Patents by Inventor Steven Unker

Steven Unker 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).

  • Hybrid boiler-dryer and method
    Patent number: 11142717
    Abstract: A method for reducing the emission of contaminants by a furnace is provided. The method includes forming a bed from a stream of fuel within the furnace; fluidizing the bed with flue gas from the furnace; and heating the fuel within the bed so as to generate char, ash and contaminants. The method further includes capturing the contaminants via the ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Frederic Vitse, Steven Unker, Carl Edberg
  • Hybrid boiler-dryer and method
    Patent number: 10976049
    Abstract: A method of operating a furnace having a firing system is disclosed. The method includes providing a solid fuel to a sieve; separating the fuel into a portion and a second portion; providing a first portion of a flue gas to a first fuel dryer comprising a first duct; providing the first portion of fuel to the first duct, and drying the first portion of fuel therein; conveying the first portion of fuel through the first duct to the furnace; burning the first portion of fuel with firing system; conveying the second portion of fuel and a second portion of the flue gas to a second fuel dryer in a lower portion of the furnace, providing the second portion of fuel to a mill; pulverizing the second portion of fuel with the mill; conveying the second portion of fuel to the furnace; and burning the second portion of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Frederic Vitse, Carl D. Edberg, Steven A. Unker
  • HYBRID BOILER-DRYER AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20200299600
    Abstract: A method for reducing the emission of contaminants by a furnace is provided. The method includes forming a bed from a stream of fuel within the furnace; fluidizing the bed with flue gas from the furnace; and heating the fuel within the bed so as to generate char, ash and contaminants. The method further includes capturing the contaminants via the ash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frederic Vitse, Steven Unker, Carl Edberg
  • HYBRID BOILER-DRYER AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20200300454
    Abstract: A method of operating a furnace having a firing system is disclosed. The method includes providing a solid fuel to a sieve; separating the fuel into a portion and a second portion; providing a first portion of a flue gas to a first fuel dryer comprising a first duct; providing the first portion of fuel to the first duct, and drying the first portion of fuel therein; conveying the first portion of fuel through the first duct to the furnace; burning the first portion of fuel with firing system; conveying the second portion of fuel and a second portion of the flue gas to a second fuel dryer in a lower portion of the furnace, providing the second portion of fuel to a mill; pulverizing the second portion of fuel with the mill; conveying the second portion of fuel to the furnace; and burning the second portion of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Frederic VITSE, Carl D. EDBERG, Steven A. UNKER