Patents Examined by James C. Yeung
  • Patent number: 6561791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a regulating system for a gas burner. Regulating systems for gas burners are used for guiding a gas flow and a combustion air flow to the burner. The gas flow can be regulated depending on combustion air pressure. Pressure is measured in known regulating devices with the aid of a membrane, that is pneumatically. The pneumatic pressure measurement limits the scope of application of known regulating devices. In the invention regulating device, a sensor (16) is arranged between a first line (10) guiding a gas flow and a second line (12) guiding the combustion air flow, an electric or electronic signal (19) being generated by the sensor that is used to regulate the gas valve (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Enno Vrolijk, Tom Gerretsen
  • Patent number: 6558154
    Abstract: A burner system with staged fuel injection includes a burner with a swirl generator (1) for a combustion air stream and device(s) for introducing fuel into the combustion air stream, wherein the fuel introducing devices include at least two separate fuel supply elements (4a, 4b) with groups of fuel outlet openings for corresponding premix fuel amounts, wherein a first group is arranged downstream from a second group. The burner system furthermore includes measurement value probes (8, 9) for measuring the pulsations and emissions of the combustion, as well as a control device (10) that controls the two stages (4a, 4b) for introducing fuel dependent on the measured measuring values. The burner system permits optimized operation of the system even under changing operating and environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd
    Inventors: Adnan Eroglu, Peter Stuber, Christian Oliver Paschereit, Hans Peter Knoepfel
  • Patent number: 6554607
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flow control system, comprising a controller, an ignition device whose activation is controlled by the controller, a combustion-driven jet actuator, and a fuel source in fluid communication with the jet actuator that supplies fuel to the jet actuator. Typically, the jet actuator comprises a combustion chamber, an orifice that serves as an outlet for combustion products emitted from the combustion chamber, and at least one inlet through which fuel is supplied to the chamber for combustion. In use, the combustion-based jet actuator can emit jets of fluid at predetermined frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Glezer, Thomas M. Crittenden
  • Patent number: 6551099
    Abstract: A multiple layered and scented candle for providing several fragrances and colors from just one candle. The multiple layered and scented candle includes a layered wax material including a plurality of wax segments; and also includes a wick being disposed in the layered wax material and extending a length thereof and having a top end portion which extends outwardly from the layered wax material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Sophia Kapinski
  • Patent number: 6551097
    Abstract: A press type lighter having a safety switch includes a clutch structure for controlling the press member and the flow of fuel gas from the liquid gas container to be disposed at a locking or free state. A control member is movably mounted in the receiving chamber of the press member, and has a bottom provided with a leg portion which has a bottom formed with a locking flange rested on a top edge of the liquid gas container. The press member is formed with a locking hole for locking the locking flange of the control member, thereby forming a first-stage safety switch structure by the locking flange and the locking hole, for locking the press member temporarily, so that the press member is locked on the liquid gas container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Ying Fang Huang
  • Patent number: 6546926
    Abstract: A wood burning stove in the shape of a barrel having both primary and secondary air inlets for supplying clean combustion. Primary air is fed into the stove from above the door. Secondary air is fed into a heating duct which extends along the bottom of the stove to be preheated. The heating duct empties the preheated air into a plenum formed in the end of the stove remote from the door. Air admitted to the plenum is additionally heated by exposure to a series of heat transfer fins within the plenum. The shape of the plenum is such that the velocity of air in the central portion of the plenum is the slowest, allowing for efficient heat transfer from the plenum walls and fins to the air passing through. A baffle mounted in the stove above the fire shields the fire from the exhaust outlet. Secondary air is admitted into the interior of the stove from the plenum from a first set of ports near the top of the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Perrault
  • Patent number: 6547554
    Abstract: A combustion system and a method for adapting the combustion system to utilize a first fuel when the system has been designed for a second fuel. The method and system provide inlets for adding air to lower the quality of the first fuel to the quality of the second fuel or inlets for adding a third fuel of a higher quality than the second fuel to raise the quality of the first fuel to the level of the quality of the second fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Rational Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rudolf Koegl, Manfred Lichtenstern, Roland Hegmann, Simon Pattermann, Franz Koch, Jaroslav Klouda, Rainer Otminghaus
  • Patent number: 6546925
    Abstract: A barbecue grill assembly includes a grill member disposed in a cooking base. The cooking base has left and right side walls extending upwardly from a bottom wall. Atop cover is disposed on a top side of the cooking base for covering the cooking base. A side rack has one end portion pivoted to one of the left and right side walls of the cooking base. The side rack is turnable inwardly into the cooking base for moving to a folded position, and is further turnable outwardly from the cooking base for moving to an unfolded position. A fastening unit fastens releasably the top cover and the cooking base when the side rack is disposed at the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen USA Inc.
