IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR HEATING OR WARMING AND VENTILATING BUILDINGS."
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Wilson, of Saint Andrews, in the County of Fife,
North Britain, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
HEATING OR WARMING AND VENTILATING BUILDINGS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Wilson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th July 1877.
JOHN WILSON, of Saint Andrews, in the County of Fife, North Britain.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR HEATING OR WARMING AND VENTILATING
BUILDINGS."
This Invention relates to an improved arrangement and construction of apparatus
for heating or warming and ventilating churches, halls, dwelling-houses, and
buildings generally, and has for its objects to produce a large amount of heated air
by the consumption of a small amount of fuel, and to so automatically regulate the
admission of air to the burning fuel so as to render the apparatus capable of keeping
in operation at an equable temperature for a long period without adding fresh fuel
to the fire.
A heater constructed according to this Invention consists of three main or
principal parts, viz., a fire-place, a boiler, and an air conducting and heating
chainber.
fire-
The fire-place consists of a fire-brick lining of a ring-like figure built upon
bars. It is provided with a flue for the escape of the products of combustion, and
forms the centre of the apparatus. Encircling this fire-brick lining and extending
to some distance above beyond the top of the said lining and below nearly to the
fire-bars, is arranged a ring-like boiler, provided with an inlet for feed water. This
boiler is encircled in its turn by an outer cylindrical casing of such a diameter as
to leave an air space between itself and the boiler. This outer casing is extended
above and below beyond the boiler continuations of either the outer or the inuer
skin of the boiler separating the fire space and ash-pit from the said air space,
Pasino 71

page_text: and forming with the boiler the inner side of the said air space. Both the upper and
lower ends of the said air space open to the atmosphere of the room to be warmed.
The fire may be fed with fuel through a feed hole formed by a short tube passing
through the top of the heater into the fire-place, being brought some distance down
toward the fire-bars, and being preferably of a taper form with its wide end
downwards, so as to conduct the fuel readily on to the fire. This feed hole is closed
by a cover.
The fire is raked thro' a fire-door formed by a short tube or box passing from
the outside of the heater through the air space, and opening into the fire-place
above the fire-bars.
The ash-pit under the bars (formed by the continuation of the outer or inner
skin of the boiler below the fire-bars, as before mentioned) has a like communi-
cat, with the outside of the heater, both openings when not in use being closed
by air-tight doors.
The ash-pit door may be opened to accelerate the draught when it may be
needful, or, for instance, on starting the fire.
The supply of air to the fire is obtained through a short tube leading from the
outside of the heater through the air space, and opening into the ash-pit, and the
said supply is automatically regulated by an air-regulats, valve affixed on the end
of the said short tube which communicates with the outer air.
The body of the valve which I prefer to use consists of a short tube, in which
are diaphragms having in them central holes for the admission of air, part of the
tube forming the body of the valve between the diaphragms being cut away so
that the openings in the diaphragms may communicate with the atmosphere.
Through the axis of the short tube and its diaphragms passes a rod or spindle,
carrying discs or dampers of such a size as will completely cover the openings in
the diaphragms when necessary. The said rod or spindle carrying the discs or
dampers is carried by one arm of a lever turning on a fulcrum on the body of the
valve, the other arm of the said lever carrying a counterbalance weight or counter-
balance weights, which has or have a tendency to keep the discs or dampers from
closing the openings in the diaphragms. Should the draught of air from the outside be
excessive, the force of the counterbalance weight is overcome by the pressure of air
on the discs or dampers which press against the said diaphragms and close the
openings therein, and thus cut off communication with the outer air until the
excessive pressure ceases.
To prevent an injurious back draught a disc or damper is mounted on the disc
spindle between a perforated diaphragm, similar to those before described, and the
inlet of the ash-pit. This damper acts to close the opening in its diaphragm in the
reverse direction from that in which those berein-before described act, so that on a
tendency to a back draught occurring, on inward pressure ceasing, the said disc is
urged towards its diaphragmn and covers the opening therein and shuts off commu-
nication with the outer air.
The discs or dampers must be arranged on their spindle at such distances apart
as that when the draught of air to the fire is of the proper pressure, all the openings
in the diaphragms will be uncovered, and free admission of air will be allowed.
