Heat Savers Patents (Class 165/901)
  • Patent number: 9844449
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a heel member and a forefoot member. An ankle member receives the heel member and forefoot member shaft so as to allow the heel member and forefoot member to translate independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Tai Lore Made, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Leslie D. Kramer, William Stanley Patterson
  • Patent number: 9207148
    Abstract: A method for detecting a flame condition in a combustor of an engine is disclosed. The method may include detecting a temperature of an exhaust gas from the engine, and determining the flame condition in the combustor based on the detected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alan Greubel
  • Patent number: 8539974
    Abstract: A forced fluid switch including a first plenum in communication with a first port; a second plenum in communication with a second port; a third plenum in switched communication with the first plenum and the second plenum and in communication with a third port; a fourth plenum in switched communication with the first plenum and the second plenum and in communication with a fourth port; and wherein the forced fluid switch has at least a first forced fluid path and a second forced fluid path, wherein in the first forced fluid path, the third plenum is in communication with the first plenum and the fourth plenum is in communication with the second plenum, and wherein in the second forced fluid path, the third plenum is in communication with the second plenum and the fourth plenum is in communication with the first plenum. A method is provided for switching forced fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sandvik Thermal Process, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin B. Peck
  • Patent number: 8276292
    Abstract: The use of at least one central heat exchanger to extract and dry the heat energy released by laundry machines, in particular their gland steam. The energy thus recovered can be fed back to the laundry machines as hot air or hot water. This represents a significant reduction in the energy requirements of laundry machines as laundry machines discharge a great amount of unused energy into the environment, which, particularly in light of rising energy prices, represents an unnecessary operational cost for a laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Bringewatt, E{umlaut over (n)}gelbert Heinz
  • Patent number: 8066056
    Abstract: A heat exchange method and system for heat transfer includes a plate fin and tube or finned tube heat exchanger that reduces the plume of a stream that is being rejected to atmosphere by reducing the water dew point of the stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: SME Products, LP
    Inventors: Larry Lewis, Jeff Diaz
  • Patent number: 7964137
    Abstract: A control system of a surgery autoclave is described, which is capable of establishing a sterilization cycle which includes at least a first evacuation step of a sterilization chamber and of heating of a load and a final drying step. The autoclave includes a device capable of detecting a parameter proportional to the energy used up in a step of the cycle preceding the drying step and the control system establishes at least a reduction of the drying step upon determining that, the parameter of used up energy lies below a preset threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: W & H Sterilization S.r.l.
    Inventors: Fabio Ghezzi, Daniele Ongaro, Marco Parolini, Christian Stempf, Walter Crotti
  • Patent number: 7891415
    Abstract: A heat exchanger has a heat exchange part that includes a heat supply medium channel with at least one heat supply passage and a heat recovery medium channel surrounding the heat supply medium channel. The heat exchange part is arranged such that, during operation, a heat supply medium passing through the heat supply medium channel exchanges heat with a heat recovery medium passing through the heat recovery medium channel. Cross-sectional space available to accommodate heat recovery medium flow in different sections of the heat recovery medium channel varies according to an amount of heat to be transferred from the heat supply medium to the heat recovery medium in each of the different sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ushio, Rieko Okada
  • Patent number: 7624788
    Abstract: A heat exchanger according to certain embodiments includes an outer portion formed of at least one inflatable cell and an inner portion. The inflatable cell has inner and outer surfaces that are separated from each other and at least partially support the outer portion when inflated. The outer portion defines a first interior passage configured to convey fluid. The inner portion is positioned within the outer portion, the inner portion defining a second interior passage configured to convey fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on Behalf of The University of Oregon
    Inventors: George Zindel Brown, Thomas Dale Northcutt, Jeffrey Alan Kline
  • Patent number: 7487821
    Abstract: A heat pump circuit is installed into the inner cavity of a chimney venting the combustion gases of a burner servicing a dwelling with the exterior heat pump coil mounted in an annular gap formed around the upper chimney end. A fan driven by the chimney draft augmented by the burner then rotates an exterior rank of blade segments above the annular space to draw ambient air across the exterior coil. A set of gated apertures in the chimney wall both above and below the flue damper then directs zoned airflows up into the chimney and across the inner coil that is deployed at the lower interior chimney opening with the air heated in a chamber surrounding the burner either selectively routed into the chimney to further increase the chimney draft or routed into the dwelling for warmth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventors: H. Richard Miller, Robert Miller
