Recreational cyclonic burner

Abstract

A cyclonic burner suitably adapted for use in either a properly vented indoor or outdoor recreational setting. The cyclonic burner comprising an external housing member, a top cover fixedly attached thereto to form and define an internal combustion chamber suitably configured to receive and burn a combustible fuel therein, and fuel burning means generally comprising an combustion air plenum chamber, an external blower motor operably attached thereto for supplying air into the combustion air plenum chamber and a plurality of air inlet ports tangentially positioned within the external housing member in a linear-like manner, with each of the air inlet ports principally serving as an effective passageway for delivery of air from the combustion air plenum chamber to the internal combustion chamber insofar to commence and sustain combustion of fuels contained therein and produce an ascending cyclonic flame capable of extending a predetermined distance beyond the top cover.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates in general to a cyclonic burner made adaptable for use in either a properly vented indoor or outdoor recreational environment. More specifically, the present invention possesses the capacity to burn various types of combustible fuels, such as a solid or a pressurized gas or liquid, in a cyclonic configuration for a sustained supply of heat for purposes of warmth during outdoor events and outings as well as being adaptably configured to heat and cook foods and the like over an exposed, cyclonic flame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Devices for supplying heat and cooking foods in outdoor recreational environments are well known in the art, with the most primitive form resembling an outdoor fire pit and the more sophisticated resembling a full-featured, air-induced barbecue grill or oven, such as can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,552 issued Sep. 28, 1976 to Hottenroth, et al. Typically, the fire pit will comprise of a wall of shortened height of which is adaptably configured and positioned at the perimeter of a predetermined geometric shape, resulting in a defined, deepened receptacle for receiving and batch burning of a solid fuel, such as readily available timber. In the middle of the spectrum, the common fire pit may increasingly incorporate features to the likes of a portable or immovable fireplace. For instance, the fire pit may be configured to the likes of a fireplace by simply incorporating means for supplying excess air into the burning chamber to assist in promoting and sustaining complete combustion of the solid fuel and means for efficient removal of combustion gases, such as a chimney or a stack of some sort. The more sophisticated heating/cooking device, such as a barbecue grill, may comprise of similar features as previously mentioned, but will typically accommodate usage of a pressurized gas, liquid or solid fuel and means for igniting and sustaining combustion thereof to supply heat for purposes of warmth and to cook foods. In most instances, these types of heaters may further comprise of components to induce the passage of air over and through a series of heating elements as means to enhance the conveyance of heat and, in some cases, a reflective shield to enhance transmittance of heat via radiant means. Because these devices are readily convenient to the consumer insofar that they are relatively easy to operate and achieve a supply of heat in a relatively short period of time, gas/liquid-equipped heaters have become increasingly popular for outdoor use, more so than those that batch burn a solid fuel, such as a fire pit or a barbecue grill adaptably equipped with charcoal. However, as with most heat-supplying devices hereinbefore mentioned, notable limitations exist, namely the production of high opacity off gases obscuring the visual effects of the fire, inefficient and inconsistent burning of fuels, and low or erratic volumetric heat releases. For example, although the fire pit or an equivalent device capable of burning a solid fuel will generally possess adequate means for producing a fire having moderate heat output, it is often susceptible to releasing high opacity smoke, which can deleteriously impact the health of nearby occupants, and particulates, often in the form of a suspended burning char, which can adversely start an unwanted, nearby fire or burn a nearby person. In similar regards, although gas/liquid types of heaters may each possess the capacity to produce high heat outputs, it can be unduly cumbersome to transport an external fuel source to the likes of a propane tank to an outdoor event or camping retreat.

[0003] Accordingly, applicant has appreciably devised an apparatus which possess the simplistic features of a fire pit or fireplace, while incorporating the features most preferred and predominant in more sophisticated barbecue grills or ovens having an external fuel source.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In order to overcome the numerous drawbacks apparent in the prior art, a cyclonic burner has been devised for use in either a properly vented indoor or outdoor recreational environment, purposefully for camping retreats and household outings.

