US1865511A - Radiator - Google Patents

Description

R. V. FROST July 5, 1932.

RADI AT OR Filed Aug. 5, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet l w ITA/5.5.5

July 5, 1932. R v, FROST 1,865,511

RADI AT OR Filed Aug. 5, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented `lilly 5, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROBINSON V. FROST, 0F NORRISTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO FROST RESEARCH LABORATORY, INC., .A CORPORATION PENNSYLVANIA RADIATOR Application med August 3, 1928. Serial No. 297,252.

The present invention relates to heat exchange apparatus and particularly to an improved radiator for direct heating of rooms, of that type comprising a primary surface in the form of a pipe or other conduit for `the circulation of a fluid heating medium,

such as steam, and a secondary surface consisting of a series of diathermic fins mounted onY the primary surface to conduct the heat therefrom and give it off rapidly to the air to maintain the room at the desired temperv ature.

T he primary object of the invention is to provide an improved radiator of this character which has a high thermal efii'ciency both when rated in equivalent square feet and in heating effect, and which at the same time is compact in structure, occupies a minimum amount of space in the room, and comprises a minimum amount of material so as to be light in weight and inexpensive both in initial cost and in cost of operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a radiator of this type having a casing( which encloses the primary and secondary surfaces and coacts with the latter to form a series of separate, upwardly extending airpassages leading through theradiator from the inlet adjacent the bottom tothe outlet adjacent the top thereof, which is rigidly secured to the secondarysurface or fins andl ties the same together to provide a strong, unitary structure, and which also 'serves both as a guard for the radiator and to support the same in proper position on the floor and against a wall of the room.

Another object of the invention is to provide one or more dampers extending along the bottom of the easing and movable across -the inlet thereof and across the lower ends of the fins to control theflow of air from the room through the air-passages ,betweenv the fins, to regulate effectively theheat transfer i out of the way and substantially hidden from View, and serving in open position as deectere to direct the air entering the radlator at the ioor level-where itk is coldest-upwardly into the air-passages, and in closed -I position to prevent the circulation of air supporting and leveling the radiator, which' provides a pivotal support for the air-con trolling damper or dempers so that they are mounted as art of the unitary structure, and which also orms a closure extending across and scaling the angle or corner at the juncture of the floor and the wall to prevent the accumulation of dirt and dust therein and the carrying of such ydirt and dust upwardly through the air-passages and its delivery with the heated air into the room.

A further object of the invention is to provide a casing havinrr its back extended upwardly and forwardly to form an inclined top which overhangs the air-passages and Cil constitutes a deflector or hood to direct the currents of heated air u wardly and outlation and distribution of the" heat in the zone of occupancy of the room and thereby increase the heating effect of the radiator, the top bearing upon and beingA supported by the upper ends of the fins and serving as a cover when the radiator is set back of the plaster line of the wall.

A further object of the invention is to provide a base-board radiator (that is, a' radiator of substantially the height ofthe usual base-board of a room wall and adapted to be attached directly thereto), which delivers the heated air to the room at low level close to .the floor-linawhereby to increase the heating effect and thereby obtain the maximum comfort`in the room and at the same time effect a substantial economy in fuel consumption.

A further object 1s to provide a base-board radiator which isof narrow depth from front to rear, which when attached to the baseboard will not occupy valuable room space,

offer an obstruction to furniture nor obtrude into the decorative scheme of the room, and which requires -no special wall construction to accommodate it, although it may he installed, if desired, directly against the plaster or even back of the plaster line against the studding and the plaster carried down on the top cover, thus eliminating the base -board and causing the radiator to serve as a substitute therefor.

A still further vobject of the invention is to provide an improved radiator which may be efficiently assembled to provide not only a strong, durable and unitary structure, but also a metallic union between the parts which will insure a maximum heat conductivity.

