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Inventor with two Heat Siphon Patents Awarded in 2017
Latrobe, Pa
Bill Bernardi - Founder and President of Heat Siphon mfg co., United States ThermoAmp Inc., proudly holding up his latest two actual US Patent documents.
"For over 40 years designing and manufacturing Heat Siphon right here in Latrobe, PA., we have always been at the forefront of swimming pool heat pump R&D.
Our engineering and the Heat Siphon's features we adopted were almost always eventually copied by the competition, but now we have decided to aggressively protect our intellectual property and these two patents are just the start. "
"It feels real good to receive them and I am very proud of and thankful for all the efforts everyone involved has put into getting them."
"This is what two real patent documents looked like in 2017. There is a gold seal and a bright red embossed ribbon on the cover and a book of all the pages and drawings we submitted."
Since then Bill has received three additional patents. See the list on the right
The Heat Siphon Story
United States ThermoAmp Inc. was Incorporated in 1983 by Bill
Bernardi (still President and CEO) after his former employer, EUS laid off all employees
in 1982.
Mr. Bernardi had been the pool heat pump product developement
manager at EUS.
A Penn State 1971 graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, he also attended University of Pittsburgh graduate school of Mechanical Engineering in the masters degree program and was a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Pennsylvania.
United States ThermoAmp, Inc.'s original stockholders were Bill Bernardi and his two lab technicians at EUS Inc. John
Kopec and Mike Tucciarone - Together the three of them made up the swimming pool
heat pump product design team at EUS Inc.
From late 1982, after the EUS layoff through to the spring of
1983 they worked in the basement of his residence in Monroeville, Pa.
Bill Bernardi , Mike and John fabricated the first tooling which
would be required to bend the large fragile aluminum finned tubing evaporator. They actually bent the first one in the basement.
In addition, they needed molds to get production plastic cabinets,
so they took 2 inch thick foot wide planks of solid cherry wood, glued them together
with high temperature epoxy cement and with little more than a belt sander and
a router, they fabricated three molds (one for the top, the backpanel and the basepan).
Bill knew a vacuum-former in Pittsburgh, Kenson Plastics, who he
had worked with while at EUS and took the molds to him asking that he pull a set
of parts from them. With almost no modifications they worked.
With the first cabinet
parts and the evaporator formed, they then needed the water side heat exchanger,
so they made a three wheel tube bending machiine to coil cupronickel tubing.
Back
then all pool heaters used copper for their heat exchanger tubes and they hadn't
yet discovered just how severe and how rapidly high chlorine pool water could corrode
even cupronickel which they chose as an improvement over gas heaters.
Now they turned to the fan motor and mounting. Bill designed a very low noise motor mount and they visited another vendor he knew in Cleveland to fabricate the mounts out of thick wire.
Tooling would be required for the fan mounting parts, but they
could not make it themselves and were low on working capital. So Bill talked the
vendor into making the tooling and amortising it's cost over the first 1000 pieces to avoid the up front expense.
With the first samples of these parts, they built the first Heat Siphon total cost, cash-$3500 Bill had saved and labor- months of evenings in the basement at 4409 Lorraine Drive.
From 1979 to 1983 Heat Siphon's founders were busy working at a small company in Monroeville, Pa called EUS Inc. designing and testing EUS's first swimming pool heat pump.
They innovated the first round unit and the first vacuum formed plastic cabinet. They also designed the first spa heat pump, a small round 110 volt unit.
Back then (1982) just before EUS laid off everyone at the Monroeville, Pa offices, they were working on a blue acrylic coating to prevent corrosion of the copper coils they were using in the EUS heat exchangers.
EUS started back up in 1984 in Tennessee and continued to make pool heaters with literally NO CHANGES to those designs right up until the new owners decided to sell it.
In 2003 - the Hayward pump company purchased EUS Inc. Initially they continued to use that blue coating, until 2008 when they adopted Heat Siphon's use of Titanium.
In 1986 - Air Energy Heat Pumps (founded by our first customer - a Miami pool builder named John Zakryk) copied Heat Siphon's cabinet and fan/grille design and began assembling a pool heat pump which was remarkably similar to Heat Siphon, in Pompano Beach, Florida.
In 2003 Jandy purchased Air Energy. In 2008 they switched from cupronickel to titanium.
Jandy, now owned by Zodiak, has discontinued many of the original Air Energy models and is still using the last model made in 2005. Hayward is still using the round EUS model design developed by the Heat Siphon team in 1982 as Hayward's top of the line Heat Pro Heat Pump.
Good Bye Old Friend
Rest in Peace
 If it wasn't for him there would be no Heat Siphon.
In Memory, a sad note, Michael Tucciarone, one of the three founders of Heat Siphon passed away on August 2, 2017. He lived in Coral Springs, Florida. He was 70.
