Patents Examined by David Lee
  • Patent number: 6217316
    Abstract: A support for a torch is disclosed. The support has a shank, a torch seat formed on the first end of the shank, a retainer provided on the second end of the shank. The retainer has a U-shaped bracket, a through hole defined in a face of the bracket, an extension screwed through the through hole, a handle integrally formed on the first end of the extension and a backing plate securely attached to the second end of the extension. Therefore, a gap defined between the backing plate and the inner face of the bracket is able to be adjusted by rotating the extension so as that the retainer is able to clamp an object to stand the support in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Jui-Ju Yeh
  • Patent number: 6217314
    Abstract: A fully disposable oil candle comprises a disposable blow-molded exterior resin shell made to resemble a conventional beeswax candle and an inner disposable fuel cell. By configuring the fuel cell to include a separating structure to fit within a radial groove inside the opening of the shell, the cell and the exterior shell can be permanently joined, forming a candle that closely resembles an ordinary beeswax candle. Moreover, the separating structure of the fuel cell acts to provide distance between the fuel cell and the exterior shell, partially insulating the exterior shell from the heat of the fuel cell. By maintaining an insulating distance between the fuel cell and the exterior shell, the exterior shell can be made less robust. The result is a candle that is less expensive to manufacture and ship and more convenient for consumers to use. In addition, the separating structure can act as a safety feature by making it more difficult for individuals to remove the fuel cell from the candle once assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Muench-Kreuzer Candle Company
    Inventors: Frederick C. Kiesinger, J. Alan Menter
  • Patent number: 6213758
    Abstract: Control system and method for regulating the air/fuel mix of a burner for a web dryer or a regenerative or recuperative oxidizer, for example. Differential air pressure is monitored between the air chamber of the burner and the enclosure into which the burner fires (such as a flotation dryer or the combustion chamber of a regenerative thermal oxidizer). Fuel flow is monitored by a differential pressure measurement between the fuel chamber of the burner and the enclosure into which the burner fires. These measurements are compared to predetermined values, and the fuel flow and/or air flow to the burner is regulated accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Megtec Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Tesar, Michael P. Bria
  • Patent number: 6213116
    Abstract: A wood or multi-fuel stove comprises a primary combustion chamber, a flue duct extending from an upper part of the primary combustion chamber; a grate defining a lower boundary for the primary combustion chamber, the grate extending from the front towards the back of the stove interior and having a front edge juxtaposed with the front of the stove; a secondary combustion chamber located beneath the grate linked to the primary combustion chamber; an inlet path for supplying fresh air to the secondary combustion chamber, the inlet path by-passing the primary combustion chamber; and an outlet path for conveying combustion products from the secondary combustion chamber to the flue, the outlet channel by-passing the primary chamber; the stove being characterized in that: the primary combustion chamber (X) is defined at least on its rear side by an insulated member (12); the grate (1) has: (i) a rear edge off set from the insulated member to leave a gap (G); extending over all, or part of, the width of the grate (1
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Adam Swainson
  • Patent number: 6206686
    Abstract: A low NOx burner and related method are disclosed including the steps of supplying a first reactant stream and introducing a second reactant stream into the first reactant stream at a first point so as to produce co-flowing streams. This resulting fuel/oxidant stream is discharged into a furnace environment having inert combustion products substantially equilibrated to furnace temperature, so as to entrain the combustion products and mix them together with the co-flowing stream. The temperature of the co-flowing stream is increased by the entrained products until it ignites in a combustion region displaced from the first point. Thus ignition cannot occur until the reactant stream has been diluted by inert products of combustion, reducing both oxygen concentration and peak flame temperature, so as to suppress NOx production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: North American Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Keith J. Nieszczur, Bruce E. Cain, John N. Newby, Thomas F. Robertson, Richard D. Sutton
  • Patent number: 6206684
    Abstract: A system and method is provided in the form of an injector assembly 10 for thoroughly premixing fuel and oxidizer reactants and water upstream of a combustion chamber 12. The assembly includes a housing 20 that has a first stack 30 for thoroughly mixing reactants from an oxidizer source 40 and a fuel source 50. It also includes a second stack 80 for mixing and blending the prior mixed reactants with coolant water, before ignition within a combustion chamber 12. The mixing and blending is accomplished in mixing cups 100 where the water and reactant mixture are joined in perpendicular flow streams. Some water is also introduced tangentially in the mixing cups to promote vortical flow and further enhance the mixing process. An alternative injector assembly 210 is also provided that mixes the reactants in a swirl cup 260 and enhances mixture ratio uniformity by means of a diffusion plate insert 270.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Clean Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Harry Mueggenburg
