US2220858A - Liquid fuel burning apparatus - Google Patents

Description

2,2Xgo,858

Nov. 5, 1940.

J. A. wlLsoN ETAL LIQUID FUEL BURNING APPARATUS Fild Aug. 30. 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 5, 1940. J. A. wlLsoN Erm.

LIQUID FUEL BURNING APPARATUS- Filed Aug. 30, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 WM Y Nov. 5, 1940. J. A. wlLsoN ErAL LIQUID FUEL BURNING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 50, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 /glg 3 Patented Nov. 5, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT -OFFICE 2,220,858 LIQUID FUEL BURNING APPARATUS Application August 30, 1938, :Serial N0. 227,556

22 Claims.

the products of combustion, and facilitating the conversion of furnaces originally designed for other fuels, such as coal, to oil burning units.

In the field of liquid fuel combustion involving the use of oil burners, prior burners have proven satisfactory in domestic use when employed in houses of relatively large size requiring the use of large burners and furnaces. However, such burners and furnaces are too large for small homes. They are not economical for such use and are difilc'ult to hold to the small fuel consumption required to heat a small house economically. In the case of pressure oil burners, for instance, it is difficult to secure satisfactory operation at rates of less than 1.35 gallons per hour which is far in excess of the amount of fuel normally required for a small house. While the present wall flame burners offer a wide operating range of from five to fifty pounds of oil per hour, they are expensive because of their wide range and their capacity at the higher ranges, and for that reason have not been accepted for the small homes as the advantage of the higher ranges is of no value and is lost in a small home installation. As a result of this situation, the use of oil heat in small homes has been restricted.

In meeting this problem of small home heating, the present invention has for its major object the provision of a novel type burner particularly suitable for small heating plants requiring from ve to ten pounds of oil per hour,

this burner being more economical and of greater I eiliciency over a smaller operating range than the larger burners hitherto available.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel burner assembly that provides means for a quick and easy conversion of other types of heating units, such as coal burning furnaces to oil burning furnaces, the conversion of the assembly requiring only a minium of skill to secure a resultant structure of maximum efliciency.

A further object of this invention is to provide a burner of the wall flame type including a novel flame rim of one-piece construction that is flexible and readily adaptable to any shape or size of furnace, the flexibility of the rim permitting it to be flexed to fit furnaces of any shape, such as round, rectangular, or oblong.

This invention also aims to provide a burner of the wall flame type including a novel flame rim assembly having clamping means to facilitate proper positioning of the flame rim in the burner with reference to the burner wall and maintenance of the flame rim in its proper position.

A further object of this invention is to provide a burner of the wall flame type including a flame rim and a novel igniting mechanism comprising means to accurately position the flame rim with respect to the electrode of the igniter, and means including a relatively simple electrical circuit including the flame rim to insure reliable ignition.

Still a further object of'V this invention is to provide aburner of the wall flame type involving a hearth and a centrally disposed fuel and air distributor, 'the burner including a flame rimand a novel igniting mechanism comprising means to with means to determine the height of the hearth.

A further object of this invention is to pro vide a novel type burner and hearth structure especially adapted for original unit installations of oil burning units.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a heating unit of novel construction wherein the heat developed by the oil burning unit is utilized to the point of maximum efficiency by the provision of novel heat transfer means.

Further objects of this invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds with reference to the appended claims and the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a section taken through the bottom 35 portion of a furnace illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan of a portion of the flame rim of this invention;

Figure 3 is a detail of the rim of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical section of the flame rim;

Figure 5 is a front elevation of the flame rim;

Figure 6 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the supporting bracket of this inven- 4f tion;

Figure 7 is a plan of the bracket of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a front elevation of the bracket of Figure 6; 5f Figure 9 is a vertical section through an igniter embodying the present invention;

Figure 10 is a plan of the igniter of Figure 9;-

Figure 11 is a plan of a lower portion of' a furnace embodying another preferred form of the invention with the rotor unit and a portion of the ame rim removed; and` A Figure 12 is a section taken on the line I2-I2 of Figure l1.

With reference to the drawings wherein like characters are employed to designate like parts throughout and with particular reference to Figure 1, the assembly therein shown comprises generally a furnace composed in part of a vertical wall II and a floor I2, it being understood that wall II rises to a suitable height and usually forms part of a water jacket. However, it is to be understood that' the oil burner herein described is as readily applicable tr use in hot air furnaces and other types of heaters.

