Combined With Boiler Patents (Class 126/101)
  • Patent number: 11255559
    Abstract: Smoke is removed from a building interior by a system in which a controller is activated upon a signal from any of one or more smoke detectors connected thereto. A conduit, with an air-receiving end located in the building and an air-exhaust end located outside the building, has an associated air mover arranged to exhaust air from the building through the conduit. A first and second valve in the conduit are normally closed, preventing air flow. On a smoke detection signal from the controller, the first valve and second valve open, the air mover actuates and air/smoke is withdrawn from the building until a “reset” signal is received. On reset, the air mover shuts down and the first and second valves close. The air-receiving end is preferably directly connected through a forced-air HVAC system of the building to avail use of its ducts and air movers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: William E Nowlin
  • Patent number: 10472074
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft provided with at least one piece of aeronautic equipment fastened to the outside skin of the aircraft and a heater for heating the piece of aeronautic equipment. The heater is in the form of a thermodynamic closed circuit loop circulating heat-transfer fluid and including an evaporator and a heat source located inside the aircraft and a condenser located in the piece of aeronautic equipment or an appendage thereto. Fasteners in the form of tubular tabs include tubular channels for circulating the heat-transfer fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Adrien Desjardins, Frederic Martin, Claude Sarno, Romain Hodot, Jean-Philippe Pineau
  • Patent number: 10337763
    Abstract: A plurality of water heaters are connected in parallel with respect to a hot water supply path, and each of the plurality of water heaters has an exhaust path connected to an exhaust path assembly. Each of a plurality of sensing units is configured to be shifted from an electrically conducting state to an electrically non-conducting state when each of the plurality of sensing units senses an abnormal condition about air supply or exhaust. A series circuit of the plurality of sensing units is electrically connected in series to a resistance element between the power supply line and the ground line. The controller is configured to monitor an abnormal condition about air supply or exhaust based on a voltage on a node between the series circuit and the resistance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: NORITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Okamoto, Takao Muko
  • Patent number: 10183753
    Abstract: A piece of aeronautic equipment intended to equip an aircraft, the equipment (25) including a part intended to be arranged at a skin (27) of the aircraft and elements for heating the part, characterized in that the heating elements include a thermodynamic loop including a closed circuit in which a heat transfer fluid circulates, the closed circuit including an evaporator (14) associated with functional elements (25a) of the aircraft forming a heat source giving off heat during their operation and a zone in which a condensation of the heat transfer fluid can occur in the appendage to heat it, and in that outside the evaporator (14), the circuit in which the fluid circulates is formed by a tubular channel with an empty section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Pineau, Claude Sarno, Romain Hodot, Frederic Martin
  • Patent number: 10024536
    Abstract: A combined combustion device comprises: a plurality of combustion units (2) each having a burner (4) and an air supply fan (5); an exhaust collecting pipe (10) connecting the plurality of the combustion units (2) to each other; and a check valve (7) which opens by rotation of the air supply fan (5) and prevents backflow of combustion exhaust gas from the exhaust collecting pipe (10) into each of the combustion units (2), wherein when one or more of the combustion units (2) among the plurality of the combustion units (2) are in a combustion operation state and the other one or more of the combustion units (2) are continuously maintained in a non-combustion operation state for a predetermined reference stoppage time or longer, the air supply fans (5) of the other one or more of the combustion units (2) are rotated for a certain time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9970682
    Abstract: A hot water supply system includes: a water heater; a circulating water passage; a water supply passage; and a circulating pump. The water heater is configured to emergently stop if a burner is performing combustion, an air supply fan is operating, the circulating pump is not operating, and a temperature detected by an apparatus interior temperature sensor exceeds an upper limit temperature. The water heater is configured to execute an apparatus interior cooling operation of stopping combustion of the burner, driving the air supply fan, and driving the circulating pump, if the burner is performing combustion, the air supply fan is operating, the circulating pump is operating, and the temperature detected by the apparatus interior temperature sensor exceeds the upper limit temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: RINNAI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kumiko Okada, Hideki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9930878
    Abstract: A method for killing pests in an affected area of a structure, comprises positioning a heat pump unit within an affected area of the structure, coupling a first end of an inlet hose to a faucet, and coupling a second end of the inlet hose to an inlet port of the heat pump unit. The inlet port supplies a flow of water received from the faucet to an evaporator component of the heat pump unit. The evaporator component transfers heat from the flow of water to a refrigerant and communicate the refrigerant to a condenser component of the heat pump unit. The condenser component generates heated air by transferring heat from the refrigerant fluid to air flowing through the condenser component. The heated air i emitted into the affected area in order to raise the temperature of the affected area to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Therma-Stor LLC
    Inventors: Timothy S. O'Brien, Eric P. Camenga
  • Patent number: 9807994
