Abstract: A combustion convection oven has improved energy efficiency. The oven includes a moveable exhaust damper that selectively closes off the exhaust plenum so as to inhibit the escape of heated air from the oven's cooking cavity. The exhaust damper is open when the oven is in a heating mode with the burners on, but closed when the oven is in a heated mode where the burners are off. Thus, airflow through the oven is significantly reduced or eliminated when the burners are off. The damper may have a degree of openness that is controlled to be inverse to the speed of the oven's fan.

Abstract: An oven has an enclosed heat exchange zone for use with biomass fuel. The oven has a body which is able to be placed on the ground. The body has a combustion cabinet and an auxiliary equipment cabinet. The combustion cabinet has a burner received therein. The burner has a fire grate, a side plate, a blowing space, and a hearth. A heat exchange zone is defined by the surrounding tubular inner wall; a side heating zone being defined by a tubular inner and a tubular outer walls. A chimney is formed on the tubular outer wall in communication with an upper portion of the side heating zone. An opening is defined in the top of the combustion cabinet right above the tubular inner wall.

Abstract: A combustion convection oven has improved energy efficiency. The oven includes a moveable exhaust damper that selectively closes off the exhaust plenum so as to inhibit the escape of heated air from the oven's cooking cavity. The exhaust damper is open when the oven is in a heating mode with the burners on, but closed when the oven is in a heated mode where the burners are off. Thus, airflow through the oven is significantly reduced or eliminated when the burners are off. That damper, or another damper, may have a degree of openness that is controlled to be inverse to the speed of the oven's fan.

Abstract: A flow regulator for a solid fuel grill may include a housing having an opening and configured for coupling to a solid fuel grill over a vent opening of the grill and the regulator may also include a damper assembly arranged on the housing where the damper assembly may include a damper arranged to operably and variably open and close the opening and the damper assembly may also include a temperature sensitive damper controller operably connected to the housing and the damper to open and close the damper based on temperature changes.

Abstract: A mechanical damper control can be used to regulate the temperature of a smoker, barbecue grill, or generally any stove chamber. The mechanical damper control includes a housing that can be coupled to an inlet or outlet of a stove chamber, either directly or using an adapter. A temperature responsive expandable member and a damper are coupled to each other, and to the housing. A damper adjustment can be manipulated to just close the damper at a point when the stove has reached a desired temperature. Further changes in the temperature of the stove chamber cause the expandable member to expand or contract, resulting in a corresponding opening or closing of the damper to maintain the stove chamber at a substantially constant temperature.

Abstract: A damper system for an exhaust vent of a gas operated oven includes a temperature-reactive member configured to expand when actuated by heating to a pre-determined temperature, and a damper member coupled to the temperature-reactive member, the damper member configured to move with the expansion of the temperature-reactive member to control a size of an opening to the exhaust vent from the gas operated oven.

Abstract: A mechanical damper control can be used to regulate the temperature of a smoker, barbecue grill, or generally any stove chamber. The mechanical damper control includes a housing that can be coupled to an inlet or outlet of a stove chamber, either directly or using an adapter. A temperature responsive expandable member and a damper are coupled to each other, and to the housing. A damper adjustment can be manipulated to just close the damper at a point when the stove has reached a desired temperature. Further changes in the temperature of the stove chamber cause the expandable member to expand or contract, resulting in a corresponding opening or closing of the damper to maintain the stove chamber at a substantially constant temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing heated replacement air to a paint spray booth or other commercial process which requires heated make-up air to replace exhausted air. A blower draws outside air through a filter and an injection chamber prior to delivering the air to the process. Hot gases from a burner are injected into the injection chamber and mixed with the replacement air to adjust the temperature of the replacement air. The burner uses combustion air which is separate from the replacement air. The flow rate of the exhaust air and the replacement air can be adjusted to meet changing needs of the process. The BTU output from the burner is adjusted to maintain a desired replacement air temperature.

