Condition Responsive Control Patents (Class 126/502)
  • Patent number: 11448400
    Abstract: A firebox is provided for use in a gas fireplace, the firebox comprising: a back which includes at least one combustion fan aperture, an upper end and a lower end and a length therebetween, a pair of sides, each side including an upper end, a lower end, a first riser which has an inner section and an outer section, the inner section attached to the back, a first flange, which is parallel to the back and extends outward from the back, and a second riser, wherein the outer section of the first riser, the first flange and the second riser extend above the upper end of the back and below the lower end of the back; a top which is attached to the inner section of the first risers and to the back at the upper end; and a base which is attached to the inner section of the first risers and to the back above the combustion fan aperture, to define an opening. The fireplace is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventors: Walter Wardrop, Nicholas Barber
  • Patent number: 10998212
    Abstract: A load port assembly includes a stage for supporting a substrate storage pod, a port plate with an access port, and a gas curtain device mounted on the port plate for forming a gas curtain having a width sufficient for shielding the access port. The gas curtain device includes an elongated casing and a gate mechanism. A curtain-forming gas is discharged from an elongated port of the elongated casing to form the gas curtain. A gate mechanism is mounted to the elongated casing and is configured to be actutable so as to vary a thickness of the gas curtain. A purging method for the substrate storage pod on the load port assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Kuan-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 10788216
    Abstract: A non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance includes, for example, a housing having a combustion chamber therein. The housing has a loading door opening coverable by a door for loading fuel into the combustion chamber, an air inlet opening for receiving an air supply to the combustion chamber, and an exit opening connectable to a flue. A catalyst combustor is disposed between the combustion chamber and the exit opening. When the door of the non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance is disposed in a closed position covering the loading door opening, gas from the combustion chamber is directed through the catalyst combustor, and out the flue. When the door of the non-bypassable catalyst assisted appliance is disposed in an open position allowing loading of fuel through the loading door opening to the combustion chamber, ambient air entering the loading door opening and gas from the combustion chamber are directed through the catalyst combustor, and out the flue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Jotul AS
    Inventors: Roger W. Purinton, Shane L. Spencer
  • Patent number: 10712013
    Abstract: A stove using biomass pellets as fuels includes a stove body, wherein the stove body comprises a firebox; hopper, wherein the hopper is fixed above the stove body; and feed tube, wherein the top end of the feed tube which is connected to the hopper is fixed outside the stove body, the bottom end of the feed tube which is connected to the firebox crosses the stove body. The stove using biomass pellets as fuels solves the problem that common pellet stoves usually transfer the fuels to the hearth using a screw feeder or other feeding equipment, which expend too much cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: TANGCHENGXIAN HUALONG MACHINERY PLANT
    Inventors: Zhicun Zhang, Fangwen Cai, Hualong Zhang, Lechun Zhang
  • Patent number: 10488075
    Abstract: An apparatus for pre-heating potable water in aircraft with waste heat includes an air to water heat exchanger having a heat exchanger housing with an inlet end that receives heat from one or more of a galley insert exhaust air inlet, a galley appliance exhaust air inlet and an air chiller exhaust air inlet. A potable water supply inlet supplies potable water to the air to water heat exchanger, which transfers heat to the potable water, and a potable water supply outlet supplies heated potable water, such as to a galley insert or galley appliance, for example. An exhaust air outlet vents cooled exhaust air from the air to water heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter John Leslie Burd
  • Patent number: 10371413
    Abstract: A boiler that includes a housing is disclosed. The housing houses a combustion chamber, a heat exchanger system, a heat flow path, an isolating member, and a movable access panel. The heat flow path thermally couples the combustion chamber and the heat exchanger system. The isolating member at least partially separates the combustion chamber from the heat exchanger system. A fluid jacket is operable to thermally couple fluid disposable within the fluid jacket about a fluid side area of heat exchangers of the heat exchanger system. The movable access panel is positioned about or coupled to an exterior wall of the housing. When the movable access panel is moved to an open position, a user is provided access to a gas side area of the heat exchangers for servicing or cleaning of the heat exchangers from an exterior environment of the boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: CENTRAL BOILER, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis Brazier, Mark Reese
  • Patent number: 10151476
    Abstract: A boiler that includes a housing is disclosed. The housing houses a combustion chamber, a heat exchanger system, a heat flow path, an isolating member, and a removable panel. The heat flow path thermally couples the combustion chamber and the heat exchanger system. The isolating member at least partially separates the combustion chamber from the heat exchanger system wherein. When the removable panel is removed a user is provided access to the heat exchanger system. The isolating member is internal to the housing. The removable panel is an internal removable panel positioned on the isolating member. When the internal removable panel is removed, the user is provided internal access to the heat exchanger system. In other embodiments, the panel is an external removable panel positioned on an exterior wall of the housing. When the exterior removable panel is removed, the user is provided exterior access to the heat exchanger system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Central Boiler Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brazier, Mark Reese
