Patent ID: 8478116

Claim:
A heating unit for use with a storage tank, comprising: a tube, comprising: a threaded end; and a tube aperture; a heating element at least partially positioned within said tube aperture, said heating element comprising: a resistive element configured to generate heat when current flows therethrough; a terminal operably coupled with said resistive element; a terminal block, wherein said terminal is supported by said terminal block, and wherein said terminal is sealingly engaged with said terminal block; and a mounting portion; a flange mounted to said tube, wherein said flange is configured to be mounted to the storage tank; a collar comprising a collar aperture, wherein at least a portion of said collar aperture is threaded, wherein said collar aperture is threadably engaged with said threaded end of said tube, and wherein said mounting portion of said heating element is mounted to said collar; a first flame path defined between said threaded end of said tube and said threaded portion of said collar aperture; and a second flame path defined between said collar and said mounting portion of said heating element.