Abstract: A candle arrangement having a main candle body having a relatively high melting point and the main candle body has an aperture therethrough and a plurality of burning candles having a candle wax with a lower melting point than the main candle body are slidably mounted in the aperture. The burning candle at the top of the main candle body may be burned and then discarded after it is consumed and replaced with a new burning candle.

Abstract: An automatic air intake control includes a timing mechanism that regulates the amount of air entering a combustion chamber enclosure during combustion of a fuel. The amount of air is regulated to provide an efficient and clean burn of a solid fuel. The control may include a cover, an actuating assembly, and a controller. The cover is movable between open and closed positions relative to an air passage opening into the combustion chamber enclosure. The actuating assembly is coupled to the cover and configured to move the cover between the open and closed positions. The controller is coupled to the actuating member and configured to control the position of the cover through the actuating member to regulate the air intake into the combustion chamber. The controller may be a time-based device such as a timer, or may be any other device that uses inputs associated with the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber or a user's preferences for the characteristics of combustion in combustion chamber.

Abstract: A spiral wound instant pasta solid sauce composite noodle is disclosed which employs selected dusting agents and solid sauce interleaved within the spiral to insure unrolling of the spiral upon subsequent boiling. A method for the preparation of the sauce and the noodle is also disclosed along with a system for packing the noodles in flexible envelopes to reduce breakage of the noodles and to permit inclusion of noodles longer than the flexible package filling aperture and reducing the incidence of perforation of the package.

Abstract: A frame having ground-engaging wheels and a hitch for attaching to a towing vehicle supports a pair of cooking elements, disposed back-to-back, a first pair being located at the forward portion of the frame, and a second pair disposed at the after portion of the frame. A large storage compartment including horizontal closures is interposed between the fore and aft cooking element pairs. A large fuel cylinder, connected to the supply lines of the cooking elements by flexible hose, is mounted on a wheeled gurney. The gurney is demountably secured to the tang of the frame when the apparatus is being transported. Once the apparatus is situated, the gurney provides for removal of the cylinder to a safe area.

Abstract: An improved wood burning heating unit which possesses a trapezoidal housing including a fire box portion possessing in a combustion zone a fire brick grid for supporting fuel wood. An air duct extends beneath the fire brick grid, upwardly along a back portion of the heating unit, and terminates in fluid communication with a helical heat exchanger section. The heat exchanger section surrounds a central chimney including an open upper end and an open lower end selectively closable by a damper. An outside air T connection includes a first leg connected to an outside air inlet, a second leg communicating with the chimney, above the heat exchanger section, and a third leg connected for directing combustion air to the fire box. The outside air T connection also includes a pair of air pressure actuated flapper valves for regulating combustion air flow depending upon conditions within the fire box.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooking includes an apparatus convertible from a grill to a bake oven. The apparatus has a fire box positioned below a grill and incorporates a closed chamber supported on the fire box and enclosing the grill. A pivotable plate is mounted immediately below the grill and is pivotable between a vertical position and a horizontal position. In the horizontal position, the plate is latchable below the grill so as to separate the grill from the fire box. In this horizontal position, the closed grill chamber functions as an oven. When the pivotable plate is dropped into the vertical position, the grill is in direct communication with the fire box and can be used in a normal grill fashion.

Abstract: A controller for automatically regulating the supply of secondary combustion air to woodstoves and small furnaces. The controller includes a movable air valve for controlling the amount of secondary air admitted into the chamber. A self powered means monitors the concentration of combustible gases and vapors and actuates the movable air valve to increase the supply of secondary air in response to increasing concentrations of the combustible gases and vapors. The self-powered means can be two fluid filled sensor bulbs, one of which has a coating of a combustion catalyst. Alternatively, the self powered means can be two metallic stripes laminated together, one of which is coated with a combustion catalyst, and when heated, causes the air valve to actuate.