  • Patent number: 10130006
    Abstract: A thermal control system includes an enclosure configured to contain a thermal mass. A baffle plate is disposed in the enclosure. A heat exchanger is coextensive with and cooperates with the baffle plate to divide the enclosure into a first chamber and a second chamber. An air circulation element cooperates with the baffle plate and the heat exchanger to define an air circulation path and to cause air to flow through the air circulation path. The heat exchanger exchanges thermal energy with the air flowing through the air circulation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Evangelos Papoulis, James Tasiopoulos, Ken Belford
  • Patent number: 9777736
    Abstract: A backflow prevention device includes a plurality of flaps that are connected pivotally to a casing of a fan. When a blade unit of the fan rotates to generate an airflow entering the casing via an airflow inlet and exiting the casing via an airflow outlet, the flaps are driven to pivot away from the blade unit to open positions, where the flaps serve as stator blades for the fan. When rotation of the blade unit is stopped, the flaps are driven by a reverse flow directed toward the airflow outlet and the blade unit to pivot toward the blade unit to closed positions, where the flaps close the airflow outlet to prevent air from entering the casing via the airflow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Ta Shih, Shih-Huai Cho
  • Patent number: 9255715
    Abstract: The natural fuel heating system includes an elongate firebox covered by a cowling. The firebox includes means for accessing the interior thereof for fuel placement and vents at opposite ends. The cowling surrounds a majority of the firebox and forms an air circulating barrier between the firebox and the cowling. Outside air is introduced into the barrier through an intake shroud extending from the back of the firebox. The natural fuel heating system includes a heat exchange system for efficiently heating the cooler outside air circulating within the barrier. The heated air is drawn through an exhaust shroud extending from the air barrier into a building ventilation system to heat the building via natural thermal convection and negative air pressure caused by oxygen consumption from combustion within the firebox. A waste gas exhaust vent protrudes from the firebox to deliver harmful exhaust gas back outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: James A. Hamel
  • Publication number: 20140311477
    Abstract: A system including temperature measuring devices, a controller, and an actuator, maintains a desired gas temperature range in the secondary combustor by proportionally making adjustments to the primary air orifice or other primary air valve of a cordwood burning appliance. Heat output of the appliance is directly related to the temperature of the gases in the secondary combustor, and sufficient engagement of the second combustor during off-gassing of volatiles from the wood will control emissions from the appliance. The operator can select a desired room temperature via the thermostat and the controller will use different secondary gas temperature target ranges in order to meet the desired room temperature as commanded by the thermostat throughout the burn event. The controller also controls the start-up phase of combustion and charcoal phase of combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: REGINALD JAMES DAVENPORT
  • Patent number: 8851062
    Abstract: This invention provides a portable combustion device that provides a cleaner combustion, reduces the kindling period, and provides a more efficient overall combustion through the use of a fan that directs a predetermined volume of airflow over the combustible fuel—typically wood or similar cellulose-based biological solids. The combustion device has a combustion chamber with a fuel source. A housing encloses the TEG on the side of the device that generates an electrical output based on a temperature differential between opposing TEG sides. A heat-conducting probe is mounted to the TEG and protrudes into the combustion chamber. The opposing TEG side contacts a heat sink that interacts with ambient air. A fan draws heated air away the heat sink, and forces the air onto the combusting fuel through a plurality of peripheral ports that connect with an air space located between inner and outer walls of the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Biolite, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan N. Cedar, Alexander H. Drummond, Clay Burns, Matthew Nowicki
  • Patent number: 8770185
    Abstract: A gas fireplace includes a gas valve, a combustor, and a gas controlling device between the gas valve and the combustor. The gas controlling device has a body, a solenoid valve, and a main controller. The body has a first port, a second port, a first passage, and a second passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage respectively connect the first port to the second port. The solenoid valve is provided in the first passage to be controlled to open and close the first passage. The main controller alternately turns the solenoid valve on and off so as to repeatedly open and close the first passage. Therefore, the gas controlling device provides a variable gas flow to the combustor to reduce the total gas consumption and the user will not be aware of the change of the flames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Grand Mate Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang, Kuan-Chou Lin, Yen-Jen Yeh
  • Publication number: 20140034041
    Abstract: A gas fireplace includes a gas valve, a combustor, and a gas controlling device between the gas valve and the combustor. The gas controlling device has a body, a solenoid valve, and a main controller. The body has a first port, a second port, a first passage, and a second passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage respectively connect the first port to the second port. The solenoid valve is provided in the first passage to be controlled to open and close the first passage. The main controller alternately turns the solenoid valve on and off so as to repeatedly open and close the first passage. Therefore, the gas controlling device provides a variable gas flow to the combustor to reduce the total gas consumption and the user will not be aware of the change of the flames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GRAND MATE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHUNG-CHIN HUANG, CHIN-YING HUANG, HSIN-MING HUANG, HSING-HSIUNG HUANG, KUAN-CHOU LIN, YEN-JEN YEH
