Patents by Inventor Bruce McCorkle

Bruce McCorkle 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).

  • Patent number: 6729873
    Abstract: An automatic flame-out detector and reignition system for a fuel burning apparatus comprises at least one spark generator. The spark generator comprises a spark gap and a transformer. The transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding. The spark gap is connected across the secondary winding of the transformer. A switch is in electrical communication with the primary winding such that when the switch is in a first state, electrical current may flow through the primary winding and when the switch is in a second state, electrical current may not flow through the primary winding. The system comprises at least one flame detector having an output indicating the presence of a flame. A programmable circuit having an input for receiving the output of the flame detector and an output for triggering the spark generator is provided. A method of ignition is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: W. C. Bradley Company
    Inventors: Hank Neufield, Bruce McCorkle, Ron Andoe
  • Publication number: 20020197575
    Abstract: An automatic flame-out detector and reignition system for a fuel burning apparatus comprises at least one spark generator. The spark generator comprises a spark gap and a transformer. The transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding. The spark gap is connected across the secondary winding of the transformer. A switch is in electrical communication with the primary winding such that when the switch is in a first state, electrical current may flow through the primary winding and when the switch is in a second state, electrical current may not flow through the primary winding. The system comprises at least one flame detector having an output indicating the presence of a flame. A programmable circuit having an input for receiving the output of the flame detector and an output for triggering the spark generator is provided. A method of ignition is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Hank Neufield, Bruce McCorkle, Ron Andoe
  • Patent number: 6237891
    Abstract: A device for supplying an alternate gas fuel to a gas-burning apparatus such that the gas-burning apparatus will receive and burn the alternate gas fuel, the gas-burning apparatus being of a type intended to burn a gas fuel which is different from the alternate fuel and is supplied at a pressure substantially different from that of the alternate fuel. The inventive device comprises: an inlet coupling attachable to a discharge fitting provided on the alternate fuel container and an outlet coupling downstream of the inlet coupling and attachable to an inlet fitting provided on the gas-burning apparatus. When the pressure of the alternate gas fuel is significantly greater than that of the intended fuel, the inventive device preferably also includes a restricting element for restricting flow of the alternate fuel through the device from the inlet coupling to the outlet coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Burnswick Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Stiner, Brenton McLaury, Bruce McCorkle