Abstract: A wood burning apparatus capable of burning 5 kg per hour of wood or more with the combustion products exiting the apparatus through a collar which is fastened to the wood burning apparatus. A rotatable shaft passes through the collar and has a damper plate welded thereto within the collar. The damper plate has a pattern of apertures therein which will allow the passage of the combustion products when the damper plate is in the closed position, that is, in a position normal to the flow of combustion products through the collar. The collar and rotatable damper are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor wood stove is presented having a combustor ignitor plate which promotes turbulence and mixing of combustion gases with air from a distributed primary air supply to deliver thoroughly mixed gas to the catalytic combustor to light off the combustor at low firebox temperature (in the range of 400.degree. to 500.degree. F.) but operate the combustor at high temperature on the order of 1000.degree. F. to 1200.degree. F. or higher.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wood burning stove having an internal damper plate located between first and second combustion chambers within the stove. The damper plate is movable between a chamber dividing and a chamber joining position where the damper plate provides a smoke guide to the interior of the stove allowing the stove door to be opened when the stove is in use.

Abstract: A solid fuel burning stove having a catalytic converter apparatus located above the stove combustion site. The apparatus includes a horizontal partition having a first opening in direct communication with the stove flue and a second opening adjacent catalytic elements. A by-pass damper is slideable on the partition to open and close the first opening. The by-pass damper is connected via a hollow rod to a handle located at the front of the stove. Exit ports are located in the hollow rod to provide supplemental heated air to the catalytic elements.

Abstract: An intake air pathway for a wood-burning stove is provided with a control mechanism which automatically responds both to changes in temperatures for controlling the amount of intake air flowing in the pathway and to pressure due to back puff conditions in the stove for closing the intake pathway with and thereby preventing emissions due to back puff. The point of control of the intake pathway may be placed along different points of the pathway. Control valve and check valve functions may be accomplished with a single control surface (i.e., plate or flap), or alternatively, be segregated into two control surfaces. The control arrangement is disposed such that gravity always acts as a safety feature to close the intake air pathway during an uncontrolled fire (e.g. chimney fire) or physical failure of the control apparatus. A fixed-shield baffle system surrounding a combustor of the stove causes reversals of combustion gasses and a secondary air flow supplied to the combustor.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor assembly includes a housing containing a catalytic combustor for insertion into the firebox of an existing stove. The housing engages and hermetically seals against the ceiling of the firebox surrounding the flue outlet of the stove to define an airtight passageway for volatile gases from the firebox to the flue outlet. The housing further defines a pair of secondary combustion air inlets and connected conduit for heating and then directing secondary air into the defined passageway to mix with the volatile gases upstream of the catalytic combustor. A bypass door is also mounted within the housing for selectively allowing the volatile gases to bypass the combustor in passing from the firebox to the flue outlet.

Abstract: Stove for burning solid fuels, particularly wood. The stove has a pedestal which has a primary air inlet and an ash drawer; an upright rectangular main housing which is divided internally into a fire box section and a section for combustion products; a housing for electrical components on the back of the main housing; and a flue. The partition between the fire box and the top portion has a first passageway with a catalyst therein and a damper-controlled bypass passageway. Primary air is admitted beneath the grate and passes upwardly therethrough. Secondary air is admitted to the fire box near the glass-panelled charging doors for solid fuel. The stove has a catalyst chamber for completing combustion of the incompletely burned gases in the fire box.

Abstract: A high-efficiency clean burning heater for the burning of wood or coal is disclosed. The heater has a primary combustion chamber for the burning of solid fuel positioned above a secondary combustion chamber for the burning of combustible gases and pollutants which pass downwardly from the primary combustion chamber. Separate air supplies are provided for the two combustion chambers and the supply of air to the primary combustion chamber is governed by a damper plate to control the burn rate.

Abstract: A stove comprises walls defining a main air inlet, a flue outlet and four chambers through which gas passes sequentially from the main air inlet to the flue outlet during normal operation of the stove. The chambers comprise a pre-heat plenum chamber into which the main air inlet opens, a main combustion chamber for containing solid fuel to be burned and into which gas passes from the pre-heat plenum chamber, a second combustion chamber which is downstream of the main combustion chamber with respect to the flow of gas from the main air inlet to the flue outlet, and a third combustion chamber from which the combustion gas outlet opens.

