US2254801A - Heating apparatus - Google Patents

Description

p 1941- E. B. GEORGE 2,254,801

HEATING APPARATUS Filed Jupe 27, 1935 Patented Sept. 2, 1941 Edward B. George,

Chicago, Ill., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to James H. K. McCollum, Evanston, Ill., and Henry J. De N. McCollum,

Chicago, Ill., jointly Application June 27, 1935, Serial No. 28,710

6 Claims.

The invention relates generally to heaters and particularly to an apparatus for heating an automotive vehicle propelled by an internal cornbustion engine.

At the present time most heaters for automotive vehicles derive their heat from the jacket water of the motor or from the exhaust, and frequently the quantity of heat supplied in that manner is insufficient, particularly for heating large buses and airplanes.

It is a primary object of the invention, therefore, to provide a heating apparatus for automotive vehicles having an independent heat generating source so as not to be dependent upon either the jacket water or the exhaust of the motor. i

Another object is to provide a heating apparatus having an independent heat generating source which employs the fuel used by the motor of the vehicle with which the apparatus is associated so as to obviate the necessity of a separate supply of fuel.

Yet another object is to provide a heating apparatus having a burner in which suction is utilized for drawing a combustible mixture into the burner and for withdrawing the products of combustion therefrom.

A further object is to provide a heating apparatus for automotive vehicles having a heat source independent of the motor but with a connection to the intake manifold of the motor for drawing combustible mixture into the heat source and for disposing of the products of combustion.

A further object is to provide a heating apparatus for automotive vehicles having manual means for controlling the initiation ofv operation of the apparatus, and automatic safety means for preventing initiation of operation and for arresting operation upon the existence of predetermined conditions.

It is a general object of the invention to provide a heating apparatus of novel and improved construction having control means for governing both the generation and the radiation of heat.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a heating apparatus embodying the features of the invention, in which the apparatus is shown partly diagrammatically and partly in elevation or in section.

Fig. 2 is an end view of the motor in Fig. 1 55 25 coil. When the system is showing the circuit interrupting means for the spark coll.

Although there is illustrated in the drawing and hereinafter described in detail a preferred 5 embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that this is for the purpose of illustrating the principles of the invention and that the invention is not limited to the particular form illustrated. The scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

As shown herein for purposes of disclosure, the apparatus comprises a closed circulatory system which may be either of the hot water or steam type and is composed largely of a radiator 5, adapted to be located so as to discharge into. the body of the vehicle, and a heating coil 6 adapted to be located exteriorly of the body preferably in the motor compartment. The number of turns in the coil 6 is determined by what capacity the heating apparatus is to have. The

circulatory system is completed by a supply duct 1 leading from the top of the heating coil 6 to the radiator 5 and a return duct 8 leading from the radiator to the bottom of the heating system, there is interposed in the return duct 8'between the radiator and the heating coil a tank 9 having radiating fins 9 so that the tank functions as a condenser converting the steam to water which then flows by gravity into the lower turn of the coil 6 and thus assures circulation in the system. Should the system be used as a hot water system, the tank 9 may be adapted to function as an expansion tank. A bracket l0 supports the radiator 5 in horizontal position and is formed with a bushing ll adapted to extend through the wall dividing the body of the vehicle from the motor compartment. The bushing II is threaded externally to receive anut I! by means of which the bracket is clamped to the wall. Both the supply duct I andthe return duct 8 extend through the' bushing so that the radiator may be conveniently installed, and when installed will present a neat appearance.

Means is provided herein for apparatus operable independently water or the exhaust of the motor propelling the vehicle with which rendering the of the jacket (not shown) the heating apparatus is associated. To that end an independent heat generating means is provided which here takes the form of a burner l5 enclosing the heating coil 8. This burner preferoperated as a steamthe same source. In the present instance the burner is shown connected by a conduit 16 near the bottom of a float bowl I1 of a carburetor it. The float bowl 11 in turn is connected in well known manner by a conduit is to the fuel supply tank, not shown. Interposed in the conduit 18 is a fuel and air proportioning device 20 having a fuel passage 2i constituting in eflect a part of the conduit 16 and an air passage 22 open to the atmosphere, and discharging into an enlargecl portion 2| of the passage 2! where the air mixes with the fuel. The relative proportion of fuel and air drawn through the device is determined by a needle valve 23 which is adiustd to give a combustible mixture. A valve 24 located at the point of discharge of the conduit It into the burner is governs the supply of combustible mixture to the burner. It will be seen from-the foregoing that this connection provides a constant level supply source for the burner.

Combustible mixture is induced to flow into the burner through the conduit l8 and the products of combustion conducted away from the burner by suction. Though a separate vacuum motor might be provided for that purpose, the suction of the motor is here relied upon and to that end a conduit 25 is connected to the intake manifold 26 of the motor. Combustion within the burner is initiated and sustained by a spark plug .21 connected by a lead 28 to a. spark coil 23 from which it derives its energy. Preferably a window 30 is provided in the burner located just below the spark plug so that it may be determined readily whether combustion is taking place within the burner.

