Importance

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Abstract

This invention discloses a filter-and-fan assembly that can be installed into new fireplaces or retrofitted into existing fireplaces, for filtering dust and smoke out of the hot exhaust gases that are created when wood is burned in fireplaces. This filter assembly is provided with a mechanism that can move the filter out of the flue channel (i.e., the chimney or other exhaust outlet) if the filter becomes clogged by creosote and/or smoke particles. If desired, the mechanism that moves the filter out of the flue path can be automated under the control of a device such as an electronic smoke detector mounted in front of the fireplace, above the fireplace opening. Alternately, a thin filter-paper type of filtering element can be continuously scrolled through the flue channel. A rotating fan blade can be provided directly above the filter element, to ensure that exhaust gases are actively drawn up through the filter. These means for avoiding blockage or hindrance of the flue channel can overcome a major obstacle that, until now, has completely blocked the development and adoption of smoke filters for conventional open-hearth fireplaces. This invention also discloses a convenient and clean method of opening and closing a fireplace damper without having to reach into a sooty fireplace, by inserting a solid damper plate (rather than a filter element) into a filter support bracket in a flue channel.

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First Claim