Connected To Outside Patents (Class 126/85B)
  • Patent number: 6125839
    Abstract: An outside air intake hood for receiving combustion air for delivery to a direct vent, fuel-fired heating appliance such as a water heater has an opposing pair of side inlets positionable to face parallel to an outside wall upon which the hood is mounted, an outer side wall extending between the inlets, and an outlet passage with an entry portion facing and spaced inwardly apart from the outer side wall. A generally V-shaped baffle member is positioned within the hollow body of the hood, with an apex portion of the baffle member facing the entry portion of the outlet passage. When the wind is horizontally blowing generally parallel to the outside wall, a side wall of the baffle member deflects the wind-driven outside air entering one of the hood side inlets into the outlet passage in a manner converting momentum of the entering air into pressure in a manner preventing the creation of an undesirable vacuum at the hood outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Amgad A. Elgowainy, John H. Scanlon
  • Patent number: 6102030
    Abstract: A horizontal combined air intake and combustion gas vent terminal assembly is provided having improved wind pressure response and anti-recirculation characteristics. The terminal has a vent conduit disposed inside an air intake conduit. A scoop assembly is provided at the intake conduit inlet to increase the intake air pressure at the inlet. The vent conduit is nozzle-like to throttle combustion gases, thereby accelerating the gases and permitting the terminal to project the gases away from the intake conduit terminal. Vent conduit is disposed asymmetrically with intake conduit to further discourage mixing of intake air and combustion gases. The terminal may also be provided with a static pressure measuring means to provide an intrinsic safety shut down system within the terminal in case of blockage of the intake or vent by snow, ice or other debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: International Comfort Products Corporation (Canada)
    Inventors: Michael N. Brown, Gary Wallet, Dan C. Dobre
  • Patent number: 6053162
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sealed vent terminal assembly intended for use in association with high-efficiency oil fired furnaces or boilers. The terminal assembly of the present invention is designed to simultaneously flow outside combustion air to the furnace or boiler and eject combustion gases discharged from the furnace or boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Newmac Mfg. Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Godfree, James J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6050259
    Abstract: A direct vent gas fireplace has a combustion air supply duct extending down the back wall, on the outside of the housing back wall. It is connected to the firebox by a duct assembly with a flange that connects to the housing and two ducts that connect to the firebox. The supply duct is located laterally between two cooling air ducts that lead from the cool air zones at the bottom outer corners of the housing to a cooling air plenum inside the top of the housing. Inside the cooling air plenum and the cooling air ducts are a room air plenum and room air circulating space for the circulation of room air to be heated. This provides a compact construction with adequate wall cooling without the need for additional thermal insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: R-Co Inc.
    Inventor: Russell E. Reyher
  • Patent number: 6044835
    Abstract: A horizontal combined air intake and combustion gas vent terminal assembly is provided having improved wind pressure response and anti-recirculation characteristics. The terminal has a vent conduit disposed inside an air intake conduit. A scoop assembly is provided at the intake conduit inlet to increase the intake air pressure at the inlet. The vent conduit is nozzle-like to throttle combustion gases, thereby accelerating the gases and permitting the terminal to project the gases away from the intake conduit terminal. Vent conduit is disposed asymmetrically with intake conduit to further discourage mixing of intake air and combustion gases. The terminal may also be provided with a static pressure measuring means to provide an intrinsic safety shut down system within the terminal in case of blockage of the intake or vent by snow, ice or other debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: 1036684 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Brown, Gary Wallet, Dan C. Dobre
  • Patent number: 6039041
    Abstract: A sheet metal colinear-to-coaxial duct transition assembly for a fuel-fired, direct vent heating appliance is fabricated by providing a one-piece rectangular sheet metal plenum box having a rear wall with first and second circular openings therein, and an open front side. A separate rectangular front wall of the plenum box is also formed and has a circular opening therein. Prior to assembling the plenum box, a rearwardly projecting combustion air stub duct is secured to the rear plenum box wall at the first opening therein, and a forwardly projecting combustion air intake duct is secured to the front plenum box wall at the opening therein. Cooperating side edge portions and flange pockets on the front wall and the open side of the plenum box and then interlocked and crimped to complete the plenum box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Selkirk, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Barth
  • Patent number: 6029655