[0005] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a low cost, non-complicated device which may be reliably used with various types of fuels, such as a solid or a pressurized gas or liquid.

[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a recreational cyclonic burner which affords versatility in terms of functioning as means to generate and supply heat for purpose of warmth and to cook foods and the like, while possessing the capacity to operate in varied climatic conditions, such as in the rain and wind.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a recreational cyclonic burner which possesses the capacity to operate at high thermal conditions and generate high heat output without undue production of off gases having high opacity content and comprising an abundance of particulate matter, specifically in the form of a burning char or ash.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a recreational cyclonic burner having the capacity to generate an attractive, rising cyclonic flame which correspondingly produces a pleasant whirring sound.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a recreational cyclonic burner which efficiently approaches complete combustion of fuels primarily outside the cyclonic burner, combustion of which produces little to no ash or suspended residual matter.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a recreational cyclonic burner which accomplishes the foregoing and other objects and advantages and which is economical, durable, and fully effective in performing its intended functions without unduly compromising portability and convenience to the outdoor enthusiast.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, a cyclonic burner has been devised for use in both a properly vented indoor and outdoor recreational environment, the cyclonic burner comprising in combination an external housing member and a top cover fixedly attached thereto to form and define an internal combustion chamber suitably configured to receive and burn a combustible fuel therein, the top cover further comprising a centralized opening extending therethrough for passage of a solid fuel as well as a cyclonic flame correspondingly produced by fuel burning means, fuel burning means generally comprising an combustion air plenum chamber, an external blower motor for supplying air into the combustion air plenum chamber and a plurality of air inlet ports tangentially positioned within the external housing member in a linear-like manner, the air inlet ports principally serving as an effective passageway for delivery of air from the combustion air plenum chamber to the internal combustion chamber insofar as to commence and sustain combustion of fuels contained therein and produce a cyclonic flame capable of extending a predetermined distance beyond the centralized opening of the top cover.

