Abstract: A charcoal grill apparatus comprising: a cart; an upper surface located on the cart; an ash can opening located on the upper surface; a burner located on the upper surface; a grill kettle, the grill kettle comprising a kettle lid that sits on a lower base section, the lower base section configured to sit on the ash can opening and to sit on the burner; an ash can removably attachable at the underside of the upper surface and aligned with the ash can opening; and an electric blower configured to circulate air from the burner to fuel in the lower base section when the lower base section is sitting on the burner.

Abstract: There is provided a shovel apparatus including a body with a bottom and two sides. Each side is fixedly coupled to a side edge of the bottom, and includes a front and a back adjacent to a front edge and a back edge of the bottom, respectively. A first handle is coupled to each side. A second handle is coupled to each side and extends past the back of each side and away from the shovel apparatus. The shovel apparatus is sized to hold the bag or sack in an open position for filling and the shovel apparatus has a length less than a length of the bag or sack such that when the shovel apparatus is inserted in the bag or sack, the second handle touches near a bottom of the bag or sack and the first handle is near a top of the bag or sack.

Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing radiation is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a collector unit, a transfer unit and a working unit. The collector unit comprises at least one radiation reflecting surface adapted to focus radiation and to direct said radiation to said transfer unit. The transfer unit may comprise at least one transparent section, which is integrated into a wall of a first working fluid reservoir of said working unit. The first working fluid reservoir may comprise working fluid, wherein said transfer unit is arranged such as to directly transmit radiation to said working fluid to heat said working fluid.

Abstract: A tandem solar cell and fabricating method thereof are disclosed. The steps of the fabricating method comprises: a top inverted solar cell having a plurality of inverted solar sub-cells is provided; a bottom normal solar cell having a plurality of normal solar sub-cells accompanying with the inverted solar sub-cells is provided; and processing fit process of the top inverted solar cell and the bottom normal solar cell is executed, wherein an interlayer is disposed between the bottom normal solar cell and the top inverted solar cell, and the interlayer includes a plurality of conductive dots. The plurality of inverted solar sub-cells and normal solar sub-cells are placed with an offset distance from each other, and a plurality of solar sub-cells are formed after the pressing fit process, and the plurality of solar sub-cells are series/parallel connection each other by electrically connecting the plurality of conductive dots.

Abstract: The removable fireplace cleanout facilitates the chore of cleaning ash and/or other residue from a fireplace. The cleanout device is a relatively wide, low pan or tray configured for placement within a fireplace hearth. Wheels and/or other rolling supports extend beneath the device to facilitate its installation in and removal from the fireplace hearth. One wall of the device includes a dump door, with the weighted door being held closed by gravity until the unit is tilted to dump ash and residue therein. Fillets may be provided to preclude trapping of ash in the corners of the device. An integral grate may be permanently installed atop the floor of the device, thereby precluding need for grate removal and soiling of the area where the grate is placed during conventional fireplace cleanout.

Abstract: An ash bin and chimney system comprising: an open topside and at least one side wall forming a device cavity, and the device further comprises at least one screen and a movable flap situated within the device cavity, the flap further comprises a leg, and the leg is in an extended position when the flap is in a generally perpendicular position relative to the screen during a chimney function, and the leg is in a folded position when the flap is in a generally parallel position relative to the screen, and the leg in its extended position prevents the device from being inserted within the internal cavity of the base.

Abstract: Combustion apparatus for use with a solid fuel has a firebox constructed at least in part of a fired refractory carbide material. The fired refractory carbide material has a catalytic effect on the combustion process providing a cleaner and more efficient combustion. The fired refractory material also absorbs heat from the combustion process directly or indirectly by heat exchange with combustion products and dissipates the absorbed heat over an extended period of time providing space heating after the combustion process is completed.

Abstract: A barbecue apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises: a firebowl having an open topside and a bottomside with at least one aperture; a base attached to the bottomside of the firebowl, and the base comprises an internal cavity, and the aperture of the bottomside of the firebowl leads to the internal cavity of the base; and an ash bin and chimney device comprising an open topside and at least one side wall forming a device cavity, and the device designed to fit within the internal cavity of the base, the aperture of the firebowl is situated above the open topside of the device when the device is situated within the internal cavity of the base, and the device further comprises at least one screen and a movable flap situated within its device cavity.

