Screw Patents (Class 110/110)
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Patent number: 11168261Abstract: A method for recovering fibers embedded in a composite material including loading a furnace chamber with a volume of the composite material; thermolyzing the composite material in the furnace chamber, resulting in a gaseous fraction that is continuously evacuated from the furnace chamber, and a residue of fibers covered with char that is left in the furnace chamber; cracking the gaseous fraction from the thermolyzing operation, resulting in a mixture of condensable and non-condensable gases that can be recycled; injecting a stream of an oxygen-containing gas into the still hot furnace chamber after the thermolyzing is completed therein, to burn the char from the fibers in an exothermic combustion.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignees: BCIRCULAR COMPOSITES, SOCIEDAD LIMITADA, CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTÍFICAS (CSIC)Inventors: Roger Grau Garcia, Ferran Grau Garcia, Oriol Grau Garcia, Felix Antonio Lopez Gomez, Olga Rodriguez Largo
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Patent number: 11109600Abstract: This invention relates in general to a pellet-fired smoker which includes a housing having a smoke chamber defined within it. A hopper holding pellet fuel supplies pellets through one or more augers to one or more fire pots configured to enhance smoking a food product by increasing the smoke flowing to a food product at various cooking temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Inventor: Jordan Jackson
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Patent number: 10986960Abstract: A portable grill with a battery power system includes a primary direct-current power source and a secondary direct-current power source. The primary power source can connect onto the outside of the grill via a clip. The secondary power source, which can be disposed within the grill so as not to be exposed to outside elements, can continue to power the grill when the user removes and/or replaces the primary power source during the operation of the grill. A user feedback system can remotely alert the user with information regarding the time or power remaining in the primary power source.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills, LLCInventor: Michael V. Colston
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Patent number: 9976089Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to coal charging systems used with coke ovens. In some embodiments, a coal charging system includes a charging head having opposing wings that extend outwardly from the charging head, leaving an open pathway through which coal may be directed toward side edges of the coal bed. In other embodiments, an extrusion plate is positioned on a rearward face of the charging head and oriented to engage and compress coal as the coal is charged along a length of the coking oven. In other embodiments, charging plates extend outwardly from inward faces of opposing wings.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: SUNCOKE TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: John Francis Quanci, Chun Wai Choi, Danny E. Sparling, Dexter Junior Mounts, Mark Anthony Ball
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Patent number: 9834126Abstract: A belt or auger conveyor is rotatably mounted on the frame of a seed cart or tender. The conveyor is mounted on a bracket, which in turn is mounted on the housing of a brake assembly. The brake assembly is rotatably mounted on a spindle fixed to a carriage, which is rollably mounted on tracks of the frame. The carriage allows the inlet of the roller to be longitudinally positioned for receiving seed or grain from a hopper or bulk container, while the spindle allows the outlet end of the conveyor to be rotated approximately 180° for positioning above a planter, truck or other receptacle. The brake assembly allows the rotational position of the conveyor to be infinitely adjusted without limitation to preset positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: MERIDIAN MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Juan Neufeld, Jeffrey Paul Grindle
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Patent number: 9764619Abstract: A heat exchanger arrangement, especially for a vehicle heater, includes a pot-like heat exchanger housing (12) with an inner wall (22, 24) and with an outer wall (18, 20). A heat carrier medium flow space is formed between the inner wall (22, 24) and the outer wall (18, 20). A first flow opening (54) is provided on the outer wall (18, 20) and, adjoining this, a pump housing (58) made integrally with the outer wall (18, 20) for a heat carrier medium pump is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Michael Humburg
