Abstract: A horticultural smudging system and method for improving the growth and/or production of plants. Combustible material is burnt within a thermal container, and the resulting flue gas containing negative ions and carbon dioxide is propelled onto one or more plants. The smudging system and method may use one or more sensors to detect oxygen, air pressure, and flue gas levels within the thermal container to adjust air intake and the release of flue gas.

Abstract: A firebox assembly for generating smoke and conveying controlled amounts of smoke and air for a kamado oven. A firebox assembly has a door leading to a fire chamber, in turn, having an exit opening for smoke to flow into a smoke chamber. A chimney connected to the smoke chamber has slide gates to control the flow of smoke from the smoke chamber into the kamado oven. Further, the gates allow the smoke to be exhausted to the atmosphere and further allow atmospheric air to enter into the chimney eventually flowing to the kamado oven.

Abstract: A gas collapsible stove includes an expandable combustion chamber formed from nested annular rings that can collapse to about the height of a single ring and expand into a combustion chamber for burning combustible materials. Ventilation holes at the bottom of the combustion chamber provide airflow into the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is frustoconical and narrows at the top which increases air flow into the combustion chamber via the Venturi effect. Combustible fuels can be added and ignited in the combustion chamber and cookware containing food can be placed onto an associated top plate suspending the combustion chamber. A gas head with a plurality of gas apertures can be inserted through a bottom plate secured to the bottommost annular ring to allow a combustible gas to be used as a combustible fuel in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A smoker includes a smoke generator that is configured to provide a controllable method of producing smoke without creating a flame. The device includes a housing including a hopper for storing a smoking fuel within the interior of the housing. The hopper feeds the smoking fuel to a fuel conveyor that is partially within the housing and partially exterior of the housing. A motor is connected to the fuel conveyor so that operation of the motor causes the smoking fuel to move along the length of the fuel conveyor. As the smoking fuel moves along the fuel conveyor, it is heated to produce continuous smoke without producing a flame. The smoke generator is capable of controlling the quality and the quantity of the smoke produced by the smoke generator independently of the heat that is used to cook food within a cabinet of the smoker.

Abstract: A method and a system for increasing the degree days in the immediate environment of fruit bearing vines for the cultivation of particular fruit bearing vines, such as non-rustic vinifera variety vines, in unfavourable climatic regions where the degree days is insufficient for the full maturity of the fruit, is described. Rows of the vines are protected in removable shelters which have a removable tarp cover disposed over a support frame structure to shield the rows of vines from the harsh, vine damaging, winter month temperatures while keeping the vines in a controlled temperature environment. Heated liquid circulation conduits are supported in the shelters at predetermined locations and provide controlled heat during the winter months to prevent the vines and the cordon bearing spuds of the vines from damaging cold temperatures.

Abstract: A method of preparing a smoke-treated tobacco material is provided, the method including the steps of: (i) subjecting a tobacco material to smoke to give a smoke-treated tobacco material with modified taste characteristics; and (ii) incorporating the smoke-treated tobacco material into a smokeless tobacco product. The invention also provides a smokeless tobacco product incorporating a smoke-treated tobacco material. The smokeless tobacco product may be, for example, a moist snuff tobacco product.

Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and methods of use pertaining to irrigating and thermally protecting a field of crops. One embodiment provides a semi-closed circuit irrigation and thermal-protection system that circulates heated irrigation fluid from a storage reservoir, through a fluid distribution system associated with each crop in the field, and back to the reservoir. The fluid distribution system incorporates a number of expandable, porous vessels associated with the crops. The vessels receive a large volume of irrigation fluid and, while slowly releasing the fluid into the soil to raise soil-saturation levels, transfer heat from the fluid directly to the crops and to the ambient environment. The system may be activated in discrete bursts to irrigate the crops or activated over a prolonged duration to heat the crops during a freeze or frost event. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparation of fuel from biomass wherein the biomass is subjected to a heat treatment in a temperature range from 150 to 300 C, in a reactor pressurized with steam and air, wherein the pressure at completed treatment is released. The volume increase of steam and other gases from the pressure release is temporarily accumulated in a container of a flexible volume while steam and other gases are subjected to heat exchange in at least one heat exchanger so that condensable gases are condensed and release their heat of condensation in the at least one heat exchanger.

Abstract: The safe incense evaporator has a bowl, a flat lid covering the bowl, and a cap or dome defining a chamber above the lid. The bowl defines a basin, and a crucible is concentrically seated at the top of the basin. The basin allows water to surround the crucible. Very small orifices are defined in a central area of the lid, and are also defined in the dome to allow the scent of burning incense to leave the evaporator. The crucible is adapted for holding incense coal or charcoal used to burn or heat incense. The evaporator may have a latch holding the cap onto the bowl in case the evaporator tips over onto its side so that the coals or charcoal will be extinguished by the water from the basin. The evaporator may also have a dual latch or lock to prevent children from tampering with the evaporator.

