US20060102733A1 - Combustion air intake filter - Google Patents
Combustion air intake filter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060102733A1 US20060102733A1 US10/991,113 US99111304A US2006102733A1 US 20060102733 A1 US20060102733 A1 US 20060102733A1 US 99111304 A US99111304 A US 99111304A US 2006102733 A1 US2006102733 A1 US 2006102733A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- frame structure
- filter
- water heater
- connector
- receiver
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23D—BURNERS
- F23D14/00—Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid
- F23D14/46—Details, e.g. noise reduction means
- F23D14/68—Treating the combustion air or gas, e.g. by filtering, or moistening
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/18—Arrangement or mounting of grates or heating means
- F24H9/1809—Arrangement or mounting of grates or heating means for water heaters
- F24H9/1832—Arrangement or mounting of combustion heating means, e.g. grates or burners
- F24H9/1836—Arrangement or mounting of combustion heating means, e.g. grates or burners using fluid fuel
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
- F24H1/18—Water-storage heaters
- F24H1/20—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes
- F24H1/205—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes with furnace tubes
Definitions
- This invention relates to water heaters and burners used in conjunction with such water heaters.
- this invention relates to air intake filters for burners used in such water heaters.
- Water heater burner air intakes/flame traps are sometimes installed in locations that are difficult to clean or that cannot be cleaned without removing the water heater or disassembling the water heater burner apparatus.
- water heaters for building systems are often installed in “roughed-in” locations such as closets, utility rooms, attics or crawl spaces. These locations are often remote from environmental control systems. As such, they are prone to the build up of particulate matter and debris such as lint, dust, oil and other miscellaneous residue.
- This invention relates to a filter for the air intake of a water heater burner including a frame structure incorporating an expandable screen, a plurality of connectors and corresponding receivers positioned to engage the connectors to locate the frame structure at a selected position relative the exterior of a water heater.
- This invention further relates to a filter for the air intake of a water heater burner that can be retrofitted to an operational water heater.
- This invention also relates to an air intake filter for a water heater including a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.
- This invention further relates to an air intake filter for a water heater including a first frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver, and a second frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver, wherein the connector of the first frame structure is positioned to removably engage the receiver of the second frame structure to position the first and second frame structures at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.
- This invention still further relates to a system including a water heater and a filter including a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of the water heater.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic partial sectional view of a water heater in accordance with aspects of the invention which emphasizes certain features of the water heater and omits others for ease of understanding.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic partial sectional view of another water heater in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic partial sectional view of a water heater with an air filter secured to its bottom portion in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic partial sectional view of an air filter which illustrates the operation of various aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 5A is a schematic front elevational view of an air filter in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 5B is a schematic top plan view of the air filter in FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 5C is a schematic side view of portions of the air filter in FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 5D is a schematic top plan view of portions of the air filter in FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 5E is a schematic front view of an interior portion of the air filter in FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 5F is a schematic front view of an end portion of the air filter in FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 5G is a schematic side view of portions of the filter in FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 6 is a schematic partial sectional view of a water heater fitted with an air filter in accordance with aspects of the invention which emphasizes certain features of the water heater and omits others for ease of understanding.
- FIG. 1 A basic illustration of a water heater 10 includes a water tank/container 12 .
- the water heater tank 12 comprises several components that serve to receive cold water and store and dispense heated water, as well as other components that, while essential to the operation of the water heater, are not pertinent to the description of this invention.
- the water heater 10 includes a combustion chamber 14 that, in one preferred embodiment is located below the water tank 12 and is formed by the tank bottom 16 , skirt 18 and bottom pan 20 .
- the bottom pan 20 sits on legs 22 .
- a burner 24 is positioned in the combustion chamber 14 .
- the burner 24 is also positioned to receive fuel from a fuel supply line 28 , which connects to a gas valve 30 .
- the burner 24 is positioned within the combustion chamber 14 and above an opening 34 in the bottom pan 20 .
- the opening 34 is preferably covered with an air inlet/flame arrestor such as an air inlet/flame arrestor 36 of the type as disclosed in any of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,797,355, 6,142,106 and 6,085,699, for example.