    Abstract: A gas fireplace insert for inserting into existing solid fuel fireplaces is made into modules that are separable for installation and can be later assembled together. A housing module which includes a combustion chamber supports a separable module comprising a duct for fresh air intake. The duct includes a connection collar for an air intake pipe leading to the interior of the duct. The duct also has a pass through collar for carrying exhaust gases from the fireplace. The collars can be attached to an exhaust pipe and air intake pipe respective, which extend through the existing chimney. The duct module is separated from the housing module for installation so that the pipe connections are easier to make with the lighter, smaller module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Hussong Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dudley D. Hussong, David S. Reimers
  • Patent number: 6026800
    Abstract: A portable heater and cooker system is provided to apply radiant and conductive heat from a heating component to an enclosure area or a cooking utensil, using a heat generated chimney effect and manual manipulation. In addition, user safety is assured with an oxygen depletion sensor and a ventilating panel for the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley Grant Barker
  • Patent number: 6019099
    Abstract: A high efficiency gas fireplace unit having a heat exchanger is located in a room in which the heat from the gas fireplace is not wanted. An air duct is connected to the heat exchanger and has a termination point in a room or area remote from the gas fireplace unit. During a heat dump or heat transfer mode of operation, an induced draft fan in an air duct is activated by a remote switch thrown to cause room air to be sucked through the heat exchanger and passed through the air duct and dumped in a remote area so that the fireplace heating effect is nullified or neutralized allowing the fireplace to be operated with or without an air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald John Shimek, Robb Edward Bennett, Daniel Curtis Shimek
  • Patent number: 6003507
    Abstract: A fireplace has a firebox with a controllable outside air vent to provide a source of cooler air for mixing with and modulating the temperature of the air heated by the fireplace. The air vent is vertically formed between a combustion chamber and a surrounding shell so that a convective current causes the air to flow therethrough and pass over the top surface of the combustion chamber to keep it cooler than otherwise possible with heated room air. Convective currents in another air duct formed between the shell and the combustion chamber circulates room air around the combustion chamber to transfer heat to the room air. The warmed outside air and room air mixes in a plenum above the fireplace prior to entering the room, thereby modulating the temperature of the heated air and permitting it to burn without excessively heating the room. A damper regulates the flow of outside air into the air vent, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: American Hearth Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Flick, Corbit Beasey
  • Patent number: 5997295
    Abstract: An all weather inlet/exhaust structure (32) for an outdoor furnace (10,12,14) includes a generally rectangular upper compartment (40) having an imperforate upper wall (42) and horizontally louvered, vertical side walls (44) along with an imperforate bottom wall (46) with a generally central opening (48) therein. A lower compartment (56) in the form of an inverted truncated pyramid with its upper wall being defined by the lower wall (46) of the upper compartment is provided. The lower compartment has horizontally louvered, sloped, inwardly directed side walls (58) terminating in an open bottom (60) of smaller size than the first compartment lower wall (46). A generally rectangular inlet air duct (66) depends from the lower edges of the lower compartment side walls (58) and an exhaust duct (26) is disposed within the inlet air duct (66) and extends upwardly through the lower compartment (56) to the generally central opening (48) and the bottom wall (46) of the upper compartment (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Norman E. Mattson, Colette L. Knowles
  • Patent number: 5947110
    Abstract: The pressure pulsations caused by the flow patterns of flue gases entering a flue gas stack from a horizontal duct are eliminated or reduced by the installation of a partition plate in the stack opposite the inlet duct. This negates the adverse interaction of the two vortices in the stack formed by the entering flue gases and allows the vortices to travel independently up the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Malo, Raymond W. Cournoyer, James M. Niziolek
  • Patent number: 5947113
    Abstract: The invention relates to a direct vent gas fireplace adapted for attachment to a concentric flue pipe assembly having an exhaust pipe and fresh air pipe. A top wall, rear wall, bottom wall and side walls define a combustion chamber. A gas burner is disposed in the combustion chamber. A slanted flue attachment wall is attached to and extends between the top wall and rear wall. The slanted flue attachment wall is disposed at obtuse angles relative to the top wall and rear wall. A first pipe member is orthogonally attached to the flue attachment wall and is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber for conveying combustion products from the combustion chamber. A second pipe member having a diameter larger than the first pipe member is disposed concentrically around the first pipe member. The first and second pipe members define an annular space therebetween forming an air intake duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: The Majestic Products Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Beal, Albert K. Teakell, Robert E. Cabrera, Michael E. Marusak
