Joist space heat emitting plats and manifold

Abstract

The invention is directed to a method and apparatus that utilizes heated fluid circulated through heat emitting tubing held within heat emitting plates that transfer heat from the tubing to the sub-floor of an occupied space for purposes of heating that space. The configuration and placement of the heat emitting plates is such that heat is transferred by means of conduction, convection and radiation while avoiding potential puncture from nails or other penetrations of the sub-floor from above the sub-floor. A manifold configuration allows for fluid distribution to the heat emitting tubing in joist spaces.

1 . A hydronic heating method and apparatus for providing heated or cooled fluid to a plurality of heat emitting plates attached to the underside of a subfloor through which a space is heated, comprising of a heat emitting plate design that optimizes the use of convection, conduction and radiation to transfer heat through a joist space to the surface of a subfloor. 
   
   
       2 . A hydronic heating method and apparatus of  claim 1  for providing heated or cooled fluid to a plurality of heat emitting plates attached to the underside of a subfloor through which a space is heated, comprising of a heat emitting plate design that provides easy retention of the heat emitting tube by means of crimping or bending of the plate over the tube at time of installation in the field. 
   
   
       3 . A hydronic heating method and apparatus of  claim 1  for providing heated or cooled fluid to a plurality of heat emitting plates attached to the underside of a subfloor through which a space is heated, comprising of a heat emitting plate design that incorporates a plurality of open air holes in the surface of the plate to promote convective air circulation in the joist bay. 
   
   
       4 . A hydronic heating method and apparatus of  claim 1  for providing heated or cooled fluid to a plurality of heat emitting plates attached to the underside of a subfloor through which a space is heated, comprising of a heat emitting plate design that holds the heat emitting tube an appropriate distance below the subfloor to minimize the possibility of damage to the tube due to construction nails or screws being driven through the subfloor. 
   
   
       5 . A hydronic heating method and apparatus of  claim 1  for providing heated or cooled fluid to a plurality of heat emitting plates attached to a subfloor through which a space is heated, comprising of a modular manifold compatible with normal joist construction practices with a minimum of one supply and one return fitting in communication with a heat emitting tube located at each joist bay so as to distribute heated fluid to heat emitting plates located in that joist bay. 
   
   
       6 . A hydronic heating method and apparatus for providing heated or cooled fluid to a plurality of heat emitting plates attached to a subfloor, comprising of modular manifolds of  claim 3  that are easily assembled on the job site using mechanical fittings with minimum soldering. 
   
   
       7 . A hydronic heating method and apparatus for providing heated or cooled fluid to a plurality of heat emitting plates attached to a subfloor, comprising of modular manifolds of  claim 3  that requires no drilling of holes in floor joists to accommodate either the manifolds or the heating fluid tubes. 
   
   
       8 . A hydronic heating method and apparatus of  claim 1  for providing heated or cooled fluid through modular manifolds compatible with joist spacing through a heat emitting tube to a plurality of heat emitting plates attached to the underside of a subfloor with the purpose of heating a sealed joist space that transmits heat through the subfloor to heat a living space by conductive, convective and radiant heat transfer from a plurality of heat emitting plates.