    Abstract: A method for killing pests in an affected area of a structure includes receiving a flow of water from a faucet, wherein the faucet comprises one of a shower faucet and a sink faucet and the temperature of the flow of water is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The method continues by generating heated air using a heat pump by transferring heat from the flow of water to air, and emitting the heated air into an affected area in order to raise the temperature of the affected area to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The method concludes by monitoring a temperature of a flow of water as it is received and, automatically ceasing operation of the heat pump when the temperature of the flow of water is above a predefined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy S. O'Brien, Eric P. Camenga
  • Patent number: 9299906
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric device, comprising a first circuit (1), called hot circuit, through which a first fluid can flow according to a path along which the temperature of said first fluid decreases, and, a second circuit (2), called cold circuit, through which a second fluid can flow, at a temperature lower than that of the first fluid, according to a path along which the temperature of said second fluid increases, and elements (3p, 3n), called thermoelectric elements, that can be used to generate an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient, said thermoelectric elements (3p, 3n) being distributed along said hot (1) and cold (2) circuits, provided configured to create said gradient. According to the invention, the device is configured for the contribution of the thermoelectric elements to the generation of the electricity to be substantially constant along the path of the first and/or of the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
    Inventors: Michel Simonin, Stephane Tondelli, Georges De Pelsemaeker
  • Patent number: 8782607
    Abstract: An error handling system is described herein that provides a facility for controlling the behavior of software when the software violates a contract condition. The system provides configurable runtime behavior that takes place when a contract fails. The error handling system provides an event that a hosting application or other software code can register to handle and that the system invokes upon detecting a contract failure. The application's response to the event determines how the system handles the failure. If the event is unhandled, the system triggers an escalation policy that allows an administrator or application to specify how the system handles contract failures. Thus, the error handling system provides increased control over the handling of contract failures within software code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Melitta L. G. Andersen, Michael Barnett, Manuel A. Fahndrich, Brian M. Grunkemeyer, Katherine E. King, Michael M. Magruder, Andrew J. Pardoe, Kumar Gaurav Khanna
  • Patent number: 8353463
    Abstract: A method controls an air handler that generates heated air from hot water generated by a water heater. The method includes generating a signal in the presence or absence of an indicia of water flow associated with the water heater; initiating operation of a pump associated with the air handler when the signal indicates that water flow associated with the water heater is at least at a selected level to supply hot water to the air handler sufficient to generate heated air; and/or terminating operation of the pump and/or a blower/fan associated with the air handler when the presence or absence signal indicates that the water flow associated with the water heater is less than the selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Rinnai America Corporation
    Inventors: James York, Hugh L. Allen
  • Patent number: 8235707
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method of preventing backflow of exhaust gas into combustion chambers of boilers or water heaters that are not in operation for a multiboiler comprising a plurality of boilers or water heaters connected in line, each of which including a wind pressure sensor measuring wind pressure of air flowing into a combustion chamber and a controller controlling a fan supplying air into the combustion chamber on the basis of the wind pressure measured by the wind pressure sensor. The control method includes measuring wind pressures using the wind pressure sensors in the operating boilers and calculating an average wind pressure, using any controller as a master controller to determine a control amount of wind of the fans of non-operational boilers based on the average wind pressure, and operating the fans of the non-operational boilers on the basis of the control amount of wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kyungdong Networks Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Si-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7824177
    Abstract: Provided is a combustion apparatus that can positively prevent a combustible gas present in the vicinity from catching fire in performing prepurge, which involves exhausting air from a combustion chamber provided with a burner, before igniting the burner. The combustion apparatus 1 contains combustion control means 6 that ignites the burner after performing prepurge by use of a fan 4, and gas detection means 5 that is provided between an air supply port 7 and the fan 4 and detects the concentration of a combustible gas. The combustion control means 6 ascertains, before starting the prepurge, whether a combustible gas of a preset maximum concentration or higher is detected by use of the gas detection means 5 (STEP 1) and prohibits the prepurge by prohibiting the energization of the fan 4 when a combustible gas of the maximum concentration or higher has been detected (STEP 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Takasu, Hideo Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7628337
    Abstract: A heating system operates in supplemental mode to carry water from a hot water supply of the water heater to a heat exchanger within an air passage in the furnace. A water return passage returns the water from the air passage back to the water heater. Air within the air passage passes through the heat exchanger and is heated from the water within. The water then returns to the water tank through a water return passage. A supplemental thermostat is connected to the system to control an air circulator for the furnace without requiring the furnace to be activated. The furnace will turn on and heat the air only if supplemental mode is not sufficient to maintain the desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventors: Robert D. Cuppetilli, Darrin J. Spooner
  • Patent number: 7575001
    Abstract: A furnace and method using a heat pump for providing domestic hot water and forced hot or cooled air utilizing heat pump achieved efficiency levels in an on-demand and unlimited domestic hot water, heating, and cooling system. In the heating mode, recycled air acquires heat from the heat pump's condenser coil and transfers this heat to the on-demand hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: J & H Solar LLC.
