Patents by Inventor George H. K. Lau

George H. K. Lau has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10883716
    Abstract: A modular flue adapter system and method is described to accommodate a conduit for exhaust between a firebox and a firebox flue, wherein the firebox is inserted into a firebox opening, by providing an offset distance and/or direction between the exhaust of the firebox and the firebox flue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H. K. Lau
  • Publication number: 20170336072
    Abstract: A modular flue adapter system and method is described to accommodate a conduit for exhaust between a firebox and a firebox flue, wherein the firebox is inserted into a firebox opening, by providing an offset distance and/or direction between the exhaust of the firebox and the firebox flue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H.K. Lau
  • Patent number: 9612014
    Abstract: A modular flue adapter system and method is described to accommodate a conduit for exhaust between a firebox and a firebox flue, wherein the firebox is inserted into a firebox opening, by providing an offset distance and/or direction between the exhaust of the firebox and the firebox flue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International LTD.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H. K. Lau
  • Publication number: 20140305421
    Abstract: A modular flue adapter system and method is described to accommodate a conduit for exhaust between a firebox and a firebox flue, wherein the firebox is inserted into a firebox opening, by providing an offset distance and/or direction between the exhaust of the firebox and the firebox flue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: FPI FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H.K. Lau
  • Patent number: 8794228
    Abstract: A modular flue adapter system and method is described to accommodate a conduit for exhaust between a firebox and a firebox flue, wherein the firebox is inserted into a firebox opening, by providing an offset distance and/or direction between the exhaust of the firebox and the firebox flue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H. K. Lau
  • Publication number: 20110073101
    Abstract: Provided are exemplary embodiments, which may include a heating system controller, which may be capable of controlling a heating system to reduce inefficiencies, and/or allow the heating system to operate in a relatively optimum manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: FPI FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
    Inventors: George H.K. Lau, Robert A. Little, Gordon Arthur Lloyd Coutts, Davinder Gopal Lal, Chi Ming Gavin Tham
  • Patent number: 7870854
    Abstract: An exemplary heating system can be configured with a control system configured for controlling the heating system to reduce inefficiencies, and/or allow the heating system to operate in a relatively optimum manner. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a closed-loop control system may be configured to control various portions of the heating system based, at least in part, upon signals and/or information received from various sensors of the heating system. For example, among various other types of information provided within a closed-loop feedback, control may be configured based upon the pressure within the combustion chamber. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the closed-loop control system may determine a portion of the heating system is not operating properly, based at least in part upon feedback from one or more sensors configured within the heating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd
    Inventors: George H. K. Lau, Robert A. Little, Gordon Arthur Lloyd Coutts, Davinder Gopal Lal, Chi Ming Gavin Tham
  • Publication number: 20100319675
    Abstract: A modular flue adapter system and method is described to accommodate a conduit for exhaust between a firebox and a firebox flue, wherein the firebox is inserted into a firebox opening, by providing an offset distance and/or direction between the exhaust of the firebox and the firebox flue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: FPI FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H.K. Lau
  • Patent number: 7784458
    Abstract: A modular flue adapter system and method is described to accommodate a conduit for exhaust between a firebox and a firebox flue, wherein the firebox is inserted into a firebox opening, by providing an offset distance and/or direction between the exhaust of the firebox and the firebox flue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H. K. Lau
  • Patent number: 7611174
    Abstract: A latching system and method are provided for facilitating an easier and/or smoother latching of a locking mechanism, such as a latching and catching mechanism for use with the closing of doors. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary latching system comprises a catch device and a latch handle configured for maintaining closure of a door. To reduce or prevent any undesirable “kick-back” of the latch handle during closure of the door, the catch device can comprise a catch spring mechanism configured to facilitate engagement with the latch handle. To provide for a substantially even balance against the catch device and/or to provide for a substantially even pressure against a door gasket, the latch handle can comprise a latch spring mechanism configured to allow engagement of the latch handle to the catch device as well as facilitate engagement of the door during closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.