  • Patent number: 6959753
    Abstract: A heat sink which comprises an enclosure having a highly thermally conductive surface region and defining an enclosed cavity. A porous, highly thermally conductive material is disposed in the cavity, preferably homogeneously therein, and is thermally coupled to the thermally conductive surface. A phase change material changing from its initial phase, generally solid, to its final phase, generally liquid, responsive to the absorption of heat is disposed in the enclosed cavity and in the porous material. In accordance with a first embodiment, the highly thermally conductive surface region is preferably aluminum and the porous medium is a highly thermally conductive porous medium, preferably aluminum. In accordance with a second embodiment, the thermally conductive surface is composed of highly thermally conductive fibers disposed in a matrix and the porous material is a plurality of the thermally conductive fibers extending from the thermally conductive surface into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Weber, Kerrin A. Rummel
  • Patent number: 6932151
    Abstract: An auxiliary heater suitable for mobile applications and provided with a burner and a cup-shaped heat exchanger (10) which has a hollow cylindrical wall section (26, 48) with a first end area (16) facing the burner, a bottom section (24, 46) facing away from the burner, a heat transfer medium inlet (18), and a heat transfer medium outlet (20), by which, in operation of the auxiliary heater, a fluid heat transfer medium flows through the bottom section (24, 46) and the hollow cylindrical wall section (26, 48). In order to devise an auxiliary heater with has higher efficiency than known auxiliary heaters of the same size, both the heat transfer medium inlet (18) and heat transfer medium outlet (20) located on the first end area (16) of the heat exchanger (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Webasto Thermosysteme International GmbH
    Inventor: RĂ¼ediger Galtz
  • Patent number: 6866036
    Abstract: A cooking heat absorber comprising a radiator assembly for absorbing heat radiated from a cooking surface and from a flue riser, on commercial surface cooking equipment and a tank assembly for holding a fluid and circulating the fluid through the radiator assembly to cool the radiator assembly and warm the fluid. The cooled radiator assembly reduces the amount of radiant heat dispersed from the surface cooking equipment and maintains a more comfortable temperature in a commercial kitchen. The tank assembly includes conduits to supply the warmed fluid, which may be water, to a water heater for reducing the energy requirements of the water heater. The tank assembly circulates a stored quantity of fluid through the radiator assembly, where the fluid is warmed, independent of any use of water from the water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Eugene Albert Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20040226692
    Abstract: Device for a heat exchanger (1), preferably for co-operation with a gas turbine, where the heat exchanger includes flow channels and a heat emitting medium (6) flows through every alternate channel and a heat absorbing medium (7) flows through every other alternate channel. A collecting channel (4) is connected to an outlet section of a combined inlet and outlet pipe joint (2, 3) for the heat emitting and absorbing media (6, 7) via a pipe section. The pipe section has a substantially straight section (10, 13) including at least one straight sub-section where a first sub-section (10) is deformable both in its axial direction and in all directions transverse to the axial direction. A partially curved second sub-section (11, 21) is included and the pipe section has a central load-absorbing-through element (14) attached at ends (14a, 14b) to the outer side of the pipe section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: REKUPERATOR SVENSKA AB
    Inventors: Gunnar Lagerstrom, Max Xie, Bertil Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20040221982
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are provided for heating fluids using a waste heat recovery arrangement adapted for application to existing heat exchange systems that generate waste heat and/or heated exhaust gases. The method, apparatus and system utilize the heater control arrangement of the existing heat exchange system to control the heating of the fluid and a pumping arrangement, for example, a hydrokinetic pumping arrangement, to circulate the fluid to be heated from a location outdoors to the heat exchange system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Nickolaos Zaimis, Wanda M. Williams
  • Patent number: 6767665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing molten salts and their mixings, using an extruder. The starting materials are melted and reacted and the products of the reaction are then guided via a column with alkali salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Leonhard Ohrem, Susanne Brzezinski
  • Patent number: 6755138
    Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Woodlane Environmental Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. McCarren
  • Patent number: 6742516
    Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Woodlane Environmental Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. McCarren
  • Patent number: 6675880
    Abstract: A high temperature air heater including a heat transfer conduit located in higher temperature gas. The heat transfer conduit is made up of a heat transfer pipe through which the air to be heated flows and a refractory protective pipe covering the heat transfer pipe. A clearance is provided between the heat transfer pipe and the refractory protective pipe. The clearance makes it possible to accommodate the differences in thermal expansion between the heat transfer pipe and the refractory protective pipe to prevent damaging the refractory protective pipe, thus extending the service life of the high temperature air heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding Company Limited
    Inventors: Masao Namba, Kenzo Miura, Yoshitada Tomoyasu, Hidehiro Kiuchi, Yasuaki Harada, Teruo Urayama, Kazuo Shimamura, Norio Tezuka
  • Patent number: 6572370
    Abstract: A forced air heating system has a heat regulating unit assembled therewith, the heating system comprising a furnace having fuel burner and a flue pipe for outlet gases. The heat regulating unit has a metal flue conduit with a flue gas inlet and a flue gas outlet connected to the flue pipe in proximity to the furnace to form a portion of the flue pipe. An elongated casing surrounds the flue conduit and defines with the flue an annulus in which a series of equispaced metal fins extend radially from the flue conduit to the casing to define chambers containing a heat-absorbing material such as metal wool. The heat regulating unit functions as a heat-sink to absorb heat from the hot fuel and a heat source gases for return to the furnace by conduction and convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Chris Hampden
  • Patent number: 6564755
    Abstract: A heat recovery system includes a heat exchanger surrounding a flue pipe from a furnace for preheating water. The heat exchanger includes a sleeve surrounding the flue pipe to define an annular space and form a water jacket in direct contact with the flue pipe. Several water storage tanks are connected in series and mounted around the sleeve to absorb heat from the water jacket. The outer water tanks are connected to one end of the water jacket at the downstream end of the flue pipe so that water is carried sequentially through each of the water tanks and through the water jacket surrounding the flue pipe. Typically, the water jacket includes a plurality of baffles to define a tortuous path through the water jacket. A conduit for supplying water to the outer water tanks can be wrapped around the downstream end of the flue pipe in a spiral manner to preheat the water prior to feeding to the water tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas I. Whelan
  • Patent number: 6520249
    Abstract: High-temperature-side hydrogen storage alloy containers each containing a hydrogen storage alloy are disposed as a heat exchanging portion in high-temperature-side heat exchangers. Low-temperature waste-heat gas generated in a micro gas turbine is imported into the heat exchangers so that direct heat exchange is performed between the waste-heat gas and each of the alloy containers. On the other hand, low-temperature-side hydrogen storage alloy containers each containing a hydrogen storage alloy are disposed as a heat exchanging portion in low-temperature-side heat exchangers. The high-temperature-side alloy containers and the low-temperature-side alloy containers are connected to each other by hydrogen-travelling pipes. Cold heat generated in the low-temperature-side heat exchangers is supplied to a refrigeration output portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Iwamoto, Hiroyuki Togo, Masamitsu Murai, Ritsu Miura, Koji Hattori, Harunobu Takeda
  • Publication number: 20020014234
    Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory M. McCarren
  • Patent number: 6103191
    Abstract: A continuous flow sludge pasteurization system includes a flow chamber having an inlet and an outlet and structure within the liquid flow chamber between the inlet and the outlet defining a continuous path for maintaining a continuous flow of a slurry from the inlet toward the outlet at a predetermined rate for establishing a minimum period of residence time of the slurry within the flow chamber, the residence time sufficient to kill all pathogens in the slurry at a predetermined minimum temperature of between about 145 and 160 degrees F, a pump for introducing a continuous flow of a liquid slurry of sludge into the liquid flow chamber and for establishing and maintaining a continuous flow of a liquid slurry through the liquid flow chamber from the inlet to the outlet at the predetermined rate, and a source of heat for introducing heat into a liquid slurry being introduced into the liquid flow chamber for heating the continuous flow of slurry to the predetermined minimum temperature, and dewatering apparatus
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Riverside County Eastern Municipal Water District
    Inventor: Michael A. Luker
  • Patent number: 6014966