    Inventor: Stewart Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20090025654
    Abstract: A heating system has a heating unit with a combustion chamber for burning wood pellets or other pelletized fuel. The heating unit is controlled by a process control module that automatically keeps all operating functions within predetermined limits for safe, efficient and easy operation. The unit also includes a combustion air distribution assembly with a stir shaft that rotates within the combustion chamber and introduces combustion air through orifices along the length of the shaft to enhance fuel combustion. A thermo cycle plumbing assembly serves as a safety feature by preventing overheating in the event of a power failure or pump failure. Also included in the unit is a removable insulated firebox burn chamber that provides a high temperature combustion atmosphere and a heat/particulate recovery module which provides maximum heating efficiency and reduces emissions, meeting EPA requirements and contributing to a cleaner environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Willie J. Hardy
  • Patent number: 7398778
    Abstract: A furnace in combination with a heat pump and solar panels for providing domestic hot water and forced hot or cooled air utilizing heat pump achieved efficiency levels in an on-demand and unlimited domestic hot water, heating and air conditioning system. In heating mode, recycled air acquires heat from the heat pump's condenser coil and transfers this heat to the on-demand hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Air Hydronic Product Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Stewart R. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 7007742
    Abstract: A system and method for pre-heating water prior to entering a hot water heater is disclosed. The system includes: a cold water supply line; an ambient air heat exchange device positioned within an insulated area of a building wherein the ambient air heat exchange device is connected to the cold water supply line; and a fluid connected for interconnecting the ambient air heat exchanged device to the hot water heater, the ambient air heat exchange device being operable to: allow incoming cold water to enter the ambient air heat exchange device as required; permit the transfer of heat from ambient air within the insulated area to the cold water within the ambient air heat exchange device to effect pre-heating thereof; and pass water, as thus preheated, from the ambient air heat exchange device to the hot water heater as required. The ambient air heat exchange device may comprise a reservoir or a heat exchanger having at least one pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Marc Desjardins
  • Patent number: 6880547
    Abstract: A swimming pool heater that heats a private swimming pool and can be used to provide heating for a house, a cottage or a commercial swimming pool. Wood, that is often found around pools, is used as primary fuel. This oven has a cylindrical external appearance and is disposed horizontally. It is made of an interior wall and an exterior wall in between which water circulates. The interior wall plays the role of fire chamber and heat exchanger; the section having the shape of an annular zig-zag offers more surface for heat exchange than a simple cylinder thus increasing the overall heater efficiency. The left-over ashes insulate the bottom of the heating chamber replacing often used tiles. For general use, logs and branches are used as fuel, and an increase of 20 to 30 degrees F. of the water of a typical garden pool is attained overnight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Sylvain Bilodeau
  • Publication number: 20040226554
    Abstract: A swimming pool heater that heats a private swimming pool and can be used to provide heating for a house, a cottage or a commercial swimming pool. Wood, that is often found around pools, is used as primary fuel. This oven has a cylindrical external appearance and is disposed horizontally. It is made of an interior wall and an exterior wall in between which water circulates. The interior wall plays the role of fire chamber and heat exchanger; the section having the shape of an annular zig-zag offers more surface for heat exchange than a simple cylinder thus increasing the overall heater efficiency. The left-over ashes insulate the bottom of the heating chamber replacing often used tiles. For general use, logs and branches are used as fuel, and an increase of 20 to 30 degrees F. of the water of a typical garden pool is attained overnight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Sylvain Bilodeau
  • Publication number: 20040227003
    Abstract: A combination water heating and space heating apparatus includes a water heating unit and a space heating unit. The water heating unit has a water storage tank, a heating device for heating water stored in the tank, and a first temperature sensor for sensing water temperature. The space heating unit includes a heat exchanger for heating air supplied to an indoor space, a blower for blowing air over the heat exchanger, and a second temperature sensor for sensing air temperature in the space. Heated water is supplied from the tank to the heat exchanger by means of a circulation pump when the second temperature sensor indicates a demand for heat in the space. The apparatus is controlled to give priority to domestic hot water use (e.g., potable water) over space heating use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Lennox Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Alvarez, Gregory W. Murtha, Islam O. Shahin