    Inventors: George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber, Todd O. Bolenback
  • Publication number: 20090013985
    Abstract: An exemplary heating system can be configured with a control system configured for controlling the heating system to reduce inefficiencies, and/or allow the heating system to operate in a relatively optimum manner. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a closed-loop control system may be configured to control various portions of the heating system based, at least in part, upon signals and/or information received from various sensors of the heating system. For example, among various other types of information provided within a closed-loop feedback, control may be configured based upon the pressure within the combustion chamber. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the closed-loop control system may determine a portion of the heating system is not operating properly, based at least in part upon feedback from one or more sensors configured within the heating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Robert A Little, George H.K. Lau, Gordon Arthur Lloyd Coutts, Davinder Gopal Lal, Chi Ming Tham
  • Publication number: 20080223945
    Abstract: Provided are exemplary embodiments, which may include a heating system with one or more heat exchangers. The heat exchangers may be capable of transferring heat in, to, and/or from the heating system to reduce inefficiencies, and/or allow the heating system to operate in a relatively more efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: George H.K. Lau, Chi Ming Gavin Tham
  • Publication number: 20080216820
    Abstract: A modular flue adapter system and method is described to accommodate a conduit for exhaust between a firebox and a firebox flue, wherein the firebox is inserted into a firebox opening, by providing an offset distance and/or direction between the exhaust of the firebox and the firebox flue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H.K. Lau
  • Patent number: 7373937
    Abstract: A draft control system and method can provide for automated control of the air drafting for heating systems. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary draft control system comprises at least one draft plate and a draft plate control system. Draft plate control system can comprise a control unit, one or more input devices, and one or more actuation systems. During operation, the control unit can receive a signal from an input device and use the actuation system to automatically adjust the amount of air intake by controlling movement of one or more draft plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert A. Little, George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber
  • Patent number: 7311339
    Abstract: A latching system and method are provided for facilitating an easier and/or smoother latching of a locking mechanism, such as a latching and catching mechanism for use with the closing of doors. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary latching system comprises a catch device and a latch handle configured for maintaining closure of a door. To reduce or prevent any undesirable “kick-back” of the latch handle during closure of the door, the catch device can comprise a catch spring mechanism configured to facilitate engagement with the latch handle. To provide for a substantially even balance against the catch device and/or to provide for a substantially even pressure against a door gasket, the latch handle can comprise a latch spring mechanism configured to allow engagement of the latch handle to the catch device as well as facilitate engagement of the door during closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber, Todd O. Bolenback
  • Publication number: 20040226553
    Abstract: A draft control system and method can provide for automated control of the air drafting for heating systems. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary draft control system comprises at least one draft plate and a draft plate control system. Draft plate control system can comprise a control unit, one or more input devices, and one or more actuation systems. During operation, the control unit can receive a signal from an input device and use the actuation system to automatically adjust the amount of air intake by controlling movement of one or more draft plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Robert A. Little, George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber
  • Publication number: 20040069296
    Abstract: A heat transfer controller is configured to control the heat distribution and transfer of a heating system. An exemplary heating system comprises an air intake, an exhaust mechanism, and a heat transfer controller. The heat transfer controller is configured to control the distribution and transfer of heat exhausted from the exhaust mechanism to the heating area, and can comprise a heat deflector having a width, length and height that can be suitably configured to provide variable heat transfer control characteristics. In addition, the heat transfer controller can comprise an arch-like configuration. For example, the width of the heat transfer controller can be configured to direct and/or transfer heat from an area most likely to have heat restricted or increased. In addition, the height of the heat transfer controller can be configured to generate a convection effect to pull heat outwards from the area with the greatest heat restrictions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: FPI Fireplace Products International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Y. Cheng, Doug E. Hills, George H. K. Lau
  • Patent number: D620098
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.
    Inventors: George H. K. Lau, Andrew Mah