Abstract: Torches are automatically refilled with a liquid fuel from a central reservoir pumped via a plumbing system, without directly monitoring local torch fuel levels. Instead, each torch includes a passive fuel overfill prevention valve. When refueling, the pump operates until all torches are filled. Refueling can cease after a set time, or when sensors report a backpressure and/or cessation of fuel flow. Pre-calibration establishes torch burning rates and/or maximum refill time. Time between refueling is predicted, based upon total burning time, which can be measured by torch heat sensors or determined according to a usage schedule or direct control of torch ignition and extinguishing by the controller. Reverse pumping can extinguish the torches, and wick ignitors can relight them sequentially. A service provider can monitor fuel consumption, establish a pattern of usage, and supply fuel in time to replenish the central reservoir, and/or other provide maintenance as needed.

Abstract: A fluid heating system may include a solar collection system configured for focusing sunlight on a focal axis, an elongated flow element arranged and configured for transporting fluid along the solar collection system at the focal axis, and a flow-control assembly comprising thermostatic valves configured to control the flow of the fluid in the elongated flow element such that pathogens present in the fluid are substantially inactivated before the fluid exits the fluid heating system. A method of operating a fluid heating system wherein the fluid heating system comprises a parabolic solar collector and a support structure may also be provided.

Abstract: A solid fuel cooking range is described herein. Embodiments enable the user to cook food on an upper grill while simultaneously heating a separate dish in a lower oven. In certain embodiments, heat may be applied to the oven from both the top and bottom. Heat and airflow may be controlled using a shroud which does not enclose the sides of the upper cooking area and separate end plates. Embodiments may be portable and lightweight which enables the solid fuel cooking range to be used while traveling and in emergency situations.

Abstract: A boiler system comprises a housing with a generally cylindrical shape extends between first and second walls to provide a generally cylindrical space. A fire tube is positioned near a bottom of the generally cylindrical housing and extends longitudinally from a first wall of the cylindrical housing to a fire tube end wall. The boiler system also includes a burner with a generally cylindrical housing which defines a generally cylindrical chamber and an end plate. The burner extends into the fire tube, and the fire tube provides a combustion chamber where combustion of an air-fuel mixture is accomplished using the burner. The end plate of the burner is adjustable so as to adjust the flame that extends from within the burner housing into the fire tube.

Abstract: A lid counterbalance assembly for a grill, the grill including a lid and a base, the lid counterbalance assembly including a pulley assembly including at least one pulley, the pulley assembly rotatably connected to the base, a spring connected to the pulley assembly via a first line, and a second line including a first end connected to the pulley assembly and a second end connected to the lid, wherein the second end is rotatable and translatable with respect to the lid.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cabinet that defines a vertical direction and an inner shell positioned within the cabinet. The inner shell defines a cooking chamber therein. The cooking appliance also includes an upper heating module positioned at or proximate to an upper wall of the inner shell. The cooking appliance further includes a movable platform mounted to the inner shell within the cabinet. The movable platform is configured to move along the vertical direction between a bottom position wherein the movable platform is at least partially flush with a bottom wall of the inner shell and an elevated position wherein the movable platform is positioned above the bottom wall of the inner shell.

Abstract: A portable flame propelling device for deterring an attack by an animal includes a vessel, which has an opening positioned in a top thereof for positioning of a flammable liquid therein. A handle engaged to the vessel and extending from the opening can be grasped in a hand of a user. A nozzle is engaged to the handle and extends therefrom. A pumping unit operationally engaged to and in fluidic communication with the nozzle and the vessel propels the flammable liquid from the vessel through the nozzle. An igniter engaged to the handle proximate to the nozzle ignites the flammable liquid. An actuator engaged to the handle is operationally engaged to the pumping unit and the igniter. The actuator can be engaged by a digit of the hand of the user to selectively actuate the pumping unit and the igniter so that a flame is propelled from the nozzle.

Abstract: An ultra-supercritical (USC) tower-type solar heat absorber includes a grille-hot-plate current-sharing screen, a tube row, and a graphite filling layer. The grille-hot-plate current-sharing screen is assembled by a plurality of grille hot plates. Each of the plurality of grille hot plates includes a liquid-absorbing core and a grille, and is filled with a phase-transition working medium (such as sodium, potassium, and lithium) and pumped to a vacuum state.

Abstract: Methods for operating an oven appliance, as provided herein, may include various steps for activating top and bottom heating elements (e.g., at overlapping times) prior to limiting activation of one of the heating elements based on one or more received temperature signals.