[0012] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals depict the same parts in the various views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 illustrating an internal combustion chamber and fuel burning means;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a top cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 illustrating the tangential positioning of air inlet ports;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a top cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 illustrating a flame in cyclonic motion within an internal combustion chamber;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 6 illustrating an internal combustion chamber;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the positioning of a top cover on a cyclonic burner;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 6 illustrating an ascending flame in cyclonic motion within an internal combustion chamber;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a side cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 6 illustrating an internal combustion chamber adaptably equipped with an external fuel source;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention fitted with a grilling device;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the third embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 12 is a side cross sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention taken on line 12-12 of FIG. 11 illustrating a plurality of internal combustion chambers hydraulically connected to a main air supply duct and external air blower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] While this invention is susceptible of being embodied in many different forms, the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail hereinafter with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered to exemplify the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated and presented herein. The present invention has particular utility as a device capable of burning a fuel for production of a cyclonic flame, purposefully being used to supply heat to warm a person and cook foods and the like in either a properly vented indoor or outdoor recreational setting.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown generally at 10 a recreational cyclonic burner having an external housing member 12, a top cover 14 fixedly attached thereto to form and define an internal combustion chamber 16 suitably adapted to receive a combustible fuel 18 and means for burning 20 the fuel contained therein. Solid fuels of the type made most suitable for this application include small-sized timber, wood pellets, broken corn cobs, peanut and sunflower hulls, cracked corn, and similar cellulose based combustible materials, all of which should be relatively dry before commencing combustion so as to maintain a fuel value for adequate thermal releases. Also, solid fuels comprising woods/wax formulations may equally be used in the cyclonic burner 10. In the preferred embodiment, the external housing member 12 comprises a bottom grate 22 for receiving and engaging a substantial portion of the solid fuel during inoperable moments of the cyclonic burner 10 and an upwardly extending wall 24 emanating from a peripheral edge 26 made part of the bottom grate. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom grate 22 generally comprises a geometric configuration substantially resembling a circular disk and having a diameter approximately 20-30% less than the diameter of the top cover 14. The upwardly extending wall generally tapers inward from an upper ledge 28 made part of the upwardly extending wall and terminates at the peripheral edge 26 of the bottom grate, forming a partially enclosed space to the likes of a milk bucket of the type commonly known and used in the art. The upwardly extending wall 24 is adaptably equipped with a handle 30 and fuel burning means 20, which preferably comprises a plurality of air inlet ports 32 configurably positioned in a linear-like manner, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a combustion air plenum chamber 34, and an external blower motor 36 operably attached to the combustion air plenum chamber for production of an adequate supply of air into the internal combustion chamber 16 so as to permit combustion of fuels contained therein. The handle 30, as shown in FIG. 1, is pivotally attached near the midsection of the upwardly extending wall and principally serves as means to conveniently transport the cyclonic burner 10 to and from the recreational setting while the device is an inoperable state. Each of the air inlet ports 32 is geometrically configured as a cylindrical passageway 38 and primarily serves as means to convey air from the combustion air plenum chamber to the internal combustion chamber 16 for sustained burning of the fuel. In order to generate and develop a cyclonic flame 40 within the internal combustion chamber and correspondingly above the top cover 14, where the flame's visual impact is at its greatest, each of the air inlet ports 32 is tangentially positioned and disposed within the upwardly extending wall 24. The tangential positioning of each air inlet port is preferably 45° from tangential axis T, as depicted along path W in FIG. 3. However, other tangential positions of the air inlet ports 32 equally serve to create the preferred cyclonic action of the flame, providing that the combustion air is afforded an opportunity to angularly strike the upwardly extending wall 24 and forcibly move about in a swirl-like fashion within the internal combustion chamber 16, generally being observed when the angular relation at W is greater than 30°, but less than 60° from tangential axis T. Uniformity of the cyclonic flame pattern or profile is primarily achieved and maintained by the air inlet ports 32 being arranged in a linear-like fashion, with one of the inlet ports being positioned most near the bottom, in proximity to the bottom grate 22, for purposes of commencing rotational, swirl-like action of the fuel, and another air inlet port near the mid-section of the upwardly extending wall 24 to promote and sustain continuity of the cyclonic flame 40 as it rises and exits through the top cover 14. Preferably the air inlet ports are equally spaced apart from another to assist in equal distribution of air as it flows into the internal combustion chamber 16. Other inlet ports may be situated between the upper and lower air inlet ports depending on the linear dimensioning and volumetric capacity of the internal combustion chamber. For instance, an internal combustion chamber 16 having a high profile and a large internal diameter may necessitate more than three air inlet ports 32, whereas an internal combustion chamber having a short profile, but smaller diameter, may require just two air inlet ports for effective production of the cyclonic flame 40. However, in the preferred embodiment, three air inlet ports 32 satisfactorily sustain cyclonic burning of the fuel for an internal combustion chamber 16 having a volumetric capacity ranging from 0.10 to 1.25 cubic feet and an internal diameter ranging from 4 to 12 inches. In other dimensioning arrangements, one in which the internal combustion chamber's height is relatively equivalent to its diameter, one can readily observe volumetric heat releases ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 Btu/cu.ft./hr, which is appreciably higher than other geometric configurations often seen in the art. And, because the resulting volume is relatively small for this particular geometric configuration (i.e., nearly 1:1, height to diameter ratio), a portion of the fuel's combustion will occur outside the internal combustion chamber, near and above the top cover 14, where the flame is most predominantly displayed in cyclonic form. However, as observed with most applications, heat releases typically will fall within a range of 25,000 to 300,000 btu/cu.ft./hr.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the control of air flow into the combustion air plenum chamber, and hence into the internal combustion chamber, is primarily established using an adjustable damper 42 slidably fitted in a geometrically equivalent slot 44 formed between a portion of the combustion air plenum chamber 34 and an outer port plate 46. The outer port plate is fixedly attached to the exterior surface of the combustion air plenum chamber using rivets or equivalent means and is preferably configured with an aperture 46 extending therethrough for passage of air needed for combustion and sustained burning of fuels in the internal combustion chamber 16. Adjustment of air flow is simply made by sliding back-and-forth the adjustable damper 42 within the slot 44, with the aperture being held in a slightly open position to supply a small amount of air into the internal combustion chamber or in a fully open position to provide air in larger amounts. In instances where higher fuel feed rates are used for higher volumetric heat releases, the adjustable damper will be held in a fully open position supplying the greatest amount of air into the internal combustion chamber 16. The positioning of the adjustable damper in this manner can adequately promote the fuel's ability to completely combust outside the internal combustion chamber, above and near the top cover, where the emitting flame is principally produced in cyclonic form to supply heat having little to no particulate matter, in addition to creating a pleasant whirring sound.

