Patents Examined by Kenneth B. Rinehart
  • Patent number: 7849849
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frame assembly for mounting solar modules (1), said frame assembly comprising at least two flat frames which are arranged at a distance, preferably forming a triangle respectively with the frame sides (2, 3, 4) thereof, respectively one frame side (4) being inclined in relation to the surface of the ground or the roof (5). Carrier profiled parts (6, 7) which can be respectively displaced and fixed and are used to support and fix a solar module (1) are respectively arranged on two adjacent frames on the inclined side (4) of the frame. The carrier profiled parts (6, 7) are used to ensure the connection to the adjacently arranged frame sides (2, 3) in such a way that they can be displaced and fixed in relation to each other. The frame sides (2, 3) are also connected in such a way that they can be displaced and fixed in relation to each other and/or comprise at least one length adjustment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Conergy AG
    Inventor: Gido Genschorek
  • Patent number: 7849805
    Abstract: A primary air system for a combustion plant provides a flow of primary air to at least one coal pulverizer, which emits pulverized coal in a downstream direction to a furnace. The primary air system includes a first primary air line for feeding hot primary air to the coal pulverizer and a second primary air line for admixing of cold primary air into the hot primary air line at a mixing location positioned upstream of the coal pulverizer. A control system shuts off the flow of primary air to the coal pulverizer, when the coal pulverizer is being repaired or serviced while the furnace is in operation. The control system includes a first flow control butterfly valve disposed in the first primary air line at a position upstream of the mixing location and a second flow control butterfly valve disposed in the second primary air line at a position upstream of the mixing location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Hellmuth Brüggemann, Frank Rauch, Hasthika Weerasinghe
  • Patent number: 7845345
    Abstract: A solar-powered system and method for producing a utility, such as electricity, hot water, and/or potable water is disclosed. The system may be configured to produce the utilities alone or in combination. The system may comprise a fluid medium, a converter, one or more solar concentrators, a storage tank, a collection tank, a dehydration tank, and one or more safety features. The system may be closed-loop or open-loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Cheryl Glazer, Elliott Glazer, Steven Glazer
  • Patent number: 7845291
    Abstract: A control method for operating a waste incineration plant with a auxiliary burner is disclosed. A steam power is regulated as a function of a burner power of the auxiliary burner. For this purpose, on the basis of the burner power, a burner steam power is determined, which represents the contribution generated by the auxiliary burner fire to the steam power of the waste incineration plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Von Roll Umwelttechnik AG
    Inventors: Josef Mercx, Peter Benz
  • Patent number: 7845344
    Abstract: The invention comprises a fuel package comprising a vessel, a fuel, a combustion-restricting choke plate and a sealed lidding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Sologear, LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Sorenson, David C. Franchino, Mark Schweiger, Tom Bush
  • Patent number: 7845292
    Abstract: A slag and corrosion control process is described. The process entails: identifying the location of at least one slagging problem area in a boiler; introducing a slag control chemical comprising magnesium oxide or hydroxide into combustion gases in a location identified as having a slagging problem; identifying the location of at least one corrosion problem area in a boiler; and introducing a corrosion control chemical comprising a sulfate salt, bisulfite salt, sulfuric acid, or sulfur into combustion gases in a location identified as having a corrosion problem. In operation, these slag deposits will be sufficiently friable to be removed by relatively moderate application of physical energy, thus saving time and reducing any damage to the tubes by the cleaning process. The slag deposits are less voluminous and less in weight and are removed quickly. It is an advantage of the invention that slag can be removed with little or no shut down of a boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: J. David Martin, Christopher R. Smyrniotis, Kent W. Schulz, William H. Sun, Scott K. Bohlen, Glenn Brewer
  • Patent number: 7841104
    Abstract: The present invention provides a washer for washing articles. A housing of the washer defines a chamber. A partition divides the chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. An outer peripheral edge of the partition generally conforms to side walls of the housing such that a gap is formed between the edge of the partition and the side walls of the housing. A blower assembly disposed in the upper compartment has a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an air outlet. The first air inlet fluidly communicates with the lower compartment. The second air inlet fluidly communicates with an external air inlet line. The air outlet fluidly communicates with the upper compartment. An impeller is provided to circulate air from the lower compartment and from the air inlet line into the upper compartment. A heating means heats the air in the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Maxime Robert, Ghislain Parent, Louis Martineau