    Abstract: A heat exchange device for harnessing heat from an exhaust vent is provided including a furnace having a main inlet for receiving cooled air suctioned from a living area, a heating mechanism for heating the cooled air suctioned from the living area, a main outlet for delivering air to the living area which is heated by the heating mechanism, and an exhaust vent coupled to the furnace for expelling air associated with the generation of heat by the heat mechanism with such expelled air not being fit for channeling to the living air via the outlet. Next provided is a housing which divides the exhaust vent into a lower portion and an upper portion. The housing has an auxiliary inlet in communication with the living area for receiving the cooled air therefrom and an auxiliary outlet in communication with the living area for expelling air thereto. Lastly, a heat transfer mechanism includes a pipe formed in the shape of a helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: James R. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 5983890
    Abstract: A fireplace adapted to heat multiple heating zones of a building, controlled by a control circuit which adjusts the heat input to the fireplace, airflow through the fireplace and ducting of the airflow to the various zones individually in response to a call for heat by thermostats in the zones. The fireplace may also be adapted to provide cooled or circulated air to the zones and may also serve to provide heating to the zones in the event of an electrical power outage. The fireplace is provided with a cabinet having ducts through which air is conveyed by use of a fan to a tube-type heat exchanger, the heat exchanger also in communication with the hot flue gases exiting the combustion chamber of the fireplace. The air heated by the heat exchanger is conveyed to a multitude of fireplace outlets, each of which is provided with a damper which regulates the airflow through the outlet to one of the zones to be heated, depending on whether that zone calls for heat through its thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Canadian Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Martin Thomas, Sydney Richard Barkhouse, John Charles Kenzie Overall, Dick D. Gepilano, James Karl Georgieff, Heinz H. Rieger
  • Patent number: 5944090
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a furnace flue comprises an outer flue jacket having a plurality of axially parallel exhaust gas passages therethrough. The exhaust gas passage tubes are sealed from the remainder of the interior volume of the jacket by a baffle plate at each end thereof. The outer flue jacket is preferably of the same diameter as the flue pipe in the remainder of the system, e. g., six or eight inches, in order to preclude any requirement for adapters. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe are affixed to opposite ends of the jacket, at some angle (e. g., normal) thereto. Exhaust gases from the furnace pass through the plurality of pipes within the outer jacket, heating the pipes. Airflow within the jacket and outside the pipes, is warmed by contact with the pipes, and flows from the outlet end to be used for warming the interior of the structure in which the unit is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: William J. Teal
  • Patent number: 5921230
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulating mechanism for a gas water heater designed to increase the efficiency thereof. The device comprises a blanket formed of a pair of arcuate, adjacent panel members having top and bottom edges with a pair of opposing side edges therebetween. Adjacent side edges of the panel members are hingedly joined with the opposing side edges being selectively attachable to form a cylindrical blanket that encases a water heater storage reservoir. A piping system is disposed within each panel member for circulating waste gas therethrough. An exhaust duct is disposed on the top surface of a water heater outer shell and is in communication with the interior thereof. A hinged baffle divides the duct into an upper and lower chamber both of which are in communication with the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: Joe Vessells, Steve Allen, Ricky Tinnell
  • Patent number: 5888453
    Abstract: A continuous flow sludge pasteurization system including a heat exchanger, a source of heat for introducing into the heat exchanger, an inlet for introducing a liquid slurry of sludge into the heat exchanger for heating the sludge to a predetermined minimum temperature, a circulating circuit for maintaining the slurry in circulation at the predetermined temperature for a minimum period of about thirty minutes, sufficient to kill all pathogens in the slurry prior to dewatering, and a dewatering unit for removing water from the sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Riverside County Eastern Municipal Water District
    Inventor: Michael A. Luker
  • Patent number: 5462111
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus comprises a cooling chamber (2), means (4) for introducing liquefied gas or its cold vapor thereinto, an exhaust passage (16) having flow inducing means associated therewith and a heat transfer means (46) associated with said exhaust passage (16) in which the heat transfer means operates to transfer heat from a heat source to the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: David G. Wardle
  • Patent number: 5437264
    Abstract: A heat collection apparatus which collects the lost or waste heat from a domestic gas water heater. This apparatus sits on top of the water heater over the flue, where the lost heat is directed through the collector fins on the coil into the hot water outlet of the tank where the heated water flows into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Billy J. McCormick
  • Patent number: 5423374