[0029] Movement of air into and through the aperture is accomplished by the external blower motor 36, which effectively delivers up to 25 ft3/min. at an operational power rating of {fraction (1/50)} hp and selectively operates on either an AC or DC electrical source. And, since the electrical draw or input is very minimal, the external blower motor can effectively operate from a common 12V car battery without unduly depleting its electrical capacity. Therefore, it is preferred that the DC electrical source be equivalent in terms of the current and voltage ratings often associated with an automobile's car battery. The external blower motor 36, which is fixedly attached to the exterior surface of the combustion air plenum chamber 34, on an opposite side where the outer port plate 46 is located, generally comprises a shaft 50 adaptably configured with a fan 52 having a cylindrical configuration and a series of elongate fins 54 attached thereto. As depicted in FIG. 5, the fan and fitted fins are geometrically configured to fit and be received in a portion of the combustion air plenum chamber 34 and preferably rotates at a constant rpm to deliver correct amounts of air into the internal combustion chamber 16 via each of the air inlet ports 32 adaptably disposed within the upwardly extending wall 24.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the upwardly extending wall 24, bottom grate 22 and top cover 14 each comprises an internal surface 56 for receiving and engaging an insulating liner 58 made from a refractory material or an equivalent heat insulating material of the type appreciably known in the art. Although the presence of refractory principally serves to insulate, it is equally attractive in enhancing the environment for which additional solid fuel is fed into the internal combustion chamber 16. Typically the refractory after sustained operation will become very hot insofar of glowing red in color, which becomes a suitable environment when having to ignite and burn a solid fuel that is moderately difficult to combust, particularly solid fuel types having relatively high moisture contents. In the preferred embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 5, the liner 58 for the external housing member 12 is a uniform, continuous cast of insulating refractory adaptably fitted to the internal surface thereof and comprises a thickness of approximately 1.5 inches. The refractory of choice must be capable of being readily formed into the desired geometric configuration to the likes of the external housing member, possess sufficient insulating properties to prevent the external housing member from reaching an undesirable temperature to cause injury to the user, and not readily degrade or melt after sustained exposure to high temperatures. A suitable type of material considered most appropriate for this application may consist of alumina (Al2O3) containing a high percentage of vermiculite which possesses outstanding thermal insulating characteristics to the extent of withstanding combustible environments of moderate to high temperatures and can be easily cast and formed into the preferred geometric configuration.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 6, the top cover 14 further comprises a centralized opening 60 to permit the intermittent passing of a solid fuel into and from the internal combustion chamber 16 as well as the continuous passing of the cyclonic flame 40 and combustion gases of which are generated during operation of the cyclonic burner 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the centralized opening comprises a tapered wall 62 having lower and upper portions 64, 66, with the lower portion being located more radially inward than the upper portion to effectively serve to control the extent to which the cyclonic flame disperses as it exits the centralized opening 60 of the top cover. The angular relationship of the lower and upper portions relative to a vertical axis extending perpendicular to the top cover 14 generally ranges from 20° to 45°, with the preferred embodiment comprising an angular relation of 30° between the two portions, as illustrated along path P in FIG. 5. The lower portion further comprises an effective inner diameter D2 which is preferably smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the internal combustion chamber 16 at its widest part, near the top cover 14. The diameter of the centralized opening relative to the inner diameter of the internal combustion chamber (i.e., D2/D1) generally ranges