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).
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Patent number: 10883716Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H. K. Lau
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Publication number: 20170336072Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2017Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H.K. Lau
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Patent number: 9612014Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International LTD.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H. K. Lau
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Publication number: 20140305421Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: FPI FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LTD.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H.K. Lau
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Patent number: 8794228Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H. K. Lau
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Publication number: 20110073101Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: FPI FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.Inventors: George H.K. Lau, Robert A. Little, Gordon Arthur Lloyd Coutts, Davinder Gopal Lal, Chi Ming Gavin Tham
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Patent number: 7870854Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International LtdInventors: George H. K. Lau, Robert A. Little, Gordon Arthur Lloyd Coutts, Davinder Gopal Lal, Chi Ming Gavin Tham
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Publication number: 20100319675Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: FPI FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LTD.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H.K. Lau
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Patent number: 7784458Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H. K. Lau
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Patent number: 7611174Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.Inventors: George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber, Todd O. Bolenback
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Publication number: 20090013985Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Robert A Little, George H.K. Lau, Gordon Arthur Lloyd Coutts, Davinder Gopal Lal, Chi Ming Tham
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Publication number: 20080223945Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: George H.K. Lau, Chi Ming Gavin Tham
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Publication number: 20080216820Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: Jeffrey H. Richter, George H.K. Lau
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Patent number: 7373937Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.Inventors: Robert A. Little, George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber
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Patent number: 7311339Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventors: George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber, Todd O. Bolenback
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Publication number: 20040226553Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Robert A. Little, George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber
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Publication number: 20040069296Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: FPI Fireplace Products International, Ltd.Inventors: Matthew M. Y. Cheng, Doug E. Hills, George H. K. Lau
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Patent number: D620098Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.Inventors: George H. K. Lau, Andrew Mah