  • Patent number: 8636226
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating the fuel supply of a boiler, for a building (2) having a boiler (4) and energy accumulation means (4?), in order to ensure a desired indoor temperature during an autonomy period P, this method including the following steps: a) making an estimation of the average outdoor temperature during the autonomy period P, b) determining the consumption of the building (2) in order to ensure said desired indoor temperature, depending on the previous estimation of the average outdoor temperature, c) determining the amount of energy to be provided depending on the previous consumption, and the amount of fuel required for providing this energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Cedric Paulus, Phillipe Papillon
  • Patent number: 8469021
    Abstract: A fireplace assembly with an integrated burn control system includes a variety of features that provide an elegant, revolutionary, and highly-efficient way to heat a residence or other environment. The fireplace assembly may be used in combination with gas-burning fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts. The fireplace assembly includes, but is not limited to: a control panel; a concealment door that conceals the control panel when the concealment door is closed; automatic control panel lighting that is activated when the concealment door is open; a split flow or dual burner assembly that simulates a natural wood burning fire; and an intermittent pilot ignition system that allows a pilot flame to run continuously or intermittently. The fireplace assembly can be manually controlled via the control panel or automatically and/or remotely controlled via a remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Travis Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Atemboski, Kurt W. F. Rumens, William R. Fotheringham, Kenneth R. Sandness, Brett D. Armitage, Lawrence Franchimon
  • Publication number: 20120222667
    Abstract: A fireplace is provided, in which a flame can be lit. The fireplace including a warning system, which includes a proximity sensor to detect the presence of object within an active volume, the volume surrounds at least a portion of the fireplace. The system also includes an alarm device to emit an alarm signal, a clock to calculate a time elapsed since the switching off of the fireplace, and a processing unit receiving as input data from the clock and the proximity sensor, and outputting command signals to the alarm device. The alarm device is activated by the processing unit to generate an alarm signal when an object is detected by the proximity sensor as entering the active volume and the fireplace has been switched off since no later than a first pre-defined time interval. Also provided is a method for warning when an object enters the active volume of a fireplace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: SIT LA PRECISA S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventors: Antonio VENDRAMINI, Giovanni BALLADORE
  • Publication number: 20120090596
    Abstract: A damper mechanism restricting combustion and exhaust air flow in response to temperature changes in a direct vent sealed combustion gas fireplace is provided. The mechanism allows the fireplace to have unrestricted air flow when the fireplace is not on and to restrict the air flow when the fireplace is on. A bi-metallic temperature responsive element is used to move a restrictor element to restrict air flow allowing maximum air displacement during cold ignition and enhancing operating efficiency when the fireplace is on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Miles, Byron Book
  • Patent number: 8082915
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a pellet stove includes a firepot assembly with a bottom plate slideable along rails to move between a closed position during combustion in the firepot and an open position during ash removal. According to other embodiments, a firebox or combustion enclosure includes a plurality of airfoils formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the enclosure to facilitate heat exchange between exhaust gases flowing across the inner surface of the enclosure and air blown across the outer surface of the enclosure. According to some embodiments, the airfoils and enclosure are of integral unibody construction. According to yet other embodiments, a user sets parameters via a wall control unit, and a stove control unit receives the parameters and automatically controls fuel feed rate, ignition, convection blower, combustion blower, and/or firepot cleaning based on the one or more parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Colin J. McCormick, Daniel S. Henry, Matthew Wicks, Gordon E. Taylor
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110048401
    Abstract: A gas fireplace can have a prefabricated firebox, a heat engine, a controller, and a prefabricated hearth. The gas fireplace can have a clean face, so as to appear as a wood burning fireplace. The controller can be within and/or below the hearth. The hearth can be configured with a false front or side to conceal the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: David Deng, Kirk J. Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20110017197
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for monitoring fireplace installation including a built-in/central closed fireplace and/or a steel chimney system. The system includes a first temperature sensor for measuring the surface temperature of the steel chimney system where it passes through the first ceiling structure, a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of heated air return (convection air) to residential rooms, a third temperature sensor for measuring the heat development in the flue gas in an area of the steel chimney system, where it is attached to the built-in/central closed fireplace or fireplace insert and a central display unit to inform a user of respective temperature sensors temperature and warn the user if the temperature levels are exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Bengt Michailoff
