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: 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 system of automatically refueled liquid fuel burning torches includes a central fuel reservoir and a pump interconnected with the torches by a fuel plumbing system. When the fuel reaches a lower level in the torches, the plumbing system is automatically pressurized by the pump so that the fuel flows through the plumbing system to raise the fuel to a higher level in the local torch reservoirs. The refueling can be controlled by level sensors and valves in the torches. A remotely operated wick seal can exclude air from torch interiors and prevent fuel spills. A central controller and/or local torch controllers can be powered by wires and/or by batteries, which can be recharged by solar power. The controllers can be wirelessly monitored and/or controlled by software running on a remote device. The remote device and software can control a plurality of the systems.

Abstract: A plug is attachable to a wall of a torch that is configured to burn a liquid fuel. The plug adds one or more features to the torch, such as a fuel level sensor, a temperature sensor, a tilt sensor, an automatic wick ignitor and/or extinguisher, a wick clamp, a wick advancing mechanism, and/or a global positioning system. The plug includes an electronic controller, and wired and/or wireless electronics configured to provide remote control and/or monitoring of the added features. Power for the plug can be provided by a battery and/or a solar panel. The controller can establish a unique torch identity, thereby enabling a remote computing device to monitor and/or control features of a plurality of torches that each have a plug of the present disclosure attached thereto. The plug can be removably or permanently attached to the torch.

Abstract: A liquid fuel burning torch system maintains fuel within one or more torches by pumping fuel from a central reservoir to the torches via a plumbing system. The torches can be extinguished by reversing the flow of the fuel in the plumbing system, for example by reversing a pumping direction of the pump, switching pumps, or actuating flow reversal valves. The torches can include remotely controlled torch igniting mechanisms, wireless access for remote torch monitoring and/or control, and/or heat sensors for determining whether the torch is burning. The torches can include fuel overfill prevention (FOP) valves. A flow of fuel through the FOP valves can be directed so as to avoid impinging on plugs of the FOP valves. The FOP valves can include check valves that allow fuel to be drained from the torches even when the FOP valves are closed.

Abstract: A liquid fuel burning torch system maintains fuel within one or more torches by pumping fuel from a central reservoir to the torches via a plumbing system. The torches can be extinguished by reversing the flow of the fuel in the plumbing system, for example by reversing a pumping direction of the pump, switching pumps, or actuating flow reversal valves. The torches can include remotely controlled torch igniting mechanisms, wireless access for remote torch monitoring and/or control, and/or heat sensors for determining whether the torch is burning. The torches can include fuel overfill prevention (FOP) valves. A flow of fuel through the FOP valves can be directed so as to avoid impinging on plugs of the FOP valves. The FOP valves can include check valves that allow fuel to be drained from the torches even when the FOP valves are closed.

Abstract: An overfill prevention valve cooperative with a standpipe includes a plug, float, and seat that do not exceed the standpipe in diameter. The valve and standpipe can be inserted into a liquid holding tank from below. Rising liquid lifts the float and plug until the plug is sealed against the seat. The float can be above the seat and connected to the plug by a rod penetrating centrally through the seat. A check valve can enable draining of the holding tank when the liquid is withdrawn from the standpipe. The holding tank can be a fuel tank of a liquid fuel burning torch. A central reservoir system can automatically fill a plurality of holding tanks having the disclosed valves installed therein and connected in series by a plumbing system. Filling can be automatically terminated when a backpressure within the plumbing system exceeds a specified threshold.

Abstract: An overfill prevention valve cooperative with a standpipe includes a plug, float, and seat that do not exceed the standpipe in diameter. The valve and standpipe can be inserted into a liquid holding tank from below. Rising liquid lifts the float and plug until the plug is sealed against the seat. The float can be above the seat and connected to the plug by a rod penetrating centrally through the seat. A check valve can enable draining of the holding tank when the liquid is withdrawn from the standpipe. The holding tank can be a fuel tank of a liquid fuel burning torch. A central reservoir system can automatically fill a plurality of holding tanks having the disclosed valves installed therein and connected in series by a plumbing system. Filling can be automatically terminated when a backpressure within the plumbing system exceeds a specified threshold.

Abstract: A kit for converting an insect repelling torch to enable remote refueling while in operation includes a fuel insert sealed at opposite ends to a fuel pipe and to a wick. This fuel insert is installed within the torch with the wick extending upward into the combustion area, and the fuel pipe extending below the torch. The fuel pipe is connected to the automatic refueling system. In embodiments, the fuel insert can be compressed for insertion through a port into the torch and re-expansion within the torch. Or the fuel insert can be rigid, and can replace a removable fuel canister of the torch. Embodiments can convert previously manufactured torches, and/or can be implemented in the manufacture of new torches otherwise based on conventional designs. Embodiments include fuel level sensors, flame ignitors, fuel valves, local controllers, wireless communication with a remote computing device, batteries, and/or solar cells.

Abstract: A plug is attachable to a wall of a torch that is configured to burn a fuel. The plug adds one or more features to the torch, such as a fuel level sensor, a temperature sensor, a tilt sensor, an automatic wick ignitor and/or extinguisher, a wick clamp, a wick advancing mechanism, and/or a global positioning system. The plug includes an electronic controller, and wireless electronics configured to provide remote control and/or monitoring of the added features. Power for the plug can be provided by a battery and/or a solar panel. The controller can establish a unique torch identity, thereby enabling a remote computing device to monitor and/or control features of a plurality of torches that each have a plug of the present disclosure attached thereto. The plug can be removably or permanently attached to the torch.

Abstract: A system for repelling insects from an outdoor area includes at least one torch configured to disburse an insect repellant by burning a fuel, and a central fuel reservoir interconnected with the torches by a fuel plumbing system and configured to automatically replenish the fuel in a local reservoir of the torch. Fuel can be gravitationally transferred from the central reservoir to the torches, or maintained under pressure in the plumbing system and controlled by level sensors and valves in the torches. A remotely operated wick seal can exclude air from torch interiors and prevent fuel spills. A central controller and/or local torch controllers can be powered by wires and/or by batteries, which can be recharged by solar power. The controllers can be wirelessly monitored and/or controlled by software running on a remote device. The remote device and software can control a plurality of the systems.

Abstract: A method for reserving funds to pay an estimated tax or other financial obligation includes receiving by a service provider of financial information from a customer and transferring funds from a customer monetary source to a set-aside account, where the monetary source and/or the set-aside account is a stored value account. In embodiments, the customer can access the set-aside money if needed before it is used to pay the obligation. The set-aside account can be a stored value card provided to the customer and usable in lieu of a bank card. Stored value cards can be visibly distinct according to which of a plurality of obligations they apply. Or the set-aside account can be a stored value account maintained by the service provider as information in a database. Set-aside funds can be transferred automatically and/or electronically, or provided by the customer as cash or cash equivalents.