Abstract: A fluidic device comprises a first channel conduit, a valve apparatus, and an additional element adjacent to the first channel conduit. The first channel conduit transports fluid from a first fluid entrance to a fluid exit. In one embodiment, the additional element is a pump chamber that receives fluid from a second fluid entrance and pumps fluid into the first channel conduit in accordance with fluid pressure. Alternatively, the additional elements include a second channel conduit and a neck of the first channel conduit. The first channel conduit and the second channel conduit share a common wall. Fluid pressure in the first channel conduit controls a valve apparatus. The value apparatus controls a rate of fluid flow in the first channel conduit by deforming the common wall to change a cross-sectional area of the neck, which changes a rate of fluid flow in the second channel conduit.

Abstract: A wind turbine is disclosed which uses energy in air moving relatively toward the turbine to focus and increase the velocity of air entering a turbine inlet air flow passage. The inlet flow passage discharges focused and accelerated air to blades of a rotor where the blades interact with that air to turn the rotor. Rotor motion can be used to operate an electrical generator. The plane of rotation of the rotor can be at substantially right angles to the plane of the passage inlet opening. Baffles in the flow passage and stator vanes adjacent the rotor blades cause the mass flow of the accelerated air to be substantially uniform, and desirably directed, throughout the rotor's blade area. The turbine is compact and operates quietly.

Abstract: A backflow preventer for use in a multiple fan array system that draws air from an inlet area and expels it into a discharge area includes a main body defining an open front end and an open rear end and is adapted for attachment to a fan of the fan array system adjacent an inlet of the fan. Doors are attached to the main body and configured for movement between an open position in which air is permitted to enter through the open front end and a closed position in which the doors block the open front end and air is prevented from entering through the open front end. The doors are movable between the open position and the closed position by a pressure differential between the inlet area and the discharge area. The doors in the open position form a tapered intake passageway that funnels air into the fan.

Abstract: An omnidirectional building integrated wind energy power enhancer system is configured to produce electrical power from a wind turbine(s) concealed within and/or on top of a building by means of a flow of pressurized air from the prevailing wind that enters and flows through a portion of a building. A building may provide large exterior surface areas for receiving and directing airflow to the turbine(s). At least a portion of the wind energy power enhancer system is configured within a building, such as between floors, on a single floor, and/or a roof structure. The wind turbine(s) may be configured to receive airflow directly from an inflow chamber that is configured with a building, or from a flow tube coupled with the inflow chamber. Air deflectors may be fixed or dynamic to direct air flow into a flow tube regardless of the direction of the incoming airflow relative to the building.

Abstract: A control system for an HVAC system serving at least two zones, each zone receiving conditioned air by way of a zone duct, each zone duct including a zone damper having a first portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, a second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, and a coupling mechanism coupling the first and second portions to limit the relative movements of the two portions with respect to each other, and a biasing mechanism exerting a torque against the system static pressure differential. The first portion can be a single one-piece undivided blade pivotally mounted with a shell surrounding the zone damper.

Abstract: A zone damper having a first portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, a second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, and a coupling mechanism coupling the first and second portions to limit the relative movements of the two portions with respect to each other, and a biasing mechanism exerting a torque against the system static pressure differential. The first portion can be a single one-piece undivided blade pivotally mounted with a shell surrounding the zone damper.

Abstract: A control system for an HVAC system serving at least two zones, each zone receiving conditioned air by way of a zone duct, each zone duct including a zone damper having a first portion and second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, a second portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, and a weight adjustment for modifying the torque exerted by the second portion against the system static pressure to adjust the selected level.

Abstract: In order to extend the functionalities of a range hood, the range hood is provided with an oxygen sensor measuring the oxygen content in the ambient air. Alternatively or additionally, the range hood can be provided with a climate control device that regulates the air climate and/or room climate around the range hood and by which information about the climate below as well as around the range hood can be obtained and used or supplied for further processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency gas or oil burning devices that depend on external air for combustion. More particularly it discloses an alternate intake apparatus for air for combustion that opens automatically when the inlet air conduit from outside is blocked or severely restricted.