With these and other objects in View, the invention comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangements of parts which -will be exemplified in the apparatus hereinafter'set forth.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views Figure l is a front elevation, partly broken away, illustrating the installation of one embodiment of my improved radiator consisting of two radiator units;

Figure 2 is a transverse section on the line 2-2 of Figure l, the arrows indicating the direction of the flow of the air currents through the radiator;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of one of the diathermic fins; and

Figure 4 is a similar view of one of the dummy fins.

My improved radiator is made in units or sections of standard lengths, say of one, two or three feet, which may be installed singly or any two or more of which may be coupled together to' provide a continuous radiator of appropriate capacity for the room to be heated. The unitsor sections are substantially identical, although in connection with their differences in length they may differ in particulars hereinafter pointed out. According to the present embodiment of the invention each unit is constructed as follows:

There is a primary surface in the form of a horizontal pipe or conduit 1 for the Huid heating medium, which extends substantially centrally and longitudinally the full length of the unit with its ends preferably terminating flush therewith, the diameter of the pipe being relatively small so as not unduly to restrict or choke the air-passages, hereinafterk referred to, through the radiator, but, on the other hand, being suiciently large to permit the free flow of the heating medium so as to obtain a high thermal capacity, preferably at a low pressure. The ends of the pipe -are externally screw threaded, as indicated at 2.

Mounted on the pipe between the threaded ends thereof is a series of diathermic fins 3, which are disposed vertically in parallel,

spaced relation to each otherand constitute the secondary surface of the radiator. The fins are preferably stamped from or otherwise formed'of relatively thin sheet-metal, such as black iron sheet, and are all of similar size, contour and construction, except as hereinafter noted.

Each fin is formed with a substantially central opening 4 around which is struck up a collar 5 that projects laterally from one face of the fin, is slipped over and fits tightlyvequal length with their free ends terminating in the same plane and abuttin against the next adjacent fin in the series, w iereby to maintain a suitable spacing therebetween and insure uniformity in spacing throughout the series.

The iin is elongated vertically and has its side, or front and rear, edges parallel and disposed in vertical planes. The lower edge of the iin is concave and curved between the points where it joins the front and back edges, on an arc centered below the fin and preferably on the center or median line thereof. The rear edge extends upwardly above the height of the front edge while the upper edge or top of the fin is inclined upwardly and forwardly from its juncture with the rear edge, to the apex of the fin that is preferably located on the center or median line above referred to. Between its apex and its front edge the fin is mitered, as indicated at 7, the mitered edge forming an obtuse angle with the front edge, which is somewhat greater than the obtuse angle that the upper edge forms with the rear edge.

The pipe 1 and the series of fins 3 are enclosed by a casing forming a guard for the radiator and consisting of front and back plates, desi nated' 8 and 9, respectively, which are ormed of suitable sheet-metal, such as black iron sheet, extend longitudinally the full length of the unit, and are separately secured to the respective fins to tie the same together and thus provide a strong, unitary structure. The front and back plates coact with the ns to form a series of separate air-passages l() extending upwardly therebetween and leading through the radiator from an air inlet opening 11 adjacent the bottom to an air outlet opening l2 adjacent the top of the casing. By this arrangement the dissipation of the air-currents circulating through the radiator is prevented and they are confined between and in eective contact with the diathermic fins', whereby to insure the maximum heat transfer to the air therefrom. p

The front plate 8 abuts against the front edges of the series of fins v3 and is rigidly and permanently secured in a suitable man,- ner to the spacing-lugs 6 located at such edges, the. plate being coextensive vertically with the front edges of the fins, except that it projects slightly downwardly below the same to provide a rearwardly facing shoulder or abutment 13.