  • Patent number: 6202637
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for replenishing the water supply in a water pan of a water smoker grill. An external water supply is permanently or removably attached to the side of a water smoker grill. A water supply tube extends from the external water supply into the water pan of the water smoker grill. As water is boiled off from the water pan and the level in the water pan descends below a minimum level below the level of the outlet tube, water is allowed to replenish the water supply in the water pan, thereby increasing the cooking time without having to remove the lid of the water smoker grill to replace the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jon L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6199548
    Abstract: A structure of an oven structure, comprised of a lateral, round body and a door panel pivoted to the body that can be lifted to open, and separated by removing the pivot members if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Lundar Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tony Hsu
  • Patent number: 6199546
    Abstract: The present invention comprises two grills that slide in and out of a center support piece, with the center support piece attaching to the underside of a grate within a fireplace. Each grill of the present invention has a grow frame and a grill screen, with the grow frame fabricated in a rectangular frame, being composed of hollow circular metal tubing. Each grill has two ends, a first end and a second end, two surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, and two sides, a first side and a second side. Each grill has a grill screen which is spot welded to the top; surface of the grill frame of each grill. The first end of each grill frame is designed to be inserted into a center support. The second end of each grill frame has two adjustable hooks attached to the top surface of the grill frame with the adjustable hooks allowing the present invention to be attached to the bottom of a fireplace grate with varying degrees of clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: William E. Freemon
  • Patent number: 6200128
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering sensible heat from a hot exhaust gas having an oxygen concentration of less than 21 vol % in a fuel-air fired combustion device. An oxidant stream comprising a gas having an oxygen concentration of greater than 21 vol % is introduced into the combustion process to form an oxidant mixture comprising the hot exhaust gas, the oxidant and any air present, the mixture having an average combined oxygen concentration of less than 21 vol %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Hisashi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6196213
    Abstract: A barbecue table having a frame and a top connected to the frame. The top serves as a table and is formed by a flat metal plate. A heating element is arranged under the metal plate and connected to the frame. The heating element is mounted on the underside of the metal plate and heats the metal plate allowing food to be prepared thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Meino Jan Van Der Woude
  • Patent number: 6196216
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector, comprising: a cover layer to be directed toward the incident solar radiation; a system of tubes which is thermally coupled to the cover layer and through which heat transfer medium, in particular liquid such as water, can flow between a feed connection and a discharge connection; a substantially form-stiff carrier layer supporting the tube system and the cover later. The solar collector according to the invention has the special feature that: the cover layer consists of a weather-resistant plastic roof-covering foil; the tubes consist at least partially of a plastic material welded fixedly to the cover layer; the carrier layer is provided with recesses in which the tube system is accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Albertus Kooij
  • Patent number: 6186775
    Abstract: In a burner for operating a combustion chamber, which burner essentially comprises a swirl generator (100), a transition piece (200) arranged downstream of the swirl generator, and a mixing tube (20), transition piece (200) and mixing tube (20) forming the mixing section of the burner and being arranged upstream of a combustion space (30). A pilot-burner system (300) is arranged in the lower region of the mixing tube (20), which pilot-burner system (300), at minimized pollutant emissions, stabilizes the flame front, in particular in the transient load ranges. At least one ignition device (311) is integrated in the pilot-burner system (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Jansohn, Dieter Köster, Thomas Ruck
  • Patent number: 6186774
    Abstract: A lighter assembly especially suitable for burning butane gas as a fuel is provided in modular form which consists essentially of two unitary subassemblies which may be detachably mounted together to form the assembled lighter. The lighter assembly, which features low cost and structural simplicity, is constructed with the first subassembly comprising a hollow body defining a chamber for storing the fuel, an inlet valve assembly for inserting fuel into said chamber, a burner valve assembly for controlling emission of the fuel from said chamber, and a burner valve actuating arm for opening and closing the burner valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Calogero Butera, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6186773