Wall I I is preferably provided on its inner surface with a peripherally extending flange I3 which may also be formed as a series of peripherally spaced grate lugs. A hearth pan I4 is provided of a size to be contained within wall I I, this pandividing the lower portion of the furnace into -a combustion chamber I5 and a lower chamber I6. At its central portion, hearth pan I 4 is apertured at I1l to receive a burner collar I8 of a fuel distributing and lifting assembly generally indicated at I9.

Burner collar I8 is supported upon a combination shield and support 2I representing in shape a half of a hollow cylinder, support 2| being secured to a base 22 suitably supported on furnace floor I2 by levelling screws 23. Suitable locking means are provided at 24 for the levelling screws which are preferably three in number as shown. A removable shield 20, shown in Figure' 1 in dot and dash lines, `is preferably provided to completely enclose the motor casing with support 2| and insure the passage of cool air over the motor. Casing'20 may be fastened by studs 2I' by engaging slots 20 in support 2I, suitable Wing nuts being provided as shown.

The upper portion of burner collar I8 is provided With a horizontal flange or shoulder 25 with nuts 26 Welded thereto. These nuts serve to support threaded rods 21 which extend downwardly to engage motor brackets 28 on motor casing 29, the motor brackets being preferably secured as by wing nuts 3|. A

. Motor casing 29 comprises a stator unit which is the motor casing proper, and a rotor unit generally indicated at 32 which comprises oil distributor tubes as shown at 33 and a fan 34, the assembly being mounted upon a shaft 35 extending down into the motor casing. The rotor and motor casing is shown in detail in applicatiOrl Serial No. 219,637 led J'ulj7 16, 1938, and

further detailed description in this case is not considered necessary. The motor casing is provided as described in the application above identified with apertures 36 surrounded by an air shutter 31 which controls the air passing to the burner.

Between the upper Vnd of motor casing 29 and the lower surface of flange 25 of burner collar I8, a plurality of shims 38 are preferably employed to provide means to adjust the height of motor casing 29 with reference to burner collar I8. 'I'hus by changing the number of shims 38, the position of motor casing 29 and correspondingly the position of rotor 32 which is supported by the motor casing may be changed relative to the remaining elements of the burner assembly as will be hereinafter described. To insure proper alignment and to facilitate the assembly of shims 38 and motor casing 29 with burner collar I8,

a plurality of guides 4I, preferably three in num-4 ber, are secured to an upper danse 42 en burner collar I8 to guide the shims and the motor casing into position. The motor casing is provided with an oil line 43 and electrical connections 44 in the manner described in the application above iden- A transformer 45 is provided on base 22 for ignition purposes, the positioning of the relatively heavy transformer on the base for the burner unit being of considerable advantage in that the heavy transformer increases the inertia of the assembly and assists in reducing the vibra-l tion that might be generated by operation of the itinit. This increases the quietness of its operaion.

A hearth 46 of suitable refractory material disposed upon hearth pan I4, this hearth being formed as by molding between wall II and the upper end of burner collar I8. As shown, the

hearth is substantially smooth and horizontal.

Adjacent the outerV periphery of hearth 43, a metal flame rim 41 is provided to facilitate the combustion of the mixture of fuel and air that is propelled thereagainst from the distributor assembly by reason of oil distributor tubes 33 and fan 34.

Referring to Figures 2 to 5, inclusive, the flame rim 41, which is an important feature of the present invention, ispreferably formed'from a single strip of sheet metal. preferably steel having from 16 to 18 per cent chromium and very little carbon, the thickness pf the material in the assembly preferably being from 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch. Rim 41 is preferably formed substantially U-shaped in cross section as shown in Figure 4, the base or bottom wall of the U being formed at 48, a short leg being provided at 49 and a longer leg provided at 5I, leg 5I preferably having a bent-over portion 52 at its upper edge to4 increase the strength and relative rigidity.

In forming the lrim in a manner to permit it being flexed to t into different shapes of furnaces and to enable the use of the same 'rim in furnaces of either circular or rectangular shape, the bend of the U at 48 and the leg 49 are severed or divided at spaced intervals as shown at 52 (Figure 2). The adjacent ends of the severed section are then bent to facilitate the sliding or lapping of the end of one section with the end of the adjoining section when the ring is exed as shown in Figure 2.

In this construction, it is preferred that a lapped portion as shown at 53 be bent out on the end of each severed section, this lap in a preferred form of the invention being to the extent of l1 degrees as shown in Figure 2. The shaped overlapping portions 53, however, may be dispensed with, and the severed sections of leg 49 simply overlapped when the ring is installed.