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Patent number: 9759429Abstract: An automated self-contained pellet grill includes a base housing that defines a heat distribution chamber with a cooking grid supported in an opening at the top of the base for supporting food to be cooked. A pellet burning mechanism, located within the housing, includes a pellet feeder driven by an electrical motor. Electrical power is provided for the motor by a thermoelectric generator having a hot side that is heated by burning pellets and a cold side that is cooled by flowing ambient air.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: MAK Grills, LLCInventor: Robert Tucker
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Patent number: 9752778Abstract: A wood pellet stove operable to mount to a wall includes a combustion chamber, a combustion chamber door, and a hopper. The combustion chamber has a front, back, and side. The combustion chamber door is in the front of the combustion chamber. The hopper is mounted at the side of the combustion chamber. The bottom of the hopper is below a top of the combustion chamber, and a top of the hopper is substantially coplanar with the top of the combustion chamber. The stove may also include a sight glass or fuel level monitoring system for determining a fuel level of the hopper without opening the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: United States Stove CompanyInventor: August Jones
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Publication number: 20150107499Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for torrefaction of a biomass. Said method and arrangements allows for precise control of torrefaction temperature, which is crucial for accurate control of the quality and properties of the torrefied material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2012Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: BIOENDEV ABInventors: Ingemar Olofsson, Martin Nordwaeger, Anders Nordin, Katrina Aberg
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Patent number: 8960108Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for efficiently and completely combusting oil in mixture with particulate solids. A furnace (kiln) having a feed nozzle with a lead screw drives the mixture from a feed hopper. This nozzle includes forced-air jets/ports at its tip providing makeup air and allowing atomization of the mixture. The nozzle thereby directs the mixture into a rotating combustion chamber that is tilted downwardly from the front toward a solid waste outlet port at the rear. Uncombusted fuel and air backflow to an upper, secondary chamber near the primary chamber front, and are completely combusted at a high temperature. Gasses exit a flue that can include a heat exchanger. This heat exchanger can be operatively connected to a heating device or other mechanism that converts the heat into usable energy. The nozzle can include a cone with axially tilted air ports about its perimeter.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: SilverStreet Group, LLCInventors: James L. Lobik, Peter A. Howe
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Publication number: 20150020790Abstract: An oven for use with a variable pitch fuel supplier and for use with biomass fuel. The oven has a body which is able to be placed on the ground. The body has a combustion cabinet and an auxiliary equipment cabinet. The combustion cabinet has a burner received therein and the auxiliary equipment cabinet has a fuel supplier and an electrical equipment received therein. The fuel supplier has a hopper, a fuel tube, and a rotary vane feeder rotatably received in the fuel tube. The electrical equipment has a power supply and a feeding motor driving the rotary vane feeder. Pitches vary larger from a tail end to a free end of the rotary vane feeder.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Hongfeng Zhu, Qianxi Chen
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Patent number: 8904944Abstract: A feed device for a granular firing product for furnaces with a minimum capacity of 1 kW, includes a conveyor screw disposed in a pipe for conveying a granular firing product. A central screw axis pipe has an outer wall with a volution mounted thereon and with the conveyor screw disposed in the pipe so that it can rotate and which is at least a quarter of the pipe diameter. The screw pipe axis has a conical shape at its tip, where a circular grating with a central circular hole and air feed openings on the outer region of the grating are horizontally disposed. The central circular hole is smaller than the diameter of the conveyor screw and a conically expanding funnel-shaped wall is guided downwardly from its edge as a sliding wall for a firing product to be conveyed. The conically expanding funnel-shaped wall runs substantially parallel to the cone of the upper end of the screw axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Stuv S.A.Inventors: André Riemens, Gabriela Vetsch, Basso Salerno
