Gas water heater damper/baffle
OwnerWerner K. Schimmeyerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus for improving the efficiency of a water heater includes a combination damper assembly and heat transfer baffle. The damper assembly includes a plurality of movable damper with each damper leaning outwardly from one another when the dampers are in a closed position. The baffle depends from the damper assembly and includes a truncated conical shape in this position within the flue of a water heater for directing combustion gases from the burner against a flue wall.
Claims14
Apparatus for improving the efficiency of a water heater having a tank, a burner, and a flue being disposed within said tank for evacuation of burned combustion gases therethrough with resulting heating of water in said tank, said apparatus comprising:
- a base;
- and
- a damper assembly, extending from the base and limiting flow of ambient air from the flue, the damper assembly including:
- a plurality of movable dampers, each damper leaning outwardly from one another when the dampers are in a closed position;
- and a frame for supporting the dampers and enabling pivoting of the dampers from the closed position preventing ambient air flow therepast to an open position allowing passage of exhaust gases therepast, said dampers being disposed generally parallel to exhaust gas flow in said open position;
- and
- an enhancing heat transfer baffle, depending from said base, the baffle having a truncated conical shape and positioned within the flue and directing combustion gases from the burner against a flue wall.
Apparatus for improving the efficiency of a water heater having a tank, a burner, and a flue being disposed within said tank for evacuation of burned combustion gases therethrough with resulting heating of water in said tank, said apparatus comprising:
- a base;
- and
- a damper assembly, extending from the base and limiting flow of ambient air from the flue, the damper assembly including:
- a plurality of movable dampers, each damper leaning outwardly from one another when the dampers are in a closed position;
- and a frame for supporting the dampers and enabling pivoting of the dampers from the closed position preventing ambient air flow therepast to an open position allowing passage of exhaust gases therepast, said dampers being disposed generally parallel to exhaust gas flow in said open position, said frame comprising a lower cylindrical portion fitting a water heater flue and an upper cylindrical portion with angulated sidewalls for supporting the dampers in the closed position, the upper and lower cylindrical portions being formed from a thermal ceramic.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.