Of Extinguishing Means Patents (Class 431/33)
  • Patent number: 11118783
    Abstract: A candle management device automatically extinguishes a burning candle upon expiration of a user selected time period. The device shields the candle from foreign objects and reduces the risk of undesired combustion. The doors and actuation mechanism used to isolate the candle from the atmosphere and extinguish the candle are contained within the candle management device and are kept from operational interference by outside objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Brandy S Bennett, Robert E Simons, Arthur L Bentley, James Ryan Francis
  • Patent number: 10119704
    Abstract: A combustion system such as a furnace or boiler includes a non-planar perforated flame holder configured to hold a combustion reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Colannino, Douglas W. Karkow, James K. Dansie, Christopher A. Wiklof
  • Publication number: 20130302740
    Abstract: A motion-sensitive candle holder device is disclosed that extinguishes the flame upon sensing movement. The candle holder device comprises a base for retaining a candle, a motion sensor, and a flame extinguishing device. The motion sensor is secured to the base and detects any vibrations or movements of the base or in the vicinity of the base, and when activated, automatically triggers the flame extinguishing device. The flame extinguishing device is secured to the base and comprises a fan and a motor mechanism for operating the fan. A plurality of air tubes extend upward from the base. The air tubes are hollow and comprise apertures positioned at a predetermined distance along a length of each air tube for expelling air. The motor mechanism engages the fan to expel air up through the plurality of air tubes to be further expelled out of the apertures to extinguish a candle flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Belczak
  • Patent number: 8469701
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for extinguishing a candle by selecting a predetermined time for which the candle will burn and as a predetermined time is reached an exterior wall rises, engulfs, and covers the candle and flame. Upon coverage of the candle and flame the candle is extinguished, in a safe, secure, protective manner. Upon reaching a final predetermined time of the preset time selected by the user for the candle to burn an alarm sounds notifying the user the apparatus is closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Yolande Quinn, Tara Franklin
  • Patent number: 8434469
    Abstract: A portable radiant heater supplied by an associated fuel source comprises a housing having a handle for transporting the heater. A plenum in the housing receives fuel from the associated fuel source and mixes the fuel with air. A burner assembly includes a radiant surface that communicates with the plenum. A regulator limits the pressure of the associated propane source to approximately eleven inches water column, and an oxygen depletion system associated with the burner assembly automatically shuts off the heater at a predetermined oxygen content. A tank fitting with a position that can be adjusted relative to the regulator facilitates the installation of the associated fuel source to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Enerco Group Inc.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Patent number: 8206150
    Abstract: A method for extinguishing a candle at timed intervals using a combustible material is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes: utilizing a combustible composition adapted for application to a wick segment; utilizing a combustible first wick segment; coupling a combustible second wick segment to the combustible first wick segment; placing the combustible second wick segment adjacent to the first wick segment; and configuring the combustible second wick segment to, as the combustible first wick segment, once ignited, burns down to the combustible second wick segment, interrupt and slowly self-extinguish the burning of the first wick segment. The candle wick is configured to be relit, post extinguishment, without having to physically remove a non-combustible barrier. A combustible composition also is disclosed. A candle further is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Travis Aaron Wade
  • Publication number: 20120152225
    Abstract: An igniter for an incendiary briquette of a type suitable for smoking a smoking substance disposed in a bowl of a hookah is disclosed. The igniter includes a housing defining an interior and having a sidewall, a bottom wall, and a top opening providing access to the interior. An ignition source that produces a flame is disposed in the interior of the housing. The igniter includes a removable tray for supporting the incendiary briquette. The tray has at least one heat transfer hole therein and is sized to be removably supported by the housing at a location above the flame of the ignition source, wherein heat flows upwardly to cause a burning of the incendiary briquette. The tray is sized to seat above the bowl of the hookah so that the burning briquette is supported to cause a burning of the smoking substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Tonia Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20110244406
