Patent Publication Number: US-2021190322-A1

Title: Radiant Heater Assembly

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/951,364, filed on Dec. 20, 2019, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Radiant heaters are widely utilized for a variety of heating purposes. One common type of radiant heater is a radiant tube heater including a burner and a heat tube extending from the burner. In the radiant tube heater, a gas valve provides gas into the burner while a blower motor provides air to the burner. The gas and the air are typically mixed and ignited in the burner. A flame and/or heated exhaust may pass from the burner to the heat tube such that the radiant tube heater emits radiant heat. 
     The radiant tube heater may be installed at various different heights above a floor or subjected to a wide variety of environmental conditions. Additionally, users of the radiant tube heater may desire a balanced distribution of heat across a length of the heat tube by selectively increasing blower speed to force the air quickly across the length of the heat tube. Alternatively, users may desire to operate the radiant tube heater in a more thermally efficient manner by selectively reducing input of air and gas into the burner or baffling various portions of the burner tube. 
     There remains an opportunity to provide a radiant tube heater which provides a heat reflector for a heater tube via an extended configuration not previously used in the art, while also decreasing the exterior surface temperature in that section of the heater tube reflector itself. Further, there remains an opportunity to provide a radiant tube heater which limits the external surface temperature of the radiant tube heater reflector during operation. Specifically, there remains an opportunity to provide a radiant tube heater including a three-point mounting reflector design which may include air pockets where air may be either stationary or drawn out by a fan evacuator. The heat pattern of the reflector may also be adjustable to specific locations where heat is needed by means of adjustments to the reflector as provided herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention includes a burner for receiving air and fuel for combustion and emitting heated exhaust or wash air. The present invention further includes an elongated heater tube in communication with the burner defining a first end and a second end and a length of tube between the first and second ends. The elongated heater tube includes at least one section or sections of conventional tubing as well as a reflector configuration. The elongated heater tube reflector has connections between the sections of the heater tube as shown in  FIG. 1  to extend or shorten the length of the heater tube and reflector as needed for any particular space to be heated. The heat emanating from the heater tube is reflected downwardly usually to the floor of any facility being radiantly heated via the reflector elements. 
     The radiant tube heater can include a three-point mounting reflector design. The three-point mounting design can ease installation of the heater in a facility, particularly when the heater is disposed near the ceiling and directed toward the floor. 
     The reflector may also include air chambers or passageways where air may be either stationary or drawn out by a fan or air circulation pump. 
     The reflector elements include a multi-piece construction which can be assembled either on the ground or in the location usually elevated substantially off the ground. 
     The multi-piece construction also provides the ability to generate various configurations as desired within the same design, including possible hinged reflector elements and elements with air pockets configured within the reflector elements, where the air in the pockets can remain stationary or extracted from the pockets. The construction may also include extensions of the wing portions of the reflector to add options to the heat coverage mapping in any given location. Also, the heat coverage mapping may be adjustable in the field with the reflector of the present invention as described below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a radiant heating assembly including a housing and an elongated heat exchanger having a heater tube having a new end portion and new reflector including the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a radiant heating assembly including a housing and an elongated heat exchanger having a conventional heater tube and new reflector including the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view, partially in cutaways of the radiant heating assembly of  FIG. 1  including a burner, a fuel valve for providing fuel to the burner, a blower for providing air to the burner, and a controller configured to control the air and the fuel provided to the burner with the heater tube broken to show the two ends of the tube; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the reflector including an outer shell, an inner shell, and an insulation layer disposed between the outer and inner shells; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a first member of the inner shell; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the outer shell; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the outer shell coupled to the inner shell; 
         FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the outer shell coupled to the inner shell; 
         FIG. 8  is a table of heater assembly thermal efficiency testing results; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a radiant heating assembly similar to the one illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  including an alternative configuration of a reflector; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view of the reflector of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional view of alternative configuration of a reflector for use with the radiant heating assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of a reflector for sue with the radiant heating assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of one configuration of the last section of the heating tube shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative radiant heating assembly similar to  FIG. 9 , the radiant heating assembly a reflector, an air circulation pump, and a return air pipe for providing preheated air to the burner; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the radiant heating assembly of  FIG. 13  including and alternative configuration of reflector, the air circulation pump, and the return air pipe for providing preheated air to the burner; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of a reflector for use with the radiant heating assembly of  FIG. 9, 13 , or  14 , the reflector including wings arranged in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the reflector of  FIG. 15  with the wings arranged in a second configuration; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of a reflector for use with the radiant heating assembly of  FIG. 9, 13 , or  14 , the reflector including wings with a multifaceted surface for redirecting the heat energy produced by the heat exchanger; and 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the reflector of  FIG. 18  illustrating the directionality of the heat energy produced by the multifaceted surface of the wings that is different from a wing having a generally flat surface for redirecting the heat energy produced by the heat exchanger. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a radiant heating assembly is generally shown as  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1A or 1B , the radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B is typically suspended above an area to heat the area with a substantial distance “D” from the floor  21  to heat exchanger  30  of 10 feet to 40 feet or more. The radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B may be installed in the interior or the exterior of any type of building or structure, such as a restaurant, factory, warehouse, arena, etc. Alternatively, the radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B may be independently suspended above any area such as a patio, and the like. 