Abstract: An air control regulator regulates the amount of air flowing into the inlet of a combustion chamber by causing flowing air to support a disc located in the air passage against the force of gravity. Air passes around the edges of the disc and is channeled into a plurality of airflows by ovoid depressions in the inner surfaces of the regulator forming a venturi chamber. By regulating the airflow into the combustion chamber, combustion efficiency is improved.

Abstract: An air control regulator regulates the amount of air flowing into the inlet of a combustion chamber by causing flowing air to support a disc located in the air passage against the force of gravity. Air passes around the edges of the disc and is channeled into a plurality of airflows by ovoid depressions in the inner surfaces of the regulator forming a venturi chamber. By regulating the airflow into the combustion chamber, combustion efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A pellet stove utilizing gravity feed and natural draft more effectively and efficiently burns pellet fuel while producing less air pollution and ash. In one embodiment, the pellet stove has a primary combustion area comprising a burn unit removably disposed in the vent tube, a feed tube defining a fuel chamber above the burn unit and a secondary combustion area, comprising a burn box defining a secondary burn chamber, below the burn unit. The burn unit has a removable receptacle which defines a primary burn chamber that receives pellet fuel from the fuel chamber and discharges substantially burned fuel to the secondary burn chamber for additional burning. Openings in the burn box, pellet receptacle and vent tube draw air into the burn chambers. A control mechanism controls the air flow to regulate the heat generated by the pellet stove. The pellet stove can be manufactured in various aesthetically pleasing designs.

Abstract: A heated make-up air system comprising a duct structure having a direct gas fired burner mounted therein. Adjacent the burner there is provided an opening for permitting air to flow there through. Mounted adjacent the opening one or more pivotally mounted panels or profile plates. The moveable panels or profile plates are spring-biased to assume a normally closed position. However, the moveable panels are moveable from the closed position to an open position in order to control air flow through the duct structure and past the burner.

Abstract: A device for use in improving the heating efficiency of a water heater comprises a housing mounted over the heat collecting pieces of the water heater and provided with at least a set of ventilating ports, each of which is composed of a predetermined number of ventilation holes arranged in a geometric pattern. Pivoted to each of the ventilation holes is a damper, which can be triggered by a heat sensing element to turn so as to open or close automatically the ventiation holes. The heat sensing element is caused by heat to deform in order to bring about a displacement of the damper. The extent of the opening of the ventilation holes depends on the extent of the displacement of the damper.

Abstract: A flow control has a rotary gate residing within an internal flow space in a conduit. The gate is mounted for movement relative to the conduit between first and second positions, the gate in the first and second positions accounting for a different flow rate between first and second fluid masses between which the gate resides. The gate has an actuator with a plurality of spaced shoulders. A flexible force-applying member is connected to the actuator and bears upon the shoulders to thereby urge the gate towards the other of the first and second positions. The shoulders are situated so that the number of shoulders engaged by the force-applying member at any one time is not the same as the gate moves from the one of the first and second positions towards the other of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method of controlling the pressure in an incinerator for incinerating municipal refuse, industrial waste, etc. Exhaust gas from an incinerator typically passes through an exhaust gas cooler and an exhaust gas treating device and then discharged into the atmosphere by the action of an induced draft fan. In a method of controlling the pressure in such an incinerator for incinerating municipal refuse, industrial waste, etc. gas, e.g., part of the flow of exhaust gas induced by the induced draft fan or air taken in from the atmosphere, is added to a gas flow path upstream of the inlet of the induced draft fan through an addition gas line provided with an addition gas control damper. The addition gas control damper is controlled on the basis of an output from a furnace pressure controller such that when the furnace pressure is relatively high, the flow rate of the addition gas is reduced, whereas, when the furnace pressure is relatively low, the flow rate of the addition gas is increased.