  • Patent number: 6763786
    Abstract: The invention relates to an equipment to be used in a gas-fired water heater which equipment contains a combustion chamber (2) and a heat exchanger (1). Accordingly the combustion chamber (2) is made of a ceramic material and provided with slots (3) for crossing the heating elements (4) of the heat exchanger (1) through the opposite walls (5,6) of the combustion chamber (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventor: José M. Vergara
  • Publication number: 20040031480
    Abstract: An arrangement structure of heat exchangers in a condensing gas boiler is provided, which includes a casing provided with a combustion chamber therein, and a gas burner provided in the lower portion of the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Yong Hyen Jung, Woo Suk Hur
  • Patent number: 6293275
    Abstract: A compact heat source is provided which includes a bell-shaped or conical recuperator that surrounds a combustion chamber. The recuperator consists of parts that are axially tensioned against one another, so that a stable positioning of a partition wall provided with projections both on a bell-shaped outer wall and also on a bell-shaped inner wall is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Joachim Wünning
  • Patent number: 6270542
    Abstract: A heating furnace for home and industrial use, having the ability to catalyze fuel oil to produce fuel gas for external applications. The heat produced can be radiated, or can be circulated by a heated air or heated water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Harry E. Naylor
  • Patent number: 6209624
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in a sulphuric acid manufacturing plant to effect heat transfer between desired gas streams selected from air, sulphur dioxide and sulphur trioxide. The exchanger provides for hot or cold split flow gas streams through the exchanger shell with either mixing or splitting into two or more streams to provide for reduced condensible material condensation, corrosion, metal thermal differential stress and capital equipment cost. A preferred exchanger is used in combination with a sulphur burning furnace to provide an improved preheater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Gordon M. Cameron
  • Patent number: 6145500
    Abstract: The heating device has a housing and a liquid containing compartment defined inside the housing. A heating chamber is disposed inside the housing and the compartment. A fire chamber is disposed inside the heating chamber that produces hot combustion gases. A separation channel is defined between an outer wall of the fire chamber and the outer wall of the heating chamber for conveying the air from the first air inlet into the heating chamber. The separation channel also creates an important insulation between the fire chamber and the compartment so that the combustion material in the fire chamber burns at a sufficiently high temperature to prevent the formation of tar accumulations on the inside walls of the various ducts. Also, the separation channel maintains a suitable temperature of the outer wall of the fire chamber to reduce the risk of cracking and to prolong the useful product life of the fire chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Sven-Erik Westerlund
  • Patent number: 6125840
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating appliance comprising an outer case made entirely of chrome, with various brick systems arranged inside the case. Within the brick systems is arranged a required quantity of chrome pipes, which ensure that the flames are able to spread throughout the appliance and that the bricks and the pipes are heated within a short span of time. To complete and operate the appliance, valves have to be installed at the chimney and outlet of the outer case, so that once the desired temperature has been reached, the valve can be shut and thus the heat maintained for a long time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Fazli Soman
  • Patent number: 6123064
    Abstract: A heating system has a modular section which can be converted to use as a store or boiler and to burn either solid or liquid and gaseous fuels. The system can be further expanded by addition of more than one module to increase the heating capacity of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Patrice Jacquet
  • Patent number: 6109339
    Abstract: A heating system uses a dynamic thermal stabilizer for receiving, mixing, holding and outputting a circulating heat exchange liquid in a fashion similar to the use of a flywheel in the mechanical arts. Liquid is returned to the dynamic thermal stabilizer from both an input heat exchange unit and an output heat exchange unit. A two pump system affords a simple tee fitting arrangement that provides room air heating by directly using hot liquid either from the dynamic thermal stabilizer or directly (and at higher temperature) from the input heat exchange unit itself to automatically achieve an additional boost of room heat using higher temperature liquid. The system can also provide initial short draws of domestic hot water from the dynamic thermal stabilizer alone or long draws of hot water by using the input heat exchange unit as a further source of heat input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: First Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Sherwood G. Talbert, David A. Ball, Jan B. Yates, Stephen E. Petty, Steve Grimes
  • Patent number: 6041771