  • Patent number: 5947112
    Abstract: A novel wood/gas burning fireplace is provided with an open box shaped outer housing. A combustion chamber is mounted inside said housing having a plurality panels that are juxtaposed the panels of the outer housing so as to provide an open wall at the bottom, back and top of the fireplace which serve as a heat exchanger. An insulating panel is mounted in the top wall of the heat exchanger dividing the top wall into two separate passageways. The air passageway below the insulating panel comprises a part of a heat exchanger for heating room air of the space being heated. The air passageway above the insulating panel forms a plenum chamber with apertures in the outer housing panel(s) for conducting room air into the plenum chamber. A stack opening aperture in the top panel of the outer housing conducts cooling air into a coaxial exhaust stack for cooling the top panel as well as the exhaust stack pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Products, Inc
    Inventor: Eric Paul Hawkinson
  • Patent number: 5941231
    Abstract: A gas combustion apparatus including a housing having a top wall and a side wall, the top wall and the side wall defining vertical and horizontal openings, respectively, and the housing defining a combustion chamber having an exhaust opening; a burner mounted in the combustion chamber; and a vent assembly for venting exhaust gases generated by the burner to either the vertical or the horizontal opening, the vent assembly including two substantially identical vent conduits, each of the vent conduits having a central axis, a first end defined by a first continuous edge lying in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and a second end defined by a second continuous edge lying in a plane at a forty-five degree angle to the central axis, the second ends of the vent conduits being connected together with the central axes of the conduits aligned to conduct exhaust gases between the exhaust opening and one of the vertical opening and the horizontal opening, and the second ends of the conduits being connected toget
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: AOS Holding Company
    Inventors: Michael K. Garrett, Mark R. Bolduc
  • Patent number: 5865165
    Abstract: A low profile, high efficiency, fireplace boiler wherein a burner tray supports a number of gas fired burners and artificial logs within a hearth area of the firebox and about which logs the gas and flames are distributed. Combustion air is drawn from a conduit that surrounds an exhaust conduit at a chimney and circulated via a distributing manifold to the space beneath the burner tray, where it mixes with the fuel. Additional secondary air is directed from ports at intersecting levels of the tray to create flickering. Heated exhaust gasses are directed by a baffle to contact exposed walls of a liquid filled heat exchanger formed into the top and rear walls of the firebox and to pass through the bottoms of a number of vertical plenums mounted within the heat exchanger behind the baffle. A spring biased explosion door is provided beneath the burner tray. Liquid is circulated through the heat exchanger to distribution conduits arrayed about the premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Dennis Brazier
  • Patent number: 5848586
    Abstract: An air inlet system for gas water heaters that prevents or delays the ignition of fumes from flammable liquids accidentally spilled on the floor. The air inlet is above the quickly combustible fumes from spilled liquids, allowing time for personal escape or other response. Two concentric air baffles are placed around the tank of the water heater, and are sealed against the floor. They are spaced from each other and from the tank, forming two concentric air chambers around the tank which are open at the top. The inner air baffle is taller than the outer baffle, and has holes or gaps around its lower end for air passage. When the burner is operating, combustion inlet air enters the top of the outer air chamber, travels downward, passes through the holes in the inner baffle, and under the tank to the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Richard C. Garms
  • Patent number: 5762062
    Abstract: A fireplace vent of the direct-vent type comprises two telescoping sections each having outer air intake housings and inner exhaust housings. One section has an adapter configured to communicate with a standard round concentric vent pipe of a fireplace. The other section has a termination cap. A pair of heat shields are disposed in spaced parallel relationship over the outer intake housing of each section. The vent can be installed horizontally on the fireplace to vent the fireplace through a wall with a minimum of height of an associated window or shelving unit above the fireplace. The adjustable telescoping configuration of the two vent sections also allows for ease in installation by avoiding the need to cut the vent to proper length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Hon Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Hawkinson, Michael McKim
  • Patent number: 5742108
    Abstract: A vehicle generator has a duct cover for coding the generator body with a structure in which either one of the duct cover or a duct can be adjustably rotated in a circumferential direction of a bracket end and can be attached to the bracket end so as to set an intake vent of the duct at the optimal position in the bracket end, wherein the duct cover has a single shape irrespective of the type of engine the type of vehicle and the arrangement of the engine room in which it is used, resulting in a reduction of cost of fabrication of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Kuribayashi, Katsumi Adachi
