Combined Patents (Class 431/253)
  • Patent number: 11835188
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provides an electric lighting apparatus for stimulating at least one sensory effect on a user. The electric lighting apparatus comprises one or more light sources arranged to be in contact with a diffuser for causing diffusion of flameless light generated by the one or more light sources, wherein each of the one or more light sources is operable at a time interval. The electric lighting apparatus further comprises an aroma compartment being operable to dispense aroma while providing the diffused flameless light. The electric lighting apparatus further comprises an output unit being operable to provide an audio output, wherein the diffused flameless light, the aroma, and the audio output stimulate the at least one sensory effect on the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventors: Vyasateja J N, Dipal Navnitlal Gandhi
  • Patent number: 11624040
    Abstract: Provided are a remote controllable auto-ignition candle and a control system thereof, and more particularly, a remote controllable auto-ignition candle including a wick portion performing combustion after ignition and including a wick made of a conductive material; a first communication unit communicating with a user terminal in a wired or wireless manner; a control unit controlling an ignition state of the wick portion according to a control signal received through the first communication unit; and an ignition means generating a discharge to the wick so that the wick portion is ignited according to a control of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: SAMYOUNG MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kuk Hyun Han
  • Patent number: 11408608
    Abstract: A solid fuel burning system and method with an electronic ignition circuit is provided having a filament. The filament is attached to the filament support. The filament is adjacent the wick. The electronic ignition circuit is configured to direct power to the filament to cause the filament to generate heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Masterson Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Masterson
  • Patent number: 11022306
    Abstract: A device including a device body for storing fuel; a spark wheel that may be used as a first fidget device is configured to rotate against a flint to produce igniting sparks; a flame setting indicator for indicating low flame (LO), high flame (HI), and flame off (OFF); a tab portion for pointing to at least one of the flame setting settings; a flame-height adjuster for decreasing or increasing a flame ignited by said sparks, or turning off a supply of fuel; a rotating disc implement that may be used as a second fidget device, wherein the rotating disc implement is configured to significantly flush-mount against the device body and to customarily rotate freely against the device body; a circular indentation implement disposed on a proximate center portion of said lighter body section is configured to generally secure said rotating disc implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventors: Jonathan Romero, Leandro Molina
  • Patent number: 10815834
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting an unsealed location in a heat recovery system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The heat recovery system has at least one working medium, in particular a combustible working medium, and a working medium circuit with at least one evaporator, a pump, and at least one expansion machine to allow an early and reliable detection of leakages in the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignees: AVL LIST GMBH, FPT INDUSTRIAL S.P.A., IVECO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Michael Glensvig, Susanne Mahler, Markus Thaler
  • Patent number: 9810426
    Abstract: A Smart Candle Platform may be configured to produce candle light using a natural wax candle as its fuel source or any other fuel source capable of producing light, including liquid fuels if so configured. The outer shell, inner cover, top cover and base provides a beautiful exterior shell which does not melt but emulates the look of a traditional pillar candle. The outer shell may be changeable/replaceable allowing for style and or seasonal changes. A Smart Candle Platform having multiple interactive systems and sensors for production of natural light via a safe, controllable device which may communicate with other similar configured devices or smart devices having application software embedded therein i.e. a smart phone having an app. is disclosed. The Smart Candle Platform may be configured to allow for auto-extinguishment. The Smart Candle Platform may be configured to allow for the addition of smells or scents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: LuDela, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric David Bauswell, Danny Ray Wafler, Jamie Bianchini
  • Patent number: 9279552
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic candle, which includes a candle body, wherein a cavity is formed inside the candle body, a lamp hole is formed in the upper surface of the candle body, a light-emitting unit is installed inside the cavity and includes a base, a first through hole and a second through hole are formed in the upper surface of the base, fixed pipes are clamped in the first through hole and the second through hole, a first light-emitting body is inserted at the lower part of the fixed pipe in the first through hole, a second light-emitting body is inserted at the lower part of the fixed pipe in the second through hole. The electronic candle is reasonable in structure, safe in use and good in effect; and the candle body is also capable of generating a seven-colored effect, thus the electronic candle is very attractive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Nantong Ya Tai Candle Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yingqi Ding
  • Patent number: 9157628
