Abstract: Device (10) and method to optimize the combustion of hydrocarbons able to be used as fuel and mixed with air containing oxygen, said device (10) comprising means (20, 23) to generate a magnetic field, advantageously of the pulsating type, in correspondence with a fuel feed pipe (13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to candles which employ heat conductive elements to distribute heat from a burning flame at a wick to a melting plate and to the body of a solid fuel, so as to more rapidly liquify the solid fuel, such as paraffin wax, and to more uniformly and intensely heat such fuels to increase the efficiency of consumption thereof. The heat conductive elements and melting plate are configured so as to engage said solid fuel, and to cause the flow of liquified fuel to the wick. The fuel may be provided in various forms, configured to cooperatively engage the heat conductive elements and melting plate of the candle.

Abstract: A gas cooker includes a pot support that can be fixed on a top panel, preferably a cooktop panel, by a permanent-magnet configuration. The permanent-magnet configuration has magnet parts disposed at connecting locations on a pot support and on the top panel, and the magnet parts are located opposite one another. At least one of the magnet parts is a permanent magnet and another of the magnet parts is either a material magnetically attracted by the permanent magnet or a further permanent magnet having a polarity opposite the permanent magnet and magnetically attracted by the permanent magnet. As such, the configuration magnetically retains the pot support in a predetermined position on the top panel.

Abstract: A miniature patio heater is provided which has a total height of approximately 3 ft. and which has a shroud with a diameter less than 2 ft. The patio heater includes a base having a vertically extending chamber, which is approximately 1.5 ft. high, for receiving a small gas bottle. A hollow post extends upwardly from the upper end of the chamber. A heater assembly and shroud are supported at the upper end of the post. A gas line extends along the inside of the hollow post between the heater assembly and the chamber. A connector assembly provides a pivotal connection between the end of the gas line and a regulator connected to a gas bottle within the chamber. The chamber is provided with an access opening for inserting and removing the gas bottle. Thus, the gas bottle, with attached regulator, can be swung from a vertical upright position within the chamber outwardly through the access opening to an angular position to facilitate removal of an empty gas bottle and replacement with a full gas bottle.

Abstract: A thermal post-combustion device for the purification of exhaust air comprises an outer housing surrounded by an insulating jacket, a combustion chamber bounded by a combustion chamber housing and arranged within the outer housing, and a burner chargeable with fuel and that comprises a burner nozzle and a first flame tube that surrounds the burner nozzle and connects the space between the outer housing and the combustion chamber housing to the combustion chamber. The burner includes at least one further flame tube that is arranged completely within the combustion chamber, and the end of the first flame tube lying inside the combustion chamber is surrounded by a further flame tube of larger radius so as to form an annular gap between the first flame tube and the further flame tube. In this way a circulating flow of the combustion air becomes possible inside the combustion chamber, which flow is guided repeatedly through the annular gap and the flame of the burner.

Abstract: A candle snuffer for extinguishing candle flames and for display as a decorative piece is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the candle snuffer includes an elongate handle and first and second snuffing members coupled to the handle. A user-operable actuator is operatively connected to the first and second snuffing members and is operable to bring the first and second snuffing members into snuffing contact with each other to extinguish a candle flame positioned between the snuffing members. The handle and actuator may be configured to resemble parts of a plant, and the snuffing members may be configured to resemble the wings of a butterfly to permit display of the candle snuffer as a decorative piece. Also disclosed is a holder for supporting the candle snuffer in an upright position. The holder in a disclosed embodiment is configured to resemble a flowerpot to complement the plant/butterfly shape of the candle snuffer.

Abstract: A solar water heater comprising a water tank, a solar heating compartment for heating water, and an air pump. The water tank and the solar heating compartment are both substantially cylindrical, and the bottom surface of the heating compartment overlaps the top surface of the water tank. The solar heating compartment has an upper surface and a side surface which are substantially constructed from transparent materials. The heating compartment contains water tubing in communication with water in the water tank and at least one stainless steel parabolic reflector positioned for reflecting incident sunlight upon the water tubing for absorption. The water tubing terminates in at least one hot water outlet. The air pump is in communication with the water tubing within the solar heating compartment. Operation of the air pump causes a stream of water to continuously flow from the water tank to the hot water outlets by the siphoning effect.

Abstract: A solar water heater is provided. The heater features heat control so that a maximum temperature is automatically controlled. The heater is insulated to maintain a water temperature of water stored therein for long periods of time. The heater includes an insulated lens which transmits most solar radiation incident on its top surface through the lens. An air trap is located below the lens. A heat control valve opens the air trap to surrounding air when a maximum temperature for air within the air trap is exceeded. A heat absorption plate is located below the air trap. The plate is in contact with a heat transfer liquid within a liquid space below the plate. A heat exchanger is positioned within the space and routes water in heat transfer contact with the liquid within the space, while keeping the water isolated from the liquid within the space.