Abstract: The invention involves the generation of dry hot steam to be drawn into an oven cooking cavity where the steam is allowed to contact dough pieces on a baking plate in order to bake French bread with a glossy appearance and a hard crust, for example. In one embodiment, the cooking cavity is partitioned in the top thereof to form a steam generating chamber which receives therein a supply of water to convert it into hot steam with the heat from an upper gas burner located beneath the chamber. The upper gas burner and a lower gas burner located beneath the baking plate may be of forced combustion type and a perforated burner tube has provided along the length thereof a flame transmitting member which is divided into a plurality of segments mounted with a proper gap between two adjacent ones thereof to accommodate the thermal expansion of the segmented flame transmitting member and the tube per se.

Abstract: Exterior retrofit system for attachment to wood or coal-burning stoves including a secondary combustion chamber and a catalytic igniter. The secondary combustion chamber is lined with refractory material and is arranged to preheat flue gases emanating from the woodburning apparatus before ignition at the catalytic igniter. The refractory walls have an undulating structure to increase mixing and residence times for more complete burning. Provisions are made for introducing additional combustion air into the secondary combustion chamber. Combustion performance is improved resulting in reduction of cresote deposits and particulate emissions and reduction in the amount of fuel consumed for a given heat output. The retrofit unit is self-contained and requires no permanent or complicated modification to the stove. This system also has application for use on the interior of a stove, both as a retrofit and as the basis for a specifically designed stove.

Abstract: A combustor unit for a woodburning stove comprises a generally T-shaped flue assembly interiorly receiving a combustor having a catalyst to facilitate combustion of exhaust gases. The combustor is pivotal between a combustion position wherein the combustor is positioned across an exhaust passageway to an open position wherein the combustor is substantially removed from the exhaust gas stream and positioned within an access passageway.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a catalytic converter for a burner including a housing having an opening for directing the exhaust gases to a catalyst region and a by-pass opening permitting the exhaust gases to by-pass the catalyst region, a baffle positioned over the catalyst region and having a groove formed in it and a tab extending from one end and adjacent to the groove, a closure movably mounted to open and close the by-pass opening, and a control rod slidably and pivotally mounted within the groove and having one end connected to the closure to open and close the by-pass opening by pivoting of the rod, the rod being lockably engageable by the tab by longitudinal displacement of the rod when in a pivotal position corresponding to closing of the by-pass opening, and having handle means extending from the other end for permitting pivoting and longitudinal displacement of the rod.

Abstract: This stove is divided by a partition into a lower, combustion chamber, and an upper chamber which communicates directly with an exhaust opening in the stove. A catalytic converter is removably mounted in an opening in the partition. A by-pass damper, which is connected to the stove door, is normally held closed over a by-pass opening in the wall of the lower chamber, when the door to the stove is closed, whereby all combustion gases from the lower chamber must pass upwardly through the converter and the secondary chamber to the exhaust opening. When the stove door is opened, the by-pass damper tilts by gravity into an open position so that combustion gases from the lower chamber pass directly to the exhaust opening rather through the upper chamber, and rather than being accidentally discharged out of the open door. The converter causes all by-products of combustion to be subjected to a secondary combustion in the converter before passing to the exhaust opening.

Abstract: A chimney cap pivotally mounted at one end to allow secure closure of the cap or opening for operation. The lower end of the chimney is connected to a fireplace which has its own manually operated damper. The chimney cap is operable conjointly with the damper or separately by its own operating apparatus.

Abstract: An add-on catalytic damper assembly is provided which is adapted to be positioned between the flue outlet pipe of a wood burning stove and the chimney pipe, and which provides catalytic combustion of the normally unburned portions of the flue gas. The assembly is of a very simple five part construction comprising upper and lower housing members adapted to be connected to the chimney and stove pipes, respectively; a plate nestingly mounted within the lower housing member and including a pair of side by side openings therein providing two paths for the flue gas; a catalytic converter mounted in one of the openings; and a damper plate mounted over the other opening and movable by means of an integral handle between blocking and unblocking positions.

