FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
AND
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR SHUTTING OFF A HEATING APPARATUS”
We, Bajaj Electricals Limited, an Indian National, of 45/47, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Mumbai- 400001, Maharashtra, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a system for shutting off a heating apparatus. Particularly, the present invention relates to a system and a method for shutting off heating apparatus’ such as water heater, water boiler, iron used for pressing garments, heating coil-based room heater used in winters, etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Presently known systems for shutting off a heating apparatus includes breaking power supply to the heating element of the heating apparatus and involves use of a temperature regulating device such as a thermostat. Referring to accompanying Fig. 1, a schematic view of the known system (100) for breaking power supply to the heating element (140) of the heating apparatus, is seen. The known system (100) consists of the temperature regulating device, namely a thermostat (130). During operation of the known system (100), power supply in form of AC current is supplied by an AC current source (110) to the thermostat (130) through a secondary cut out device (120). The thermostat (130) enables cutting in and/or cutting out of power supply to the heating element (140) by means of a bi-metallic strip (not shown). Continuous cutting in and/or cutting out of the thermostat (130) depends on increase and/or decrease in temperature of a ‘subject’ that is heated by the heating element (140) of the heating apparatus. Here, the said “subject” includes the “water” which is heated in a water heater / water boiler, or a “sole plate” which is heated in a press iron, or “ambient air” which is heated by the heating coil-based room heater, etc.
The thermostat (130) cuts in to supply power to the heating element (140) during decrease in temperature of the subject below predefined limit. Whereas the thermostat (130) cuts out or temporarily breaks power supply to the heating element (140) when temperature of the subject increases above another predefined limit.
During non-use of the heating apparatus by a user, the thermostat (130) still remains in operation and continuously cuts in and cuts out depending upon

increase and/or decrease in temperature of the subject, thereby causing wastage of power/electricity. Moreover, prolonged idleness or non-use of the heating apparatus by the user also leads to excessive wastage of power/electricity. Further, wear and tear of the thermostat (130) due to continuous cutting in and cutting out, cannot be avoided. Furthermore, continuous cutting in and cutting out of the thermostat (130) causes continuous heating of the subject that is heated by the heating apparatus. Therefore, such continuous heating of the subject can cause accidents such as fire and/or explosion during prolonged idleness or non-use of the heating apparatus by the user. Hence, there is requirement to provide a system and a method for shutting off the heating apparatus during idle or non-use state of the heating apparatus for saving power/electricity for reducing cost of operating the heating apparatus to the user. There is also requirement for avoiding accidents, such as explosion and fire hazard caused due to continuous heating of the subject which is heated by the heating apparatus.
The Indian Patent Application no. D1: 202021035243A discloses a system for breaking power supply to heating element of heating apparatus and method therefor. D1, in particular, discloses a system and method for breaking power supply to a heating element of a heating apparatus’ such as water heater, iron or room heater. The system disclosed in D1 comprises a sensing device that detects disconnection of power supply, which is supplied to a heating element, to generate an input signal. D1 further discloses a controller which is configured to initiate a time count upon receipt of the input signal and transmit an output signal after the time count exceeds predetermined limit to activate a circuit breaker for breaking power supply to the heating element. However, D1 requires implementation of expensive sensors and other associated hardware which constantly monitor and track presence of power supply in the heating element. Owing to the same, the manufacturing cost of any heating apparatus carrying the system disclosed in D1 is high. Additionally, the sensors and associated hardware

also consume extra space which has to be made available to accommodate the same, thereby increasing the manufacturing costs.
Therefore, there is need for a solution wherein at least one of the above drawbacks seen in the prior art can be obviated.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, the present invention as per an embodiment provides a system for shutting off a heating apparatus, the system comprising: an electronic control unit detects a potential difference across a thermal cutoff device to initiate a time count in a timer embedded in the electronic control unit; and a circuit breaker connected with the electronic control unit, the circuit breaker breaks voltage supply supplied to a heating element, after the time count exceeds a predetermined limit in the timer.
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic control unit is configured with a computer readable product.
As per another embodiment of the present invention, the computer readable product is configured to track or monitor the time count in the timer.
As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the thermal cutoff device is a thermostat.
As per still another embodiment of the present invention, the timer transmits a break signal to the circuit breaker after the time count exceeds the predetermined limit in the timer.
As per an embodiment of the present invention, the time count is between 0 minutes and 120 minutes.
Further, a method for shutting off a heating apparatus is disclosed herein as per an embodiment of the present invention, the method comprising steps of: detecting a potential difference across a thermal cutoff device by an electronic control unit for initiating a time count in a timer embedding in the electronic control unit; and breaking voltage supply to a heating element by a circuit