- Combustion air enters the combustion chamber 14 via the opening 34 and the flame arrestor 36 (when present).
- the fuel supply line 28 connects to and extends through a door 40 such that the end of the fuel supply line 28 is proximate an end of a venturi 46 .
- venturi 46 a venturi 46
- other fuel/air supply methods may be utilized such as, for example, tubes, pipes, pathways, conduits and other structures capable of channeling fuel and air to the burner 24 .
- the burner 24 may be connected directly to the door 40 by a pair of connectors and held above the bottom pan 20 by a support. Alternative means of securing burner 24 within combustion chamber 14 may be used.
- this structure offers several advantages such as flame safety protection and some protection from dust or particulate matter.
- the dust and/or particulate matter protection provided by this structure may be limited. Particulate matter, including dust, rodents and insects may build up on the lower surface of the air intake screen/arrestor or in the area between the bottom pan 20 and a water heater mounting surface 26 which may lead to performance degradation.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a water heater substantially similar to the water heater of FIG. 1 except that it employs a different burner and, accordingly, different apparatus through which to receive fuel and air. Most of the other components of the water heater are the same.
- Water heater 10 of FIG. 2 also employs a fuel line 28 that extends into combustion chamber 14 and connects to burner 24 . An opening 34 receives combustion air for mixture with fuel from fuel line 28 .
- FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an air filter 60 in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an air filter 60 associated with the water heaters 10 as described in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to various aspects of the invention.
- the air filter 60 includes a frame structure 62 incorporating a screen 64 .
- the frame structure 62 and the screen 64 are vertically expandable and constructed of plastic.
- the screen 64 is integrated into the frame structure 62 as a contiguous plastic component.
- the frame structure 62 and the screen 64 may be constructed of the different materials including, but not limited to, any of metal, plastic, a composite material or the like.
- the air filter 60 may be attached to the water heater 10 to substantially enclose the space bounded by the bottom pan 20 and the water heater mounting surface.
- the frame structure 62 and the screen 64 may be expandable to fully enclose the space underneath the bottom pan 20 .
- frame structure 62 and the screen 64 can adjust to match the height of the legs 22 and thus, enclose the area underneath the bottom pan 20 .
- the preferred embodiment has a height dimension of about 25 ⁇ 8 inches to accommodate standard height legs 22 .
- the air filter 60 is further adjustable to fit around or at the circumference of the bottom pan 20 .
- the air filter 60 may be fitted to any of the various size water heaters 10 that are currently available or may at some point be available in the future including, for example, water heaters made to metric rather than standard specifications.
- the preferred embodiment fits to 18 and 24′′ diameter water heaters currently available.
- FIG. 4 illustrates one aspect of an adjustable connection mechanism of the air filter 60 .
- the adjustable connection mechanism allows the air filter 60 to be secured at or around an exterior circumferential lower portion of water heater 10 .
- the air filter 60 comprises a contiguous frame structure 62 incorporating the screen 64 , connectors 66 and receivers 68 .
- the receivers 68 are positioned to receive the connectors 66 .
- the connectors 66 are located proximal to an end portion of the frame structure 62
- the receivers 68 are located at the end portion of the frame structure distal from the end portion proximal to the connectors 66 .
- the frame structure 62 being adjustable to fit various size water heaters 10 , includes additional receivers 68 , distal from the receivers 68 proximal to the one end portion of the frame structure 62 , that are also positioned to receive the connectors 66 . This provides for the preferred fit to both 18 and 24′′ diameter water heaters.
- the connectors 66 are connection posts and the receivers 68 are receiving holes/openings.
- the connection posts 66 may comprise extensions from the interior of the frame structure 62 , each of which include a elongated portion 70 and a head portion 72 .
- the elongated portion 70 of each connection post 66 passes through a corresponding receiving opening 68 while the head portion 72 removably engages the connection post 66 to the receiving opening 68 (and the interior of the frame structure 62 ).