  • 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: 20100326421
    Abstract: A fireplace assembly with an integrated burn control system includes a variety of features that provide an elegant, revolutionary, and highly-efficient way to heat a residence or other environment. The fireplace assembly may be used in combination with gas-burning fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts. The fireplace assembly includes, but is not limited to: a control panel; a concealment door that conceals the control panel when the concealment door is closed; automatic control panel lighting that is activated when the concealment door is open; a split flow or dual burner assembly that simulates a natural wood burning fire; and an intermittent pilot ignition system that allows a pilot flame to run continuously or intermittently. The fireplace assembly can be manually controlled via the control panel or automatically and/or remotely controlled via a remote control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Alan R. Atemboski, Kurt W.F. Rumens, William R. Fotheringham, Kenneth R. Sandness, Brett D. Armitage, Lawrence Franchimon
  • Publication number: 20100237156
    Abstract: A heating system and method includes a water circulation system for heating the interior of a building. The system further includes a boiler for storing and alternatively heating the water, and a fireplace jacket positioned in a fireplace of the building. The fireplace jacket includes a serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water. Fireplace jacket inlet and outlet ports communicate with the boiler for circulating the water in a closed system. A heating system control system manages the circulation of the water in the circulation system. The control system includes a safety unit having a thermometer, and the control system automatically circulates the water when the water is heated to a specified temperature. The control system automatically switches between using fossil fuel to heat the water in the boiler and using the fireplace jacket to heat the water in the boiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: James D. Minogue
  • Publication number: 20100186731
    Abstract: One embodiment of a furnace or heat collection device installed in or above the firebox of a residential fireplace, chimney, commercial smokestack, etc. The embodiment is typically made of metal or other highly heat conductive material, but other materials may also prove suitable. One manifestation of the embodiment is a hollow walled oblong tube. It is anticipated that the embodiment can take many other shapes including, circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc., but other shapes may also prove suitable, in order to achieve maximum efficiency and safety and in order to fit a variety of fireplaces or chimneys or smokestack structures. The embodiment is seamlessly integrated with the primary heating or energy system of the premises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Patrick Murray
  • Patent number: 7726300
    Abstract: A fireplace including a backlighting system. The backlighting system can be positioned in a back portion of the bottom panel of the fireplace. The backlighting system includes at least one light source to shine light upon the components of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be positioned to shine light on a back panel of the fireplace. The light source of the backlighting system can be modulated depending on a state of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be turned on or off depending on whether the flame of the fireplace is on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Lyons, Thomas J. Bachinski, Robert S. Waddell, Richard D. Berg, Scott S. Jeutter, Kurt M. Schwie
  • Patent number: 7686011
    Abstract: The invention relates to heating units mounted on a window of an existing building. Flue gases are expelled outside of the building without the need for wall modifications or an extra chimney. The actual burn chamber is mounted on a window mounting unit with an interior support which extends into the building thereby heating the air inside the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: United States Stove Company
    Inventor: Paul Williams
  • Publication number: 20090215375
    Abstract: Fan assemblies, mechanical draft systems and methods are provided. In this regard, a representative mechanical draft system for use with multiple appliances includes: a chimney operative to direct combustion products from multiple appliances; a chimney fan operative to draw combustion products from the chimney; and a controller operative to adjust an operating speed of the chimney fan such that, responsive to a change in pressure in the chimney, the controller adjusts the operating speed of the chimney fan to maintain a desired pressure in the chimney.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: GREENVEX
    Inventor: Steen Hagensen
  • Patent number: 7457689
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the operation of a biomass stove utilizes three proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers as part of a closed loop to control the fuel feed rate, the convection fan speed and the combustion fan speed. The first loop controls room temperature, the second loop controls the convection fan speed and the third loop controls the combustion fan. Appropriate temperature readings are utilized for the first and second loop. The third loop, which utilized feedback of the ratio between the heat exchanger temperature to the exhaust temperature, in addition to measuring these temperatures also references a library of look-up tables of such ratios over the entire heat range of the stove that have been correlated to combustion efficiency, as an input. This enables the operator to optimize the heat output for any operating point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hestia Heating Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Nelson, Marion L. Mast
  • Patent number: 7449244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plate for fireplace insert or stove, or equivalent, formed from at least one substrate made of a glass material comprising at least one reflective coating on at least one of its faces. The invention also relates to the process for manufacturing the plate and to the device that includes said plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Eurokera S.N.C.