  • Patent number: 7841282
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for combusting bridging fuel which includes biomass material. The apparatus includes an enclosure having a relatively thin wall defining a firebox. A temperature sensor is positioned on the exterior of the wall of the firebox. A controller is operatively connected to the temperature sensor and the fuel feed conveyor. If the temperature sensor exceeds a set point, the controller automatically operates the fuel feed conveyor to refill the firebox with fuel, which reinsulates the wall of the firebox so that fuel surrounds the combustion. A method according to the invention causes a refilling of fuel into a firebox upon sensing a condition indicative of a collapse of the bridging fuel in the firebox during combustion, losing its insulating effect at that location. The refilling is adapted to reinsulate the firebox with the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventors: John Kimberlin, Matthew B. Keeling
  • Patent number: 7841333
    Abstract: A cooking stove in which heat exchange between combustion gas and the bottom surface of a cooking container is sufficiently conducted and heat exchange efficiency is improved is provided. On a top plate, a plate that supports a cooking container is arranged concentrically with the burner head of the burner viewed from above. This plate is disc-shaped where an opening which is larger than the burner head is defined at the center. Moreover, eight protrusions having an angular cross section where slopes become gentler as they extend toward the outer circumferential side are spirally arranged around the opening viewed from above, and these protrusions are formed by press forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Paloma Industries, Limited
    Inventor: Toshihiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7836835
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas incinerator device comprising a combustion chamber having a heater body producing combustion gas, at least one fan feeding the heater body with cool air to ensure combustion, and an exhaust chimney for exhausting the mixture formed by the combustion gas and the cool air, the combustion chamber being mounted in the exhaust chimney in such a manner as to leave an annular duct between the combustion chamber and the exhaust chimney to pass a flow of combustion cool air and/or of cooling air coming from said at least one fan, said combustion chamber having a plurality of injection orifices and/or tubes enabling a fraction of the cool air flowing in the annular duct to be injected therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Damien Feger
  • Patent number: 7836879
    Abstract: A tracker drive system is provided for rotatably driving one or more objects, for example solar panels or other equipment. The system comprises a torque element mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, wherein the torque element can support one or more objects for rotation therewith about the generally horizontal axis; a lever arm connected with the torque element, the lever arm being movable to rotate the torque element; a movable drive member that is drivable by a drive mechanism; and a dynamic coupler coupling the drive member with the lever arm such that the lever arm is drivable by the drive member to rotate the torque element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin Keith Mackamul
  • Patent number: 7832344
    Abstract: A waste treatment system processes waste upon the application of energy. The system includes a vessel, and a plurality of plasma torches. Organic and/or inorganic waste may be introduced into the vessel, and the plasma torches may supply energy to treat the waste. The vessel is shaped to facilitate a cyclonic or substantially cyclonic flow of the contents within the vessel. The plasma torches may be positioned to enhance the cyclonic flow within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: PEAT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose A. Capote, Joseph A. Rosin, Hsien Wu
  • Patent number: 7832343
    Abstract: A pyrolyzer has a heated inner housing that includes first and second conveyors. Preferred conveyors have independent or at least potentially independent flows of material to be pyrolyzed. All suitable conveyors are contemplated, including especially screw conveyors, or combination of screw and paddle conveyors. Both first and second conveyors can be disposed within a common lumen, with a partial divider between them. An alternative divider is also contemplated that more or less divides the inner housing into two lumens. Thus, the lumens can be entirely distinct, or can have cross-flow of gases and/or material being pyrolyzed. Heat transfer fins can be advantageously attached, extend from, or be otherwise coupled to the inner housing to assist in transfer of heat into the lumen(s) of the inner housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: International Environmental Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: William Walker, Karen Meyer Bertram
  • Patent number: 7832391