The short leg portion of each of the ends of the severed sections of the preferred embodiment as shown at 54 is preferably bent to an extent of 5 degrees.

The preferred embodiment of our invention here shown involves a rim capable of forming a hearth of 22 inches diameter. It is preferred that leg 49 be inch high, leg 5I, 11/2 inches high and bottom wall 48 H inch Wide. These dimensions are to be understood as merely by way of an example and are not to be considered as limiting in any particular.

Since the severed portions of the rim occur at frequently and regularly spaced intervals, as for instance, in the order of one inch, it will be seen that the rim of this invention is highly 2,920,858 flexible and capable of being iiexed, to any deuniform around the entire periphery of the rim.

It is readily seen that rim 41 is of material advantage, particularly in the conversion. of old coal burning furnaces to oil burning units and that it is easy -to manufacture and can be adapted to any type furnac'e.

In installing rim 41, it is placed upon hearth 46 while the latter is still green, that is, insufficiently hard to therein, and is a bracket and 8.

Referring to Figures 6, '1 and 8, bracket 56 comprises a downwardly extending wing 51 provided with apertures serted into the hearth material as shown in Figure 1 and securely held therein by reason of apertures 58, which are filled by the hearth material. It will be noted that edge 58 ofwing 51 is angularly shaped with respect to the remaining portions of the wing for a purpose to be later described.

Bracket 56 is formed with a base portion 6I which is designed as shown in Figure 1 to lie substantially flush with the top surface of the hearth. It will be noted that base portion 6I is formed with a portion 62 projecting beyond wing 51. Portion 62 operates as a guide for positioning bracket 56 with reference to wall II. In inserting the bracket, it is forced into the hearth material and pushed towards wall II until projecting portion 62 contacts 'the wall. The pushing of the bracket against and towards the wall is facilitated by angular surface 59 on wing 56 previously described.

Base portion 6I is also formed with an upstanding U-shaped element comprising a bend at 63 which is secured to base portion 6| as by spot welding, a relatively short leg at 64 and a relatively long leg at 65, each leg being preferably formed with a keyhole slot 66. Such a slot forms a weakened portion 66' in each leg to determine the line of bend and forms two independent lugs on each leg to grip the flame rim.

In assembling, flame rim 41 is placed in position in brackets 56 between legs 64 and 65. Since legs 64 and 65 are higher than the respective legs of the U-shaped flame rim, portions of each leg can be bent over as shown in Figure 1 to secure flame rim 41 in position.

In assembling the flame rim with the hearth, the name rim is preferably cut to a length such that when in position, the ends thereof will butt together, the joint being maintained by the bracket 56, the slotted portion of the legs 64 and 65 thereof which when bent over secure the butted ends of said flame rim together. It will be noted that any one of the brackets such as 56, including that used in connection with the igniter, can be utilized to secure the ends of the flame rim together.

Transformer 45 as shown in Figure 1 is provided with a pair of leads 1I and 12 leading to suitable connections 13 and 14, respectively, on the bottom of an igniter mechanism 15 in chamber I6.

Igniter 15 shown in detail in Figures 9 and 10 comprises an electrode 16 having connection subsequently secured in place by 56 of the type shown in Figures 6, '1

prevent the insertion of articles 58 and designed to be in' the projecting i 3 18f'at one end, a bent over portion or tip 11 at its upper end, portion 11 being sov positioned with reference to flame rim 41 as to provide the necessary spark therewith .to ignite the fuel. A

heat resistant insulating casing 18 is provided about electrode 16, the casing being formed to closely embrace and support the electrode at portion 19 and to providea hollow space thereabout at the portion shown at 8|, this type of construction being generally shown in Cole Patent No. tained in place with reference -to insulator 18 by lugv 82 on the electrode engaging 'a washer 83 in contact witha boss the insulator, the opposite being secured a's by a nut 18.

end of the electrode 86 above connection The support for the electrode preferably comprises a base plate 86, as shown in Figure 1, ar-

`ranged to lie substantially flush with hearth pan I4. A collar 88 is attached to plate 86 by securing the angle bracket 81 integral therewith thereto, preferably by spot welding. The collar is split and provided with a screw and nut assembly at 9| to secure it rigidly to the insulator 18 after installation.

