Patent ID: 6036530
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: F02N,H01R,Y10S

Abstract:
A modular tank heater apparatus comprising:a housing defining a cavity and a receptacle, communicating with said cavity, said receptacle having an inner surface and an end face;a heater element coupled to said housing and communicating with said cavity; anda cord set having a first end connectable to said heating element and a second end connectable to a power source, said cord set being selectable from one of a first cord set for providing a permanent electrical connection between said first and second ends of said cord set and a second cord set for providing a removable electrical connection between said first and second ends of said cord set such that said heating element is permanently or removably connectable to said second end of said cord set by selecting and coupling one of said first and second cord sets to said heating element,said first cord set including a plug having a generic plug portion disposable in said receptacle to create a first seal between said plug and said inner surface of said receptacle, said plug of said first cord set further including a specific plug portion having a flange integral with said generic plug portion, said flange engageable with said end face of said receptacle to create a second seal between said plug and said receptacle, andsaid second cord set including a plug having a generic plug portion disposable in said receptacle to create a first seal between said plug and said inner surface of said receptacle, said plug of said second cord set further including a specific plug portion having a sleeve, a cord head, and second sealing means for engaging said end face of said receptacle to create a second seal between said plug and said receptacle, said sleeve being integral with said generic portion and having an inner surface defining a cavity, said cord head disposable in said cavity to electrically connect said heating element to said power source.