    Abstract: An automatic candle blower having a main housing with a base and a back member. The back member has a plurality of vent holes therethrough, each of the vent holes providing an air flow path from the interior of the main housing. A candle support surface is formed adjacent to the back member to support a candle. A blower is positioned to direct air to the vent holes. An air channel is formed within the main housing between the blower and the vent holes. An alternative embodiment of the invention further includes a control circuit, which has a processor, a timer, and a processor-readable medium, is electrically connected to the blower. A user input device is electrically connected to the control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Rickey Simpson
  • Patent number: 8007274
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle assembly is provided. The assembly includes an outer nozzle body having a first end and a second end and at least one inner nozzle tube having a first end and a second end. One of the nozzle body or nozzle tube includes a fuel plenum and a fuel passage extending therefrom, while the other of the nozzle body or nozzle tube includes a fuel injection hole slidably aligned with the fuel passage to form a fuel flow path therebetween at an interface between the body and the tube. The nozzle body and the nozzle tube are fixed against relative movement at the first ends of the nozzle body and nozzle tube, enabling the fuel flow path to close at the interface due to thermal growth after a flame enters the nozzle tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Johnson, Willy Steve Ziminsky, Benjamin Paul Lacey, William David York, Christian Xavier Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20100173254
    Abstract: A method for extinguishing a candle at timed intervals using a combustible material is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes: utilizing a combustible composition adapted for application to a wick segment; utilizing a combustible first wick segment; coupling a combustible second wick segment to the combustible first wick segment; placing the combustible second wick segment adjacent to the first wick segment; and configuring the combustible second wick segment to, as the combustible first wick segment, once ignited, burns down to the combustible second wick segment, interrupt and slowly self-extinguish the burning of the first wick segment. The candle wick is configured to be relit, post extinguishment, without having to physically remove a non-combustible barrier. A combustible composition also is disclosed. A candle further is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Travis Aaron Wade
  • Patent number: 7744367
    Abstract: A candle-maintenance tool for carving a substantially arcuate path in candle wax of a surface of a candle. The candle-maintenance tool includes a shaft having a candle-contacting surface at one end thereof and a blade coupled to the shaft near the candle-contacting surface. When the candle-contacting surface is pressed into the surface of the candle, at least a portion of the blade contacts the surface of the candle. When the candle-maintenance tool is rotated in place with the candle-contacting surface pressed into the surface of the candle, the blade carves a substantially arcuate path into the surface of the candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Kudyba
  • Publication number: 20100139651
    Abstract: A portable radiant heater supplied by an associated fuel source comprises a housing having a handle for transporting the heater. A plenum in the housing receives fuel from the associated fuel source and mixes the fuel with air. A burner assembly includes a radiant surface that communicates with the plenum. A regulator limits the pressure of the associated propane source to approximately eleven inches water column, and an oxygen depletion system associated with the burner assembly automatically shuts off the heater at a predetermined oxygen content. A tank fitting with a position that can be adjusted relative to the regulator facilitates the installation of the associated fuel source to the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: ENERCO GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Patent number: 7682149
    Abstract: A powered, mechanical teeth cleaning device having two lines of rotating brushes is disclosed. The brushes rotate inwardly from each side, giving a cleaning effect on both buccal and lingual surface of the tooth from the gum tissue to the tooth direction. A protective shield for minimizing tissue irritation, a guiding stop for proper tooth positioning and a brush direction-of-rotation switch are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Travis Aaron Wade
  • Patent number: 7607916