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Patent number: 8808509Abstract: Pyrolytic gas generator for generating clean useful gas from biomass, particularly wood, oil seeds or the like, where a gasification channel in multi-chambered construction is provided, which gasification channel is provided with an assist burner which can supply heat from the outside to the gasification channel during gasification of the biomass, a pre-pyrolyzing pipe is connected upstream of the gasification channel and an ash discharge downstream of the gasification channel, wherein the generated gases are re-gasified in the gasification channel while the material to be gasified is mechanically transported from a material container to the ash discharge.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: von Goertz & Finger GmbHInventor: Ulrich Finger
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Publication number: 20140208996Abstract: A high performance burner has a shell, a burning chamber contained in the shell, an ignition bar installed in the shell, and a fuel feeding means passing through the shell and being in communication with the burning chamber. The burning chamber has a first burning zone in communication with the exit of the feeding pipe, a second burning zone next to the first burning zone, and a third burning zone next to the second burning zone and in communication with the rear opening of the shell. The burner is able to effectively reduce fuel congestion, scorification and back fire and increase combustion efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Hongfeng Zhu, Qianxi Chen
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Publication number: 20140196638Abstract: Disclosed is a combustion device and method for combusting granular, solid fuel, for example wood pellets. The combustion device includes a chamber having an outer wall and an inner wall, which inner wall divides the chamber into a combustion air space and a combustion chamber. Further, the combustion device includes at least one blast apparatus for providing primary combustion air and secondary combustion air and a rotating unit for rotating the combustion chamber. The inner surface of the combustion chamber includes a number of steps for lifting combustion fuel in the combustion chamber, when the combustion chamber is rotated. Further, primary combustion air is provided into the combustion chamber for contributing combustion of combustion fuel and for moving combustion fuel on the steps. In addition, secondary combustion air is provided into the combustion chamber for removing completely combusted fuel and/or combustion gases from the combustion chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Konepaja M. Pappinen OyInventors: Matti Pappinen, Mikko Pappinen
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Patent number: 8640633Abstract: A furnace system for heating a poultry brooder house includes a firebox for burning biomass fuel, and a grate within the firebox for burning the biomass fuel thereon. A distributor assembly may positioned within the firebox and is located directly above the grate. The distributor assembly includes a distributor plate having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a distributor arm above the distributor plate that is movable relative to the distributor plate to cause biomass fuel supported on the plate to pass through the apertures and fall onto the grate. The furnace system may include a hopper assembly that defines a well for receiving a volume of biomass fuel for delivery to the grate or to the distributor plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Wayne/Scott Fetzer CompanyInventors: Jimmie C. Raley, Jeremy S. Lord, Timothy A. Mann, Gerald D. Stimson, Anthony B. Tranquill, Charles E. Wood, Donald W. Cox
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Patent number: 8635996Abstract: A fuel feed system for conveying particulate fuel from a hopper to a firebox in a stove is provided. The fuel feed system includes an inlet opening to receive particulate fuel and a fuel collection plate located below the inlet opening. A fuel passageway is located below the plate. The passageway includes a fuel delivery end located in a firebox and a fuel infeed end below the plate. A fuel delivery system moves fuel through the passageway from the infeed end to the delivery end. A motor actuates the fuel delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.Inventors: Dane P. Harman, Neil Sturm
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Publication number: 20140000496Abstract: A waste material supply device includes a hopper into which a waste material is supplied, a first rubbish supply apparatus having an inlet connected to an outlet of the hopper and a pusher configured to push out the waste material in a horizontal direction, a connecting chute having an upper portion connected to an outlet of the first rubbish supply apparatus to form a space extending upward and downward, and a second rubbish supply apparatus having an inlet connected to a lower portion of the connecting chute and a screw configured to convey the waste material in an axial direction according to rotation about an axis thereof, wherein the first rubbish supply apparatus has a plurality of pushers in a widthwise direction, and each of the pushers is able to be individually manipulated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENVIRONMENTAL & CHEMICAL ENGINEERING CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Sato, Yoshihisa Saito, Toshimasa Shirai, Norio Yoshimitsu, Yasunori Terabe
