Abstract: A lighter includes a housing a housing that forms a fuel reservoir. The housing has a fuel outlet extending from the housing. A valve assembly controls the flow of fuel exiting from the fuel outlet. A flint is mounted on the exterior of the housing for lighting fuel released from the fuel reservoir. A flint actuator includes a spark disk to engage the flint and a driver disk fixedly connected to the spark disk. A third disk is disposed between the driver disk and the spark disk and is freely rotatable therebetween. The third disk has a diameter greater than the driver disk. A plate is disposed between the driver disk and the housing and has a radially outwardly protruding portion between the housing and the driver disk, which is aligned with the driver disk and extends radially outwardly a greater distance than the driver disk from a central axis of the housing.

Abstract: A biogas flare system for burning biogas generated primarily by a landfill includes at least one burner for igniting a mixture of biogas and air. A main supply line supplies a mixture of biogas and air to the burner. A biogas supply line feeds biogas into the main supply line. An air supply line feeds air into the main supply line. A mixer structure mixes the biogas and air prior to the mixture being supplied to the burner.

Abstract: A biogas flare system for burning biogas generated primarily by a landfill includes at least one burner for igniting a mixture of biogas and air. A main supply line supplies a mixture of biogas and air to the burner. A biogas supply line feeds biogas into the main supply line. An air supply line feeds air into the main supply line. A mixer structure mixes the biogas and air prior to the mixture being supplied to the burner.

Abstract: A catalyst combustion apparatus, includes: a fuel feed course for feeding liquid fuel; an air feed course for feeding air; a mixing unit for mixing fuel to be fed from the fuel feed course with air to be fed from the air feed course; a vaporizing unit for heating mixture-obtained by mixing in the mixing unit to vaporize the liquid fuel; a catalyst heating unit disposed on the downstream side of the vaporizing unit in contact with or in close proximity to the vaporizing unit in terms of conduction of heat, for carrying an oxidation catalyst component; and a catalyst combustion unit provided on the downstream of the catalyst heating unit, having a multiplicity of conductive holes, and the vaporizing unit is capable of utilizing heat from the catalyst heating unit.

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: The invention is a method and apparatus for purging an oxidant or residual fuel by controlled oxidation within a closed loop system. The particular application disclosed can operate to purge oxygen from an anode loop of a fuel cell just prior to startup, and can also operate to consume the remaining hydrogen or fuel at shutdown. The method employs the addition of additional fuel to a feed stream within the anode loop to a level that will through oxidation within the apparatus deplete the desired amount of oxygen. The method also employs the addition of air into a hydrogen feed loop that through oxidation within the apparatus consumes the hydrogen. Oxidation is accomplished first by diffusion burning and then catalysis to accomplish the depletion quickly. The method and apparatus eliminates the need for a separately stored inert gas purge tank and associated systems.

Abstract: A gas furnace control arrangement includes a control unit control unit and an operating unit adapted to control the control unit, the control unit having a valve seat holding a set of solenoid valves, the solenoid valves including a main valve for fuel gas input control, a mother flame valve adapted to control a gas passage from the valve seat to a mother flame nozzle, a high flow rate valve and a medium flow rate valve and a low flow rate valve adapted to control a respective gas passage from the valve seat to a main flame nozzle, the operating unit including a power switch adapted to switch on/off an electronic igniter and to close/open the main valve and the mother flame valve, a strong flame switch adapted to close/open the high flow rate valve, a medium flame switch adapted to close/open the medium flow rate valve, and a weak flame switch linked to the strong flame and the medium flame switch and adapted to close/open the low flow rate valve.

Abstract: A container assembly having a generally cylindrical container for warming beverages includes a flexible closed bottom, a lower compartment and a water compartment. A generally U-shaped cup that holds beverage and has a cover has an upper portion that fits snugly with an upper perimeter of the container and a lowest portion that extends below the surface of the water. Extending from the bottom upward is a lower compartment for a salt compound covered by a pierceable foil partition. Perpendicular to the bottom is an annular central divider with a sufficiently sharp upper edge for piercing the partition when pressure is applied to the flexible bottom. The salt stored between the annular central divider and the lower compartment outer wall dissolves in the water upon shaking. The exothermic reaction warms the beverage to ideal temperature because of the proportion of water and salt set for each kind of beverage.