    Abstract: An improved heat exchanger containing a hollow cylindrical pipe casing having a plurality of apertures formed on the surface. A lower elbow pipe is secured to a stove outlet pipe and to the hollow cylindrical pipe casing. The lower elbow pipe functions to receive hot air discharged from a stove. A plurality of receiving elbow pipes are positioned within the apertures that are formed in the hollow cylindrical pipe casing that function to receive cool air from an outside source. A plurality of inner U-shaped pipes are positioned within the hollow cylindrical pipe casing and are secured to a corresponding receiving elbow pipe. Each inner U-shaped pipes is positioned within one of the plurality of apertures that is formed in the hollow cylindrical pipe casing. A plurality of outlet pipes are also contained in the device and are secured to a one of the corresponding plurality of inner U-shaped pipes. Each outlet pipes functions to release warmed air into a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventors: Henry J. Miller, Susie Miller
  • Patent number: 5417278
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for heating rooms with heat from a dryer comprising a container in a generally rectangular configuration with a centrally located heating chamber therewithin; a first air-inlet opening and a first air-outlet opening in axial alignment defining a first airflow path through the container for the passage of air from the atmosphere in a room for being heated and for discharging the heated air to the room; a dryer air-inlet and a dryer air-outlet in axial alignment defining a second airflow path through the container generally perpendicular to the first airflow path; a fan in the first air-inlet opening of the first airflow path prior to the chamber to effect the flow of air from a room through the chamber and to exterior thereof; and means within the chamber for directing the flow of air from the dryer whereby hot air from the dryer passing through the chamber will pass therethrough to preclude such dryer air and any contaminants from coming into direct contact with air flowing along the second a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventors: Lynn E. Pipher, Richard J. Dietz
  • Patent number: 5406934
    Abstract: A heat recovery apparatus for increasing the efficiency of a furnace having a cold air return, a burner, a hot air outlet, and a hot air exhaust. The heat recovery apparatus comprising a finned coiled heat exchanger located in the exhaust and having a water inlet and a water outlet. The water outlet connected via a silicone tube to a second water inlet on a core heat exchanger located in the cold air return. The core heat exchanger having a water outlet connected via second silicone tube to a water reservoir tank. The water reservoir tank containing water and a pump submerged within the water. The pump having a third water inlet and a third water outlet. The third water outlet being connected via a third silicone tube to the water inlet of the coiled heat exchanger. The heat recovery apparatus increasing the efficiency of a non-high efficiency furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Cain Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Cain
  • Patent number: 5394860
    Abstract: A method of connecting a heat exchanger to a forced air furnace is described. Firstly, connect a valve to the hot exhaust gas outlet of a furnace. The valve has a generally "L" shaped valve body. The valve body includes a primary passage. A diversion passage intersects the primary passage. A diversion return port intersects the primary passage downstream of the diversion passage. A butterfly valve member is pivotally mounted at the intersection of the primary passage and the diversion passage. The valve member has a first wing and a second wing. The valve has an open position and a closed position. The valve member is normally in the open position. Secondly, connect a fresh air outlet of a heat exchanger to a fresh air inlet on the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Del Borle
  • Patent number: 5385299
    Abstract: In a dwelling having a forced warm air type central heating system in which the source of heat is the hot gas products of combustion in a furnace, ambient fresh air is introduced into the dwelling to improve the quality of air in the dwelling by a fresh air input duct to the fresh air input of a relatively low temperature flue gas to the fresh air heat exchanger so that the fresh air is warmed and the fresh air output of the heat exchanger is connected by a duct to the forced warm air heating system so that the warmed fresh air is entrained with the air in the system. In a preferred embodiment, the flue gas to fresh air heat exchanger is attached to a section of the furnace flue pipe that is covered by a thermally conductive gas barrier and includes an enclosure for enclosing the outside barrier covered surface of the section of the furnace flue pipe forming an annular space between the gas barrier and the enclosure through which the fresh air flows and is warmed by heat from the flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Michael E. Zawada
  • Patent number: 5311930
    Abstract: A device for reclaiming waste heat from cooking appliances. The device includes a baffle through which exhaust from the cooking appliance flows, an inlet for receiving exhaust from the cooking appliance, and an outlet for venting exhaust to the atmosphere outside the building or vehicle in which the cooking appliance is located. The baffle extracts heat from the exhaust as the exhaust flows therethrough. The baffle is in thermal communication with a heat sink that directs the extracted heat to the building or vehicle spaces to be heated. The heat reclamation device has a generally thin profile so that the device may be installed above and behind the work surface of the cooking appliance so as to consume a minimal amount of space while not interfering with the normal use of the appliance. The heat reclamation device has means to vent the exhaust directly to the atmosphere, bypassing the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Paul R. Bruenn