Aiding the discharge and circulation of heat from the radiator 8 is a fan 33 disposed above the radiator to create a circulation of air over the radiator. The fan is driven by an electric motor 34 deriving its energy from a battery 35. The motor circuit includes a lead 38 connected at one end to one terminal of the battery 35 and at the other end to a switch 31. A lead 38 connects the switch 31 to the movable contact 39 of a rheostat 40 which in turn is connected by lead 41 to one terminal of the motor. The other terminal of the motor is grounded through athe motor circuit through lead 42 to complete the customary ground lead In addition to driving serves to interrupt periodically the circuit leading to the spark coil is for the purpose of energizing the same. To that end the motor 34 has a cam 48 fixed on the end of its shaft 43, opposite the fan 33 (see Fig. 2). Also mounted on that end of the motor are a stationary contact 41 anda pivoted contact 43, the latter: being urged into engagement with the stationary contact by means of a tension spring 43, and periodically forced out of engagement by the cam 43. Contact 48 is connected by a lead II to one terminal of the spark coil 23 grounded by a lead 32. A condenser 53 is connected across the spark coil in the customary manner. The stationary contact 41 is connected by leads 5! and I to the lead 33 and thence 43 of the battery.

the fan the motor 34 through the switch 31 and lead 33 to the battery 35 to complete the circuit for the spark coil. An ammeter 51 is preferably connected between the battery and the lead 33 in the usual manner. As is evident from. the foregoing the spark coil 31 will be open so which is partially manual and partially automatic. It will the switch 31 is common both to the motor circult and to the spark coil circuit so that both circuits will be simultaneously energized or deenergized upon actuation of the, switch. Actuation of the switch 31 is by manual means which also functions to coordinate the opening and closing of the valve 24 with the energizationaud de-energization of the circuits by the switch 31. In the present instance this manual means is in the form. of a rod connected at one end to an arm 6| on the valve 24 and at the other end extends slidably through a sleeve 62 in the dash 63 of the motor vehicle. Near its dash end, the rod is provided with a pin 34 engaging a slotted link 65 actuating the switch 31. Thus it will be seen that when the valve 24 is closed the switch that neither the motor 34 nor will be in operation, and that when the valve 24 is open both the motor 31 and the spark coil 29 will be energized so that combustion will be initiated in the burner and air will be circulated over the radiator 5. The swtch 31 is so constructed that initial movement the spark coil 29 of the rod 80 to the left closes the switch so that valve 24. The sleeve able relative to the dash and carries the arm 39 of the rheostat 40 for controlling the speed of the motor 34. In this manner a convenient and neat control means for the apparatus is provided.

Automatic means are provided for modifying the manual control and as safety devices. To that end a thermostat 44 is connected in the spark coil circuit intermediate the leads i5 and 56. This thermostat when open serves to prevent energization of the spark plug 21 and thus arrests combustion in the burner IE, but does not arrest the motor 34. The thermostat is may be located wherever desired and may be made responsive to any predetermined temperature. For purposes of illustration only it is here shown mounted on the upper end of the burner it.

In order to prevent injury to the apparatus by excessive expansion of the fluid in the circulatory system, a bellows I4 is connected to the circulatory system so as to be responsive to the pressure within the system. The bellows 43 serves to close the valve 24 and open the switch 31 when the pressure within the circulatory system attains excessive values, and to that end is connected to the rod 30. This connection includes a crank 31 pivotally mounted at ll and one arm of the crank has a pin and slot connection with the rod 33. The other arm of the crank 31 carries a'pin l3 engaging in-a slot 13 in the end of a link If connected to the movable end of the 13 form a lost motion connection functioning to enable the valve 24 to be closed manually at any time and serving to close and to retain the valve closed against manual. opening at a time when the pressure in the circulatory system is excessive.

Having describes the heating apparatus, the operation thereof may be briefly summarized as follows: Having first adjusted the fuel and air proportioning device 23 so as to give a combustible mixture with the grade of fuel employed, the apparatus is started simply by pulling out the rod 30. Such movement of the rod would open the valve TM so that the vacuum within the burner 15 created by the connection to the intake manifold would draw combustible mixture be seen from the foregoing that into the burner. Simultaneously with the opening of the valve 24, switch 31. would be closed and thus complete the circuit to the motor 34 combustible mixture, as well as operation of the motor 34 and the spark coil 29, would be arrested.

Assuming, however, that the apparatus is started as above described and the valve 24 set at a certain position and left in that position, with the thermostat 65 located as shown herein, should the burner temperature rise above a predetermined value the thermostat would open and break the circuit to the spark coil 29. This would render the spark plug 21 inoperative and bustion initiating means, and a common means for simultaneously actuating said valve and said switch.

2. An apparatus for heating an automotive vehicle having an internal combustion engine,

. comprising a circulatory system including a radiator and a heating coil,- a burner for supplying the heat to said circulatory system having a thus would arrest combustion within the heater until the thermostat would again close, but such opening of the thermostat would not affect the operation of the motor 34 which would continue to circulate air over the radiator and in the body of the vehicle.