    Inventors: Pablo Vilato, Mieke Nelson, Atticus Rutledge
  • Publication number: 20070289589
    Abstract: A control system and method for a wood stove adjustably operates in accordance with operational characteristics of the wood stove. The system operates air vents to the combustion chamber of the stove to control operating temperatures of the stove. The air vents are adjusted proportionally to changes in temperature of the stove. The temperature of the stove may be controlled to achieve desired operational and burn characteristics. The system further includes a heat exchange fan. The system controls the speed of the heat exchange fan based upon the operational characteristics of the stove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel T. McFarland
  • Patent number: 7146975
    Abstract: A realistic gas fire log system providing log movement during use to enhance the realism of a fireplace system, comprising a ceramic fiber top, molded to look like charred embers or ash ported with one or more holes and recessed at the bottom to form a cavity, a steel pan sealed to the bottom of the ceramic fiber top, forming a chamber; a gas supply, gas control valve and a venturi fitted in an orifice through the pan, and including a log movement mechanism comprising an armature for pivotable attachment to one end of a fire log resting over a second fire log including two or more log sections connected by a spring and an activating mechanism, which armature causes the hinged log to collapse downwardly when activated and reposition into its original position when the fireplace is turned off. The log movement mechanism can be incorporated into existing gas fire log systems or made part of the original equipment of a gas fire log system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Desa IP, LLC
    Inventor: John A. MacPherson
  • Patent number: 7066170
    Abstract: A combustion air and exhaust gas balancing system for use with a direct-vent heater appliance. The balancing system includes a combustion air valve in fluid communication with a combustion air duct and an exhaust gas valve in fluid communication with an exhaust gas duct. The combustion air valve is operatively coupled to the exhaust gas valve with an actuator. The combustion air and exhaust gas valves are shaped and sized so that a single operation of the actuator simultaneously adjusts the flow of combustion air into the firebox and the flow of exhaust gas out of the firebox and provide selected flame characteristics in the firebox. In one aspect of this embodiment, a movement of the actuator in a first direction simultaneously increases the flow of combustion air and exhaust gas, and a movement of the actuator shaft in a second direction simultaneously restricts the flow of combustion air and exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Travis Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Atemboski, Leslie E. King
  • Patent number: 6910410
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing charcoal grilled foods including a forge conveyer loading and transferring charcoals burning after firing, a temperature sensor detecting the heating power on the forge, a continuous type forge of a charcoal fire consisting of an air blower to keep heating power constant by means of adjusting air-capacity on the basis of the heating power detected by the temperature sensor, an ingredients transportation conveyer arranged over the forge and appropriately turning over the ingredients while transferring them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Morihiro Sada, Teijirou Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040011353
    Abstract: A fireplace including a burner disposed to combust a combustible gas and air mixture within a combustion chamber. An exposed panel defining an exposed surface. A touch portion of the exposed surface isolated from heat generated within the combustion chamber to reduce a temperature of the touch portion. A control circuit coupled to the touch portion. The control circuit monitoring the touch portion and driving a component of the fireplace in response to a change at the touch portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bachinski, David J. Oja
  • Patent number: 6634939
    Abstract: A ventilation system includes one or more exhaust fans and one or more make up air fans. Each fan has is driven by a motor operating at a constant speed. Each fan and motor are coupled by a torque converter, so that the torque applied to the fan is constant. Exhaust fan speed varies according to the ideal gas law, whereby the fan speed automatically varies in response to changes in system conditions, such as temperature and the associated changes in air density and resistance to the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas W. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030111073
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device of a gas distribution valve connected to a burner provided with a control thermocouple of the flame presence, said valve (100) comprising: a gas inlet duct (1); two or more gas delivery ducts (2, 3, 4); gas interception means (8, 10) controlling selectively said inlet duct (1) and said delivery ducts (2, 3, 4), said means can be actuated through axial movement of a stem (5) belonging to said valve; electrical means (6, 7, 101) cooperating with said thermocouple and said interception means of the gas inlet duct. Said device comprises a flexible metal wire (14) sliding inside the sheath and fixed at one end (141) to said stem (5) of said valve (100) and at the other end (142) to a control lever (20) rotatable relative to a support plane (30) according to discreet positions (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) corresponding to the various positions of said interception means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Maurizio Grando, Michele Bortoliero