We will always remember the many talents and skills Mike put to use in the initial Heat Siphon design and the first production line, his many antics and his loyalty and wonderful sense of humor. He was a true genius.
WE MISS YOU MIKE.
Not only was he a gifted technician and inventor, he was an excellent musician. He even wrote a song for us called the "Heat Siphon Blues".
As his obituary says, "Michael will best be remembered for how he touched many people as an entertainer and musician throughout his lifetime."
We add and all who were lucky enough to have worked with him.
God Bless You Mike
Obituary
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NOTICE
The following U.S. Patent Numbers and U.S. registered and/or in-use Trademarks owned by United States ThermoAmp Inc. are associated with the article(s) as listed below. All are the exclusive intellectual property of United States ThermoAmp Inc. of 1223 Heat Siphon Lane, Latrobe, PA., 15650. Other patents not listed herein are pending and will be added as they are published. Other trademarks are in use and will be added as published. |
Patents/Applications - Abstract |
Status / Date |
Associated Articles |
US Patent 11,629,895 B2 -
Condensing heat exchanger for air to liquid heat pumps
ABSTRACT - A heat exchange device may include a first pipe including a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first sidewall extending therebetween; a second pipe including a second inlet, a second outlet, and a second sidewall extending therebe- tween; and a plurality of dimples extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The second sidewall may surround and extend about the first sidewall, the first side- wall may define a first fluid passage configured to permit flow of a first fluid, and the second sidewall and the first sidewall may define a second fluid passage configured to permit flow of a second fluid.
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Granted /
April 18, 2023
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All Series Heat Siphon Models |
US Patent 11,473,952 -
Method And Sensor For Detecting Flow Rates In Corrosive Liquid
ABSTRACT - Provided are flow sensor assemblies for determining a flow rate of a liquid that include an 0-ring support, a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned in the 0-ring support, a plurality of couplings of a male sensor pin and a female sensor pin, a plurality of thermistors associated with the plurality of couplings, wherein each thermistor of the plurality of thermistors are positioned on the PCB and are adjacent to a respective coupling of the plurality of cou- plings, and an over-molding material that holds the PCB in place with regard to the 0-ring support. Methods are also provided.
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Granted /
Oct. 18, 2022 |
All Series Heat Siphon Models |
US Patent 9,963,895 -
Concentric Coil Key Separator Device and Attachment Therefor
ABSTRACT - A separator device for separating coils of a heat exchanger assembly has a top surface opposite a bottom surface, and an inner portion opposite an outer portion. The inner portion and the outer portion extend between the top surface and the bottom surface. The separator device further includes a pair of sides extending between the inner portion and the outer portion, each of the sides defining a concave curve having an apex. A lug is provided to connect the apex of each concave curve. At least one ramp is defined on the top surface and/or the bottom surface, extending from the inner portion toward the lug. The lug is arcuately shaped to project away from the top surface and the bottom surface and is shaped to correspond to a gap between adjacent coils of the heat exchanger assembly. |
Granted /
May 8, 2018 |
200HP Series Heat Siphon Models -
from April 2014 |
US Patent 9,273,889 -
Monitoring and Control System for a Heat Pump
ABSTRACT - Disclosed is a monitoring and control system for an air source heat pump apparatus having a controller to control at least one operation of the heat pump apparatus, a temperature sensor to detect the temperature in a specified area at, near, and/or around the controller, and an operable component, the system including a control program to: determine the temperature based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor; determine whether a first condition exists, the first condition including a determination that the controller is powered, but the operable component is not operating; determine whether a second condition exists, the second condition including a determination that the controller is powered, and the operable component is operating; and based at least partially on determinations (a)-(c), determine the ambient temperature at or around the heat pump apparatus. |
Granted /
March 1, 2016
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All Heat Siphon Models -
from April 2012 |
US Patent 9,255,656 -
Fitting for a Heat Pump and Method of Installation
ABSTRACT -A fitting for a heat pump having at least one heat exchanger includes a first fitting element configured for connection with a tubing portion of the heat exchanger and a second fitting element removably connectable to the first fitting element and configured for connection with a tubing portion of the heat exchanger. A non-conductive element is disposed between at least a portion of the first fitting element and at least a portion of the second fitting element such that, when connected, the non-conducting element deforms between the first fitting element and the second fitting element to electrically isolate the second fitting element from the first fitting element. |
Granted /
Februrary 9, 2016 |
All Heat Siphon Models -
from August 2013 |
US Patent 7,721,360 -
Swimming pool, spa, or combination swimming pool and spa, heated with a heat pump with a heat exchanger