Abstract: A newly designed disposable ash pan made from metal foil consisting of a base with four walls to be positioned beneath a fire for capturing and retaining hot ash falling from burning material in a fireplace and stove having an attachable cover made from metal foil to secure the ash within the disposable ash pan for safe and clean disposal.

Abstract: An ash retainer and grill support for supporting a charcoal or similar grill and providing for the collection and storage of the ashes and other debris from the grill so as to aid clean up from the grill, provide increased safety by preventing easy access to hot coals, and to provide containment for the ashes so they can be easily removed from areas that restrict leaving fire remains, includes a bucket like retainer having an open top to receive and support a grill body therein. The normal grill air openings are within the opening so that any ashes or debris falling through such openings fall into and are collected by the retainer. The retainer includes a retainer vent to allow flow of air into the retainer and into the grill. The retainer has a double bottom wall and portion of side wall to insulate the outer wall from hot ashes and coals to reduce the chance of fire and a user being burned.

Abstract: A waste container assembly is provided. The assembly includes an inner can with a closed bottom and an open top. A waste can liner can be placed in the inner can and the free edge of the liner can be folded over the open top of the inner can. The assembly further includes an outer enclosure that is telescoped around the inner can to conceal the inner can, the waste can liner and the contents of the waste can liner. For smaller cans, the outer enclosure has a unitary peripheral skirt and cover that can be telescoped over the inner can. Larger assemblies may have a separate cover and peripheral skirt. A lid is hinged to the cover and can be opened by a slight downward force on an inner portion of the lid. However, the lid is gravitationally biased to return to a closed condition.

Abstract: A heating system has a modular section which can be converted to use as a store or boiler and to burn either solid or liquid and gaseous fuels. The system can be further expanded by addition of more than one module to increase the heating capacity of the system.

Abstract: A fireplace tray positionable on the floor of a fireplace to receive and collect ashes from burning logs in the fireplace. The tray has a collector portion which receives and collects the ashes, a rotatable support mounted to the collector toward a back wall thereof to roll the tray into and out of the fireplace and a front support mounted to the collector toward a front wall thereof to retain the tray in position in the fireplace. The fireplace tray preferably also includes handles mounted to the collector to facilitate handling of the tray and other features which permit collected ashes to be easily disposed of while maintaining the fireplace substantially clean at all times.

Abstract: A safety device for fireplaces provides a non-flammable apron adjacent to the fireplace opening, the apron being sloped up in a direction away from the fireplace. Thus, logs or embers discharged from the fireplace will engage the apron, and will dissipate their energy in moving up hill. The device has a switch that is closed when the apron is contacted for sounding an alarm. A panel beneath the apron defines a space, and the air in the space will be heated. The heated air is directed into the living space, either by natural or forced convection.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to ash catchers for woodstoves of the type adapted to be inserted into an existing fireplace. The ash catcher includes a generally horizontal pan supported along the front edge by a pair of fixed legs. A third leg is pivotally secured to the pan and is biased to a downward position for supporting the rear edge of said pan. When placed in a position for catching ashes from a woodstove, the rear leg is pivoted upwardly against the underside of the pan which rests upon the fireplace hearth. The ash catcher further includes an attached top for covering the ash pan to prevent ash from spilling when the ash catcher is transported. The ash pan also includes a hinged rear wall that is positionable between closed and open positions. When the ash pan is in the open position, a rear wall opening is formed in the ash pan such that ashes can be swept therefrom.

Abstract: An improved fireplace grate which controls the scattering of ashes from fire logs is disclosed. A shroud is attached to the outer edges of a fireplace grate so that ashes from burning logs are deflected inward toward the grate instead of outward onto the floor of the fireplace. A removable tray beneath the grate is provided to collect the ashes and allow the ashes to be disposed of by simply removing and emptying the tray.

Abstract: A reversible, wear-resistant ash screw cooler section is provided with a carbon steel inner liner having a high chrome, high carbide overlay emplaced thereon to improve its wear and erosion resistance. To facilitate obtaining the maximum wear out of the section, the replaceable section is made symmetrical about its vertical and longitudinal centerline and provided with suitable compatible flanges and symmetrically placed cooling water hookups on the ends of the section to allow the section to be reversed, end for end, and reconnected to the ash screw cooler.

