Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel pivot pin assembly 410, 420 430, 600 for pivotally attaching nozzle tips 200 to stationary nozzles in a solid fuel furnace. The pivot pin assemblies allow rapid replacement of the nozzle tips 200. The pivot pin assembly 410, 420 430, 600 employs fasteners that or recessed or have an aerodynamically shaped head 610. The head 610 includes a leading edge 613 and optionally a trailing edge 615 that are aerodynamically shaped to reduce corrosion and erosion. The pivot pin assembly pivotally attaches the nozzle tip 200 to the stationary nozzle 110. It employs fasteners that are accessible from a furnace side through a central opening of the nozzle tip 200. This allows removal of the nozzle tip 200 from inside the furnace greatly simplifying nozzle tip 200 replacement.

Abstract: An individual key, a stoker incorporating a plurality of the keys, or a furnace incorporating the stoker which includes a key apparatus having a mounting surface dimensioned and configured for sliding engagement with an associated arm, the mounting surface is disposed on the bottom of the key, an upper face receives associated fuel to be burned, a first side having a first contour, and a second side having a second contour. The second contour is different than the first contour. In some forms of the invention the first contour and the second contour are dimensioned and configured for meshing engagement whereby a first side of a first key will mesh with a second side of a second key when a plurality of the identical keys are arrayed in side abutting relationship. The first contour may includes a first lip and the second contour may include a second lip and the the first lip may be disposed at a different elevation than the second lip.

Abstract: A furnace having a continuous ash discharge stoker which includes a fuel distributor apparatus for delivering associated particulate fuel to an associated continuous ash discharge furnace which includes a housing having an inlet for a particulate fuel and an inlet for pressurized air. The housing includes a surface for directing the flow of the associated particulate fuel and an outlet cooperating with the surface through which the associated particulate fuel and air exit the housing. The apparatus includes a nozzle dimensioned and configured to direct pressurized air along a face of the surface to establish a boundary layer between the surface and the associated particulate fuel flowing over the surface. In some forms of the invention the nozzle comprises first and second flat plates disposed in mutually parallel spaced relationship. The first and second flat plates may each be disposed in generally aligned relationship to at least a portion of the surface.