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Publication number: 20130327258Abstract: A garbage supply device, which supplies waste to a gasification furnace that gasifies waste, includes a casing, two feed screws provided in the casing, and a middle shaft that is provided between the two supply screws, has a plurality of protrusions, and is repeatedly rotated forward or backward.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2011Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENVIROMENTAL & CHEMICAL ENGINEERING CO, LTDInventors: Jun Sato, Toshimasa Shirai, Yoshihisa Saito, Norio Yoshimitsu, Yasunori Terabe
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Publication number: 20130276681Abstract: The invention pertains to a burner for solid fuel, said burner comprising: A stoker (41) having a fuel outlet (29) within said burner, and an exhaust (31), a grate (27) positioned below said fuel outlet (29) and between said fuel outlet (29) and said exhaust (31), a first blower (92) connected to a space below said grate (27), and a second blower (68) connected to a plurality of injectors (61A, 62A) provided around said fuel outlet (29) above said grate (27) and directed towards said exhaust (31), said injectors (61A, 62A) being parallel and unidirectionally directed over said grate (27), and wherein the injectors (61A, 62A) are provided along the periphery of said burner, said injectors (61A, 62A) being configured for injecting secondary air at a speed of 40-80 m/s, thereby ensuring unidirectional parallel flows of secondary air over said grate (27).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: LINKA MASKINFABRIK A/SInventor: Erling Jensen
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Publication number: 20130276723Abstract: A ground supported single drum power boiler is described combining a refractory lined and insulated V-Cell floor; refractory lined and insulated combustion chamber; integrated fuel chutes configured to pre-dry wet solid fuel; top mounted fuel bin; internal chamber walls; configurable combustion air systems; and a back pass with after-burner ports and cross flow superheaters. The boiler can be configured in pre-assembled modules to minimize the field construction time and cost. An alternative embodiment is adaptable as a gasifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Daniel R. Higgins, Eugene Sullivan
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Publication number: 20130263764Abstract: A feeder apparatus for a furnace includes a vessel for feed material, the vessel being positioned at least partially above a feed port of the furnace, and a feeding apparatus located at least partially within the vessel, the feeding apparatus being configured for controlling the rate of feed flow from the vessel, through the feed port and into the furnace, the apparatus preventing escape of fugitive gases between an exterior of the vessel and the feed port.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: XSTRATA TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventor: Lawrence J. Crain
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Publication number: 20130255546Abstract: A wood pellet stove operable to mount to a wall includes a combustion chamber, a combustion chamber door, and a hopper. The combustion chamber has a front, back, and side. The combustion chamber door is in the front of the combustion chamber. The hopper is mounted at the side of the combustion chamber. The bottom of the hopper is below a top of the combustion chamber, and a top of the hopper is substantially coplanar with the top of the combustion chamber. The stove may also include a sight glass or fuel level monitoring system for determining a fuel level of the hopper without opening the hopper.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventor: August Jones
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Patent number: 8545679Abstract: A system for recovering hydrocarbons from tar sands includes a heated enclosure 66, one or more input conveyors 60, 67 move tar sands through the heated enclosure, provide a flow line with a temperature gradient of at least 150 F.°, and mechanically move the tar sands along the flow line. A heated rotary drum 74 is in fluid communication with the flow line, and condenser unit 94, 98 receive vapors from the flow line and the rotary drum and output hydrocarbons. One or more discharge conveyors 76 discharge stripped sands from the rotary drum. Control valves 80, 82 seal a vacuum downstream from the discharge conveyors, and control valves 34, 46 seal vacuum upstream from the one or more input conveyors. Various types of vacuum pumps may be used to maintain a selected vacuum between the control valves.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Efficien Technology, LLCInventors: Phillip L. Cauley, Tracy L. Edwards