  • Patent number: 5279356
    Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a heat recovery system to recover the heat potential and including a plurality of heat exchanger assemblies from exhaust or waste gas at a temperature of from 500 to 2500.degree. F. wherein the heat exchanger assemblies include induced draft fans for controlling the flow of exhaust or waste gas therethrough as a heating medium for diverse fluids passing in indirect heat transfer relationship at descending temperature levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: American Hydrotherm Corporation
    Inventor: Alfred Bruhn
  • Patent number: 4956534
    Abstract: A microwave sourced heat exchanger in an inverted, frusta-pyramidal or frusto-conal shaped configuration. A heat conductive medium is carried within microwave transparent pipes toward a microwave source along a split path of increasing perimeter. The geometrical design of the microwave heat exchanger allows the heat conductive medium anywhere in the conduit to be directly exposed to microwaves. Further, the geometry of the microwave heat exchanger induces a thermal siphon when the heat conductive medium within is exposed to a microwave source placed at the exchanger's broader base. This thermal siphon effect allows for elimination or reduction in size of a circulating motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: William A. Martin
  • Patent number: 4930571
    Abstract: A heat recovery system for at least partially cooling and at least partially cleaning an exhaust stream of hot air from a heating operation which is contaminated with vaporized, condensable liquids and with finely divided particulate solids comprising (a) a first indirect heat exchange means for partially cooling the hot exhaust stream with a fresh stream of cold air to a temperature not significantly above the dew point of vaporized liquids entrained in the hot air stream and for partially heating the fresh stream of air, (b) solids collecting means for centrifugally separating a substantial portion of the finely divided solids from the partially cooled exhaust stream and (c) second indirect heat exchange means for further cooling the exhaust stream to a temperature below the dew point of vaporized liquids initially contained therein to thereby liquefy a significant portion of the vaporized liquids and to further heat the stream of fresh air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Industrial Energy Corporation
    Inventor: James B. Paull
  • Patent number: 4878479
    Abstract: Apparatus for exhausting the combustion gases of a stove with open combustion fired on liquid or gaseous fuel. A collector hood is mounted above the combustion gas outlet of the stove. A heat exchanger is connected to the collector hood. A fan exhausts the combustion gases through the heat exchanger to the exterior of the room to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: Cornelis C. Stuitje
  • Patent number: 4854381
    Abstract: A unique heat exchanger device which is mounted in the flue of a forced air furnace is disclosed. A plurality of copper tubes are retained in a substantially parallel and equidistant relationship by means of end plates. A plurality of circular metallic fins are positioned on the copper tubes and serve as heat radiating surfaces. Cross tubes are provided within the copper tubes permitting the passage of heated air therethrough. The tube assembly is covered by a perforated shroud permitting air at room temperature to pass therethrough and to circulate among the heated copper tubes. An exhaust manifold is provided on the perforated shroud to permit connection of the device to the cold air return on the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Paul Mikula
  • Patent number: 4852640
    Abstract: A recuperative heat exchanger having a heat exchamber core composed of a plurality of spaced apart plate members is disclosed. The core is disposed for receiving high temperature exhaust gases. A case member is positioned around the heat exchanger core. The case member has an exhaust gas inlet opening and an exhaust gas discharge opening. The plates of the core are secured to the case member at the exhaust gas inlet opening. A jacket is positioned in a spaced apart relationship around the case member. The jacket has an intake opening and an exhaust opening. The intake opening of the jacket is in alignment with the exhaust gas inlet opening of the case member and the exhaust opening in the jacket is in alignment with exhaust gas discharge opening in the case member. The case member is secured to the jacket at the exhaust gas discharge. The core and case member of the heat exchanger are capable of expansion and contraction in the jacket during the operation of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Exothermics-Eclipse Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. McKenna
  • Patent number: 4766952
