Abstract: A steam cooker includes a steam generator including a heating chamber defining a volume for holding water. A heat exchanger is associated with the heating chamber so as to generate steam. A steam superheater superheats steam traveling from the heating chamber to a steam cooking chamber.

Abstract: A solar collector with external reflector. A solar collector includes a glass housing having a heat pipe disposed within the housing and a light reflector disposed external to the housing.

Abstract: An improved thermosiphon solar heater is disclosed. The thermosiphon solar heater includes a substantially planar collector including a plurality of heat exchanger channels that are positioned next to one another in a parallel relationship. The thermosiphoning solar heater also includes a pair of headers fluidly coupled to the collector. A first header is disposed at a top end of the collector. A second header is disposed at a bottom end of the collector. The thermosiphoning solar heater further includes one or more exposed storage tanks fluidly coupled to the header and positioned in a side by side relationship next to the collector.

Abstract: An actuator moves the hinged lid of a cooking grill or similar container between a closed position and an opened position when an electronic sensor detects the approach of a person. For example, the actuator can open the lid when a person approaches, and then close the lid at a later time, such as when the person activates a switch or leaves the area, or after a time interval.

Abstract: A stove comprising a frame bounding an area to receive a burner, a heating cavity assembly mounted on the frame and having four side walls and a bottom wall having an opening therein, and a collar mounted in the heating cavity assembly around the opening. Front, rear, and side panels are mounted on the frame to enclose the side walls of the heating cavity assembly. A diffuser plate is mounted on the heating cavity assembly and covers an open top portion thereof, the diffuser plate being configured to receive heated gases rising from the burner and collar, and to distribute the heated gases evenly proximate an upper surface of the diffuser plate. A griddle plate is mounted above the diffuser plate and spaced therefrom, an undersurface of the griddle plate being opposed to the diffuser plate upper surface. The griddle plate provides an upper surface for cooking operations.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for a cooking apparatus including a handle, an arm and a light source. The arm is movably joined with the handle so that the arm is selectively movable from a position in which it is concealed at least partially in the handle to another position where the arm projects out from the handle and over a cooking surface when a cover of the cooking apparatus is in an open position. By adjusting the position of the arm, the light source can be aimed at the surface to monitor the cooking of food in low light conditions. In one embodiment, the lighting assembly includes a head, with which the light source is joined, that is movably mounted to the arm to provide an added degree of adjustment for aiming the light source at the cooking surface, and/or a work surface when included.

Abstract: An instrument for a solar energy system including a receiver and a heliostat to reflect solar energy on to the receiver. The instrument includes a first element adapted to form an image of the sun, a second element adapted to form an image of the receiver, and a detector. The detector is positioned to receive each of the images and a comparator is adapted to detect a distance between the images. The comparator generates an error correction signal based on the distance between the images. The error correction signal is received by a controller that controls the operation of a postioner that adjusts the position of the heliostat accordingly.