Abstract: A thermal protective barrier is provided for space heating units in the form of a relatively thin panel having an interior volume filled with a non-combustible liquid (water and/or antifreeze mix, etc.). Two of the embodiments are flat and are adapted to be placed beneath and about the sides of a stove or other heating unit, with a third embodiment having a toroidal cross section and being adapted for installation about the flue of such a stove or heater. Additional structure may be installed within the panels to provide additional support, as required. The panels may be removably installed between the stove and adjacent walls and the underlying floor, or may be permanently installed integrally with the building structure. The panels may also include decorative coverings for exposed surfaces, if desired. The panels may be independent of other water or fluid systems, or may be interconnected with a water heater or hot water heating system, if desired.

Abstract: A heating system that allows independent control of the temperatures within different rooms in a building by independently controlling the flow of heating fluid to each room in response to a thermostat provided in each individual room. The output of the thermostat controls the operation of a three-way valve upstream of a radiator or convector in each room. When the room temperature is at or above the setpoint for that room, the valve operates to divert all heating fluid flow through a bypass pipe or shunt extending from the valve to the outlet of the radiator or convector. When the temperature drops below the setpoint, the valve operates to resume heating fluid flow through the radiator or convector while shutting off heating fluid flow through the bypass pipe. In another embodiment, independent control of room temperature in heated air distribution systems, is effected by thermostatically controlled louvers provided at the heated air register in each room.