Abstract: A barbecue device to prolong fuel burning comprising a plurality of vertical walls that are cut from an elongate strip such that they provide fuel containment and air openings without removing or discarding any material needed to provide said air openings for the fuel.

Abstract: A pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly with a low contact frame for use with a pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle is described. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly has an outer nozzle tip portion adapted to mount in supported relation with the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle, and an inner nozzle tip portion adapted for mounting within the outer nozzle tip portion to have secure tiltable movement. The outer nozzle has supporting surfaces that support surfaces of the inner nozzle tip portion to minimize the tilting forces transmitted to the inner nozzle tip portion during normal furnace operation, enhancing the wear resistance of the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly. The supporting surfaces of the outer nozzle also eliminate stress cracking to the surfaces of the inner nozzle tip portion that can arise due to thermal growth.

Abstract: An express barbeque for cooking food includes a housing including a base and a lid with a cooking chamber therein. A grill is positionable in the base to support the food, with a food splatter area defined about the grill. Heat distributors are positioned about the cooking chamber offset laterally from the food splatter area. Each of the heat distributors includes a perforated pipe and a corresponding heat diverter. Each of the perforated pipes is shaped to receive heat from a heat source, and each has the corresponding heat diverter positioned thereabout to pass the heat from the perforated pipe through the cooking chamber whereby cooking of the food is facilitated. A cooking drawer may be slidably retractable from the housing. The cooking drawer may include the upper grill and a lower drip tray. The lower drip tray is connected below the grill to catch drippings therefrom.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes air spinners for use in duct burners, and duct burners and duct burner kits including a plurality of air spinners. Air spinners may include a plurality of blades extending radially outward from a fuel path and configured to impart rotation to air flowing between the blades, where the air spinner is configured to be coupled to a fuel runner of a duct burner such that the air spinner encircles a fuel outlet of the fuel runner with the axis of the fuel path extending at a non-parallel angle from an axis of the fuel runner. Duct burners can comprise a plurality of air spinners coupled to a plurality of fuel runners. Duct burner kits can comprise a plurality of air spinners configured to be coupled (e.g., without welding) to a plurality of fuel runners.

Abstract: Provided is a cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus has a structure in which cooking modules different from each other are selectively mounted with a free arrangement structure on a top surface of the cooking apparatus.

Abstract: A cylindrical burner apparatus and method which produce low NOx emissions and low noise levels without being dependent upon a blower, or natural draft, for providing air flow or flue gas recirculation. A flow of combustion air is induced into the initial tube pass of the burner by discharging a gas fuel from a plurality of discharge ports located in the initial tube pass. At the same time, a flow of recycled flue gas is induced through a bypass duct between a subsequent tube pass of the burner and the initial tube pass by discharging one or more jets of gas fuel through the bypass duct.

Abstract: An apparatus combining a solar tracker and a dual heat source collector includes a heat engine assembly and the solar tracker. The heat engine assembly includes a heat collector, a heat collecting lens, and a heat engine. The heat collector includes a solar heat collecting room and a heat source room. The heat collecting lens is arranged on the heat collector and corresponds to the solar heat collecting room. The heat engine is located in the solar heat collecting room. The solar tracker includes a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, a pivot member, and a driving member. The primary mirror has a first reflective surface and a back surface. The primary mirror has a mounting hole passing through the primary mirror. The secondary mirror is mounted above the primary mirror.

Abstract: An insert is provided for use in a cooking apparatus that alters the pressure profile, air velocity profile, and airflow pattern within said cooking apparatus in order to achieve a cyclonic air profile around food to be cooked. The insert includes a ring-shaped insert body formed by a continuous sidewall. The sidewall has an external surface and an internal surface, and a top end and a bottom end. The insert also includes a deflection plate.

Abstract: A telescoping ventilation hood device for a grill includes a hood wherein a first grease collector is attached to the hood; a telescoping tube for adjusting distance between the hood and the grill, wherein one end thereof is connected to the hood; a grease filter box connected to the other end of the telescoping tube; a filter removably received within the grease filter box in a slanted direction with respect to a gravitational direction; a secondary grease collector removably received within the grease filter box; and at least two spring balancers attached to an outer surface of the telescoping tube.

Abstract: This invention provides a solar fluid heating panel with fluid conduits that allow a fluid to be heated by the sun. It also provides a mounting system and weather sealing system that allow the panels to replace a traditional roof. The roof replacing panels can be installed quickly using mounting brackets attached to roof purlins. The panels can allow natural ambient light to enter the building while harnessing the sun's energy to heat fluid within the conduits.

Abstract: A system for electronically controlling a vent damper for a gas oven.