     The radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B may include a housing  12  for accommodating various components of the radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B. The housing  12  is typically formed of sheet metal but may be formed of any type of material without departing from the nature of the present invention. Furthermore, the housing  12  may have any suitable configuration for accommodating various components of the radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B includes a burner  24  for receiving air and fuel for combustion. The burner  24  typically has an inlet  37  for receiving the air and fuel. The air and fuel are typically mixed and ignited in the burner  24 . However, it is to be appreciated that the air and fuel may be mixed before being received by the burner  24  according to any suitable method. The burner  24  typically combusts the air and fuel into exhaust. This exhaust is commonly referred to as “wash air.” The burner  24  may include an outlet  29  for emitting exhaust generated by combustion of the air and fuel. While not illustrated in the Figures, it is contemplated that the radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B may include a plurality of burners  24 . Each burner  24  may have a venturi configuration but alternatively may have other configurations without departing from the nature of the present invention. The burner  24  is typically disposed at least partially within the housing  22 . 
     The radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B includes an elongated heat exchanger  30  in communication with the burner  24 . The heat exchanger  30  may also be referred to as a burner tube. The elongated heat exchanger  30  typically has an inlet  32  for receiving the exhaust emitted by the outlet  29  of the burner  24 . The burner  24  may be positioned adjacent the inlet  32  of the elongated heat exchanger  30 . The exhaust emitted by the outlet  29  of the burner  24  passes through and heats the elongated heat exchanger  30  such that the elongated heat exchanger  30  emits radiant heat. The elongated heat exchanger  30  may be coupled to the housing  22  at one end. The elongated heat exchanger  30  may include a vent cap at another end to vent the exhaust passing through the elongated heat exchanger  30 . Generally, the elongated heat exchanger  30  is mounted below a reflector  34  covering a significant portion of a length of the elongated heat exchanger tube  30 . The reflector  34  directs radiant heat in a directional path towards the area to be heated to optimize the pattern of radiant heat emitted by the elongated heat exchanger  30 . 
     The elongated heat exchanger  30  may have various lengths and shapes. Typically, the elongated heat exchanger  30  has a circular cross-section. However, the elongated heat exchanger  30  may have other cross-sections such as a rectangular cross-section, oval cross-section, and the like. The elongated heat exchanger  30  may extend in any suitable path, such as a straight path, an L-shaped path, a U-shaped path, and the like. Additionally, the radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B may include a plurality of elongated heat exchangers  30  for receiving exhaust emitted by one or more burners  24 . 
     The radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B includes a fuel valve  36  for providing the fuel to the burner  24  from a fuel inlet  27 . The fuel valve  36  may provide fuel directly to the inlet  37  of the burner  24 . Typically, the fuel valve  36  is coupled to a fuel source  40  via the fuel inlet  27  which provides fuel to the fuel valve  36 . The fuel may be natural gas, although any suitable fuel, such as propane, may be received by the fuel valve  36 . The fuel valve  36  may be disposed within the housing  22 . 
     The fuel valve  36  may be configured to provide the fuel according to a modulating operation but may also be supplied without modulating operation. With respect to the fuel valve  36 , the term “modulating,” is meant generally to describe operating the fuel valve  36  according to any given one of a plurality of fuel input rates defined within a predetermined range of fuel input rates. In the modulating operation, the fuel valve  36  may provide the fuel to the burner  24  according to one of the pluralities of fuel input rates. It is to be appreciated that the fuel input rate may correspond to any suitable unit of measurement. The fuel valve  36  is generally capable of allowing from 0% to 100% of the fuel provided to the fuel valve  36  to pass to the burner  24 . Said differently, the fuel valve  36  is capable of opening between 0% and 100% to provide various amounts of the fuel to the burner  24 . 
     The radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B includes a blower  42  for providing the air to the burner  24 . The blower  42  may receive the air and provide the air directly to the inlet  37  of the burner  24 . Typically, the blower  42  receives air from an air source  46  such as ambient air. In particular, the blower  42  may draw the air through an aperture  48  defined in the housing  22  before providing the air to the burner  24 . The blower  42  may be disposed within the housing  22  and in fluid communication with the elongated heat exchanger  30  for forcing the exhaust through the elongated heat exchanger  30 . 
     In one configuration, the blower  42  may force the air through the burner  24  and the exhaust through the elongated heat exchanger  30  by expelling the air away from the blower  42 . Alternatively, the blower  42  may force the air through the burner  24  and the exhaust through the elongated heat exchanger  30  by pulling the air towards the blower  42 . 
     As with the fuel valve  36 , the blower  42  may be configured to provide the air according to a modulating operation or may be supplied with no modulation whatsoever. With respect to the blower  42 , the term “modulating,” is meant generally to describe operating the blower  42  according to any given one of a plurality of blower input rates defined within a predetermined range of blower input rates. The blower  42  typically includes a variable speed motor capable of providing the air at various rates. More specifically, the variable speed motor may be an electrically commutated motor or a permanent split capacitor motor. The blower  42  is generally capable of operating between 0 and 10,000 RPM. However, it is to be appreciated that the blower  42  may operate in any other suitable range. In the modulating operation, the blower  42  may provide the air to the burner  24  according to one of the pluralities of blower input rates, as will be described below. The blower input rate may correspond to any suitable unit of measurement. For example, the blower input rate may correspond to a pressure differential measured at one or more locations within the blower  42 , the burner  24 , and the elongated heat exchanger  30 , and the like. Specifically, the radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B may include a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure differential and for providing a signal corresponding to the pressure differential measured. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B includes a controller  50  configured to control the amount of the air and the fuel provided to the burner  24  by modulating at least one of the fuel valve  36  and the blower  42 . The controller  50  may include a processing unit, such as a microcontroller for receiving inputs and processing and executing commands. Furthermore, the controller  50  may include logic, such as PID logic, and memory for monitoring information on past on/off heating cycles and optimizing on/off heating cycles based on the monitored information for increasing efficiency of the radiant heating assembly  20 . The controller  50  may be disposed within the housing  22  and electrically connected to the fuel valve  36  and the blower  42 . The controller  50  is in electrical communication with a power source (not shown). However, electrical connections between the controller  50 , the fuel valve  36 , and the blower  42  are generally not shown in the figures for simplicity in illustration. 
