Abstract: A high-efficiency hydronic heating system will make use of a direct-fired steam generator to directly heat the water in the hydronic heating system. The products of combustion, present with the steam due to the steam generator being direct-fired, are also introduced into the hydronic heating system water. Before venting the products of combustion from the packed column, heat from these products of combustion is extracted in a secondary heat exchanger to preheat the combustion air before it is used in the direct-fired steam generator. Water is a product of combustion. Over time, this excess water will overfill the hydronic heating system if it is not removed. A water dump system is used for the removal of the excess water. By measuring the water removed and the fuel used in the direct-fired steam generator, an efficiency can be calculated for visual feedback. The products of combustion will also tend to cause the water in the hydronic heating system to become acidic.

Abstract: As with most burners and combustors, they utilize fuel and air mixtures. One of the important aspects of burning an air-fuel mixture is that of mixing. Ideally, the fuel should be uniformly distributed throughout the air when ignited. This results in the most complete burn, maximizing beat generation while minimizing unburned and incomplete-combustion products. This disclosure describes an apparatus for enhancing mixing of fuel and air. Combustion air is given a prerotation by passing it through a set of fins before the fuel is injected into the air. Then the mixture is passed through another set of fins, rotating the mixture in a direction opposite that which the air experienced, first.

Abstract: A direct-fired steam generator utilizes dual regulators for delivering combustible gas to a burner chamber. A first regulator is a constant pressure gas regulator. A second regulator is a variable pressure gas regulator. The variable pressure gas regulator utilizes a pressure feedback which is representative of the pressure in the burner chamber. One or more air blowers can be utilized to supply air (oxygen) to the burner chamber.

Abstract: A heating system for heating a building with at least a first zone and a second to be heated. The heating system includes a first heating source and a second heating source. The heating system alternates between two modes of operation. In the first mode, heat is transferred to the first zone from the first heating source and heat is transferred to the second zone from the second heating source. In the second mode of operation, heat is transferred to the first zone from the second heating source and heat is transferred to the second zone from the first heat source. Each zone may comprise one or more areas of the building. Heat exchangers and thermostats positioned in each area control the amount of heat which is ultimately transferred into the areas.

Abstract: A burner having a first passageway for delivering a fuel/air mixture into a burner chamber is provided with an igniter spaced from the burner chamber and second and third passageways in fluid communication with the burner chamber and the igniter.

Abstract: A container having a chamber with a cool water inlet disposed at the top thereof in a burner near the bottom thereof. An exhaust for flue gases is disposed at the top of the container. A first heat exchange zone is disposed in the chamber above the burner inlet for permitting the rising heat and products of combustion to contact the falling water from the water inlet. A second heat exchange zone is disposed in the chamber below the first heat exchange zone and a heat exchange pipe is disposed in the second heat exchange zone for being in direct contact with the flame of the burner. A pool of heated water is disposed at the bottom of the container and is pumped therefrom through the heat exchanger in the second zone whereby the water therein will be heated and pumped to a radiator or other place where the heat is needed. A third heat exchange zone is provided for receiving the exhaust flue gases and using such heat to heat the same zone as the other heat exchangers, another zone, or another medium.

Abstract: A single blower/multiple burner control system including a burning chamber, having a plurality of burners disposed therein. An equal number of conduits extend from the burning chamber to a manifold being supplied with a constant supply of air under pressure. Each of the conduits receiving pressurized air has a fuel line which is connected at one end thereof to such corresponding air line and having the other end connected to a fuel manifold which is being supplied with a constant supply of fuel. Each of the fuel lines has an adjusting valve therein for adjusting the amount of fuel passing therethrough and each of the fuel lines also has a shut-off valve therein for permitting the fuel to be completely shut-off or to permit fuel to pass therethrough from the fuel manifold to the corresponding conduit leading to the corresponding burner.

Abstract: A variable stage direct fired boiler having at least three output-pressure sensitive combustion stages. A separate pressure switch controls each stage such that none, one or more stages may be engaged in combustion depending upon the desired output pressure and the actual output pressure.

Abstract: A heating apparatus having a chamber, an air inlet attached to the chamber, an air outlet attached to a bottom portion of the chamber, a heater attached to the chamber for introducing heat into the chamber, a blower for causing air to enter the inlet, pass through the chamber and exit through the outlet, nozzles for introducing water into the chamber from the top thereof, and water catching units disposed below the water inlet for holding water in pools in the chamber and preventing all of the water from passing directly out of the outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for curing concrete of a type having a mold or plurality of molds disposed on a frame is characterized by having a forced air heating system which includes a mechanism for evenly distributing heat along the length of a concrete bed. The concrete bed has a plurality of molds thereon and an opening under the molds for receiving a heat distributing mechanism. A heater is attached to the heat distributing mechanism and an air circulating mechanism is provided for causing the heat from the heater to flow to the heat distributing mechanism. The heat distributing mechanism includes a first conduit attached at one end thereof to and in communication with the heater. The first conduit has side walls which are impervious to the flow of the heated gases and the other end of the first conduit is open. A second conduit is sealingly disposed around the first conduit and encompasses the other opened end of the first conduit.