The back plate 9 is similarly secured against the rear' edges of the fins and to the corresponding spacing-lugs 6, and is provided with suitable means for fastening the unit against the wall of the room, such as, one or more lie -hole slots 14 permitting the back plate to e engaged with the heads of screws 15 or the like driven into the base-board or the wall. i

The back plate is extended downwardly and forwardly underneath the fins in a generally inclined direction but preferably on a curve to form a foot or base 16 which is adapted to rest upon the fioor of the room to assist in supporting and leveling the radiator. The

foot also forms a closure for extending across dell tti

and sealing the angle or corner at the juncture of the floor and the wall to prevent the accumula-tion of dirt and dust therein and the carrying of such dirt and dust upwardly through the air-passages and its delivery with the heated air into the room. The lower edge portion of the foot, which bears upon the door, is disposed .on the center or median lines of the fins and on the centers of the arcuate lower edges thereof. There is a space between the lower edge, portion of the foot and the lower edge of' the front plate 8, forming the inlet opening 11 which is, elongated and extends the full length of the casing for admitting the air thereto at the floor level where the air of the room is the coldest.

y Illhe foot also serves to support one or more dempers 17 for controlling the inlet opening 11 and thus the circulation of air from the room through the air passages 10, so that the hea-t transfer to the air and the heating effect of the radiator may be conveniently and effectively regulated without the use 'of valves in the pipe 1. Each damper is pivoted along its lower edge to the lower edge of the foot, as for instance, by a continuous piano hinge 18, and is thereby mounted as part of the unita-ry structure. In'closed position the damper is inclined forwardly and extends across the inlet opening with its upper edge bearing against the shoulder or abutment 13, which thus serves as a stop to support it in such position. The damper is preferably curved or dished between its upper and lower edges and is mounted with its concave face forward so that even in the closed position thereof the damper is out of the way and substantially hidden from view. In open position.the damper is inclined rearwardly and rests against and is supported by the foot 16,

and serves asa deilector to direct the air enterin the inlet opening 11 upwardly into the air-passages 10. The damper and the foot are similarly curved to permit the former to fit snugly within and against the latter in this osition. Because of its pivotal mounting tlie damper maybe freely swung from one position to the other, the upper or free edge of the damper sweeping across the arcuate lower edges of the fins during this movement by virtue of the pivot being located on the centers of .such arcs. Any suitable means may be employed for operating the damper such as, for instance, a knob 19 of of ring term provided on the front face thereof and readily accessible at all times for the convenient manipulation of the damper. f The backilate is also extended upwardly and forwar ly over the iins to form an inclined top 20 for the casing, which projects over the air-passages 10 and constitutes a deiiector or hood for directing the currents of heated air ascending therein, through the outlet opening 12 and forwardly and upwardly into the room, whereby to effect a wider circulation and distribution of heat in the zone of occupancy of the room and thereby increase the heating eect of the radiator, as well as to rotect the surface of the wall of the room a ove the radiator from discoloration'or other damage. The top further serves as a cover when the radiator is set back of the plaster lineof the wall.

The top 20 extends forwardly to the apexes of the tins, and bears upon and is supported by the upper edges of the ins, being rigidly secured to the spacing lugs 6 provided at such edges, preferably ad] acent to the said apexes. Along its front edge the top 20 is formed with a narrow, depending iange 21 which slightly overlaps the mitered edges 7 of thev iins both to strengthen the structure and to hide the spacing lugs 6 just above mentioned and .provide a finish.

The front ed e of the top 20 and the upper edge of the ront plate 8 are spaced apart to form the outlet opening 12 which is elongated and disposed longitudinally throughout the entire length of the casing. The mitered edges 7 of the iins extend across the opening 12 and are preferably located in the plane thereof. By having the fins mitered adjacent the openiner 12 their superficial area is reducedat the delivery end of the airpassages 10, and thus the friction and drag on the air is reduced adjacent the deflector and at the point where the heated air-currents issue into the room.

It will he noted that in the present embodiment of the invention the inlet and outvlet openings 11 and 12 lie in inclined planes are substantially identical with the diathermic fins, except as hereinafter noted, and are provided with marginal spacing-lugs 6 which are secured to the front and back plates 8 and 9 and to the top 20, to support the dummy lfins in position as part of the unitary structure. The dummy fins have central openings 22 that are of somewhat larger diameter than the pipe 1, so that the latter passes freely therethrough out of thermal contact therewith and such fins encircle the threaded ends of the pipe in spaced relation thereto.