Abstract: An internal ashpan emptying dust reducer and storage unit is provided and consists of a swivel tray having a handle. The swivel tray holds an ashpan therein and pivotly fits into a front top entrance of a cabinet with the handle extending therefrom so that a door on the front top entrance can close. A storage drawer slides into the bottom of the cabinet to catch coal ash and dust dumped out of the ashpan when the handle is rotated to flip over the swivel tray within the front top entrance.

Abstract: An ash catcher assembly (2) for catching ash and debris falling out through openings in the bottom (11) of a barbecue kettle (10) is disclosed. The assembly (2) is easily installed and is removably mounted on the bottom (11) of a barbecue kettle (10). The assembly (2) includes a cylindrical basket (90) for holding the ash that has an interconnected handle member (80) for gripping. Outwardly extending projections (81,84) of the handle member (80) extend outwardly through openings (94,93) in the basket (90) and cooperate with a cylindrical mounting ring (60). The mounting ring (60) has a plurality of slots (62,65) for receiving the projections (81,84). The assembly (2) is secured to the kettle (10) by a transverse mounting band (51) that is fastened to the bottom (11) of the kettle (10) and connected to the mounting band (60).

Abstract: A fireplace grate with an adjustable ash pan for collecting and holding ashes from burning material is disclosed. The grate and adjustable ash pan are specifically sized and configured to cooperate such that ashes from the burning material are deposited within the adjustable ash pan as they drop from the grate. The adjustable ash pan has vertical walls which contain the ashes and prevent spilling during the removal of the pan. Recessed handles on the ends of the adjustable ash pan provide a convenient grip for removing the pan. The ash pan may be adjusted to accommodate a variety of fireplace sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ash-collecting pan and ventilation adjusting device for a barbecue set, of which the bottom of the body portion is formed into a flat bottom with a plurality of through holes provided for ash dropping and ventilation functions. On the outer circumference of the flat bottom, three L-shaped flange plates are provided for mounting the ash-collecting pan under the barbecue set. The ash-collecting pan comprises two rested pans, including an inner pan and an outer pan at a suitable height. The walls of each of the two pans are furnished with several corresponding ventilation apertures. The bottom of the inner pan has a handle attached thereto and extending under the outer pan. The inner pan can be turned by means of the handle so as to vary the size of the corresponding apertures between the two pans, whereby the air supply to the barbecue set may be adjusted. Further, the handle can facilitate insertion and removal of the ash-collecting pan from the barbecue set.

Abstract: An ash catching apparatus (10) for barbeque kettle (100) including a frustro-conical ash catching receptacle (13) support at a selected distance from the apertured bottom (102) of the grill (100) by a plurality of support members (12) that are movably disposed on the support legs (103) of the kettle (100) and a weather ring (20) attached to the bottom (102) of the cooking receptacle (101) and dimensioned to prevent wind and rain from entering into the mouth (13') of the ash catching receptacle.

Abstract: An ash collector for the collection of ashes from a kettle-type grill. The ash collector is inverted, is frustoconical with a large top opening, and it tapers down to a smaller bottom opening. It has a large horizontal slot about half the width of the ash collector and a small slot opposite the larger slot. It has a non-combustible disk slidable in the large slot, and the disk effectively closes the bottom opening, when the disk is inserted fully into the large slot. The disk has a locking tab for engagement with the small slot to hold the disk horizontally in place and to close off completely the bottom opening. Preferably the ash collector is used with a supporting assembly and a kettle-type grill resting on the supporting assembly. The assembly has legs to which the collector is secured, so that when ashes fall through vent holes at the bottom of the kettle-like grill, the ashes fall into the conical ash collector and onto the disk.

Abstract: An ash pan assembly for a wood burning or coal burning stove includes an ash pan door permanently attached to the stove and mounted for movement between a closed ash collection position and an open position. An ash pan is mounted to the movable ash pan door. A detachable ash pan cover is easily attached to the ash pan in the open position. The ash pan cover prevents accidental spillage of ashes and hot coals from the ash pan and includes a carrying handle by which the ash pan is lifted from the assembly and taken for disposal. The ash pan door is preferably hinged to the front wall of the stove for swinging to the open position.

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.

