Consolidated Solids (e.g., Briquette, Etc.) Patents (Class 44/550)
  • Patent number: 11919077
    Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing sintered materials are disclosed. Metal nano- and microparticles can be sintered to form thin films. The metals are sintered in the presence of a binder such as a tar, e.g., steam cracker tar (SCT), which has strong absorbing and antioxidant properties that allow the metal particles to retain heat. Retention of heat by the binder can allow the sintering to occur at ambient temperatures. In some embodiments, the mixture and/or the resulting films can be used in additive manufacturing processes to build various components from the layers of thin film manufactured from the presently disclosed methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Grossman, Xining Zang, Nicola Ferralis, Cuiying Jian, Kiera Y. Tai
  • Patent number: 11846210
    Abstract: A system for maintaining electrical power continuity in a steam-based power plant is provided. The system includes a fossil fuel-fired power generation unit and an electrical power storage apparatus. The fossil fuel-fired power generation unit is operative to generate and provide electrical power to an electrical power grid. The electrical power storage apparatus is electrically coupled to the fossil fuel-fired power generation unit and operative to: receive and store electrical power from the fossil fuel-fired power generation unit during periods of surplus electrical power generation by the fossil fuel-fired power generation unit; and to provide electrical power to a component of the fossil fuel-fired power generation unit during periods of electrical power shortage by the electrical power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xinsheng Lou, Stanley Kmiotek
  • Patent number: 11677831
    Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of nodes distributed throughout the machine. Each of the nodes is operable to communicate through one or more radio frequencies, where the machine includes a cooler portion and a hotter portion. The system includes a means for communicating with the network of nodes using a higher frequency to communicate with one or more of the nodes in the cooler portion of the machine and a lower frequency to communicate with one or more of the nodes in the hotter portion of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Gilson, Joseph V. Mantese, Gurkan Gok, Eric J. Heims, Goran Djuknic, Coy Bruce Wood, Geoffrey T. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 10240092
    Abstract: A coal mixture is provided that maintains a high level of coke strength after carbonization, even where coal having an excessively large permeation distance is used in a large amount. The coal mixture includes large-permeation-distance coal and permeation-distance-decreasing coal. The permeation-distance-decreasing coal has a mean maximum vitrinite reflectance Ro of 1.25% or more and a total inert amount TI of 30 vol. % or less. The blending ratio of the permeation-distance-decreasing coal in the coal mixture is in a range derived by multiplying the blending ratio of the large-permeation-distance coal by 0.25 or more and 3.0 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: JFE STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Dohi, Kiyoshi Fukada, Takashi Matsui, Mikiya Nagayama, Narumi Nanri
  • Patent number: 10119088
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carbon-enriched biomass material, a method of producing the carbon-enriched biomass material, and a method for using the carbons-enriched biomass material. A lignocellulosic material is used as a starting material and is treated at elevated temperatures under partially oxidizing conditions in a reaction vessel which is isolated from the environment. The carbon enriched biomass can be used in domestic or industrial combustion processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Arbaflame Technology AS
    Inventors: Rune Brusletto, Mike Kleinert
  • Patent number: 9988588
    Abstract: A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed or a non-fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: RIVER BASIN ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Vijay Sethi, Clinton B. Camper, Jerrod D. Isaak
  • Patent number: 9353324
    Abstract: This mixed coal fuel is obtained by mixing a low-grade coal and residual coal. The residual coal is obtained by separating, through evaporation, a solvent from concentrated solids left over when a solution portion, which contains soluble coal components in solvent, is separated from a slurry obtained by mixing and heating coal and a solvent. Furthermore, the ratio (base/acid) of basic components to acidic components contained in ash of the residual coal is lower than that of the low-grade coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiya Tada, Yoji Takubo
  • Patent number: 9273260
