Having Electric Current Producer Patents (Class 431/255)
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Patent number: 6213759Abstract: A disposable utility lighter for lighting BBQS, fireplaces and the like, having a child resistant device comprised of a reservoir, a spark generator for generating spark at a nozzle tip to ignite the flame by activating a trigger. Four embodiments of a child resistant device are disclosed that prevent use by children comprising buttons or switches that must first be manipulated before the lighter can be operated. In a first embodiment, the trigger release button is mounted beneath a trigger guard immediately adjacent to and above the trigger. The trigger release button allows one finger operation to pull or push upward on the trigger release button, and then nearly simultaneously pull back on the trigger. Release of the trigger re-engages the trigger release button preventing operation. In a second embodiment, a downward pressure on a trigger locking button extending through the top of the housing of the BBQ lighter disengages an abutment from the boss on the trigger allowing operation of the trigger.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Calico Brands, Inc.Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
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Patent number: 6206689Abstract: A child resistant lighter is disclosed which includes an actuator and a latch member pivotally coupled thereto. The latch member includes a finger actuation portion and a body portion extending therefrom. The body portion has a free end. When in an inoperative state, the free end of the latch member is aligned with a blocking surface of the lighter body, thus, preventing inadvertent lighting of the lighter. When in an operative state, the free end of the latch member is pivoted out of alignment with the blocking surface so that the lighter can function. During pivoting, as the finger actuation portion moves in a first direction, the free end moves in an opposite, second direction. The first and second direction are transverse.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Michel J. M. Doucet, Rene D. Frigiere, Paul Adams
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Patent number: 6200130Abstract: A child resistant lighter comprising a standard piezo-electric lighter construction having a main body, a fuel reservoir, valve release means, and a piezo-electric means, the improvement comprising a child-resistant safety device which includes a safety button which must be moved to an engaged position so that a contacting block will be in place when the operating button is depressed allowing contact and displacement of the release lever which will open the gas valve and allow operation of the lighter.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Inventor: Aman Chung Kai Man
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Patent number: 6196833Abstract: An additional active safety switch for gas burner with active restoring capability is provided to actively prevent the ignition trigger of the gas burner from being pulled arbitrarily or from keeping enabled constantly for enhancement of security.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Chi-Sheng Ho
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Patent number: 6192913Abstract: A control valve assembly for a pilotless gas burner in which the valve has a gas inlet port and a single gas outlet port. Interposed between the gas inlet port and the single gas outlet port is a sleeve that provides predetermined amounts of gas flow to the single gas output port depending upon a plurality of orifices in the sleeve being opened or closed. The valve automatically closes if the main burner flame is extinguished and must be restarted manually. Further, manual control of the valve is provided by a shaft which is rotatably and axially inserted into the valve to provide ignition fuel to the burner and to regulate the amount of fuel flow through the sleeve to the single output port and the burner.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: DESA InternationalInventors: John R. Willey, Eric M. Kaltenmark, Ricky J. Fielder
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Patent number: 6190161Abstract: A piezoelectrically-ignited gas appliance comprises a fuel regulator assembly, a burner assembly attached to the fuel regulator assembly, and a piezoelectric ignition assembly partially within the burner assembly. The burner assembly includes a transfer pipe assembly, an air/fuel mixing assembly, and a combustion assembly. The transfer pipe assembly has a proximal end attached to the air/fuel mixing assembly and a distal end attached to the combustion assembly. The an air/fuel mixing assembly has an air opening formed at the proximal end and a fuel injector formed within the proximal end and in fluid communication with the fuel regulator assembly. The combustion assembly has a combustion nozzle and combustion flange attached to the distal end. The piezoelectric ignition assembly includes an piezoelectric charge generator coupled by a thermally and electrically-insulated, semi-rigid conductive wire within the transfer pipe assembly to an electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Application des GazInventors: Franck Mandica, Dominique Fontaine
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Patent number: 6186777Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility lighter platform which includes a lighting mechanism configured to selectively ignite fuel supplied from a fuel supply container, and a frame configured to operatively house the lighting mechanism and configured to receive an outer shell thereon. The frame includes a fuel supply container housing structure configured to hold a fuel supply container at a first end of the frame and an insulating cap holding structure configured to receive an insulating cap at a second end of the frame and configured to house a nozzle operatively connected to the fuel supply. The frame also includes an ignitor assembly holding structure configured to house an ignitor assembly, and a trigger holding structure configured to operatively hold a trigger stem with which to activate the ignitor assembly and to release fuel from the fuel supply in order to ignite fuel received at the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Daniel Ferrara, Brian Tubby, Paul Adams
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Patent number: 6186773Abstract: A safety mechanism of a utility lighter. The safety mechanism includes a cam mechanism and a safety button. The cam mechanism has three projecting members, namely, a fuel-release lever, a cam lever, and a return spring. The fuel-release lever, when activated, opens the fuel-release valve. The cam lever, when in the locked position is aligned with the stopper tab, impedes operation of the trigger. The return spring urges the cam lever into the locked position and the fuel-release lever into the closed position. The cam mechanism is operated by a safety button, as the safety button is depressed the cam mechanism rotates. Rotating the cam mechanism moves the cam lever out of alignment from the stopper tab. Thus allowing the trigger to be depressed and the fuel-release lever is also moved opening the fuel-release valve, as the safety button is released the return spring urges the cam mechanism into the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