  • Patent number: 6257230
    Abstract: A gas fireplace is provided having a plenum formed around at least a portion of the fireplace firebox. Room air enters the plenum and is heated by the firebox prior to venting back into the room. Two openings are provided from the outside of the fireplace housing to the plenum. The first opening allows heated air to exit the plenum, while the second opening allows cool outside air to enter the plenum. a mechanism is provided to control the amount of heated air exiting the first opening and the amount of cool air entering the second opening. By controlling the inflow and outflow through the first and second openings, respectively, the amount of the fireplace by-products generated into the room where the fireplace is located such as carbon-monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, heat and moisture are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Superior Fireplace Company
    Inventors: Samir E. Barudi, Rodger Duke Mitchell, John R. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6227194
    Abstract: A gas fireplace is provided having a plenum formed around at least a portion of the fireplace firebox. Room air enters the plenum and is heated by the firebox prior to venting back into the room. Two openings are provided from the outside of the fireplace housing to the plenum. The first opening allows heated air to exit the plenum, while the second opening allows cool outside air to enter the plenum. a mechanism is provided to control the amount of heated air exiting the first opening and the amount of cool air entering the second opening. By controlling the inflow and outflow through the first and second openings, respectively, the amount of the fireplace by-products generated into the room where the fireplace is located such as carbon-monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, heat and moisture are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Superior Fireplace Company
    Inventors: Samir E. Barudi, Rodger Duke Mitchell, John R. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6129079
    Abstract: An artificial log is provided for use in a gas fireplace combustion chamber. A portion of the log outer surface has a charred appearance. When the fireplace is turned on and the log is heated, the log rotates to bring the charred surface in view from an open end of the fireplace combustion chamber so as to provide the appearance of a real wood log being burned. When the fireplace is turned off, the log rotates back to a position hiding the charred surface from view so as to have the appearance of a brand new log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Superior Fireplace Company
    Inventors: J. Timothy French, Samir E. Barudi
  • Patent number: 6047695
    Abstract: For use with a fireplace, a heat exchanger mounted across the top portion of the fireplace with the heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger core with four identical extruded core sections connected together around an inner spin chamber for the passage of combustion gases and surrounded by an outer spin chamber for the passage of combustion gases, with each core section having a center core passageway for the passage of room air and the heating of the room air by the heat from the combustion gases being transferred to the room air through the heat exchanger cores, and tortuous passageways between the core sections from the outer spin chamber to the inner spin chamber to increase the area of contact by the hot combustion gases to the core sections and to increase the dwell time of the combustion gases in the core to increase the amount of heat transferred to the combustion gases to the room air in the core sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: H. Alfred Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 5957679
    Abstract: A direct spark ignition control system is provided for controlling for a gas fireplace burner. A solenoid is operatively controlled for supplying gas to the gas fireplace burner. A high voltage spark ignition circuit is operatively controlled for generating ignition sparks near the gas fireplace burner. A flame sensing circuit coupled to the gas fireplace burner provides a feedback signal to activate and deactivate the high voltage spark ignition circuit. A timing and control circuit provides a control signal to energize the solenoid and provides a control signal to deactivate the high voltage spark ignition circuit and a control signal to deenergize the solenoid after a set time period with the burner flame feedback signal activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Harper-Wyman Company
    Inventor: Joseph J. Cacciatore
  • Patent number: 5873356
    Abstract: A wood pellet stove for efficiently burning wood pellets and especially burning pellets at low burns. The stove is accurately controlled by a control panel with a microprocessor which helps safely regulate air flow from a combustion air and exhaust gas fan. Also, the microprocessor helps control convection air flow from a convection air fan and regulate feed of wood pellets into a burn pot using a motorized auger. The microprocessor is further used to monitor inlet air temperature and exhaust gas temperature. The stove includes a stove housing with a fire box and a fire box access door in the front of the housing. The burn pot includes a burn grate and pit used for receiving and burning wood pellets. The burn pot is disposed on a fire box floor. A wood pellet hopper is disposed in the rear of the housing for holding wood pellets therein. The motorized auger is used for feeding the wood pellets into the burn pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Control Options, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Vossler, Walter K. Tomooka