  • Patent number: 5715808
    Abstract: A direct vent fireplace has a mounting assembly for aiding in the installation of a vent cap assembly through which fresh air is drawn for combustion and exhaust gas products are expelled from the fireplace. The assembly includes a wall mounting box having a plate which may be secured to a pair of spaced apart framing studs of an interior wall adjacent to which the fireplace is to be installed. The wall box includes two members which are telescopically connected together so that the length from the plate to rear surface of the box may be adjustably selected to be equal to the thickness of an exterior wall through which the air enters and the flue gases exhaust. The vent cap assembly includes a plate which is secured to the rear end of the box after the box has been installed. Adjustable length flue gas and air tubes are received through the box and connect the event cap assembly to the fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Temco Fireplace Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Murray O. Wilhoite
  • Patent number: 5680856
    Abstract: Modular discharge structure for closed gas appliances having an inner end and an outer end, comprising: an outer tubular casing; an inner gas exhaust pipe, being placed inside the casing to define an annular supply line for combustion air therewith; a combustion air supply hood, forming a connection between the outside air and the annular supply line, and a combustion gas exhaust hood, forming a connection between the outside air and the gas exhaust pipe, and further comprising retaining means for axially keeping together, in series and in a mechanical and releasable manner, the casing, the combustion gas exhaust hood and the combustion air supply hood on the gas exhaust pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Ubbink Nederland B.V.
    Inventor: Floris van Dijk
  • Patent number: 5669555
    Abstract: A motor vehicle heating device with an exhaust connection piece (3) and a baffle plate (9) located near its exit opening. The baffle plate (9) is attached to the exhaust connection piece (3) by means of a spring element (7), preferably by means of hook-shaped end (10) of the spring which fits into recess (6) of a flow-dividing bulkhead (5) of the exhaust connection piece (3). Another part of spring element (7) is made as a compression spring which has compressible outer part (11) which rests against a shoulder (12) of the exhaust connection piece (3). The invention enables simple, cost-favorable attachment of a baffle plate on an exhaust connection piece by means of which outstanding noise damping is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Webasto Thermosysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Mosig
  • Patent number: 5647340
    Abstract: A novel dual direct vented fireplace includes a combustion chamber having two permanent exhaust outlets including a horizontal exhaust outlet and a vertical exhaust outlet. A fireplace enclosure surrounds at least the top, bottom and back of said combustion chamber forming three hollow plenum walls around the combustion chamber. A fresh air duct in the top and back plenum walls connects to a combustion air passageway under the gas burner system. Two permanent air inlets in said fresh air duct include a horizontal air inlet and a vertical air inlet. A coaxial pipe is provided for connection to at least one of said exhaust outlets and one of said air inlets. The other of said exhaust outlets and air inlets is covered with a closure whereby the dual direct-vented fireplace is assembled at the factory or in the field as either a horizontal or a vertical direct vented fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Heat-n-Glow
    Inventors: Ronald John Shimek, Daniel Curtis Shimek
  • Patent number: 5603312
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a balanced flue or direct vented, solid fuel burning fireplace which may be installed in a building and is operable at energy input levels greater than 75,000 BTU/hour. An enclosure including a top wall, bottom wall and four side walls defines a combustion chamber. At least one of the side walls includes an operable, sealed, transparent access door. A flue is connected to the enclosure and disposed in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and an outside ambient environment external to the building. A combustion air duct is connected to the enclosure and disposed in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and the outside ambient environment external to the building, whereby substantially all of the combustion air supplied to the combustion chamber flows through the combustion air duct when the access door is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Majestic Products Company
    Inventors: Mark R. Champion, Frank H. Broome
  • Patent number: 5590641
    Abstract: A method and adaptor assembly are provided for installing a direct vent firebox, such as a gas fireplace insert, into an existing fireplace. An exhaust flue liner and inlet flue liner are installed in the chimney of the existing fireplace. A plate flue collar is aligned above a fastener plate flue collar. The lower ends of the exhaust flue liner and inlet flue liner are connected to the fastener plate flue collar above an exhaust opening and inlet opening formed in the fastener slider plate, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: CFM International Inc.
