Improvements in Domestic Fireplaces.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Mar., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 16th Dec., 1890--Accepted, 7th Mar., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Domestic Fireplaces.
JAMES SHAW, 10, Snow Hill, London, E.C., Commercial traveller, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
I construct a metal plate equal to the size of the throat of the chimney, at the
centre and near the top of the plate, I fix a round metal pin two and a half or three
inches long, with a loop at the end placed vertically.
I construct a poker with a crook at fire end, to lay hold of loop and draw the
plate into position.
I place the plate loosely in the chimney, the base resting on the back of the
fireplace level with the top bars, the pins resting against the inside front wall of the
chimney or fire place.
By this means I narrow the draught of the chimney to the space measured by
the length of the pin, and the width of the opening.
The effect of this arrangement is to secure a uniform draught, complete com-
bustion of fuel, and consequent prevention or consumption of smoke also preventing
a down draught whilst the heat is refracted from the metal plate into the room
instead of up the chimney as in ordinary stoves and open fire grates, thus securing
economy with equable temperature.
Bituminous or smoky and anthracite or smokeless coal will kindle immediately,
and produce and maintain a bright fire if used with this appliance.
Coke can also be consumed with advantage.
When the fuel is in a state of incandescence, and the room too hot, the metal plate
can be pushed to the back of the chimney.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Domestic Fireplaces.
I, JAMES SHAW, Merchant, 25, Shepherds Bush Road, W., do hereby declare
the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to
be particularly described and ascertaines and by the following statement :-
My invention is designed for the more complete combustion of fuel, and for the
prevention and consumption of smoke-adaptable to any construction of open fire
places.
To attain this construct a metal plate or firebrick, which I place at the back
base of the chimney and in the throat thereof, by which means I narrow the
draught to a space of 30 to 40 square inches according to fire space-see drawings.
The plate or brick I place loosely on suitable rests at an angle of about 20 degrees
from the vertical so as to form a baffle to the flame.
The draught space is regulated by means of a round metal pin or pins about
three inches long placed near the top of the plate.
The pin has a loop or hook placed vertically by which it can be laid hold of and
brought into position resting against the inside front wall of the chimney. See
Figs. 4 & 6.
For this purpose I use a poker with a turned end-see Fig. 7.
In register grates I use preferably a metal plate with curved sides about three
inches deep to flush so as to enclose the draught space-see Figs. 1, 2 & 5.
I also apply the pin arrangement to existing registers.

page_text: The plate or brick is placed loosely, so that it may be easily removed for the
purposes of cleaning or repairing the chimney.
I also place firebricks round the inside of the grate to absorb and increase heat.
The effect of this arrangement is to quicken draught, and secure complete com-
bustion of fuel, diminishing the production of smoke and consuming it by means of
flame operating in a contracted outlet.
Economy of fuel is secured by consuming it instead of allowing it to escape in
the form of smoke, and fouling the chimney, and further by reflecting heat into the
room from the metal plate and firebricks, instead of allowing it to escape up the
chimney.
Down draught is also prevented by means of a sharp up draught and also by
means of the plate or brick which operates as a baffle.
To further effect the object I have in view, I use in kindling fires a sufficient
amount of firewood to create flame enough to intercept and consume the smoke
prior to the coals becoming thoroughly ignited.
I attain this by removing all ashes from the grate, leaving only a sprinkling of
cinders upon which I place loosely news or similar paper. I then build up the fire-
wood (about 6 ozs.) cross wise forming a porous square stack in the centre of the
grate.
I surround and cover over the wood with ordinary house coal to the extent only
of about 2 lbs. weight, so as to give a free draught and secure active combustion.
When the coals are well alight the fire may be fed with ordinary coal with
anthracite smokeless coal or with coke, either of which produces a bright fire-down-
to the last cinder.
Should the fire become inactive it should be raised by means of the poker so as
to create flame.
The economy of this invention is proved by the following statement, 24 lbs. of
ordinary house coal kindled by 6 ozs. of firewood in an open fire place 11 in. front
5 in. back, 7 in. deep and 5 inches high, heats a room 14 x 12 x 11 feet to an average
temperature of 64 degrees Falt. for 12 hours, or one farthing per hour.
In the drawings
Figs. 1 & 2 show the application of the appliance (a) to a registered fire grate.
Figs. 3 & 4 show the same to a square...te.
Figs. 5 & 6 show two forms of the appliance.
Fig. 7 shows a small poker for putting in position and removing the appliance.
I do not bind myself to the two forms f appliance shown.
Having now particularly described an
tion, and in what manner the same
claim is :-
ascertained the nature of my said inven-
be performed, I declare that what I
(1) An appliance consisting of a m. plate or firebrick, placed loosely at the
back of the fire place, in the throat of the chimney, at an angle of about twenty
degrees from the vertical, by means of which 1 narrow the draught to a space of
about thirty-five square inches substantially in the manner and for the purposes
hereinbefore described.