Should the pressure in the circulatory system become excessive, the bellows 68 would be expanded and through the crank 61 would shift the rod 60 inwardly depending upon the degree to which the pressure had risen. If the risk in pressure is small, the bellows would move the rod 60 a limited extent only so as merely to reduce the supply of combustible mixture to the burner. But should that fail to restore the pressure to normal, further expansion of the bellows 65' would completely close the valve 24 and would also open the switch- 31 to stop the motor and de-energize the spark coil. With the bellows in this position the rod 60 could not be actuated manually to initiate operation of the apparatus so that the bellows acts as a safety device preventing starting the apparatus when to do so would be dangerous. Because of the lost motion connection between the link 11 and the crank 61. contraction of the bellows 68 to normal would not again start operation of the apparatus, but

such operation could again be started only by willful act of the operator.

It will be seen from the foregoing that I have provided a unique heating apparatus for motor vehicles which is not dependent upon the heat of the motor jacket water or of the exhaust and which does not require provision of separate means for supplying the fuel and for disposing of the products of combustion. The apparatus is readily installed, is economical in operation and is readily controlled and regulated to produce any desired quantity of heat.

I claim as my invention:

1. An apparatus for heating an automotive vehicle having an internal combustion engine, comprising a circulatory system including a radiator and a heating coil, a burner for supplying heat to said circulatory system having a fuel supply connection and a connection with the intake manifold of the engine for drawing fuel into the burner and withdrawing the products of combustion therefrom, a valve for controlling the supply of combustible mixture to the heater, means for initiating and maintaining combustion within the heater, an electric motor-driven fan for circulating air past said radiator, a switch controlling both said electric motor and the comfuel supply connection and a connection to the intake manifold of the engine whereby when the engine is in operation fuel is drawn into the bumer and the products of combustion with- 4 drawn therefrom, a valve for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, manual means for controlling said valve, and automatic pressure responsive means having a connection with said valve for closing the same and maintaining the same closed against manual opening when the pressure in the circulatory system exceeds a predetermined value. v

3. In a heat generating device for a conveyance having an internal combustion engine, a substantially closed cylinder separate from the engine and having two compartments, one providing a combustion chamber and the other a fluid chamber, a carbureting device connected to the intake of the combustion chamber for supplying a combustible mixture thereto, a fuel supply pipe from the fuel supply of the engine to the carbureting device, means responsive to the pressure in said fluid chamber for controlling the rate of flow of fuel to said carbureting device to increase the rate of flow upon reduction of the pressure in said fluid chamber and vice versa, an exhaust pipe from the outlet of the combustion chamber to the intake manifoldof the engine, a spark plug operatively mounted in the combustion chamber, a high tension coil, a circuit from a source of electricity to the coil, an interrupter in said circuit, and a high tension wire from the coil to the plug.

4. The combination with a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, of a substantially closed receptacle separate from the engine and comprising a combustion chamber,

a fluid chamber operatively associated therewith, a carbureting device connected to the intake of the combustion chamber, a fuel supply pipe from the carbureting device to the fuel supply of the engine, an exhaust outlet from the combustion chamber to the intake manifold of the engine, a control valve for controlling the rate of fuel supply to the combustion chamber at a rate inverse with respect to the pressure in said fluid chamber, a passageway from the fluid chamber to the control valve, a sight opening in said combustion chamber, a spark plug mounted in said. combustion chamber, a radiator, connections from the radiator to the fluid chamber, an electric fan for forcing air around the radiator, a circuit from. a source of electricity to the fan, a

- high tension coil, a circuit from said source of means connecting the outlet of said combustion chamber to the intake manifold of the engine to withdraw products of combustion from said com bustion chamber, means connected to the carburetor for supplying a combustible mixture of liquid fuel and air to said combustion chamher, a valve for controlling the flow of the combustibie mixture into said combustion chamber, electrical means for igniting the fuel mixture in said combustion chamber, an energizing circuit forsaid igniting means, said circuit including a switch, a manually operable element for actuating said switch and operating said valve, heat transfer means for conveying heat from said gases of combustion to the air in the automobile, and means responsive to excessive heat conditions in said heat transfer system to close said valve and open said switch.

8. For use in conjunction with an automobile having an internal combustion engine including an intake manifold and a carburetor, a combustion chamber having an inlet and an outlet, means connecting the outlet of said combustion chamber to the intake manifold of the engine to withdraw products of combustion from said 20 combustion chamber, means connected to the carburetor for supplying a combustible mixture of liquid fuel and air to said combustion chamber, a valve for controlling the flow of the combustible mixture into said combustion chamber, electrical means for igniting the fuel mixture in said combustion chamber, an energizing circuit for said igniting means. said circuit including a switch, a manually operable element for actuating said switch and operating said valve, heat transfer means for conveying heat from said gases of combustion to the air in the automobile, means responsive to excessive heat conditions in said heat transfer system to close said valve and open said switch, and thermostatic switch means responsive to excessively high temperatures in said combustion chamber to open said igniting means energizing circuit.

EDWARD B. GEORGE.

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