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel apparatus and method for automatically and dynamically regulating the intake of air into the combustion chamber of a heating unit such as a wood burning stove, furnace, or fireplace to ensure even and efficient burning of fuel. More particularly, this invention pertains to a method and apparatus that uses negative gas pressure in the heating unit's flue, and no additional temperature or pressure sensors, to automatically and dynamically control a damper regulating intake of air into the combustion chamber in inverse relation to changes in negative flue gas pressure. This method and apparatus are especially useful in combination with a heating unit having two combustion chambers, one chamber for combustion of solid fuel and a second chamber for further combustion of exhaust gases and other byproducts from combustion in the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Cecil Joseph Hayes
  • Patent number: 6029648
    Abstract: A natural draft furnace has a firebox inside a water box with fire tubes containing water running through the firebox, flues from the firebox running through the water box, a front/fire door of double wall construction to preheat entering air, a damper in the fire door and a toggle-lock latching system on the fire door that provides uniform sealing pressure around the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: W. Coy Willis
  • 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: 5796915
    Abstract: A hot water heater burns inflammable waste articles to heat water. A primary combustion chamber is defined within a water chamber for burning inflammable waste articles. A heating element is mounted around the primary combustion chamber to produce heat for burning off the inflammable waste articles in the primary combustion chamber. An electric heater is mounted inside the water chamber to heat water in the water chamber directly when the heating element is inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Hsieh Hsing-Lin
  • Patent number: 5721804
    Abstract: A space heater employs a generally Y-shaped housing. A boiler within the housing contains a working fluid at subatmospheric pressure when at ambient temperature. This reduces the boiling point of working fluid. A series of heat exchangers are mounted in the branch portions of the housing and connected to receive working fluid from the boiler. A blower directs ambient air between the heat exchangers and through the front openings of the housing. A valve can be operated to release pressure from within the boiler and heat exchangers. An electric heating element heats the working fluid within the boiler to a temperature above the boiling point under normal operating conditions. During initial manufacture or repair of the unit, the heating element is activated to heat the working fluid while the valve is open, and then deactivated with the valve is closed to allow the working fluid to cool, thereby creating reduced pressure within the boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Heatech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant G. Greene, III
  • Patent number: 5687908
    Abstract: A single system for providing heated water at two different temperature levels for space heating purposes and for domestic water heating purposes is provided. The system can be constructed using only one burner. The system features a first loop for circulating domestic hot water at a lower temperature from an insulated tank, through a first heat exchanger where the water is heated, and back into the insulated tank. The system also features a second loop for circulating space heating water at a different temperature through a second heat exchanger, where the water is cooled, through the first heat exchanger, where the water is heated, and back to the second heat exchanger, where the water is again cooled. A single diverter valve or equivalent is used to determine which heating loop is required and will be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Sherwood G. Talbert, Ronald A. Cudnik, Jeffrey J. Crisafulli
  • Patent number: 5579756
    Abstract: Heating apparatus for producing both central heat and tap water, specifically adapted for trailers and similar mobile houses with small spaces is provided. The heat source is a burner combusting LP-gas. Heat cartridges for electric heating optionally provide a supplemental heat source. The burner operates in a cylindrical space consisting of a burner tube with a plurality radial flanges which conduct heat energy outwards to a ring-shaped space delimited by a second tube. A heat medium for central heating is contained in the ring-shaped space. A tube-shaped vessel for tap water surrounds the ring-shaped space. The tap water vessel, the second tube and the burner tube are respectively positioned inside each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Alde International Systems AB
    Inventor: Sigurd Jonsson
  • Patent number: 5544645
    Abstract: A combination water heating and space heating apparatus includes a water heating unit and a space heating unit releasably coupled with the water heating unit. The water heating unit has a water storage tank and a helically wound tubular heat exchanger inside the tank for exhausting products of combustion from a combustion chamber located in a top part of the tank and for transferring heat from the products of combustion to the surrounding water. The space heating unit is an air handler with an hydronic heat exchanger coil and a blower for blowing air over the coil. Hot water is supplied from the tank to the coil and is returned to the tank by means of a water circulation pump located in the space heating unit. Air blown over the coil is heated by the hot water flowing over the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Armijo, Tony R. Baker, Floyd E. Cherington, Delbert S. Christopher, David J. Moody, James J. Mullen, Hugh E. Vinson, John L. Warren, Robert C. Beilfuss, John H. Wiker