     The radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B may also include an ignition controller  52 . Typically, the ignition controller  52  is operatively connected between the burner  24  and the controller  50 . Furthermore, an ignitor (not shown) may be disposed within or adjacent to the burner  24  for providing a flame for igniting the air and the fuel within the burner  24 . The ignitor may be controlled by the ignition controller  52 . In addition, a flame sensor (not shown) may be disposed adjacent the burner  24  for monitoring the flame within the burner  24 . The ignition controller  52  regulates the flame provided by the ignitor according to signals provided by the flame sensor. The ignition controller  52  is typically mounted in the housing  12 . The ignition controller  52  may be configured to provide ignition sequencing and safety lock-out operations for the radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B. 
     In some instances, the controller  50  may modulate the fuel valve  36  independent of the blower  42 . That is, the controller  50  may provide a fuel control signal to the fuel valve  36  before or after providing a blower control signal to the blower  42 . Similarly, the controller  50  may vary the fuel control signal before or after varying the blower control signal. 
     Alternatively, the controller  50  may simultaneously modulate the fuel valve  36  and the blower  42 . Specifically, the controller  50  may provide the fuel control signal to the fuel valve  36  simultaneously while providing the blower control signal to the blower  42 . Moreover, the controller  50  may vary the fuel control signal simultaneously while varying the blower control signal. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the elongated heat exchanger  30  defines a first end  56  coupled to the housing  12  and a second end  58  extending from the first end  56 . The elongated heat exchanger  30  may further comprise one or more lengths or segment of tubing  31  that defines a length between the first  56  and second  58  ends. The one or more segments of tubing  31  may be connected to one another using a conventional sleeve  33  or connector. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the elongated heat exchanger  30  may also include an end tube member  60  that is disposed at the second end of the elongated heat exchanger and is connected to the conventional tube  31  preceding via conventional sleeves  33  as shown. The end tube member  60  (see  FIG. 12 ) has an interior cross section  62  for receiving the exhaust through a central chamber  69 , and separate chambers  72  surrounding the central chamber  69 , which combine to baffle the exhaust gases to comprise a heat sink while also still providing heat to the reflector  34 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the end tube member  60  also includes an exterior surface  74  comprising a series of linear beads  76  (or fins) around the circumference of the exterior surface  74  of the outer wall  78  of the last section tube  60  which act as uninsulated fins to reduce the surface temperature of the last section tube  60 . 
     The cross section of  FIG. 12  as shown has eight chambers  72  formed by the exterior surface  71  of the inner smaller tube  73  surrounding the central chamber  69 , the interior surface  75  of the tube  60 , and multiple fins  79  disposed between those two surfaces. The fins  79  may be integrally extruded with the exterior wall  78  of the end tube member  60  with the smaller tube  73  forming the central chamber  69  positioned within the extrusion as shown in  FIG. 12 . Alternatively, it is anticipated that the entire cross section can be extruded as one piece. The fins  79  engage both the inner tube  73  and the outer tube wall  78  to space the liner tube  73  from the outer tube wall  78  along at least a substantial portion of the length of the last section tube. 
     The radiant heating assembly  10 A or  10 B includes a reflector  34  for directing the radiant heat toward a targeted area (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 3 , the reflector  34  includes an inner shell  18  and an outer shell  20  with the inner shell  18  abutting the outer shell  20 . The reflector  34  includes a plurality of fasteners  22  for coupling the outer shell  20  to the inner shell  18 . As set forth below, the reflector  34  includes an insulation layer  25  disposed between the inner and outer shells  18 ,  20  for insulating the inner shell  18  and improving performance characteristics of the heater assembly  10 A or  10 B. This insulation layer may comprise an insulated material or may comprise an open-air chamber, as described in the following alternative descriptions. 
     The inner shell  18  of  FIG. 3  has a M-shaped configuration and may be made of any suitable material, such as, aluminum or steel. The inner shell  18  includes a first member  26  and a second member  28  coupled to the first member  26  along an axis A 1 . The reflector  34  defines a first chamber  70 A between the outer shell  20  and the first member  126  of the inner shell  18  and the reflector  34  defines a second chamber  70 B between the outer shell  20  and the second member  28  of the inner shell  18 . The insulation layer  25  is disposed in the first and second chambers  70 A,  70 B for insulating the inner shell  18 . 
     The insulation layer  25  includes a first insulation element  35 A disposed in the first chamber  70 A and abutting the first member  26  for insulating the first member  26 . The insulation layer  25  includes a second insulation element  35 B disposed in the second chamber  70 B and abutting the second member  28  for insulating the second member  28 . The first and second insulation elements  35 A,  35 B may be made of any suitable insulation material, such as Morgan Superwool® Bulk or Unifrax Fiberfrax® Blanket, or possibly Owens Corning ThermoRange® Fiberglass. In an alternative configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first and second insulation elements  35 A,  35 B may be a fluid layer, such as air, in the first and second chambers  70 A,  70 B between the inner and outer shells  18 ,  20 . It should be appreciated that the insulation layer  25  could have a one-piece configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first member  26  has a first end  38  and a second end  40  spaced from the first end  38 . It should be appreciated that the dimensions and angles shown are exemplary and the first member  26  should not be limited to the dimensions and angles shown. The second member  28  has a symmetrical cross-section configuration to the first member  26  reflected across the first axis A 1 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6-7 , the first end  38  of the first member  26  abuts the first end  38  of the second member  128  along the axis A 1 . The second ends  40  of the first and second members  24 ,  26  are spaced from each other relative to the axis A 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the outer shell  20  has a C-shaped configuration cross-section with a first end  42  and a second end  44  spaced from the first end  42 . The first end  42  of the outer shell  20  is coupled to the second end  40  of the first member  26  by one of the plurality of fasteners  22 . The second end  44  of the outer shell  20  is coupled to the second end  40  of the second member  28  by another one of the plurality of fasteners  22 . The outer shell  20  is made of aluminum, but can be made of any suitable alternative metal, such as, steel. It should be appreciated that the dimensions and angles shown are exemplary and the outer shell  20  should not be limited to the dimensions and angles shown. 
