrounded by the non-transparent body member 13.
The heating member 2 is attached to the temperature sensing member 3, via the flexible cable 4. The helical sheath 6 incorporates a supporting spine portion 25 which enables the helical sheath 6 to be substantially more rigid.
Figure 2C shows a lower plan view of the aquarium water heater 1. The lower body portion 10 incorporates the curved recess 20 at one end, which is substantially similar to the curvature of the peripheral edge of temperature sensing member 3. The two cavities 22 and 23 extend substantially along each side of the temperature sensing member 3. The outer wall of each cavity 22 and 23 follows the curvature of the peripheral sides of the temperature sensing member 3. The vertically linear inner wall of each cavity 22 and 23 are adjacent to the encapsulated electronic pack (not shown) and are sealed to the temperature sensing member 3 to prevent the ingress of water. Each cavity 22 and 23 incorporates an aperture 28 and 29 which is aligned with the central horizontal axis AA of the temperature sensing member 3. Each aperture 28 and 29 is also adjacently aligned with each linear inner wall of each cavity 22 and 23 A tab portion 21 is centrally located within a circular configuration 27 formed within the surface of the lower body portion 10.
The circular configuration 27 is centrally located on the central vertical axis BB of the lower body member 10. The circular configuration 27 is also offset to be below the central horizontal axis AA of the temperature sensing member 3. The circular configuration 27 is centrally located on a vertically supporting rib 30, which incorporates two symmetrically aligned recessed portions 31 and 32 that extend vertically along the lower body member 10. The inner edges of the two symmetrically aligned recessed portions 31 and 32 are vertically linear. The two symmetrically recessed portions 31 and 32 also incorporate outer edges, which incorporate a curvature, which are substantially similar to the curvature of the temperature sensing member's peripheral edges.
The supporting spine 25 of the helical sheath 6 further incorporates two vertically supporting ribs 33 and 34. The helical sheath 6 incorporates an interlocking portion 35, which co-operates with elliptical aperture 36 within semi-elliptical tongue portion 37 that projects from the coupling portion 7 of the heater member 2, to form a releasable interlocking means.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a power supply unit, which is generally indicated by 40. The power supply unit 40 is directly connectable to the aquarium water heater 1. The power supply steps down the mains supply voltage, typically ranging from 110 Volts Alternating Current (VAC) to 230 VAC to a low voltage of 12 VAC. The low voltage is a safe working voltage which would not cause any danger to any persons who may come in contact with the aquarium, when a fault may occur and expose the body of water contained with the aquarium to the reduced electrical supply.
The power supply unit incorporates a substantially square shape and incorporates a case which is formed from two plastics body members 46 and 47. Plastics body member 46 is typically a white plastics material which forms the main body member 46 of the power supply unit. Plastics body member 47 is typically a black plastics material which forms the outer peripheral cover of body member 46. The body member 47 surrounds the outer edge of the main body member 46 and is locatable about four standing members which protrude from the bottom portion of the power supply unit 40.
Figure 4A shows a side view of the power supply unit 40, which incorporates an interface panel 41. The interface panel 41 incorporates the following dedicated electrical power outlets and inputs: * A dedicated electrical output socket for a water pump 42, 3 Watts(W), 12VAC output; * A dedicated electrical light output 43 (LED), lOW, 12VAC; * A dedicated heating device 44, 50W, 12V AC; and * Mains electrical power input 45, typically ranging from 110 to 24OVAC, typically 50Hz to 60 Hz (country dependent).
The power supply unit 40 also incorporates an encapsulated isolation transformer (not shown) which isolates the primary mains input from the reduced secondary output (such as 1 2VAC).
Figure 4B shows an underside view of the power supply unit 40, which has four feet members 42 located within the lower surface of the power supply's casing. The plastics body member 47 covers the outer edge of plastics body member 46 and is located about the four feet members 42 which protrude from the bottom portion of the power supply unit 40.