Abstract: A continuous cultivation system for growing an organic ginseng using multilevel cultivation tables. The system includes a facility including: a rainproof plastic roof, a first sun-shading screen placed on the rainproof plastic roof and allows transmission of an adequate amount of sunlight for cultivation of ginseng, and a second sun-shading screen installed at front, back, and left, and right sides of the facility and that allows air to smoothly pass therethrough; a plurality of multilevel cultivation tables that includes three or more levels of cultivation tables respectively; a water supply device for uniformly supplying water to the cultivation tables; a ventilation window and an air blowing fan installed on a ceiling of the facility to ventilate an upper portion of the facility; and auxiliary light sources installed under all of the cultivation tables except for lowermost cultivation tables.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a heating apparatus adapted to modify local climatic conditions which includes a base arranged to support the heating apparatus on a support surface. An inlet stage is associated with the base and a mixer stage connected on top of the inlet stage. At least one outlet nozzle is connected to the mixer stage, with the outlet nozzle or nozzles being adapted to rotate relative to the base. At least one heating element is located inside the mixer stage, and an impeller is arranged to drive air through the inlet stage into the mixer stage and out at least one outlet nozzle, where the mixer stage defines an air flow path which elevates air drawn through the mixer stage.

Abstract: A cooking system includes an upper cooking chamber configured to receive food therein; a lower heating chamber configured to burn fuel therein; a conduit in fluid communication between the upper cooking chamber and the lower heating chamber; a first valve operably associated with the conduit, the first valve being configured to open and close access between the upper cooking chamber and the lower heating chamber; a flue in gaseous communication with both the lower heating chamber and the upper cooking chamber; a second valve operably associated with the flue and the lower heating chamber, the second valve being configured to open and close access between the lower cooking chamber and the flue; and a third valve operably associated with the flue and the lower heating chamber, the second valve being configured to open and close access between the lower cooking chamber and the flue.

Abstract: A device has an inner wall with a plurality of flow openings and defining a smoking chamber. A solid outer wall surrounds the inner wall to define a flow gap between the inner wall and outer wall. A top cover extends to enclose the smoking chamber and the flow gap from the top. Openings may be provided for air flow into and out of the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotary flame heater, comprising a burner, a first wind wheel, a second wind wheel and a glass tube set in sequence from bottom to top; one side of the burner is set with an ignition device, the first wind wheel and second wind wheel are annular, a plurality of first air inlet passages are aslant set on a side wall of the first wind wheel, a plurality of second air inlet passages are aslant set a side wall of the second wind wheel, the inclined direction of the plurality of first air inlet passages is the same with that of the second air inlet passages. The advantage of this invention is to make full use of the combustion space, increase the contacting area with the glass tube and increase the calorific value when burns the same gas, which achieves a better heating effect.

Abstract: A method of smoke-infusing proteinaceous foods comprises the following sequential steps: a) enclosing the proteinaceous foods in a vacuum-treating zone; b) introducing smoke directly or indirectly from a smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; c) subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone, thereby infusing smoke into the proteinaceous foods; d) repeating the steps of introducing smoke directly or indirectly from the smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone at least fifty times in pulsed sequences of smoke introduction stage/vacuum purging stage/vacuum release stage for the efficient infusion of smoke into the proteinaceous foods; and e) a post-chill resting cycle of the smoke-infused proteinaceous foods at a suitable temperature and for a suitable period of time.

Abstract: The invention provides for a brooder having a cylindrical emitter and a burner head. The cylindrical emitter is formed from a flat piece of stainless steel which is manipulated in order to secure one end thereof to another end thereof, thereby allowing for reduced costs in packaging and shipping of the brooder and for easy assembly of the emitter after shipping. The burner head is formed of top and bottom plates which are secured together by port spacers of the bottom plate having tabs which extend through apertures of the top plate, and which are folded downwardly toward the top plate.

Abstract: A heat-generating apparatus includes a frame assembly and a securement assembly carried by the frame assembly. The securement assembly includes a panel member arranged in a first vertical plane for supporting a target material parallel to the first vertical plane. The heat-generating apparatus also includes a heating support assembly adjustably supported by the frame and including at least one heating element arranged in a second vertical plane that is parallel to and offset from the first vertical plane. The heating support assembly is adjustable along a horizontal first adjustment axis that is perpendicular to each of the first and second vertical planes and along a second adjustment axis that is disposed in or adjacent to the second vertical plane.

Abstract: A heater includes a base formed with a receiving space for receiving a fuel material that is to be combusted, and a heating unit. The heating unit includes: a flow guide component disposed on the top side of the base and having a through hole axially aligned and in communication with the opening, and at least one air passage communicated with the through hole and permitting air externally of the flow guide component to flow therethrough into the receiving space via the through hole and the opening; and a heat-radiating pipe disposed to extend upwardly from the flow guide component and disposed to surround the through hole and permitting flow of flue gas resulting from combustion of the fuel material in the receiving space therethrough.