Abstract: A measuring gauge for error compensation of a measured characteristic of a moving sheet measures X, Y lateral displacement of the upper and lower transducer heads of a moving scanner in a cross direction across the paper. This is accomplished by the use of two pairs of eddy current sensors centered on a target on the opposed transducer head. Such eddy current transducers sense the pairs of edges of an aperture in the opposed transducer. Alternatively, slope portions of the lower transducer head are sensed. Other correction inputs are provided by measuring the distance from each transducer head to the moving sheet to provide a "Z" correction. All of the foregoing are then utilized along with caliper measurements, if necessary, to provide a corrected characteristic.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a cooking range, especially suitable for mobile homes, which utilizes gas burners, where the exhaust gas draft is held substantially constant and the exhaust duct temperature is kept below a critical temperature by providing temperature-regulated cool air openings on the exhaust gas duct. Reliable regulation is accomplished by closures controlled by bimetallic springs positioned in a swivelable manner in the cool air openings so as to act on the closure flaps, and the closure action further improved by restoring springs exerting pressure on the outside of the closures.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a boiler comprising a firebox, a control device controlling the flow of air into the firebox, a water jacket surrounding at least part of the firebox, a sensor to sense the temperature of the water in or being discharged from the water jacket, the sensor being adapted to control directly or indirectly the control device. The sensor can be a temperature sensitive valve associated with the water jacket to control the position of the control device to thereby govern the flow of air to the firebox. The invention further provides a method of providing space heating and hot water from a boiler unit comprising the operation of a boiler unit.

Abstract: An oil and gas fueled hot water heater system having improved efficiency and performance embodies air and fuel regulator valves, water and air supply jackets, cold and hot water insulating check valves, and flow directors and restrictors for the hot combustion gas generated by the heater burner which gas passes through a central flue in a water storage tank and is then exhausted through an exhaust vent to atmosphere. The air and fuel regulator valves are non-electrically controlled and are responsive to water demand requirements for improved heater efficiency and performance. The water supply jacket closely surrounds the central flue and receives supply water at the top thereof and discharges same to the bottom of the storage tank thereby increasing the heat transfer characteristics of the heater. The air supply jacket surrounds the exhaust vent and air is drawn in through the top of the jacket along the exhaust vent for preheating and then is directed to the burner to support combustion.

Abstract: A heater system having improved efficiency and performance embodies air and fuel regulator valves, water and air supply jackets, and flow directors for the hot combustion gas generated by the heater burner which gas passes through a central flue in a water storage tank and is then exhausted through an exhaust vent to atmosphere. The air and fuel regulator valves are non-electrically controlled and are responsive to water demand requirement for improved heater efficiency and performance. The water supply jacket closely surrounds the central flue and receives supply water at the top thereof and discharges same to the bottom of the storage tank thereby increasing the heat transfer characteristics of the heater. The air supply jacket surrounds the exhaust vent and air is drawn in through the top of the jacket along the exhaust vent for preheating and then is directed to the burner to support combustion.

Abstract: A damper for sealing and unsealing a vertical furnace exhaust flue pipe to minimize the escape of heat when the furnace is not operating is disclosed. The damper comprises a cylindrical body adapted to form a section of vertical flue pipe having inner and outer walls. The cylindrical body has a top opening and a bottom opening and at least one transverse hinge rod horizontally transversing the body carried by opposed apertures in opposing wall portions of the body, an annular rim mounted on the inner wall of the body and a pair of oppositely extending gull-wing shaped damper shutters pivotably mounted on said hinge rod. Each of the gull-wing shaped damper shutters have upper and lower surfaces, a lower section and an outer upper section, and in the closed condition the lower sections of the shutters extend upwardly and outwardly at approximately a 45.degree. angle with the outer upper sections of the shutters extending horizontally and slightly spaced from the inner walls of the damper section.