     Performance characteristics of a radiant heating assembly  10 A including a reflector  34  without an insulation layer  24  are shown in Table 1 of  FIG. 8 . As shown in Table 2 of  FIG. 8 , a radiant heating assembly  10  including a reflector  34  with an insulation layer  25  has improved performance characteristics over a heater assembly  10 A without an insulation layer  25 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , an alternative configuration of the radiant heating assembly  10 C is illustrating including an alternative design for a reflector  134  that is configured to permit airflow to occur within the reflector  134 . The radiant heating assembly  10 C illustrated in  FIG. 9  use many of the same and/or similar parts from radiant heating assemblies  10 A and  10 B described above, but with the alternative reflector  134  design. I should be understood that the reflector  134  illustrated in  FIG. 9  could also be used with the radiant heating assemblies  10 A,  10 B described above. 
     The radiant heating assembly  10 C illustrated in  FIG. 9  further comprises a vacuum pump  80 . The vacuum pump  80  may be coupled to one end of the reflector  134  to pull air through the reflector  134  and maintain a cooler temperature on the outer surface  152  of the reflector  134  than on an inner surface  154 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the vacuum pump  80  may be disposed as the end of the reflector  134  that is proximate the second end  58  of the heat exchanger  30 . While not illustrated in the Figures, it is contemplated that the vacuum pump  80  may also be disposed as the end of the reflector  134  that is proximate the first end  56  of the heat exchanger  30 , nearest the housing  12  that encases the burner  24 . 
     A cross section of exemplary configuration of the reflector  134 ,  234  for use as part of the radiant heat assembly  10 C is illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . In describing the various configurations of the reflector, common components and/or features have been identified by a common reference number separated by factors of  100 . For example, a first configuration of the reflector  134  and a second configuration of the reflector  234  each include the common base reference number of  34 . It should be understood that the features or components including the same common reference may operate and/or function in the same manner across the different designs. 
     A first configuration of the reflector  134  is illustrated in  FIG. 10A . The reflector  134  may comprise a pair of wings  160 A,  160 B extending from a central body  164 , which engages the elongated heat exchanger  30  at spaced apart locations as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10A . Each of the wings has an inner surface  166  and an outer surface  168  formed by an extrusion operation to provide a primary air chamber  170  in each of the wings  160 A,  160 B of the reflector  134 . An additional air chamber  172  may also be included in each wing  160 A,  160 B of the reflector  134  to further control the temperature of the inner reflector surface  166  as well as added inner reflector surfaces  174  and  176  as desired. One example would be the addition of surfaces  174 - and  176  in an intermediate location on each wing  160 A,  160 B which also can be used to control the heat reflection pattern of the reflector  34  by varying the dimension, the depth or the overall configuration of the added inner reflector surfaces  174 ,  176  by changing the configuration of the air chamber  172  or otherwise. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10A , the central mounting body defines a three-point central mounting body  164  is shown to assemble and mount the reflector wings  160 A,  160 B to the elongated heat exchanger  30 . The central mounting body  164  has a mounting portion  184  that is configured to mate with an end portion  186  of each wing  160 A,  160 B to hold each of the wings  160 A,  160 B in place on the central mounting body  164 . Fasteners  188  and  190  are spaced along the length of the wings  160 A,  160 B and central mounting body  164  to hold the parts together in a preselected position, although it is anticipated that adjustment can be made as needed to attain the proper heat deflection of the reflector wings  160 A,  160 B. 
     The central mounting body  164  also includes an elongated slot  192  along its length within which a slider nut  194  can be inserted to match each hangar sleeve  33  associated with the elongated heat exchanger  30 . In  FIGS. 9 and 10A , three hangar sleeves  33  are shown. Correspondingly, three slider nuts  194  would be inserted in the slot  192  and corresponding bolts  198  would be threaded through each sleeve  196  and threaded into a corresponding slider nut  194  until each nut  194  and corresponding sleeve  196  is locked in place both axially and frictionally. The combination of the elongated slot  192  with the slider nut and corresponding bolt mount the hangar sleeves  33  and by extension the elongated heat exchanger  30  tubing  31  to the reflector  134 . The elongated slot  192  that extends the length of the central mounting body allows the nut  194  and corresponding bolt  198  to slide along the length of the reflector so that the various hangar sleeves  33  may be positioned at any point along the length of the reflector. This is helpful when you have varying lengths of tubing  31  that need to be coupled together and/or allows for the length of the tubing  31  to be adjusted to meet the needs of the space to be heated by the radiant heating assembly  10 . 
     A second configuration of the reflector  234  is illustrated in  FIG. 10B . The reflector  234  may comprise a pair of wings  260 A,  260 B extending from a central body  264 , which engages the elongated heat exchanger  30  at spaced apart locations as shown in  FIG. 9 . However, as illustrated in  FIG. 10B , the hangar sleeves  233  that creates the interface between the elongated heat exchanger  30  and the reflector  234  is a spring steel (spring loaded) holder  259  into which the elongated heat exchanger  30  is pressed into the open end  257  and held in place by the force of the spring load. The holders  259  coupled to the central body  264  of the reflector  234  for supporting the elongated heat exchanger  30 . Each of the wings has an inner surface  266  and an outer surface  268  formed by an extrusion operation to provide air chambers  270  and  271  in each of the wings  260 A,  260 B of the reflector  234 . 