Abstract: A stove for burning solid fuel such as firewood. a lower level air inlet opening is provided for so-called "primary air," and another air inlet opening is provided at a higher level for so-called "secondary air." The volume of air introduced into the stove from each inlet opening is separately controlled. An air metering means controls the amount of secondary air introduced into the stove through the higher level air inlet opening. The lower level air inlet opening and the air metering means both have a finite number of predetermined, fixed air transmitting conditions and no other air transmitting conditions. The lower level air inlet opening has preferably two predetermined, fixed air transmitting conditions--a maximum and a minimum. The air metering means has at least a predetermined, fixed maximum air transmitting condition and preferably also a predetermined, fixed minimum, transmitting condition. The level at which the two air inlet openings are located is specified.

Abstract: A slow combustion stove having a transparent portion to enable vision into a primary combustion zone so that flames are visible in use has a double burning combustion chamber defined by the primary combustion chamber and a partitioned off secondary burning combustion chamber, an air inlet to enable air to circulate within the stove adjacent a deflector which deflects the incoming air over the transparent portion to cool and resist staining and soot build-up thereon. A majority of the air passes to the primary combustion zone and a proportion of further gases enter the secondary combustion chamber with the gases of primary combustion for combustion of smoke and other unburned gases.

Abstract: In a fuel burning stove having a heating chamber positioned above a firebox and covering a rear discharge opening as well as a major portion of the firebox upper wall, a vertical exhaust path is established between the discharge opening and the flue. A sliding baffle plate located in the heating chamber is manually controlled by a handle and externally mounted connecting link mechanism to selectively establish the vertical exhaust path or a tortuous exhaust passage. The tortuous passage is S-shaped causing hot gases to circulate through the heating chamber to increase the amount of heat radiated into the surrounding air. A forward damper responsive to movement of the baffle exposes a forward discharge opening when the vertical exhaust path is open to directly exhaust smoke from the forward region of the firebox prior to opening of the stove door to add fuel. The handle retains the door closed when the vertical exhaust path is closed by the baffle.

Abstract: A wood or coal-burning stove or fireplace has a baffle attached to a flue. Upon opening of the stove door or the fireplace door, the baffle is automatically adjusted to increase the amount of air admitted to the stove or fireplace and thus prevents smoke from coming out of the doors.

Abstract: A damper and air flow control for use with fireplaces or stoves having a plurality of heat tubes extending through the exhaust passage for smoke and other products of combustion includes a plurality of slats secured in spaced side-by-side relation to one another. Each slat is adapted to be positioned above a heat tube when the damper is in open position so as to leave the spaces between the heat tubes substantially unobstructed. Each slat has a width greater than the space between the heat tube over which it is positioned when the damper is open and an adjacent heat tube so that the slats may be moved to a position where they substantially block the spaces between the heat tubes. Control apparatus is provided to move the slats between open, closed, or partially closed positions.

Abstract: A wood burning stove having a catalytic converter for achieving greatly increased combustion efficiency, said stove having damper means for insuring that all combustion gases from the primary combustion chamber pass through said converter before reaching the stove's exhaust duct when the damper is in one position, and manual control means for moving the damper to a second position wherein the combustion gases bypass said converter and pass directly to said exhaust duct, it being necessary to move said damper to its second position before the door of said stove can be opened. Said damper has a controlled leakage factor whereby if the converter becomes clogged when the damper is in its first position, combustion gases will be permitted to pass to said exhaust duct. In one operational mode, the stove may be used to burn coal.

Abstract: A wood burning stove having a lower main fire box and a vertically offset oven unit. Directly under the cooking surface of the lower firebox is an auxiliary firebox; the air supply inlet has means to selectively direct the incoming air to either firebox so that a small cooking fire can be used alone. The main firebox door has a glass panel and a removable stainless steel plate to reflect heat back to the glass to burn off accumulated deposits thereon.