breaker connecting with the electronic control unit, after the time count is exceeding a predetermined limit in the timer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a system for shutting a heating apparatus as seen in the prior art.
Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a system for shutting a heating apparatus, as per an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
The subject matter is now described regarding the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like features/elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that such matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well–known structures are shown in diagram form to facilitate describing the invention.
Referring to the accompanying Fig. 2, a schematic view of the system (200) for shutting off a heating apparatus, as per an embodiment of the present invention, is seen. The system (200) as per an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electronic control unit (210) having a timer (230), a thermal cutoff device or thermostat (220), a circuit breaker (240), and a heating element (250).
Again, referring to the accompanying Fig. 2, a system (200) for shutting off a heating apparatus, the system (200) comprising: an electronic control unit

(210) detects a potential difference across a thermal cutoff device (220) to initiate a time count in a timer (230) embedded in the electronic control unit (210); and a circuit breaker (240) connected with the electronic control unit (210), the circuit breaker (240) breaks voltage supply supplied to a heating element (250), after the time count exceeds a predetermined limit in the timer (230). The electronic control unit (210) is configured with a computer readable product, as per another embodiment of the present invention. The computer readable product is configured to track or monitor the time count in the timer (230), as per yet another embodiment of the present invention. The thermal cutoff device (220) as per a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a thermostat (220). The timer (230) transmits a break signal to the circuit breaker (240) after the time count exceeds the predetermined limit in the timer (230), in another embodiment of the present invention. The time count in the timer (230), in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is between 0 minutes and 120 minutes.
As per further embodiment of the present invention, a method for shutting off a heating apparatus, comprising steps of: detecting a potential difference across a thermal cutoff device (220) by an electronic control unit (210) for initiating a time count in a timer (230) embedding in the electronic control unit (210); and breaking voltage supply to a heating element (250) by a circuit breaker (240) connecting with the electronic control unit (210), after the time count is exceeding a predetermined limit in the timer (230).
During operation, power supply is supplied to the system (200) through various routes, in form of AC current by an AC current source (205), as per embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, power supply in form of AC current passes from the AC current source (205) through a secondary cut out (215) towards the system (200). The current passes through the system (200), which is further connected to the thermal cutoff device (220). The thermal cutoff device (220) is thereafter connected to

the heating element (250), and the heating element (250) is further connected with the secondary cut out (215) to complete the circuit or loop. As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, a bypass connection (B) is connected between the system (200) on one side and a point between the thermal cutoff device (220) and the heating element (250) on the other side.
The components that make up the system (200) are electrically connected with the AC current/power source (205), as per embodiments of the present invention. The system (200) as per preferred embodiments of the present invention comprises an electronic control unit (210). The timer (230) is embedded in the electronic control unit (210). The time count initiated by the timer (230) is controlled or regulated by a computer readable product or a computer program configured in the electronic control unit (230). The circuit breaker (240) is connected to the electronic control unit (230). In this way, the primary components that make up the system (200) as per an embodiment of the present invention are electrically connected.
The power supply in form of AC current passes through thermal cutoff device (220) to the heating element (250), thereby heating the heating element (250). The heating element (250) heats the subject such as: water in case of water heater / water boiler, or the sole plate in case of iron, or ambient air in case of coil-based room heater. The temperature of the subject is controlled by the thermostat (220) as seen in the prior art. Once temperature of the subject surpasses predetermined limit, the thermostat (220) cuts out, thereby temporarily breaking power supply to the heating element (250). As the power supply to the heating element (250) is disconnected, a potential difference is experienced across the thermal cutoff device (220), i.e., between the points X and Y, wherein the point X is at approx. 220 volts, whereas the point Y is at zero volts. Owing to the potential difference between points X and Y, the bypass connection (B) enables the system (200) to detect the potential difference, thereby activating the system (200).