Collar 88 is further provided with a screw and -nut assembly 88l to-provide vertical adjustment of arms J95 as well as collar 92 and bracket 41, secured thereto with respect to the top level of the hearth 46. This is an important feature of our invention inasmuch as in many cases the anges I3 on the wall II are not in the same horizontal piane, and a level hearth of uniform thickness could not be made otherwise, as without adjustment it would be practically impossible to position -tip 11 of electrode 16 with respect to flame rim 41, which acts as the second electrode.

Collar 92 is preferably spot iwelded at 93 to member 94 cooperating with lugs 96 on insulator 16, properly positioned at the electrode 16 with respect to the flame rim 41. At its bottom member 94 is provided with connection- 14 to transformer 45. -At its upper end, strip 94 is bent at right angles to form a projecting portion 95 which is of a size to perform the same function as projecting portion 62 on bracket 5,6. That is, when the igniter is installed in the hearth, portion 95 is placed in contactwith wall II to insure proper positioning the adjacent portion of the In addition to tially flush with upstanding U-shaped member of the same shape as shown at 63, 64 and 65, on bracket 56 is provided to secure the adjacent portion of flame rim 41 in; position and to insure the proper relative positioning of the igniter and the flame wall. v portion 95 which lies substanrim.

By reason of its relatively simple construction, the accurate positioning of the igniter and the maintenance of that position in the hearth is assured as well as the accurate positioning of the igniter with respect to flame rim 41. As will be noted, the flame rim together with electrode 11 forms the Ispark gap, the flame rim being grounded to the transformer through member 94 and connection 14. This provides a relatively simple construction and permits easy assembly because of a minimum of parts. When installed, electrodetip 11 is preferably so positioned that it points slightly in the same direction as' that in which the fuel distributor head 82 rotates.

2,051,130. Electrode 16 is securely main-I 84 on the interior of' of the igniter fromthe surface of the hearth, an(

' Installation` Referring to Figure 1, the rst step in' installation for converting a furnace or boiler to an oil burning unit is the installation of hearth pan I4. If the original furnace be provided with a flange or grate lugs as shown at I3 in Figure 1, such lugs may be employed for supporting the hearth pan. If such lugs are not provided, a length of pipe or some other equivalent means can be provided as a means of support. The hearth pan is preferably formed of two pieces of sheet iron with overlapping edges to facilitate placing the pan within the heater and is preferably formed from'twenty-six gauge sheet iron.

After the hearth pan has been cut to the outer dimensions, a slot or hole for ig'niter 15 is cut and hole I1 is cut in the center for burner collar I8.

Burner shield 20, transformer 45, and motor casing 29 are removed from burner support I9 and rear leg 23 thereof adjusted so that the flange of burner collar I8 on which hearth pan I4 is designed to rest will be the same height as rsupports I3 for the outer edge of the hearth pan.

This insures levelling of the hearth pan when installed.

' To protect the rotor support when the unit is -being assembled, a cardboard disc is preferably placed in the top of burnercollar I8 in the opening defined by flange 42. Support I9 with the burner collar attached is passed through the fire door of the heater base opening and shifted so that the hearth pan fits over the burner collar. The support is then levelledl by means of the two front screws 23. The hearth pan is then placed in position on lugs I3 and on the burner collar flange.

Screw 9| of the igniter bracket (Figure 9) is removed and the electrode with the insulator removed from the bracket. The bracket is then adjusted by loosening screw 89 and sliding the screw in slot 89a until the top end of collar 92 is approximately one and one-half inches above plate 86, screw 89 then being tightened. Lead 12 from the transformer to the connection 14 on the igniter. bracket is then secured in place. The igniter bracket is then placed in position on the hearth pan and the opening thereof covered with suitable protecting means such as several thicknesses of paper.,

Hearth pan I4 is sealed to wall Il by furnace cement or any other suitable composition, the joints around the igniter being also sealed. The igniter bracket is then placed in position and adjusted to the top level of the hearth at that point, portion 95 thereof being used as a guide to level. The hearth material is then mixed and placed on the hearth pan to a depth ofapproximately one and one-half inches, the depth being determined by the fact that it must be level and flush with the top edge of the burner collar.

Flame rim 41 is then cut to a length correct for butting the ends thereof together, it being understood that more than one piece of name rim material may be used. The cutting of the flame rim is preferably done at a joint. Care is also taken to insure that the name rim has no twisted or bent joints so that it will rest evenly when in place.

