Furnace apparatus and process for control thereof

Claim 1

In a process for controlling the heat losses in a heating system, the steps comprising monitoring the temperature within a given area with a temperature responsive element, communicating to a check valve within an exhaust stack below demanded temperature conditions to effect opening of such check valve to a position preliminary to operating a burner switch energizing a burner within a furnace to develop temperature to a preferred level, thereafter maintaining the burning until the temperature reaches a preferred value and is sensed by said temperature responsive element to effect an unswitching action which terminates burner operation, and then communicating to a check valve motor through a time delay device, said check valve including two oppositely acting position responsive switch means, each operatively associated with said check valve to effect closing of said valve after a predetermined time to a closed position and wherein said valve is closed to define a switch action which actuates a control system wherein said check valve remains closed and will maintain such position to conserve heat within said furnace following sensing by the temperature responsive element of the preferred temperature.

Claim 7

An apparatus for conserving heat comprising a heating chamber with direct combustion operation, a stack, and an automatic check valve disposed within said stack and adapted to move between open position providing passage of gaseous material through said stack and closed position wherein gases are prevented from passing through said stack to conserve heat within said heating chamber, thermostat control means having an operative connection with said stack check valve to effect opening thereof at a critical temperature prior to commencement of heating operation, at least two oppositely acting position responsive switch means each operable by the positioning of said check valve and adapted to control both the heating element for said heating chamber and for actuating the control circuit controlling said stack check valve means operatively responsive to said heat responsive element at the upper limit of temperature adapted to de-energize said heating means, and adjustable clock means for commencing a predetermined adjustable time interval following termination of heating and fixing the time interval before which said check valve is reclosed.

Claim 8

An apparatus for conserving heat comprising a heating chamber with direct combustion operation, a stack, and an automatic check valve disposed within said stack and adapted to move between open position providing passage of gaseous material through said stack and closed position wherein gases are prevented from passing through said stack to conserve heat within said heating chamber, thermostat control means having an operative connection with said stack check valve to effect opening thereof at a critical temperature prior to commencement of heating operation, at least two oppositely acting position responsive switch means each operable by the positioning of said check valve and adapted to control both the heating element for said heating chamber and for actuating the control circuit controlling said stack check valve means operatively responsive to said heat responsive element at the upper limit of temperature adapted to de-energize said heating means, and adjustable clock means for commencing a predetermined adjustable time interval following termination of heating and fixing the time interval before which said check valve is reclosed.