- the frame structure 62 incorporates pairs of corresponding connection posts 66 and receiving openings 68 to achieve each connection, for a combination of frame structural rigidity and ease of attachment/release.
- any number of connectors 66 and receivers 68 may be combined to connect the frame structure 62 .
- frame structure 62 described herein incorporates connectors 66 that may be removably engaged with various receivers 68
- the frame structure 62 may be secured to the exterior of a water heater 10 by a variety of different methods. As such, the invention should not be construed to be limited to the connection methods described herein.
- the frame structure 62 further includes a tab 74 .
- the tab 74 is operable to assist in the removal of the connectors 66 from engagement with the receivers 68 .
- the tab 74 is located at the end portion of the frame structure 62 distal from the connection posts 66 .
- the tab 74 will be adjacent to the removable connection.
- the pair of connection posts 66 may be disengaged from the corresponding receiving openings 68 by pushing the head portions 72 of the pair of connection posts 66 toward each other while the tab 74 is depressed.
- the air filter 60 includes a first frame structure and a second frame structure, each with the features described for the frame structure 62 above, wherein the connectors 66 of the first frame structure are positioned to be removably engaged with the receivers 68 of the second frame structure and the connectors 66 of the second frame structure are positioned to be removably engaged with the receivers 68 of the first frame structure.
- the first and second frame structures may be the same length or different lengths in order to removably attach to circumferential portions of water heaters 10 of various sizes. As such, the circumference of the air filter 10 will be limited only by the number of receivers 68 incorporated on the frame structures.
- FIGS. 5A-5G illustrate various schematic views of the air filter 60 in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative environment for the implementation of the invention wherein the water heater 10 comprises a burner 24 that is open to the combustion chamber 14 and receives combustion air through the flame arrestor 36 , which is located at the opening 34 .
- the fuel is supplied to the burner 24 through the fuel supply line 28 , which connects to the gas valve 30 .
- the opening 34 is closed tightly by the flame arrestor 36 which admits air for combustion of the fuel gas combusted through the burner 24 , regardless of the relative proportions of primary and secondary air used by the burner 24 .
- the opening 34 may be air/gas sealed by a door, except for the intake of the flame arrestor 36 .
- the combustion chamber 14 is sealed air/gas tight except for means to supply combustion air through the flame arrestor 36 and exhaust combustion products though an exhaust flue.
- the flame arrestor 36 is preferably made from a thin metallic perforated sheet of stainless steel, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,699, for example.
- the air filter 60 is secured around or at the bottom portion of the water heater 10 to enclose the space between the bottom portion of the water heater 10 and the water heater mounting surface 26 .
- Utilization of the air filter 60 in any of the above-described configurations may reduce the amount of particulate matter entering the air intake of a water heater burner for both new and previously operated water heaters in typical operating environments while increasing the surface area of the air intake in most instances.
- connectors 66 and receivers 68 are connectors 66 and receivers 68 .
- Alternate structures may be used. Such structures include, but are not limited to, straps, Velcro, snaps, buttons, hooks and the like.
- the connectors and receivers referred to in the claims encompass such structures, similar structures and equivalents thereof.
Abstract
An air intake filter for a water heater including a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.
Description
- This invention relates to water heaters and burners used in conjunction with such water heaters. In particular, this invention relates to air intake filters for burners used in such water heaters.
- Water heater burner air intakes/flame traps are sometimes installed in locations that are difficult to clean or that cannot be cleaned without removing the water heater or disassembling the water heater burner apparatus. For example, water heaters for building systems are often installed in “roughed-in” locations such as closets, utility rooms, attics or crawl spaces. These locations are often remote from environmental control systems. As such, they are prone to the build up of particulate matter and debris such as lint, dust, oil and other miscellaneous residue.
- Like any combustion device, the efficiency of a water heater burner is at least partially determined by the quality of its air supply. Therefore, the build up of particulate matter around the air intake can lead to performance degradation. Unfortunately, due to cost, packaging and/or other reasons, many water heaters include burner apparatuses that are constructed with no more than adequate air intake filtration for the typical operating environment.