By the use of a valve of this kind the draught to the fire is kept at an uniform or
nearly uniform rate.
In a heater constructed as herein-before described, combustion proceeds slowly
and regularly, and the fire will burn for a long period without the addition of fuel.
When this heater is in operation, air passing from the room to be warmed up
through the lower opening of the air space is heated by its contact with the boiler
and passes out from the upper part of the air space into the apartment which is
thereby heated.
The heater may be used to heat apartments other than that in which it is placed
by forming at its top an air conduit in communication with the air space to receive
the hot air, through and from which conduit the said air passes by suitable pipes or
passages to air passages, constructed by preference beneath the floor of the building,

page_text: apartment, or apartments to be warmed. The tops of these passages are covered
by perforated plates level with the flooring through the perforations, in which plates
the heated air enters the building or apartment.
By conducting fresh air from outside the building through the heating apparatus,
the building or apartment to be warmed at the same time thoroughly
ventilated.
The hot water from the boiler may be led through an outlet pipe and the top of
the boiler to circulating pipes, which are carried by preference along the herein-
before mentioned air conduit and passages in the floor of the building or apartment
or apartments, and after circulating through these pipes returns to the boiler at the
lower part thereof by a return pipe. All the hot water pipes are, where practicable,
led through the air passages, and, if necessary, extensions of the air space around
the air boiler are formed to enclose the pipes, so that none of their heat may escape
until the air reaches the building or apartment to be warmed.
Where an air conduit is formed on the top of the heater, the tube for replen-
ishing the fire with fuel has an extension thro' the said air conduit.'
Two or more boilers having air spaces between them may be arranged in one
heater; and where these compound heaters are used in combination with circu-
lating pipes all the air spaces communicate with the air conduit, and all the boilers
with the water-circulating pipes. The boilers in these cases may communicate with
each other by water tubes crossing the air spaces, thus ensuring circulation through
the boilers and increasing the air-heating surface.
The boiler where one only is used, or the inner boiler where more than one are
used, may be provided with water tubes opening into the boiler at the top of its
inner side, and extending downward through the fire space and re-entering the
boiler at a short distance above the fire-brick lining, whereby a greatly increased
water-heating surface is obtained.
The air conduits and the water pipes may be used in conjunction to warm a
building as herein-before described; or the hot air from the air space or spaces may
be conducted by one set of pipes to warm an apartment or apartments of a building,
and the hot water from the boiler or boilers may be conducted by another set of
pipes to warm another apartment or other apartments.
Although this Invention is herein-before described as applied to a heater of a
cylindrical form, it is to be understood that it may be applied to heaters of rect-
angular, octagonal, hexagonal, or other forms.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Wilson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 15th January
1878.
JOHN WILSON, of Saint Andrews, in the County of Fife, North Britain.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR HEATING OR WARMING AND VENTILATING
BUILDINGS."
_ My said Invention relates to an improved arrangement and construction of
apparatus for heating or warming and ventilating churches, halls, dwelling houses,
and buildings generally, and has for its objects to produce a large amount of heated
air by the consumption of a small amount of fuel, and to so automatically regulate
the admission of air to the burning fuel as to render the apparatus capable of keeping
in operation at an equable temperature for a long period without adding fresh fuel
to the fire.
A heater constructed according to my Invention, consists of three main or
principal parts, viz., a fire-place, a boiler, and an air-conducting and heating
chamber.
The fire-place consists of a fire-brick lining built upon fire-bars. Encircling this
fire-brick lining and extending to some distance above beyond the top of the said
lining and below nearly to the fire-bars, is arranged a boiler provided with an inlet
for feed water. This boiler is encircled in its turn by an outer casing of such a
diameter as to leave an air space between itself and the boiler. This outer casing
is extended above and below beyond the boiler continuations of either the outer or
the inner skin of the boiler separating the fire space and ash-pit from the said air
space, and forming with the boiler the inner side of the said air space. Both the
upper and lower ends of the said air space open to the atmosphere of the room or
other apartment to be warmed.
The fire-grate may be fed with fuel through a feed hole formed by a short tube
passing through the top of the heater into the fire-place, and being brought some
distance down towards the fire-bars, and being preferably of a taper form with its
wide end downwards so as to conduct the fuel readily on to the fire-grate. This
feed hole is closed by a cover.
