Abstract: Solid fuel heating appliance having high thermal efficiency and low levels of polluting emissions. The heating appliance includes an insulated secondary combustion chamber where a mixture of exhaust gases from the primary combustion chamber and secondary air is burned. A catalytic igniter is provided in the secondary combustion chamber to lower the ignition temperature of the unburned volatile gases from the primary combustion chamber. Regenerative feedback structure is provided in heat exchange relationship with the exhaust from the secondary combustion chamber to preheat the mixture entering the secondary combustion chamber, catalytic igniter, and the regenerative heat transfer assure substantially continuous combustion within the secondary combustion chamber even when conditions in the primary combustion chamber change.

Abstract: Exterior retrofit system for attachment to wood or coal-burning stoves including a secondary combustion chamber and a catalytic igniter. The secondary combustion chamber is lined with refractory material and is arranged to preheat flue gases emanating from the woodburning apparatus before ignition at the catalytic igniter. The refractory walls have an undulating structure to increase mixing and residence times for more complete burning. Provisions are made for introducing additional combustion air into the secondary combustion chamber. Combustion performance is improved resulting in reduction of cresote deposits and particulate emissions and reduction in the amount of fuel consumed for a given heat output. The retrofit unit is self-contained and requires no permanent or complicated modification to the stove. This system also has application for use on the interior of a stove, both as a retrofit and as the basis for a specifically designed stove.

Abstract: Woodburning heating apparatus including a catalytic igniter for increasing heating efficiency and reducing polluting emissions. The apparatus includes a secondary combustion chamber in gaseous communication with a primary combusiton chamber. The secondary combustion chamber is lined with a refractory material and includes a perforate catalytic igniter through which combustion gases from the primary combustion chamber flow. The secondary combustion chamber further includes refractory baffles arranged to enhance mixing of the combustion gases and located to re-radiate heat onto the catalytic igniter. Preheated secondary combustion air enters the secondary combustion chamber so that the combustion gases are more completely burned to improve heating efficiency and reduce emissions.

Abstract: An improved heating apparatus, for example for use as a wood or coal burning parlor stove and providing a significant heat output, has a construction for reducing thermally induced mechanical stress and for enabling the interior baffle assembly components of the apparatus to be removed therefrom, for replacement if necessary, without dismantling the apparatus exterior frame. The elements of the interior baffle assembly are interconnecting and are secured in a mechanically stable configuration by single point connection to the apparatus frame. The apparatus can have primary and secondary combustion chambers and a baffle system for directing flue gases along a circuitous path from the secondary combustion chamber to an exit aperture whereby a significant proportion of the heat of said gases is given up to the apparatus. A vertically oriented downwardly directed two component baffle separates the combustion chambers.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for operating in one or the other of two combustion modes has a frame assembly enclosing a primary and secondary combustion chamber. A baffle, separating the chambers, provides for gaseous communication therebetween. Preheated primary and secondary combustion air is directed in a controlled fashion to the front of the frame assembly across a viewing window to keep the window clear. The apparatus further has an off center damper movement system, means for defining a secondary air flow path through the primary combustion chamber, and a structure which can be changed for operation either as a wood burning or a coal burning stove.

Abstract: A solid fuel burning heating apparatus, used as a parlor stove, is also used for cooking. The stove is provided with a self-clearing top smoke chamber having a top cover over an aperture. A cooking tray is supported in the aperture when the stove is operating. The tray has a surface for holding coals and an opening communicating between the aperture and the interior of the stove. A perforate cooking surface is supported above the tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding gaseous effluents from the exit aperture of a gas producing device to a fireplace exit flue adapts to a large range of damper opening angles and sizes. The apparatus includes a damper closure plate for closing down the damper opening of the fireplace. The damper plate has an opening therein for receiving a connection assembly which connects at one end to the exit aperture of the gas producing device and at the other end passes through the damper closure plate and is secured thereto. The connection assembly, at the end passing through the damper closure plate, has a curved elongated section which can pivot at the damper plate opening to enable adjustment to the large range of opening orientations. The fireplace adapted is particularly useful in connection with wood and coal burning stoves having an airtight configuration.

Abstract: A heating apparatus capable of efficiently burning both coal and wood has removable restriction elements for varying the rate of flow of air from an inlet port in the heating apparatus to a fuel holding combustion chamber. The restriction elements are positioned in the air supply path or paths from the inlet port to the fuel holding combustion chamber.