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery apparatus comprising a high-temperature unit including a high-temperature casing having an inlet through which an exhaust gas is introduced into the unit and an outlet through which the exhaust gas is discharged from the unit, a set of heat exchanger tubes arranged in the high-temperature casing, and a dry-type cleaner for removing dust on the heat exchanger tubes, a low-temperature unit including a low-temperature casing having an inlet through which the exhaust gas is introduced into the unit and an outlet through which the exhaust gas is discharged from the unit, a set of heat exchanger tubes arranged in the low-temperature casing, and a flush-type cleaner for removing dust on the heat exchanger tubes by spraying flushing water on the tubes, an intermediate duct connecting the outlet of the high-temperature unit and the inlet of the low-temperature unit so that the exhaust gas from the high-temperature unit is passed into the low-temperature unit through the intermediate duct, an exha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kagetoshi Onodera
  • Patent number: 4754806
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for reclaiming energy from an exhaust airstream. The exchanger includes a porous metal element suitable for absorbing heat from the exhaust airstream, means for reciprocally moving the porous element back and forth transversely to the exhaust airstream, an inlet duct for receiving the exhaust airstream and directing it through the porous element to an outlet duct, and reclaiming air blower means for delivering two heat-reclaiming airstreams through the porous metal element, one on either side of the exhaust airstream, and an air exhaust fan in the path of said exhaust airstream for drawing said airstream through said porous element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: William B. Astle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4739826
    Abstract: An apparatus in the form of an air preheater for preheating air for combustion for a combustion process by acting upon the air with hot, NO.sub.x -containing flue gases from the same or an independent combustion process. At the same time, the NO.sub.x contained in the flue gases is reduced. A regenerative or recuperative type air preheater is used, with those surfaces of the heat exchange elements which are exposed to the flue gas being provided with a coating which acts as a catalyst for the NO.sub.x reduction. The heat exchange elements are coated only in a region which has a flue gas temperature greater than the condensation temperature of the reaction products of the materials contained in the flue gas and of the added reducing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: L. & C. Steinmuller GmbH
    Inventors: Sigfrid Michelfelder, Stanislaw Michalak
  • Patent number: 4737531
    Abstract: In a heat exchange unit that recovers waste heat from carbon black smoke by preheating oxygen-containing gas such as air being passed to a carbon black producing reactor, a control loop is provided that automatically diverts the oxygen-containing gas being preheated through a by-pass line if the temperature of the effluent smoke being removed from the heat exchange is below a minimum temperature value in order to minimize the deposition of carbon on the heat exchange surfaces in said heat exchange zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Co.
    Inventor: David L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 4727854
    Abstract: An insulated reflector for a low-intensity radiant energy heating system. Several embodiments are disclosed. In one embodiment, the reflector forms a chamber which is used to preheat fresh air admitted to the heated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Arthur C. W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4706884
    Abstract: A hot air heating system utilizing the otherwise wasted heat and water vapor in the gases of combustion to pre-heat air supplied to the combustion unit. The hot combustion gases discharged from the combustion unit are mechanically induced by a blower to pass through an auxiliary heat exchanger in countercurrent flow to the air being supplied to the combustion unit, thereby preheating the return air and cooling the combustion gases. The products of combustion include a considerable quantity of water vapor. Cooling the combustion gases results in condensation of the water vapor, which is then collected and can be utilized to humidify the room air. Condensation of the vapors releases their latent heat of vaporization adding considerably to the heat recovery of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Inventor: Robert C. Brauer
  • Patent number: 4699315
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a heating system for a building having a chimney, which heating system incorporates a heat collecting recovery unit set atop the chimney, an underground reservoir, a circulating pump, and an exchanger disposed to reject heat to the conditioned space within the building, to serve in combination to heat the building with energy which had heretofore been wasted, so that the energy consumption rate required for heating can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Inventor: E. R. White
  • Patent number: 4664180
    Abstract: A casing has a plurality of upright panel-type compartments disposed in spaced relation for allowing flue gases and smoke to circulate therebetween. A blower circulates room air through the compartments and back into the room. A cross shaft is mounted in the casing adjacent the top thereof and extends across the spaces between the compartments. Levers are integrated with the cross shaft and support chains in suspended relation between the compartments. The shaft has a projecting handle which when operated is used to oscillate the chains to knock off soot and creosote from the exterior surfaces of walls of the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Inventor: Robert L. Stevenson