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a cooking range exhaust having a hood, a backsplash, and a flue for exhausting cooking effluent is disclosed. The cleaning system includes a fluid delivery system constructed for placement within the cooking range exhaust. The fluid delivery system includes a hood spray conduit constructed for placement within the hood and comprising spray openings for directing a degreasing composition to the backsplash. The fluid delivery system includes a flue spray conduit constructed for placement within the flue and comprising spray openings for directing the degreasing composition to an interior surface of the flue. The cleaning system includes a pump system constructed for conveying the degreasing composition from a degreasing composition source and through the fluid delivery system. The cleaning system includes a collection reservoir constructed to collect degreasing composition runoff from the cooking range exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kellogg, Bruns & Smeija, LLC
    Inventors: David Alan Kellogg, David Paul Smieja, Ryan Dietrich Bruns
  • Patent number: 7832342
    Abstract: A process for combusting fuels, in particular waste, includes reducing the oxygen mass flow of the underfire combustion gas and increasing the oxygen mass flow of the overfire combustion gas in the event of an increase in the reaction rate or combustion intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: Martin GmbH für Umwelt-und Energietechnik, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Johannes Martin, Oliver Gohlke, Masao Takuma, Minoru Kuranishi, Yoshio Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 7832341
    Abstract: A method of injection and combustion control and related injection nozzles and lances are described which facilitate the merging of the combustion of fossil fuels and separately added solid biomass waste product fuels in the form of pelletized chars and fine particulates. An assembly of five concentric, annular tubes and conically shaped exit tips is used to deliver air conveyed biomass fuel as an annular stream between two higher velocity air streams, both of which converge so as to accelerate and propel the biomass fuel, and distribute it into the flame zone produced in a conventional fossil fueled boiler. The additional air required for combustion of the biomass fuel is fed to the expanding plume produced by the fuel delivery stream and adjoining air streams. A portion of the combustion air is delivered through the inside of the inner tube in sufficient volume to provide the entrainment flow produced by the expanding air streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: William Arthur Walsh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7832390
    Abstract: A cooking grill or other cooking apparatus with heating drawers that may be slid into and out of a cabinet assembly like a drawer in a desk or dresser. There are two types of burning drawers, both of which have rectangular box-like shapes, with the same dimensions, so that either one of them can be inserted into the same slots in the cabinet assembly. The first type of drawer is designed for wood or charcoal. The second type of drawer is designed for natural gas. One drawer can be slid out, and the other drawer can be slid in. There are three type of cooking surfaces: a wok grill with a radially grating, a teriyaki plate with a solid surface, and a barbeque grill having apertures in a staggered array. The first embodiment has four drawers and two cooking areas. The second embodiment has three drawers and three cooking areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Shih Kwang Hsu, Jeff Wonderley
  • Patent number: 7823577
    Abstract: A grill assembly includes a flat, broad first grill having a first upper grill face to receive food to be cooked and an opposed lower grill face, and a flat, broad second grill having a second upper grill face to receive food to be cooked, and an opposed second lower grill face. The second grill is positioned atop the first upper grill face of the first grill juxtaposing the second lower grill face of the second grill opposite to the first upper grill face of the first grill. A coupling is formed between the first grill and the second grill to allow rotation of the second grill relative to the first grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: James Babjak
  • Patent number: 7819114
    Abstract: A plug and play solar panel assembly is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a substantially rectangular sheet having a first area configured to fit between a first layer and a second layer of a weatherproof surface. The sheet has a second area configured to protrude from the first layer and the second layer of the weatherproof surface. The second area includes a mounting area to attach one or more solar panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Solar Red Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E Augenbraun, John K Cammack, Darrell S Park
  • Patent number: 7819071
    Abstract: A nozzle system for a fluidized bed including a pipe for insertion through an air distributor plate in the fluidized bed and extending up through a refractory material on the air distributor plate. A shaft is received in the pipe and has a washer and a collar which supports the shaft on the distal end of the pipe. A cap includes a top surface supported by a skirt, defining a protected annular exhaust space between the shaft and the cap skirt. Spaced discreet supports extend inwardly from the cap skirt supporting and centering the cap on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Salvatore J. Seminatore