US4437090A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for indicating creosote buildup in a chimney
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-12-31
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Granted: 1984-03-13
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Expires: 2000-12-31
Abstract
Abstract In order to provide an indication of the extent to which creosote has built up in a chimney, an accumulator on which creosote will also build up is held suspended in a chimney in a zone where a major creosote buildup is anticipated. The accumulator is so connected to a normally open switch in a signal circuit that its weight and that of a predetermined creosote deposit thereon will close the switch, a signal is then energized to warn that the chimney should be cleaned or at least inspected.
Inventors
- 👤 R. Edward Hanson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 11:26
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
Apparatus for indicating creosote in the flue of a chimney, said apparatus including an accumulator through which chimney flue gases will flow with creosote becoming deposited thereon when the accumulator is within the flow and the chimney in service, said accumulator of a cross sectional size and shape such that it may be a free fit within the flue without adversely affecting the draft therethrough, a normally open switch having an operating arm operable to effect the closing of the switch when a predetermined weight is applied to said arm, means to attach said switch to the upper end of the chimney, a suspending member connected to said arm and said accumulator when the switch is attached to said chimney, said connecting means then holding said accumulator centrally of the flue and in a position lengthwise thereof where a major buildup of creosote is anticipated, the weight of the accumulator and connecting means insufficient to effect the closing of said switch until creosote has built up on the surface of said accumulator to so increase said weight as to apply said weight, and a circuit including said switch and a warning signal operable when said circuit is closed by said switch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
201 words
Apparatus for indicating creosote in the flue of a chimney, said apparatus including an accumulator through which chimney flue gases will flow with creosote becoming deposited thereon when the accumulator is within the flow and the chimney in service, said accumulator of a cross sectional size and shape such that it may be a free fit within the flue without adversely affecting the draft therethrough, a normally open switch having an operating arm operable to effect the closing of the switch when a predetermined weight is applied to said arm, means to attach said switch to the upper end of the chimney, a suspending member connected to said arm and said accumulator when the switch is attached to said chimney, said connecting means then holding said accumulator centrally of the flue and in a position lengthwise thereof where a major buildup of creosote is anticipated, the weight of the accumulator and connecting means insufficient to effect the closing of said switch until creosote has built up on the surface of said accumulator to so increase said weight as to apply said weight, and a circuit including said switch and a warning signal operable when said circuit is closed by said switch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which the accumulator includes a series of plates, and means interconnecting said plates in a spaced apart relationship.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which the accumulator includes a series of plates, a rod extending through said plates, said plates connected to said rod in a vertically spaced apart relationship, said rod connected to said suspending member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3 in which the plates are provided with a plurality of holes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 4 in which the plates are discs.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 5 in which the discs are concavo-convex in shape, concave face uppermost.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 3 in which the rod is threaded and the plates are threaded thereon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 3 in which the suspending member is pivotally connected to the switch arm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 3 in which the suspending member includes a plurality of pivotally interconnected rods, each rod of the same length.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which the switch attaching means includes a bracket, one portion of the bracket disposable within the chimney and another portion then extending laterally thereof, and means operable to clamp said first named portion of the chimney wall.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 10 in which the clamping means is a turnbuckle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 11 in which one end of a turnbuckle threaded rod is anchored to the first named portion of the bracket.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US842554A
Cited
US2571378A
Cited
US2521471A
Cited
US2714937A
Cited
US2879708A
Cited
US4312225A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-03-13 | 1987-09-12 | 1988-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-03-13 | 1991-09-12 | 1992-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-03-13 | 1995-09-12 | 1996-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |