Apparatus and method for feeding air to a water heater
US6578530B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF23M2900/11021
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Combustible vapors from flammable materials spilled near a gas water heater can enter the water heater's combustion chamber and cause a serious fire or explosion. This problem can be avoided by ensuring that all combustion air is supplied from at least some selected distance (preferably eighteen inches or more) above a floor on which the water heater is placed. One version of the invention provides a flanged tube that can be installed so that an upper, inlet, end of the tube is above the selected height and so that the lower, outlet, end of the tube is sealed over a pilot flame access doorway. Various materials, such as an aerosol sealant foam or a flexible tape, are used to seal all other air inlets to the water heater.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.