from 0.40 to 0.70, with preferred embodiment comprising a ratio of 0.50. Using the preferred angular relationship between the upper and lower portions together with the diametric dimensioning of the centralized opening 60 relative to the internal combustion chamber, the extent to which cyclonic flame spreads is limited to slightly beyond the diameter of the centralized opening, with the ascending flame being its widest near the top cover and its apex being located a distance of approximately 2 times diameter D1 thereabove, resulting in a flame profile characteristically resembling a conical shape, as best illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0032] During a typical operating scenario, the fuel, particularly a solid fuel, will comprise of partially combusted particles that will have a tendency to gravitate outward to the outer extremities of the cyclonic flame 40, near the upwardly extending wall 24, primarily due to a density differential of matter located at a vortex 68 of the cyclonic flame. Similarly, matter having experienced greater exposure to a combusting environment (i.e., hotter combustion off gases) will gravitate inward toward the lower pressure vortex and correspondingly rise with the flame 40 as it swirlingly leaves the centralized opening 60, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 7. Because of this observed density differential, the flame will typically comprise of a readily observable temperature gradient, with the less hot, newly combusted matter residing on the outer extremities of the flame and the hottest, most luminous matter being located at the vortex. An observable temperature gradient of a typical cyclonic flame formed by the present invention generally ranges from 800° F. at the outer extremities and 2,000° F. at the vortex. This more luminous matter, which is absent of much of any particulate matter, generally provides for an attractive, clean burning flame made most suitable for visual display and cooking foods and the like.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, as specifically illustrated in FIG. 8, the upwardly extending wall 24 may comprise of a fuel inlet 70 for passage of a regulated supply of a pressurized gas or liquid into the internal combustion chamber 16. Similar to the configuration provided for each of the air inlet ports 32, the fuel inlet is configured in a tangential fashion to promote cyclonic combustion of the fuel 18, with the fuel inlet being preferably located near the bottom grate 22. As shown in FIG. 8, the upwardly extending wall is absent of any air inlet ports 32, since the fuel inlet is principally equipped with a fuel inlet adapter 72 having a plurality of air inlet apertures 74 to supply air into the internal combustion chamber 16. The fuel inlet adapter generally comprises a first end 76 being preferably press-fitted into the upwardly extending wall 24 and extending therebeyond into the internal combustion chamber, generally to the thickness of the insulating liner 58, and a second external end 78 which configurably receives a venturi nozzle 80 that is fitted to an end 82 of a fuel supply hose 84. Through this configuration, the gas or liquid is allowed to stream together and effectively mix with the incoming air supply to commence the swirl-like action of the flame within the internal combustion chamber 16. Flow control is primarily maintained by a valve or a regulator 86 of the type commonly used in the art and associated with a typical fuel supply 88, such as a propane tank depicted in FIG. 8.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the present invention may by further utilized in numerous ways, namely as a heat source for cooking foods and as a heater for industrial applications. As a cooking apparatus, the recreational cyclonic burner 10 may be adaptably situated below a grilling device 90 of the type shown in FIG. 9. The grilling device may simply comprise of a grilling surface 92 in the form of a grate 94 configurably fitted with a plurality of legs 96. Preferably, each of the legs comprises a foot 98 having a geometric configuration to correspond to the periphery of the top cover 14. The combined configuration of each leg and foot principally serve to laterally stabilize the grilling device 90 atop of the cyclonic burner 10 during operation thereof, while leaving a predetermined distance between the top cover 14 and grate 94 for access to the centralized opening 60, which is particularly needed to fill the internal combustion chamber 16 with solid fuel.