  • Patent number: 5482027
    Abstract: A furnace apparatus which includes a plurality of water walls. Each includes a plurality of tubes and the water walls collectively enclose a combustion chamber. The apparatus includes a plurality of windboxes, each of the windboxes is disposed intermediate adjacent water walls. A pulverizer and ducting to direct the flow of pulverized coal to the windboxes is also a part of the apparatus in accordance with the invention as is a bisector regenerative air heater having a rotor a housing having a generally cylindrical cavity in which a drum shaped rotor having heat transfer surfaces thereon is mounted for rotation on a shaft. The heater includes ducting for directing flue gas and forced draft air respectively into first and second angular sectors of the cavity which at any one instant will flow over respective angular sectors of the rotor. The rotor is heated during the travel of any portion thereof in the first angular sector and is cooled in the second angular sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark H. Stiller
  • Patent number: 5377661
    Abstract: A stove for the generation of heat from the burning of wood for heating water and for heating the room in which it is located comprising a drum having cylindrical side walls about a horizontal axis, support legs and circular end walls; an array of tubes including a water input tube and a water output tube, the tubes extending through one end wall, the tubes interior of the drum including a rectangular array in a horizontal configuration adjacent to the widest part of the drum and coupled to the water input tube, the tubes interior of the drum also including an array of semicircular tubes extending upwardly from the rectangular array about the axis of the drum, the tubes interior of the drum also including a linear output tube parallel with the axis of the drum coupled to the topmost part of the semicircular tubes for discharging the heated water; a chimney coupled to the drum for conveying away smoke from interior of the drum; an air input tube with a damper and a thermostat for controlling the damper for det
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Donald L. Farver
  • Patent number: 5361751
    Abstract: A combination hot air furnace and hot water heater (10) having a furnace (20), a gas flow control valve (40) and a hot water heater (60) constructed as an integral assembly. Furnace (20) has furnace gas burner (33) supported below furnace heat exchanger (32). Furnace heat exchanger (32) is supported within conduit (24) through which air is passed for heating. Gas flow control valve (40) is sealingly mounted upon the top outlet (36) of furnace heat exchanger (32), and may selectively direct the heat of combustion from furnace gas burner (33) toward water tank (62) for heating water within the water tank. Gas flow control valve (40) may also seal off furnace heat exchanger (32) from the flow control valve and draw outside combustion air into valve body (42) through side wall opening (48) for providing combustion air for water tank gas burner (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Robert C. Biggs
  • Patent number: 5318101
    Abstract: A heating and cooling device comprising a box type heat exchange tank containing a heat transfer medium having an thermal accumulation effect therein and a heat exchange pipe arranged in said heat exchange tank. An air discharging member is mounted to an outlet of the heat exchange pipe and provided with a fan for blowing air in the heat exchange pipe into a room. An air suction member connected to said inlet of the heat exchange pipe, to suck outside air and supply it into the heat exchange pipe, A heater is disposed just below said air suction member, to heat an air entering the air suction member in a heating operation of the device. A cooling chamber is also disposed, to cool the heat transfer medium in the heat exchange tank. A water pump may be disposed below the heat exchange tank, so as to pump a relatively cold underground water into the heat exchange tank. The underground water is used as the heat transfer medium for a cooling operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Han-Joong Kim
  • Patent number: 5299278
    Abstract: An electric forced circulation space heating system has a first heat exchanger provided with electric heating elements for heating a heat exchange fluid, such as antifreeze or oil, pumped through a closed loop including first flow passages of a second heat exchanger having second flow passages in heat exchange relationship with the first flow passages thereof. A blower forces room air through the second flow passages of the second heat exchanger to be heated by the heated liquid flowing through the first flow passages thereof. A third heat exchanger downstream of the second heat exchanger has first flow passages with an inlet receiving heated air from the second flow passes of the second heat exchanger and an outlet for discharge of the heated air into the space to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Heller
  • Patent number: 5273209
