Cylindrical (e.g., Log, Etc.) Patents (Class 44/535)
  • Patent number: 11920100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a solid biomass fuel, as well as a solid biomass fuel produced by said process. Additionally, the present invention relates to a combustion process comprising combusting said solid biomass fuel so as to produce energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventor: Hong Mei Bai
  • Patent number: 9683186
    Abstract: A carpet pellet machine and method are disclosed. One embodiment provides an apparatus comprising a compressor to receive fibrous material and compress the fibrous material, a mold pipe system to receive compressed fibrous material from the compressor, wherein the compressor is configured to press the fibrous material through the mold pipe system, and a heat chamber to heat the fibrous material within the mold pipe system and create an encapsulation layer on the fibrous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventors: David Roshau, Charles Jones
  • Patent number: 9486808
    Abstract: A process of obtaining plastic compound based on fibrous plant material, plastic compound based on obtained fibrous plant material and equipment for extrusion of plastic compound based on fibrous plant material. The objective is to fundamentally give to the final product a greater mechanical resistance against natural degrading agents, such as weather and infestations, and to this end, proposes changes in its procedural and manufacturing stages, in order to provide, essentially, the increase in the density of the final product, making it more compressed and maintaining its organoleptic properties unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventors: Luiz Ribeiro Oliveira Nascimento Costa, Omar Natam Klemp Rego, Renato Batista, Jr., Dijalma Oliveira Rocha, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9301637
    Abstract: A compacting auger for ground coffee has an automatic cut off that responds to either timing signals or to the torque resistance to the augur offered by the coffee that has been compacted. The automation of the cut off increases the consistency of compaction and reduces the amount of skill required to compact ground coffee for making espresso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventors: Richard Hoare, Robert Grassia
  • Publication number: 20150135785
    Abstract: A method for sorting and comprehensively utilizing municipal solid waste includes steps of: 1) feeding the municipal solid waste into a feeding tank through a feeding inlet, then outputting into a breaking device; 2) breaking refuse bags and large blocks by the breaking device; 3) transporting broken refuse into a two-stage roller screen for screening out dusts with a particle size of less than 3 mm, and hanging strips; and 4) transporting mixed refuse screened by the two-stage screen into a vibrating screen; screening oversize products by a heavy winnowing machine for separating inorganic blocks, large plastics and paper; transporting underflow products into a two-room multi-functional winnowing machine for dividing into heavy materials, light materials and medium materials. By effectively combining sorting devices, effective sorting and reutilization of mixed refuse are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: XI'AN JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shuzhong Wang, Lin Chen, Jun Zhao, Haiyu Meng, Longfei Wang, Xuedong Li
  • Publication number: 20150107151
    Abstract: Oleaginous microbial biomass is subjected to pyrolysis to make microbial pyrolysis oil for use as a fuel or is otherwise formed into combustible products for the generation of heat and/or light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Graham Ellis, Robert Florence, Adriano Galvez, Tyler Painter, Sonia Sousa
  • Publication number: 20150096223
    Abstract: A primary fuel catalyst used to combust a secondary fuel, the primary fuel comprising the gases produced by water electrolysis. When secondary fuels are combusted by the primary fuel, the by-products include heat, water and other more stable by-product materials, When the secondary fuel is a hazardous waste or a radioactive material and either is bound to thermite before combustion, the by-products are no longer hazardous or have significantly reduced radiation levels after one or more passes. Embodiments of the present invention relate to the method for accelerating the decay of hazardous and/or radioactive waste products, and more particularly they relate to the nuclear transmutation of heavy radioactive elements into lighter ones with shorter half-lives and then finally to stable daughter products. Therefore, the invented process relates to reducing the long-term toxicity of hazardous and/or radioactive waste and to, an economic and effective process facility for doing so.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Geoffrey Courtright
  • Publication number: 20150075326
    Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel J. Despen, James A. Mennell, Steve Filips
  • Patent number: 8951308
    Abstract: Oleaginous microbial biomass is subjected to pyrolysis to make microbial pyrolysis oil for use as a fuel or is otherwise formed into combustible products for the generation of heat and/or light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham Ellis, Robert Florence, Adriano Galvez, Tyler Painter, Sonia Sousa
  • Publication number: 20150020442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic fireplace log and a process for making a synthetic fireplace log which is adapted to utilize wood derivative materials, such as wood chips, sawdust or virtually any wood-based product, such as paper and cardboard. The wood derivative materials are molded into a desired shape and held together with a non-petroleum based binder to form a synthetic fireplace log. In order to increase the flammability of the log, the synthetic fireplace log may optionally be sprayed or soaked with either a petroleum or non-petroleum-based flammability agent. Even though a petroleum-based flammability agent is used for soaking and/or spraying the synthetic log, the off-gassing is minimized since the petroleum-based spray is burned off relatively quickly. In other embodiments of the invention, a non-petroleum-based flammability agent is utilized. Suitable non-petroleum-based flammability agents include, for example, vegetable oil, corn oil, soybean oil, granola oil, and lard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Jose J. Gomez
  • Patent number: 8887709
    Abstract: A foldable burner (10) is shown in the assembled and expanded condition. Foldable burner (10) comprises a raised platform (12) formed from aluminum foil portions (4b) and (4c) onto which fuel (14) can be placed. Tabs (16) are provided for gripping by a user to expand the burner from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. Tabs (16) may also act as supports to strengthen the burner (10) and make the burner (10) more stable. Pluralities of apertures (8) enable air to enter the burner (10) under a chimney effect in order to provide oxygen to fuel (14) for burning. The upper periphery (18) of the burner (10) provides support for a cooking vessel (20) such as a saucepan. The burner (10) is easy to transport in its folded condition. Further, it may be designed as to offer a second use as transportation box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ellis Design Associates Limited
    Inventor: Peter Ellis
  • Publication number: 20140259893
    Abstract: An artificial fireplace log comprising an elongated combustible body defined by a solid core and formed from compacted recycled wood fibers and bio waxes derived from organic materials. The log contains a luxurious scented material that will give off a luxurious scent when the log is burned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HP MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Harve Pierre
  • Publication number: 20140259891
    Abstract: A fire starter which contains about 1% to 16% long porous organic fibers and 1% to 8% diatomaceous earth additives to create a firelog that is capable of being extruded at lower pressures and contains air pockets to aid in oxidation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Beadles
  • Publication number: 20140190073
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a solid fuel which comprises a binder, a form retaining agent and a vegetable oil-containing substance in a balanced manner, has a stable calorific value and suppresses the production of carbon dioxide. [Solution] A solid fuel formed from a mixture of a binder, a form retaining agent and a vegetable oil-containing substance, wherein the amount of the binder is 1 to 85 parts by weight, the amount of the form retaining agent is 1 to 55 parts by weight, and the amount of the vegetable oil-containing substance is 10 to 85 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the mixture, and the mixture is molded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: CREATIVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michihiro Kiyama, Masayuki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140182193
    Abstract: A hay-based log formed of a combination of pieces of hay and a binding agent. The hay pieces and the binding agent are compressed together into a solid shape. The hay-based log is fabricated so that the majority of the hay-binder combination is made of the hay. The binder is selected to be sufficient to keep the hay pieces joined together in its selected shape. The binder may be wax paraffin, plastic, corn starch or potato starch or any combination thereof. The hay-based log is fabricated by compressing the hay-binder mixture together with sufficient pressure and temperature to enable the hay pieces to stay together and then cooling the mixture without heat or pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Bragdon
  • Patent number: 8747494
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an auto-combustible log comprising at least one air intake connected to a chimney wherein the log is made of wood, wood particle or wood residues wherein the wood, wood particles or wood residues have been treated to destroy any invasive pests, such as insects and fungi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lavoie
  • Patent number: 8721746
    Abstract: A solid fuel molded out of a mixture of wood pieces having a size of 1 to 25 mm, paper pieces having a size of 1 to 25 mm and thermoplastic resin, wherein the mixture contains 80 to 95 parts by weight of the total of the wood pieces and the paper pieces and 5 to 15 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin, and the weight ratio of the wood pieces to the paper pieces is 20:80 to 90:10. The solid fuel which generates a stable amount of heat is manufactured by using waste wood, waste paper and waste thermoplastic resin in a well-balanced ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Creative Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michihiro Kiyama
  • Publication number: 20140082997
    Abstract: To provide a solid fuel which uses waste wood, used paper, a binder, a form retaining agent and a caloric augmentation agent in a balanced manner, has a stable calorific value, and suppresses the production of carbon dioxide. A solid fuel which is formed from a mixture of wood pieces having a size of 1 to 50 mm, paper pieces having a size of 1 to 50 mm, a binder, a form retaining agent and a caloric augmentation agent, wherein the mixture contains the wood pieces and the paper/natural fiber pieces in a total amount of 15 to 45 parts by weight and the binder, the form retaining agent and the caloric augmentation agent in a total amount of 55 to 85 parts by weight, has a weight ratio of the wood pieces to the paper pieces of 20:80 to 80:20, and is molded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: CREATIVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michihiro Kiyama, Masayuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8663347
    Abstract: A fire log is provided which is comprised of a mixture of ground mature sweet corn kernels and water. A second embodiment is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, chopped or ground corn cobs and water. A third embodiment is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, chopped or ground sweet corn cobs and chopped or ground sweet corn stalks mixed with water. A fourth embodiment of the fire log is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, water and conventional combustible petroleum materials such as used in conventional fire logs. The mixture is pressed, formed or extruded to form cylindrical fire logs or block fire logs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 8657891
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shaped wood fiber body as an ignition aid with additional fuel content achieved by dipping or impregnation, wherein a plurality of wood fibers are compacted to form the shaped body. According to the invention, the preferably cylindrical body has a multilayered winding or roll structure, comprising a series of layers, which run at a radial spacing about the lengthwise axis of the cylinder. Furthermore, at least the bottom or the top surface of the cylindrical body is diagonal cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jürgen Heumüller
  • Patent number: 8647399
    Abstract: The Present Invention is a fire starting device for use as kindling manufactured from pine straw, as the primary component, a vegetable oil, natural resins, and an herbal component. The device is hollow, having at least one vertical channel and at least one horizontal channel drilled from the outer wall of the device to the inner vertical channel. The fire starter device is ignited from the top, and it burns to produce a high, intense flame that ignites other flammable materials having a much greater kindling temperature. The height of the flame and the burn duration are controlled by the overall size of the device and the sizes of the channels. The device burns clean with a minimum of smoke and harmful or noxious fumes. Burning the device minimally creates air pollution. It burns completely with a minimum of ash residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: APPTEC, Inc.
    Inventors: Vilambi Reddy, Anil Torgalkar, Lionel Xavier
  • Publication number: 20140026472
    Abstract: Ecologically friendly and organically composed fuel products and fire starters are presented. The composition of products and starters includes, but is not limited to: 58 to 60 percent decomposed straw, 38 percent horse or cow manure, and optionally, two percent hay mixture from various blends used as feed, and two percent straw dust from material pounded on by animals. During a formation process the composition is subjected to a number of steps with the end product being a hydraulically compressed fuel log, brick, ball, block, briquette, blank, pellet, and the like, dried to a less than 10 per cent moisture content. While the process is applicable to formation of organic fuel products and fire starters, other ingredients may be used to produce other types of fuel products, both organic and inorganic, including wood chips, other kinds of animal manure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Michael F. Richey
  • Publication number: 20140026471
    Abstract: Ecologically friendly organically composed fuel products are presented whose composition includes, but is not limited to, ingredients: 58 to 60 percent decomposed straw, 38 percent horse or cow manure, two percent hay mixture from various blends used as feed, and two percent straw dust. The above ingredients are subjected to a number of processing steps with the end product being a hydraulically compressed fuel product, such as a brick, block, briquette, blank, pellet, etc., dried to a less than 10 percent moisture content. Eco-friendly organic fuel products may be created from other ingredients than those described herein could undergo the disclosed process to produce other types of fuel items, both organic and inorganic, with the ingredients comprising wood chips, other kinds of animal manure, and wood chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Richey
  • Patent number: 8597381
    Abstract: A fire log has one or several longitudinal incisions, which penetrate the log but do not reach the side surface and intersect in the log's midsection. A lower part of the log has at least one air duct from the side surface to the log's midsection in case the log is set on a surface which obstructs airflow to the log's lower part. The log's midsection contains an ignition device, which can be an ignition strip, tablet, briquette or other that has been permeated with an ecologically friendly flammable substance that burns fast and evenly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Margus Paapsi
  • Publication number: 20130283680
    Abstract: A hay-based fuel log formed of a combination of pieces of hay and a binding agent. The hay pieces and the binding agent are compressed together into a solid shape. The hay-based fuel log is fabricated so that the majority of the hay-binder combination is made of the hay. The binder is selected to be sufficient to keep the hay pieces joined together in its selected shape. The binder may be wax paraffin, plastic, corn starch or potato starch or any combination thereof. The hay-based fuel log is fabricated by compressing the hay-binder mixture together with sufficient pressure to enable the hay pieces to stay together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Bragdon
  • Publication number: 20130276363
    Abstract: A method of processing a biomass fuel compact is provided that includes combining a composition of combustible biomass materials, comminuting the composition of biomass materials, drying the biomass adding an adhesive to the biomass materials to form a composite biomass, the adhesive having a starch and a hydroxide, forming the composite biomass into a shapeform, and heat treating the composite biomass before or after producing the shapeform at a base temperature sufficient to break O-H bonds, the base temperature being below a mean torrefication temperature of the composite biomass such that torrefaction of a substantial portion of the biomass materials does not occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Enginuity Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Heimann
  • Publication number: 20130263499
    Abstract: A method may include heating biomass to generate torrefied biomass. The method may also include applying a liquid to the torrefied biomass in order to cool the torrefied biomass and increase moisture content of the torrefied biomass. The method may further include densifying the torrefied biomass into pieces having a second specific density greater than a first specific density of the torrefied biomass prior to densification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: James Russell Monroe, Charles Hawk Cotter
  • Publication number: 20130247457
    Abstract: The present invention is predicated upon methods and devices for forming numerous articles for various applications including nutritional applications, medicinal applications, or other useful applications for plants, animals or otherwise. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods and devices for forming high quality pellets using alginates as a retention agent for the ingredients. This may be achieved through the creation or modification of pre-existing forming devices, wherein an alginate applicator is provided for applying the alginate to the ingredients, before, during or after formation of the articles, or combinations thereof, to retain the ingredients of the articles together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: American Bio Labs
    Inventors: James Fajt, Bruce Dorendorf
  • Publication number: 20130247456
    Abstract: A product is provided comprising at least one densified biomass particulate having a substantially smooth, non-flakey outer surface and containing no added binder, wherein said densified biomass particulate is comprised of a plurality of pretreated lignin-coated plant biomass fibers which contain a trace amount of base from pretreatment of said fibers. Methods for using and making the product are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: BRUCE E. DALE, Bryan Ritchie, Derek Marshall
  • Publication number: 20130212935
    Abstract: A carbonaceous compact is provided by the present disclosure that includes a body having a partially or fully carbonaceous biomass composition and an adhesive additive. The adhesive additive includes a starch and a hydroxide. The porous nature of the carbonaceous material provides means for nutrient retention or filtering means. Carbon is activated through chemical or thermal reaction from pyrolyized wood/nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Enginuity Worldwide, LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Heimann
  • Publication number: 20130199086
    Abstract: A method for producing a bio-coal includes the following steps: (a) lowering the moisture content of a fiber residue obtained after oil extraction of oil palm fruit to less than 25%; (b) after step (a), cutting the fiber residue; (c) after step (b), pelletizing the fiber residue into short-fiber pellets; (d) drying the short-fiber pellets to reduce the moisture content of the short-fiber pellets to below 10%; and (e) after step (d), carbonizing the short-fiber pellets at a temperature below 300° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: CHINA STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: CHINA STEEL CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130145684
    Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of switch grass and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The fuel comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized fuel object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Biogenic Reagents LLC
    Inventors: James A. Mennell, William A. Brake, Kenneth G. Oja
  • Publication number: 20130097920
    Abstract: Integrated cement production systems and methods implementing the systems are disclosed, where the integrated cement production systems include a burnable fuel supply subsystem, a cement raw material supply subsystem, a kiln subsystem and a cement clinker composition storage subsystem. The burnable fuel supply subsystem is adapted to receive one or a plurality of used and/or unused healthcare materials. The burnable fuel supply subsystem can feed the materials directly into the kiln subsystem, can convert the materials into different form and feed the different form to the kiln subsystem or feed a combination of the materials, different forms and optionally conventional fuels to the kiln subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SHARPS COMPLIANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Burton J. Kunik, James C. Berns, David G. Gossman
  • Patent number: 8425634
    Abstract: A fire log includes a single fire log cut in a specific design to enable easy ignition and sustenance of a self-contained campfire. The single log is designed to stand vertically and may range from twenty-four to seventy-two inches in height depending on diameter. In most instances, four vertical, diametrical cuts are made in the log forming eight pie-slice segments. The cuts extend from the top surface of the log downward toward the base of the log. The vertical cuts stop short of the entire length of the log leaving approximately 25% of the length uncut. The uncut portion forms the base of the log. One of the segments is cut horizontally at its lower end adjacent the top of the base so that the segment can be removed from the log for air flow control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Z. Parker
  • Publication number: 20130055630
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, and methods of making the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including as gasification and combustion fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: RE COMMUNITY ENERGY, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Bohlig, Dingrong Bai
  • Publication number: 20130031830
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing thermoset, water repellent binders particularly effective for forming combustible composite materials. The binders include a mixture of an alkaline protein hydrolyzate and a bio-oil or an acidic protein hydrolyzate and a lignin compound. Desirably, the binders and the resulting combustible composite materials are substantially free of formaldehyde.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Philip H. Steele, Venkata K. Penmetsa
  • Publication number: 20120328995
    Abstract: Fire starters are disclosed. Methods of using the fire starter are disclosed. Methods of producing fire starters are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: The Pathfinder School
    Inventor: Roger Fandrich
  • Patent number: 8333812
    Abstract: A non-combustible, synthetic fire-log is disclosed comprising a composition formed to approximate the shape of a combustible object, wherein said composition comprises a substantially non-combustible matrix and an effective amount of hollow spheres. In one embodiment, the effective amount of hollow spheres ranges from approximately 3 to 85 percent of the total composition by weight. The composition enhances the aesthetic quality of the synthetic fire-log when exposed to heat and also decreases the carbon monoxide emissions of synthetic fire-log systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Forestwood Industrial, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Fischer
  • Publication number: 20120285081
    Abstract: Ecologically friendly organically composed fuel products are presented whose composition includes, but is not limited to, ingredients: 58 to 60 percent decomposed straw, 38 percent horse or cow manure, two percent hay mixture from various blends used as feed, and two percent straw dust. The above ingredients are subjected to a number of processing steps with the end product being a hydraulically compressed fuel product, such as a brick, block, briquette, blank, pellet, etc., dried to a less than 10 percent moisture content. Eco-friendly organic fuel products may be created from other ingredients than those described herein could undergo the disclosed process to produce other types of fuel items, both organic and inorganic, with the ingredients comprising wood chips, other kinds of animal manure, and wood chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Richey
  • Publication number: 20120279116
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an auto-combustible log comprising at least one air intake connected to a chimney wherein the log is made of wood, wood particle or wood residues wherein the wood, wood particles or wood residues have been treated to destroy any invasive pests, such as insects and fungi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lavoie
  • Publication number: 20120266530
    Abstract: Oleaginous microbial biomass is subjected to pyrolysis to make microbial pyrolysis oil for use as a fuel or is otherwise formed into combustible products for the generation of heat and/or light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: SOLAZYME, INC.
    Inventors: Graham Ellis, Robert Florence, Adriano Galvez, Tyler Painter, Sonia Sousa
  • Publication number: 20120255224
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of transforming low rank coals into high quality metallurgical coke, and the coke products produced by such methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: GTL ENERGY LTD
    Inventors: Robert French, Robert A. Reeves
  • Patent number: 8250995
    Abstract: A Log Cartridge Burning System is provided comprising a simple, convenient and manageable wood burning system which can easily be applied for use to cook and heat. The log cartridge is comprised of a flammable body of compressed material and a bore formed and sealed by the use of a protective outer paperboard tube and a protective inner paperboard tube together with a top and bottom paperboard cover which serve to hold and maintain the integrity of the entire cartridge without the use of any wax binders. The flammable body of compressed material may be made partly or entirely from natural combustible materials such as sawdust or wheat hulls. The burn pot is specially designed to accommodate the log cartridge of the present invention. The log cartridge burning system can easily be utilized in a variety of appliances such as a patio heater or fireplace, barbecue or grill, or other cooking and heating appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Henry K. Lee
  • Patent number: 8216322
    Abstract: The present invention is a solid fuel fire starter having a wicking element made of corrugated cardboard with an exposed top end for ignition by a flame source, a non-combustible housing surrounding the wicking element, the housing defining an open end for exposing the top end of the wicking element; and a paraffin wax reservoir within the housing integrally molded with the wicking element so that the wicking element conveys the paraffin wax by capillary action up into a flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Karl B. Schweickhardt
  • Publication number: 20120090227
    Abstract: A fire log is provided which is comprised of a mixture of ground mature sweet corn kernels and water. A second embodiment is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, chopped or ground corn cobs and water. A third embodiment is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, chopped or ground sweet corn cobs and chopped or ground sweet corn stalks mixed with water. A fourth embodiment of the fire log is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, water and conventional combustible petroleum materials such as used in conventional fire logs. The mixture is pressed, formed or extruded to form cylindrical fire logs or block fire logs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 8142526
    Abstract: Artificial fire logs made from non-petrochemical based, renewable materials are described. These artificial fire logs perform substantially equivalent to existing commercial fire logs. The artificial fire logs are made from cellulosic materials, a lignin containing composition and a non-petroleum based wax where the lignin containing composition comprises lignin and 1,3-propanediol derived from a renewable resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: David W. Park, Amar N. Neogi, Ludwig Furtner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8123824
    Abstract: An artificial firelog according to the present invention may comprise as constituents a combustible cellulosic or fiber material, a non-absorbent combustible oil- and/or fat-retaining material, and a combustible binder/fuel or wax in appropriate proportions. A combustible binding agent may be also be added as an additional constituent material to allow a further reduction of the combustible wax component. Certain naturally occurring agricultural by products and synthetic filter materials contain oils and/or fats that provide increased BTU value beyond the cellulosic or mineral components of the material. When these oil- and/or fat-retaining materials added to a blend of firelog material, the non-absorbent properties and additional BTU content of these alternative raw materials allow the amount of higher BTU wax material to be reduced without a dramatic reduction in fuel content in the finished mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Duraflame, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander U. Cavero, Jr., Gary W. Leach, Willer de Oliveira, Alan Zachary
  • Publication number: 20120000119
    Abstract: One possible embodiment could be a composition for coffee ground-based fuel comprising: dried, spent coffee grounds by 54% by weight; vegetable shortening by 23% by weight; brown sugar by 20% by weight; and corn syrup by 2% by weight, wherein the vegetable shortening and brown sugar and mixed together and heated slowly until a boil is achieved, then removing resultant mixture from heat, mixing in dried, spent coffee grounds into resultant mixture, then mixing in corn syrup into the resultant mixture, pouring and pressing the resultant mixture into a selected form for final shaping, then when the mixture has cooled to room temperature, removing it from the form for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Elizabeth White, Audrey Burns
  • Publication number: 20110214342
    Abstract: An artificial fireplace log made of combustible or noncombustible material which due to its shape and method of manufacturing provides and internal combustion chamber. Combustible material is introduced into the combustion chamber where it is burned. In the wall of the body which forms the artificial fireplace log are vents which allow for the introduction of air and the exhausting of combustion gases and flames which cause the appearance of a log burning. In the wall of the log body are openings in the shape of an intended message or image which when illuminated by the combustion occurring in the combustion chamber present a message or image to the viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: ROBERT CRAIG BURGI
  • Publication number: 20110213040
    Abstract: A method of producing volatilized fatty acids by heating a feedstock comprising at least one fat or oil in a reactor under inert vacuum to volatilize fatty acids, and removing volatilized fatty acids from bottoms residue comprising cross-linked oil. A system for stripping fatty acids from triglycerides, the system comprising a reactor, heating apparatus and a vacuum pump capable of pulling a vacuum in the range of from 1 kPa to 50 kPa on the reactor. A system for producing a hydrogenated product including a reactor comprising an inlet for a stream comprising triglycerides, an outlet for volatilized fatty acids, and an outlet for a cross-linked product, heating apparatus, a vacuum pump capable of pulling a vacuum in the range of from 1 kPa to 50 kPa on the reactor, and a hydrogenation reactor, wherein an inlet of the hydrogenation reactor is fluidly connected to the outlet for cross-linked product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: H R D Corporation
    Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Aziz Hassan