Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a drive system in a hybrid electric vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive system has combustion engine and an electric motor, and a method includes: obtaining, via one or more sensors, sensor data pertaining to the hybrid electric vehicle; determining, via a processor, whether cold start emission reduction is required, based on the sensor data; and providing an increase in torque provided by the electric motor, via instructions provided by the processor to the drive system, when it is determined that the cold start emission reduction is required.

Abstract: The invention includes a grate system for a boiler. The grate system includes a grate unit and a side header guard. The grate unit supports fuel during combustion thereof, and has an upper surface, a lower surface, and upturned lateral edges. The side header guard is arranged along a side wall of the boiler and has upwardly and downwardly projecting fin portions. The upwardly projecting fin portion is adapted and configured to extend over and protect the boiler side wall from abrasion by fuel. The downwardly projecting fin portion is adapted and configured to extend over the upturned lateral edge of the grate unit, inhibiting passage of fuel therebetween.

Abstract: The inventive multi-level furnace comprises a furnace wall delimiting a cylindrical space having a vertical axis, a plurality of beds defining the levels inside said cylindrical space and at least one scraping arm which is provided with a wall scraper and associated with the bed in such a way that it is rotatable about the vertical axis of the furnace. During scraping arm rotation, said wall scraper defines a scraped area on the internal surface of the furnace wall which comprises a plurality of wall cavities forming a row of access openings in the scraped area, thereby making it possible to avoid the formation of a hardened crust adhered to the internal surface of the furnace wall and to develop braking shocks in the scraping arm.

Abstract: A waste incinerator including separate burning-, blower-, chimney- and ash-receiving chambers. A suction-discharge port is provided in a wall between the burning chamber and the chimney chamber for discharging gases from the burning chamber through a chimney to the atmosphere. The chimney extends from the chimney chamber for discharging gases to the atmosphere. The chimney receives an air feed pipe from the blower and an ignition sleeve extends into the chimney for burning unconsumed waste gas. A vibrator vibrates an ash receiver in the ash receiving chamber, and a drying chamber may be provided for drying high moisture garbage by combustion gases from the burning chamber.

Abstract: A fireplace furnace heating system for a structure having a firebox for combustion of fuel, preferably coal. A heating unit is disposed proximately to, and preferably surrounds the firebox. Conduits carry interior air from remote locations to the heating unit. The heating unit is preferably a multi-walled, chambered structure to define numerous air passageways. Air delivered from the conduits to the heating unit must travel through the air passageways. The proximate disposition of the heating unit to the firebox heats the heating unit and the air travelling therethrough. The heating unit has vents for returning the heated air to the interior of the structure. A blower is included for forcible moving the air through the heating unit and back to the interior. Conduits are also provided for supplying fresh air from the exterior to the firebox to fully combust fuel in the firebox. A motorized blower is included to forcibly move the combustion air. Also included is a tempering tank for storing water.

Abstract: An incinerator comprises a combustion chamber 1 having a hearth comprising a grid 2, a vibrator 17 for vibrating the grid, and ash removal means 9, 18 for collecting ash that falls through the grid. The grid normally consists of a series of parallel bars and, when the hearth is elongated, these bars normally extend along the length of the hearth. The ash removal means comprises an inclined trough 9 and a hopper 18. Ash may be removed as a slurry. The incinerator comprises a sub-stoichiometric chamber to which is supplied insufficient oxygen for complete combustion Vibration of the grid allows ash to fall through the hearth and to be collected in the trough without ash causing abrasion to the incinerator components to improve the rate of burning. A preferred sub-stoichiometric chamber is separated from an ignition zone for a secondary chamber by a partition that defines a jacket around the zone, whereby improved heat exchange and compactness is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of burning and/or thermally decomposing fuel, especially solid fuels, including means for supplying fuel and, if applicable, means for supplying air or oxygen to a combustion site comprising a grate, preferably a bar grate. To improve and control combustion or thermal decomposition the grate has associated therewith a material loosening and/or grate cleaning means acting on the fuel and/or slag, ash or like material deposited on the grate, said means and said grate adapted for reciprocating movement relative to one another.

Abstract: According to the invention it is suggested that, in a heating boiler with a vibrating grate (3), a supply pipe (6) from which fuel material in particle form, in particular pellets, is supplied to the grate, is mechanically connected to the grate (3) and arranged to freely support the grate, which is thereby freely suspended in the combustion chamber without contact with the bottom and walls of the combustion chamber. A vibrating means (19) is also mechanically connected to the supply pipe (6) and arranged to produce a rectilinear movement and to function as drive source to feed the fuel particles to the grate via the supply pipe (6). The vibrating means gives the fuel particles a toss movement obliquely upwards and forwards in the supply pipe and on the grate whereby the fuel particles move onto the grate and towards the end of the grate opposite the supply pipe (6).

Abstract: The invention provides a stove for burning a charge of fuel by primary air directed either above or underneath through the firebed. A firebed support is defined by an array of alternating fixed and movable bars, the movable bars having a length greater than their width when viewed endwise and being rotatable between a vertical attitude in which they permit upward passage of air and downward passage of ash through said support and a horizontal attitude in which they permit build up of a layer of ash at the base of the firebed. An air distribution chamber has an inlet for primary air, a first outlet from which primary air passes to a space above the firebed and a second outlet from which primary air passes to a space below the firebed. An air diversion flap is movable between positions in which air is selectively directed through the first and through the second outlet.