Abstract: A bi-metal control flap for a wood stove is biased to close by gravity and is controlled to open an air inlet when the temperature rises which is opposite to the traditional bi-metal control systems which close when the temperature rises. The valve is a free pivoted L-shaped flap with a first portion and a second portion extending from a pivot position and supported by a casing. The first portion is positioned over an air supply inlet and retained over the inlet by gravity. A crank arm supported by the casing rotates to push against the second portion of the flap to open the flap a predetermined amount, and a bi-metal strip coil having an outer end attached to the casing and a floating inner end attached to the crank arm such that a change in temperature causes the crank to rotate to open the flap or allow the flap to close by gravity.

Abstract: A swivel bellows assembly designed to be mounted within a valve housing to provide self-alignment with a valve opening. The bellows assembly comprises a mounting element having a central opening surrounded by a depending, contoured skirt, or wall, a bellows unit having a central contoured well which receives said skirt or wall, and a retainer disc or cup which confines said skirt or wall within said well to permit relative angular adjustment of the bellows unit.

Abstract: A ventilator actuator is provided for opening and closing a ventilator opening having a diaphragm secured to a closure member mounted for pivotal movement about an axis to form a reservoir for a heat responsive fluid between them, the diaphragm normally being retracted at a first temperature and extended at a second elevated temperature. An actuating member has one end secured to the diaphragm and spaced from the pivotal axis, the other end of the actuating member is anchored such that when the diaphragm expands the actuating member causes the closure member to pivot to open the ventilating opening. When the diaphragm retracts the closure member is caused to pivot back to close the ventilating opening.

Abstract: A solar heat augmented heating system is disclosed in which a solar heat chamber located in an attic is employed selectively to supply heat to the heating system which heats the occupant space, thereby to decrease the load on the conventional heating system. This system is integrated with an improved form of automatically controlled gable vent.

Abstract: An automatic temperature responsive damper assembly for use primarily with turbine-type attic ventilators is disclosed. A temperature sensitive power element capable of generating a force in the order of fifty pounds per square inch is positioned beneath the vane or vanes of the damper. The preferred power element is a sealed bellows unit containing the appropriate heat-expansible fluid. Expansion of the bellows with increased heat actuates a pivoted lever to cause opening and closing of the damper over a predetermined range of temperatures. Communication of the lever movement to movement of the damper vane or vanes is accomplished by providing the free end of the pivoted lever with an upwardly extending arm having a vane engaging camming surface. By shaping the camming surfaces in a sinusoidal fashion, a rapid initial opening of the damper is provided as well as protection against damage to the damper assembly should the maximum preset temperature be exceeded.