Abstract: The invention contemplates a fireplace comprising a stacked plurality of courses of modular prismatic blocks laid upon a base to define a firebox region of opposed side walls and a rear wall contiguous thereto. In one embodiment the blocks are characterized by at least one horizontal surface having external horizontal channel formations and by limited vertically extending end passages such that one or more vertically serpentine continuous air-flow ducts are established through successive horizontal channels in the stacked plurality of courses of the walls. Above the firebox region, and surrounding an associated chimney region, the wall-block courses continue, providing extension of the air-flow duct system into additional heat-exchanging relation with the chimney.

Abstract: A fireplace insert comprising a frame having a plurality of arms pivotly mounted on the frame. The arms are adapted to move relative to each other in order to form an X-shaped configuration or a V-shaped configuration which will provide spaces to hold logs and/or kindling material. The arms are adjustable on the frame so that the spaces for the logs can be adjusted to accommodate logs of varying sizes. The device permits the logs to remain close to each other and at the same time will provide sufficient air space to form a very efficient fire.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode arrangement mounted in a support plate having a hole. An electrode rod holder with a spherical portion having a diameter larger than the hole is mounted in the hole. A spring coil attached to the support plate presses the spherical portion into the hold of the support plate. An electrode rod extends through a central bore of the holder. A spring damps the holder to the electrode rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and transmitting solar energy, which has lenses for collecting beams of sunlight and light guide cables or optical fiber cables for transmitting the collected beams. Light-receiving end faces of the light guides or the optical fibers are aligned with focal positions of light components of desired colors, respectively.

Abstract: An improved water heater tank leg support assembly includes a plurality of legs formed from a generally rectangular blank by bending the sides of the blank to form a shearing action vertical support member which is spaced by the base. A boss or depression in the base supports the leg member above the floor. The base engages a pan which is suspended beneath a water heater tank. The upstanding vertical legs of the leg support the water heater tank itself.

Abstract: A fluidized bed furnace is provided in which liquid fuel can be burned. Injectors extend up through an imperforate bed plate which properly mix the oil or other liquid fuel with the fluidizing air causing evaporation of the oil. This mixture is passed through restricted openings as it enters the fluidized bed, thus resulting in high velocity flow and fairly even fuel and combustion distribution throughout the cross-section of the fluidized bed.

Abstract: The subject lamp wick equipment for a combustion apparatus comprises a cylindrical lamp wick, cylindrical lamp wick holder and cylindrical auxiliary lamp wick holder. The peripheral wall of the lamp wick is provided with openings. The auxiliary lamp wick holder is fitted around the lamp wick, and comprises engagement holes formed at that spots of the peripheral wall of the auxiliary lamp wick holder which face the openings. The cylindrical lamp wick holder is fitted around the cylindrical auxiliary lamp wick holder. The engagement pawls of the lamp wick holder are so elastically urged as to project thereinto. When the lamp wick is fitted into the auxiliary lamp wick holder, which in turn is fitted into the lamp wick holder, then the engagement pawls of the lamp wick holder project into the engagement holes of the auxiliary lamp wick holder and the openings of the lamp wick, thereby preventing the lengthwise relative movement of the lamp wick and lamp wick holder.

Abstract: Upon a call for heat, gas flows to a pilot burner, a spark generating circuit is energized to ignite the pilot burner, and an oscillator is energized. When flame appears, the output signal of the oscillator is effective, through flame responsive means including capacitor means and solid-state switch means, to enable energizing of the primary winding of a coupling transformer at the frequency of the oscillator signal. When so energized, sufficient power transfer occurs between the primary and secondary windings of the coupling transformer to enable energizing of a relay winding, which energizing terminates energizing of the spark generating circuit and allows gas to flow to the main burner.