    Abstract: A safety mechanism of a utility lighter. The safety mechanism includes a cam mechanism and a safety button. The cam mechanism has three projecting members, namely, a fuel-release lever, a cam lever, and a return spring. The fuel-release lever, when activated, opens the fuel-release valve. The cam lever, when in the locked position is aligned with the stopper tab, impedes operation of the trigger. The return spring urges the cam lever into the locked position and the fuel-release lever into the closed position. The cam mechanism is operated by a safety button, as the safety button is depressed the cam mechanism rotates. Rotating the cam mechanism moves the cam lever out of alignment from the stopper tab. Thus allowing the trigger to be depressed and the fuel-release lever is also moved opening the fuel-release valve, as the safety button is released the return spring urges the cam mechanism into the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Patent number: 6178965
    Abstract: Separable sections including a base section, a firebox section, and a chimney section form a free standing fireplace intended for use outdoors. In the assembled operational state the top chimney section fits over an opening through the top of the firebox section which fits, at the bottom, onto the top of the base section. In order to facilitate both transport and storage the sections may be configured so that the overall height and volume is much less than the overall height and volume of the fireplace in an operational state. The inverted chimney section may be largely disposed within the firebox section depending from the top of the same through an opening through the top of the firebox section and the base section then fitted on top of both depending downward exterior to the firebox section. At least one lateral opening to the inside of the firebox is provided for access to the interior and facilitation of viewing of a wood burning fire inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Wesley J. Sulak
  • Patent number: 6178966
    Abstract: An apparatus for enhanced heat and moisture exchange between make-up and exhaust air streams includes a housing having an exterior wall defining an interior channel through which air streams may pass and a water vapor permeable barrier disposed within the interior channel so as to partition the interior channel into a plurality of subchannels. At least a portion of exterior wall of the housing comprises a light-transmitting material. The exchange apparatus may be implemented as a modular panel which can be integrated into the exterior walls or facade of a structure. Also disclosed is a preheating apparatus in fluid communication with one of the subchannels of the exchanger apparatus. The preheating apparatus also includes an exterior wall defining an interior channel and having at least a portion of the wall formed of a light transmitting material. One or more energy absorbing heating elements are disposed within the interior channel of the preheating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: John E. Breshears
  • Patent number: 6176702
    Abstract: A remotely controllable gaseous fuel burner having a burner body with a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, and a constricted throat region immediately upstream of the fuel outlet. A concentrically disposed and longitudinally movable fuel conduit is disposed within the burner body forming an annular region between the burner body and the fuel conduit. The fuel conduit having a conduit fuel outlet forms a conduit fuel inlet in a wall of the fuel conduit. The outer surface of the conduit fuel outlet immediately upstream of the conduit fuel outlet is tapered and has an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of the constricted throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Combustion Tec
    Inventors: Patrick J. Mohr, David S. Neff, Joseph G. Gaddone, Jack L. Nitzman
  • Patent number: 6173709
    Abstract: There is provided a portable gas cooking stove, including (a) a mixture gas pipe having an open end through which a mixture gas of combustible gas and air is exhausted, (b) a burner head connected to the mixture gas pipe in a hermetically sealed condition and having at least one opening at a surface thereof, the mixture gas blowing out through the opening, (c) an igniter igniting the mixture gas blowing out through the opening of the burner head, and (d) a windscreen surrounding the burner head and formed with a flame hole facing the opening of the burner head, the igniter being located outside the windscreen in facing relation to the flame hole. The portable gas cooking stove makes it no longer necessary to provide a net to an inner wall of a burner head, which was necessary to do in a conventional gas cooking stove, ensuring reduction in a period of time necessary for fabricating a flame hole and simplification in steps of fabricating a flame hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Snow Peak, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6173708
    Abstract: A gas burner mounting assembly includes a gas injector having a main body portion positioned between a chassis member of a gas cooking appliance and a ceramic based cooktop of the appliance. The gas injector also includes an upper body portion which extends through an aperture formed in the cooktop. A burner retention bracket is interposed between the main body portion of the gas injector and an underside of the cooktop. A resilient support preferably acts between the gas injector and the cooktop, although no rigid attachment is made between these elements. The gas injector is mechanically, fixedly secured to the cooktop in order to allow the gas injector to flex with the cooktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy John Arntz, Steven Todd Brooks, Mark A. Pickering