The extreme dummy fins at each end of the unit are formed with downward extensions 23 which close the ends of space or chamber in which the damper or dampers 17 operate. The rear edge of cach such extension yconforms to and fits snugly against the front surface of the foot 16, so that the extension serves to brace the foot and re-enforces it againstI strain. The front edge of the extension preferably conforms to the contour of the damper and is disposed so as to be flush with the outer surface thereof when the damper is in its closed position. At its low er extremity the extension 23 may terminate in an eye 24, through which the Lpintle of .he piano hinge 18 passes, the eye thus becoming a part of the piano hinge whereby to afford the hinge additional support and to secure the extension 23 against lateral displacement.

By having the extreme dummy'fins at each end of the unit inset from the plane of the end of the unit a distance equal to one-half of the uniform spacing between the fins. the uniform spacing of the fins ispreserved when two units of my improved radiator are assembled together end to end and any break at the joint in the regular continuity of the fins is avoided. A .suitable bead 25 may be provided on the inner surface of the casing be tween the extremity thereof and the-extreme dummy lin in order to engage such dummy iin to assist in securing it in position, as weil as to provide a finish when the end or ends of the radiator are exposed to view.

Where the radiator unit is of comparatively short length a single damper 17 isemployed therein, but in the longer units two or more dampers may be providedl so that they may be lndependently manipulated to regulate the heat more effectively. In the latter instance one or more of the, diathermic Y tween adjacent dampers.

My improved radiator is of substantially the height of the usual base-board of a room wall, and thus delivers the heated air to the room at a low level, close to the floor line. This increases the heating effect of the radiator in the room and minimizes the Waste of heat (which is so objectionable in the ordinary radiators) so that the maximum comfort is obtained in the room and at the same time a. substantial economy in fuel consumption is effected. The radiator is also of relatively narrow depth from front to rear, with. the result that when installed it Will not occupy valuable room space, offer an obstruction to furniture, nor obtrude into the decorative scheme of the room.

By virtue of its form and arrangement, no special wall construction is required to accommodate the radiator, but it may be set directly against the base-board, or if desired, directly against the plaster, or even back of the plaster line and against the studding with the plaster carried down on the top or cover 20. Vhen set either against the plaster or against the studding, the usual base-board is omitted for a distance equal to the length of the radiator, and the radiator serves as a substitute therefor.

Single units of the radiator may be separately installed, or two or more units may be installed together, according to the conditions under which the radiator is to be employed and the capacity required for the room to be heated. When employed together, the adjacent ends of the units are united by a coupling or sleeve 29 which is screwed on the meeting threaded ends 2 of the pipes 1 of the respective units and is accommodated within the relatively large central openings 22 of the corresponding dummy fins 3. In thus assembling the units, the coupling is first screwed on one of the 'threaded ends 2 and the other threaded end is then brought into registry with the coupling and screwed therein by turning one of the units relatively to the other until the meeting ends of the units are drawn together with the units in longitudinal alinement to form a continuous radiator.

To install the radiator it is merely necessary to drive screws or like fastening devices 15 into the baseboard or the wall and to engage the keyhole slots14 therewith to secure the radiator in position with the foot or base 16 resting upon the floor. By means of elbows 27 screwed on the threaded ends 2 at the opposite ends of the radiator, the conduit In view of the foregoing description the operation 'of the radiator w1ll be obvious.

Itis to be noted that by having the apex of the radiator and the lower extremity or bearing portion of the foot in substantial vertical alinement, the units of my improved radiator may, if desired, be mounted oneI above the other with the foot of the upper unit resting upon the top of the lower unit them together.

According to this method the diathermio fins 3 are assembled, preferably one by one, on the pipe 1 of the unit, and their collars 5 fastened thereto by a spot or butt weld, so

l.that the entire series of diathermic tins is integrally united to the pipe in the proper yspaced relation, with a high degree of thermal conductivity between the primary and secondary surfaces of the radiator. The parts oi the casing, that is, the back plate 9,1top 20 and front plate 8 are then attached by a spot weld to the spacing-lugs 6 of the respective diathermic tins. The dummy iins 3 are then placed in proper position within the end portions ot the unit and their spacing-lugs 6 secured by a spot weld to the back plate, top and front plate. The spaces between the tins, as well as the' inlet and outlet openings 11 and 12, afiord welding tools necessary access tothe parts in the welding of the ba/ck plate, topk and front plate to the diathermic ns and in the welding ot the dummy fins to the hack plate, top and iront plate.