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Patent number: 6171099Abstract: A safety device for a gas torch includes a frame movably inserted into a notch in a top of a handle of the gas torch and the ignition device of the torque is received in the frame. A pressing member is slidably connected to the frame and connected to lever of a valve for releasing gas from a tank. A front end of the pressing member is inserted in the notch of the handle to prevent the pressing member from being unintentionally pushed. The front end of the pressing member has to be pulled out from the notch before it is pushed.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Arlo H. T. Lin
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Patent number: 6168420Abstract: A safety mechanism of a utility lighter. In a first preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a safety button and a cam mechanism having a fuel release lever, a cam lever, and a return spring. When the cam mechanism is in the locked position, the cam lever engages the stopper tab of the trigger to impede depression of the trigger, and the fuel release lever closes the fuel release valve. The cam mechanism is actuated by depressing the safety button. As the safety button is depressed, the cam lever is disengaged out of alignment with the stopper tab to permit depression of the trigger, the hub rotates, and the fuel release lever is actuated to open the fuel-release valve. As the safety button is released, the return spring urges the cam mechanism into the locked position. In a second preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a lever spring and the cam mechanism having the fuel release lever and the safety button.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2000Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
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Patent number: 6168423Abstract: A BBQ or fireplace lighter, including a child resistant device to prevent operation by children, and in particular, small children. In one embodiment, the device is in the form of a pivotally mounted lever having a notch engaging a plate in the trigger, locking the trigger from operation. The trigger release mechanism includes a button extending out of the lighter housing immediately behind the trigger guard for operation by a finger while the trigger is operated by the index or another finger. A second embodiment is comprised of a trigger guard plate having a thumb tab extending out of the top of the housing mounted on a rotatable hub. The guard plate engages and obstructs operation of the trigger. A spring biases the guard plate against the trigger to prevent operation, but can be rotated out of the way by rotating the thumb tab to a stop position moving trigger guard plate out of engagement of the trigger, allowing operation of the BBQ or fireplace lighter.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Aman Chung Kai Man
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Patent number: 6146129Abstract: A cigarette lighter which has a safety locking device utilizing a spring biased latch. The cigarette lighter comprises a case, a top cover hingeably attached to an upper part of the case, a lighter seat, a press-down button, and the safety locking device. The latch is slidable mounted on top of the press-down button of the cigarette lighter. The latch is biased by an internal coil spring, which urges the latch to be engaged with the lighter seat, thereby preventing the press-down button from being pressed-down. When a user intends to use the cigarette lighter, the latch can be slid laterally against the spring force of the coil spring to disengage the latch from the lighter seat, thereby allowing the press-down button to be pressed down and ignite the cigarette lighter. Once the user releases the press-down button, it returns upwardly while the latch is biased back by the coil spring and automatically engages with the lighter seat again and thereby locks the press-down button.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: A.S.G. Enterprise, Inc.Inventor: Xin-Liang Li
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Patent number: 6142767Abstract: A cigarette lighter is disclosed. It operates by acting on a push button which opens a valve to release gas from a tank and activate a sparking means for igniting the released gas. The lighter has a "self-retrieving" safety mechanism which is simple and easy for an adult to operate and which can reliably prevent unintentional operation of the lighter, such as by a child. The safety mechanism has an elongated resilient bar provided at one end with an operating member located. The safety mechanism has a normal position in which the safety device prevents operation of the push button and an operating position, to which the safety device can be moved by an operating member in a one step motion, in which the push button can be operated. Upon operation, the safety device automatically returns to its normal position.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Cli-Claque Co., Ltd.Inventor: Leung Chan
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Patent number: 6135763Abstract: The invention includes a child-resistant mechanism for a utility lighter. The child-resistant mechanism includes an operation member for activating the piezoelectric unit. The operation member has an inoperable position and an operable position. Attached to the back side of the operation member is a horizontal lever for activating the fuel-release lever as the operation member is moved into the operable position then depressed in one motion by the finger of a user. A spring, attached to the horizontal lever, urges the operation member into the inoperable position. Further the horizontal lever cannot activate the fuel-release lever as the operation member is depressed while in the inoperable position because the horizontal lever and the fuel-release lever are not aligned.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventor: Aman Chung Kai Man
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Patent number: 6135762Abstract: An automatic security gas holding device fitted in an igniter includes a security button, a compression spring, a fitting hole provided on the main igniter body, a second supporting rib with a guide hole, a swing arm with a horizontal portion, an upper boss portion and a lower boss portion. The swing arm is pivotedly fitted through a shaft to one end of the security button and makes use of the top end of its upper boss portion near the top end of an actuating plunger of the button, and makes use of the top end of its lower boss portion near the upper surface of a seesaw. When the user finishes using the igniter fitted with the security gas holding device, the security button automatically returns to a security state relying on the interior spring action to greatly raise the safety factor of the electronic igniter.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventor: Ke Ren Hu