The fire is raked through a fire-door formed by a short tube or box passing from
the outside of the heater through the air space and opening into the fire-place above
the fire-bars.
The ash-pit under the bars (formed by the continuation of the outer or inner
skin of the boiler below the fire-bars, as before mentioned) has a like communication
with the outside of the heater, both openings, when not in use, being closed by air-
tight doors.
The ash-pit door may be opened when it may be needful to accelerate the draught,
as, for instance, on starting the fire.
The supply of air to the fire is obtained through a short tube leading from the
outside of the heater through the air space, and opening into the ash-pit, and the
said supply is automatically regulated by an air-regulating valve affixed on the end
of the said short tube which communicates with the outer air, and by which the
draught to the fire is or may be kept at a uniform or nearly uniform rate, or varied
from time to time, as desired.
When my improved heater is in operation, air passing up through the lower
opening of the air space is heated by its contact with the boiler and passes out from
the upper part of the air space into the apartment, which is thereby heated.
The heater may be used to heat apartments other than that in which it is placed
by forming at its top an air conduit in communication with the surrounding air
space to receive the hot air, through and from which conduit the said air passes by
pipes or other ducts to air passages constructed, by preference, beneath the floor of
the building, apartment, or apartments to be warmed. The tops of these passages

page_text: are covered by perforated plates level with the flooring, through the perforations in
which plates the heated air enters the building or apartment.
By conducting fresh air from outside the building through the heating apparatus,
the building or apartment to be warmed will at the same time be thoroughly
ventilated.
The hot water from the boiler may be led through an outlet pipe at the top of
the boiler to the circulating pipes which are carried, by preference, along the herein-
before mentioned air conduit and passages in the floor of the building, or apartment,
or apartments, and after circulating through these pipes, returns to the boiler at the
lower part thereof by a return pipe.
Two or more boilers, having air spaces between them, may be arranged in one
heater, and where these compound heaters are used in combination with circulating
air and water conduits or pipes, all the air spaces will communicate with the air
conduit, and all the boilers with the water circulating pipes. The boilers in these
cases may communicate with each other by water tubes crossing the air spaces, by
which the air-heating surface is increased and circulation of the water through the
boilers attained.
The boiler, where one only is used, or the inner boiler, where more than one are
used, may be provided with water tubes opening into the boiler at the top of its
inner side, and extending downward through the fire space, and re-entering the
boiler at a short distance above the fire-brick lining whereby a greatly increased
water-heating surface is obtained.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood, I now proceed
more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in or under which the
same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, reference being had to the
annexed Sheet of Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is
to say :-
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings represents a front elevation of a heater
constructed according to my Invention; Figure 2, a vertical section of the same
taken on the line 1, 2, Figure 1; and Figure 3, a half horizontal section taken on the
line 3, 4, Figure 2.
The heater, as herein-before mentioned, has three principal or main parts, viz.,
the fire-place A, the boiler B, and the air-conducting and heating chamber C. The
fire-place is situate at the centre of the heater, and consists of a fire-brick lining a
of a ring-like figure, built or mounted upon a dead plate and fire-bars D. The
boiler B encircles this fire-brick lining a, and extends, as shewn in Figure 2, to some
distance above the top of the said lining and below it to within a short distance of
the fire-bars.
The air conducting and heating chamber C, surrounds the fire-box and boiler,
being formed by the outer skin b of the boiler, continued from the bottom to the
top of the heater, and by the outer casing E of the apparatus, so that the said air
chamber has no communication with the fire-box but is open at the bottom and the
top for the ingress of cold air and the egress of heated air respectively, as herein-
after explained. The fire is fed with fuel through the feed hole formed by the short
tube F (shewn in dotted lines in Figure 2) passing through the top of the heater
into the fire-place, it being brought, as shewn, some distance down towards the
fire-bars. The said tube is taper or of the form of a truncated cone, the wide end
being downwards so as to conduct the fuel readily on to the fire. This feed hole is
closed by a cover G. The fire is raked through the door H, communicating with
the fire-space through the short tubular opening h, passing from the outer casing of
the heater through the air space, and opening into the fire-place above the bars.