Brackets 56 are then fastened to the name rim, the brackets being spaced about eight inches apart, one bracket being employed to bind the butted ends of the name rim. The ame rim is then bent to approximately its required shape,

the heater, and the ends are 'secured together. Brackets 6I are then pressed into the hearth material so that horizontal base portions 5I are flush with the hearth surface and portions 62 are in contact with wall Il. This insures the proper distance between the flame rim and wall II. In addition to its being secured by brackets 56, the flame rim is also secured by the igniter bracket.

To prevent any air-leakage under the flame rim, any gap between bottom wall 48 of the flame rim and the hearth surface is filled with hearth material.

It will be noted that as a result of this installation,'the space between the flame rim and the wall is entirely clear of any hearth material and of any supporting bracket element. This is a particularly important feature in that there is no interference whatsoever with the proper functioning of the flame rim.

As the next step, the hearth material is cut from within the igniter bracket. 'Ihe igniter with its insulator and electrode assembly is placed in placed therein with bosses 490 at the upper edge of the insulator down to the top edge of the bracket and lead 1I connected to contact 13.

`The insulator and the electrode assembly are so l positioned that the electrode points in the direction of the burner rotation, a spark gap of threesixteenths of an inch being preferably provided.

To complete the installation of the burner, it is only necessary to remove the` cardboard that was previously placed in burner collar I8, install the motor casing 29 and transformer 45, and make the connections to the transformer. Preferably grills of the type shown in Patent No. 2,104,691 to Cole are secured to the outer ring of the llame rim as at G to secure more efficient combustion. Rotor 32 is then placed in motor casing 29 and the motor casing connected to the oil feed and the source of electrical energy. Motor shield 20 of the type described in the copending application above identified is then applied to support 2l to completely encircle the motorA casing and to insure that the air passing to the burner passes over the motor and maintains the motor at its proper operating temperature.

Operation With reference to Figure 1, assuming that the motor has been started, oil is admitted through the oil pipe 43 and igniter 11 is energized, the operation is as follows: Air is sucked into openings 36 after passing over the motor casing, and

is then blown by fan blades 34 outwardly in close contact with the upper surface of the hearth until it strikes the inner ring 49 of the iiame rim. It is then deflected upward over the gutter formed between rings 49 and 5I and into grill G.

Simultaneous with the air discharge, oil is thrown from distributor tubes 33, taking an upwardly curving direction as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 1, the oil being discharged in the form of comparatively large droplets against wall 5I. By reason of the impact of the oil against wall 5I, the drops are mechanically broken up into fine particles and substantially atomized.

Some of the oil striking against the wall 5| flows downwardly and is ignited by the igniter. At this stage a comparatively cold flame burns in the trough formed between rings 49 and 5I. As combustion proceeds, the heat generated by the burning oil follows the impinging oil which mixes with the air and burns and produces still a hotter ame.. This concentrated heat heats up flame rim I1 with a consequent vaporization of more oil. The flame gradually increases in size, a portion still remaining in the gutter formed between two flame rim walls. Shortly thereafter, the amount of vaporized oil increases to an extent that the name entirely leaves the groove or gutter and rises 'to the region above and behind the llame rim. I

After a short time the vapor released increases to a point where the flame entirely leaves the groove in the flame rim and the wall on which the oil impinges reaches a temperature4 where all of spark is preferably Shut off. However, it may be left on continuously. When this condition of combustion is reached, the vapor content in the flame rim groove is so high that combustion is prevented therein, it being confined solely above and outwardly of the grills G. With the burner so operating.' it is to be noted that a constant supply of cool air is supplied thereto by reason of support 2| and motor shield 20 which insure drawing of air from the bottom'of the lower compartment and its passage over the motor and transformer.

In normal operation of the burner, flange 30 on the fan assembly operates to deflect the air disblades 34 downwardly substancharge from the tially below the horizontal plane of the fan. 'I'his separates the air for combustion from the stream of oil discharged from the oil distributor tubes or flinger tubes 33 with the result that there is no tendency for the oil to ignite until it reaches the impact wall where it is vaporized.

Referring to Figurell, a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention is there shown in a unit adapted to entirely replace a prior furnace or for an original installation. The arrangement shown in Figure 11 includes generally a boiler A composed of heat exchange units or elements and a combustion chamber i Connections to the radiators or like heating units are made through pipes |05 shown at the top of the boiler and connections at the rear of the boiler in conventional manner.