    Inventor: Luu Q. Duong
  • Patent number: 5575273
    Abstract: An outside balanced flue water heater including a water tank; a jacket surrounding the water tank; a combustion chamber containing a burner positioned adjacent the water tank; a flue extending from the combustion chamber through an upper portion of the water tank; a water inlet and a water outlet connected to the water tank; a combustion air passageway positioned between the jacket and the water tank, the combustion air passageway communicating with the combustion chamber to supply combustion air from the combustion air passageway to the combustion chamber; a combustion air inlet chamber above the water tank and adapted to directly receive outside air, the combustion air inlet chamber communicating with the combustion air passageway; and a flue gas exhaust chamber above the combustion air inlet chamber and adapted to receive flue gases from the flue and to directly exhaust flue gases, the flue gas exhaust chamber communicating with the flue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Southcorp Water Heaters USA, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Jack Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5562088
    Abstract: A termination device for a through the wall connection to the double walled coaxial ducting of a horizontal direct vented gas fireplace or the like comprising a mounting means having an opening therethrough for mounting said device on the exterior of a wall having a passage therethrough with the opening registering with the passage, a first pipe adapted for connection with the outer of the coaxial ducts secured to the mounting means and projecting inwardly thereof and adapted to extend through the wall passage, deflector means supported in spaced relation outwardly from the mouth of the first pipe and presenting an air deflecting surface formation surrounding and sloping inwardly towards the mouth of the first pipe to a central opening in substantially coaxial relation with but spaced from the first pipe, said air deflecting surface formation being adapted to deflect air inwardly into the first pipe, a second pipe adapted for connection with the inner of the coaxial ducts extending from an outer end located o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: GSW Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Valters, Dan Perz, Joseph Yeremian
  • Patent number: 5551414
    Abstract: A direct vent gas baseboard heater has field installable concentric air intake tube and exhaust pipe. The intake pipe and exhaust tube can be cut separately from the remainder of the heater, improving the efficiency of installation. They can also be transported aligned with the remainder of the heater, reducing packaging size. The manufacturer can provide a single size of tube and pipe for a variety of installation situations. The tube connects to a base cabinet through a key hole configuration of tabs and cuts, and is twisted until the tabs meet stops in the base cabinet. An extrusion in an air box in the base cabinet is brought against a gasket on a flange of the tube, fixing the tube and sealing it with the air box. The exhaust tube has a threaded end and is threaded into an exhaust outlet in the air box, sealing it to a heat exchanger. A vent seal kit creates a seal assembly having a resiliently deformable ring seal extending into a wall sleeve with straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Hunter Energy and Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Quick
  • Patent number: 5533495
    Abstract: An outside balanced flue water heater including a water tank, a jacket surrounding the water tank, a combustion chamber containing a burner positioned adjacent the water tank, a flue extending from the combustion chamber through an upper portion of the water tank, a water inlet and a water outlet connected to the water tank, a substantially airtight exterior shell positioned around the jacket and forming a combustion air passageway between the jacket and the exterior shell, the combustion air passageway communicating with the combustion chamber to supply combustion air from the combustion air passageway to the combustion chamber, a combustion air inlet chamber positioned on top of the water tank and adapted to directly receive outside air, the combustion air inlet chamber communicating with the combustion air passageway, and a flue gas exhaust chamber mounted on top of the combustion air inlet chamber and adapted to receive flue gases from the flue and to directly exhaust flue gases, the flue gas exhaust cham
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Southcorp Water Heaters USA, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Jack Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5482028
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Lothar Binzer
  • Patent number: 5479916
