Patents by Inventor Brian S. Vandrak

Brian S. Vandrak has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20140209085
    Abstract: A heating device may comprise a control assembly having a self-contained, on board power supply. A control unit may control the operation of the heater and the power supply may comprise a first power source in electrical communication with the control unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the first power source to selectively supply electrical power to at least a portion of the heating device; and, a second power source in electrical communication with the control unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the second power source to selectively supply electrical power to at least a portion of the heating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Dennis O'Toole
  • Publication number: 20140175184
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a portable heating device comprising a combustion-powered heater, a regulator, and an air quality detector, such as an oxygen depletion sensor. The combustion-powered heater may be supplied by an associated fuel source and may comprise a combustion region comprising a catalytic surface. The regulator may be adapted for fluid communication with the associated fuel source. The air quality detector may comprise a burner and a temperature detector. The burner may be in fluid communication with the regulator and may be adapted to combust fuel form the regulator with air to produce a flame. The temperature detector may be adapted to detect the temperature of the flame and may be adapted to selectively render the combustion-powered heater non-functional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ENERCO GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Patent number: 8684276
    Abstract: Provided is a portable heating device comprising a combustion-powered heater, a regulator, and an oxygen depletion sensor. The combustion-powered heater may be supplied by an associated fuel source and may comprise a combustion region comprising a catalytic surface. The regulator may be adapted for fluid communication with the associated fuel source. The oxygen depletion sensor may comprise a burner and a temperature detector. The burner may be in fluid communication with the regulator and may be adapted to combust fuel form the regulator with air to produce a flame. The temperature detector may be adapted to detect the temperature of the flame and may be adapted to selectively render the combustion-powered heater non-functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Patent number: 8494350
    Abstract: A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply that allows the forced-air heater to operate without an external electric power source; a fuel tank; a combustion chamber; a support; a housing including upper and lower housing portions; a motorized fan that during operation draws in ambient air through an air intake and forces air into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis O'Toole, Brian S. Vandrak
  • Patent number: 8487221
    Abstract: A portable combined heating and lighting unit comprising a first element and a second element for generating thermal or light energy, and a component to convert thermal or light energy into electricity. The first element generates thermal or light energy from combustion of fuel. The second element generates thermal or light energy from electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Donald C. Haney
  • Patent number: 8434469
    Abstract: A portable radiant heater supplied by an associated fuel source comprises a housing having a handle for transporting the heater. A plenum in the housing receives fuel from the associated fuel source and mixes the fuel with air. A burner assembly includes a radiant surface that communicates with the plenum. A regulator limits the pressure of the associated propane source to approximately eleven inches water column, and an oxygen depletion system associated with the burner assembly automatically shuts off the heater at a predetermined oxygen content. A tank fitting with a position that can be adjusted relative to the regulator facilitates the installation of the associated fuel source to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Enerco Group Inc.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Publication number: 20130008423
    Abstract: A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply, a fuel tank, a support, a housing, a combustion chamber, and a motorized fan. The self-contained on-board electric-power supply may have a generator, a photovoltaic component, or some combination thereof. The fuel tank may be adapted to store a first fuel. The combustion chamber may be adapted to generate heat by combusting the first fuel with air. The motorized fan may be adapted to draw in ambient air through an air intake and force the air into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: ENERCO GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Noble, Brian S. Vandrak, Jeff Bush
  • Publication number: 20120180784
    Abstract: A portable radiant heater supplied by an associated fuel source comprises a housing having a handle for transporting the heater. A plenum in the housing receives fuel from the associated fuel source and mixes the fuel with air. A burner assembly includes a radiant surface that communicates with the plenum. A regulator limits the pressure of the associated propane source to approximately eleven inches water column, and an oxygen depletion system associated with the burner assembly automatically shuts off the heater at a predetermined oxygen content. A tank fitting with a position that can be adjusted relative to the regulator facilitates the installation of the associated fuel source to the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: ENERCO GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Publication number: 20120094244
    Abstract: Provided is an assembly comprising a combustion-powered heater, a target component, and a transducer operatively engaged with said target component. A combustion-powered heater may comprise a combustion site adapted to power said heater. A target component may be engaged with the combustion site. A transducer may be adapted to measure the temperature of the target component and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: ENERCO GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Publication number: 20120094242
    Abstract: Provided is a multiple fuel manifold system. A multiple fuel manifold system may be adapted for operation engagement with a first associated fluid fuel source and a second associated fluid fuel source. A multiple fuel manifold system may be further adapted for engagement with a burner. A multiple fuel manifold system may comprise a first manifold and a second manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Streisel, Brian S. Vandrak
  • Publication number: 20120031397
