Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HEAT TRANSFER CONTROLLER
Technical Field
The present invention relates, generally, to heating systems, and in
particular to an
improved heat transfer controller for providing control of the heat
distribution from such
heating systems.
Background of the Invention
Various heating systems, including fireplaces and furnaces for home
installations,
have been made available to consumers in recent years with improved venting
systems.
Despite improvements to the ventilation systems, such heating systems are
limited in the
ability to control the heat transfer and distribution from the heating system
to the area to be
heated. Further, such heating systems have limited ability, if any, to control
the surface
temperature of the heating systems.
For example, while current heating systems have frequently utilized venting
techniques to separate the combustion air from the room air, such as direct
air venting
systems, very little has been done to improve heat transfer and distribution.
Some heating
systems, such as fireplaces, have utilized a screen in an attempt to control
the heat transfer
and distribution, as well as surface temperature. Other heating systems have
attempted to
include a horizontal deflector of a fixed width and length across the surface
of the heating
system, just above the area that heat is distributed.
Unfortunately, other than providing some shielding of the heating system fiom
the
heat being generated, these screening and horizontal deflector configurations
inadequately
control the heat transfer and distribution within the heating area of the
room, and provide
minimal to no control of the surface temperature of the heating system.
Instead, for
example, the horizontal deflector configuration tends to collect heat, as
opposed to
transferring the heat from the heating system, and/or tends to force the heat
around the sides
of the deflector.
Summarv of the Invention
In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a heat transfer
controller
is configured to control the heat distribution and transfer for a heating
system. In
accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary heating system comprises
an air
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CA 02496647 2006-11-15
intake, an exhaust mechanism, and a heat transfer controller. The heating
system can
comprise various types of heating configurations, such as fireplaces, stoves,
furnaces or
other like heating systems. The air intake is configured to receive external
air into the
heating system, while the exhaust mechanism is configured to exhaust heat from
within
heating system. Both the air intake and exhaust mechanism can be configured in
various
manners, shapes and sizes for providing the respective air intake and heat
exhaust
functions.
A fireplace configured to control distribution and transfer of heated air to
an area
to be heated comprising:
a substantially planar outer front surface;
an air intake configured to receive external air;
a heating region configured to generate heated air from said external air;
an exhaust mechanism comprising one or more openings in said front surface
entirely above said heating region and forming an upward arch in said front
surface and
configured to release said heated air from the fireplace into an area to be
heated; and
a heat transfer controller configured entirely above said one or more exhaust
mechanism openings substantially perpendicular to and located on said front
surface, said
heat transfer controller having a first end and a second end defining a length
having a
middle region, said first end and said second end forming mounting components
substantially perpendicular to adjacent portions of said length and fastened
substantially
co-planar with said front surface, said heat transfer controller having a
first arch
configuration that initiates at said first end fastened onto said front
surface and arcs
continuously outward from said substantially planar outer front surface to
form a first
apex at said middle region and then arcs continuously inward to said second
end fastened
onto said front surface, said heat transfer controller having a second arch
configuration
that initiates at said first end fastened onto said front surface and arcs
continuously
upward above said one or more exhaust mechanism openings to form a second apex
at
said middle region and then arcs continuously downwards to said second end
fastened
onto said front surface, said mounting components substantially aligned with
and
continuing said second arch configuration.
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In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the heat transfer
controller
is configured to control the distribution and transfer of heat exhausted from
the exhaust
mechanism to the heating area. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the
heat
transfer controller comprises a heat deflector having width, length and height
configurations of various dimensions that can be suitably configured to
provide variable
heat transfer control characteristics. In addition, the width, length and
height of the heat
deflector can suitably define planes that can be configured in a conventional
X, Y and Z
plane, or at various angles in between.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer controller
comprises a heat deflector configured to control the heat transfer and
distribution where
the greatest heat accumulation or generation can occur within the heating
system. For
example, the width of the heat transfer controller can be configured to direct
and/or
transfer heat from an area most likely to have heat accumulated, restricted or
increased. In
addition, the height of the heat transfer controller can be configured to
generate a
convection effect to pull heat outwards from the area with the greatest heat
accumulation.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer controller
comprises a
heat deflector having an arch-like configuration. However, the heat transfer
controller is
not limited to an arch-like configuration, and can suitably comprise any other
configurations, such as triangular, trapezoidal or other like configurations
that may be
configured to direct and/or transfer heat and/or provide heat convention
functions.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the heat transfer
controller can be configured for control of the surface temperature of the
heating system.
Through operation of the heat transfer controller, heat is transferred from
the heating
system, and away from the heating system, preventing the collection and
accumulation of
heat.
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Brief Description of the Drawing Fi ures
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in
conjunction with the appended drawing figures in which like numerals denote
like elements
and:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary heating system in
accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary heating system in
accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 3A-3C illustrate front, top and side views of an exemplary heat
transfer
controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention; and
Figure 4 illustrates a side view of an exemplary heating system having a heat
transfer
controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments
The present invention may be described herein in terms of various functional
components. It should be appreciated that such functional components may be
realized by
any number of hardware components, electrical and mechanical, configured to
perform the
specified functions. In addition, the present invention may be practiced in
any number of
heating system contexts and that the fireplace systems described herein are
merely one
exemplary application for the invention. Further, it should be noted that the
present
invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for heat combustion
and for
transmission and exhaustion of heat from the heating systems, and such general
techniques
that may be known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail
herein.
In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a heat transfer
controller
is configured to control the distribution and transfer of heat for a heating
system. In
accordance with an exemplary embodiment, with reference to a block diagram
illustrated in
Figure 1, an exemplary heating system 100 comprises an air intake 102, an
exhaust
mechanism 104, and a heat transfer controller 106. Heating system 100 can
comprise
various types of heating configurations. For example, with momentary reference
to an
exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, an exemplary heating system 200
can
comprise a fireplace configuration having an air intake 202, an exhaust
mechanism 204, and
a heat transfer controller 206. However, an exemplary heating system is not
limited to
fireplaces, such as air-tight or open air fireplace units with and without
doors, and can
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comprise any type of stove, furnace or any other like heating systems
configured for
generating heat.
Air intake 102 is configured to receive external air into heating system 100
for
conversion into heating room air. Air intake 102 can comprise various types of
configurations for providing an air intake function. For example, with
momentary reference
again to Figure 2, air intake 202 can comprise one or more intakes or
openings, e.g., a single
horizontal opening configured within a bottom portion of heating system 200,
to receive
external air. Air intake 202 can be configured in a horizontal manner, or any
other
orientations and shapes, such as rectangular, vertical or any other
configuration. In addition,
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, air intake 202 can also suitably
include a
grating configuration to restrict and/or regulate the intake of air. For
example, air intake 202
can comprise an exemplary grating configuration having a plurality of
rectangular openings;
in addition, numerous other grating configurations can be realized, such as
only horizontal
members, vertical members, cross-members, angled members, circular members, or
any
other shape and configuration, and any combination thereof configured to
permit air to be
received, but to provide some restriction of entry into the opening. However,
no grating
configuration is necessary.
While an exemplary air intake 202 is configured at a bottom portion of heating
system 200, e.g., in the front proximate to a fuel or heat source, an
exemplary air intake 202
can be suitably positioned in other manners within heating system 200. For
example, an
exemplary air intake 202 can also be configured on either or both sides of a
front surface
area 208, the sides of heating system 200, the top and/or back of heating
system 200, or any
other locations configured to receive internal air into heating system 200. In
addition, an
exemplary air intake 202 can comprise horizontal, vertical and/or curvilinear
structures
having various lengths, shapes and sizes. In addition, rather than a dedicated
structural
opening, air intake 202 can simply comprise crevices, piping, vents or other
openings that
allow or air to be received within heating system 200. Accordingly, an air
intake 202 can
comprise any configuration or manner for receiving air into heating system
200.
Moreover, an exemplary air intake 202 can also be configured for providing a
combustion air source to the fuel source, in addition to provide a source of
air for heating.
For example, air intake 202 could comprise the front opening of a fireplace
configured
without doors, wherein air can be received within the open area in the front
of the fireplace
can be used not only for a source for heating, but also for a source for
combustion.
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However, air intake 202 can also be suitably separated from the combustion air
source, and
only provide a source of air for heating.
Exhaust mechanism 104 is configured to exhaust heated air from within heating
system 100, such as air received from air intake 102 and heated by heating
system 100.
Exhaust mechanism 104 can comprise various types of configurations for
providing an
exhaust function. For example, with momentary reference again to Figure 2, an
exemplary
exhaust mechanism 204 can comprise a vent or opening configured within an
upper portion
of heating system 200, e.g., above a heating region, and configured to exhaust
heated air.
However, exhaust mechanism 204 can also be configured along the sides, top,
bottom and/or
back of heating system 200 in any manner to exhaust heated air. In addition,
exhaust
mechanism 204 can also comprise an exemplary grating configuration having a
plurality of
circular openings; in addition, numerous other grating configurations can be
realized, such
as only horizontal members, vertical members, cross-members, angled members,
and any
combination thereof configured to permit air to be exhausted, but to provide
some restriction
of entry into the opening. However, no grating configuration is necessary.
Further, rather than a vent or dedicated opening, exhaust mechanism 204 can
comprise other manners for exhaustion of heated air fiom heating system 200.
For exatnple,
for an air-tight system, exhaust mechanism 204 can comprise the exhaustion of
air through
cracks, crevices or other smaller and/or incidental openings. Further, for
example for an air-
tight system, exhaust mechanism 204 can comprise the exhaustion, permeation or
other
transfer of air through the doors, e.g., glass or metal, or other structure of
heating system
200. Moreover, for an open air system, e.g., for a fireplace without doors,
exhaust
mechanism 204 can comprise the open front area of the fireplace.
An exemplary exhaust 204 can also comprise various lengths, shapes and sizes.
For
example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, exhaust mechanism 204 is
configured in a curvilinear or arch-like manner. Such an arch-like
configuration can
facilitate the exhausting of heated air in an area where the heated air is
more concentrated or
accumulated within heating system 200, i.e., within the area proximate the
center of an arch
of exhaust mechanism 204. In addition, such an arch-like configuration can
comprise
various radiuses of curvature. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment,
exhaust
mechanism 204 comprises a radius of curvature between approximately 25 inches
and 40
inches in length, such as, for example, approximately 30 to 34 inches in
length. While an
exemplary exhaust mechanism 204 comprises an arch-like configuration, exhaust
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CA 02496647 2007-07-26
mechanism 204 is not limited to such arch-like configurations, and can
comprise other
configurations, such as a substantially horizontal configuration, or a
triangular, trapezoidal,
or other multi-sided configuration. Accordingly, exhaust mechanism 204 can
comprise any
configuration for exhaustion of heated air from heating system 200.
With reference again to Figure 1, heat transfer controller 106 is configured
to control
the distribution and transfer of heat exhausted from exhaust mechanism 104 to
the heating
area. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, heat transfer controller 106
comprises
a heat deflector having a width, length and height that can be suitably
configured to provide
variable heat transfer control characteristics. For example, with momentary
reference again
to Figure 2, heat transfer controller 206 can comprise a heat deflector
suitably configured
above exhaust mechanism 204 to direct and transfer heated air exhausted from
exhaust
mechanism 204.
Heat transfer controller 206 can be configured with variable width Z, length X
and
height Y dimensions to provide a plurality of heat distribution performance
characteristics
for heating system 200. In addition, the width, length and height of the heat
deflector
suitably define planes that can be configured in a conventional X, Y and Z
plane, or at
various angles in between.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, heat transfer controller 206
comprises
a heat deflector having a width Z comprising an arch-like configuration to
direct and/or
transfer heat from an area most likely to have heat restricted, accumulated
and/or increased.
For example, with additional reference to Figures 3B and 3C, a heat transfer
controller 300
can comprise a top surface 302 having a maximum width ZmAx and a minimum width
Zmw.
In the exemplary embodiment, heat transfer controller 300 is configured with
minimum
widths Zm[N located at the ends of the heat deflector, e.g., adjacent to
connection or
mounting components at the ends of heat transfer controller 300, and a maximum
width
ZmAx configured approximately the center of a length X of heat deflector,
e.g., proximate to
XmD, to suitably provide an arch like configuration 304.
Arch-like configuration 304 can be configured in various manners to direct
and/or
transfer heat from an area most lflcely to have heat restricted, accumulated
and/or increased.
For example, arch-like configuration 304 can comprise a smooth-arc
configuration having a
substantially constant radius of curvature, or an arch having a varying radius
of curvature,
e.g., a larger radius proximate the ends heat deflector 300 and a smaller
radius of curvature
proximate the center of heat deflector 300, or vice versa In other words, arch
like
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configuration 304 can comprise any arc, semi-circle, semi-oval or other like
configuration
that allows for maximum width ZmAx to be positioned proximate to the area
where the
greatest amount of heat that needs to be directed outwards from exhaust
mechanism 204 to
the heating area.
Heat transfer controller 300 can also be configured in other orientations and
shapes
for the width Z. For example, heat transfer controller 300 can comprise a
curvilinear
configuration with maximum widths ZmAx located away from the center and
towards one or
both ends of the heat deflector, and with minimum width ZMIN located
approximately the
center of the length of the heat deflector, or at various locations in
between. Further, the
configuration of width Z can be symmetrical about the center point of length
X, or non-
symmetrical in manner, e.g., configured with maximum width ZMAX on one end and
minirnum width ZmN on the other end, or any other non-symmetrical
configuration. In
addition, other shapes and configurations can be realized.
Because the maximum amount of heat is generated and accumulated in the center
of
exhaust mechanism 204, with the least amount of heat being realized proximate
ends 204A
and 204B of exhaust mechanism 204, to provide greater control of the heat
transfer, heat
transfer controller 300 is configured with maximum width ZmAx configured
approximately
the center of the heat deflector. In other words, while other variations of
the location of
maximum widths ZmAx and a minimum widths ZlffN can be implemented, having
maximum
width ZmAx configured approximately the center of the heat deflector at a
midpoint in length
X, i.e., at location Xmm, facilitates the greatest control of the heat
transfer forward and away
from heating system 200. Accordingly, with arch-like configuration 304 for
heat transfer
controller 300 having minimum widths ZmN located at the ends and maximum width
ZMAX
configured approximately the center, greater direction and control of the heat
from exhaust
mechanism 204 where the heat is most likely to build or accumulate.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, heat transfer
controller
300 can be configured for control of the surface temperature of heating system
200, i.e.,
control of the temperature of surface area 208. In particular, a correlation
exists between
width Z and/or the radius of curvature and the amount of heat dissipated from
exhaust
mechanism 204. For example, increasing the radius of curvature, e.g.,
increasing maximum
width ZmAx, can affect the transfer of heat from exhaust 104. In the event
that maXimum
width ZmAx is increased too large in width, a negative effect can result,
wherein heat can
actually be trapped underneath top surface 302, instead of being transferred
out to the
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heating area; on the other hand, in the event maximum width ZMAX is too small
in width, the
heat transfer from exhaust mechanism 204 will tend to flow directly upwards,
or be forced
towards the sides, heating a surface area 208 as opposed to heating the room
area.
Accordingly, to provide effective heat transfer and distribution, maximum
width Z is
suitably configured to facilitate heat transfer instead of accumulating or
trapping heated air
underneath top surface 302 or allowing heat to travel directly upwards to
front surface area
208 and/or the sides of heat transfer controller 300.
As a result, arc configuration 304 can include various radiuses of curvature
that
correspond to different widths ZmAx to facilitate efficient heat transfer,
depending on the
amount of heat generated and exhausted. In accordance with exemplary
embodiments, heat
transfer controller 300 can be configured with minimum widths ZmIN varying
between
approximately 0.05" and 1.50", preferably between approximately 0.20" and
0.50", while
maximum width ZmAx varies between approximately 1.50" and 4.00", preferably
between
approximately 2.00" and 3.00", such as approximately 2.5" in width.
Although heat transfer controller 300 can include an arc-like configuration
304 in the
exemplary embodiment, other variations can be realized, such as a triangle,
trapezoidal or
other multiple sided deflector configurations, i.e., heat transfer controller
302 can comprise
other configurations having minimum widths ZMIN located at the ends and
maximum width
ZmAx suitably configured approximately the center to direct the greatest flow
of heat being
exhausted from exhaust mechanism 204. In other words, heat transfer controller
300 can be
configured with a width Z in any arrangement that allows for maximum width
ZmAx to
correspond to the amount of heat that needs to be directed outwards from
exhaust
mechanism 204 to the heating area.
Heat transfer controller 300 can also be configured in various lengths X to
control
the heat distribution surface along the length of exhaust mechanism 204. For
example, heat
transfer controller 300 can be configured with a length X extending past sides
204A and/or
204B of exhaust mechanism 204, extending equal in length to exhaust mechanism
204, or
shorter in length than exhaust mechanism 204. In addition, length X can be
positioned at
various locations above exhaust mechanism 204, e.g., closer to side 204A or
closer to side
204B, if desired. In any event, length X is configured to at least extend over
the area where
the greatest flow of heat is being generated and/or exhausted from exhaust
mechanism 204.
Accordingly, for heat transfer controller 300 having maximum width ZMAX
configured approximately the center of the heat deflector at a midpoint
location XMID, it is
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desirable for length X to be centered relative to sides 204A and 204B of
exhaust mechanism
204. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, heat
transfer
controller 206 is configured with a length X extending past sides 204A and/or
204B of
exhaust mechanism 204. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, length X
comprises a
length between approximately 30" and 40", such as approximately 33" to 45" in
length;
however, heat transfer controller 300 can comprise any other suitable length
depending on
the length of exhaust mechanism 204.
Heat transfer controller 300 can also be configured in various heights Y to
control
the heat distribution from top to bottom for surface area 208 above exhaust
mechanism 204.
For example, heat transfer controller 300 can comprise a maximum height YmAx
and a
minimum height Y~&N configured in an arch-like arrangement 306. In the
exemplary
embodiment, heat transfer controller 300 is configured with minimum heights
YMN located
at the ends of the heat deflector, and a maximum height YMAX configured
approximately the
center of the length of the heat deflector, i.e., proximate to maximum width
ZmAx and
location XMID. Maximum height YmAx can be configured at various dimensions to
control
the surface temperature of heating system 200. In addition, heat transfer
controller 300 can
be configured in other manners, e.g., with maximum height YMax at one end and
minimum
height YNffN in the middle and/or at the other end; heat transfer controller
can have a
symmetrical or non-symmetrical height Y configuration.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the height Y of
heat
transfer controller 300 can be configured to generate a convection effect to
pull heat
outwards from the area with the greatest heat accumulations, e.g., with
maximum height
YmAx configured proximate midpoint XMID. In the exemplary embodiment, heat
transfer
controller 300 provides an arch-type configuration 306, such as that
illustrated in Figure 3A.
Providing an arch configuration 306 generates a convection effect to pull heat
outwards
from the center of exhaust 104 and out to the heating area.
Arch-like configuration 306 can be configured in various manners to generate a
convection effect to pull heat outwards from the center of exhaust 104 and out
to the heating
area. For example, arch-like configuration 306 can comprise a smooth-arc
configuration
having a substantially constant radius of curvature, or an arch having a
varying radius of
curvature, e.g., a larger radius proximate the ends heat transfer controller
300 and a smaller
radius of curvature proximate the center of heat transfer controller 300, or
vice versa. In
other words, arch-like configuration 306 can comprise any arc, semi-circle,
semi-oval or
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other like configuration that can be configured for facilitating control of
heat distribution
and/or a convection effect to pull heat outwards from the center of exhaust
mechanism 204
and to the heating area..
Arch configuration 306 can also be configured with various radiuses of
curvature. In
accordance with various exemplary embodiments, heat transfer controller 300
can be
configured with minimum heights YmN varying between approximately 0.01" and
1.00",
preferably between approximately 0.05" and 0.25", while maximum height YmAx
varies
between approximately 1" and 10", preferably between approximately 3" and 5".
In the
exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 3A, maximum height YMAX comprises
approximately 4" in height.
In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, maximum height YmAx and a
minimum height Ym[N can be suitably adjusted, such as by sliding the ends of
the heat
deflector upwards and downwards in a track configured at the ends of the heat
deflector, to a
desired heat control position. In other words, heat transfer controller 300
can be readily
positioned at various heights above exhaust mechanism 204 depending on the
amount of
heat exhausted and the amount of heat that is to be transferred.
While heat transfer controller 300 can comprise an arch-type configuration 306
for
the height Y to provide control the heat distribution and/or generate a
convection effect to
pull heat outwards from the area with the greatest heat accumulations, heat
transfer
controller 300 is not limited to an arch-type configuration for the height Y.
For example,
other variations can be realized, such as a triangle, trapezoidal or other
multiple sided
deflector configurations having minimum heights YmN located proximate the ends
and
maximum height YmAx configured proximate the center of length X of the heat
deflector.
Accordingly, heat transfer controller 300 can be configured with any height Y
for
facilitating control of heat distribution and/or a convection effect to pull
heat outwards from
the center of exhaust mechanism 204 and to the heating area.
While an exemplary embodiment of heat transfer controller 102 illustrated in
Figure
3 provides for both arch-like configuration 304 and arc-like configuration
306, an exemplary
heat transfer controller 300 can comprise one or both of these features, i.e.,
a heat transfer
controller 102 can comprise either arch-like configuration 304 or arc-like
configuration 306,
or both arch configuration 304 and arc-like configuration 306. In addition,
heat transfer
controller 300 can comprise other width Z and height Y configurations, e.g., a
triangular
configuration for width Z and arch-like for height Y, an arch-like
configuration for width Z
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and a various multiple-sided configuration for width Y, a configuration with
one of width Z
or height Y having a substantially constant dimension across the length, or
any other
combinations. In other words, heat transfer controller 300 can be configured
in any manner
with at least one of maximum width ZmAx and maximum height YMAX configured
proximate
to midpoint XlffD.
Heat transfer controller 300 can also comprise various thickness, either
uniform or
non-uniform in nature. For example, heat transfer controller 300 can comprise
a first
thickness proximate to midpoint XMIn, and then tapering down to a smaller
thickness, or
expanding to a larger thickness, at one or both ends. In addition, heat
transfer controller 300
can have a first thickness along the edge coupled to heating system 200, and
then tapering
down to a smaller thickness, or expanding to a larger thickness, at the outer
edges away
from heating system 200. Accordingly, heat transfer controller 300 can
comprise any
thickness configured to allow transfer and distribution of heat from heating
system 200.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, heat transfer
controller
300 can be configured to further provide variable control of the heat transfer
rate. For
example, with specific reference to Figure 2, the angles ZX, YX and YZ between
the
various X, Y and Z axis of heat transfer controller 200 can be suitably varied
to control the
heat transfer rate. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, with reference
to Figure 4,
a heating system 400 can comprise a heat transfer controller 300 having a
width Z
configured with an approximate 90 degree angle relative to the height Y, i.e.,
the Z axis is
perpendicular to the Y axis.
However, in accordance with other exemplary embodiments, rather than a 90
degree
angle between the Y and Z axis, other variations can exist. For example,
instead of having
top surface 302 configured with an approximately horizontal arrangement in
Figure 4, and
an angle YZ of approximately 90 degrees, top surface 302 can be suitably
configured in
other orientations, such as being angled downwards or upwards. Such an
adjustment of the
angle YZ can control the distribution of heat to the heating area, as well as
the amount of
heat of the surface area of heating system 400. For example, angling top
surface 302
upwards will reduce the amount of heat flow restriction, and hence will
increase the heat
transfer rate, while angling top surface 302 downwards will increase the
amount of heat flow
restriction and/or accumulation, and hence will decrease the heat transfer
rate.
In addition, any of the width, length, and height of heat transfer controller
300 can be
configured in parallel or non-parallel to the X, Y and Z axis, e.g., length X
can be slanted
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slightly upwards to one side or the other of exhaust mechanism 204. Still
further, heat
transfer controller 300 can have the XY plane suitably shifted, e.g., heat
transfer controller
300 can be suitably shifted outwards away from front surface area 208.
The present invention sets forth a heat transfer controller that is applicable
to various
heating system applications. It will be understood that the foregoing
description is of
exemplary embodiments of the invention, and that the invention is not limited
to the specific
forms shown. Various modifications may be made in the design and arrangement
of the
elements set forth herein without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example,
the heat transfer controller can comprise various metal alloys, a single part
or multiple
components, can be firmly attached to the heating system, variably adjusted
and/or rotated,
or can be permanently attached to the heating system by any manner available
for
connecting a heat deflector to a heating system, such as brackets, connectors,
welding,
forging and the like, or suitably molded or otherwise integrally configured
within the
heating system. Still further, the width and height configurations can
comprise substantially
planar or straight arrangements, and/or a curved, beveled, wavy or other
configurations.
These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within
the scope of the
present invention, as set forth in the following claims.
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