    Abstract: A low profile gas burner fireplace is provided for mounting under a low table top or counter. The fireplace system comprises a decorative insulated table top mounted on the top wall of a low profile fireplace. The fireplace is provided with a hot exhaust gas system that connects below the burner system and passes through the bottom wall of the fireplace structure to conduct hot gasses through the bottom wall and outside of the room area in which the fireplace is located by means of an induced draft fan so that no pipes or exhaust system are visible in the room in which the fireplace is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventors: Ronald J. Shimek, Daniel C. Shimek
  • Patent number: 5460162
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Lothar Binzer
  • Patent number: 5452708
    Abstract: A novel horizontal-vertical (H-V) direct vented gas heating unit comprises a box-shaped heating unit having seven walls which surround a combustion chamber. One of the seven walls comprises a diagonal wall connected between the back vertical wall and the top wall. An exhaust stack extends through the diagonal wall and is surrounded at its exit by a coaxial fresh air inlet adapter which connects to a fresh air passageway which extends down the back wall. An inner heat exchanger comprise passageways which extend along six of the seven walls outside the combustion chamber. The fresh air passageway on the back wall extends through the heat exchanger passageway in the back wall and enters a plenum having two exits, one of which is positioned opposite the upper level and the other opposite the lower level of a dual level burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Ronald J. Shimek
    Inventors: Ronald J. Shimek, Chad T. Vogel
  • Patent number: 5451183
    Abstract: A furnace breathing filter protects the air inlet and exhaust gas outlet tubes of high-efficiency furnaces from plugging while enabling adequate gas flow. The furnace breathing filter comprises a filter section and a hub. The hub is designed to be inserted into and secured to a fitting on the outdoor end of the furnace tube. The filter section has a grid of openings that are sufficiently large to enable adequate gas passage but small enough to block entry of foreign materials into the furnace tube. The hub may be joined integrally with the filter section, or it maybe a separate piece that is removably assembled to the filter section. The hubs are made with different outer diameters to suit different sized furnace tubes. In an alternate design, the hub fits over the furnace tube fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Bernard A. Dahlin
  • Patent number: 5445137
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable cooking unit for use in tents is disclosed. It is designed for use in the mountains, where lightweight equipment is essential. The unit will fit in a backpack when disassembled. The heating chamber has a lower burner unit to hold a common mountain stove burner such as those developed by MOUNTAIN SAFETY RESEARCH. The heating chamber vents to a stack that transmits the combustion gases and moisture safely outside the tent by means of a tent roof jack that protects the fabric from the heat. The stack is also fed with ambient air that mixes with the combustion to cool the exhaust to safe levels. The device can be disassembled and stored in a compact package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Paul B. Crews
  • Patent number: 5406932
    Abstract: There is provided a range for sealed combustion of a gaseous fuel comprising a hob assembly and an oven. The hob assembly comprises a glass ceramic cooking surface sealed to a support box and one or more burners. The hob assembly and oven are connected to a fresh air intake/exhaust manifold, such that there is no air exchange between the range and the room in which it is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Canadian Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Anthony L. P. Joseph, John C. K. Overall, Christopher Runcieman, Colin Wright
  • Patent number: 5392760
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Lothar Binzer
  • Patent number: 5320086
    Abstract: The invention relates to a direct vent gas fireplace adapted for attachment to a concentric flue pipe assembly having an exhaust pipe and fresh air pipe. A top wall, rear wall, bottom wall and side walls define a combustion chamber. A gas burner is disposed in the combustion chamber. A slanted flue attachment wall is attached to and extends between the top wall and rear wall. The slanted flue attachment wall is disposed at obtuse angles relative to the top wall and rear wall. A first pipe member is orthogonally attached to the flue attachment wall and is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber for conveying combustion products from the combustion chamber. A second pipe member having a diameter larger than the first pipe member is disposed concentrically around the first pipe member. The first and second pipe members define an annular space therebetween forming an air intake duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Majco Building Specialties, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Beal, Albert K. Teakell, Robert E. Cabrera
  • Patent number: 5309891