    Inventor: Tsan-Kuen Wu
  • Patent number: 6544029
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combusting a fuel with an oxidant are described, the apparatus comprising a ceramic burner block, the burner block having a back face and a front face. The burner block has at least one oxidant cavity in an upper portion of the burner block, and at least one fuel cavity in a lower portion of the burner block, each cavity extending from the back face to the front face. The at least one oxidant cavity has positioned therein a fuel supply conduit, the fuel supply conduit having a fuel supply conduit exit positioned a sufficient distance from the front face to allow combustion of at least a portion of fuel exiting the fuel supply conduit exit with at least some of the oxidant traversing the oxidant cavity, and the least one fuel cavity having connected thereto, near the back face, an oxidant conduit, thereby allowing mixing of a minor portion of the oxidant with the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide - Societe' Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, American Air Liqude
    Inventors: Ovidiu Marin, Eric Streicher, Olivier Charon, Remi P. Tsiava
  • Patent number: 6543440
    Abstract: A fireplace assembly comprises a smoke chamber and a firebox in fluid communication with the smoke chamber. A masonry casing partially surrounds the firebox, the casing having a pair of spaced-apart side walls which together define an opening to the firebox. In one aspect of the invention, a lintel supports at least one chimney breast block across the opening, the lintel extending between the side walls and being supported by the side walls. In another aspect of the invention, a damper is mounted above the smoke chamber. In another aspect of the invention, the firebox is comprised of a plurality of firebrick, a metal firebox frame for guiding installation of the firebrick, and insulation between the firebox frame and the firebrick. In yet another aspect of the invention, insulation surrounds the back and sidewalls of the firebox and smoke chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Firespaces, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Moberg
  • Patent number: 6543436
    Abstract: The chuckwagon camp box of this invention includes a portable kitchen comprised of a top lid, drop down front and rear shelves, each of which is separately hinged to a base unit. The underside of the base unit has provisions to removably attach the support legs or permanently attach folding legs. The underside of the base unit also is provided with a plurality of casters to facilitate transport of the camp box. The base unit also includes an integral cooktop accessible from the front shelf and a plurality of work surfaces, multi-purpose compartments and a utensil drawer. Extendable, multi-purpose racks may be withdrawn from both ends of the base unit to serve as towel racks or shelves with the attachment of the included covering trays. A dishwashing center accessible from the rear shelf is also provided. The front and rear shelves are separated by an upstanding, transverse panel in the box, so that the front cooking area and rear washing areas are functionally isolated, separate work stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6539936
    Abstract: A combination of a fireplace and a decorative removable cover therefor is provided. The fireplace may include an enclosure having a front access opening and a frame positioned within the front access opening. Further, the decorative removable cover may include an opaque substrate and decorative indicia thereon. The opaque substrate may have a size and shape to be received within the front access opening of the fireplace. The cover may also include at least one fastener for removably attaching the opaque substrate to the frame within the front access opening of the fireplace for display of the decorative indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Andrea Sharon Behn
  • Patent number: 6539934
    Abstract: The multiconveyor convection oven comprises a baking chamber, at least two spaced-apart conveyors mounted transversally one over the other in the baking chamber, a heating chamber behind the baking chamber. A convection system is provided for allowing a circulation of the air from the baking chamber to the heating chamber and back to the baking chamber to cook the food. The convection system comprises air return passages providing a fluid communication between the baking chamber and the heating chamber, a blower housing extending vertically outside the heating chamber on a side thereof, at least two centrifugal blower chambers, one for each conveyor, mounted one over the other within the blower housing. Each centrifugal blower chamber has an air inlet in fluid communication with the heating chamber for drawing air from the baking chamber and an air outlet for throwing back heated air at high pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Zesto Food Equipment Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Georges Moshonas, Chuck Czajka