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Patent number: 8479720Abstract: A new and useful heating device is provided, that is particularly characterized by the efficient way it provides combustion of a carbon based fuel (e.g. wood). A vertically oriented combustion chamber is configured with a relatively narrow, lower portion, a relatively wider upper portion, and a vertically oriented wall structure defining the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Inventor: Oscar Enrique Figueroa
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Publication number: 20130160757Abstract: A biomass-burning fireplace assembly with a hopper and an outlet adjacent to the hopper outlet. A fuel metering assembly is adjacent to the hopper outlet and the barrier member. The fuel metering assembly has a fuel metering receptacle that receives the biomass fuel from the hopper. The fuel metering receptacle is moveable relative to the hopper between first and second positions on opposite sides of the barrier member. The barrier member is a physical barrier between the fuel metering receptacle and the hopper outlet when in the second position. A fuel feed assembly receives fuel from the fuel metering receptacle when is in the second position. The fuel feed assembly moves the fuel onto a burn platform assembly coupled to the firebox adjacent to the fuel inlet opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: Travis Industries, Inc.Inventors: Alan R. Atemboski, Kurt W.F. Rumens, Homer Lee, William Ross Fotheringham, Travis Gallion
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Publication number: 20120247375Abstract: A relatively level fuel grate surface angle cooperates with multiple feed screws that press solid fuel material into and across the grate surface to continually clear off the grate. Air spaces between each pair of adjacent grate elements for under fire air each have a ninety degree deflector flange at the top of the air space extending from one grate element across the air space and up and over an adjacent grate element to deflect under fire airflow across the adjacent grate element to act as a grate sweeper. The smooth curved surface of the deflector flange between grate elements facilitates movement of the fuel and ash material and prevents from one grate element to the next and prevents clogging of the airflow space.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Robert J. Bender, John P. Tomasi, Bradley M. Noviski
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Patent number: 8201708Abstract: A silo has more than one discharge passage, and each passage has the ability to increase or decrease its respective flow rates. The silo and each portion of the silo that feeds into each individual discharge passage can measure a feature of the solid being dispensed, such as its moisture content or its temperature. A computer controller is then used to take this feedback and adjust the rate of flow from each discharge passage so that the flows from each passage are kept the same despite the variation in moisture, temperature or any other characteristic of the flowing solid. A method to utilize this device is also taught.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirch GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dieter Adelmann, Stefan Gerl
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Patent number: 8141501Abstract: A wet sludge disposal facility is capable of smoothly transferring wet sludge to a kiln inlet part of a dry process kiln by a low feeding pressure and without substantially increasing the moisture content in the wet sludge. The disposal facility is used in a cement clinker manufacturing facility having a preheater for preheating a cement raw material, and a dry process kiln connected to the preheater at the kiln inlet part of the dry process kiln. Wet sludge is transferred to the side of the kiln inlet part by feeding water between the wet sludge and the inner wall surface of the pipe by a water injection apparatus in at least one place between the pressure feed pump and the kiln inlet part.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials CorporationInventors: Koji Nagamizu, Akihisa Koga, Hiroyuki Terunuma, Yusuke Nakai, Koyuru Horiike, Masafumi Ito
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Patent number: 8127697Abstract: A device and method for charging processing plants, in particular, combustion furnaces (1), is disclosed, in which a flowing process material (3), which has solid components (6) in addition to liquid components (5), is introduced into the processing plant (1), by means of a conveyor line (2) under pressure. According to the invention, advantageous charging conditions may be achieved, by means of mixing the process material (3) before pressurization.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Kurt Himmelfreundpointner