  • Patent number: 5775408
    Abstract: An integrated combined heating and cooling unit comprises a known high efficiency gas fireplace unit stacked on top of a known high efficiency window type air conditioning unit. Novel vent adapters are connected to the rear of the units for connecting them to a source of outside combustion and cooling air to effect high efficiency operations. Novel controls comprise a fireplace relay and an air conditioning relay mounted inside of each of the units. The relays control the on-off operation of the respective units and are actuated by a thermostatic control preferably located remote from the combined units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald John Shimek, Daniel Curtis Shimek
  • Patent number: 5727540
    Abstract: A system for heating the air in the room containing a fireplace includes a heat exchanger mounted at the top portion of the combustion chamber of the fireplace to extend across the chimney flue opening and a fan for circulating room air through the heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with the combustion gases passing from the combustion chamber in a vortex flow through a heat exchange passage in the heat exchanger to the chimney flue opening. There are preferably provided a pair of the heat exchangers mounted in side-by-side relationship to conform with the rectangular shape of the plan view of the fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: H. Alfred Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 5575274
    Abstract: A gas-fired, simulated log fireplace insert incorporating an automatic flue damper for controlling the operational state of a chimney vent (open/closed) in response to gas combustion, an externally mounted carbon monoxide detector for terminating or inhibiting gas combustion in response to an unsafe level of detected carbon monoxide and a temperature actuated switch, disposed within the firebox area of the fireplace proximate the flue, for terminating gas combustion in response to excessive fireplace temperatures caused by a malfunctioning damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas M. DePalma
  • Patent number: 5572986
    Abstract: A system for heating the air in the room containing a fireplace includes a heat exchanger mounted at the top portion of the combustion chamber of the fireplace to extend across the chimney flue opening and a fan for circulating room air through the heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with the combustion gases passing from the combustion chamber in a vortex flow through a heat exchange passage in the heat exchanger to the chimney flue opening. There are preferably provided a pair of the heat exchangers mounted in side-by-side relationship to conform with the rectangular shape of the plain view of the fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: H. Alfred Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 5479915
    Abstract: A heating device for burning gaseous fuels comprises an inner shell (3) of U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section which defines a combustion chamber (9) which is bordered by a covering plate (5) and a floor plate (4), can be closed by a door arrangement (6). Gas burner assembly (13) is arranged on a burner base plate (12) and secured to the inner shell (3). Outer shell (2) of U-shaped or C-shaped cross section, on the floor plate. The outer shell (2) is arranged from the inner shell (3) at a distance forming an intermediate space (28). End edges of outer shell (2) and the inner shell (3) are welded together. Openings (27) are arranged in the inner shell between the combustion chamber (9)and the intermediate space (28) which forms a flue gas passage between the openings (27) and the flue outlet (44) region of the covering leading (44) to a smoke pipe connection piece (45). Sheet elements adjacent the outer shell form a convection channel with the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Karl Riener
  • Patent number: 5462043
    Abstract: A unitary furnace through which air is circulated for heating purposes is disclosed. A blower forces air through a number of heat exchange tubes horizontally positioned within the combustion chamber for space heating purposes. Another blower is provided for the delivery of air to the burning material disposed upon a fuel support frame within the combustion chamber through an air distribution manifold. The manifold is fitted within the combustion chamber and has a number of air discharge openings positioned above and below the fuel support frame. These openings are oriented and arranged to direct the air passing therethrough generally inwardly toward the fuel on the fuel support frame. An electrical circuit including temperature sensors is provided for regulating air flow from each of the two blowers. One sensor is positioned in the furnace flue outlet and the other sensor is positioned exteriorly of the furnace in the space to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventors: Keith J. Rose, William S. Rose