  • Patent number: 6537059
    Abstract: A regulating device for a burner regulates the air-gas ratio by way of an ionization electrode. In the event of dynamic changes in output preliminary control is implemented in accordance with the invention with two or more stored characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies AG
    Inventor: Rainer Lochschmied
  • Patent number: 6526965
    Abstract: A radiant energy collection unit that can be used in a solar panel heating system is described. The energy collection unit comprises an absorbing panel secured to a base panel and forming a channel there between. The channel is in fluid communication with an inlet feeder and an outlet conduit. The design of the collection unit allows for its use on a house, garage or similar building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Clyde W. Devore
  • Patent number: 6527543
    Abstract: A safety catch device for a gas burner comprises a press part, and a catch part. The press part has a shape of key and is disposed at a front side of a casing of the gas burner. The press part further provides a press chamber with an opening facing backward, and a lateral wall thereof is against a piezo-electric apparatus. Another wall of the press chamber extends a press stem backward. The catch part has a shape of key too and is mounted on the casing opposite to the press part. The catch part provides a push key extending outside the casing and the push key at the front side thereof has a step seat with the top thereof providing a locating hole for receiving an extension spring. The extension spring at the end in the locating hole presses against the inner wall of the casing and the step seat extends laterally a protrusion against the press stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Lin Tsai
  • Patent number: 6520174
    Abstract: The cooking apparatus comprises a collection plate and a cooking plate. The collection plate overlie the heat source of a barbecue grill having a center surface with semicircular cross section and a curved lip. The curved lip deflects gases being released by the heat source back toward the heat source reducing flames. Extruded apertures are provided through the center. The extrusions extend oppositely from the concavity of the center to direct a portion of the secretions onto the collection plate. A fluid retention channel is provided about the center. The outer surface of the inner retention wall retains secretions on the center of the collection plate. The cooking plate covers the barbecue grill fire chamber and has a plurality of apertures. The terminal end of a curved flange mates with the inner wall of the barbecue grill. A back stop member is connected to the top of the cooking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Luigi Scigliuolo
  • Patent number: 6520768
    Abstract: A lighter structure. The lighter structure includes a push button capable of sliding on a movable section disposed on a casing of the lighter, and an elastic component situated on the outer lateral surface of the movable section opposite from a safety lock section disposed on the casing. The elastic component has one end connected to the push button enabling the push button to be depressed to release from the safety lock section and move together with the movable section to activate gas flow and spark simultaneously and thus a user only needs one hand to hold the lighter and use a single finger to perform the lighting operation conveniently and safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Huang-Hsi Hsu
  • Patent number: 6517342
    Abstract: A device for igniting fuel, comprising at least one burner, the device comprising ignition means comprising an ignition element, the ignition means further comprising a movable element which is connected to a fluid line, such that a fluid contained in the fluid line, when it flows, creates a pressure difference across the movable element, as a result of which the movable element is set in motion, the movable element being connected with the ignition element, such that the movement of the movable element generates via the ignition element and ignition temperature by means of which the fuel is caused to combust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gastec N.V.
    Inventor: Geuko van der Veen
  • Patent number: 6514071
    Abstract: A gas-fired infrared radiation emitter with a frame, a screen removably attached to the frame, and a device for locking the screen to the frame. At least three receptacles are connected to each side of the frame, and at least one support is connected to each end of the frame. Three retaining bars extend from one side of the frame to the other and are used to lock secure the screen between such bars and the frame; and a fourth retaining bar extends from one end of the frame to the other and also secures the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jens-Uwe Meyer