Abstract: A cooking sensor system that includes a burner assembly; and a vibration sensor assembly configured to generate a vibration signal that corresponds to vibrations of cookware situated on the burner assembly. The cooking sensor system also includes a processor to receive the vibration signal and determine at least one of a boiling condition and a boil-dry condition for a liquid contained within the cookware, wherein the determination is based at least in part on the vibration signal. The cooking sensor system further includes an indicator element coupled to the processor to indicate the at least one of a boiling condition and a boil-dry condition. The cooking sensor system may also include a control element coupled to the processor to operate the burner assembly based at least in part on the at least one of a boiling condition and a boil-dry condition.

Abstract: A roof vent used to cover a vent opening in the ridge of a roof that includes a base portion configured to extend generally longitudinally along the ridge of a roof; a plurality of vent extension members extending down from the base portion, the vent extension members forming vent passages to vent air exiting the vent opening and direct the air beneath and out of the sides of the vent, the vent extension members set at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the vent; and generally V-shaped filter members attached to said vent with the small end of the V adjacent said base portion.

Abstract: A method of boil and boil-dry detection for appliances. The method includes the steps: detecting vibrations that correspond to cookware situated on a burner assembly; generating a vibration signal based on the vibrations; and performing signal processing on the vibration signal. The method also includes the steps: collecting vibration data related to the vibration signal; and detecting boiling and boil-dry conditions for a liquid contained within the cookware based at least in part on an evaluation of the vibration data. The method may also include the steps: indicating the boiling and boil-dry conditions; and controlling the burner assembly based at least in part on the boiling and boil-dry conditions.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system comprises a frame for mounting the system on a suitable substrate and a plurality of solar panels disposed adjacent to one another on the frame. A first set of the solar panels are movable relative to a second set of the solar panels, for tracking movement of the sun during the day. Solar panels of the first set are arranged in alternating fashion with solar panels of the second set. In some embodiments of the invention, the panels in the second set of solar panels are stationary. The second set of solar panels, in some embodiments, are disposed substantially flat, relative to the frame and the substrate on which the frame is mounted. In some embodiments, differing from those in which the second set of solar panels are stationary, the second set of solar panels may be arranged to be movable relative to the first set of solar panels.

Abstract: A dual-exposure heat absorption panel is disclosed, which can be used in a solar receiver design. Generally, the heat absorption panel includes a tube panel through which a heat transfer fluid is flowed to absorb solar energy from heliostats that are focused on the tube panel. A structural support frame surrounds the tube panel. A stiffener structure runs across the exposed faces of the tube panel. The headers and other support structures on the periphery are protected by use of a heat shield.

Abstract: A burner assembly for an appliance is provided. The appliance includes a top panel constructed of a non-conducting material. A gas burner is removably mounted to the top panel at an opening of the top panel. A conducting contact extends between the gas burner and a mounting assembly positioned at the opening of the top panel. The conducting contact can be used to ground the gas burner.

Abstract: A portable gas heater includes a heater body, a gas burner mounted on a front panel of the heater body, a gas supply arrangement connected between the gas burner inside the heater body and the gas bottle for providing a gas passage including a safety valve, a control button and a connecting tube, a gas bottle positioning arrangement, and a pilot flame arrangement mounted on the heater body near the gas burner and connected to the safety valve through a gas inlet. The pilot flame arrangement includes a thermocouple, a pilot flame unit, and an electrode rod connected to an ignition wire of the safety valve. The pilot flame unit includes a pilot fire nozzle, a mixing tube and a connector connected with each others. The heater is compact, small and light-weighted while ready for immediate use without assembly and disassembly requirements, thereby convenience for indoor and outdoor use.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly product packaging assembly having a secondary use after a product has been removed therefrom. The packaging assembly comprises a candle having a wall made of a vaporizable material and defining a cavity therein for retaining the product. The candle includes a wick embedded in the wall in a spiral, coiled or helical fashion and positioned to substantially encircle the cavity. The assembly may include a containment mechanism that at least partially restricts access to the cavity and thereby aids in retaining the product therein. The assembly may further include a base positioned under a bottom end of the candle. The containment mechanism and base may themselves be made out of recyclable or combustible materials. Once the product has been removed from the cavity, the assembly may be used as a conventional candle. The candle wall is vaporized leaving little to no waste for disposal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for upgrading heavy liquid fractions resulting from oil refining, by combustion in a fluidized-bed chemical looping process. The method according to the invention allows energy to be produced by oxidizing totally the heavy liquid feeds while allowing direct capture of the CO2 emitted in the combustion fumes. The method according to the invention also allows a synthesis gas to be produced.

Abstract: A candle having a body of a meltable fuel and a planar wick. When lit, the candle provides a unique flame formation, usable in a variety of decorative applications. The wick can be configured to evenly deplete the meltable fuel, while allowing for candles having relatively large and unique body configurations. The body of candle and/or the wick may include scented oil to promote the release of fragrance upon heating. The wick preferably is formed of wood, thereby providing an acoustic contribution to ambiance and improved combustion that generates less soot than conventional cotton wick candles.