[0035] As a heater for industrial applications, the cyclonic burner may be configured with a plurality of internal combustion chambers 100 to form an array, as best seen in FIG. 10. Preferably, each of the internal combustion chambers is formed within an insulating material 102 to the same geometric specifications as seen for the cyclonic burner 10 described above, with each being collectively arranged in series and housed in a steel shell 104 of nominal thickness, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Air supply to each of the internal combustion chambers is primarily accomplished by a main air supply duct 106 having a plurality of upwardly extending ducts 108 of which are hydraulically connected to a plurality of air inlet ports 110 tangentially disposed within the insulating material 102. An external air blower motor 112, which is operably attached to a combustion air plenum chamber 114 of the type used for the cyclonic burner, provides air to the main air supply duct and subsequently to each of the internal combustion chambers 100 via the air inlet ports 110 for sustained combustion of fuels residing therein. Through this configuration, substantial heat releases can be realized, typically on the order of 100 MM Btu/hr. Typical array configurations may effectively serve to fire industrial boilers, dryers or any other industrial device which purposefully relies on the generation and supply of heat.

[0036] It can be seen from the foregoing that there is provided in accordance with this invention a simple and easily operated device, which is particularly suitable for use in either a properly vented indoor or outdoor recreational environment. In instances of its use in an indoor environment, the cyclonic burner 10 can be adequately scaled and sized to fit within a common fireplace, generally occupying the space predominantly reserved for burning logs and timber. The cyclonic burner 10 is completely functional in terms of accommodating the outdoor enthusiast, most particular for the purpose of supplying heat for warmth and to cook foods and the like during recreational events and outings. Moreover, the present invention may equally serve the industrial sector by configuring the plurality of internal combustion chambers 100 in an array arrangement for enhanced heat generation and thermal releases.

[0037] It is obvious that the components comprising the cyclonic burner 10 may be fabricated from a variety of materials, providing such selection or use of materials possesses the capacity of withstanding moderate to high temperatures often observed in the internal combustion chamber. It is most desirable, and therefore preferred, to construct the upwardly extending wall 24, top cover 14 and bottom grate 22 from a high grade steel and adaptably attach to the internal surfaces 56 of each an insulating refractory possessing the capabilities to ensure sustained reliability during use thereof, as hereinbefore stated.

[0038] While there has been shown and described a particular embodiment of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and alterations can be made therein without departing from the invention and, therefore, it is aimed in the appended claims to cover all such changes and alterations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cyclonic burner suitably configured for use in either a properly vented indoor or outdoor recreational environment, said cyclonic burner comprising, in combination:

an external housing member having a bottom grate and an upwardly extending wall fixedly attached to said bottom grate and extending upwardly therefrom and terminating at an upper ledge;

a top cover fixedly attached to said upper ledge forming and defining an internal combustion chamber suitably configured to receive a combustible fuel; and

means for burning the combustible fuel within said internal combustion chamber to correspondingly produce a cyclonic flame capable of ascending through and beyond said top cover.

2. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 1, wherein said upwardly extending wall and said top cover further comprise an internal surface adaptably configured to receive an insulating liner.

3. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 2, wherein said insulating liner is fabricated from a mixture of alumina (Al2O3) and vermiculite and having a thickness of approximately 1.5 inches.

4. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fuel burning means comprises an combustion air plenum chamber, an external blower motor for supplying air into said combustion air plenum chamber and a plurality of air inlet ports tangentially positioned in a linear-like manner within said upwardly extending wall, each air inlet port principally serving as an effective passageway for delivery air from said combustion air plenum chamber to said internal combustion chamber for purposes of promoting cyclonic burning of the fuel contained therein.

5. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 1, wherein said internal combustion chamber comprises an inner diameter and a height being substantially equivalent to one another in terms of their dimensioning insofar to substantially promote complete combustion outside said internal combustion chamber, near and above said top cover, and a cyclonic flame capable of producing high volumetric heat releases therefrom.

6. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 4, wherein the tangential positioning of each of said air inlet ports disposed within said upwardly extending wall ranges from 30° to less than 60° from an axis tangentially established at said upwardly extending wall.

7. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 4, wherein the tangential positioning of each of said air inlet ports disposed within said upwardly extending wall is 45° from an axis tangentially established at said upwardly extending wall.

8. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 4, wherein said combustion air plenum chamber further comprises an outer port plate having an aperture extending therethrough for passage of air needed for combustion of fuels and an adjustable damper slidably positioned within in a geometrically equivalent slot formed between said combustion air plenum chamber and said outer port plate, said adjustable damper principally serving to control the amount of air into said internal combustion chamber for sustained combustion mainly outside thereof, near said top cover.

9. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 4, wherein said external blower motor is operably connected to said combustion air plenum chamber and comprises a shaft fitted with a fan having a cylindrical configuration, said fan having a plurality of elongate fins attached thereto to feed combustion air into said combustion air plenum chamber and forcibly move air into said internal combustion chamber via air inlet ports for sustained combustion of fuels residing therein.

10. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 9, wherein said external blower motor further comprises the capacity to operate at {fraction (1/50)} hp for consistent delivery of air into said combustion air plenum chamber and to selectively operate on either an alternating or direct current electrical source.

11. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fuel burning means comprises a fuel inlet for passage of a regulated supply of a pressurized fuel and air into said internal combustion chamber, said fuel inlet being tangentially positioned within said upwardly extending wall, near said bottom grate.

12. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 11, wherein said fuel inlet further comprises a fuel inlet adapter having a plurality of air inlet apertures to serve as means to supply air into said internal combustion chamber, a first end press-fitted into said upwardly extending wall and extending therebeyond into said internal combustion chamber a predetermined distance, and a second external end configurably fitted with a venturi nozzle emanating from a fuel supply hose fixedly attached to an external fuel source, said venturi nozzle being capable of introducing pressurized fuel into said internal combustion chamber and effectively drawing in combustion air and streaming therewith for sustained combustion within said internal combustion chamber insofar to produce a cyclonic flame capable of ascending through said top cover.

13. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 1, wherein said upwardly extending wall comprises a handle swingably connected thereto to serve as means to transport and carry said burner during an inoperable state.

14. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 1, wherein said top cover further comprises a centralized opening having a tapered wall at the periphery thereof, said tapered wall comprising upper and lower portions, said lower portion being located more radially inward than said upper portion to control the extent to which the ascending cyclonic flame disperses upon exiting said centralized opening.

15. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 14, wherein the angular relationship between said upper and lower portions relative to an axis normal to said top cover ranges from 20° to 45°.

16. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 14, wherein the angular relationship between said upper and lower portions relative to an axis normal to said top cover is 30°.

17. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 14, wherein said centralized opening comprises an effective diameter at said lower portion that is smaller than said internal combustion chamber's inner diameter at its widest part, near said top cover.

18. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 17, wherein the effective diameter of said centralized opening relative to the inner diameter of said internal combustion chamber ranges from 0.40 to 0.70.

19. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 17, wherein the effective diameter of said centralized opening relative to the inner diameter of said internal combustion chamber is 0.50.

20. A cyclonic burner suitably configured for use in either a properly vented indoor or outdoor recreational environment, said cyclonic burner comprising, in combination:

an external housing member having a bottom grate and an upwardly extending wall fixedly attached to said bottom grate and extending upwardly therefrom and terminating at an upper ledge, said upwardly extending wall comprising a plurality of air inlet ports tangentially positioned in a linear-like manner therewithin to principally serve as an effective air passageway;