In use, the aquarium water heater is powered from an electrical power supply unit which steps down mains supply voltage, typically 230-1 10 Volts Alternating Current (VAC) down to a voltage of 12VAC that is safe in a potentially hazardous wet environment such as an aquarium. The aquarium water heater has a dedicated power cable, which is permanently attached to the temperature sensing member of the heater. The power cable is coupled to the power supply unit via a dedicated power coupling, which is indicated with "heater".
When power is applied to the aquarium heater, a green Light Emitting Diode (LED) is illuminated to indicate the power status of the water heater through the clear upper panel within the temperature sensing member. When power is applied to the heating member, a red LED is illuminated to indicate the heating member is powered. Both the green and red LEDs are visible through the fish shaped recess, within the transparent thermoplastic body of the temperature sensing member. Therefore, the water heater can be visually monitored whilst being submerged within the water of the aquarium. The heating element accurately heats the water to a typical temperature of approximately 24.5° Celsius. However, the set temperature of the water heater may be adjusted and calibrated to other temperatures during the manufacture of the water heater.
The temperature sensing member incorporates two side cavities, which when flooded with water, will enable the water heater to sink and remain on the bottom surface of the aquarium. Each cavity incorporates an aperture which allows water to flood into the two cavities, which reduces the buoyancy of temperature sensing member and enabling it to sink.
The two symmetrical recesses, which extend along the bottom surface of the temperature sensing member, to form a recessed foot print, which provides the means of locating the sensing member in or on the gravel at the bottom of the aquarium. The foot print further incorporates a tab member which protrudes from the bottom surface of the temperature sensing member that locates and embeds itself within the gravel. The tab synergistically functions with the two symmetrical recesses to enable the temperature sensing portion to be located within the aquarium, without being dragged about the aquarium, via the movement of water within the aquarium.
The fish shaped recess within the thermoplastic body of the temperature sensing member incorporates a second recess, which is aligned with a temperature sensing component located on the encapsulated electronic pack. The movement of water across the second recess is encouraged by guiding the flow of water from the tail portion of the fish recess, to the torso portion of the fish recess. The second recess provides a thin portion of thermoplastic, which provides a path of increased thermal conductivity, which provides a means of communicating the water temperature to the encapsulated sensing component.
When the water contained within the aquarium requires heat, the temperature sensing unit will then transmit a series of power pulses to the resistive element contained within the heating member. The series of power pulses regulate power to the resistive element, whereby the width of each pulse is proportional to the temperature demand required by the heating element to heat the water, in order to obtain the desired set temperature of the tank. For example, to enable the water within the aquarium to reach the required set temperature, the width of each pulse will be substantially increased. However, if the water temperature is just below the required set temperature, the width of each pulse is substantially reduced to ensure that the temperature of water does not over shoot the required set temperature. Therefore, the width of the pulse is directly proportional to the required power for heating the water. The pulse width regulation of the heating member enables accurate monitoring of the water temperature within the aquarium, without any large temperature fluctuations, which are inherent within other form of temperature controllers such as thermostatic or bimetal strip temperature controllers. Therefore, preventing any harm or damage occurring to the aquatic life forms, which may be sensitive to temperature fluctuations within the aquarium. Pulse width power regulation is also known as Pulse width modulation (PWM).
The sensing of the water temperature is obtained by sampling the water temperature via the electronic pack over a predetermined period of time. For example, the water temperature may be sampled at approximately 3,000 iterations per minute, 50 iterations per second, which therefore provides an accurate representation of the water temperature.
The monitoring of the water is maintained over fractions of a second (50 samples per second -one sample every 20 milliseconds), instead of long switching periods which are characteristic of known thermostatic or bimetal controllers.
The electronic pack provides noise free power regulation of each pulse by switching off the electrical power, as the alternating electrical current passes through the zero voltage point, therefore cancelling out any electrically generated noise.