ABSTRACT - A swimming pool, Spa or combination of a swimming pool or spa is heated with a heat pump and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a water input, a water output, a heating agent input, a heating agent output, an inner coil and an outer coil being disposed about the outer periphery of the inner coil; and a separator device being configured and disposed to separate the coils in order to minimize vibrating and rubbing against each other. The separator device comprises a first separator device portion having two rounded shoulder portions configured to permit the separator device to be rotated into position between the inner coil and the outer coil, a middle portion comprising two substantially C-shaped curves, which substantially C-shaped curves form a dog bone-shape, and a second separator device portion comprising two rounded configured to be turned or twisted upon assembly of the heat exchanger. |
Granted /
May 25, 2010 |
All Heat Siphon Models -
from
June 2006
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Trademarks |
Status |
Associated Articles |
HEAT SIPHON®
Electric heat pump controls; electronic heat pump controls; electronic wireless heat pump controls; electric heat pump controls for swimming pools, spas, and a combination of swimming pools and spas; electronic heat pump controls for swimming pools, spas, and a combination of swimming pools and spas; electronic wireless heat pump controls for swimming pools, spas, and a combination of swimming pools and spas; electronic heat pump controls having computer interfaces; and parts therefor. FIRST USE: 19830630. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19831009
Air-to-water heat pumps which heat or cool liquid or gas; water-to-air heat pumps which heat or cool liquid or gas; swimming pool heat pumps; spa heat pumps; swimming pool and spa heat pumps; and parts therefor. FIRST USE: 19830630. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19831009 |
3243696
Registered
June 24, 2005
original registration
January 30, 1984
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All Heat Siphon brand Heat Pumps and associated electronic and wireless controllers for pools and spas |
WE PERFORM TO KEEP YOU WARM!!®
Electrical controllers, namely, controllers for heat pumps for pools, spas, combination pools and spas and replacement parts therefor; wireless multi-unit heat pump controllers; wireless pool operating devices, namely, wireless controllers for controlling the operation of swimming pool and spa pumps, pool fountain and pool cleaner pumps, pool lighting, landscape lighting, pool cover motors, pool valve controllers, pool filtration pumps, pool sanitizing equipment, gas and other fossil fuel pool and spa heaters, solar pool and spa heating equipment, weather instrumentation, and devices that display the status of the various pool equipment mentioned; and wireless multi-unit pool/spa controllers. FIRST USE: 19831231. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19831231
Heat pumps for swimming pools, spas, and combination pools and spas; heat pumps which heat or cool liquid or gas for pool heat pumps, spa heat pumps and combination pool and spa heat pumps. FIRST USE: 19831231. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19831231
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3212531
Registered
February 27, 2007
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All Heat Siphon brand Heat Pumps and associated electronic and wireless controllers for pools and spas |
PASSPORT®
Wireless digital relays for use with wireless pool and spa controllers; wireless digital relays for use with wired pool and spa controllers; wireless digital relays for use with wireless devices which control pumps, heaters, automatic cleaners, underwater lighting, landscape lighting, outdoor lighting, indoor lighting, pool or spa covers and auxiliary equipment, all of the above for pools and spas; wireless digital relays for use with wired devices which control pumps, heaters, automatic cleaners, underwater lighting, landscape lighting, outdoor lighting, indoor lighting, pool or spa covers and auxiliary equipment, all of the above for pools and spas; wireless controls for use with wireless pool and spa controllers; wireless controls for use with wired pool and spa controllers; wireless controls for use with wireless devices which control pumps, heaters, automatic cleaners, underwater lighting, landscape lighting, outdoor lighting, indoor lighting, pool or spa covers and auxiliary equipment, all of the above for pools and spas; wireless controls for use with wired devices which control pumps, heaters, automatic cleaners, underwater lighting, landscape lighting, outdoor lighting, indoor lighting, pool or spa covers and auxiliary equipment, all of the above for pools and spas. FIRST USE: 20080531. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20080531 |
3478121
Registered
July 29, 2008 |
Wireless Controllers for Pool spa applications including Heat Siphon Pool Heaters |
POD®
Electrical controllers, namely, controllers for heat pumps for pools, spas, combination pools and spas and replacement parts therefor; wireless multi-unit heat pump controllers; wireless pool operating devices, namely, controllers that control swimming pool and spa pumps, pool fountain and pool cleaner pumps, pool lighting, landscape lighting, pool cover motors, pool valve controllers, pool filtration pumps, pool sanitizing equipment, gas and other fossil fuel pool and spa heaters, solar pool and spa heating equipment, weather instrumentation, and devices that display the status of the various pool equipment mentioned; and wireless multi-unit pool/spa controllers. FIRST USE: 20060630. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20060630 |
3551909
Registered
December 23, 2008 |
Wireless Controllers for Pool spa applications including Heat Siphon Pool Heaters |
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