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to processes for preparing agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks of a particle size suitable for reaction in a fluidized-bed reactor and certain other gasification reactors and, in particular, for coal gasification and combustion applications. The present invention also relates to an integrated coal hydromethanation process including preparing and utilizing such agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl T. Robinson, Kenneth P. Keckler, Pattabhi K. Raman, Avinash Sirdeshpande
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8979952
    Abstract: The invention relates to the improvement of the fuel-properties of biomass in an integrated manner to facilitate storage, shipping and applicability thereof. In the process, biomass (6) is thermally treated within a combustion process to cause partial torrefaction of the organic matter present in biomass, thus yielding components inert to biological decomposition processes. Constituents (10) separated in gaseous form are utilized as fuel, while the thermally treated biomass (8) remaining in the solid form is utilized in a separate process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Valmet Power Oy
    Inventor: Markku Raiko
  • Patent number: 8956426
    Abstract: A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed or a non-fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: River Basin Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay Sethi, Clinton B. Camper
  • Patent number: 8906119
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Accordant Energy, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Bohlig, Dingrong Bai
  • Patent number: 8852302
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Accordant Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Dingrong Bai
  • Patent number: 8828105
    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 co-firing with coal and as substitutes for coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Accordant Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Paula A. Calabrese, Dingrong Bai
  • Patent number: 8753410
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing fuel briquettes from high moisture fine coal. The apparatus includes a coal fine pelletizer, a pellet dryer and a fuel briquette former all provided in-line for the efficient production of fuel briquettes. The method comprises forming pellets from coal fines, drying those pellets to a desired moisture content of about 1 to about 10% and forming fuel briquettes from the dried pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventor: Darrell Neal Taulbee
  • 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: 20140083439
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a fuel element for a smoking article including the steps of mixing a metal-containing catalyst precursor with a filler material or graphite or a combination thereof to form a pre-treated fuel element component; optionally calcining the pre-treated fuel element component in order to convert the catalyst precursor to a catalytic metal compound; after the optional calcining step, combining the pre-treated fuel element component with a carbonaceous material and a binder to produce a fuel element composition; and forming the fuel element composition into a fuel element adapted for use in a smoking article. Examples of metal-containing catalyst precursors include iron nitrate, copper nitrate, cerium nitrate, cerium ammonium nitrate, manganese nitrate, magnesium nitrate, and zinc nitrate. Fuel elements treated according to the invention, and smoking articles including such fuel elements, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Chandra Kumar Banerjee, Stephen Benson Sears, Susan K. Pike
  • Patent number: 8617263
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a fuel element for a smoking article including the steps of mixing a metal-containing catalyst precursor with a filler material or graphite or a combination thereof to form a pre-treated fuel element component; optionally calcining the pre-treated fuel element component in order to convert the catalyst precursor to a catalytic metal compound; after the optional calcining step, combining the pre-treated fuel element component with a carbonaceous material and a binder to produce a fuel element composition; and forming the fuel element composition into a fuel element adapted for use in a smoking article. Examples of metal-containing catalyst precursors include iron nitrate, copper nitrate, cerium nitrate, cerium ammonium nitrate, manganese nitrate, magnesium nitrate, and zinc nitrate. Fuel elements treated according to the invention, and smoking articles including such fuel elements, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Chandra Kumar Banerjee, Stephen Benson Sears, Susan K Pike
  • Patent number: 8613781