- This invention relates to a filter for the air intake of a water heater burner including a frame structure incorporating an expandable screen, a plurality of connectors and corresponding receivers positioned to engage the connectors to locate the frame structure at a selected position relative the exterior of a water heater. This invention further relates to a filter for the air intake of a water heater burner that can be retrofitted to an operational water heater.
- This invention also relates to an air intake filter for a water heater including a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.
- This invention further relates to an air intake filter for a water heater including a first frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver, and a second frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver, wherein the connector of the first frame structure is positioned to removably engage the receiver of the second frame structure to position the first and second frame structures at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.
- This invention still further relates to a system including a water heater and a filter including a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of the water heater.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic partial sectional view of a water heater in accordance with aspects of the invention which emphasizes certain features of the water heater and omits others for ease of understanding. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic partial sectional view of another water heater in accordance with aspects of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic partial sectional view of a water heater with an air filter secured to its bottom portion in accordance with aspects of the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic partial sectional view of an air filter which illustrates the operation of various aspects of the invention. -
FIG. 5A is a schematic front elevational view of an air filter in accordance with aspects of the invention. -
FIG. 5B is a schematic top plan view of the air filter inFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 5C is a schematic side view of portions of the air filter inFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 5D is a schematic top plan view of portions of the air filter inFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 5E is a schematic front view of an interior portion of the air filter inFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 5F is a schematic front view of an end portion of the air filter inFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 5G is a schematic side view of portions of the filter inFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 6 is a schematic partial sectional view of a water heater fitted with an air filter in accordance with aspects of the invention which emphasizes certain features of the water heater and omits others for ease of understanding. - It will be appreciated that the following description is intended to refer to specific embodiments of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings and is not intended to define or limit the invention, other than in the appended claims.
- Turning now to the drawings generally and
FIG. 1 , in particular, an environment for the implementation of one aspect of the invention is shown. A basic illustration of awater heater 10 includes a water tank/container 12. One skilled in the art will appreciate that thewater heater tank 12 comprises several components that serve to receive cold water and store and dispense heated water, as well as other components that, while essential to the operation of the water heater, are not pertinent to the description of this invention. Thewater heater 10 includes acombustion chamber 14 that, in one preferred embodiment is located below thewater tank 12 and is formed by thetank bottom 16,skirt 18 andbottom pan 20. Thebottom pan 20 sits onlegs 22. - A
burner 24 is positioned in thecombustion chamber 14. Theburner 24 is also positioned to receive fuel from afuel supply line 28, which connects to agas valve 30. - The
burner 24 is positioned within thecombustion chamber 14 and above anopening 34 in thebottom pan 20. The opening 34 is preferably covered with an air inlet/flame arrestor such as an air inlet/flame arrestor 36 of the type as disclosed in any of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,797,355, 6,142,106 and 6,085,699, for example. Combustion air enters thecombustion chamber 14 via theopening 34 and the flame arrestor 36 (when present). Thefuel supply line 28 connects to and extends through adoor 40 such that the end of thefuel supply line 28 is proximate an end of aventuri 46. AlthoughFIG. 1 shows aventuri 46, one skilled in the art will recognize that other fuel/air supply methods may be utilized such as, for example, tubes, pipes, pathways, conduits and other structures capable of channeling fuel and air to theburner 24. Theburner 24 may be connected directly to thedoor 40 by a pair of connectors and held above thebottom pan 20 by a support. Alternative means of securingburner 24 withincombustion chamber 14 may be used. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , if theventuri 46 is encapsulated within thecombustion chamber 14, it will draw all the air it needs to sustain complete combustion entirely throughopening 34 located on thebottom pan 20. Typically, this structure offers several advantages such as flame safety protection and some protection from dust or particulate matter. However, for some environments in which water heaters may operate, the dust and/or particulate matter protection provided by this structure may be limited. Particulate matter, including dust, rodents and insects may build up on the lower surface of the air intake screen/arrestor or in the area between thebottom pan 20 and a waterheater mounting surface 26 which may lead to performance degradation. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a water heater substantially similar to the water heater ofFIG. 1 except that it employs a different burner and, accordingly, different apparatus through which to receive fuel and air. Most of the other components of the water heater are the same.Water heater 10 ofFIG. 2 also employs afuel line 28 that extends intocombustion chamber 14 and connects toburner 24. Anopening 34 receives combustion air for mixture with fuel fromfuel line 28. - All of
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate anair filter 60 in accordance with aspects of the invention.FIG. 3 illustrates anair filter 60 associated with thewater heaters 10 as described inFIGS. 1 and 2 according to various aspects of the invention. In one embodiment as shown in particular inFIG. 3 , theair filter 60 includes aframe structure 62 incorporating ascreen 64. In a preferred embodiment, theframe structure 62 and thescreen 64 are vertically expandable and constructed of plastic. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thescreen 64 is integrated into theframe structure 62 as a contiguous plastic component. Alternatively, theframe structure 62 and thescreen 64 may be constructed of the different materials including, but not limited to, any of metal, plastic, a composite material or the like. - The
air filter 60 may be attached to thewater heater 10 to substantially enclose the space bounded by thebottom pan 20 and the water heater mounting surface. In one embodiment, theframe structure 62 and thescreen 64 may be expandable to fully enclose the space underneath thebottom pan 20. For example, if thelegs 22 are adjustable in height,frame structure 62 and thescreen 64 can adjust to match the height of thelegs 22 and thus, enclose the area underneath thebottom pan 20. It should be noted that by enclosing the space between thebottom pan 20 and a waterheater mounting surface 26, theair filter 60 effectively increases the surface area of theair intake 34. The preferred embodiment has a height dimension of about 2⅝ inches to accommodatestandard height legs 22. - The
air filter 60 is further adjustable to fit around or at the circumference of thebottom pan 20. As such, theair filter 60 may be fitted to any of the varioussize water heaters 10 that are currently available or may at some point be available in the future including, for example, water heaters made to metric rather than standard specifications. The preferred embodiment fits to 18 and 24″ diameter water heaters currently available. -
FIG. 4 illustrates one aspect of an adjustable connection mechanism of theair filter 60. The adjustable connection mechanism allows theair filter 60 to be secured at or around an exterior circumferential lower portion ofwater heater 10. Theair filter 60 comprises acontiguous frame structure 62 incorporating thescreen 64,connectors 66 andreceivers 68. Thereceivers 68 are positioned to receive theconnectors 66. In one embodiment, theconnectors 66 are located proximal to an end portion of theframe structure 62, and thereceivers 68 are located at the end portion of the frame structure distal from the end portion proximal to theconnectors 66. In a preferred embodiment, theframe structure 62, being adjustable to fit varioussize water heaters 10, includesadditional receivers 68, distal from thereceivers 68 proximal to the one end portion of theframe structure 62, that are also positioned to receive theconnectors 66. This provides for the preferred fit to both 18 and 24″ diameter water heaters. - In one embodiment, the
connectors 66 are connection posts and thereceivers 68 are receiving holes/openings. For example, the connection posts 66 may comprise extensions from the interior of theframe structure 62, each of which include aelongated portion 70 and ahead portion 72. Theelongated portion 70 of each connection post 66 passes through a corresponding receivingopening 68 while thehead portion 72 removably engages theconnection post 66 to the receiving opening 68 (and the interior of the frame structure 62). In a preferred embodiment, theframe structure 62 incorporates pairs of corresponding connection posts 66 and receivingopenings 68 to achieve each connection, for a combination of frame structural rigidity and ease of attachment/release. However, any number ofconnectors 66 andreceivers 68 may be combined to connect theframe structure 62. - While the
frame structure 62 described herein incorporatesconnectors 66 that may be removably engaged withvarious receivers 68, one skilled in the art will note that theframe structure 62 may be secured to the exterior of awater heater 10 by a variety of different methods. As such, the invention should not be construed to be limited to the connection methods described herein. - In another aspect, the