Abstract: An auxiliary exhaust system for use with a flue includes a conduit communicating at one end with an opening formed in the flue wall and a blower operable to introduce auxiliary air into the flue through the conduit. The conduit is angled so that the auxiliary air enters the flue with a velocity component extending in the downstream direction of the flow of the products of combustion to aid in venting the combustion unit. A damper located within the conduit operates an on-off switch in a blower control circuit which starts and stops the blower when the damper is opened and closed, respectively. The blower control circuit also includes an automatic combustion control which is responsive to flue temperature to increase the speed of the blower whenever the flue temperature is below a predetermined value and to decrease the blower speed whenever the flue temperature is above a predetermined value. The blower includes an access port which enables a fire extinguishing chemical to be introduced into the flue.

Abstract: A thermally operated vent damper wherein a flue pipe (12) mounts an eliptical damper plate (38) for rotation about a hollow rod (30). A slot (42) is formed in the damper plate (38) by bending a flange (44) perpendicular to the plane of the damper plate (38) and providing an opening for a coil (52) of bimetallic material. The coil (52) controls the movement of the damper plate between closed and opened positions responsive to temperature in the flue pipe (12). An opening (19) in the flue pipe adjacent to the coil (52) provides a means for maintaining the coil (52) temperature lower than the flue gas temperature and for controlling the opening of the damper plate in the flue pipe in inverse proportion to the draft therein. A second bimetallic coil (60) is mounted outside the flue pipe to relieve stresses on the first bimetallic coil during prolonged high temperature excursions within the flue pipe.

Abstract: In order to protect a boiler against overheating a boiler draft control device comprises a safety thermostat in addition to the regular control thermostat. The control thermostat is provided with a supporting tube in order to limit its length reduction in the event of its failure. The safety thermostat is designed in such a manner that its working element only provides a displacement when the control range of the control thermostat is exceeded. Furthermore the safety thermostat has a very steep displacement/temperature characteristic and its maximum stroke is equal or greater than the stroke being given by an operable control thermostat over its total control range. A latch means is provided to prevent that an air inlet flap closed according to the response of the safety thermostat may be opened again with the cooling down of the boiler.

Abstract: A damper for sealing and unsealing a vertical furnace flue pipe to minimize the escape of heat when the furnace is not operating, the damper comprising a cylindrical body adapted to form a section of vertical flue pipe, the cylindrical body having a top opening and a bottom opening at least one transverse rod horizontally transversing the body and carried by opposed apertures in opposing wall portion of the body, a pair of oppositely extending gull-wing shaped damper shutters pivotally mounted on the rod and in the closed condition extending upwardly and outwardly to the inner surfaces of the cylindrical walls of the damper section, the lower edges of the wing sections engaging an annular rim mounted on the inner walls, the wings opening to a vertical position when the furnace is operating and closing by gravity when the furnace is not operating.

Abstract: A draft control system for furnaces comprises an auxiliary channel in communication both with ambient air and the flue of the furnace, a main draft control means for regulating the entrance of ambient, auxiliary draft air into the flue, and auxiliary draft control means mounted in the auxiliary channel for dampening the effect of extreme changes in external conditions on the main draft control means. Thus, uniform draft and efficient combustion is maintained in the furnace under a wide variety of conditions. The main draft control means comprises counter-balanced draft control plates which are initially set in an open position so that they can either open or close in order to efficiently regulate the draft in the flue. The auxiliary draft control means comprises, in one embodiment, an isolation damper plate rotationally mounted in the auxiliary channel, or, in a second embodiment, a set of louvred panels.

