Abstract: A fire pit comprising a base assembly, the base assembly supported by a suspension assembly comprising a plurality of vertical supports, and a tower assembly disposed on a top surface of the base assembly, the tower assembly comprising a plurality of longitudinal apertures and configured to contain at least one solid fuel source. The plurality of longitudinal apertures are configured to release heat generated from the at least one solid fuel source in a substantially outward direction along at least substantially the entire length of the plurality of longitudinal apertures.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for controlling the opening of a cover over a barbecue grill includes a motor for opening and closing the cover over the barbecue grill, with the motor connected to the cover by a coupling rod. The cooking apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a counterweight attached at the rear of the barbecue cover. The cooking apparatus also comes with a remote control for transmitting control signals to the motor. The remote control transmits start and stop signals to the motor, or alternatively, the motor operates only during the transmission of control signals to the motor. The remote control may also transmit signals to control flow of a combustible gas. The barbecue cover opener is removable from the barbecue grill. Control of the motor allows movement of the cover to stop at any point within the full range of the cover being opened or closed.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus for burning wood or coal comprises a cooking enclosure mounted above a combustion chamber enclosure. An upper space of the combustion chamber enclosure contains a combustion chamber having a floor and walls made of refractory material. The combustion chamber is closed all around except for the top. A plurality of primary air holes are provided in the floor of the combustion chamber and a plurality of secondary air holes are provided through the combustion chamber enclosure at the level of the open top of the combustion chamber. An ash pan is mounted for sliding into the combustion chamber enclosure below the combustion chamber to act as a regulator for air entering the combustion chamber enclosure. A cooking plate is pivotally mounted in the cooking enclosure so that it can be lowered into a cooking position over the open top of the combustion chamber.