Improvements in and relating to Smoke and other Flues.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Dec., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 13th Apr., 1899-Accepted, 8th July, 1899
Improvements in and relating to Smoke and other Flues.
JOHN ISAAC BRUCE, Bricklayer, 22, Arcot Street, Low Gosforth, near Newcastle-
on-Tyne, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention refers to, improvements in and relating to smoke and other flues,
and has for its object, a siniple and ready mode of constructing a perfect flue,
in buildings generally, for smoke, steam, gas or ventilation. By my mode of con-
struction, the great number of large mortar joints, which are so faulty and objec-
tionable are dispensed with, together with the extravagant amount of mortar used
parging the flue.
It will also reduce the liability of one flue burning through to the next.
My said invention consists of forming the flues in blocks cast in " concrete,"
fireclay," or other fire resisting material, in convenient sizes of one or two flues
each, and two or three courses of bricks in height. By this arrangement & with
suitable combinations, any number of flues may be had as circumstances demand.
The majority of the blocks will be of a stock size & rake of flue, and by the use
of concrete as the material, the builder can readly supply his own requirements,
on the site, for any particular circumstances which may arise in the carrying out
the work.
I have used this mode of forming flues the last two or three months, and find
that over and above the primary advantage claimed (that is a perfect flue) it has
also the following-
a Cheaper than forming the flues in bricks.
b Less time in building..
No possibility of one flue burning through to the next.
d Sound construction
JOHN ISAAC BRUCE, Bricklayer, 22, Arcot Street, Low Gosforth, near Newcastle-
on-Tyne, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement:-
My invention referes to improvements in and relating to smoke and other flues,
and has for its object a simple and ready mode of constructing a perfect flue in
buildings generally for smoke, steam, gas or ventilation.

page_text: In order that my said invention may be more clearly rendered, reference may be
made to the accompanying sheet of drawings in which
Fig. 1 shews, in section, the mode of adapting my flue blocks to a fireplace on
ground floor.
Fig. 2 shews the arrangement on first floor.
Fig. 3 shews the commencement of the gathering over of flues to centre within
roof.
Fig. 4 shews the meeting of the gathered flues previous to passing through roof.
Fig. 1 vertical section through Fig. 1.
Fig. plans of blocks A & B in Fig. 2 Block B in dotted lines.
Fig. 3 plans of blocks A & B in Fig. 3 Block B in dotted lines.
The mode of performing or carrying out my invention is as follows:-
Referring to Fig. 1, the first four blocks are cast or molded to a stock rake of
flue sufficient to carry flue over into jamb of chimney breast the lowest having
the flue splayed off to a trumpet shape the centre of which is immediately over
the centre of the firebox below.
The first four will all have four and a half inches hold of the walls at back and
side, thereby starting with a good foundation for the superstructure.
The flue is then carried up in single flue blocks to top of fireplace on first floor
see Fig. 2 the alternate blocks being bonded as before and similar to Block B
in Fig. 2^.
At the commencement of the flue from first floor I have two stock blocks to
carry flue over to and against the flue rising from ground floor.
From the top of these last I use double and single flue blocks in combination
the alternate ones of which are bonded as before into the brickwork see Figs. 2
and 2*.
These latter blocks ascend through ceiling where I start with blocks cast with
flues to a stock rake and in combinations of one and two flues in each
bonded alternately as before see Figs. 3 and 3* and being thus self-support-
ing requires no timbering as is neessary in the present use of bricks. When the
flues are all gathered over into one central stack, I continue with a combination
of single and double flue blocks the alternate courses of which are bonded as
before see Fig. 4.
The blocks being cast in concrete are finished inside with a fine surface, but
are left rough otherwise, which gives a good key for the plastering.
I do not include in my invention any particular shape of flue, or material in
which they are cast or molded.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
The forming of smoke or other flues in blocks in which are provided holes of any
size, circular or otherwise, the setting together of which, form one or more con-
tinuous flues, and for the purpose herein before described and illustrated in the
accompanying sheet of drawings.
JOHN ISAAC BRUCE,
Applicant.