The fire door frame is preferably double or formed with grooves in which the fire
door is slid vertically to open or close it, as clearly shewn in Figure 3. The ash-pit
door I, is formed in a similar manner, and through it communication with the ash-pit
is obtained through the tubular opening i, passing through the air space and into
the ash-pit.
Where (as herein-after described) the heater contains more than one boiler and

page_text: air space the tubular openings h, i, of the fire hole and ash-pit are made of a length
sufficient to pass through or under all the boilers and through all the air spaces. A
flue Z, for the escape of the products of combustion passes through the air space or
spaces from the upper part of the fire space, carrying off the products of combustion
to any convenient chimney or outlet. The ash-pit of the fire space is closed at the
bottom by the plate J. The supply of air to support combustion is obtained
through a short tube J, leading from the outside of the heater through the air space,
and opening into the ash-pit underneath the fire-bars, the supply being automatically
regulated by an air-regulating valve K, affixed ou the outer end of the tube J.
The valve which I prefer to use is similar to that commonly known as the "Arnot
valve." It is illustrated in longitudinal section in Figure 3ª (Sheet 2) of the
annexed Drawings. The body of the valve consists of a short tube closed at its outer
end k¹. In this tube are a diaphragm 1, having in it a central perforation 2, and dia-
phragms 3, formed by the sides of a box-like recess 4, in the tube. This box-like recess is
of such a depth as to leave an air passage 5 below it. The diaphragms 3 have perfo-
rations 6 in them corresponding with the perforation in the diaphragm 1. A spindle
7 is carried by one arm of a lever 8, turning on a fulcrum 9, fixed on the body of
the valve. This spindle 7 carries discs or dampers 10, 10, of such a size as will
completely cover the openings in the diaphragm as herein-after explained. Upon
the outer arm of the lever 8 is a counterbalance weight 11, which has a tendency
to keep the discs or dampers 10, 10, from closing the openings in the diaphragms
3, 3; an additional arm 13 may be attached to the fulcrum 9, carrying a weight 14,
which may be dropped into holes in the said arm 13 at various distances from the
fulcrum to adjust the counterbalancing of the disc spindle.
The action of this valve is as follows:- Should the draught of air from outside
be excessive the force of the counterbalance is overcome by the pressure of the nir
against the right-hand disc 3, and the discs press against the diaphragms, and by
closing the openings therein cut off communication with the outer air until the
excessive pressure ceases.
To prevent an injurious back draught a disc or damper 15 is mounted on the disc
spindle between the perforated diaphragm 1 and the ash-pit. On a tendency to
back draught occurring on inward pressure of the outside air ceasing or becoming
reduced the said disc is urged towards the diaphragm and covers the opening
therein, and shuts off communication with the outer air. The discs or dampers
must be arranged on their spindle, as shewn, at such distances apart as that when
the draught of air to the fire is of the proper pressure, the discs will have the per-
forations in all the diaphragms uncovered and the air will pass as indicated by the
arrows to the fire.
By the use of a valve of this kind the draught to the fire is kept at a uniform or
nearly uniform rate, and combustion proceeds slowly and regularly, and the fire will
burn for a long period without requiring replenishing with fuel. In cases where a
great draught is required, as on starting the fire, the ash-pit door may be opened.
The water supply pipe for the boiler of the heater may be led in at the bottom or
top or other part of the boiler, as may be found convenient.
"When my improved heater is in operation air passes up through the lower
opening of the air chamber C (the outer casing E being mounted upon legs, or upon
a perforated stand to give free passage for the air), is heated by its contact with the
boiler, and passes out from the upper opening of the air space into the apartment,
which is thereby heated.
Figure 4 is an elevation with the air conduit in section of an arrangement of my
Invention, in which the heater is employed to heat apartments or buildings other
than that in which it is placed; and Figure 5 is a plan of the same.