The power supply remains temporarily disconnected until next cut in by the thermostat (220) occurs due to reduction of temperature in the subject. Hence, continuous cutting in and/or cutting out by the thermal cutoff device (220) ensures that temperature of the subject is optimum for its final use by the user. The continuous cutting in and/or cutting out by the thermal cutoff device (220) also ensures that the system (200) as per an embodiment of the present invention gets activated whenever potential difference is experienced between points X and Y, and deactivates whenever there is no potential difference between points X and Y.
During idle or non-use state of the heating apparatus, the system (200) as per an embodiment of the present invention which comprises an electronic control unit (210) detects the potential difference across the thermal cutoff device (220) to initiate a time count in a timer (230) which is embedded in the electronic control unit (210). The circuit breaker (240) which is connected with the electronic control unit (210) breaks voltage supply to the heating element (250), only after the time count exceeds a predetermined limit in the timer (230). This means that, when the time count in the timer exceeds a predetermined limit, say 120 minutes of idle or non-use of the heating apparatus, then the electronic control unit (210) through its timer (230) transmits the break signal to activate the circuit breaker (240). The circuit breaker (240) thus activated, completely shuts off the heating apparatus.
It is noteworthy, that the system (200) as per an embodiment of the present invention, which is for shutting off the heating apparatus, can work optimally only when a potential difference is experienced between the points X and Y for prolonged period of time, i.e., between a time frame of zero minutes and 120 minutes as per a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring again to the accompanying Fig. 2, the method for shutting a heating apparatus, as per an embodiment of the present invention, begins with the step of detecting potential difference across the thermal cutoff device (220)

by the electronic control unit (210), owing to which a time count is initiated in the timer (230) that is embedded inside the electronic control unit (210). Once after the time count is exceeds a predetermined limit in the timer (230) the circuit breaker (240) executes the next step of breaking voltage supply to the heating element (250). The step of breaking voltage supply to the heating element (250) is executed only after the time count exceeds the predetermined limit of 120 minutes as per a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, if the time count does not exceed the predetermined time count, then the time count is reset to zero (0) minutes. The predetermined limit of the time count is set at 90 minutes in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the same can be changed, altered, set, reset or customized, as per requirements.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the electronic control unit (210) provides an audio-visual indication, which enables a pre-emptive indication to users, thereby indicating that the time count in the timer (230) has begun and is ticking, and hence an action by the user to stop the time count may be initiated by the user. The said action by the user to stop the time count may include, personally switching off the heating apparatus, or ensuring that the “subject” such as the “water” which is heated in a water heater / water boiler comes in contact with the heating element (250) by known means. The audio–visual indication can be activated at pre-determined time intervals for few seconds each. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the audio–visual indication is activated only between an event, wherein the system (200) detects the potential difference across the heating element (250), and another event, wherein the circuit breaker (240) breaks voltage supply to the heating element (250).
As per embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a system and a method for shutting off the heating apparatus during idleness or non-use state of the heating apparatus. This is because, the present invention

through its various embodiments, enable conservation of electricity and power, since the system (200) and the method by which the system functions as per the present invention, shuts off the heating apparatus after the predetermined time limit or time count is exceeded in the timer (230). As the present invention vide its various embodiments does not involve implementation of expensive sensors and other associated hardware to monitor and track presence of power supply in the heating element, as seen in the prior art. Hence, cost of manufacturing and numbers if spare parts used, drastically reduces. Also, space which is required for fitting such sensors and associated hardware components in the heating apparatus, is conserved.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS Accompanying prior art Fig. 1:
100 – A system for breaking power supply to a heating element of a heating
apparatus, from the prior art
110 – AC current source
120 – Secondary cut out device
130 – Thermostat
140 – Heating element
Accompanying Fig. 2:
200 – A system for shutting off a heating apparatus, as per an embodiment of
the present invention
205 – AC current source
210 – Electronic control unit
215 – Secondary cut out device
220 – Thermal cutoff device / Thermostat
230 – Timer
240 – Circuit breaker
250 – Heating element

We Claim:
1. A system (200) for shutting off a heating apparatus, the system (200)
comprising:
an electronic control unit (210) detects a potential difference across a thermal cutoff device (220) to initiate a time count in a timer (230) embedded in the electronic control unit (210); and
a circuit breaker (240) connected with the electronic control unit (210), the circuit breaker (240) breaks voltage supply supplied to a heating element (250), after the time count exceeds a predetermined limit in the timer (230).
2. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic control unit (210) is configured with a computer readable product.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the computer readable product is configured to track or monitor the time count in the timer (230).
4. The system (200) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the thermal cutoff device (220) is a thermostat (220).
5. The system (200) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the timer (230) transmits a break signal to the circuit breaker (240) after the time count exceeds the predetermined limit in the timer (230).
6. The system (200) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the time count in the timer (230) is between 0 minutes and 120 minutes.
7. A method for shutting off a heating apparatus, the method comprising

steps of:
detecting a potential difference across a thermal cutoff device (220) by an electronic control unit (210) for initiating a time count in a timer (230) embedding in the electronic control unit (210); and
breaking voltage supply supplying a heating element (250) by a circuit breaker (240) connecting with the electronic control unit (210), after the time count is exceeding a predetermined limit in the timer (230).