frame structure 62 further includes atab 74. Thetab 74 is operable to assist in the removal of theconnectors 66 from engagement with thereceivers 68. For example, in one embodiment incorporating pairs of corresponding connection posts 66 and receivingopenings 68 for eachframe structure 62 connection, thetab 74 is located at the end portion of theframe structure 62 distal from the connection posts 66. As such, when the corresponding connection posts 66 and receivingopenings 68 are engaged, thetab 74 will be adjacent to the removable connection. In operation, the pair of connection posts 66 may be disengaged from the corresponding receivingopenings 68 by pushing thehead portions 72 of the pair of connection posts 66 toward each other while thetab 74 is depressed. - In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
air filter 60 includes a first frame structure and a second frame structure, each with the features described for theframe structure 62 above, wherein theconnectors 66 of the first frame structure are positioned to be removably engaged with thereceivers 68 of the second frame structure and theconnectors 66 of the second frame structure are positioned to be removably engaged with thereceivers 68 of the first frame structure. The first and second frame structures may be the same length or different lengths in order to removably attach to circumferential portions ofwater heaters 10 of various sizes. As such, the circumference of theair filter 10 will be limited only by the number ofreceivers 68 incorporated on the frame structures. - The embodiments shown in
FIGS. 5A-5G illustrate various schematic views of theair filter 60 in accordance with aspects of the invention. -
FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative environment for the implementation of the invention wherein thewater heater 10 comprises aburner 24 that is open to thecombustion chamber 14 and receives combustion air through theflame arrestor 36, which is located at theopening 34. The fuel is supplied to theburner 24 through thefuel supply line 28, which connects to thegas valve 30. Theopening 34 is closed tightly by theflame arrestor 36 which admits air for combustion of the fuel gas combusted through theburner 24, regardless of the relative proportions of primary and secondary air used by theburner 24. For example, theopening 34 may be air/gas sealed by a door, except for the intake of theflame arrestor 36. In another embodiment, thecombustion chamber 14 is sealed air/gas tight except for means to supply combustion air through theflame arrestor 36 and exhaust combustion products though an exhaust flue. Theflame arrestor 36 is preferably made from a thin metallic perforated sheet of stainless steel, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,699, for example. - However, similar to as described above, in the operating environment illustrated in
FIG. 6 , the accumulation of particulate matter on the lower surface of the air inlet screen/arrestor or in the area between thebottom pan 20 and a waterheater mounting surface 26 could lead to performance degradation. As such, theair filter 60 is secured around or at the bottom portion of thewater heater 10 to enclose the space between the bottom portion of thewater heater 10 and the waterheater mounting surface 26. - Utilization of the
air filter 60 in any of the above-described configurations may reduce the amount of particulate matter entering the air intake of a water heater burner for both new and previously operated water heaters in typical operating environments while increasing the surface area of the air intake in most instances. - Although this invention has been described in connection with specific forms thereof, it will be appreciated that a wide variety of equivalents may be substituted for the specified elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention as described in the appended claims. For example, the above description refers to
connectors 66 andreceivers 68. Alternate structures may be used. Such structures include, but are not limited to, straps, Velcro, snaps, buttons, hooks and the like. Thus, the connectors and receivers referred to in the claims encompass such structures, similar structures and equivalents thereof.
Claims (26)
1. An air intake filter for a water heater comprising:
a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.
2. The filter of claim 1 , wherein the frame structure includes a plurality of receivers and connectors, the plurality of receivers positioned to removably engage the connectors.
3. The filter of claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a connection post.
4. The filter of claim 1 , wherein the receiver comprises a receiving opening.
5. The filter of claim 1 , further comprising a tab, the tab operable to release the connector from engagement with the receiver.
6. The filter of claim 5 , wherein the connector is positioned proximal to one end portion of the frame structure and the tab is positioned proximal to an end portion of the frame structure distal from the connector.
7. The filter of claim 1 , wherein the frame structure is sited and shaped to enclose a space formed between a bottom portion of the water heater and a surface on which the water heater is located.