An air conduit L is formed at the top of the heater, its interior being in com-
munication with the upper opening of the air chamber C, so as to receive the heated
air therefrom. From this conduit the heated air passes by continuations, pipes, or
other ducts to air spaces or passages M, constructed beneath the floor of the
building by preference (although they may be formed in any other convenient

page_text: part). The tops or outer sides of these passages are covered by perforated plates N
(as shewn at X in the upper part of Figure 5), the said perforated plates being
removed from the passages at the lower part of the Figure to shew the pipes
beneath. These plates (when the passages are in the floor) are placed level with
the floor. The hot water from the boiler may in this arrangement be caused to
circulate through flow and return pipes O opening into the boiler at its top and
botton, and circulating pipes P, which are carried along the air conduit Ĺ and
passages M. The pipes O, opening as they do into the upper and lower parts of the
boiler, will keep up a constant circulation of hot water through the pipes P. I
prefer that all the hot water pipes should be led through the air spaces or passages,
extensions of the said air spaces being formed, if necessary, to enclose the pipes, so
that none of their heat may escape until the air reaches the building or apartment
to be warmed. Such an extension is shewn at R, which is an enlargement of the
air chamber C at that part to enclose the pipes O.
The tube for replenishing the fire with fuel has an extension through the said air
conduit, as shewn at L', Figure 4.
Two or more boilers having air spaces between them may be arranged in one
heater.
Figure 6 is a sectional diagram shewing a heater containing two boilers; and
Figure 7 is a sectional diagram of a heater having three boilers so arranged. In
both Figures the boilers are marked B, and the air spaces C. The boilers communi-
cate with each other by any convenient number of pipes as at x, preferably at top
and bottom of the boilers, so as to secure a perfect circulation of water throughout.
Where there are more air spaces than one all these air spaces are open at their
bottom for the admission. of cold air, and open at the top (as shewn in Figure 7)
into the apartment to be warmed; or into the air conduit, as the case may be, for the
exit of beated air. The direction taken by the air through the apparatus is indicated
by the arrows.
The boiler or boilers should be supplied with feed water, so as to be constantly
filled, safety being insured by an expansion pipe (not shewn in the Drawings) in
communication with the water space leading from the upper part of the boiler or
boilers to any point higher than the source of the feed water supply. Where the
herein-before described system of circulating hot water pipes O, P, is used this
expansion pipe is taken from the highest point of the circulating pipes, rising to any
point higher than the source of the feed water supply.
In Figure 2 I have shewn the boiler as being provided with water tubes y
opening into the boiler at the top of its inner side, and extending downwards
through the fire space, and re-entering the boiler at a short distance above thic
fire-brick lining. Where more boilers than one are combined in a heater these tubes
may also be used in the innerinost boiler.
Although in Figures 4 and 5 I have shewn the air spaces M as containing the hot
water pipes P, they being used in conjunction for warming an apartment or
building, yet the hot air from the air space or spaces may be conducted by one set
of pipes or passages to warm an apartment or apartments, and the hot water from
the boiler or boilers may heat another apartment, or other apartments by circulating
through a system of pipes independent of the air passages.
It will be understood from the preceding description that although I have
described my Invention as applied to a heater of a cylindrical form it is equally
applicable to heaters of rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, or other forms.
The fire of a heater constructed according to my Invention will burn so regularly
that it will keep alight for a great length of time, and render unnecessary the daily
relighting of the fire.
Fresh air from the exterior of the building may be led by pipes or passages into
the lower opening of the air space or spaces, by which means the apartment or
apartments warmed are at the same time thoroughly ventilated.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the system, mode, or manner, in or under which the same is or may.

page_text: be used or practically carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I
consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to
me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The improved apparatus for heating or warming and ventilating buildings
or apartments, consisting of a central fire-place surrounded by a boiler or boilers
and air heating space or chamber or spaces or chambers, through which cold air is
caused to pass and become heated by contact with the boiler or boilers, the air to
the fire being supplied by an automatic air regulating valve, the whole being con-
structed and arranged essentially as herein-before described, and illustrated in
Figures 1, 2, 6, and 7 of the accompanying Drawings.
Second. The arrangement of apparatus for heating apartments or buildings other
than that in which the heater is placed, consisting of the combination of the heater
(whether containing one boiler and air chamber or more) claimed in the preceding
claiming clause with the system of heated air conduit and passages, and hot water
circulating pipes, essentially as herein-before described, and illustrated in Figures 4
and 5 of the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Wilson, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Twelfth day of January, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
aight
JOHN WILSON. (L.S.)