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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Fireplace heat extractor

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5308466
Disclosed is a forced-air heat extractor for use in a conventional fireplace. The heat extractor includes a plenum through which air is circulated by means of a blower which is positioned in an inlet duct connected to the plenum and located in the fireplace. The plenum is provided with a temperature responsive relief closure in its top wall which opens to permit the free flow of heated air upward toward the fireplace's flue in the event the temperature in the plenum exceeds a predetermined value, as might occur in the event of an interruption in the flow of forced air through the plenum, thus protecting the blower motor and associated circuitry from excessive temperatures. A bottom bar having an air inlet to which is coupled the inlet duct is positioned on the forward, lower portion of the fireplace. Upon this bottom bar a firescreen may be conveniently positioned. An outlet duct similarly couples heated air in the plenum to an air outlet in the bottom bar. Air flow control means positioned in the outlet duct is controlled by the blower-initiated air flow to permit air heated in the plenum to be transmitted through the outlet duct while preventing room air from being vented through the temperature-responsive releif closure when air is not forced through the heat extractor. Also provided is a grate having a rear trough and an inclined forward support which directs the combustible material such as roll logs placed thereon under gravity downwardly and rearwardly toward the rear trough where combustion occurs at a desired spacing from the plenum's front wall.
Assignee:
Thomas Industries Inc.
Patent Number(s):
US 4404955
OSTI ID:
5308466
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English