'I'he heating or combustion unit preferably comprises a motor unit |06 and a combined fan and distributing unit |01 of the same type as shown in Figure 1, a transformer being providedv at |08 and suitable oil control mechanism at |09, the latter being connected to motor unit |06 by a feed line A lead ||2 is supplied for the motor in the motor unit |06.

Referring to Figure 12, wherein the combustion unit is shown in detail, the motor casing |06 is supported from a flange ||3 attached to hearth plate ||4 in the same manner as shown in Figure 1. Hearth plate ||4 extends outwardly'to a point where it contacts the under side of a flange ||5 formed on a. furnace support ||6. Support 6 is preferably shaped in plan as shown in Figure l2., the front portion being formed at ||1 to provide a door 8 for ready access to the interior of the unit by removal of the thumb screw H9, the rear portion of support 6 being formed with an opening |2| to receive the connections to the transformer and the motor from the controls supply connection |18. The latter are preferably supported within the base of the furnace by hangers such as is shown in part at |23, the hangers being fastened to support H6.

As viewed in Figure 12, transformer |08 and fuel control |09 are preferably supported upon a A through angle brackets base I2! and a bracket 25 to maintain them clear of the floor. Obviously any other type of support may be employed as desired, and this invention is not to be considered to be limited to the type of support shown. 6 Hearth plate ||4 is secured to flange ||5 as by studs |26 having nuts |21 thereon. A ring |28,

` preferably of metal, is secured to the top side at hearth plate ||4 `by spot welding, riveting or slmilar means, connection preferably being .made |29 which have inward-I ly inturned projections |3| thereon. In` addition to these projections, small angle members |32 are preferably disposed about the surface at the top side of hearth plate ||4 with angular projections |33 thereon extending toward the periphery of the unit. These members are preferably spot welded or secured by suitable means to the top side of hearth plate ||4. The annular space then deflnedby flange I| I3 and lring |28 is filled with hearth material of refractory character as shown in Figure 12, brackets |32 and |29 with their Vprojections serving to reinforce the material and maintain it in its proper position,

When the hearthr material isA placed in the unit, a ame rim 41 of the same type shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is installed with the same type brackets as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, grills G of the same type as'shown at Figure 1 being also employed.

In the construction shown in Figure 12, brackets 56 perform the same function as in the unit shown in Figure 1 and serve to space flame rim 41 the -correct distance from the edge of ring |28.

Igniter mechanism of the same type shown in Figure 1 is provided at |34, connections being made therefrom to transformer |08 through lead |35 4as shown in Figure 11.

The invention may be embodied in other specic forms Without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come Within the meaning and range of equivalancy of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

, What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A hearth construction for liquid fuel burners of the Wall flame type wherein oil and air for ,combustion are discharged from a centrally located head in a combustion chamber comprising a substantially fiat bed of refractory'hearth material extending to the periphery of the combustion chamber and a. one-piece flexible sheet metallic peripheral ame rim on said hearth bed near the periphery thereof, said ame rim comprising a pair of thinupright walls disposed`in spaced, substantially parallel, relationship and joined at their bottom edges by a third annular wall, said ame rim being located adjacent the periphery of said combustion chamber.

2. In a liquid fuel burner of the wall ame type, acombustion chamber having a hearth and a peripheral wall adjacent to which wall combustion takes place in an annular zone, said f hearth serving to close said chamber adjacent said wall, and a one-piece flexible sheet metal flamey rim spaced inwardly from said wall and in the path of liquid fuel, said llame rim comprising chamber with said horizontal annular wall, said flame rim being located adjacent the periphery of said combustion third wall disposed substantially flush with said hearth. l 3. In a liquid fuel burner of the wall flame type, a combustion chamber having a hearth and a peripheral wall adjacent to which wall `combustion takes place in an annular zone, said hearth serving to close said chamber adjacent said wall, and a one-piece flexible sheet metal rim spaced inwardly from said wall and in the path of liquid fuel, said rim being butted at its free ends to forma flame rim completely intercepting the path of the liquid fuel, said flame rim comprising a pair of thin upright walls disposed in spaced, parallel relationship and joined by a third annular wall located adjacent the hearth, said flame rim being located adjacent the periphery of said combustion chamber.

