A water-heating system, including: a controller; a refrigerant-water heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant and water; a sensor circuit for measuring a current water temperature of water in a water heater and providing the current water temperature to the controller; a first refrigerant pipe for passing the refrigerant from a refrigerant source to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; a second refrigerant pipe for passing the refrigerant from the refrigerant-water heat exchanger to the refrigerant source; a first water pipe for passing the water from the water heater to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; a second water pipe for passing the water from the refrigerant-water heat exchanger to the water heater; and a water pump for pumping water from the water heater to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger via the first water pipe and from the refrigerant-water heat exchanger to the water heater via the second water pipe based on a control signal.

A water-heating system, including: a controller; a refrigerant-water heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant and water; a sensor circuit for measuring a current water temperature of water in a water heater and providing the current water temperature to the controller; a first refrigerant pipe for passing the refrigerant from a refrigerant source to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; a second refrigerant pipe for passing the refrigerant from the refrigerant-water heat exchanger to the refrigerant source; a first water pipe for passing the water from the water heater to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; a second water pipe for passing the water from the refrigerant-water heat exchanger to the water heater; and a water pump for pumping water from the water heater to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger via the first water pipe and from the refrigerant-water heat exchanger to the water heater via the second water pipe based on a control signal.

A water heater includes a heat exchanger, a heat pump, a first valve in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and the heat pump, and a controller configured to control the first valve. The first valve can be configured to direct water flow toward at least one of the gas heater or the electric heat pump. A second valve in fluid communication with the first valve and the heat pump can be provided, and the controller can be further configured to control the second valve. A water heater inlet and a water heater outlet can be included and in fluid communication with the first valve, and the controller can be configured to monitor a temperature of water entering the water heater inlet and control the first valve dependent upon the monitored temperature.

An open-vented instant water heater is configured so as to prevent damaging thereof in cases of incorrect installation. The water heater comprises a water canister with a heating element and has a normally open outlet pipe, wherein the outlet pipe is provided with a flow sensing device comprising: a one-way valve which allows water to flow from the canister toward the outer end of the outlet pipe while preventing a water flow in the opposite direction, and/or a water flow mechanism adapted to switch the heating element OFF whenever detecting in the outlet pipe either a water flow towards the canister, or absence of any water flow.

A gas manifold allows each distribution chamber to be fed with fuel gas at an appropriate flow rate irrespective of an increase in the number of distribution chambers included in the gas manifold. A gas manifold distributes fuel gas flowing in through an inlet to a plurality of distribution chambers through a main channel. The main channel includes a flow guide that guides the fuel gas toward a maximum distribution chamber and reduces the fuel gas flowing into other distribution chambers. This allows fuel gas at a sufficient flow rate to be fed more easily to the maximum distribution chamber than to the other distribution chambers for a larger number of distribution chambers included in the gas manifold, allowing the plurality of distribution chambers to be fed with fuel gas at appropriate flow rates.

The invention allows producing air flow to either inflate a self-making bedding system via a first outlet, or to heat the air exiting the apparatus via a second, optionally a third, outlet, for controlling the air flow and the temperature sent into the self-making bedding system. The 5 apparatus is operated via an interface on the outside surface of the apparatus; a smartphone or tablet, an intelligent virtual/personal assistant or a computer including an application or software for wirelessly sending instructions to the apparatus, e.g. using Bluetooth™ or Wifi; or a remote control. The invention is particularly useful for disabled persons for self-making their bed by directly controlling the apparatus via the application, with the possibility to use a 0 voice control system combined with the application, or to have the apparatus daily programmed for making the bed or controlling the temperature at specific time of the day.

The invention allows producing air flow to either inflate a self-making bedding system via a first outlet, or to heat the air exiting the apparatus via a second, optionally a third, outlet, for controlling the air flow and the temperature sent into the self-making bedding system. The 5 apparatus is operated via an interface on the outside surface of the apparatus; a smartphone or tablet, an intelligent virtual/personal assistant or a computer including an application or software for wirelessly sending instructions to the apparatus, e.g. using Bluetooth™ or Wifi; or a remote control. The invention is particularly useful for disabled persons for self-making their bed by directly controlling the apparatus via the application, with the possibility to use a 0 voice control system combined with the application, or to have the apparatus daily programmed for making the bed or controlling the temperature at specific time of the day.

A tankless water heater and manifold system is provided. The system includes a self-contained unit for providing hot water distribution throughout the system. The unit includes a tankless water heater having a hot water outlet pipe with outlet ports that function as a built-in manifold for distributing water directly from the unit through hot water lines that connect each plumbing fixture in the system directly to the unit.

Embodiments of a high temperature fluid generator are adapted to heat a fluid to a high temperature using a heat source. The generator employs a forced circulation counter flow design including a furnace section, a convection section and a pair of L-shaped headers connected to tubes in the furnace and convection sections. In various embodiments, the headers are positioned on diagonally opposite corners and convection tubes are positioned at least partially outside of a flue path for the combustion gas.

Steam cylinders for humidifies require periodic replacement as well as replacement to address failures etc. However, field replacement of steam cylinders is not a straight-forward operation and there is significant risk and potential for damage to the replacement cylinder and the humidifier as fluidic seals for the water inlet and steam outlet must be unmade as well as electrical connections for heater elements, level sensors etc. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide solutions for the deployment of replacement cylinders etc. for domestic, retail, and commercial systems that reduce the likelihood of damage to the fluidic seals, electrical connectors etc.