8. The filter of claim 7 , wherein the water heater is mounted on legs.
9. The filter of claim 1 , wherein the frame structure is vertically expandable.
10. The filter of claim 1 , wherein the frame structure is a metallic material.
11. The filter of claim 1 , wherein the frame structure is plastic.
12. An air intake filter for a water heater comprising:
a first frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver; and
a second frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver;
wherein the connector of the first frame structure is positioned to removably engage the receiver of the second frame structure to position the first and second frame structures at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.
13. The filter of claim 12 , wherein the connector of the second frame structure is positioned to removably engage the receiver of the first frame structure to secure the first and second frame structures.
14. The filter of claim 12 , wherein the first frame structure includes a tab, the tab operable to release the connector of the second frame structure from the receiver of the first frame structure.
15. The filter of claim 14 , wherein the connector of the first frame structure is positioned proximal to one end portion of the first frame structure and the tab is positioned at the end portion of the first frame structure distal from the connector.
16. The filter of claim 12 , wherein the second frame structure includes a tab, the tab operable to release the connector of the first frame structure from engaging the receiver of the second frame structure.
17. The filter of claim 16 , wherein the connector of the second frame structure is positioned proximal to one end portion of the second frame structure and the tab is positioned at the end portion of the second frame structure distal from the connector.
18. The filter of claim 12 , wherein the first and second frame structures are sited and shaped to enclose a space formed between a bottom portion of the water heater and a surface on which the water heater is mounted.
19. The filter of claim 18 , wherein the water heater is mounted on legs.
20. The filter of claim 12 , wherein the first and second frame structures are vertically expandable.
21. The filter of claim 12 , wherein the first and second frame structures are metallic.
22. The filter of claim 12 , wherein the first and second frame structures are plastic.
23. A system comprising:
a water heater; and
a filter comprising a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of said water heater.
24. The system of claim 23 , wherein the water heater includes an air intake positioned at a bottom portion of said water heater.
25. The system of claim 23 , wherein the frame structure is sited and shaped to enclose a space formed between a bottom portion of the water heater and a surface on which the water heater is located.
26. The system of claim 23 , wherein the frame structure is vertically expandable.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/991,113 US20060102733A1 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2004-11-17 | Combustion air intake filter |
CA002525701A CA2525701A1 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2005-11-07 | Combustion air intake filter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/991,113 US20060102733A1 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2004-11-17 | Combustion air intake filter |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060102733A1 true US20060102733A1 (en) | 2006-05-18 |
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ID=36385220
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/991,113 Abandoned US20060102733A1 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2004-11-17 | Combustion air intake filter |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060102733A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2525701A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090269712A1 (en) * | 2008-04-25 | 2009-10-29 | O'donnell Michael J | Burner |
US20120192813A1 (en) * | 2011-01-28 | 2012-08-02 | Aerco International, Inc. | Water heating system |
EP4108986A1 (en) * | 2021-06-23 | 2022-12-28 | Vaillant GmbH | Heater, method for its operation and use of a particle separator |
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-
2004
- 2004-11-17 US US10/991,113 patent/US20060102733A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2005
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US3623614A (en) * | 1968-12-11 | 1971-11-30 | Industrial Filter Pump Mfg Co | Filter leaf core |