4. In a liquid fuel burner of the wall flame type, a combustion chamber having a hearth and a peripheral wall adjacent to which wall combustion takes place in an annular zone, said hearth serving to closey said chamber adjacent said wall, a sheet metal flame rim spaced inwardlyfrom said wall and in the path of liquid fuel, said flame rim comprising a pair of thin upright walls of different heights disposed in spaced parallel relationship and joined by a bottom wall, and means to support said rim on said hearth comprising a plurality of spaced brackets, each bracket comprising a leg secured in said hearth and projecting substantially at right angles to said flame rim, means to secure said bracket to said rim, in contact with the bottom wall thereof, and means to space said rim a predetermined distance from said wall, the latter means being positioned to lie flush with the surface of said hearth and provide an unobstructed space between said rim and said wall.

5. In a liquid fuel burner of the wall flame type, a combustion chamber having a hearth and a peripheral wall adjacent to which wall combustion takes place in an annular zone, said hearth serving toclose said chamber adjacent said wall, a sheet metal rim U-shaped in cross section spaced inwardly from said wall and in the path of liquid fuel, and means to support said rim on said hearth in predetermined relation to said wall comprising a series of spaced brackets, each bracket comprising an elongated base plate positioned to extend from contact with said Wall toward the center of said hearth, a depending leg on said base plate secured in said hearth substantially in a plane leading from the center of said hearth to said wall,` and a plurality of legs projecting upwardly from said base plate at a predetermined distance from said wall, said legs being spaced to receive said metal rim, said rim being adapted to seat upon said base plate with its upright walls located closely adjacent, and in parallelism with, said legs, each of said legs having its upper end bent around one of the legs of said U to secure said rim in position.

6. The combination as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of said latter legs is provided with a downwardly extending key hole slot at its upper end to define a weakened portion on each leg to determine the point of bending and to form two separate spaced lugs on each leg.

'7. In a liquid fuel burner of the wall flame type, a combustion chamber having a hearth and a peripheral wall adjacent to which wall combustion takes place in an annular zone, said .75 hearth serving to close said chamber adjacent said wall, and a one-piece flexible sheet metal flame rim spaced inwardly from said wall and in the path-of liquid fuel, said rim comprising a metallic strip substantially U-shaped in crosssection and vals along one leg and the bend of the U to permit bending of the remaining leg.

8. In a liquid fuel burner oi' the wall flame type, a combustion chamber having a hearth and a peripheral wall adjacent to which wall combustion takes place in an annular zone, said hearth serving to close said chamber adjacent said wall, and a one-piece flexible sheet metal iiame rim spaced inwardly from said wall and in the path of liquid fuel, said rim comprising a metal strip substantially U-shaped in cross-section and divided transversely at spaced intervals along one leg and the bend of the U, the adjacent edges of the divided sections being shaped to permit overlapping of said sections when the remaining leg of the U is bent without setting up distorting forces in the other of said legs.

9. A one-piece flexible metal flame rim for an oil burner of the wall flame type and adapted for use in fire boxes of different shapes comprising a relatively straight sheet of metal, bent to substantially form a U in cross section and slitted transversely along one leg and the bend of the U to permit bending of the remaining leg longitudinally.

10. In a liquid fuel burner of the wall flame type, a combustion chamber having a hearth and a peripheral wall adjacent to which wall combustion takes place in an 'annular zone, said hearth serving to close said chamber adjacent said Wall, a one piece flexible metal flame rim spaced inwardly from said wall comprising a base portion substantially flush with said hearth, a ring extending upwardly from said base portion and substatnially normal thereto, and a second ring extending upwardly from said base portion on the wall side of said rst ring, said second ring being of greater height than said first ring, the space between said second ring and said wall, below the level of said first ring, being clear to prevent any'interference with combustion.

11. In a liquid fuel burner of the character wherein combustion takes place in a chamber having a substantially vertical wall and a bottom defined by a substantially horizontal hearth of refractory material, a base plate for said hearth, an electrode supporting member arranged to be supported on said base plate, and means on said member spaced from said base plate a distance equal to the thickness of said hearth, and projecting outwardly over said hearth toward the periphery of said combustion chamber, and a sheet metal iiame rim supported on said last named means.

12. In a liquid fuel burner of the character wherein combustion takes place in a chamber having a substantially vertical wall and a bottom dened bya substantially horizontal hearth, a metal flame rim on said hearth positioned to define an annular space closely adjacent said wall, meansfor igniting fuel in .said chamber, and meanson said ignition means to position said ignition means With'respect to the surface of said hearth and said wall, and to support said iiame rim in predetermined spaced relation to said wall.

