Patent ID: 6130990
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
A liquid heater comprising:a first electrode having an electrically conducting surface;a second electrode having an electrically conducting surface disposed spaced apart from the first electrode;a heating passage defined by the first and the second electrodes, the heating passage including:an inlet opening configured to receive liquid into the heating passage; andan electrical power supplier configured to supply an AC electrical current to the first and second electrodes;a current meter coupled to the heating passage and configured to measure the electrical current flowing between the electrodes; anda controller configured to calculate conductivity of the liquid based on the measured electrical current and to adjust the electrical current supplied to the electrodes based on, in part, the calculated conductivity;wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged to make electrical contacts with liquid received into the heating passage, and the liquid in the heating passage generates heat when an electric current flows through the liquid and between the first and second electrodes.