Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Butcher

Thomas A. Butcher 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: 6102687
    Abstract: The invention relates to clean burning of fuel oil with air. More specifically, to a fuel burning combustion head using a low-pressure, high air flow atomizing nozzle so that there will be a complete combustion oil resulting in a minimum emission of pollutants. The inventors have devised a fuel burner that uses a low pressure air atomizing nozzle. The improved fuel burner does not result in the use of additional compressors or the introduction of pressurized gases downstream, nor does it require a complex design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Thomas A. Butcher, Yusuf Celebi, Leonard Fisher
  • Patent number: 5126721
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and indicating the flame quality, or efficiency of the air-fuel ratio, in a fixed firing rate heating unit, such as an oil burning furnace, is provided. When the flame brightness falls outside a preset range, the flame quality, or excess air, has changed to the point that the unit should be serviced. The flame quality indicator output is in the form of lights mounted on the front of the unit. A green light indicates that the flame is about in the same condition as when the burner was last serviced. A red light indicates a flame which is either too rich or too lean, and that servicing of the burner is required. At the end of each firing cycle, the flame quality indicator goes into a hold mode which is in effect during the period that the burner remains off. A yellow or amber light indicates that the burner is in the hold mode. In this mode, the flame quality lights indicate the flame condition immediately before the burner turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Thomas A. Butcher, Philip Cerniglia
  • Patent number: PP10723
    Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum plant having a cymose cluster inflorescence form producing reddish bronze flowers of the decorative type in the shape of an irregular circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas A. Butcher