Christine N Hudson

US Patent:

6584940, Jul 1, 2003

Filed:

Jan 9, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/042984

Inventors:

Prasad S. Khadkikar - Seville OH
Richard L. Gerich - Mansfield OH
Christine M. Hudson - Hudson OH
Jeffrey A. West - Bellville OH
Derek J. Rose - Mansfield OH
Douglas J. Kempf - Mansfield OH
Douglas E. Prather - Jackson MI
Richard E. Welch - Lexington OH

Assignee:

Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated - Mansfield OH

International Classification:

F24H 140

US Classification:

122 181, 122 1831, 122 442, 1221552

Abstract:

An improved flue pipe construction particularly adapted for a fuel fired water heater is disclosed which serves to reduce or minimize heat loss when the water heater is in a standby mode. The flue pipe construction comprises inner and outer concentric flue pipes which define an air space therebetween and one or more valve arrangements associated therewith to selectively restrict air flow through such air space. The valve arrangements include a thermally responsive actuator operative to open and close the valve member in response to heat generated by firing of the burner assembly without the need for any external power supply or interlocks.

US Patent:

6673257, Jan 6, 2004

Filed:

Sep 12, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/659981

Inventors:

Christine M. Hudson - Hudson OH

Assignee:

Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated - Mansfield OH

International Classification:

C04B 3500

US Classification:

252 623Q, 25218311, 252510, 252511, 2525193, 549249, 552208, 552261, 556 42, 556 45, 556 57, 560 76

Abstract:

A thermal cutoff member and compositions used to manufacture such members are described herein as including at least two organic compounds which, when sufficiently combined, give rise to a component which has a lower melt transition temperature than the initial organic compounds prior to combining the same. The thermal cutoff member is generally utilized in a thermal cutoff construction having an electrical switching unit that changes its operating condition when the member therein melts by being heated to a certain temperature for the particular material that forms the member being utilized.