Abstract: A cooking surface for a grill includes a cylindrical fire column. Food placed on the grill surface directly above the fire column will be impinged by the heat of the heat source, made even more intense by the upward, directional flow of air through the fire column. Food placed on the grill surface but not directly above the fire column can be cooked with indirect heat.

Abstract: A gas forced air heater is provided. The gas forced air heater has a housing surrounding a combustion chamber and a blower upstream of the combustion chamber. A burner tube of the gas forced air heater has a fuel inlet in a secondary chamber coupled to the housing and a burner head proximal an air inlet opening of the combustion chamber. An air input orifice into the secondary chamber is provided upstream of the combustion chamber and allows air output from the fan to be communicated into the secondary chamber.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for protecting a specimen tree from substantial cold weather damage. The apparatus includes a hollow housing preferably having a generally flattened configuration and being adapted in horizontal size for positioning beneath, and being substantially smaller than, a canopy perimeter width of the tree. An air movement source is mounted within, and arranged to draw air into the housing preferably through apertures in a lower panel thereof. Air discharge openings are formed around an edge perimeter of said housing for discharging air generally laterally or radially outwardly therefrom produced by the air movement source. A ground support is connectable to and for holding the housing above the ground and beneath a canopy of the tree so that discharging air protectively intermingles with, and produces airflow around the foliage of the tree. An air heat source is also provided which enhances foliage protection.

Abstract: A smoker having a smoke generating material loader which preferably is insertable and retractable through a housing aperture and is adjustable between a no dump state and a dump state once inserted, preferably relative to a receiver tray that is closer to a heat source, as in an electric heat resistance bar, to cause smoke generation of smoke generating material received from the loader when placed in a dump state. The loader preferably has one or more seal off end caps or sections relative to the receiving housing aperture to provide a heat retention function. A preferred embodiment features a nested arrangement between the inserted loader and receiver tray and preferably the receiver tray is in a sliding supported relationship with the loader as in a semi-cylindrical loader main body in contact with one or more concave supporting surfaces of the receiver tray. The receiver tray also preferably has opposing shielding walls extending up from opposite sides of an apertured base receiving tray.

Abstract: A high volume multi-chamber barbecue and smoker apparatus is provided, including multiple smoker chambers and multiple heating chambers interconnected by a ventilation and exhaust system of pipes with manually operated valves for controlling air and smoke flow between multiple chambers as well as to the outside environment. The ventilation and exhaust system permits ventilation and drafting to the apparatus to be controlled so that a charcoal or wood fire can be more quickly and efficiently started, and then air ventilation and smoke selectively adjusted during cooking to control the amount of heat or smoke delivered to the food in various smoker and heating chambers of the multi-chamber apparatus.

Abstract: In a cocoshell filtered cold smoke apparatus, a heating stove receives a smoke generating material made of coconut shell. A cooling chamber internally provided with multiple filter layers communicates with the heating stove. A liquid cooling unit is respectively connected to a first liquid pipe and a second liquid pipe. An end of the first liquid pipe is connected through first filter cartridges to the liquid cooling unit, and another end of it provided with nozzles is positioned at an upper portion inside the cooling chamber. A gas compressor unit is connected to the cooling chamber to compress the gas and store it in a gas bottle. A meat smoking part includes a smoking chamber inside which are received multiple pieces of meat, placed on a supporting frame, to be smoked. A carriage is further provided to facilitate the displacement of the supporting frame.

Abstract: A heating system for a tower mounted wind machine is provided. The heating system includes a burner that is rotatably mounted on the tower, in the air stream of the wind machine. The burner receives a combustible fuel conducted through a rotatable manifold on the central tower. The wind machine is a conventional type, generating the air stream by the rotation of a propeller. The wind machine is received on the top of a central tower. The manifold also mounts to the central tower, proximate the wind machine. The manifold has an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring mounts in a fixed position to the central tower, and the outer ring circumferentially mounts on the inner ring. The outer ring is rotatable relative to the inner ring. The inner ring includes a fuel inlet, and the outer ring includes a fuel outlet. The burner combusts the fuel that is conducted through the manifold to heat the air stream.

Abstract: A heater apparatus for a wind machine and particularly for heating a wind stream generated by the wind machine, the wind machine rotatably mounted upon a central tower. The generated air stream can be directed toward a target such as an orchard, vineyard or crop. The wind machine rotates upon a pinion attached to the wind machine. The pinion rotates within a housing, and the housing is immovably mounted to the central tower. The housing includes a pinion cavity, which receives the pinion. The pinion is rotatable within the housing, and the pinion is co-rotatable with the wind machine about a common axis of rotation upon the central tower. A manifold is formed within the pinion cavity, between the pinion and the housing and is further bounded by an upper seal and a lower seal. A fuel is receivable into the manifold, the fuel conducted into the manifold through a housing port. The housing port penetrates through the housing and is open to the manifold. The housing port conducts the fuel into the manifold.