Abstract: A forced air, fuel burning heater is provided which includes a relatively large damper plate slideably mounted immediately below the top wall of the heater, to thereby insulate the top wall from the heat of combustion and thereby reduce the temperature and thus the tendency of the top wall to warp from excessive heat. The damper plate preferably includes a rearward edge which is doubled upon itself to further insulate the edge of the flue opening in the top wall from heat, where warpage commonly occurs. The disclosed heater also includes a separate blower assembly which may be selectively mounted on either side of the combustion chamber with equally effective air circulation, and the hearth plate includes an upwardly inclined forward edge portion for reflecting radiant heat back toward the heater and thus reducing the temperature of the adjacent floor surface.

Abstract: A wood or coal burning stove has a main opening from the fire box into a heating chamber at a remote location from the flue exit from that chamber so the combustion gases must move around within the chamber before escaping and an auxiliary opening from the fire box directly to the flue exit, there being a movable closure which closes the auxiliary opening when the front door is closed and which is operatively connected to the front door so it is opened when the front door is opened.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved wood burning stove employing a combustion chamber and a flue for removing exhaust therefrom and also a catalytic converter means for oxidizing oxidizable species in the exhaust. A passageway is provided for bypassing the exhaust around the catalytic converter means, the passageway being controlled by a bypass damper for controlling access to the passageway for varying impedance otherwise presented to the exhaust by the converter, for example, during the addition of fuel to the stove. Such an arrangement minimizes back pressure caused by the converter means.

Abstract: A damper adjusting mechanism is presented wherein the damper is opened and closed by adjusting a rod. This rod is adjusted by the use of grooves which are latched onto the stove's front wall. These grooves are protected from creosote build-up by a shield.

Abstract: A wood burning stove having a primary combustion chamber and a secondary chamber having a catalytic converter therein is disclosed. Primary air is introduced to said primary chamber and secondary air is introduced to said secondary chamber utilizing completely separate and independent control means, with the draft means for said primary and secondary air both being located below the fuel (wood) support level. Means are provided for preheating both the secondary air and the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A damper control system wherein a control screw is threadedly mounted in a door and engages a depending contact arm on a damper to move the damper between a closed position and various open positions.

Abstract: A woodburning heating apparatus capable of horizontal and updraft combustion has removable elements positioned within a relatively small enclosed volume to provide efficient and reliable operation in either combustion mode. The removable elements include the wear plates, fireback, and damper assembly. The wear plates and fireback define primary, secondary, and night air supplies for the apparatus. An articulated damper control mechanism provides resistance against impinging combusted gases in at least one position of the damper. The damper construction allows, in either the horizontal or updraft combustion modes, the provision of both top exiting and rear exiting flue connections. Baffles are provided at the combusted gas exit from the primary combustion chamber to uniformly spread the combusted gases exiting the primary chamber over a substantial volume so that localized heating of the apparatus does not occur.

Abstract: An automatic vent damper control mechanism for use on furnaces or the like having a spring loaded open position and an electric motor which drives it to a closed position, against the spring bias, via a gear train. A unique over-travel mechanism is provided which prevents damage to the gear train from occurring when the damper reaches the end of its travel towards its open condition.

Abstract: The device of this invention is an enclosed firebox constructed to fit in a wall fireplace cavity such that the front piece of the enclosed firebox faces the room interior while the back piece faces the outdoors. The front piece contains duct openings to emit heated air from within the firebox into the room. The openings can be closed off to prevent air flow from either into or out of the room. The heated air is obtained from air outside the room to be heated.

Abstract: A thermal damper assembly mounted to substantially close a flue at room temperature is equipped with thermally responsive coils to move the damper to an open position in response to heat generated by combustion. To allow commencement of combustion the damper assembly is equipped with latch means to position the damper open in preparation for combustion, said latch means responding automatically to an adequate advance of said damper toward its fully open position to disable its own latching capability whereby said coils are permitted to substantially fully close the damper assembly without further attention to the latch means, which serves only to releasably position the damper assembly for commencement of combustion. Also illustrated in this application are various position control members for predetermining fully open and substantially fully closed damper positions. Also illustrated in this application are inboard and outboard mountings for the thermally responsive coils.