Christine Hudson

6584940, Jul 1, 2003

Jan 9, 2002

10/042984

Prasad S. Khadkikar - Seville OH
Richard L. Gerich - Mansfield OH
Christine M. Hudson - Hudson OH
Jeffrey A. West - Bellville OH
Derek J. Rose - Mansfield OH
Douglas J. Kempf - Mansfield OH
Douglas E. Prather - Jackson MI
Richard E. Welch - Lexington OH

Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated - Mansfield OH

F24H 140

122 181, 122 1831, 122 442, 1221552

An improved flue pipe construction particularly adapted for a fuel fired water heater is disclosed which serves to reduce or minimize heat loss when the water heater is in a standby mode. The flue pipe construction comprises inner and outer concentric flue pipes which define an air space therebetween and one or more valve arrangements associated therewith to selectively restrict air flow through such air space. The valve arrangements include a thermally responsive actuator operative to open and close the valve member in response to heat generated by firing of the burner assembly without the need for any external power supply or interlocks.