Abstract: A mechanical draft controller integrated in the draft hood of a furnace and coupled to a flue damper is responsive to the draft in the flue for controlling exhaust stack heat loss and eliminating heated room air loss via the draft hood under normal operating conditions. The pressure-sensitive controller is variably positioned as a face damper on a surface of the draft hood and is coupled to the flue damper by means of mechanical linkage. Increasing pressure in the draft hood caused by a reduction in the draft value due to partial flue blockage, large down draft, etc., displaces the pivoted controller resulting in a corresponding opening of the flue damper to re-establish the desired draft value. Similarly, excessive draft causes the displacement of the controller in an opposite direction resulting in flue damper displacement so as to reduce the draft value and exhaust stack heat loss.

Abstract: A draft control plate, which automatically opens or closes to provide efficient draft conditions in a furnace, is provided with both horizontal and vertical counterbalance devices which respectively permit adjustment of the initial position of the plate and the sensitivity of its movements. Initially, the plate is partially open where it remains while the furnace is operating under normal conditions. It is then capable of opening or closing in response to changes in the pressure differential across it. Preferably, the plate is horizontally mounted in an auxiliary flue channel which is adjacent to and in connection with the main flue of the furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in venting the products of combustion from a power combustion system such as an induced draft furnace. The apparatus includes a housing having three openings and a baffle. One opening in the housing receives the gaseous products of combustion from the power combustion system. A second opening in the housing is connected to a flue pipe which directs the products of combustion from the housing to an outlet vent. The third opening in the housing has a spillage damper or movable panel which can cover the third opening. The panel is pivotally connected to the outside of the housing above the third opening. When the pressure within the housing is less than the surrounding atmospheric pressure the panel is forced closed by this pressure. The panel is forced open and the products of combustion in the housing are vented to the surrounding atmosphere when a pressure greater than the surrounding atmospheric pressure is present within the housing.

Abstract: A draft limiting device for controlling the draft in a flue gas passage, includes a flap which is supported on a swing shaft in a secondary air inlet for swiveling movement between a closed position, at which the flap extends in a substantially vertical plane to block entry of air from a room into the secondary air inlet, and a fully open position at which the flap is displaced a certain angle about the axis of the swing shaft to admit air through the air inlet to the flue gas passage. A solid, semi-cylindrical member is fixed to the flap so that the center of radius of the member is parallel to the swing shaft axis, and the member extends on diametrically opposite sides of the swing shaft axis. The member thereby provides a restoring moment to the flap as the flap is moved in response to a differential pressure from the closed to the open position. The magnitude of the restoring moment is either constant or decreases as the flap moves in the direction from the closed to the open position.

Abstract: A draft control plate, which automatically opens or closes to provide efficient draft conditions in a furnace, is provided with both horizontal and vertical counterbalance devices which respectively permit adjustment of the initial position of the plate and the sensitivity of its movements. Initially, the plate is partially open where it remains while the furnace is operating under normal conditions. It is then capable of opening or closing in response to changes in the pressure differential across it. Preferably, the plate is horizontally mounted in an auxiliary flue channel which is adjacent to and in connection with the main flue of the furnace.

Abstract: A damper type control for furnace flues which opens with commencement of oil burner operation and closes when combustion ceases. The damper is operated solely by the presence of draft created by the oil burner blower, and closes in the absence of such draft under the influence of a counterweight. With the occurrence of wind passing the open end of the flue, the pressure differential on either side of the damper also assists in maintaining the damper in closed condition.

Abstract: A damper type control for furnace flues which opens with commencement of oil burner operation and closes when combustion ceases. The damper is operated solely by the presence of draft created by the oil burner blower, and closes in the absence of such draft under the influence of a counterweight. With the occurrence of wind passing the open end of the flue, the pressure differential on either side of the damper also assists in maintaining the damper in closed condition.

Abstract: A flue damper and draft regulator for a furnace in which the orientation of the damper is controlled by a vane. One face of the vane is subject to external atmospheric pressure. The other face of the vane is subject to the flue pressure both upstream and downstream from the damper. Exposing the vane to the reduced pressure on the chimney side provides a force which closes the damper when the burner shuts off.