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel conversion system adapted for operation engagement with either of a first associated fluid fuel source or a second associated fluid fuel source. The fuel conversion system may comprise a convertible regulator, a fuel distribution, and a transmission. A convertible regulator may be adapted to receive either a first fluid fuel or a second fluid fuel. A fuel distribution valve may be operatively engaged with said convertible regulator. A transmission may be operatively engaged to said fuel distribution valve and operatively engaged with the convertible regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Streisel, Brian S. Vandrak, Liang Jianhui
  • Publication number: 20120012574
    Abstract: A portable combined heating and lighting unit comprising a first element and a second element for generating thermal or light energy, and a component to convert thermal or light energy into electricity. The first element generates thermal or light energy from combustion of fuel. The second element generates thermal or light energy from electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Donald C. Haney
  • Publication number: 20110290345
    Abstract: Provided is a temperature-sensitive fluid flow interruption device for use in operational connection with a normally-closed poppet openable by overcoming a closure force. The device may comprise an elongated housing, an elongated displacement member, a spring, and a retention cap. An elongated housing may comprise an elongated first channel. An elongated displacement member may be engaged with said elongated first channel and may comprise a longitudinal axis, a first spring retention surface, and a poppet engageable end. The poppet engageable end may be adapted for engagement with said poppet and may be engaged with the housing in a manner determined by the temperature of the temperature-sensitive fluid flow interruption device with respect to a predetermined temperature. A spring may be engaged with the first retention surface. A retention cap may be engaged with the housing and may comprise a second retention surface engaged with the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ENERCO GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Patent number: 8068724
    Abstract: A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply that allows the forced-air heater to operate without an external electric power source; a fuel tank; a combustion chamber; a support; a housing including upper and lower housing portions; a motorized fan that during operation draws in ambient air through an air intake and forces air into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Dennis O'Toole
  • Patent number: 8053709
    Abstract: A portable heating or lighting unit may comprise a housing, a handle, a shield or grid, a source of electric energy, a rectifier, an electrical device adapted to use electrical energy from the source of electric energy, and a control system comprising control hardware and embedded software, where the control system may be adapted to automatically control the electric heating element. A source of electric energy may comprise a battery adapted to store energy and to output stored energy as electrical energy, a fuel cell, a thermoelectric component, or a plug adapted to draw electrical energy from a wall outlet or other source of electrical energy. A battery may be at least partially enclosed by the housing. A thermoelectric component may comprise a thermoelectric material or a thermoelectric generator. An electrical device may comprise a resistive heating element adapted to emit thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Donald C. Haney
  • Publication number: 20110268429
    Abstract: A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply that allows the forced-air heater to operate without an external electric power source; a fuel tank; a combustion chamber; a support; a housing including upper and lower housing portions; a motorized fan that during operation draws in ambient air through an air intake and forces air into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Dennis O' Toole
  • Publication number: 20110265779
    Abstract: A heating device may comprise a control assembly having a self-contained, on board power supply. A control unit may control the operation of the heater and the power supply may comprise a first power source in electrical communication with the control unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the first power source to selectively supply electrical power to at least a portion of the heating device; and, a second power source in electrical communication with the control unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the second power source to selectively supply electrical power to at least a portion of the heating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Dennis O'Toole
  • Publication number: 20110045417
    Abstract: Provided is an assembly comprising a combustion-powered heater, a target component, and a transducer operatively engaged with said target component. A combustion-powered heater may comprise a combustion site adapted to power said heater. A target component may be engaged with the combustion site. A transducer may be adapted to measure the temperature of the target component and adapted to shut-down said combustion-powered heater in response to a temperature measurement of less than a temperature limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Publication number: 20110042472
    Abstract: Provided is a portable heating device comprising a combustion-powered heater, a regulator, and an oxygen depletion sensor. The combustion-powered heater may be supplied by an associated fuel source and may comprise a combustion region comprising a catalytic surface. The regulator may be adapted for fluid communication with the associated fuel source. The oxygen depletion sensor may comprise a burner and a temperature detector. The burner may be in fluid communication with the regulator and may be adapted to combust fuel form the regulator with air to produce a flame. The temperature detector may be adapted to detect the temperature of the flame and may be adapted to selectively render the combustion-powered heater non-functional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Patent number: 7823579
    Abstract: A vertically storable combustion heater having a fuel tank having a generally-cylindrical passage formed in the fuel-tank housing through which an axle extends to support one or more wheels; a heating conduit that is coupled to the fuel tank and includes an outermost shell that is substantially concentric with an inner shell that has a smaller diameter than the outermost shell; a control panel that is connected to the combustion heater to interface with an operator and allows the operator to input instructions governing the operation of the combustion heater; a frame that at least partially encases the heating conduit and fuel tank; a hose having a return curve and nozzle; and a combustion chamber that is defined by the interior periphery of the inner shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc
    Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Donald C. Haney, Dennis O'Toole