     A three-point central mounting body  265  is shown to assemble and mount the reflector wings  260 A,  260 B to the elongated heat exchanger  30  via the holders  259 . The central mounting body  280  has a mounting portion  284  that mates with an end portion  286  of each wing  260 A,  260 B to hold each of the wings  260 A,  260 B in place in the central mounting body  280 . Fasteners  288  and  290  are spaced along the length of the wings  260 A,  260 B and central mounting body  280  to hold the parts together in a preselected position, although it is anticipated that adjustment can be made as needed to attain the proper heat deflection of the reflector wings  260 A,  260 B. The third point is the attachment fastener  292  between the mounting body  264  and the holder  259 . The top portion  295  is configured to be the attachment points  23  as described above and can be one attachment point or multiple attachment points (as shown), as desired. 
     A third configuration of the reflector  334  is illustrated  FIG. 11 . The reflector  334  may comprise a pair of wings  360 A,  360 B extending from a central body  364 , which engages the elongated heat exchanger  30  at spaced apart locations. Each of the wings has an inner surface  366  and an outer surface  368  formed to define an air chamber  371 . Similar to as is described above, the wings  360 A,  360 B may be configured to define the chamber  371  through which air may be drawn through the wings  360 A,  360 B. The wings  360 A,  360 B may also be configured to be capable of being manipulated to adjust the shape of the reflector  334 . For example, the width of the open end of the reflector  34  may widened or narrowed to customize the direction the heat from the elongated heat exchanger  30  is directed. Each of the wings  360 A,  360 B may comprise an extensions  302 A,  302 B that are connected to the wings  360 A,  360 B at an outward edge portion  304  of each of the wings  360 A,  360 B via a connector  308 . The connectors  308  may comprise the same or similar interconnection as the wing/central mounting body  380  interface, however, it is also contemplated that other suitable devices may be utilized to attach the extension  302  to the wing  360 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the connectors  308  are the same configuration as the central mounting body  380  and are used in the same manner here, with the exception that the elongated slot and/or the slider nut are not present as they are not need in this application of the central mounting body  380 . Fasteners  388  and  390  may similarly be used at intervals along the length of the interfaces between the connectors  308  and the wings  360 A,  360 B as well as the connectors  308  and the extensions  302 A,  302 B to hold the extensions  302 A,  302 B in place, although the fasteners are not limited to the same fastener, other than for convenience. This option may be user configurable and may be a multi-position chambered reflector. This construction may also be used with multi-diameter emitters in the same unit or in different units. 
     While not illustrated in the figures, it is contemplated that different shape extensions  302 A,  302 B may be utilized to customize the shaped of the reflector  334  to provide a particular directionality of the heat produced by the elongated heat exchanger  30 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11  the extensions  302 A,  302 B comprise the same shape as the wings  360 A,  360 B, except the extensions have been  302 A,  302 B have been coupled the wings  360 A,  360 B so the curved inner surface of extensions  302 A,  302 B are directed outwardly from the elongated heat exchanger  30  creating a wider opening at the open end of the reflector  334 . However, it is also contemplated that the extensions  302 A,  302 B may comprise a generally straight cross-section that when coupled to the wings  360 A,  360 B, extends the length of the wings  360 A,  360 B. 
     While not illustrated in  FIG. 11 , it is also contemplated that the extensions  302 A,  302 B may be coupled to the wings  360 A,  360 B in alternative orientations. For example, one or both of the extensions  302 A,  302 B may be coupled to the wings  360 A,  360 B such that the curved inner surface is directed toward the elongated heat exchanger  30  narrowing the focus of the heat path from the reflector  334  as desired. Extensions  302 A,  302 B are connected to the wings  360 A,  360 B at the outward edge portions  304  of the wings  360 A,  360 B via connectors  308 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , an exemplary radiant heating assembly  10 C including a reflector  134  and an air circulation pump  80  is illustrated. As described above, the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334  may be configured to define various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371 . The various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  may be configured to allow air to pass through them. As shown in  FIG. 13  and, the air circulation pump  80  may attached to reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334  proximate the second end  58  of the heat exchanger  30  and configured to be in communication with the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 . The air circulation pump  80  may be configured as a vacuum pump configured to draw air to the air circulation pump  80 . Alternatively, the air circulation pump  80  may be configured as a fan configured to push air away from the air circulation pump. While not illustrated in the figures, it is also contemplated that the air circulation pump  80  may attached to reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334  proximate the first end  56  of the heat exchanger  30  and configured to be in communication with the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 . In either configuration, the air circulation pump  80  is configured to circulate and/or move air through the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 . 
     The radiant heating assembly  10 C may further comprise an air return pipe  82 A,  82 B that is coupled to the air circulation pump  80  and the burner  24 . Specifically, the air return pipe  82  may couple to the air circulation pump  80  to the air intake  48  of the burner  24  and configured to assist the air intake  48  with providing air to the burner  24 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , the air return pipe  82 A is configured to extend from the air circulation pump  80  to the air intake  48  of the burner  24 . In operation, in this configuration, the air circulation pump  80  would be configured to draw air from various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334  toward the air circulation pump  80  and exhaust the air drawn from the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334  to the air intake  48  of the burner  24 . As the burner  24  heats the heat exchanger  30 , some of the heat energy emitted from the heat exchanger  30  will interact with the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 , and the components of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 , such as the central mounting body  164 ,  264 ,  364  and/or wings  160 ,  260 ,  360  that define the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  will be heated. The air drawn through the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  by the air circulation pump  80  will be heated as moves along the length of the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371 . That pre-heated air is them exhausted by the air circulation pump through the return air pipe  82 A to air intake  48  of the burner  24 . This preheated air at the air intake  48  will mix with other air from the environment pulled through the air intake and warmer the air to a level that is higher than the environment air temperature prior to the air entering the burner  24 . This allows the burner  24  start with warmer air requiring less energy to heat it the defined temperature prior to exhausting it the heat exchanger  30  to heat the environment. 