a top cover fixedly attached to said upper ledge forming and defining an internal combustion chamber suitably configured to receive a combustible fuel, said top cover comprising a centralized opening having a tapered wall at the periphery thereof, said tapered wall comprising upper and lower portions, said lower portion being located more radially inward than said upper portion to purposefully control the extent to which an ascending cyclonic flame disperses upon exiting said centralized opening; and

an combustion air plenum chamber having an external blower motor for supplying air into said combustion air plenum chamber and forcibly moving air therefrom into said internal combustion chamber for combustion of fuel, said combustion air plenum chamber further comprising an outer port plate having an aperture extending therethrough for passage of air needed for combustion of fuels and an adjustable damper slidably positioned within in a geometrically equivalent slot formed between said combustion air plenum chamber and said outer port plate, said adjustable damper principally serving to control the amount of air into said internal combustion chamber.

21. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 20, wherein said upwardly extending wall and said top cover further comprise an internal surface adaptably configured to receive an insulating liner made from a mixture of alumina (Al2O3) and vermiculite.

22. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 20, wherein said top cover is adaptably fitted with a grilling device possessing the capacity to cook foods and the like thereon, said grilling device further comprising a grate adaptably configured with a plurality of legs extending therefrom, each of said legs comprising a foot having a geometric configuration substantially corresponding to a peripheral edge of said top cover to laterally stabilize said grilling device about said top cover during operation thereof, said grate being held above said top cover a predetermined distance to enable access to said centralized opening for the addition and removal of a solid fuel.

23. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 20, wherein said external blower motor is operably connected to said combustion air plenum chamber and comprises a shaft fitted with a fan having a cylindrical configuration, said fan having a plurality of elongate fins attached thereto to feed combustion air into said combustion air plenum chamber and forcibly move air into said internal combustion chamber via air inlet ports for sustained combustion of fuels residing therein.

24. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the angular relationship between said upper and lower portions relative to an axis normal to said top cover is 30°.

25. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the tangential positioning of each of said air inlet ports disposed within said upwardly extending wall is 45° from an axis tangentially established at said upwardly extending wall.

26. A plurality of cyclonic burners collectively arranged to generate high volumetric heat releases for use in an industrial application, said cyclonic burners comprising, in combination:

a steel shell comprising an insulating material having a plurality of internal combustion chambers formed therein and configured in series, each of said internal combustion chambers comprising a centralized opening extending through said steel shell, said centralized opening comprising a tapered wall having upper and lower portions, said lower portion being located more radially inward than said upper portion insofar to control the extent to which an ascending cyclonic flame disperses as it exits each of said centralized openings;

a plurality of air inlet ports tangentially positioned within said insulating material at each of said internal combustion chambers, said air inlet ports being hydraulically connected with one another to serve as an air passageway for combustion of fuels residing in each of said internal combustion chambers;

a main air supply duct extending lengthwise about said steel shell and having a plurality of upwardly extending ducts in hydraulic communication with each of said air inlet ports; and

a combustion air plenum chamber having an external blower motor operably attached thereto for supplying air into said main air supply duct and forcibly moving air therefrom into each of said internal combustion chambers via air inlet ports to promote and sustain combustion of fuels contained therewithin, said combustion air plenum chamber further comprising an outer port plate having an aperture extending therethrough for passage of air needed for combustion of fuels and an adjustable damper slidably positioned within in a geometrically equivalent slot formed between said combustion air plenum chamber and said outer port plate, said adjustable damper principally serving to control the amount of air into said main air supply duct.

27. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 26, wherein said insulating material is made from a mixture of alumina (Al2O3) and vermiculite.

28. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 26, wherein the angular relationship between said upper and lower portions relative to an axis normal to said centralized opening ranges from 20° to 45°.

29. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 26, wherein the effective diameter of each of said centralized openings relative to an inner diameter of each of said internal combustion chambers ranges from 0.40 to 0.70.

30. A cyclonic burner as set forth in claim 26, wherein the tangential positioning of each of said air inlet ports disposed within said insulating material is 45° from an axis tangentially established at said internal combustion chamber.