US3767894A (en) * | 1972-09-18 | 1973-10-23 | Carrier Corp | Combination electric water heater and electric space heater |
US4371111A (en) * | 1980-06-24 | 1983-02-01 | Pernosky Richard J | Home heating system employing water heater as heating source |
US4401261A (en) * | 1980-10-23 | 1983-08-30 | Brown Leeroy W | Flue gas heat recovery apparatus |
US4479605A (en) * | 1981-04-23 | 1984-10-30 | Patrick Shive | Heating system |
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US4823770A (en) * | 1987-08-03 | 1989-04-25 | Logical Heating Systems, Inc. | Combination hydronic space heater and tankless hot water heater |
US5064089A (en) * | 1990-03-08 | 1991-11-12 | Salco Products Inc. | Vented hatch cover |
US5087276A (en) * | 1991-01-15 | 1992-02-11 | Rolox Ltd. | Method and apparatus for user sizable furnace filter and holder |
USRE35236E (en) * | 1992-03-05 | 1996-05-14 | Air Kontrol, Inc. | Adjustable air filter |
US5445214A (en) * | 1992-05-07 | 1995-08-29 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cooling/heating air conditioner and control circuit thereof |
US6725811B1 (en) * | 1993-08-27 | 2004-04-27 | American Water Heater Company | Water heater with low NOx fiber matrix burner |
US6085699A (en) * | 1995-04-04 | 2000-07-11 | Srp 687 Pty Ltd. | Air inlets for water heaters |
US5797355A (en) * | 1995-04-04 | 1998-08-25 | Srp 687 Pty Ltd | Ignition inhibiting gas water heater |
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US6182453B1 (en) * | 1996-04-08 | 2001-02-06 | Worldwide Water, Inc. | Portable, potable water recovery and dispensing apparatus |
US5772713A (en) * | 1996-05-30 | 1998-06-30 | Salinas; Irma C. | Adjustable filter assembly |
US5846302A (en) * | 1997-04-24 | 1998-12-08 | Aqua-Air Technologies, Inc. | Electrostatic air filter device |
US6142106A (en) * | 1998-08-21 | 2000-11-07 | Srp 687 Pty Ltd. | Air inlets for combustion chamber of water heater |
US6866695B2 (en) * | 1999-07-07 | 2005-03-15 | The Holmes Group, Inc. | Filter assembly for air purifier |
US6230665B1 (en) * | 1999-07-22 | 2001-05-15 | Aos Holding Company | Flammable vapor resistant water heater |
US6338319B1 (en) * | 1999-11-12 | 2002-01-15 | Water Heater Industry Joint Research & Development | Water heater with flammable vapor flame arrestor and method of operation |
US6309209B1 (en) * | 2000-03-20 | 2001-10-30 | Jeffrey Cacace | Flash suppressor for hot water heater |
US6957628B2 (en) * | 2001-03-08 | 2005-10-25 | The Water Heater Industry Joint Research And Development Consortium | Fuel-fired heating appliance with temperature-based fuel shutoff system |
US6964248B2 (en) * | 2001-03-08 | 2005-11-15 | The Water Heater Industry Joint Research And Development Consortium | Fuel-fired heating appliance with temperature-based fuel shutoff system |
US6786054B2 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2004-09-07 | Integrated Biosystems, Inc. | Systems and methods for freezing, storing and thawing biopharmaceutical material |
US6418884B1 (en) * | 2001-10-15 | 2002-07-16 | Rheem Manufacturing Company | Fuel-fired heating appliance having flame arrestor plate with associated scale deflector shield |
US6764533B2 (en) * | 2001-10-30 | 2004-07-20 | Joseph A. Liobiondo, Sr. | Electronic air filter assembly |
US6578531B1 (en) * | 2002-03-21 | 2003-06-17 | Jeffrey Cacace | Gas appliance with flash suppressor |
US6698385B1 (en) * | 2003-01-29 | 2004-03-02 | Giant Factories Inc. | Combustion chamber shield for hot water heaters |
US6901886B2 (en) * | 2003-11-04 | 2005-06-07 | Claude Lesage | Secondary burner for sealed combustion chamber of a gas-fired hot water heater |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090269712A1 (en) * | 2008-04-25 | 2009-10-29 | O'donnell Michael J | Burner |
US20120192813A1 (en) * | 2011-01-28 | 2012-08-02 | Aerco International, Inc. | Water heating system |
US9243848B2 (en) * | 2011-01-28 | 2016-01-26 | Aerco International, Inc. | Water heating system |
EP4108986A1 (en) * | 2021-06-23 | 2022-12-28 | Vaillant GmbH | Heater, method for its operation and use of a particle separator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2525701A1 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AMERICAN WATER HEATER COMPANY, GEORGIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:YORK, JAMES;LYONS, JEFF L.;SHELLENBERGER, THIMOTHY J.;REEL/FRAME:015439/0626 Effective date: 20041130 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |