Abstract: A wrapper for an artificial firelog includes a sheet terminating at a longitudinal juncture and a pair of end junctures to form a cavity therein. The firelog is disposed inside the cavity. The longitudinal juncture is disposed along the top rear region of the firelog, thus increasing the likelihood that the front of the firelog will be properly and reliably ignited by the burning of the wrapper. Moreover, positioning the longitudinal juncture at the top rear region of the firelog causes only the front of the firelog to burn, thus resulting in a longer, more attractive fire at a relatively lower heat. Additionally, the positioning of the longitudinal juncture along substantially the top rear region of the firelog allows the manufacturer to imprint eye catching graphics on the wrapper along the front and top of the firelog without a seam, thus increasing the attractiveness and appeal of the firelog to potential purchasers.

Abstract: A solid burnable fuel composition which contains a major proportion of spent dried coffee grounds is described. The fuel composition includes at least 50% dried spent coffee grounds and a combustible wax which are mixed together and compressed into a suitable shape for combustion. The fuel composition may further include a small amount, 10% or less, of a coking agent useful to control burn rate and to prevent cracking of compressed fuel during combustion. Small amounts of cellulosic material may also be incorporated to improve the structural properties of the composition. Due to its superior heat and flame production, dried spent coffee grounds are an excellent fuel source for processed fuel products such as fire-logs and fuel pellets. The advantage is a hotter, cleaner burn which produces less soot and smoke, releases fewer harmful pollutants and provides a brighter flame over a longer period of time.

Abstract: An artificial firelog which contain 2% to about 6%.sub.w coriander seed added to create a crackling sound that mimics the sounds produced during the burning of natural logs. The random crackling sound continues for approximately the same time period as observed with the burning of natural wood firelogs and has an amplitude and frequency of crackling sound that mimics burning natural wood logs.

Abstract: A fire log or fire starter extruded to include a plurality of elongated sawdust and paraffin bodies attached to an adjacent body by a reduced thickness neck of sawdust and paraffin that is easily severed or snapped apart. Each severed neck provides a rough and thus easily ignitable edge on each body with exposed flammable fibers or sawdust particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid burnable fuel composition which contains a major proportion of spent dried coffee grounds for forming into high density pellets, synthetic fire-logs and fire kindling products. A homogeneous mixture of at least 50% coffee, with 30% or less by weight of a combustible binder is compressed and extruded in the form of fire-logs. A pellet fuel comprising entirely coffee provides a higher energy fuel source than prior art fuel sources. Coffee has a higher calorific value than hardwood, providing an efficient fuel material requiring less combustible binder, such as wax, than prior art fire-logs, and offering a higher energy value pellet than wood without added binder.

Abstract: Solid combustible agent for disaggregating soot and tarry deposits in chimney flues, said agent comprising an aggregate of cellulosic particulate material, chemical and/or catalytic soot disaggregating agent and binder. This agent is preferably used alone, i.e. in the substantial absence of an already ignited fire, when combusted to treat the flue.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming an aggregate product from particulate material, and in particular for making an aggregate coal product from coal particles. The method involves the steps of 1) loading the coal particles into a mold having an open end and an inner surface defining, in part, a pressurization chamber, the open end of the mold having an outwardly flaring inner peripheral end surface, 2) pressurizing the coal particles within the pressurization chamber such that the coal particles aggregate to form the coal log, and 3) pushing the coal log out of the mold past the flared end surface so that the coal log expands as it passes the end surface. The method may also include the step of maintaining back pressure on the coal log as it is pushed out of the mold. In addition to coal logs, the mold configuration of this invention may be used for making other aggregate products from particulate materials.

Abstract: The artificial firelogs of this invention provide a natural visual and audible sensation so that the artificial firelogs have both a soothing flickering flame and a crackling or popping sound normally observed only with natural wood logs. The crackling additive can be mustard seeds, sesame seeds and synthetic hollow spheres.

Abstract: In order to provide a block (1) of solid fuel material which has good burning time, good flame form and a clean flame, the block (1) is comprised of a mixture of solid particulate, cellulosic, organic combustible material, and stearic or palmitic acid together with, optionally, one or more fatty acids or esters. The mixture has a density of from 0.94 to 1.01 gm/cc. The block (1) has a slit (2) extending longitudinally of the block. The slot (2) communicates with a space (3). Combustible gases collect in the space (3) and form a flame at the mouth of the slit (2).

Abstract: A fire log formed with a groove in a bottom rear corner thereof. The groove is formed at a right angle and provides a protruding edge or lipped surface onto which the flame can latch and ignite the fire log. A generally V-shaped channel is formed in a front surface of the fire log by an arcuate upper section and a curved lower section. The outer wrapper forms a flap or wick which is used to ignite the fire log. The fire log is lit at the protruding edge formed by the groove and initially burns at opposed ends thereof. Flame gradually creeps inward along the rear and top surface, then gradually creeps down the front surface resulting in complete ignition of the fire log.

Abstract: A fireplace log ignition source which if desired may be used alone as an artificial fireplace log. A plurality of flammable elongate ignition elements are provided, each being resiliently flexible and having at least one distal end which may be bent so as to extend substantially outwardly from the log and substantially perpendicular thereto, so as to form a plurality of points of possible ignition of the log along its longitudinal length. In a preferred embodiment the ignition elements each comprise a wire, surrounded by a thread coated with a flammable material. A portion of the ignition element contacts the periphery of the artificial fireplace log. The wire therein is resiliently biased so as to maintain the ignition element in gripping engagement with the periphery of the fireplace log. The wire also maintains the ignition element in a desired fixed position after ignition thereof and when burning.

Abstract: A combustible article consists of agglomerated wood chips and polyethylene/polypropylene material partially coated with paraffin. The polyethylene/polypropylene material acts as a fuel as well as a binder; the paraffin is provided to facilitate lighting. The composite fire log is produced by combining wood and polyethylene/polypropylene chips or shavings in a mixer; mixing to produce a substantially uniform aggregate and heating to a temperature below the melting point of the polyethylene/polypropylene material; pressing the hot mixture in a press to form a briquette or fire log of predetermined shape; and dipping the bottom of the resulting log in molten paraffin.

Abstract: A portable, fused essentially waterproof campfire is presented. The campfire has a trapezoidal cross-section with kindling, a firestick and a fuse located near the bottom center of the trapezoid. The fuse runs from the firestick to the outside of the campfire. Surrounding the firestick and kindling are increasingly larger sizes of wood, ranging from one inch in diameter to approximately 5 inches in diameter at the top. The campfire, once constructed, is entirely surrounded by a clear combustible material such as shrink wrap and a handle is attached. The shrink wrap not only keeps the campfire in its trapezoidal shape, it also keeps water from penetrating. The campfire is highly portable and easily started even under damp conditions. One simply lights the fuse, which ignites the firestick and kindling and the rest of the fire.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and a system for producing burnable logs from full-size feed material. The burnable logs are produced by providing the full-size feed material which is particularized to form a reduced-size feed material. Next, the reduced-size feed material and an adhesive material are automatically combined to form an adhesive-containing reduced-size feed material. The combined adhesive-containing reduced-size feed material is automatically compacted to form said burnable logs.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for adjusting and controlling the moisture content of carbonaceous fuel components used in making smoking articles comprises a mass flow accumulator and a dryer through which the fuel components are conveyed. Unheated air is flowed over the fuel components in the accumulator to adjust and maintain the moisture content of the fuel components to a level which permits cutting of the fuel components without chipping or cracking. After the fuel components are cut into individual fuel elements and combined with an aerosol generator or substrate they are conveyed through the dryer where heated air is flowed over them to further reduce the moisture content to a desired level for further processing and manufacture into smoking articles.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasing a scent upon exposure to heat including a housing formed by a cover member and a base member, a carrier material disposed within the housing and a scented material dispersed in the carrier material. The carrier material has a melting point of at least 185.degree. F. and is both chemically and physically stable at temperatures of up to 550.degree. F. This apparatus is particularly suitable for providing a pleasant scent to a room in association with a gas fireplace.

Abstract: An improved artificial fireplace log wherein the primary ingredient consists of paper waste sludge material that is recovered from settling ponds or clarifiers as waste material which is created during the manufacture of virgin or recycled paper. This waste sludge material is mixed with a suitable wax and is pressed into a fireplace log having a plurality of longitudinally arranged bores that define passages for air to flow from one end to the other.

Abstract: A method for making artificial fireplace logs includes the initial step of mixing a quantity of grass clippings and leaves with a quantity of wood chips and sawdust to form a mixture. A liquid binder is then added to the mixture until the binder coats the mixture. The coated mixture is then compressed in a mold to form a compacted mass. Once the mass has solidified, it is removed from the mold. Preferably, the proportion of grass clippings and leaves is in a range of 60%-80% by weight of the total weight of all materials of the compacted mass.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat source comprising metal carbide and a method for preparing the same using a reducing/carbidizing atmosphere. The metal carbide heat sources of this invention have ignition temperatures that are substantially lower than conventional carbon particles normally used in carbonaceous heat sources, while at the same time provide sufficient heat to release a flavored aerosol from a flavor bed for inhalation by the smoker. Upon combustion, the heat sources produce substantially no carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cigarettes and other smoking articles which contain a catalytic composition, preferably as part of the fuel element, that substantially decreases the amount of carbon monoxide contained in the mainstream smoke during smoking. The present invention also relates to the catalyst-containing carbonaceous fuels themselves, as well as to methods of making such carbonaceous fuels. Fuel elements which contain a catalytic composition in accordance with the presentation are especially useful in smoking articles having an aerosol generating means which is physically separate from the fuel element.