    Abstract: A lignin plastics solids mass containing lignin solids and liquids with up to 85% liquids can be partially dewatered by heating the lignin plastics solids mass to above a critical temperature at which time the lignin plastics solids agglomerate into lower moisture granular solids with between about 45% to 55% liquids releasing excess liquid which can be easily removed from the solids. The process is particularly useful for lignin plastics solids removed from black liquor from paper mills, or for similar lignin plastics solids masses, which can contain up to 85% liquids and which need to be dried to form useful lignin solids, which can be used for example for fuel. The dewatering process can be combined with the process for separating the lignin from the black liquor to separate the dewatered lignin directly from the black liquor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Harrison R. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20130330677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coal to form a paste that can be used as a fuel or incorporated with other fillers to form pellets or briquettes. The paste is formed from crushed or powdered coal mixed in a liquid fuel and may be used as is or may be mixed with a carrier fuel prior to combustion or it could be mixed with other biomass fillers to produce a solid fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Joel Sterling Douglas, Michael Curtis
  • Publication number: 20130326938
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of reducing the energy required to remove moisture from biomass, carbonaceous materials and mixtures of the same. The method significantly reduces the energy requirements by removing moisture as a liquid and by transferring the moisture to the surface of the material where it is more easily and efficiently evaporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GTL ENERGY HOLDING PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert French, Robert A. Reeves
  • Patent number: 8585785
    Abstract: A method for production of fuel pellets from a biological material, preferably saw dust, wood or similar, where the method comprises the following steps: supplying the material to a drying step (1) and dry the material to a relative humidity from 40-65 weight-percent to 30-45 weight-percent; supplying the material from the dryer step (1), optionally via an intermediate storage step (2), to a reactor step (3, 3?) and heat the material to 200-300° C. by supply of steam; keeping the material in the reactor at the achieved temperature in sufficient time to soften the material; reducing the pressure of the reactor step (3, 3?) in at least two steps, in order to defibrate the material and release of lignin, and supply the material from the reactor step (3, 3?) to an additional drying step (5), optionally via an intermediate storage step (4), and optionally pelletizing of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Arbaflame Technology AS and Cambi Technology AS
    Inventors: Rune Brusletto, Odd Egil Solheim, Hans Rasmus Holte
  • Publication number: 20130255142
    Abstract: A method for estimating the thermal plasticity of coal and a caking additive by observing the thermal plasticity of coal and a caking additive under the condition that sufficiently simulates an environment surrounding thermal plastic coal and a caking additive in a coke oven and to provide a method for preparing coal of a brand having a specified quality by making clear the required quality of a coal brand which can be ideally used for manufacturing high-strength coke by using the estimation method. A method for preparing coal for coke making, the method including adjusting a permeation distance of one or more kinds of coal to a specified value or less when plural coal brands are blended as materials to be used for coke making is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: JFE STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Dohi, Izumi Shimoyama, Kiyoshi Fukada, Tetsuya Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Sumi
  • Patent number: 8523962
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: MPH Energy LLC
    Inventors: James W. Bohlig, Dingrong Bai
  • Publication number: 20130192970
    Abstract: A process for forming and maintaining a carbonaceous bed with coke replacement units suitable for use in pyrolytic processes includes the steps of: forming a plurality of non-coke units that are either or both irregularly shaped natural wood blocks and bricks including carbon-containing fines and one or more binders; forming an initial carbonaceous bed by a quantity of particles of coke in which at least about 25% of the carbon content of the initial bed is provided by said quantity of non-coke units and up to about 75% of the carbon content of the initial bed is provided by said quantity of particles of coke; and performing a pyrolytic process with the carbonaceous bed including reacting carbon in the bed with other added process material at an elevated temperature in the bed and supplementing carbon material during the pyrolytic process by adding additional carbon material of which at least 25% of the additional carbon material is not coke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: ALTER NRG CORP.