Abstract: A housing structure with a single pivoted damper member is provided as a replacement for the draft hood associated respectively with the flue outlet and vent pipe inlet in a gas heater system. The normal flue outlet for the gas system connects to a first passage in the housing and the normal overhead vent inlet connects to a second passage in the housing above the first passage. First ends of the passages adjacent to their connections to the flue outlet and vent pipe inlet are closed off and second ends open out in a common plane. Communicating with the second ends is an ambient atmosphere opening so that under conditions where the second ends of the passages are open, proper exhausting of gases passing up through the flue to the vent takes place. The single damper itself is mounted to swing in a manner to close off both passages simultaneously when in a first position and also isolate these passages from the ambient atmosphere inlet. In this first position, heat is retained in the heater as well as the room.

Abstract: A fuel economizer, for mounting in a flue pipe between a furnace and a chimney, having a lateral vane overlying a cutout in the flue pipe and carrying a baffle plate in between ends thereof mounted transversely to the flue pipe to obstruct a portion of the passageway therein. A housing overlies the vane. Hinge and weight means are attached to the vane and baffle plate to permit opening of the baffle plate, in response to gas pressure exerted on an interior surface of the vane, and closing down thereof, to maximize efficiency of the furnace by providing a properly sized flue outlet during different phases of use of the furnace.

Abstract: A swimming pool heater has a fire chamber with a fuel feeding opening closable by a door which is removable to use the heater as a fireplace. A heat exchanger comprises a continuous length of copper tubing paralleled by an adjustable bypass. Air is supplied through a preheating manifold and regulated by a thermostatically controlled damper. A baffle delays escape of smoke and gases from the chamber.

Abstract: An overfire draft system for a waste burner is disclosed. Such system comprises air vents arranged circumferentially around the base of the burner for communicating the interior of the burner to the atmosphere and a draft modulated damper plate located in each air vent for automatically regulating the volume of overfire air delivered to the interior of the burner. Each draft modulated damper plate is provided with a lower lip which is deflected by a predetermined angle with respect to the plate to create an aerodynamic lift effect with large opening moment to assist the damper plate in its response under low air velocity conditions, and an oppositely deflected upper lip with proportionately less bent surface to avoid flutter or hunting of the damper as it approaches the maximum open position and to provide added dynamic opening force.

Abstract: The device is a baffle array that is housed in a section of pipe that coupled from an oil burner to a chimney. The baffle array, when closed, blocks about 70 percent of the pipe cross-sectional area and opens upon the occurrence of a small explosion when the oil burner starts to permit this explosive puff to pass to the chimney. The baffle array includes three baffle plates, each pivoting at its top end and all interconnected at the bottom end.

Abstract: Damage due to implosions occurring within the furnace chambers of balance draft vapor generators is prevented by the provision in the downstream combustion gas duct of one or more openings that are closed during normal operation by doors which are automatically released upon the occurrence of an inordinately high negative fluid pressure atmosphere in the furnace. The doors, when released, operate to obstruct the flow of combustion gas out of the furnace chamber and thereby, in association with operation of the forced draft fan, overcome the excessive negative pressure in the furnace chamber. Also, the exposure of the induced draft fan to outside air upon release of the door prevents the fan from producing an inordinate negative pressure adjacent the door that would otherwise tend to close the door and also detrimentally affect the furnace pressure.

Abstract: An oven having an air inlet opening in its lower region and an exhaust opening in its upper region, and at least one gas-fueled burner within the oven, one of the openings containing a baffle variably movable into and out of closing relation to the opening in response to heat-sensitive actuating means whereby control of stack action within the oven is achieved so that proper air supply to the burner is permitted while simultaneously obtaining decreased heat loss through stack action.

Abstract: An improved automatic draft regulator having significantly fewer parts than previous such devices, and comprising a frame adapted to fit into the flue pipe of a furnace, a gate pivotally mounted in the frame, and adjustable weight means pivotally connected to the gate and extending through it.