Abstract: A gas fireplace assembly for connection to a venting system comprises an outer shell for installation in the interior space of a building with the venting system extending into the outer shell. A fireplace unit is insertable within the shell that includes a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber includes a removable platform supporting a burner unit to be secured within the combustion chamber. The existing venting system is connected to the combustion chamber. The foregoing arrangement permits easy conversion of the fireplace assembly to different styles of decorative burner units or from a decorative gas burner to an efficient heating fireplace system and vice versa in a simple and economical manner.

Abstract: A fireplace insert for a fireplace cavity formed in a building with a fresh air inlet and a combustion gas outlet. The insert includes an enclosure dimensioned to be insertable within the fireplace cavity to define a combustion chamber for generating heat. A manifold is provided for distributing fresh air from the fresh air inlet to the combustion chamber. The manifold means is positionable at a predetermined location within the fireplace cavity according to the position of the fresh air inlet. A duct communicates the combustion chamber with the combustion gas outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for ventilating a fireplace having a combustion chamber within the interior of a building comprising an enclosure defining an air volume and a fan unit for generating a constant negative pressure region within the enclosure. A venting passage communicates the enclosure with the combustion chamber of the fireplace such that the negative pressure within the enclosure draws combustion gases from the combustion chamber into the enclosure to ventilate the fireplace. A valve is provided in the venting passage to control the flow of combustion gases to the enclosure. With this arrangement, the fan unit is operated at a constant speed to generate a constant negative pressure within the enclosure. There is no need to install an expensive variable speed fan to provide different levels of ventilation and, as long as the fan installed is sufficiently powerful to ventilate the enclosure, the valve can be used to adjust the ventilation of the fireplace combustion chamber via the enclosure.

Abstract: A gas fireplace comprising a housing adapted to be located in a building. There is a first conduit in the housing to act as an air inlet. In insert is received within the housing. A second conduit in the insert aligns with and is received by the first conduit. The invention permits the construction of a gas fireplace in two stages, a first stage in which the housing is built into the building and a second, subsequent to all building activity, in which the insert is received within the housing.

Abstract: A gas burning fireplace having a burner for producing a flame. A rod in the vicinity of the burner. A gap between the burner and the rod and wherein a flame is produced in the gap. An apparatus for monitoring the presence of a flame including a battery for applying a DC voltage between the rod and the burner. An electric circuit means for sensing a DC current between the rod and the burner.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a duct comprises an enclosed body having inlet and outlet passages communicating with the duct. A duct sealing member is located within the enclosed body and is movable between an open position to permit flow through the enclosed body and a closed position to block one of the passages of the enclosed body to prevent flow through the body. An actuating system moves the duct sealing member from the open position to the closed position. A sensing system for detecting a pre-determined condition such as excessive heat is provided to activate the actuating system and seal the duct. A ducting system incorporates the sealing apparatus and permits ventilation of heating appliances in apartment dwellings and the like in a significantly reduced area leading to material cost savings.

Abstract: A fireplace insert for a fireplace cavity that includes a venting passage comprising an enclosure dimensioned to be insertable within the fireplace cavity and fill substantially the entire cavity to define a combustion chamber. A passage and an aperture are provided for communicating the combustion chamber with the venting passage. There is a connection system for quickly and efficiently connecting the enclosure to the venting passage while the enclosure is within the fireplace cavity. The ability to connect the insert to the existing venting passage while in place permits the full fireplace cavity to be used. Previous inserts of this type were substantially smaller since there had to be room to manoeuvre and attach the vent by physically reaching into the fireplace cavity.