  • Patent number: 8444721
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Re Community Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Dingrong Bai
  • Patent number: 8444722
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Richey
  • Patent number: 8439987
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a production method capable of producing carbon composite briquettes having sufficient strength without excessively reducing a production capacity, even using steel mill dust containing oil. This method comprises: adding at least a carbonaceous material and a binder to steel mill dust containing oil and mixing them to form a powdery mixture; compacting the powdery mixture by means of a pressure roll to produce briquettes; and recognizing an increase/decrease in an oil content of the powdery mixture to adjust a rotation speed of the pressure roll so as to lower the rotation speed along with an increase in the oil content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Harada, Hideaki Fujimoto, Hidetoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8404006
    Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting vehicle includes a crop material pick-up device, a fragmentation unit for fragmentizing the crop material, and a mechanical dehydration device which is used to remove an aqueous portion of the crop material, and which is divided into a first dehydration unit that takes place upstream of the fragmentation unit, and a second dehydration unit that takes place downstream of the fragmentation unit; and a method of harvesting is performed by the thusly arranged units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Weigelt
  • Patent number: 8349034
    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 co-firing with coal and as substitutes for coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Re Community Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Paula A. Calabrese, Dingrong Bai
  • Publication number: 20130004904
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a solid fuel suitable for thermal power generation by making use of the residue left after beneficial seeds, grains or bulbs are collected. [Solution] A solid fuel which comprises a composition containing 70 wt % or more, on dry basis, of dried Arundo donax, Leucaena leucocephala, Saccharum officinarum, Manihot esculenta, straw, seaweed, seagrass or algae and which is hot compression molded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: CREATIVE CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Michihiro Kiyama
  • Patent number: 8328884
    Abstract: Compositions for wood pellets including grape vine and methods of making wood pellet compositions including grape vine are described. The wood pellets include wood particles, grape vine particles, and a lubricant. The method includes mixing wood particles and grape vine particles with a lubricant, heating the mixture, and forming the mixture into pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. Traeger, Mark A. Traeger, Randolph J. Traeger, Brian E. Traeger
  • Patent number: 8266812
    Abstract: An apparatus for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Wyssmont Company Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Weisselberg, Joseph Bevacqua, Robert Borre
  • Patent number: 8211274
    Abstract: A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated and has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg. A method for producing the solidified biomass: includes crushing raw biomass material; loading a barrel with the crushed raw biomass material; inserting a pressure applying piston into a hollow of the barrel; pressure-forming the crushed raw biomass materials by applying pressure with the pressure applying piston while heating the material; obtaining semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter by retaining constant time of the heating and the pressurizing; cooling the semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter while maintaining pressure to obtain a cooled solid; and taking out and drying the cooled solid, wherein the pressure applying piston and the hollow of the barrel have very small clearance between their outer and inner peripheries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Kinki University, Naniwa Roki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamio Ida, Akio Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8163045
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for direct conversion of a used or waste material into a burnable fuel and to burnable fuels derived therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sharps Compliance, Inc
    Inventors: Burton J. Kunik, James C. Berns, David G. Gossman
  • Publication number: 20120060412
    Abstract: The invention relates to the improvement of the fuel-properties of biomass in an integrated manner to facilitate storage, shipping and applicability thereof. In the process, biomass (6) is thermally treated within a combustion process to cause partial torrefaction of the organic matter present in biomass, thus yielding components inert to biological decomposition processes. Constituents (10) separated in gaseous form are utilized as fuel, while the thermally treated biomass (8) remaining in the solid form is utilized in a separate process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: METSO POWER OY
    Inventor: Markku Raiko
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8118887
    Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Creative Sparks, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Saunders, James F. Meskill
  • Publication number: 20110314735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fuel (10) containing carbon, wherein the fuel (10) is formed by compressing raw material (2) containing carbon and adding an additive (4) that promotes thermal utilization of the fuel at a specified amount, and the additive (4) contains a chemical compound made of the elements calcium and/or magnesium and having or not having carbon. According to the invention, in a first method step, the raw material (2) containing carbon is pressed and in this way a pressed fuel article (6) is produced, and then the additive (4) is fed to at least one area (6a) of said pressed fuel article (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Andre Budnick, Van Cung Tran
  • Publication number: 20110302831
    Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Craig Saunders, James F. Meskill
  • Publication number: 20110219678
    Abstract: A mold for use in a rotary compactor in order to form compacted mass products (e.g., briquets) from a compactable material, the mold having at least one roll pocket that is provided with a surface configuration adapted to impart corresponding grooves to the respective mass surface, and in turn, to provide a physical barrier to the flow of the compactable material adapted to impart an optimal balance between releasability and wear resistance as compared to a pocket previously known in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: BEPEX INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. McHale, Donald K. Swatling
  • Publication number: 20110167715
    Abstract: The invention provides low-cost, non-thermal methods to transform and beneficiate bulk materials, including low rank coals such as peat, lignite, brown coal, subbituminous coal, other carbonaceous solids or derived feedstock. High pressure compaction and comminution processes are linked to transform the solid materials by eliminating interstitial, capillary, pores, or other voids that are present in the materials and that may contain liquid, air or gases that are detrimental to the quality and performance of the bulk materials, thereby beneficiating the bulk products to provide premium feedstock for industrial or commercial uses, such as electric power generation, gasification, liquefaction, and carbon activation. The handling characteristics, dust mitigation aspects and combustion emissions of the products may also be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: GTL ENERGY, LTD
    Inventors: Robert R. French, Robert A. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20110155029
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for direct conversion of a used or waste material into a burnable fuel and to burnable fuels derived therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SHARPS COMPLIANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Burton J. Kunik, James C. Berns, David G. Gossman
  • Patent number: 7959692
    Abstract: Compositions for wood pellets including grape vine and methods of making wood pellet compositions including grape vine are described. The wood pellets include wood particles, grape vine particles, and a lubricant. The method includes mixing wood particles and grape vine particles with a lubricant, heating the mixture, and forming the mixture into pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. Traeger, Mark A. Traeger, Randolph J Traeger, Brian E. Traeger
  • Publication number: 20110099893
    Abstract: Process for treating coal to enhance its rank, wherein the temperature of the material is gradually increased in a controlled set of atmospheres, to allow for the reduction of surface and inherent moisture and the controlled reduction of volatile matter while maintaining the coal's natural structural integrity. The process reduces the time, capitalization, and production costs required to produce coal of enhanced rank, thus substantially increasing the cost effectiveness and production rate over prior processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Saudi American Minerals Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Hunt
  • Patent number: 7927388
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing woodfuel briquettes, pellets, compounds, composites, agglomerates, or granulates as source material for subsequent processing in injection molding or extrusion processes, includes a pressing screw with screw spirals, which rotate around a longitudinal axis and which are arranged inside a screw shell. The feed material is conveyed to the pressing screw via a feed chute located at an input side. At the end of the pressing screw, processing tools are arranged, to which the feed material is conveyed by the rotating screw spirals. In the area of the processing tools, the residual moisture in the feed material evaporates due to the heat generated during the processing procedure, and is vented as a steam flow from the apparatus through the screw shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Pallmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartmut Pallmann
  • Publication number: 20100304238
    Abstract: A solid hydrogen fuel, in a form of a solid block, includes at lease a hydride powder well-mixed with at lease a solid catalyst. Method of manufacturing the solid hydrogen fuel includes steps of well-mixing the hydride powder and the solid catalyst; and compressing the mixed powders to form a solid block. When use of the solid hydrogen fuel is required, water is mixed into the hydride powder for generating hydrogen gas, wherein the hydride powder is catalyzed by the solid catalyst and reacts with water to generate hydrogen gas. By using the solid hydrogen fuel, large amount of hydrogen gas can be generated completely in an effective time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jie-Ren Ku, Shing-Fen Tsai, Ya-Yi Hsu, Chan-Li Hsueh, Ming-Shan Jeng, Fanghei Tsau
  • Publication number: 20100281768
    Abstract: A solid composite fuel for the mitigation of emissions from a coal-fired power plant includes a solid monothilic fuel material formed from the pyrolysis of a coal material and at least one solid renewable fuel material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Robert J. Walty
  • Publication number: 20100257780
    Abstract: The charcoal-foam heating material is formed by combining a charcoal mixture with an aqueous surfactant and water to create a semi-homogenous charcoal-foam slurry. The slurry is poured into shaping molds so that the slurry dries into the charcoal-foam heating material. In the preferred embodiment, a concrete surfactant is used during the mixing process and the charcoal-foam slurry is formed into briquettes and used as a cooking fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory M. Glenn, Syed Hussain Imam, Artur Klamczynski
  • Patent number: 7811339
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for fabrication of fuel from form pressed biomass wherein biomass, particularly grass, is dried prior to pressing, for example, into pellets, and use of such fuels, particularly in form of grass pellets, for energy generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Hans Werner