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Patent number: 8100066Abstract: A feed mechanism in which a ram (2) fed from a hopper (1) compresses a fuel against a closed valve (11) which is then opened for the ram to push the fuel towards a rotary scroll (6) for delivery to a processing vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventor: Peter Stein
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Patent number: 8069426Abstract: A method and mechanism is disclosed for identifying and tracking nets in an electrical design. A hierarchical design does not have to be flattened to perform the operation of identifying and tracking nets. To identify sets of connected shapes, instead of having to unfold the entire design hierarchy, only the specific instances of shapes falling within the geometric bounds of shapes identified as being part of a net needs to be unfolded to perform the search. When composing the list of nets for a hierarchical design, the unfolded shapes at other hierarchical levels of the design can be derived based upon virtual terminal structures that implicitly references nets and objects at other levels.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.Inventor: Eric Nequist
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Patent number: 7976593Abstract: A gasifier and gasifier system based on the gasifier, which contains as a major component, a novel feed system for feeding organic materials into the burn pile of the gasifier. The gasifier feed system is a horizontal auger driven feed system that feeds directly through a ceramic elbow into the furnace without having to auger the feed through significant vertical elevations.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Heat Transfer International, LLCInventor: Robert G. Graham
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Publication number: 20110155027Abstract: In a transportation tube for particulate fuel material such as coal to a combustion chamber there is provided an auger mounted in the tube including a shaft and a flight mounted on the shaft. The tube has therein three flat abutment bars fixedly mounted on an inside surface of the tube at the 2-oclock, 5-oclock and 7-oclock positions and extending longitudinally of the tube with an inside surface of the abutment bars located inwardly of the inside surface of the tube and with the flight having an outside edge sitting on the bottom bars and spaced slightly inwardly of the upper bars to help prevent rotation of the material with the flight in the tube to reduce blockages.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventor: Clarence Waldner
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Patent number: 7906695Abstract: Break down of waste materials such as animal parts is carried out by pyrolysis, gasification and combustion using a reactor vessel with a conical lower portion located within an exterior vessel. Feed material is deposited in continuous mode through an air lock at the top and falls by gravity alone into the lower cone portion. The cone geometry supports organic feedstocks, eliminating the requirement for grates or other combustion support systems. Organic material that may escape gasification and exit the bottom of the cone accumulates within the ash and carbon particle volume until burned. Carbon is sequestered from high energy feedstocks and is stored in a chamber below the gasification cone. This carbon supplements the energy output of lower energy feedstocks to maintain desired operating temperatures at all times.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: RES/OP Technologies Inc.Inventor: Ronald Keith Giercke
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Patent number: 7832341Abstract: A method of injection and combustion control and related injection nozzles and lances are described which facilitate the merging of the combustion of fossil fuels and separately added solid biomass waste product fuels in the form of pelletized chars and fine particulates. An assembly of five concentric, annular tubes and conically shaped exit tips is used to deliver air conveyed biomass fuel as an annular stream between two higher velocity air streams, both of which converge so as to accelerate and propel the biomass fuel, and distribute it into the flame zone produced in a conventional fossil fueled boiler. The additional air required for combustion of the biomass fuel is fed to the expanding plume produced by the fuel delivery stream and adjoining air streams. A portion of the combustion air is delivered through the inside of the inner tube in sufficient volume to provide the entrainment flow produced by the expanding air streams.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventor: William Arthur Walsh, Jr.