     Alternatively, referring to  FIG. 14 , the air return pipe  82 B is configured to extend from the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334  to the air intake  48  of the burner  24 . In operation, in this configuration, the air circulation pump  80  would be configured to draw air from the surrounding environment and force it through the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 . The air circulation pump  80  would push the air from the environment toward the air circulation pump  80  the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 , then through the air return pipe  82 B to the air intake  48  of the burner  24 . As described above, as the burner  24  heats the heat exchanger  30 , some of the heat energy emitted from the heat exchanger  30  will interact with the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 , and the components of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 , such as the central mounting body  164 ,  264 ,  364  and/or wings  160 ,  260 ,  360  that define the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  will be heated. The air drawn from the environment by the air circulation pump and then pushed through the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  will be heated as moves along the length of the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371 . That pre-heated air is them exhausted from the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  through the return air pipe  82 B to air intake  48  of the burner  24 . This preheated air at the air intake  48  will mix with other air from the environment pulled through the air intake and warmer the air to a level that is higher than the environment air temperature prior to the air entering the burner  24 . This allows the burner  24  start with warmer air requiring less energy to heat it the defined temperature prior to exhausting it the heat exchanger  30  to heat the environment. 
     The process of using the air circulation pump to move air through the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334  to send preheated air back into the air intake  48  of the unit  12  provides for added efficiencies and lower fuel consumption to heat to a defined temperature. The heat return pipe  82 A,  82 B send pre-heated air to the intake  48  to mix the preheated air with the air drawn through the intake  48 . The heat return pipe  82 A,  82 B may be insulated to retain heat as it progresses back to the intake  48 . While  FIGS. 13 and 14  show exemplary configurations of radiant heating assembly  10 C including an air return pipe  82 A,  82 B connected to one of the ends of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 , it is further contemplated that the air return pipe  82 A,  82 B may be connected to the various air chambers  170 ,  172 ,  270 ,  271 ,  371  of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334  at any point along the length of the reflector  134 ,  234 ,  334 . It is also contemplated that multiple air return pipes  82  may be utilized. For example, a first heating pipe  82  may be coupled to the first air chamber  270 , and a second heating pipe  82  may be coupled to a second air chambers  271 . If there are multiple air return pipes, they may all converge at the air intake to provide pre-heated air to the burner  24 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15 to 18 , a fourth configuration of a reflector  434  that may be utilized as part of any of the radiant heating assemblies  10  described above, specifically, the radiant heating assemblies  10 C including an air circulation pump  80 . The reflector  434  may comprise a pair of wings  460 A,  460 B extending from a central body  464 , which engages the elongated heat exchanger  30  of the radiant heating assembly  10  at spaced apart locations. The central body  464  may define a central air chamber  471  configured to allow air to be drawn through the central body  464  and heated by the heat exchanger in the manner described above. Each of the wings has an inner surface  466  and an outer surface  468  formed to define one or more air chambers  470  in each of the wings  460 A,  460 B, than air chamber configured to allow air to be drawn through the wings  460 A,  460 B. Similar to as is described above, the reflector may be configured such that air may be drawn through the central air chamber  471  defined by the central body  464  and/or the chamber(s)  470  defined by the wings  460 A,  460 B by the air circulation pump  80 . The collected air may then be passed along to the air intake  48  through the air return pipe  82 A,  82 B to provide preheated air to the air intake  48  to warm the air prior to entering the burner  24 . Similar to as described above, the air circulation pump  80  may be connected to either end of the reflector  434 , and the return air pipe  82 A,  82 B may be connected to the air circulation pump  80  and/or the directly the air chambers  470 ,  471  in any similar manner as is described above. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 18 , the central mounting body  464  defines a three-point central mounting body  464  configured to assemble and mount the reflector wings  460 A,  460 B to and to couple the reflector  434  to the elongated heat exchanger  30 . The central mounting body  464  has a mounting portion  484  that is configured to mate with an end portion  486  of each wing  460 A,  460 B to hold each of the wings  460 A,  460 B in place on the central mounting body  464 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 18 , the mounting portion  484  of the central mounting body  464  may define a slot, track, or similar mounting feature configured engage a corresponding tab or coupling feature defined by the end portion  486  of each wing  460 A,  460 B to couple the central mounting body  464  to each wing  460 A,  460 B. While not illustrated in the figures, other means may be utilized for attaching each wing  460 A,  460 B to the central mounting body  464 . For example, as is described above, fasteners such as a bolt and nut may be utilized. The fasteners may be spaced along the length of the wings  460 A,  460 B and central mounting body  464  to hold the parts together in a preselected position, although it is anticipated that adjustment can be made as needed to attain the proper heat deflection of the reflector wings  460 A,  460 B. 
     The wings  460 A,  460 B may also be configured to be capable of being manipulated to adjust the shape of the reflector  434 . For example, the width of the open end of the reflector  434  may widened or narrowed to customize the direction the heat from the elongated heat exchanger  30  is directed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , an exemplary arrangement of wings  460 A,  460 B of the fourth configuration of the reflector  434 A is illustrated showing the resulting heat dispersion. For example, in  FIG. 15  a first wing  460 A is coupled to the central body  464  such that the wing  460 A is projecting away from the heat exchanger  30 . The wing  460 A is coupled to the central body  464  so that the outer surface  468  of the wing  460 A is disposed closer to the heat exchanger  30  and the opposing inner surface  466  of the wing is disposed away from the heat exchanger  30 . A second wing  460 B may be coupled to the central body  464  such that the wing  460 B is projecting toward the heat exchanger  30 . The wing  460 B is coupled to the central body  464  so that the inner surface  466  of the wing  460 B is disposed closer to the heat exchanger  30  and the opposing outer surface  468  of the wing  460 B is disposed away from the heat exchanger  30 . Arranging the wings  460 A,  460 B of the reflector  434 A in this manner results in the heat dispersed from the heat exchanger being more concentrated directly below the heat exchanger and toward the first wing  460 A side of the heat exchanger. As can be seen in  FIG. 15 , because of the orientation of the first wing  460 A the heat energy reflected by the first wing  460 A may be directed generally downward and outward from the first wing  460 A, with the heat being dispersed over a distance D 2 . By contrast, the orientation of the second wing  460 B the heat energy reflected by the second wing  460 B may be directed generally downward and toward the first wing  460 A, with the heat being dispersed over a distance D 3 . The distance D 2  is generally greater than the distance D 3 . This may be a helpful configuration if the second wing side of the radiant heating assembly  10  is near a wall, allowing the heat energy produced by the heat exchanger  30  to be directed away from the wall and more toward the center of the room or area to be heated. 