Abstract: A combination gas cylinder striker and wrench device for use with a gas cylinder having a cylinder valve with a valve stem. The device is made of a striker having a pair of wire frame members that are manipulatable to strike a spark for igniting a flammable gas from a gas cylinder. A gas cylinder wrench is affixed to one of the wire frame members. The gas cylinder wrench has a central portion having an opening therethrough that is sized to interfit with the valve stem of the gas cylinder. The central portion is located at a U-shaped area of the wire frame member to stabilize the affixation of the gas cylinder wrench to the wire frame member.

Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: A barbecue device includes a support unit with opposite first and second connecting rods that interconnect U-shaped first and second support members, and a cook unit supported removably on horizontal bars of the support members. The support unit is turnable upside-down, and confines a receiving space which opens upwardly when turned upside-down for receiving the cook unit therein. A looped retainer frame is pivoted to the second connecting rod, and engages releasably the first connecting rod. The retainer frame is turnable away from and toward the horizontal bars for moving between an open position, in which the cook unit can be placed in the receiving space, and a closed position, in which the retainer frame engages releasably the first connecting rod for retaining the cook unit in the receiving space.

Abstract: In a fuel gas burner, a reduction of NOx emissions is brought about by the combined use of both a catalyst and a radiation baffle. The catalyst and baffle are located in serial flow relationship such that each contributes to the NOx reduction function without the creation of undesirable conditions. The catalyst is located upstream of the flame and the amount of primary air supplied to the burner is controlled so as to bring about a reduction of NOx emissions while at the same time not allowing the temperature of the catalyst to exceed a threshold limit, thereby ensuring an acceptably long life and durability of the catalyst. The radiation baffle is located in the flame to radiate heat away therefrom and lower the temperature thereof to reduce NOx emissions, with the mass of the baffle being limited such that no significant levels of CO are generated.

Abstract: A gas shut-off device is provided to automatically cut off gas supply to a gas appliance, such as an outdoor gas fueled barbecue grill, at the expiration of a predetermined time period thereby saving gas and preventing hazards usually associated with a grill that has been left on after use. The gas shut-off device of the present invention is tamper resistant thereby-reducing the risk of a child inadvertently directing gas to an unlit appliance.

Abstract: Gas burner for a cooking hob, comprising a burner body provided with a plurality of openings for entry of primary air, a flame-dividing element which defines together with the burner body and air/gas mixing chamber, a gas injector which is mounted on the cooking hob, for injecting gas inside the mixing chamber, and a converging/diverging duct which defines a Venturi tube located downstream of the gas injector for drawing air into the mixing chamber. In accordance with the present invention, the burner body, the flame-dividing element and the converging/diverging duct consist of a single monolithic structure in the form of a pressed sheet-metal casing.

Abstract: Compact low NOx gas burner apparatus and methods for discharging fuel gas and air mixtures into furnace spaces wherein the mixture is burned in folded flame patterns and flue gases having low NOx content are formed are provided. A burner apparatus of the invention is basically comprised of a housing having a burner tile attached thereto and means for introducing air therein. The burner tile has an opening therein with a wall surrounding the opening which extends into a furnace space. The exterior sides of the wall are divided into sections by radially positioned baffles with alternate sections having the same or different heights and slanting towards the opening at the same or different angles. Primary fuel gas mixed with flue gases and air is discharged through the burner tile. Secondary fuel gas is discharged adjacent to the external slanted wall sections whereby the secondary fuel gas mixes with flue gases in the furnace space.

Abstract: The present invention involves a lighter for preventing unintended use. In one aspect, a striker wheel including a rotation limiting means is provided, where an arc formed by the rotation limiting means is preferably greater than about 100° and less than or equal to about 220°. The rotation limiting means may comprise a single or multiple protrusions, a shield extending from one or more outer grip wheels, or a cover attached to a periphery of the striking wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll and press lighter which is rendered child resistant by a fixed extension of the body which surrounds or bisects the lever so as to impede the user's thumb. The adult user must operate the lighter in such a way that the flesh of the user's thumb is able to depress the lever below the level of the fixed extension.

Abstract: A lighter that includes a safety mechanism for preventing its ignition. A piezoelectric lighter ignition unit has a plunger that is movable into a main casting to generate sparks for igniting a stream of flammable gas. A safety mechanism includes a plunger which includes a notch at one side to define an open surface that extends transversely to the direction of motion of the plunger. A latch has a stop portion that makes contact with the transverse open surface to obstruct the motion of the plunger. An arm moves the latch.

Abstract: A freeze resistant method for draining liquid condensate from a condensate furnace includes quickly purging the liquid condensate from a condensate reservoir. A condensing heat exchanger connected to a condensing reservoir stores liquid condensate as the system is in use. An inducer produces a positive pressure along a condensate line to the outlet of the reservoir, creating a back pressure which prevents draining of the reservoir. When the inducer is shut off, the positive pressure is removed, and the liquid condensate rapidly flushes from the reservoir. The amount of liquid condensate remaining in the system and exposed to cold conditions can be minimized.

Abstract: A heating unit has a cartridge that constitutes a single component, which can be readily removed and replaced with a new cartridge. The cartridge is a plurality of non-flammable layers bound together in a border. The layers include a stainless steel mesh located above a layer of ceramic wool. With the cartridge, replacement can be accomplished in approximately fifty minutes compared to a downtime of a week or more previously.