Abstract: A flame tube for a liquid fuel burner is disclosed. The liquid fuel burner includes a fuel atomizer directing atomized fuel into the flame tube and an igniter disposed within the flame tube to ignite the atomized fuel. The flame tube comprises an outer wall and an inner wall disposed about the outer wall to define an air passage therebetween. At a discharge end of the flame tube, the outer and inner walls are conjoined to form an annular surface, the annular surface being perforated. Preferably, the annular surface is perforated in an evenly distributed pattern.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a gas burner assembly for an appliance. The gas burner assembly includes a burner tube and a shutter slidably mounted to an end portion of the burner tube. The shutter defines a slot with an axially extending portion. A boss is mounted to the tubular burner and is received within the slot of the shutter. The boss is movable within the axially extending portion of the slot in order to permit the shutter to slide along an axial direction on the burner tube. Such features can facilitate access to an orifice of the gas burner assembly.

Abstract: The present invention features an indoor smoking hood system disposed on a sash window frame. The hood comprises a first side tubular frame and a second tubular frame. The frames are joined together by adjustment locks for the attachment of variable window width. The frames are attached to the window frame via a plurality of window clamps. A hood frame is slidably and pivotably attached to the first side tubular frame and second tubular frame. A clear plastic hood provides enclosure of the hood for a smoking area. A fan plate is attached to the top of the tubular frame with a plurality of fan plate clips. An exhaust fan is installed on the fan plate to air in the hood to outdoor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation collection apparatus includes an exterior including a bottom portion and first and second walls extending from the bottom portion, the exterior defining a cavity in the bottom portion, the cavity being configured to receive a thermally absorbing material; and a radiation collector. The radiation collector includes a first surface on an interior of the first wall, the first surface being at least partially reflective and positioned to reflect radiation that is incident on the first surface into the cavity; and a second surface on an interior of the second wall, the second surface being at least partially reflective and positioned to reflect radiation that is incident on the second surface into the cavity, where the first and second surfaces face each other to at least partially define an interior region of the radiation collector, and the cavity defines an opening to the interior of the radiation collector.

Abstract: A shop-assembled solar receiver heat exchanger having an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a vertical steam/water separator structurally and fluidically interconnected thereto. A vertical support structure is provided to support the vertical separator and the heat transfer surfaces. The vertical support structure is bottom supported, while the vertical steam/water separator and heat exchanger heat transfer surfaces are top supported from the vertical support structure. The vertical support structure provides structural support and rigidity for the heat exchanger and a means by which the heat exchanger can be picked up and lifted for placement at a desired location. A fabrication/transport/lifting fixture is provided which facilitates fabrication, assembly, transportation and erection of the heat exchanger from the shop to the field. The fixture supports two trunnion shafts attached to the support structure of the receiver. Lifting lugs would be located on the top end of the support structure.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a gaseous component concentration of a gaseous mixture, which is recirculated by a ventilator in an oven, which is supplied with power at a predetermined mains frequency and voltage, the ventilator being driven by an asynchronous electric motor of known synchronism speed, the mixture being subjected to a known pressure. The method includes: detecting the temperature of the mixture in the cooking chamber, varying the motor's power supply voltage in order to maintain the motor's rotation speed at a predetermined value, measuring the difference between the mains voltage that supplies the motor and the motor's power supply voltage at the predetermined speed, using the voltage difference, the temperature and the known pressure to determine the component concentration in the mixture, comparing the component concentration which is found with a desired concentration value and, adjusting the component concentration in the cooking chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to control a focal length of a curved reflector in real time. An energy generation system includes curved reflectors, a tower, and an energy storing unit connected to the tower. The curved reflectors reflect and concentrate light from a light source onto the tower. The tower converts the received light into usable energy which is stored in the energy storing unit. Each of the curved reflectors can include a curved body, a stand, and/or an actuation unit. The curved body reflects the light from the light source to concentrate it onto the tower. When the light source moves, the curved body pivots about the stand to track the light source. The actuation unit is activated to adjust a focal length of the focal point of the curved body to ensure that the reflected light is concentrated at the tower.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods of 110 (one hundred ten) CFM (cubic feet per minute) generating ventilation fans for bathrooms with grill covers and with or without lights in the grill covers. Spring clip type washers can attach the grill covers to the housings. Suspension brackets directly attached to outer side walls of the housing can support the housings. One suspension bracket can be mounted on a bottom wall of the housing and another suspension bracket of equal length can be mounted on a side wall of the housing that is oriented perpendicular to the bottom wall. Bent flanges on the suspension brackets can be on opposite ends of the respective brackets. A lens cover can cover a light box that holds light sources centrally located in the grill cover. The grill cover can include vent openings that allow incoming air to bypass the light sources that can be located inside of the light box.

Abstract: A solar energy collector apparatus includes a solar collector panel having a parabolic shape, and a base comprising a pair of spaced apart support frames. Each support frame has a parabolic shape corresponding to the parabolic shape of the solar collector panel. Spaced apart rollers are positioned along an upper surface of each support frame to support the solar collector panel. A drive mechanism is coupled to the solar collector panel for rotation thereof. The solar collector panel includes a pair of spaced apart guide channels on an underside thereof for contacting the spaced apart rollers to ensure that the solar collector panel rotates squarely with respect to the base.

Abstract: A solar energy system including a pedestal defining a longitudinal axis, a frame that is supported by the pedestal and that is rotateable relative to the pedestal about the longitudinal axis, the frame including at least one solar device, and a wind vane operatively connected to the frame to urge the frame relative to the pedestal about the longitudinal axis in response to wind acting on the wind vane.