Abstract: High efficiency heat transfer from hot gases produced by combustion of fuel and oxygen in a burner to usably heat is provided in a simple and effective manner. A burner within a water-tight casing is mounted submerged within a pool of condensate within a boiler casing. Hot gases from the burner are passed into direct heat exchange contact with condensate in the pool, and then flow in a turbulent manner into contact with a wet solid material heat exchange surface, such as pieces of limestone mounted on a perforated plate above the pool of liquid. The hot gases give up heat directly to the liquid wetting the heat transfer surface, and then are exhausted out the top of the boiler, passing through a secondary heat exchanger. Condensate is drained from the boiler to prevent excessive buildup. Liquid from the pool is circulated through a primary heat exchanger into heat exchange relationship with a heat exchange fluid, and then reintroduced into the boiler casing above the heat transfer surface (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating system of the multiple condensing boiler type wherein hot exhaust gases are in heat exchange relation with the condensate in a manifold common to the boilers. The exhaust gas conduits from the boilers open into the manifold at a level below the condensate level to prevent backflow of exhaust gases from active to idle boilers and enable the exhaust gases to bubble through the condensate in improved heat exchange relation therewith. A single outlet vents the exhaust gases from the manifold. The hot condensate is circulated in heat exchange relation with incoming atmospheric air in a second manifold common to the boilers for preheating the air flowing to the boilers. The cooled condensate is recirculated back to the first manifold. A single intake provides the incoming air to the second manifold.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for heating liquid, utilizing a power burner for burning a combustible fuel. Elongated pipes comprising a flue and a water jacket extend horizontally from the power burner, the flue and water jacket being long enough so that at least some of the exhaust products of combustion exiting through the flue are cooled below the dew point of water so that the latent heat of vaporization from these exhaust products is transferred to the water circulating in the water jacket. A baffle is disposed within the interior of the flue for effecting gas turbulence to maximize heat transfer. The end of the flue remote from the burner has a glass lining to prevent corrosion of the flue from condensate formation, and a condensate drain is provided. The drain includes a U-tube with limestone chips or the like disposed therein for neutralizing condensate flowing through the U-tube.

Abstract: A hydronic multi-zone heating system mounts circulators for circulating liquid between the boiler and the zone so that all components are mounted in a common area for ease of maintenance and repair, as well as for convenient installation. Air removal is also provided from the system in a simple manner by providing an enlarged header that extends generally horizontally, and has supply pipes with open ends disposed well into the interior of the header, and below the level of liquid in the header during operation. An air vent is connected to a top portion of the header to effect removal of air that may collect. A variety of other system components, such as temperature probes, are connected to fittings extending from the header. Return pipes may also be connected to the header, and an interior wall within the header may separate the inlet from the outlet thereof, or there may be free communication.

Abstract: A heating system for heating a confined area with an open-hearth wood-burning fireplace. A fireplace jacket is provided which comprises a multi-chambered double-walled arrangement or a grate member. Log supporting portions of the jacket slant upward slightly in order to prevent a pinging sound by creating convectional force when water is circulating therethrough. The grate member includes first and second headers formed from prisms with triangular bases, and water conducting pipe portions extending on three sides of a fire burning in the open-hearth fireplace. The fireplace jacket is readily utilizable with a conventional forced-air furnace in association with a heat exchanger disposed in the furnace cold air return. Combustion air for the fire is provided from an area external of the confined area to be heated by the heating system.

Abstract: A simplified method for the fabrication of a fireplace water jacket, and the water jacket produced by the fabrication method. Each of several walls of a water jacket is formed from first and second metal plates. The first metal plate of each wall is disposed in a generally horizontal position on an orificed support, and a punch is brought into operative engagement therewith to punch a hole in the plate and simultaneously deform the area surrounding the hole so that the plane of the hole is spaced a given distance as from the plane of the plate. The first plate is then placed on the second plate so that the plates are generally parallel and so that the area surrounding the hole in the first plate abuts the second plate, and then the plates are secured together by welding around the area defining the hole in the first plate to the portion of the second plate visible through the hole in the first plate. The plates when joined together are spaced apart a distance S and water may circulate between the plates.

Abstract: A heating system for heating a confined area with an open-hearth wood-burning fireplace. A fireplace jacket is provided which comprises a multi-chambered double-walled arrangement or a grate member. Log supporting portions of the jacket slant upward slightly in order to prevent a pinging sound by creating convectional force when water is circulating therethrough. The grate member includes first and second headers formed from prisms with triangular bases, and water conducting pipe portions extending on three sides of a fire burning in the open-hearth fireplace. The fireplace jacket is readily utilizable with a conventional forced-air furnace in association with a heat exchanger disposed in the furnace cold air return. Combustion air for the fire is provided from an area external of the confined area to be heated by the heating system.

Abstract: A surgical cast venting device including an upstanding portion extending through a cast wall and having a bore therein, and a disc-shaped portion disposed in the interior of the cast and in cooperation with the upstanding portion. The disc-shaped portion has a central bore extending through one face thereof, and a plurality of generally radially extending fluid passageways extending from the circumference of the disc-shaped portion to the central bore thereof, and in fluid communication with the central bore and the bore in the upstanding portion. The venting device provides for maximum circulation with a minimum potential for irritation of a patient's skin.

Abstract: A fireplace jacket assembly and heating system associated therewith. A fireplace jacket assembly including water chambers on five sides of an open wood-burning fireplace having means for providing water communication and circulation therebetween is placed in a conventional heating or hot water system. A pump circulates the water between the component parts of the system including a water storage tank and a radiator, and means are provided responsive to the temperature of water within the storage tank for preventing heating thereof by conventional (i.e., fossil fuel or electricity) means, or by a solar heating system. An opening formed in the bottom of the fireplace jacket provides for greater efficiency.