    Abstract: A flash light for use with an external case is disclosed. The flashlight is designed such that when the lid to the case is open, the light automatically is turned on and when the lid is closed the light automatically is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Albert W. Gebhard
  • Publication number: 20150147705
    Abstract: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) generated by a fuel burner is reduced by anchoring the flame to a conductive anchor disposed a lift distance from a fuel nozzle, using a voltage applied to the flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: JOSEPH COLANNINO, ROBERT E. BREIDENTHAL, IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20150147704
    Abstract: Technologies are provided for employing an ion flow to control a combustion reaction. A combustion reaction is supported at a burner or fuel source. One or more electrical signals are applied to an ionizer to generate an ion flow having a first polarity. The ion flow is introduced to the combustion reaction or a reactant at a first location, imparting a corresponding charge to the combustion reaction. The first location is at least intermittently upstream with respect to a reaction front of the combustion reaction. One or more of the electrical signals are applied to a first electrode at a second location downstream of the first location, which provokes a response by the combustion reaction according to the applied charge. The combustion reaction is controlled by selection of the one or more electrical signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, DAVID B. GOODSON, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20150147706
    Abstract: An ionizer provides charged particles to charge a combustion reaction. A conductive flame holder cooperates with the charged combustion reaction to hold the combustion reaction away from a fuel nozzle. Dilution and/or premixing of the fuel in the region between the fuel nozzle and the conductive flame holder results in a reduced flame temperature. The reduced flame temperature results in a reduced output of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Patent number: 9039406
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide components and a system for providing a safer environment for using a cutting torch. The system includes a cutting torch and a control box. There is communication from the user to the control box to allow fluids to flow to the torch. The control box includes closed biased valve(s) such that if there is a condition where there is no instruction from the torch to the control box and/or power is lost, the valves will shut, preventing fluid from flowing into the torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: David J. Logan, Jonathan A. Logan, Allan M. Horne, Paul E. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20150140498
    Abstract: A low NOx burner is configured to support a combustion reaction at a selected fuel mixture by anchoring a flame at a conductive flame anchor responsive to current flow between charges carried by the flame and the conductive flame anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
    Inventor: JOSEPH COLANNINO
  • Publication number: 20150121890
    Abstract: A combustor provides reaction anchoring by injecting a voltage or charge into an exothermic reaction such as aflame, and anchoring the exothermic reaction to a conductive surface positioned adjacent to a fuel jet nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Colannino, Robert E. Breidenthal, Igor A. Krichtafovich
  • Publication number: 20150118629
    Abstract: A burner includes a flame positioning mechanism. The flame positioning mechanism includes a flame charger, a plurality of electrodes placed a respective distances along a fuel stream propagation path, and an electrode switch configured to place a subset of the plurality of electrodes into electrical continuity with a holding voltage. Current flow between the flame charge and the holding voltage anchors the flame to an electrode placed into electrical continuity with the holding voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph Colannino, Robert E. Breidenthal, Igor A. Krichtafovitch, Christopher A. Wiklof
  • Publication number: 20150104748
    Abstract: A solid fuel combustion system includes a solid fuel support configured to hold a solid fuel for a combustion reaction. A field electrode is positioned above the solid fuel support. A voltage source supplies a first voltage the solid fuel support and a second voltage to the field electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: JESSE C. DUMAS, JOSEPH COLANNINO, IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, ROBERTO RUIZ, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20150090310
    Abstract: A low powered system for providing sufficient current to a fuel control mechanism drive. The system may have a fuel control mechanism pick circuit that has an energy storage mechanism for providing a large amount of current for a short time to the fuel control mechanism drive. A safety switch may be enabled with a special signal to let current flow to the fuel control mechanism drive to operate a corresponding fuel control mechanism for controlling fuel to a pilot light or heating element. The pilot light or heating element may provide heat to a thermoelectric source that generates electrical power from the heat. The electrical power may go to a single DC-to-DC converter and voltage clamp for providing a voltage source to a microcontroller and other circuits of the system. The pick circuit may prevent a harmful reverse flow of current from the storage mechanism to the thermoelectric source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, David Kucera, Trevor C. Haag, Timothy J. Nordberg, Adam Foley
  • Publication number: 20150079524
    Abstract: A low NOx burner includes a charging mechanism to charge a fuel stream or diluted fuel stream. A flame supported by the charged fuel stream can be held at a lifted location corresponding to high fuel dilution. If electrical power is lost or removed, the flame is shifted to a location corresponding to a lower fuel dilution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph COLANNINO, Igor A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, Douglas W. KARKOW, Christopher A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20150064633
    Abstract: A lighter houses tools commonly used in smoking hand rolled cigarettes, pipes, and THC (medicinal marijuana). The tools housed in the lighter may include a poke tool and/or a tweezers and dab combination tool. The tools may swing out from the lighter housing into an open position where they may be used. The lighter housing may act as a handle for the tools while in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Dominguez, Giovanny Garcia
  • Publication number: 20150047363
    Abstract: A gas turbine includes a combustion chamber and a microwave source to produce microwave radiation. The gas turbine is arranged to guide the microwave radiation into a cavity of the combustion chamber. Due to the microwave radiation, in the cavity of the combustion chamber, combustion in the cavity may be supported and thus lean operation of the gas turbine is made possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Juergen STEINWANDEL, Johannes STUHLBERGER
  • Patent number: 8926320
    Abstract: Smoking cessation lighter is configured for lighting cigarettes for a smoker, and learning software is provided for monitoring smoking behavior of a smoker during a first data collection period and guiding a smoker's smoking cessation by directing the smoker when the smoker is to smoke a cigarette based on data collected during the first data collection period. The learning software monitors user behavior and collects data during use of the lighter by the smoker after the initial data collection period in order to analyze and further guide the smoker based on the smoker's cheating behavior, the smoker's behavior of lighting a cigarette for a friend, and the smoker's behavior of skipping use of the lighter at a time when the smoker has been directed to light a cigarette by the lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Samer Elias Al Gharib
  • Publication number: 20150004550
    Abstract: A device for optimizing hydrocarbon combustion has at least one dipole antenna comprising first and second wires extending in opposite directions. At least one power source, can supply the wires with voltages which are intermittent, alternating and sinusoidal, said voltages being between 2,000 V to 100,000 V and having frequencies between 30 KHz and 1 MHz. The voltage in the second wire is opposite and balanced to the voltage in the first wire. When the dipole antenna is placed parallel and in close proximity to a hydrocarbon supply, an electromagnetic field acts on the hydrocarbon to enhance combustion of the hydrocarbon. An apparatus including the device and a method of using the device to optimize hydrocarbon combustion are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Ilias Tzavaras
  • Publication number: 20140335460
    Abstract: A combustion system is provided that includes a fuel nozzle configured to support a combustion reaction, and an electrode positioned to apply an electrical charge to the combustion reaction. A power converter is positioned to receive heat produced by the combustion reaction and to convert a portion of the received heat to electrical energy. A combustion system controller is configured to provide the electrical charge to the electrode, using energy drawn either from the power converter or from a power storage element, depending on an amount of power being produced by the power converter and on a state-of-charge of the power storage element. The controller is further configured to use surplus energy generated by the power converter to recharge the power storage element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF, IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH
  • Publication number: 20140326260
    Abstract: A combustible heat source (4) for a smoking article (2) comprises carbon and at least one ignition aid, wherein the ignition aid is present in an amount of at least 20 percent by dry weight of the combustible heat source. The combustible heat source (4) has a first portion and an opposed second portion. At least part (4b) of the combustible heat source (4) between the first portion and the second portion is wrapped in a combustion resistant wrapper (22) that is one or both of heat conducting and substantially oxygen impermeable. Upon ignition of the first portion of the combustible heat source (4), the second portion of the combustible heat source increases in temperature to a first temperature. During subsequent combustion of the combustible heat source (4), the second portion of the combustible heat source (4) maintains a second temperature lower than the first temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Gladden, Laurent Poget, Evan Jochnowitz, Stephane Roudier, Alexandre Malgat, Samuel Bonnely
  • Patent number: 8864492
    Abstract: A reverse flow combustor has an inlet end. A flowpath extends downstream from the inlet end through a turn. The turn directs the flowpath radially inward and reversing an axial flow direction. A large exit duct (LED) is along the turn. A small exit duct (SED) is along the turn and joined by a joint to a mounting structure to resist separation in a first axial direction. The joint comprises: a first surface on the SED facing partially radially inward; and a mounting feature engaging the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: United Technologies Corporation, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Jun Shi, David C. Jarmon, Lee A. Hoffman, David J. Bombara, Shaoluo L. Butler, Lev A. Prociw, Aleksandar Kojovic
  • Patent number: 8851882
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, combustion in a combustion volume is affected by at least two sequentially applied non-parallel electric fields. According to an embodiment, a combustion volume is equipped with at least three individually modulatable electrodes. According to an embodiment, an electric field application apparatus for a combustion volume includes a safety apparatus to reduce or eliminate danger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Clearsign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hartwick, David Goodson, Richard F. Rutkowski, Geoff Osler, Christopher A Wiklof
  • Publication number: 20140295362
    Abstract: A vacuum pump includes a vacuum pump having a discharge port to which an abatement part for treating an exhaust gas discharged from the vacuum pump to make the exhaust gas harmless is attached. The vacuum pump includes a cylindrical member having an exhaust gas introduction port for introducing the exhaust gas to be treated and a gas outlet port for discharging gases which have been treated, a plurality of fuel nozzles provided at a circumferential wall of the cylindrical member for ejecting a fuel, and a plurality of air nozzles provided at the circumferential wall of the cylindrical member for ejecting air so as to form a swirling flow of air along an inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall. The air nozzles are disposed at a plurality of stages spaced in an axial direction of the cylindrical member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Kohtaro KAWAMURA, Toyoji SHINOHARA, Tetsuro SUGIURA, Hideo ARAI, Toshiharu NAKAZAWA, Keiichi ISHIKAWA, Seiji KASHIWAGI, Yasuhiko SUZUKI, Takashi KYOTANI
  • Publication number: 20140295360
    Abstract: A burner system and a retrofit flame control system for an existing burner system are disclosed. The burner system may include burner components, electrodynamic components, and a data interface. The data interface may receive a command for controlling the burner components and prepare a command for controlling the electrodynamic components at least partially based on the command for controlling the burner components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher A. Wiklof
  • Publication number: 20140287368
    Abstract: A premixed combustion system includes a charge electrode, and an anchoring electrode positioned adjacent to a fuel nozzle. A charge having a first polarity is applied to the flame via the charge electrode and an electrical potential having a polarity opposite the first polarity is applied to the anchoring electrode. The oppositely-charged flame is attracted to the anchoring electrode, thereby anchoring the flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20140272739
    Abstract: A system for removing liquids from a fluid stream having a mixture of gas and liquid phase components comprises a flare stack riser configured to couple to a gas flare module. A liquid collector has an input port, an internal cavity, and an output port. The input port is configured to receive a fluid stream, the fluid stream comprising gas and entrained liquid. The input port being further configured to direct the fluid stream into the internal cavity. The internal cavity being configured to separate at least a portion of the entrained liquid from the fluid stream and to permit the gas to exit through the output port. The output port being formed integrally with the flare stack riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Bryan Hurley
  • Publication number: 20140272731
    Abstract: A combustion system includes a fuel nozzle and first and second electrodes. An electric charge is applied to a flame supported by the nozzle via the first electrode. An electrical potential applied to an aerodynamic surface of the second electrode. The electrically charged flame reacts to the electrical potential according to the respective magnitudes and polarities of the charge applied to the flame and the electrical potential applied to the aerodynamic surface. Where the polarities are the same, the flame is repelled by the aerodynamic surface, and where the polarities are in opposition, the flame is pulled into contact with the aerodynamic surface by the electrodynamic attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: ROBERT E. BREIDENTHAL, JOSEPH COLANNINO, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20140272730
    Abstract: A combustion system can allow for the interaction of a magnetic field and an electrical current within a flame supported by a nozzle. The magnetic field can be generated by one or more electromagnets in proximity to or contact with the flame. The electrical current can be generated by a voltage potential difference generated between a first electrode and a second electrode located at tip and base regions of the flame, respectively. The interaction between the electrical current and the magnetic field can generate a force that can produce a constant lateral movement of ions within flame, generating a vortex that can enhance mixing of air and fuel. The speed and direction of this vortex can be controlled by actively varying the magnitude and direction of electrical currents applied in the one or more electromagnets and the electric current induced within the flame, as well as by varying the spatial relationship between these two factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, DAVID B. GOODSON
  • Publication number: 20140251191
    Abstract: In a combustion system, a charge source is configured to cooperate with a collection plate and a director conduit to cause at least one particle charge-to-mass classification to be reintroduced to a flame for further reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: DAVID B. GOODSON, TRACY A. PREVO, JOSEPH COLANNINO, ROBERT E. BREIDENTHAL, IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20140255855
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a combustion system includes a burner, a flame charging device, and a flame control system. The burner outputs a flow including fuel that when ignited generates a flame. The flame charging device is positioned adjacent to the flame and charges the flame to generate a charged flame. The control system includes one or more electrodes disposed adjacent to the charged flame, a charge managing module operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes, one or more sensors in electrical communication to the controller, and a controller in electrical communication with the charge managing module and the one or more sensors. The charge managing module controls charging and discharging of the electrodes. The sensors are positioned and configured to measure at least one combustion parameter of the charged flame. The controller controls operation of the charge managing module responsive to the at least one combustion parameter measured by the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventor: IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH
  • Publication number: 20140248566
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a combustion system includes a burner, at least one charging electrode, flame anchoring electrode(s), and at least one voltage power supply. The burner is configured to discharge fuel into a combustion volume in which the fuel and an oxidizer are ignited to generate a flame. The charging electrode is positioned proximate to the flame. The charging electrode provides charges to the flame to generate a charged flame. The flame anchoring electrode(s) are disposed adjacent to the burner and proximate to a base portion of the charged flame. The voltage power supply is electrically coupled to each of the flame anchoring electrode(s) and the charging electrode. The at least one voltage power supply applies one or more electrical potentials to each of the flame anchoring electrode(s) so that the charged flame is anchored at a predetermined location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
    Inventors: IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, JOSEPH COLANNINO
  • Publication number: 20140234786
    Abstract: An oscillating combustor can support a time-sequenced combustion reaction having rich and lean phases by applying a variable voltage charge to a fuel stream or flame that flows adjacent to a conductive or semiconductive flame holder held in electrical continuity with an activation voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: Roberto RUIZ, Joseph COLANNINO, Igor A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, Christopher A. WIKLOF
  • Patent number: 8807992
    Abstract: A combustion device has a controllable venting mechanism, within a piston/plunger or a chamber/housing, to allow the flow of air out of the chamber to enable the piston/plunger to be freely inserted for the purpose of storage or to maintain the air within the chamber to enable the piston/plunger to create a pressure necessary for combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20140227645
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a burner system is configured to control a geometry of a flame. The burner system includes electrodes configured to have a polarity selected to interact with a flame that has been charged with a charger to control at least one geometric characteristic of the flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Alexeevitch Krichtafovitch, Christopher A. Wiklof
  • Publication number: 20140227649
    Abstract: A high voltage electrical signal can be conveyed to an electrode in a combustion volume operatively coupled to a burner or a flame supported by the burner. A high voltage source in a region external to the combustion volume can convey the high voltage electrical signal to the electrode via a propagation path including an electrical bushing. The electrode and electrical bushing can be configured for field installation. Field installation can include a use of only simple tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: Igor A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, Christopher A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20140227646
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a combustion system including at least one fuel flow equalizer for reducing fuel flow velocity distribution and improving flame stabilization within a combustion space. Additionally, a charged flame anchoring apparatus may be positioned above the at least one fuel flow equalizer for attaching the flame thereto and improving flame stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
    Inventors: IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, ROBERT E. BREIDENTHAL
  • Publication number: 20140220498
    Abstract: A method for accelerating combustion includes installing a piezoelectric element in the vicinity of a combustion chamber that combusts fuel, applying a magnetic field to the piezoelectric element, and radiating electromagnetic waves that are produced by the piezoelectric element over at least the fuel in the combustion chamber. These electromagnetic waves include far-infrared radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Koutarou Aoki
  • Publication number: 20140212820
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a burner system including at least one Coanda surface and at least two electrodes that are biased in a manner to influences a location of fuel flow relative to the at least one Coanda surface and related methods. In an embodiment, a burner system includes at least one Coanda surface, at least one nozzle positioned and configured to emit a fuel flow at least proximate to the at least one Coanda surface, at least two electrodes, and a voltage source operably coupled to the at least two electrodes. The voltage source may be configured to bias the at least two electrodes to generate an electric field at least proximate to the at least one Coanda surface that influences a location of the fuel flow and/or a flame relative to the at least one Coanda surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Colannino, Igor Alexeevitch Krichtafovitch, Christopher A. Wiklof
  • Publication number: 20140186778
    Abstract: A combustion system includes an electrodynamic combustion control system that provided for electrical control of a combustion reaction. Energy is received wirelessly, and electrical energy is generated from the wirelessly received energy. The electrical energy is applied to the combustion reaction in order to control or regulate operation of first and/or second electrodes configured to apply the energy to the combustion reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOSPEH COLANNINO, IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, KRAIG K. ANDERSON, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF, HAROLD H. BENNETT, II
  • Publication number: 20140170569
    Abstract: A system for electrically controlling a combustion reaction includes a charging mechanism with a surface of a charging material with a work function that is sufficiently different from a work function of a charge carrier material to be capable of undergoing contact electrostatic charging. The charge carrier material is contacted with the charging material to impart an electrostatic charge to the charge carrier material, which is then fed to the combustion reaction to introduce a charge corresponding to the electrostatic charge. An aspect of the combustion reaction is controlled by application, to the combustion reaction, of electrical energy, characteristics of which are selected to interact in a predictable way with the combustion reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: KRAIG ANDERSON, IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, JOSEPH COLANNINO, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20140170575
    Abstract: An ionizer mechanism includes a corona electrode and a counter electrode positioned with respect to one another. The counter electrode includes a first layer of a porous, open cell foam material with a medium-to-high intrinsic resistance. The counter electrode has a point contact resistance that is at least two orders of magnitude greater than a broad contact resistance of the counter electrode. Charged particles produced by the ionizer mechanism are introduced to a combustion reaction to impart an electrical charge onto the combustion reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventor: IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH
  • Publication number: 20140170571
    Abstract: Combustion control electrode assemblies, combustion control systems using such assemblies, and methods of manufacturing and using such assemblies are disclosed. The electrode assemblies may include one or more electrodes including a sintered refractory metal material for heat and/or wear resistance. In an embodiment, an electrode assembly for a combustion control system may include at least one substrate and at least one electrode formed on the at least one substrate. The at least one electrode may include a sintered refractory metal material. The at least one electrode may be configured to be mounted proximate to or contacting a flame. The electrode assembly may further include at least one voltage source operatively coupled to the at least one electrode. The at least one electrode and the at least one voltage source may be collectively configured to apply an electric field to one or more regions at least proximate to the flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: Vincenzo Casasanta, III, Joseph Colannino, Robert E. Breidenthal, David B. Goodson, Igor Alexeevitch Krichtafovitch, Christopher A. Wiklof
  • Publication number: 20140170577
    Abstract: A burner may include a dielectric body configured to hold one or more electrodes in proximity to a combustion reaction. The dielectric body may be cast from a refractory material. The one or more electrodes may be cast into the dielectric body. The dielectric body and the electrodes may be configured for installation, removal, and replacement as a unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: JOSEPH COLANNINO, IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, III, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20140170576
    Abstract: A flare stack may be equipped with an electrical energy application system configured to apply electrical energy to a flare stack combustor. The applied electrical energy may be selected to affect flare flame length, flare flame containment, and/or flare flame exhaust gas composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: JOSEPH COLANNINO, IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, III, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20140162196
    Abstract: Technologies are provided for employing an ion flow to control a combustion reaction. A combustion reaction is supported at a burner or fuel source. One or more electrical signals are applied to an ionizer to generate an ion flow having a first polarity. The ion flow is introduced to the combustion reaction or a reactant at a first location, imparting a corresponding charge to the combustion reaction. The first location is at least intermittently upstream with respect to a reaction front of the combustion reaction. One or more of the electrical signals are applied to a first electrode at a second location downstream of the first location, which provokes a response by the combustion reaction according to the applied charge. The combustion reaction is controlled by selection of the one or more electrical signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ClearSign Combustion Corporation
    Inventors: IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
  • Publication number: 20140162199
    Abstract: A combustion product control system includes a first sensing device that measures a concentration of NOx in a fluid stream and a second sensing device that measures NH3 slip in the stream. The system also includes at least one combustion product control element. The system further includes at least one processor coupled to the sensing devices and the control element. The processor is programmed to generate predetermined parameters for NOx values in the stream at least partially as a function of transient stream conditions. The processor is also configured to use model predictive control (MPC) processing to generate predetermined values for a NH3 injection rate during stream transients. The predetermined values vary at least partially as a function of modeled stream characteristics. The processor is further configured to regulate the control element to facilitate simultaneous regulation of the NOx and NH3 slip in the stream within respective predetermined parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Sidharth Abrol