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Patent number: 7832343Abstract: A pyrolyzer has a heated inner housing that includes first and second conveyors. Preferred conveyors have independent or at least potentially independent flows of material to be pyrolyzed. All suitable conveyors are contemplated, including especially screw conveyors, or combination of screw and paddle conveyors. Both first and second conveyors can be disposed within a common lumen, with a partial divider between them. An alternative divider is also contemplated that more or less divides the inner housing into two lumens. Thus, the lumens can be entirely distinct, or can have cross-flow of gases and/or material being pyrolyzed. Heat transfer fins can be advantageously attached, extend from, or be otherwise coupled to the inner housing to assist in transfer of heat into the lumen(s) of the inner housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: International Environmental Solutions CorporationInventors: William Walker, Karen Meyer Bertram
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Patent number: 7784415Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivery of a solid particulate fuel to a heating system. The present invention provides a lock-up transport system to deliver particles of solid fuel in a downstream direction while maintaining the position of the particles relative to each other. The lock-up transport system provides a linear mass flow through the gasification stages of the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Inventor: Thomas Wolfgang Engel
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Patent number: 7686011Abstract: The invention relates to heating units mounted on a window of an existing building. Flue gases are expelled outside of the building without the need for wall modifications or an extra chimney. The actual burn chamber is mounted on a window mounting unit with an interior support which extends into the building thereby heating the air inside the building.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: United States Stove CompanyInventor: Paul Williams
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Patent number: 7641770Abstract: A system for recovering hydrocarbons from tar sands includes a heated enclosure 66, one or more input conveyors 60, 67 move tar sands through the heated enclosure, provide a flow line with a temperature gradient of at least 150° F., and mechanically move the tar sands along the flow line. A heated rotary drum 74 is in fluid communication with the flow line, and condenser unit 94, 98 receive vapors from the flow line and the rotary drum and output hydrocarbons. One or more discharge conveyors 76 discharge stripped sands from the rotary drum. Control valves 80, 82 seal a vacuum downstream from the discharge conveyors, and control valves 34, 46 seal vacuum upstream from the one or more input conveyors. Various types of vacuum pumps may be used to maintain a selected vacuum between the control valves.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Natural Resource Recovery, Inc.Inventors: Phillip L. Cauley, Tracy L. Edwards
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Patent number: 7621225Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste material that comprises four major cooperating subsystems, namely a pyrolytic converter (24), a two-stage thermal oxidizer (26), a steam generator (28) and a steam turbine (30) driven by steam generated by the steam generator. In operation, the pyrolytic converter is uniquely heated without any flame impinging on the reactor component and the waste material to be pyrolyzed is transported through the reaction chamber of the pyrolytic converter by a pair of longitudinally extending, side-by-side material transporting mechanisms (42, 43).Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: International Environmental Solutions CorporationInventors: William C. Walker, Karen Bertram, legal representative
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Patent number: 7621226Abstract: A system for recycling solid waste into energy includes a heated enclosure 66, one or more input conveyors 60, 67 move waste materials through the heated enclosure, provide a flow line with a temperature gradient of at least 150 F.°, and mechanically move the waste particles and the residual solids along the flow line. A heated rotary drum 74 is in fluid communication with the flow line, and condenser unit 94, 98 receive vapors from the flow line and the rotary drum and output hydrocarbons. One or more discharge conveyors 76 discharge carbon black from the rotary drum. Control valves 80, 82 seal a vacuum downstream from the discharge conveyors, and control valves 34, 46 seal vacuum upstream from the one or more input conveyors. Various types of vacuum pumps may be used to maintain a selected vacuum between the control valves.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Natural Resource Recovery, Inc.Inventors: Phillip L. Cauley, Tracy L. Edwards
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Publication number: 20090272302Abstract: An apparatus for combustion of biomass is provided. The apparatus generally includes opposingly paired sidewalls, a fixed panel traversing the opposingly paired sidewalls, an actuatable panel opposite the fixed panel, and a fuel platform supported by a panel of either of the panels. A portion of the fuel platform is reversibly receivable through a portion of a panel opposite the panel supporting the fuel platform in furtherance of fuel conditioning upon actuation of the actuatable panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Eric W. Nelson, John L. Madsen, William D. Orvis