Abstract: A removable ash collector is for use with barbecue grills having a central ash discharge opening, the grill being supported by outwardly and downwardly extending legs. The ash collector includes a conical support ring, having a downwardly and inwardly sloping inner surface, and a catch basin removably mounted beneath the support ring. The support ring has J-shaped slots in its upper edge by which the ring is mounted to the legs. The support ring acts as a guide for ashes discharged from the ash discharge opening and as the support element for the ash catch basin. The catch basin has a number of generally L-shaped hooks extending from its upper rim which engage appropriately shaped hook supports mounted to the support ring. This permits a catch basin filled with ashes to be removed without the mess or bother associated with conventional ash catchers of the type mounted directly to the legs.

Abstract: A portable ash auger including a heat and fire resistant housing with an attached handle and with a fireproof tube that opens into and projects from the housing while surrounding an auger having a tip end extending beyond the tube and drive means for the auger.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to ash catchers for woodstoves of the type adapted to be inserted into an existing fireplace. The ash catcher includes a generally horizontal pan supported along the front edge by a pair of fixed legs. A third leg is pivotally secured to the pan and is biased to a downward position for supporting the rear edge of said pan. When placed in a position for catching ashes from a woodstove, the rear leg is pivoted upwardly against the underside of the pan which rests upon the fireplace hearth.

Abstract: A receptacle for removing ashes from a fireplace or stove has a box-like receptacle body strongly constructed of relatively thin gauge sheet steel with a top opening and hinged cover therefor. A long handle is secured to a front panel wall of the receptacle body midway of the width thereof be a relatively narrow, weight-distributing plate to which it is secured adjacent the upper end thereof. The ash-filled receptacle is cantilevered at a distance from a person carrying the same by holding the remote end of the handle.

Abstract: An ash catcher for a barbecue kettle comprises an open top tapered body shaped to fit within a trapezohedral space defined by upwardly-converging legs between the bottom of the kettle and a shelf connected to the lower ends of the legs. It has a profile enabling it to be withdrawn sidewise between adjacent legs. The embodiment illustrated comprises a triangular base wall and three trapezoidal side walls converging upwardly from the edges of the base wall. Ash-deflecting panels are hingedly connected to the respective side walls and are pivotally movable between upper, outwardly-extended, ash-deflecting, working positions, and lower, retracted positions folded along the side walls. Removable hooks are connected between adjacent ash-deflecting panels to hold them in their ash-deflecting, working positions.

Abstract: A filter member (98) is mounted on the inside of a sidewall (16) of a receptacle (10), in a position covering an opening (76) in the sidewall (16). A vacuum cleaner suction hose attachment (122) is provided on the opposite side of such opening (76). The receptacle (10) is a closed container when used, except for a sidewall inlet (38) in the sidewall (14) which is opposite the filter carrying wall (16). Ashes (134) are introduced into the inlet opening (38) and dumped into an ash pan (52) contained within the lower portion of the receptacle (10). The vacuum cleaner (130) draws the fine dust to the filter member (98). The fine ash dust is collected by the filter member (98) or is drawn into the vacuum cleaner (130). When the ash pan (52) needs to be emptied, the top (22) of the receptacle (10) is swung open.

Abstract: This invention is a unique combination of an ash removing container for stove ashes and the like, combined with a cooperative carrier for stove operating and cleaning implements used in connection with the practicing of the method. It features a fireproof container with a unique dust containing cover having means to remain open or closed alternately as desired and wherein the ash container is the base for a stand carrying, in a cooperative relationship, the tools necessary to operate within and clean matter from a stove. The container features a sliding cover with suitable self-operative safety means to hold the cover either closed or opened as may be desired at any given time.

Abstract: A stove ash retaining device is disclosed for use with stoves and furnaces having an ash pit which serves as the combustion chamber also simultaneously. The retaining apparatus includes a housing having a floor, sidewalls, a top and an end to define an open end thereof adapted to admit ashes therethrough. The open end includes a cover movably positionable extending thereover to prevent the moving of light ash therefrom during disposal of ashes. The housing includes an inclined entry ramp extending downwardly therefrom adapted to extend into an ash pit over the edge of an ash door of a conventionally configured stove. The apparatus further includes a tool device including a rake for separating the ashes from the coals and a hoe for pulling the separated ash up the inclined entry ramp into the retaining chamber therefore defined by the housing.