ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 26 -- United States Patent no. 12,398,924, issued on Aug. 26.
"Modular reversible water heater design" was invented by John Darcy Bolton (Irvine, Calif.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A modular water heater tank design is provided that enhances the longevity and efficiency of domestic hot water heaters. Interchangeable upper and lower pans allow the water tank to be inverted after several years of continuous use. By repositioning the pans, the thermal stress and temperature gradients experienced by the tank are significantly reduced, thereby extending its operational life. Additionally, the salt precipitation within the tank is removed from new lower pan, ensuring improv...