Abstract: A cigarette includes a longitudinally segmented combustible fuel element, and a substrate carrying tobacco extract and glycerin positioned physically separate from the fuel element. The fuel element is composed of a carbonaceous material and is extruded in such a manner that when positioned within the cigarette, its extrusion axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cigarette. The fuel element includes a burning segment at one end, a base segment at the opposite end, and an isolation segment between the burning and base segments. A metal cartridge is radially spaced from the longitudinal outer periphery of the burning segment of the fuel element. A retaining member grasps the base segment of the fuel element and holds the fuel element securely in place within the cigarette.

Abstract: Fireplace logs (10-10A) for simulating a wood burning fire using a fuel log (18) which is economical, readily available, and safer than gas, and which requires minimal cleaning effort, while maintaining the desired qualities of a wood burning fire such as flame quality, sound, and smell. The fireplace logs (10-10A) include a first and second non-combustible ceramic log (12-14) in a spaced apart fashion such that a fuel log (18) may be centrally placed. Top logs (16-44-60) are placed above the fuel log (18) and engage at least a portion of the first and second logs (12 and 14). Openings (50-52-62) are defined between the logs (12-14-16-44-60) and cooperate with opening (53) to enhance the flow of air to the fuel log (18) and to cause the flame (26) derived from the burning fuel log (18) to lick the third log (16) to give an appearance of a wood burning fire.

Abstract: A heating fuel comprising a combustible material which can flow when heat is applied, with a wick covering the combustible material to assist and control combustion. The fuel can be made from materials found in ordinary household waste, using newspaper for the wick and polyethylene plastic for the combustible material. The fuel can be conveniently used if made in the form of approximately cylindrical logs, but with the diameters near the ends of the logs greater than the diameter near the middle, to provide air gaps when the logs are stacked. The combustible material can be made of plastic extruded into rods and embedded in a mass of dried pulped newspaper, with the outer surface of the mass having the desired log shape.

Abstract: A combusible member includes a first material having a density less than one (1) and constituting a plastic material in cross-linked or linear form and having properties of being converted to a non-toxic gaseous form when subjected to heat. Preferably, the first material constitutes a polyethylene such as is obtained from discarded containers for consumible products. The polyethylene may have a percentage by weight in the range of approximately sixty percent (66%) to seventy six percent (76%) in the combustible member. The combustible material also includes a combustible member having properties of being oxidized when subjected to heat. Preferably the combustible material may constitute a wood product in particulate or pulp form. The combustible material may have a percentage by weight in the range of approximately twenty percent (20%) to thirty six percent (36%) in the combustible member. A binder having a melt index less than two thousand (2000) is also included in the combustible member.

Abstract: An artificial firelog is formed of an elongated flammable body of compressed sawdust and a wax binder which is sealed within a flammable outer protective wrapper. A groove, generally dovetailed-shaped in transverse cross section, extends throughout the longitudinal length of the body in a vertical lower portion of a front surface of the body. The upper portion of the front surface is inclined rearwardly and terminates in a horizontal top surface. The groove forms a venturi air passage within the wrapper interior which creates a draft to accelerate burning of the wrapper and the flammable body along the top of the groove when the wrapper is ignited adjacent one end of the groove. A second groove is formed in the top surface of the body to control the weight of the body during the extrusion forming thereof.

Abstract: A partially combustible fireplace log is provided comprising a clay carrier and combustible wood fiber materials. The clay carrier serves to prevent the artificial log from flaking or otherwise disintegrating during the combustion process and thereby obviates the need for periodic cleaning of the fireplace. The wood fiber provides an authentic wood burning odor during the combustion of the artificial log.

Abstract: Treated wood products for use in fireplaces and wood stoves are impregnated with a variety of scents which are given off during combustion. In a first embodiment of the invention, a conventional man made fireplace log is provided with a central bore and surrounding circumferentially spaced holes. A treated core is inserted into the central bore and treated rods are inserted into the circumferentially spaced holes. During combustion, the treated core and treated rods gradually give off the desired scent. In a second embodiment, a man made fireplace log is constructed of particulate wood materials which have been treated with the desired scent. In a third embodiment, wood powder which has been treated with the desired scent is supplied in a shaker can for application to a fire. Examples of scents which may be supplied are pine, cedar, floral scents, cologne, musk, perfume, opium, and various fruity fragrances.