Abstract: A liquid heating apparatus includes: a liquid bath; a combustion chamber provided with a burner, and formed at one side on a lower portion of the liquid bath; and an exhaust pipe located horizontally in the liquid bath and extending from one side of the liquid bath toward the other side thereof. The apparatus heats the liquid bath by passing combustion gas generated in the combustion chamber into the exhaust pipe, with the exhaust pipe being formed into a cylinder shape having vertical side walls. A fin is integrally located on an inner surface of the side wall of the exhaust pipe along the longitudinal direction thereof. The fin has a predetermined heating surface chosen in accordance with a predetermined temperature gradient in a longitudinal direction of the exhaust pipe, and is located on only upper portion side on an inner surface of the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A cooking area cover panel that is to be applied separately for a cooking area is produced of a substantially breaking-resistant material and has a safety film on at least one flat surface of the cooking area cover panel. The safety film is configured such that in the event of a fracture of the cooking area cover panel the safety film essentially holds the fragments together.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible chafing system includes a frame forming a well configured to hold a chafing container. Underlying the frame is a heating device holder in the form of a platform pivotally connected to the frame. The chafing system includes legs pivotally connected to the frame for movement between a first collapsed position and a second position in which legs extend from and elevate the frame. Wheels are associated with each leg to render the system mobile.

Abstract: A chafing dish fuel canister is provided with a side wall having a lower section, a middle section and an upper section wherein the lower section and the upper section are substantially vertically extending and the middle section is an angled wall, the middle wall section extending outwardly from the lower wall section at an angle of from about 55 to 85 degrees. This creates a tilt angle such that the flame does not burn the lid or side wall of the fuel canister. The chafing dish fuel canister is preferably of a transparent plastic material and upon being overturned maintains the fuel product therein in a safe condition without spillage.

Abstract: A one-piece hood for a gas grill is formed from a single sheet of steel and comprises at least a front wall, a back wall, opposing side walls, and a top wall. Each of the opposing side walls further includes an indented central portion that has a substantially uniform depth and a perimeter internally adjacent to the side wall perimeter. The indented central portions increase the structural strength of the hood so as to better resist warping due to heating. A sloped wall can be formed between the top wall and the front wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming a battery for a personal electronic device includes a heating element and a holder. The holder holds the heating element adjacent to the battery for the personal electronic device so as to apply heat thereto. Exemplary heating means include supersaturated solutions and ferrous materials. The invention allows the user to operate a portable electronic device in environments that would otherwise be prohibitory due to the temperature operating limitations of the battery.

Abstract: A holder for children removably mounted on a person with saddle seat member having a downwardly extending leg member that is positioned against the person's upper thigh. Two slightly curved arm members, substantially perpendicular to the leg member, conform and embrace the waistline of the person. A belt for removably securing the saddle seat member to the person's waist and a strap member attached to the back of the saddle seat member are primarily responsible for supporing the latter. An inwardly extending flange member helps to keep the holder on the waist of the user.

Abstract: A pair of brackets which can be attached to the handle bars of the ATV or a motorcycle and which will hold a bow or a rifle or shotgun. The brackets include spring-biased U-shaped clamps which can be positioned on a mounting bar, the bar being secured to the handle bars of the ATV or motorcycle or depending on the construction of the rear portion of the ATV or the motorcycle's rear framework thereof, the U-shaped clamps being positioned on the bar in an adjustable manner to accommodate the length of the bow and/or of the weapon to be employed.

Abstract: A toilet lid closing device for use on toilets of the type having a vertical tank with a flushing lever, a bowl, a seat and an overlying lid pivotally mounted by a hinge pin, has a torsional coil spring received around the hinge pin which biases the lid and the seat to a closed position. A channel shaped bracket has a horizontal mounting surface secured by the toilet seat mounting bolts, with perpendicularly attached parallel support legs for mounting end portions of a pair of dampening cylinders. An adjustment bracket allows independent adjustable positioning of the dampening cylinders. Each of the dampening cylinders has an extensible rod provided with a circumferential groove for engagement with a spring biased locking pin which retains the rod in a extended position. End portions of the extensible rods have journal bearing ends received on mounting pad axles secured to the underside of the lid and the seat.

Abstract: A slat assembly for vehicle luggage racks is disclosed with a pre-assembled slat and end cap. The end cap includes a mounting member for insertion into the end of the slat. A hole through the mounting member receives a headed stud as a separate and separable part from the mounting member. When the mounting member is inserted into the slat, the stud is held captive by the overlying rub strip on the slat or the flanges of the slat.