    Abstract: A self-extinguishing candle system includes a candle with a top surface. An exposed wick is situated on the top surface of the candle. A base is provided upon which the candle is mounted. A canister containing a non-flammable fluid under pressure is situated within the base. The spray nozzle on the canister is adapted, when actuated by the movement of a linear solenoid arm, to release the pressurized fluid contents of the canister. The released fluid from the canister is directed to the top of the candle by channels in the shell surrounding the candle to extinguish the flame. The solenoid is actuated after a predetermined time elapses, a safety temperature sensor is triggered and/or a tilt sensor is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Ramon Almodovar
  • Patent number: 7517216
    Abstract: An apparatus useful for extinguishing a flame of a candle, with preparation of the candlewick for relighting, is single-hand grippable and adapted for use to apply candle wax, or another candle fuel material, to a surface of a burning candlewick. Methods are also provided for extinguishing a flame of a candle involving applying a covering of a candle body material, such as candle wax, to the candlewick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Alfred B. Levesque
  • Publication number: 20090023105
    Abstract: A patio heater gas control system (10), the system (10) comprising: a timing module (50) to set a predetermined amount of time for gas to be supplied to a gas burner of the patio heater (20); an electromechanical valve (60) to control the flow of gas from a gas tank to the gas burner; an oxygen depletion system (80) to automatically extinguish and shut off the gas burner if the oxygen level falls below a predetermined level; and a tilt switch (40) to automatically extinguish and shut off the gas burner if the patio heater (20) if it is tilted greater than a predetermined angle; wherein when the predetermined amount of time has not expired, a closed and complete electrical circuit causes the electromechanical valve (60) to open and allow gas to flow from the gas tank to the burner, and when the predetermined amount of time has expired, the timing module (50) opens the electrical circuit to cause the electromechanical valve (60) to close and prevent gas flowing from the gas tank to the gas burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Chiaphua Winport International Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi Man Yeung
  • Patent number: 7396229
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel self extinguishing safety candle wick that can be inserted into an axial vertical bore of a preformed solid fuel candle body or can be placed in a candle mold for casting of a solid fuel candle. The self extinguishing safety candle wick comprises a central support core having a plurality of combustion enabling wick portions fixed along the length of the core separated one from one another by interposed extinguishing gaps bridged by bare core portions. The invention also relates to methods of manufacture of the self extinguishing safety candle wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: George Ortiz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080153043
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a candle flame. A candle flame may be provided in a controllable environment, e.g., an enclosed area formed at least in part by an air-tight cover. Air may be forced into the enclosed area by an air movement device (e.g., a fan) to keep the flame burning. The flame may be extinguished by reducing (e.g., stopping) air flow into the enclosed area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Victor Avelar, Charles W. Sears, Michael A. Susi
  • Publication number: 20070287117
    Abstract: One flexible windproof candleholder, which is composed of upper-open cylinder candleholder with gap at its side to change candle, a slide cover that covers onto periphery of candleholder and canister cover with light holes that covers onto interior of candleholder; wherein protruding stopper ball is respectively set at external and internal rim of bottom section of candleholder; concave parts made at lower rim of slide cover and canister cover can be used for block, so, slide cover moves down to envelop gap, wind may not blow candle; as slide cover and canister cover respectively move down to periphery and interior of candleholder, slide cover is pushed against upper cover of canister cover so that internal space of candleholder is sealed, the burning candle may extinguish itself due to lack of oxygen, canister cover slides upward along vertical runner setting in symmetry inside candleholder by stopper ball protruded at external low section, meanwhile, slide cover also slides upward to upper section of candle
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 7293984
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel self extinguishing safety candle wick that can be inserted into an axial vertical bore of a preformed solid fuel candle body or can be placed in a candle mold for casting of a solid fuel candle. The self extinguishing safety candle wick comprises a central support core having a plurality of combustion enabling wick portions fixed along the length of the core separated one from one another by interposed extinguishing gaps bridged by bare core portions. The invention also relates to methods of manufacture of the self extinguishing safety candle wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: George Ortiz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7226284
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a candle flame. A candle flame may be provided in a controllable environment, e.g., an enclosed area formed at least in part by an air-tight cover. Air may be forced into the enclosed area by an air movement device (e.g., a fan) to keep the flame burning. The flame may be extinguished by reducing (e.g., stopping) air flow into the enclosed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Victor Avelar
  • Patent number: 7198484
    Abstract: A system and method provide a container holding a candle, a covering portion that can cover an opening of the container holding the candle, a device that automatically extinguishes the candle utilizing the covering portion and an attachment portion shaped to fit around the opening of the container holding the candle. The attachment portion can be removeably secured to the container via a securing system. The attachment portion can also be coupled to the covering portion and the device that automatically extinguishes the candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: The Candlewatch Co., LLC
    Inventors: John G. Hart, Richard N. Rucker
  • Patent number: 7040888
    Abstract: Smart Wick is a wick for a candle that is designed with the ability to automatically extinguish a flame in equal-timed intervals as well as the ability to access a new wick for relighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Lisa Lynn Keiffer, Robin Marie Thornburg
  • Patent number: 6893253
    Abstract: A gas-fired water heater is provided with a combustion shutoff system which precludes further combustion within the water heater's combustion chamber in response to a combustion temperature therein reaching a predetermined level correlated to and indicative of a predetermined, undesirably high concentration of carbon monoxide present in the combustion chamber. In various illustrated embodiments thereof, the combustion shutoff system is operative to terminate further combustion air inflow to the combustion chamber, or terminate further fuel flow to the burner portion of the water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: The Water Heater Industry Joint Research and Development Consortium
    Inventors: Gordon W. Stretch, Bruce A. Hotton, John H. Scanlon, Gary A. Elder, James T. Campbell, Larry D. Kidd, Eric M. Lannes, Garrett Doss, Michael W. Gordon, James M. Martin, James W. Mears, Thomas E. Archibald
  • Patent number: 6824383
    Abstract: A method includes the step of extinguishing a flame fired from a burner in a reaction zone upon determining that a sensed combustion chamber temperature is at or above the auto-ignition temperature of a fuel. A subsequent step is performed before the sensed combustion chamber temperature drops below the auto-ignition temperature. The subsequent step provides a flow of the fuel through the burner and into the combustion chamber through a reaction zone outlet. This initiates diffuse combustion of the fuel by auto-ignition in the combustion chamber in the absence of a flame fired from the burner in the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: North American Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Bruce E. Cain
  • Patent number: 6629836
    Abstract: A cap for a jar containing a candle. The cap includes a lid and a snuffer plug. The lid is non-metallic and has a single exhaust throughbore that extends axially and centrally therethrough. The snuffer plug is dimensioned to fit securely into the single exhaust throughbore in the lid. The lid is preferably made of a heat insulating material, such as glass, and is dimensioned to fit snugly onto/into the open top of the jar. The single exhaust throughbore in the lid is preferably approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. The lid may be fluted and either transparent or translucent to provide decorative light diffusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Campbell
  • Patent number: 6604940
    Abstract: A method for mounting a wick within a wick sustainer is disclosed. The sustainer has a base, a barrel and a passage that extends through the sustainer. The passage has an upper region occupied by the wick and a lower region occupied, at least partially, by the sealant. Sealing the lower region of the passage is accomplished by injecting the sealant into the passage, thereby preventing the fuel from contacting the portion of the wick that is retained in the upper region of the passage. Fuel reaches the flame of the burning wick only through the portion of wick not held in the sustainer, so the flame is extinguished once the fuel descends below the top of the sustainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Lumi-Lite Candle Company, Inc.
    Inventor: George G Pappas
  • Publication number: 20030134242
    Abstract: A system and method provide a container holding a candle, a covering portion that can cover an opening of the container holding the candle, a device that automatically extinguishes the candle utilizing the covering portion and an attachment portion shaped to fit around the opening of the container holding the candle. The attachment portion can be removeably secured to the container via a securing system. The attachment portion can also be coupled to the covering portion and the device that automatically extinguishes the candle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: The Candlewatch Company LLC
    Inventors: John G. Hart, Richard N. Rucker
  • Patent number: 6572365
    Abstract: An automatic candle snuffer has a heat resistant housing with a bottom end that is received and closed by a candle holder. The housing top end is open when a hinged lid is open and closed when the lid is closed. A digital timer is attached to the housing and has a fixed part of the hinge attached for selectively magnetizing and demagnetizing. The hinge also has a magnetic portion attached to the lid, such that the lid is held open by the magnetic coupling of the fixed part of the hinge and the magnetic hinge portion attached to the lid. The user selects a time for the candle to be snuffed, and the timer demagnetizes the fixed part of the hinge, whereupon the magnetic coupling is broken and gravity causes the lid to close on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Justin Byxbe
  • Publication number: 20030082494
    Abstract: A cap for a jar containing a candle. The cap includes a lid and a snuffer plug. The lid is non-metallic and has a single exhaust throughbore that extends axially and centrally therethrough. The snuffer plug is dimensioned to fit securely into the single exhaust throughbore in the lid. The lid is preferably made of a heat insulating material, such as glass, and is dimensioned to fit snugly onto/into the open top of the jar. The single exhaust throughbore in the lid is preferably approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. The lid may be fluted and either transparent or translucent to provide decorative light diffusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Campbell
  • Patent number: 6514070
    Abstract: A torch comprising a frame structure with a fuel container disposed therein, a flame guard cap extending upwardly from the frame with an aperture formed therein, a wick disposed in the aperture, and a rotatable snuffer cap attached to the frame and adapted to cover the wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Corporation
    Inventor: James Lu
  • Patent number: 6508644
    Abstract: A flame-retardant wick holder for a candle is made of a plastic having a UL-94 vertical burn test rating of at least V-0. The wick holder has a bore for holding a wick at the bottom of a candle. The wick holder is provided so that when the candle and wick burn down to the level of the wick holder, the material of the wick holder causes the flame on the wick to extinguish, thereby preventing flashover of the residual candle fuel at the end of the candle useful life. The wick holder is preferably made of a polyethersulfone (PES).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Bath & Body Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Pesu, Joseph P. Romano
  • Patent number: 6494708
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is taught for a safety device for a lighted device in a container. The safety device comprises a closing device, an attachment device, and a holding device. The safety device further comprises a coupler configured to operatively couple the closing device, the attachment device, and the holding device so that the closing device moves between a first and second position. There is also an extension coupled to and extending from a surface of the closing device, a securing system coupled to the attachment device, and a timing device coupled to and protruding from a surface of the holding device. Finally, the timing device is operatively configured to interact with the extension when the closing device is in the second position to actuate movement of the closing device into the first position so that the lighted device in the container is extinguished in a predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: John Gregory Hart, Richard N. Rucker
  • Patent number: 6345978
    Abstract: A torch comprising a frame structure with a fuel container disposed therein, a flame guard cap extending upwardly from the frame with an aperture formed therein, a wick disposed in the aperture, and a rotatable snuffer cap attached to the frame and adapted to cover the wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Corporation
    Inventor: James Lu
  • Patent number: 6338624
    Abstract: An automatic combustion putting-out apparatus for a room heater, includes wick case with a turning shaft to raise or lower a wick, a torsion-spring biased ratchet, a lever pivotally mounted in a frame for releasing or arresting the ratchet, a shutting-off knob and a safety weight for actuating the lever to release the ratchet for putting-out a combustion, a bracket on one side of the frame, a blocking plate pivotally mounted on the bracket and provided with an actuating piece to be in contact with a bottom surface of the lever, a coil spring for actuating the blocking plate by returning to its original shape when the room temperature rises beyond a predetermined value to interrupt combustion, the coil spring being connected to the blocking plate and the bracket by opposite ends of the spring, and a bias spring for boosting the force of the coil spring when the coil spring is initiated at beyond the predetermined room temperature value, the bias spring being connected to the blocking plate and the bracket by o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Paseco Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoon-Guk Kim
  • Publication number: 20010053504
    Abstract: A torch comprising a frame structure with a fuel container disposed therein, a flame guard cap extending upwardly from the frame with an aperture formed therein, a wick disposed in the aperture, and a rotatable snuffer cap attached to the frame and adapted to cover the wick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: James Lu
  • Patent number: 6254380
    Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in barometric-type liquid fuel burners of the type where a removable fuel tank (60) feeds a fuel chamber (40), which supplies the fuel to a wick (54), via a sump opening in the upper surface of the chamber (40). A fusible link (28), which is affixed to a tank guide (12) via a support (30), is connected to an arm (74). The arm (74) is in turn connected to a lever (78) in a hinged fashion. The lever (78) is attached to a support (82) in a hinged fashion. A face (80) is present on the lever (78) at the end of the lever (78) distal to the end connected to arm (74). The face (80) is proximate to an automatic wick extinguishing unit (42). Should the temperature of fusible link (28) exceed a predetermined level, it will open irreversibly, allowing arm (74) to move downward, which in turn causes lever (78) to rotate about support (82), forcing face (80) upward, which actuates the automatic wick extinguishing unit (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Richard W. Henderson, Harry H. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6135759
    Abstract: Variable-heat chafing-dish burners and methods of use. One variable-heat chafing-dish burner embodiment has a reservoir with liquid fuel, into which a short wick and a long wick extend. Both wicks are lit initially, in order to provide initial high heat to bring chafing-dish water quickly to temperature. As fuel is consumed by the flames fed by both wicks, the fuel level within the reservoir drops. The short wick initial immersed length is set such that at the approximate time the chafing-dish water has been brought to temperature, the short wick is no longer immersed in fuel, and the flame it fed is extinguished due to fuel starvation. After the flame fed by the short wick is extinguished, only the flame fed by the long wick remains lit, thereby providing the lowered heat required to maintain the chafing-dish water at temperature. In this manner, a high initial heat is provided to bring chafing-dish water quickly to temperature, and lower heat is provided thereafter to save fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Roland Gerstenberger
  • Patent number: 5989012
    Abstract: A candle snuffer having a handle, a body and a hook. The hook submerges a lit candle wick into the adjacent melted wax channel thereby extinguishing said wick. The hook is then used to retrieve the extinguished wick from the melted wax and returning it to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Michael Umfleet
  • Patent number: 5944505
    Abstract: A candle holder has candles mounted at each end of a pivoting balance arm. A snuffer is located above each candle. When the balance arm is balanced and one of the candles is lit then the lit candle will become lighter as fuel is consumed by combustion at its wick. When this happens the balance arm pivots so that the end of the balance arm bearing the lit candle rises. This continues until the lit candle is raised to a location at which it is extinguished by one of the snuffers. After the candle has been extinguished then the second candle may be lit. The candle holder prevents candles from continuing to burn for extended periods of time. The candle holder is interesting to watch in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Kroecher Designs Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Kroecher
  • Patent number: 5662468
    Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in wick-fed liquid fuel burners employs a vapor closure system that contains vapors present around the removable tank (60). Also, a tank block mechanism is provided to prevent the reseating of the removable tank (60) into the fuel chamber (40) to its normal position when excess fuel is present in the fuel chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Richard W. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5640948
    Abstract: A portable heater includes a burner 10 disposed on the bottom of a combustion cylinder 2, a container to be heated 6 which is disposed in an upper part of the combustion cylinder for storing contents which are heated when the heater is in use, a fuel tank 12 for storing fuel gas to be supplied to the burner, and an ignition means 8 having an ignition lever 21 which causes the ignition of the burner. For use with such a portable heater, a safety device for preventing the container from being heated while it is sealed, a safety device which prevents the emission of gas when flames are unexpectedly extinguished, and an overturn safety device for automatically extinguishing flames when the heater is overturned are obtained in a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Tokai Corporation
    Inventors: Tomio Nitta, Hideo Mifune, Masato Seki, Yosimitu Kaga, Noriyuki Serizawa
  • Patent number: 5551865
    Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in wick-fed liquid fuel burners employs a solenoid (76) and a thermocouple (18) in combination with a microswitch (80). When excess fuel enters the fuel chamber (40), a float (30) is urged upward, which forces a pin (28) upward, causing a microswitch (80) to open, thereby interrupting the electrical communication between the solenoid and thermocouple. As a result, a spring (24) can act to force an arm (14) upward, actuating the automatic wick extinguishing unit (42). Also, the mechanism prevents re-ignition of the wick (54) until the excess fuel is removed from the fuel chamber. When the fuel in the fuel chamber exceeds a predetermined level, a warning gauge needle (84) is deflected, alerting the user of the liquid fuel burner to a dangerous condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventors: Richard W. Henderson, Samuel R. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5338185
    Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in wick-fed liquid fuel burners employs an excess fuel containment compartment (24) which receives any excess fuel which might be fed to the fuel supply chamber (40) . The excess fuel causes a receptacle (20) in the compartment to move downwardly. Through a rod (30) and balance arm (18), such movement communicates with an automatic wick extinguisher (42) to extinguish the wick flame immediately in response to the excess fuel condition. Also the mechanism prevents re-ignition of the wick (54) until the danger of flareup is removed. This safety device also alerts the user of the liquid fuel burner to dangerous conditions by a mechanism comprising a highly visible warning gauge needle (34) . In addition, this safety device can be easily reset if accidentally triggered when overflow conditions do not exist, and the burner can be readily serviced and restored to operation should an excess fuel malfunction occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Southeastern Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Henderson, George R. Lightsey
  • Patent number: 5165384
    Abstract: A housing apparatus is arranged for use in combination with a barbeque grill for mounting to a balcony structure of an existing dwelling. The structure includes mesh side walls and a floor to prevent air flow restriction directed to the medially positioned grill of the housing, with a housing hood pivotally mounted to the support housing to provide protection and prevent access to the grill structure by small children and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Lori L. Knutson
  • Patent number: 5080578
    Abstract: An apparatus for extinguishing undesired flames in liquid fuel-burning heaters having a wick partially disposed in a fuel supply reservoir in fluid communication with a fuel tank said apparatus comprising fuel flow cut-off means for interrupting said fluid communication in response to sensing excessive heat and wick withdrawal means for retracting said wick entirely into said wick fuel supply reservoir in response to sensing of excessive heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventors: Harold Josephs, Levon H. Keshishian
  • Patent number: 5030085
    Abstract: A wick operating structure of the lever actuation type for an oil burner capable of finely adjusting the combustion with high accuracy during the combustion operation. The structure includes an operation lever for rotating a wick operating shaft which is provided with a drive pin and a plurality of drive levers pivotally moved independent from one another so as to be accessible to the drive pin. The drive levers are formed with a V-shaped recesses which are different in configuration from one another little by little and in which the drive pin is alternatively fitted to cause the operation lever to be pivotally moved to different positions little by little.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Toyotomi Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Yamada, Yutaka Nakanishi, Shozou Asano
  • Patent number: 4995806
    Abstract: An oil stove comprises a combustion wick for burning oil, a device for extinguishing the fire at the combustion wick, and a deodorizing device for absorbing or removing gases causing smells that are produced when the burning portion at the combustion wick is extinguished. The deodorizing device comprises gas sensing means for detecting the generation of the gas, and suction means responsive to the gas sensing means for absorbing or removing the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Akita, Junji Aiga
  • Patent number: 4872829
    Abstract: A fire-extinguishing device for an open-type oil burner is disclosed which is capable of effectively preventing the discharge of bad odor to a room due to unburned fuel oil gas at the fire-extinguishing of the oil burner. The fire-extinguishing device includes a damper for closing, at the fire-extinguishing, an opening of a combustion cylinder construction of the oil burner through which combustion gas is discharge to a room. The damper or combustion cylinder construction may be provided with an oxidation catalyst plate through which combustion gas is discharged to a room at the fire-extinguishing, so that unburned fuel oil gas may be removed by means of the catalyst plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Toyotomi Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuharu Nakamura, Yoshio Mito, Yutaka Nakanishi, Toshihiko Yamada, Kenji Nakamura, Kiyonobu Itoh
  • Patent number: 4797088
    Abstract: A safety device for an oil burner is disclosed which is capable of detecting abnormal combustion which forms an excessively decreased flame, for example, sufficient to produce incomplete combustion gas to operate a fire-extinguishing device of the oil burner. The safety device includes an abnormal combustion sensing and actuation mechanism which is adapted to receive heat rays from the oil burner to detect the abnormal combustion and a starting member selectively actuated by the mechanism to operate the fire-extinguishing device when the mechanism detects the abnormal combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Toyotomi Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuharu Nakamura, Yoshio Mito, Yutaka Nakanishi, Toshihiko Yamada, Yuji Sanada