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Publication number: 20080092790Abstract: A heating apparatus for the combustion of highly variable biofuel feed stocks is generally provided. The apparatus generally includes a combustion chamber or burn box adapted to receive a regulated feed of biomass. The burn box includes a grate for receipt of a distributed mass of the regulated feed, and further includes an oscillating blade adjacent to the grate for agitation of the distributed mass of the regulated feed received thereby. The combustion apparatus for the production of thermal energy from a biofuel of the subject invention is preferably and further characterized by means for producing the distributed mass of the regulated feed of biofuel, and/or a burn box incorporating an oxygen manifold assembly adjacent to the grate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Eric W. Nelson, Marion L. Mast
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Patent number: 7316188Abstract: A dedensification and delivery unit for the conversion of an alternative fuel source into fuel, comprising: a dedensification area for separating a densified alternative fuel source into its component parts to form a dedensified alternative fuel source; a compression area for holding the dedensified alternative fuel source; a refining area for further shaping a size of the dedensified alternative fuel source to form a refined alternative fuel source; and a delivery area for delivering the refined alternative fuel source into a burner.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Inventor: Mark A. Dupuis
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Patent number: 7128004Abstract: A supplying apparatus supplies a combustible material capable of enhancing the sealing effects of a supplying system for supplying a combustible material, such as combustible wastes, to a fluidized-bed chamber, stably supplies a combustible material having an undefined shape, and reduces cost for installation. A facility is also provided for gasifying a combustible material using the supplying apparatus for supplying a combustible material, and a method of gasifying combustible materials is also provided. The supplying apparatus supplies a combustible material onto the fluidized bed of a fluidized-bed gasifier chamber or a fluidized-bed combustion chamber. A screw conveyor is inclined, with transportation of the combustible material directed upward, at an angle of 20 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less with respect to a horizontal plane, causing a bed material to flow into a conveyor casing of the screw conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Norihisa Miyoshi, Tatsuya Hasegawa, Katsutoshi Naruse, Yasuhiro Sawada, Koh Sasaki
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Patent number: 6758150Abstract: A system and method are set for pyrolysis of waste feed material including a first retort segment disposed through a combustion chamber and a second retort segment disposed outside of the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber supplies the heat for pyrolysis to the material conveyed through the first retort segment, which pyrolysis is completed as it is conveyed through the second retort segment. A thermal oxidizer oxidizes off gases and a stack unit provides a draft to move the gases from pyrolysis from the retort segments and through the thermal oxidizer.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Energy Associates International, LLCInventors: Mike Ballantine, Frank Reed, Edward Stammel, III
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Patent number: 6619214Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste material that comprises four major cooperating subsystems, namely a pyrolytic converter, a two-stage thermal oxidizer, a steam generator and a steam turbine driven by steam generated by the steam generator. In operation, the pyrolytic converter is uniquely heated without any flame impinging on the reactor component and the waste material to be pyrolyzed is transported through the reaction chamber of the pyrolytic converter by a pair of longitudinally extending, side-by-side material transfer mechanisms. Each of the transfer mechanisms includes a first screw conveyor section made up of a plurality of helical flights for conveying the heavier waste and a second paddle conveyor section interconnected with the first section for conveying the partially pyrolyzed waste, the second section comprising a plurality of paddle flights. Once operating, the apparatus is substantially self-sustaining and requires a minimum use of outside energy sources for pyrolyzing the waste materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Inventor: William C. Walker
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Patent number: 6588350Abstract: An automatic coal stoker is provided with internal means to increase the sensible heal outflow from the operating stoker, which means comprises a modified stoker housing that provides a first combustion chamber and an abutting second chamber for induced air heat exchange with the hot combustion gases. A tubular means is disposed in the second chamber which intakes the combustion gases to be vented and extracts much of their sensible heat, and then directs by forced convection, the heated air useful to the stoker environment, while venting the spent combustion gases to the standard flue means.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Keystoker Inc.Inventor: George E. Somers
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Patent number: 6532880Abstract: A system for drying sludge includes a shaftless spiral feed screw for moving sludge through a drying chamber. An high energy inductor is located at a output of the drying chamber for drawing hot gases through the chamber to dry the sludge as it advances from the input end to the output end of the chamber. The high energy inductor also aspirates the dried sludge from the chamber. The drying system can be used in conjunction with a waste-to-energy furnace for incineration of sludge and municipal waste. In such an arrangement, the dried sludge can be aspirated from the drying chamber directly into a combustion zone of the furnace. Hot gases from the furnace can be used in drying the sludge.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Inventor: Vincent Promuto