A combinational fireplace arrangement has a plurality of log-shaped members having a hollow center portion with a spiral shaped tube passing serially through each of the logs, which tube conveys a fluid through the log-shaped members. A first fuel burning member, within the log member, heats the fluid passing through the spiral shaped tubing. An arrangement of pipes, encased with heat collectors, placed in the fireplace flue, captures energy escaping from the logs and preheats the fluid. A second fuel burning member, controlled independently from the first, is placed beneath the logs to cause the logs to appear to be burning. A thin gauge twisted pair of copper wire within the spiral shaped tube eliminates the formation of air pockets therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 635,422 filed Nov. 26, 1975 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,061,133 the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
The invention relates to a combustion method and apparatus for carrying out this method. The method comprises establishing (a) a combustion zone of hot embers above and near a grate and (b) a column of particulate fuel above and resting on said hot embers, supplying combustion air to said combustion zone only, flowing products of combustion generated at the interface between said hot embers and particulate fuel and in said hot embers downwardly through said grate, then upwardly in heat exchange relation to air in a space to be heated, and finally to exhaust. The apparatus comprises means for holding a column of particulate fuel above a grate, means for flowing air into a combustion zone above and adjacent to said grate at the bottom of said column only, and means for flowing products of combustion downwardly through said grate then upwardly through a heat exchange zone to exhaust.
A gas burning imitation log assembly (18) including an imitation log (20) carried by a supply conduit (24) is disclosed. Supply conduit (24) receives gas from a gas source (26). The gas contained in supply conduit (24) escapes through aligned slots (34) passing through supply conduit (24) and log (20). In one embodiment of the invention, supply conduit (24) includes an outer sleeve (48) and an inner sleeve (46) which define a gas region (32). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, supply conduit (24) is not used. Gas is conveyed into log (20) which contains a diffusing layer (52) that overlays slots (34) to uniformly diffuse the gas through log (20).
A gas-fired log burner for simulating natural burning of firewood wherein a gas burner component having a decorative burner face surface engages within a recess formed in an exterior surface of a decorative log component. The recess within the decorative log component receives the gas burner component such that the decorative burner face surface is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the decorative log component.
A combined log set and gas burner system comprises a plurality of reinforced ceramic fiber burner elements formed in the shape of artificial logs and or glowing embers or a non-porous bed of coals. The burner elements are formed with a gas passageway in the interior of the element and a plurality of gas jets are made which connect the surface of the burner elements to the gas passageway in the burner elements. A source gaseous fluid is connected to the passageways to complete the combination burner system which eliminates the need for a separate burner apart from the log system.
A burner assembly that overcomes problems experienced in the prior art. One embodiment provides a burner assembly for burning a fuel gas from a gas source. The assembly has a burner body with a contoured upper surface and a burner pan with a gas inlet aperture therein. The burner body is connected to the burner pan. The burner body and burner pan are spaced apart to form a gas distribution chamber therebetween. The burner body has a plurality of gas apertures extending between the distribution chamber to an upper surface of the burner body. The gas apertures are positioned to allow the fuel gas to flow to selected areas on the burner body's upper surface for combustion to create a desired flame at selected locations relative to the upper surface. In one embodiment is a contoured upper surface with a plurality of peaks and valleys forming simulated coal or ember members.