    Abstract: A direct ventilation gas fireplace having co-linear air intake pipe and gas outlet pipe. The pipes are separated from each other so that the fluid flowing in one pipe does not come in contact with the other pipe. The gas outlet pipe may comprise a safety release valve that allows any excess pressure, in case of explosion, to exit through a lateral spring-actuated door into an enclosure closed around the combustion chamber. This safety release valve allows to build fireplaces having pipes longer than the usual length allowed for respecting specific safety tests in case of gas explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Cheminees Securite LTEE
    Inventor: Ernest Savoie
  • Patent number: 5282456
    Abstract: A high efficiency fuel-fired induced draft condensing furnace is provided with a horizontal vent termination assembly installed in an exterior wall of a building served by the furnace. The vent termination assembly, constructed entirely from PVC plastic pipe and fittings, includes a combustion gas vent pipe connected to the furnace's draft inducer fan outlet, horizontally extending through an opening in the wall, and having an open discharge end positioned outwardly beyond the wall. A larger diameter combustion air inlet pipe circumscribes the vent pipe within the wall opening and forms around the vent pipe an annular combustion air flow passage that is communicated with the furnace combustion air inlet. A coupling member connected to the outer end of the inlet pipe has a diametrically enlarged end portion positioned on the outside surface of the wall, axially inwardly of the outer vent pipe, and forming an annular inlet to the flow passage between the two pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jim C. Smelcer, Jack H. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5261389
    Abstract: A power vent system is provided for exhausting hot combustion gas by-products. The system includes a plenum or mixing chamber, a conduit system and an air aspirating discharge assembly. Negative pressure is developed in the plenum by a blower therein; ambient air is drawn into the plenum from the atmosphere and mixed with the hot flue gases. The resulting cooled mixture is exhausted through the conduit system under pressure and, at the discharge assembly, additional ambient air is mixed with the mixture by a discharge assembly venturi effect which also accelerates the gases away from the discharge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Tjernlund Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery S. Trieb
  • Patent number: 5253635
    Abstract: A sealed combustion, low profile gas-fired baseboard heater has a heat exchanger which is U-shaped, and which has upper and lower horizontal sections. Appropriate inlets are provided for air and combustion gas, and a gas valve. The air inlet may be coaxial with an exhaust for combustion gases. The heater may include a combustion blower, in which case the heat exchanger can include fins and other features to improve heat transfer. A natural draft version includes a larger bore tubular heat exchanger. Ignition can be by way of a pilot. Alternatively, a hot surface igniter, with safety lockout-timing device, can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Canadian Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: John C. K. Overall, Hayk A. Tikiryan
  • Patent number: 5218953
    Abstract: A standard prefabricated direct vented fireplace is designed for mass production on an assembly line where it is fitted with a plurality of different side walls or doors and optional heat exchangers for effecting different thermal efficiencies. The fireplace is factory adjusted for optimum burner efficiency under standard installation conditions. An induced draft fan/blower is installed in the path of the exhaust gasses and is provided with an in field adjustable variable speed control to overcome exceptionally high draft loss or long intake or exhaust passageways and to again optimize the burner efficiency after field installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventors: Ronald J. Shimek, Daniel C. Shimek
  • Patent number: 5092313
    Abstract: A gas log fireplace includes a firebox which defines a combustion chamber, a gas burner located within the firebox, an artificial log set, a log support member positioned on the gas burner, a heat exchanger connected to an exhaust gas outlet of the firebox and a convection chamber which surrounds the firebox and the heat exchanger for heating of room air. The gas burner is fabricated of a refractory fiber material. A combustible gas and primary air are mixed in a Venturi inlet tube of the gas burner. Highly aerated gas flows through front ports and top ports in the gas burner. Secondary air is directed to the front ports and the top ports to obtain highly efficient combustion and high heat output. The artificial log set, the support member and the gas burner define a partially enclosed cavity which is maintained at a high temperature during operation by reradiation from the artificial logs, the support member and the gas burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Vermont Castings, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Blackburn, William A. Byrne, Stephen F. Richardson, Robert W. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5076254
    Abstract: A zero clearance fireplace of the type adapted to be installed against an outside wall of an interior space or room to be heated is provided with six walls which comprise four substantially vertical walls, a top wall and a bottom wall at least two of said vertical walls having airtight glass side walls connected to the frame structure of the fireplace. The bottom wall, the vertical side wall and the top wall are provided with plenum structures which are inner connected to form a heat exchanger. The rear wall is provided with a vertical inner plenum in which outside fresh air is introduced and conducted into a bottom inner plenum below the combustion chamber of the fireplace to provide fresh outside air to the gas burner system in the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventors: Ronald J. Shimek, Daniel C. Shimek, James F. Wolf
  • Patent number: 5062354
    Abstract: A side wall termination unit for a gas boiler which terminates side by side vent and air supply pipes extending through a building side wall. The pipes extend through inside and outside plates on the internal and external wall surfaces. A one piece termination cap is mounted on the outside plate and includes a sleeve which holds the vent pipe in alignment with a vent opening in the cap. The intake end of the air supply pipe is butted against stops to keep it exposed. Extending around the sleeve and stops is a wall formed by spaced apart fingers which present between them air intake openings for allowing outside air to enter the intake pipe. A peripheral flange on the termination cap is spaced outwardly from the building wall to provide an air intake slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: The Marley Company
    Inventors: James V. Goins, Robert B. Duggan, William J. Pier, Roger Wienhoft
  • Patent number: 5016609
    Abstract: A zero clearance fireplace of the type adapted to be installed against an outside wall of an interior space or room to be heated is provided with six walls which comprise four substantially vertical walls, a top wall and a bottom wall at least two of said vertical walls having airtight glass side walls connected to the frame structure of the fireplace. The bottom wall, the vertical side wall and the top wall are provided with plenum structures which are inner connected to form a heat exchanger. The rear wall is provided with a vertical inner plenum in which outside fresh air is introduced and conducted into a bottom inner plenum below the combustion chamber of the fireplace to provide fresh outside air to the gas burner system in the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventors: Ronald J. Shimek, Daniel C. Shimek, James F. Wolf
  • Patent number: 5012793
    Abstract: A power vented direct vent system for a fuel-burning appliance wherein a power venter is associated with a vent pipe to create adequate draft for combustion. Outside air is supplied to the appliance for combustion and also communicates through a regulator with the vent pipe for addition to the flue gases. The draft regulator assures adequate draft and can be a barometric draft control. The power vented direct vent system is directly connected to the fuel-burning appliance with complete isolation of the combustion system from the space in which the appliance is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: The Field Controls Company
    Inventor: Steven E. Guzorek
  • Patent number: 4995375
    Abstract: An assembly using horizontally oriented heat exchange pipes (10, 10a) and a blower unit (11) for providing heated air adjacent to a furnace (100) and hot water heater (102) is described. The blower unit includes heat exchanger pipes with a downwardly inclined section (10d) and an upwardly inclined section (10e) from horizontal to and from a low point (10c) with a drain (12) for condensed liquids from the flue products exhaust pipe (10a) at the low point. The drain removes condensed liquids which are highly corrosive from the exhaust products pipe without allowing flue gases to pass through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Bert W. Jackson
  • Patent number: RE36539
    Abstract: A direct vent gas baseboard heater has field installable concentric air intake tube and exhaust pipe. The intake pipe and exhaust tube can be cut separately from the remainder of the heater, improving the efficiency of installation. They can also be transported aligned with the remainder of the heater, reducing packaging size. The manufacturer can provide a single size of tube and pipe for a variety of installation situations. The tube connects to a base cabinet through a key hole configuration of tabs and cuts, and is twisted until the tabs meet stops in the base cabinet. An extrusion in an air box in the base cabinet is brought against a gasket on a flange on the tube, fixing the tube and sealing it with the air box. The exhaust tube has a threaded end and is threaded into an exhaust outlet in the air box, sealing is to a heat exchanger. A vent seal kit creates a seal assembly having a resiliently deformable ring seal extending into a wall sleeve with straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Hunter Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: John Quick