Patents by Inventor Donald J. Fournier, Jr.

Donald J. Fournier, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6431467
    Abstract: A low firing rate oxy-fuel burner which may be comprised of commercially available standard components and which includes an oxidant conduit and a fuel conduit within the oxidant conduit. The fuel conduit has a fuel nozzle at the forward end thereof with a fuel swirler in the form of a twist drill positioned therein which is maintained in a an aerodynamically centered position by the flowing fuel stream. The oxidant conduit has an oxidant nozzle at the forward end thereof with an oxidant swirler in the form of helical spring position therein and surrounding the fuel nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Donald J. Fournier, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6029910
    Abstract: A low firing rate oxy-fuel burner which may be comprised of commercially available standard components and which includes an oxidant conduit and a fuel conduit within the oxidant conduit. The fuel conduit has a fuel nozzle at the forward end thereof with a fuel swirler in the form of a twist drill positioned therein which is maintained in a an aerodynamically centered position by the flowing fuel stream. The oxidant conduit has an oxidant nozzle at the forward end thereof with an oxidant swirler in the form of helical spring position therein and surrounding the fuel nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Donald J. Fournier, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5997596
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of reformed gases. Natural gas and oxygen are combusted in a first stage to produce carbon dioxide and water. The products of combustion are conveyed to a second stage. Reforming gas and oxygen are injected into the second stage and mixed with the products of combustion to react with the carbon dioxide and water to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The process and apparatus are particularly adapted for use in supplementing the reform gases produced in a Direct Reduced Iron plant wherein iron ore is reduced to iron inside a shaft furnace. The process and apparatus may also be used to provide heated enrichment natural gas for use as a source of carbon in the shaft furnace to provide for carburization of the iron. Additionally, the process and apparatus may be used as a process control device for controlling the temperature of the reformed gases flowing to the shaft furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Spectrum Design & Consulting International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Donald J. Fournier, Jr., Marvin E. Tester