     While not shown in the Figures, it is contemplated that the both wings  460  of the reflector  434  may be with coupled to the central body  464  so that the outer surface  468  of the wing  460  is disposed closer to the heat exchanger  30  and the opposing inner surface  466  of the wing is disposed away from the heat exchanger  30 . In this configuration, a wider heat spread would be created by the reflector. For example, the wider heat spread spanning a distance D 2  shown on the first wing  460 A side in  FIG. 15  would be mirrored on the second wing  460 B creating a wider general heat spread if both wings  460  were coupled to the central body  464  so that the both wings curve outwardly away from the heat exchanger  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , an exemplary arrangement of wings  460 A,  460 B of the fourth configuration of the reflector  434 B is illustrated showing the resulting heat dispersion. For example, in  FIG. 16  the first and second wings  460 A,  460 B may both be coupled to the central body  464  such that the wings  460 A,  460 B are both projecting toward the heat exchanger  30 . The wings  460 A,  460 B are coupled to the central body  464  so that the inner surface  466  of the wings  460 A,  460 B is disposed closer to the heat exchanger  30  and the opposing outer surface  468  of the wings  460 A,  460 B is disposed away from the heat exchanger  30 . The elongated slot  492  of the reflector  434 B in  FIG. 16  is generally shaped like of “V”. Furthermore, the inner surface  466  of the wings  460 A,  460 B are generally smooth and/or flat. The wings  460 A,  460 B may be coupled to the central body  464  so that the inner surface  466  of the wings  460 A,  460 B is disposed closer to the heat exchanger  30  and the opposing outer surface  468  of the wings  460 A,  460 B is disposed away from the heat exchanger  30 . Arranging the wings  460 A,  460 B of the reflector  434 C in this manner with the central body illustrated in  FIG. 16  results in the heat dispersed from the heat exchanger  30  being more evenly distributed below the heat exchanger  30 . The greatest amount of heat energy is still generally directed below the heat exchanger  390  being focused directly below the heat exchanger  30 . As can be seen in  FIG. 16 , because of the orientation of the wings  460 A,  460 B create symmetrical heating profiles below the heat exchanger  30 . This arrangement may again be a helpful if the radiant heat assembly  10  is placed in a more central location of the room or area to be heated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , an exemplary arrangement of wings  460 A,  460 B of the fourth configuration of the reflector  434 C is illustrated showing the resulting heat dispersion. For example, in  FIG. 17  the first and second wings  460 A,  460 B may both be coupled to the central body  464  such that the wings  460 A,  460 B are both projecting toward the heat exchanger  30  as described above with regard to  FIG. 16 . However, the inner surface  466  of the wings  460 A,  460 B and the shape of the central body  464  of the reflector  434 C illustrated in  FIG. 17  is different from the reflector  434 B in  FIG. 16 . Specifically, the elongate slot  492  in the central body  464  is shaped differently. As oppose to the V-shaped surface of the elongated slot  492  of the reflector  434 B in  FIG. 16 , the elongated slot  492  of the reflector  434 C in  FIG. 17  includes a W-shaped surface. Furthermore, the inner surface  466  of the wings  460 A,  460 B of the reflector  434 C are multifaceted creating additional surface area on the inner surface  466  of the wings  460 A,  460 B and creating a denser pattern of reflected heat energy from the heat exchanger  30  directly below the radiant heating assembly  10 . Arranging the wings  460 A,  460 B of the reflector  434 B in this manner results in the heat dispersed from the heat exchanger  30  being more evenly distributed below the heat exchanger  30 , with the greatest amount of heat energy being focused directly below the heat exchanger  30 . As can be seen in  FIG. 17 , because of the orientation of the wings  460 A,  460 B and the multifaceted inner surface  466  of wings  460 A,  460 B, generally symmetrical heating profile is created below the heat exchanger  30 . The heat reflected by each of the wings  460 A,  460 B is generally dispersed over a distance D 6  and D 7 , wherein the distance D 6  and the distance D 7  are generally equal. This may be a helpful if the radiant heat assembly is placed in a more central location of the room or area to be heated. It can also be helpful for heating a specific area directly below the heater exchanger  30 . 
     As described above, the inner surfaces  466  of the wings  460 A,  460 B of the reflectors  434 B,  434 C illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17  are different. Specifically, the inner surfaces  466  of the wings  460 A,  460 B of the reflectors  434 C include grooves that run the length of the wings  460 A,  460 B to define a multi-faceted surface. By contrast, the inner surfaces  466  of the wings  460 A,  460 B of the reflectors  434 B are generally flat. Referring to  FIG. 18 , a representation of the heat dispersion created only by the multifaceted components of the inner surface  466  of the reflector  434 C is illustrated. This shows the additional heat dispersion pattern that is created by the multifaceted components of the inner surface  466  of the reflector  434 C of  FIG. 17  compared to the flat inner surface  466  of the reflector  434 C of  FIG. 17 . These additional reflection angels are created by adding the multifaceted components to the inner surface  466  of the reflector  434 C. 
     While not illustrated in the Figures, it is further contemplated that each of the wings  460 A,  460 B may comprise an extensions that are connected to the wings  460 A,  460 B at an distal edge portion of each of the wings  460 A,  460 B that is opposite the central mounting body  464  via a connector. As Similar to as is described in  FIG. 11  above, the connectors may comprise a fastener or similar interconnection configured to attach the extension to the wing  460 . 
     Clauses directed to alternative configurations: 
     I. A radiant heating assembly comprising: 
     a fuel valve; 
     a blower; 
     a controller configured to control the fuel valve and the blower; and 
     a heat exchanger or burner tube configured to have a reflector, said reflector having insulation between the inner and outer surfaces of the reflector in chambers 
     II. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with Clause I, wherein the insulation layer is air for the passage of air between the inner and outer surfaces.
 
III. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with Clause II, wherein the air flows through the chambers of the reflector.
 
IV. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with Clause I, wherein the reflector includes additional elements for reflecting heat along the inner reflector surface.
 
V. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with Clause I, wherein the reflector includes extensions
 
VI. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with Clause IV, wherein the additional elements include air chambers for the passage of air.
 
VII. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with Clause IV, further comprising a device for moving air through the chambers.
 
VIII. A radiant heating assembly comprising:
 
     a burner for receiving air and fuel, and for combustion and emitting heated exhaust; 
     an elongated heat exchanger in fluid communication with said burner defining a first end and a second end and a length between said first and second ends, said elongated heat exchanger comprising:
         an outer tube disposed along at least a portion of said length and defining an interior;   an inner tube disposed within said interior along at least a portion of said length and defining an inner chamber for receiving the heated exhaust from the burner; and   fins disposed between said inner tube and said outer tube for spacing said liner tube from said outer tube along at least a portion of said length to create chambers along the length of the tube having the fins.
 
IX. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause VIII, wherein said fins are integral with an end section of said outer tube.
 
X. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause IX, wherein said fins are integral with both the inner tube and the outer tube.
 
XI. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause VIII, wherein said outer tube has linear beads on its outer surface.
 
XII. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause VIII, wherein said liner tube and said outer tube are comprised of different metallic materials.
 
XIII A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause VIII, wherein one of said materials is extruded aluminum.
 
XIV. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause VIII, wherein one of said materials is aluminized steel.
 
XV. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause VIII, wherein said inner tube defines a first surface facing said outer tube and said outer tube defines a second surface facing away from said inner tube, said first surface having a first surface temperature and said second surface having a second surface temperature lower than said first surface temperature.
 
XVI. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause VIII, further including a plurality of spacing fins.
 
XVII. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause XVI, wherein said plurality of spacing fins are radially disposed about and coupled to said outer tube.
 
XVIII. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause XVI, wherein said plurality of spacing elements define angles between adjacent spacing elements, with said axis being a vertex for each angle, said plurality of spacing elements are radially disposed about said liner tube such that angles between said plurality of spacing elements are equal.
 
XIX. A radiant heating assembly in accordance with clause XVI, wherein said plurality of spacing elements define angles between adjacent spacing elements, with said axis being a vertex for each angle, said plurality of spacing elements are radially disposed about said liner tube such that angles between said plurality of spacing elements are unequal.
 
XX. A radiant heating assembly comprising a burner tube and a reflector, said reflector having elements that are adjustable in assembly on site to define various configurations of the reflector.
       

     Several configurations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the configurations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.