13. A unitary hearth assembly, comprising a base plate, a hearth on said base plate, a metal flame rim on said hearth, means for igniting fuel comprising an electrode, a heat resistant insulatdivided transversely at spaced intering shell mounted in said hearth and secured to said base plate for supporting said electrode, an electrical connection on said electrode, electrical conducting means on the exterior of said shell to support said flame rim in predetermined relation tosaid electrode and said base plate, and a second electrica-l connection to said latter means to complete a circuit between said electrode and said flame rim.

14. In a liquid fuel burner of the .wall flame type, a base' support', a hearth plate having a central opening secured to said base support, a substantially vertical fiange surrounding` said opening, a fuel distributing unit in said central opening, heat exchange means on said base support including a substantially vertical wall sur-- rounding said hearth, a adjacent the periphery ring on said hearth plate, thereof and spaced from said heat exchange means to define an annular space, said ring and fiange defining a second annular space, refractory material in said second 'annular space, means in said second annular space to reinforce said refractory material, and a metal fiame rim on said hearth. spaced inwardly from said ring and disposed in. the path of fuel discharged from said fuel distributing unit.

15. The apparatus defined in claim 11, wherein said last-named means is mounted for vertical adjustable movement upon said electrode supporting member.

16. A combined electrode and flame rim supporting assembly, comprising a collar adapted to be rigidly secured port an electrode, supporting said member for adjustable vertical movement on said collar, said member terminating at its upper end in a substantially horizontally directed portion providing a seat for a metal flame rim.

17. 'I'he apparatus defined in claim 16, wherein said member terminates at its lower end in an electrical connection.

18. The apparatus defined in claim 16, wherein a second collar is rigidly secured to said member intermediate said first collar and said horizontal portion, for supporting the upper portion of said electrode.

19. The apparatus defined inclaim 16, wherein said horizontal portion of said member is directed outwardly a predetermined distance and also constitutes a spacer element adapted to cooperate with the walls of the chamber in which the assembly is to be used to properly position the latter with respect thereto.

20. A hearth construction for liquid fuel burners of the wall fiame type, wherein oil and air for combustion are discharged from a centrally located head in a combustion chamber, comprising a bed of refractory ceramic hearth material extending to the periphery of the combustion chamber; and a metallic peripheral fiame rim structure on said hearth bed near the periphery thereof, comprising an upright inner wall and an upright outer wall extending around the hearth -said inner and outer walls to a hearth plate and to supan upright member, means in spaced, substantially parallel relationship, being integrally joined at their lower edges to a bottom wall and-cooperating therewith to define an ignition gutter, said bottom wall being disposed in substantially air tight relationship with said hearth and said inner wall being lower than said outer wall and operable to deflect the discharged air upwardly into intersectionv with the discharged oil adjacent the top of said outer wall.

21. A hearth construction for liquid` fuel burners of the wall fiame type, wherein oil and air for combustion are discharged from a centrally located head in a combustion chamber, comprising a bed of refractory ceramic hearth material extending to the periphery of the combustion chamber; and a `metallic peripheral flame lrim structure on said hearth bed near the periphery thereof of 'U-shape in cross-section, the legs of the extending substantially at right angles to the hearth to define spaced, substantially parallel inner and outer walls, the bight of the U defining a bottom wall cooperating with said inner and outer walls to define an upwardly facing ignition gutter, said bottom wall being substantially flat and disposed in substantially air tight contact with the hearth material, each transverse cross-section of said rim structure comprising integrally joined inner, cuter and bottom wall sections, said inner Wall being so located, and positioned sufiiciently lower than said outer wall to defiect the discharged'air upwardly into intersection with the discharged oil adjacent the top of said outer wall. l

22. A hearth construction for liquid fuel burners of the Wall flame type, wherein oil andair f inner wall and a substantially vertical metallic outer Wall extending. along said combustion chamber wall in spaced, substantially parallel relationship and cooperating with a third metallic wall to define an ignition gutter, said third wall being disposed in substantially air tight contact with said hearth and integrally joined to the lower edges of said outer and inner walls, said inner `wall being so located and positioned suiiiciently lower than said outer wall to deflect the discharged airupwardly into intersection with the discharged oil adjacent the top of said outer wall; and a grille structure located adjacent the top of' said outer wall and operable to retard upward movement of combustion gases and form a high temperature combustion zone along said combustion chamber wall adjacent the level of said grilles, to thereby radiate heat back to said outer wall and rapidly conduct heat to the integrally connected third and inner walls.

JOHN A. WILSON. NOEL H. SU'I'IERFIELD.

A wall, comprising a substantially vertical metallic`"

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