    Abstract: A heating unit and solid fuel feeder comprises a vertical furnace having a combustion chamber for burning solid fuel, a water jacket around the combustion chamber and an exhaust chamber at an upper outlet end of the combustion chamber. A plenum box is connected to the furnace and defines an interior space. Water circulation tubes extend from an upper end of the water jacket, through the plenum and into a water tank positioned on an opposite side of the plenum. Additional water tubes are connected between a lower end of the water tank and a lower end of the jacket. Water circulates as hot water rises in the jacket and falls in the water tank. A plurality of exhaust conduits which also extend in the plenum, are connected between the exhaust chamber and a smoke box. A stack is connected to the exhaust box. Air flowing or blown through the plenum picks up heat from the water pipes and exhaust conduit. Hot water from the tank may be used as an additional source of heat or to heat domestic hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventors: Charles E. MacArthur, Charles A. Malatesta
  • Patent number: 5097802
    Abstract: A high efficiency furnace having a substantially continuous wet heat exchanger wherein such continuous wet operation is provided by raising the dew point of the combustion products by submerged combustion before introduction into said head exchanger. That is, a water holding reservoir is provided between the burner and the heat exchanger, and condensate flows from the heat exchanger back into the reservoir. The combustion products are drawn through the water in the reservoir by providing a partition having a submerged lower portion, and providing a pressure differential between the chambers on the two sides of the partition. The submerged passageway from one chamber to the other may preferably be a serrated bottom edge on the partition or a plurality of apertures in the partition. The pressure differential may be provided by using a combustion blower or alternatively, using an induced draft blower preferably disposed at the flue end of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Clawson
  • Patent number: 5076494
    Abstract: An integrated system for both space and water heating. Heating is accomplished in a condensing heating module having a small hot water storage reservoir to reduce burner cycling during periods of low demand. The space heating system includes a fluid flow loop with a fluid circulating pump for circulating a heat transfer fluid in the loop from the heating module to a remote space heating heat exchanger. The heating module can also supply hot water for service use. The system may be configured either as an open loop system, in which the space heating and water heating subsystem are combined and share common lines, or a closed loop system, in which the space heating subsystem fluid flow loop is isolated from the water heating subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Chester D. Ripka
  • Patent number: 5074464
    Abstract: A combined air and water temperature conditioning system provides for the heating of potable water and for the heating and cooling of indoor room air in a compact arrangement of components. A domestic type gas water heater having a driven draft direct vent system accepts a modular air handler on its top. The air handler comprises a heating coil within a closed loop water system and a pump circulating hot water between the water heater and the air handler coil. A blower in the air handler passes room air across the heating coil to an air outlet from an air inlet. An insertable second coil connected to a heat pump or air conditioner is optionally provided for heating or cooling air being propelled between the air inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Mor-Flo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry J. Moore, Jr., Wouter J. Wiersma, John M. Fabrizio
  • Patent number: 5046478
    Abstract: A recuperative furnace system for space air and domestic hot water wherein a combustion product heat exchanger and a space air heat exchanger are each operated in counterflow manner. The dew point of the combustion products are elevated before entry into the combustion product heat exchanger and the water to be heated is introduced at the top at a temperature substantially below the natural dew point of the combustion products so that the fins of the heat exchanger are maintained in a substantially continuous wet state by enhanced condensation. The water thus heated is conveyed to a space air heat exchanger in counterflow to the space air so that the space air is heated to a relatively hot temperature (e.g. about 120.degree. F.) while still cooling the water to a low enough temperature (e.g. 90.degree. F.) so that the water can be looped back to the combustion product heat exchanger and still provide continuous wet operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Clawson
  • Patent number: 5036829
    Abstract: A heating which comprises a housing containing a water conduit, a fire compartment for heating the water in the water conduit, a heating chamber containing a plurality of heat emitting fin coil members disposed therein, a water storage tank disposed on the housing, and four turbo fans for blowing hot air around the plurality of heat emitting fin coil member and circulating the heated air into the room, whereby the heating apparatus produces hot air with a controlled humidity while at the same time reducing fire danger and pollution due to dust, smoke, and ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Chi G. Woo
  • Patent number: D1019459
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: Dayin Lu