The heating member attached to the temperature sensing member via a flexible electrical cable. The flexible cable also functions as a flexible hinge, which allows the heating member to be located in a position that is not in close proximity to the temperature sensing member. Therefore, enabling the temperature sensing device to measure the actual temperature of the water within the aquarium, without sensing the heat emitted from the heating member. Furthermore, the aquarium water heater will not require any initial calibration procedures for cancelling out any back ground heat in addition to the water temperature, which is a common problem with known aquarium water heaters where the temperature controller and heating element are contained with a single vessel.
The helical sheath around the heating member enables a high flow rate of water to pass over the heating member and therefore continuously communicating heat from the resistive element to a large volume of water, whilst preventing any physical contact between the electrical element and the life forms contained within the aquarium. The helical sheath is removable from the heating member via an interlock device, which enables the helical sheath to be cleaned, to remove any debris, slime, algae or the like that may form on the surface of the heating member.
The body of the temperature sensing body is formed from a rugged/durable thermoplastic material which can withstand the harsh environment of all types of water conditions ranging from a fresh water aquarium, to a highly concentrated sea water aquarium, without any degradation or breakdown of the components and / or the insulation materials. Furthermore, thermoplastic components and / or insulation materials can withstand the UV radiation from a light source within the aquarium, without breaking down and becoming brittle as with other plastics. Thermoplastics, such as acrylic, do not leech or bleed any contaminating matter into the environment contained within the aquarium, which may cause environmental damage / harm to any contained the life forms contained within the aquarium. Thermoplastics can withstand prolonged contact with biological matter excreted from the contained aquatic life forms, slime and / or algae without any degradation or breakdown of the components and br insulating materials. All the components of the aquarium heater are double insulated via the thermoplastic material.
The aquarium water heater may be retrofitted to an existing fish tank or installed within a new build aquarium.
The power supply unit is a dedicated power supply unit for the aquarium heater. It has dedicated ports to: * a low voltage LED light, (typically within the ultraviolet range of electromagnetic spectrum; * a low voltage air pump for the tank; * and a low voltage dedicated output to the heater.
Each port is polarised to prevent the possibility of cross connection of the peripheral devices. The power supply unit contains a linear power transformer which is noise free and safely isolates the mains primary coils from the low voltage circuitry coils, in the event of a fault occuring within the power supply.
The power rating of the power supply unit is typically 65 Watts at 12 VAC, which is suffice for accurately warming a 60 litre body of water within a 60 litre aquarium tank after stabilisation and in ambient temperature within 15 to 24.5 deg etc. The heating of the water within the aquarium may be boosted by ganging two or more water heaters together to form a larger heating source.
Claims (19)
- Claims 1. An aquarium water heater comprising a heating member attached to a temperature sensing member and said temperature sensing member activates said heating member if the water temperature of said aquarium is below a predetermined threshold; wherein said heating member is disposed away from the body of said temperature sensing member in a manner whereby said temperature sensing member senses, in use, the temperature of water that is not in close proximity to said heating device.
- 2. A water heater according to claim 1, wherein said temperature sensing means iteratively senses and stores information over a predetermined period of time which is representative of the water temperature of said aquarium that is not in close proximity to said heating member; said temperature sensing member activates said heating member if said information is indicative of said water temperature of said aquarium having a temperature below a predetermined threshold.
- 3. A water heater according to either of the preceding claims, wherein said attachment of said heating member to said temperature sensing member is via a flexible attachment means.
- 4. A water heater according to claim 4, wherein said flexible attachment means is an electrical cable which incorporates a plurality of cores for communication signals between said heating means and said temperature sensing member.
- 5. A water heating according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said temperature sensing member communicates a signal pulse to said heating means; whereby the width of said pulse is substantially indicative of the electrical power required to heat the water contained within said aquarium.
- 6. A water heater according to any of the previous claims, wherein said temperature sensing means is encapsulated in a substantially thermoplastics material.
- 7. A water heater according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said heating means is encapsulated in a polytetrafluoroethylene coated stainless steel material.
- 8. A water heater according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said heating means further comprises a helical sheath.
- 9. A water heater according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said temperature sensing means further incorporates a transparent portion which facilitates the observation of visual indicators incorporated within said temperature sensing means.