The welding of the parts not only affords a high degree ot thermal conductivity therebetween, but obviates the likelihood ot rust forming on the abutting surfaces as time goes en -which has a tendency to occur with other forms oi' joints and results in reducing the thermal conductivity. ll/loreoyery strong, durable and permanent connections between the parts are thus provided, so that they are integrally united in a rigid structure and enable the unit to withstand rough or careless handling without danger of breakage or bending. The welding also avoids the presence of fastening devices on the outer or exposed surface of the radiator, so as not to detract from its appearance and from any supercial ornamentation or finish which may be applied to it, such as, for instance, a coat of baked enamel or duco.

While other methods may be employed for constructing the units of my improved radiator, that above described and particularly the step thereof involving the welding of the iins to the pipe is now believed to be the most eiicient and is preferred for the reasons inl dicated. y

It is 'to be understood that any suitable fluid heatin medium, including electricity, may be use for heating the primary surface, and that various changes may be made in the form, arrangement and combinaticns of the parts of the radiator, without `departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

l Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent Vof the United States- 1. In a radiator, a pipe for a Huid heating medium, a plurality of fins mounted at intervals along the pi e and provided at corresponding edges with laterally disposed spacing-lugs, and a plate extending across such corresponding edges of the fins and separately secured to the respective lugs to tie the plurality of fins together into a unitary structure.

2. In a radiator, a pipe 'for a luid heating medium, a plurality of ins mounted at intervals on the pipe, a back plate abuttin against the rear edges of the tins and secure to each of such fins to tie the same together into a unitary structure, and a foot extending downwardly from the back plate below the fins and adapted to rest upon the floor to support the radiator.

3. In a radiator, the combination in a unitary structure, of a pipe for a fluid heating medium, a plurality of tins mounted at intervals on the pipe, a back plate extendin across the rear edges of the fins and adapte to fit against a room wall, and a foot extended downwardly irom the back plate and inclined forwardly beneath the iins and adapted both to rest on the loor to support the radiator and to seal the corner between the floor and the wall.

4. In a radiator, a pipe tor iuid heating medium, a plurality of fins mounted at intervals on the pipe, a back across the rear edges of the ns and secured to each of such fins to tie the same together into a unitary structure, and a top extending forwardly from the back plate above the fins and constituting a defiector for air currents ascending between the tins.

5. In a radiator, a pipe for a iiuid heating medium, a plurality of ns disposed at in tervals along the pipe, a casing having inlet and outlet o enings, enclosing said tins, certain of said ns being extended adjacent one of said openingsf'and a damper movably mounted `between such extensions and controlling said last-mentioned opening.

6. In a radiator, a pipe for a fluid heating medium, a plurality of fins disposed at intervals along the pipe, a casing having inlet and outlet openings, enclosing said fins, certain of said fins being extended adjacent one late extending of said openings, and a plurality of dampers movably mounted between such'extensions and controlling said last-mentioned opening, another of said fins being also extended to form a partition between said dampers.

7. In a radiator, a pipe for a. fluid heating medium, a plurality of fins mounted atintervals along the pipe, front and back plates extending across the fins and secured to each of such fins to tie the same together into a unitary structure, a foot extending downwardly from the back plate beneath the fins and forming a base or support for the radiator, and a damper pivotally mounted on the foot and movable to control the flow of air through the radiator. v

8. Iii a radiator, a pipe for a fluid heating medium, a plurality of fins mounted at intervals along the pipe, a casing having inlet and outlet openings, enclosing said fins, the fins being cut away adjacent the outlet opening to reduce the frictional resistance to the air passing through the radiator.

