Abstract: The invention provides a stove for burning a charge of fuel by primary air directed either above or underneath through the firebed. A firebed support is defined by an array of alternating fixed and movable bars, the movable bars having a length greater than their width when viewed endwise and being rotatable between a vertical attitude in which they permit upward passage of air and downward passage of ash through said support and a horizontal attitude in which they permit build up of a layer of ash at the base of the firebed. An air distribution chamber has an inlet for primary air, a first outlet from which primary air passes to a space above the firebed and a second outlet from which primary air passes to a space below the firebed. An air diversion flap is movable between positions in which air is selectively directed through the first and through the second outlet.

Abstract: A solid fuel boiler has a facia for radiant heat to pass into a living room while the flue hopper, the flueways and ash pan are accessible from another room or out-building. A dividing wall is shown. By separating the radiant and aesthetic side of the boiler which is in the living room from the operating side, dust and dirt often associated with filling and emptying the boiler is confined to the other room or out-building. The flueway is relatively narrow which improves heat-transfer; this is possible because chimney sweeping can be done without having to pass brushes through the flueway.

Abstract: In an automatic boiler having an internal hopper, a regulator plate 12 controls the flow under gravity of fuel to the firebed. For small particled fuel in particular the plate is provided with a torque 23 which causes a central thinning of the firebed. Thus, a centrally disposed shallow firebed is formed so that primary air can rapidly break through at this point to burn off volatile gases as they are distilled and cause ignition over the whole firebed.