- 10. A water heater according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said temperature sensing means further comprises an aperture for communicating the water within the aquarium through temperature sensing means.
- 11. A water heater according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said temperature sensing means disconnects electricaL power to the heating means whenever it senses said water heater member is not immersed in water.
- 12. A water heater according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a power supply unit for providing electrical power to said heating means and temperature sensing means; wherein electrical power at mains voltage is reduced to a safe working voltage within said aquarium when filled with water.
- 13. An aquarium water heater system comprising: * means of attaching a heating member to temperature sensing member; * means of activating said heating member when said temperature sensing member senses the water temperature within the aquarium is below predetermined threshold; and * means disposing said heating member away from said temperature sensing member
- 14. A system according to claim 13, further comprising means of iteratively sensing and storing information over a predetermined period of time which is representative of water in the aquarium that is not in close proximity to said heating member.
- 1 5. A system according to claim 13, in which the means of activating said heating means if said information is indicative of said water temperature having a temperature below a predetermined threshold.
- 16. A system according to any of the claims 12 to 15, further comprising a means for providing electrical power to said heating means and temperature sensing means; wherein electrical power at mains voltage is reduced to a safe working voltage within said aquarium filled with water.
- 17. A system according to any of the claims 12 to 16, further comprising a means for communicates a signal pulse from said temperature sensing member to said heating means; whereby the width of said pulse is substantially indicative of the electrical power required to heat the water contained within said aquarium.
- 18. An aquarium water heater as substantially hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or Figures.
- 19. An aquarium water heater system as substantially hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or Figures.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1012260.4A GB2482155A (en) | 2010-07-22 | 2010-07-22 | An aquarium water heater |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1012260.4A GB2482155A (en) | 2010-07-22 | 2010-07-22 | An aquarium water heater |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201012260D0 GB201012260D0 (en) | 2010-09-08 |
| GB2482155A true GB2482155A (en) | 2012-01-25 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1012260.4A Withdrawn GB2482155A (en) | 2010-07-22 | 2010-07-22 | An aquarium water heater |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2482155A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US8797523B2 (en) | 2011-12-12 | 2014-08-05 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Chemical indicator obstruction detection system and method for an aquatic environment |
| US9784686B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2017-10-10 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Aquatic environment water parameter testing systems and methods |
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| CN113287563B (en) * | 2020-10-29 | 2022-11-29 | 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 | Oxygenation device, aquatic product bag, charging cabinet, server and related methods |
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Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8797523B2 (en) | 2011-12-12 | 2014-08-05 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Chemical indicator obstruction detection system and method for an aquatic environment |
| US8828728B2 (en) | 2011-12-12 | 2014-09-09 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Dosage protection system and method for an aquatic environment |
| US8883079B2 (en) | 2011-12-12 | 2014-11-11 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Aquatic environment water-quality monitor having a submersible chemical indicator wheel |
| US9023281B2 (en) | 2011-12-12 | 2015-05-05 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Submersible chemical indicator apparatuses for use in aquatic-environment monitoring/measuring systems |
| US9261462B2 (en) | 2011-12-12 | 2016-02-16 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Monitoring of photo-aging of light-based chemical indicators using illumination-brightness differential scheme |
| US9494527B2 (en) | 2011-12-12 | 2016-11-15 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Optical reader optic cleaning systems having motion deployed cleaning elements |
| US9494526B2 (en) | 2011-12-12 | 2016-11-15 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Combined illuminator/light collectors for optical readers |
| US10444158B2 (en) | 2011-12-12 | 2019-10-15 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Error monitoring and correction systems and methods in aquatic environment monitoring |
| US9784686B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2017-10-10 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Aquatic environment water parameter testing systems and methods |
| US9797844B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2017-10-24 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Chemical indicator element systems for aquatic environment water parameter testing |
| US10203287B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2019-02-12 | Step Ahead Innovations, Inc. | Aquatic environment water parameter testing systems |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201012260D0 (en) | 2010-09-08 |
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