9. In a radiator, a pipe for a fluid heatingV medium, a plurality of fins mounted at intervals along the pipe, and a casing enclosing the fins and having inlet and outlet openings and provided adjacent the outlet opening with a deflector, the fins being mitered adjacent the deflector and in substantially the plane of the outlet opening.

10. In a radiator, a pipe -for a fluid heating medium, a plurality of fins mounted at intervals along the pipe, a plate extending across the fins and secured to each of such fins to tie `the same together into a unitary structure, and a foot extending downwardly from the plate, beneath the fins, and forming a support forthe radiator, one or more of said fins being extended downwardly to engage the foot and brace the same against strain.

. 11. In a radiator, a pipe for a fluid heating medium, having its ends threaded, a series of diathermic fins mounted at intervals on the pipe, a. casing having inlet and outlet openings, enclosing the series of fins with its ends extending lengthwise beyond the same and around the threaded ends of the pipe, the fins being exposed to view through one of said openmgs, and dummy fins secured within the respective end portions ofthe casing and encircling the adjacent threaded ends of the pipe in spaced relation thereto.

12. In a radiator, a pipe for a fluid heating 'medium, a series of fins mounted on the pipe,

f'ront and back plates extending across the front and rear edges of the fins, a top inclined forwardly and upwardly from the back plate and bearing upon the upper edges of the fins,

the front edge of the top being spaced from the upper edge of the front plate to provide,

an outlet opening lying in an upwardly and rearwardly inclined plane, and the fins extending across such opening and vbeing mitered in substantially the plane thereof.

13. In a radiator, a pipe for a fluid heating medium, a series of fins mounted on the pipe, front and back plates extending across the front and rear edges of the fins, and a foot inclined downwardly and forwardly from the back plate, underneath the fins, with its front edge in spaced relation to the lower edge of the front plate to provide an inlet opening lying in a downwardly and rearwardly inclined plane.

14. In a radiator, a pipe for a fluid heating medium. a series of fins mounted on the pipe, front and back plates extending across the front and rear edges of the fins, and a foot extending downwardly and forwardly from the back plate, underneath the fins, with its front edge in spaced relationto the lower edge of the front plate to provide an inlet opening lying in a downwardly and rear-y wardly inclined plane, one or more of the fins extending across the inlet opening and bearing upon the upper surface of the foot.

15. In a radiator` a pipe for a fluid heating medium, a series of ns mounted on the pipe, a back plate extending across the rear edges of the fins, a foot inclined downwardly and forwardly from the back plate, underneath the fins. a top inclined upwardly and forwardly from the back plate and bearing upon the upper edges of the fins, and' a front plate extending across the front edges of the fins and spaced from the front edges of the foot and the top.

16. In a radiator, a pipe for a fluid heating medium. a series of fins mounted on the pipe, ea'ch of such fins having substantially vertical front and rear edges and having at its upper end oblique edges meeting substantially in a projecting angle, and one or more of such fins also having at their lower ends oblique edges meeting substantially in a projecting angle, a back plate extending across the rear edges of the fins. members disposed. respectively` above and below the back plate and extending across those of the oblique edges located between the rear edges of the fins and the vertices of said angles, and a front plate extending across the front edges of the fins with its lower and upper edges spaced from the front edges of the adjacent members to provide inlet and outlet openings opposite the other oblique edges of the fins.

17. In a radiator. a pipe for a fluid heating medium, a series of diathermic fins mounted on the pipe with the ends of the pipe projecting beyond the opposite ends of such series, a casing having inlet and outlet openings, enclosing the series of tins with its ends eX- tending lengthwise beyond the same and around the projecting ends of the pipe, the

fins being exposed to view through one of" said openings, and dummy fins secured within the respective end portions of the casing and encircllng the adjacent projecting ends sus asoman of the pipe in spaced relation thereto to a'ord clearance for coupling means.

18. In a radiator; a horizontal pipe for a Huid heating medium; a, series of` Vertical fins mounted lon said pipe and a casing inclosing said fins and havlng air inlet and outlet openings terminating in forwardl converging planes; the forward edge o said ROBIN ON V. FROST.

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