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Patent number: 6129544Abstract: A safety device for a piezoelectric lighter, which can prevent under age children from the usage of cigarette lighter without adult supervision, includes a locking stopper fitted in a locker groove of a cap body of a pusher cap in an inwardly movable manner and a resilient unit mounted between the locking stopper and the pusher cap to normally urge and retain the locking stopper positioning between the pusher head and the locking flange of a piezoelectric unit casing of the piezoelectric lighter, so as to block any downwardly movement of the pusher cap and thus prevent the ignition operation of the piezoelectric unit. In other words, the piezoelectric lighter is locked from ignition normally. In order to ignite the piezoelectric lighter of the present invention, an adult user's thumb must intentionally push in the locking stopper until it is unblocked by the locking flange and push down the pusher cap at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Inventor: Peter Chen
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Patent number: 6126437Abstract: An igniter with a safety switch having a barrel, a case, and a switch button, is characterized in that the igniter also comprises a rotation shaft with a torsional spring, a substantially Z-shaped safety lock, with one of its ends remaining outside the case and the other end located below the corresponding position of lateral convex of the switch button. In natural state, the switch button cannot be pressed down because of the prevention of the safety lock, and when safety lock is turned on, its head moves away from lateral convex that corresponds with switch button, and then safety lock can be normally pressed down to achieve ignition. The present invention enhances the safety property of the igniter and is simple-structured and easy to operate.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Cixi No. 9 Radio FactoryInventors: Mao Lixiang, Li Dongliang
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Patent number: 6106277Abstract: A piezoelectric unit with built-in safety arrangement which is adapted to equipped with all kinds of piezoelectric lighter so as to provide a safety lock feature for the piezoelectric lighter. The piezoelectric unit includes a piezoelectric housing having a lower base body and an upper actuation chamber; an operating member having an axial receiving cavity provided therein and being slidably fitted in the actuation chamber of the piezoelectric housing in a vertically movable manner; a high voltage generating means which is arranged in the base body for generating striking sparks at an ignition tip thereof when the operating member disposed in the actuation chamber is pressed downwardly towards the base body; and a safety arrangement which is arranged in the operating member for normally locking a downward movement of the operating member unless a turner member is operated with the downward movement of the operating member.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventor: Yiling Xie
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Patent number: 6099300Abstract: A gas fueled lighter having a compact storage configuration so as to be easily carried in a pocket or purse, the lighter actuated by sliding a longitudinal portion engaged to the body so as to extend said portion to form an extension having a free end, the free end configured to initiate a flame upon full extension from the body, the flame fueled by gas in the body and ignited by a piezo ignition switch. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed to provide an inexpensive, compact, easy to implement lighter providing the flame from an extension when in use, the extension sliding back to form a portion of the body when not in use. This safety feature not only provides a flame extended from the user's hand and body, it also provides an extension for lighting pilot lights, gas grills, fireplaces, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventor: Timothy P. Rice
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Patent number: 6095796Abstract: A safety mechanism in a cigarette lighter that utilizes a double-button actuator system. The safety button has an aperture through which is positioned an ignition button. The safety button and the ignition button are adjoined by a flange such that when the safety button is depressed the ignition button is also depressed. The safety mechanism also includes a stopper which limits the downward movement of the safety button. Thus the safety button translates downward sufficiently to operate the fuel-release lever opening the fuel-discharge valve. However, in order to activate the piezoelectric unit the ignition button must be depressed below the level of the contact surface of the safety button.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
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Patent number: 6095799Abstract: An utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is operatively connected to the housing for generating a spark proximate the nozzle and an actuating assembly is connected to the housing proximate the handle and operates to both dispense fuel from the fuel supply and to activate the ignitor assembly. A latch member is operatively connected with the handle and includes a blocking portion connected for biased movement relative to the actuating assembly. The latch member is normally biased into engagement with the actuating assembly to prevent operative movement except when the user moves the latch member against the bias. When the latch member is moved out of engagement with the actuating assembly by the user, a trigger may be pulled to release fuel and initiate a spark at the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Daniel A. Ferrara, F. Nicolas Garoffolo, Chris A. Barone, Floyd B. Fairbanks
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Patent number: 6093017Abstract: A lighting rod is provided with a rod-like top end portion and a main body, the rod-like top end portion being provided with a jetting nozzle for jetting out a gas, the main body being provided with a gas tank, a valve mechanism for opening and closing a path through which the gas is supplied from the gas tank to the jetting nozzle, a piezo-electric unit for generating a discharge voltage for lighting the gas, and an operation member which drives the valve mechanism and the piezo-electric unit in order to carry out a lighting operation. A safety device for the lighting rod includes a locking member which is supported for rotation on the main body to be rotatable between a locking position where it prevents the lighting operation of the operation member and a lock release position where it permits the lighting operation of the operation member, and a spring which urges the locking means toward the locking position.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Tokai CorporationInventors: Masaki Saito, Toshihiro Ichikawa
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Patent number: 6093016Abstract: A portable cigarette lighter in the form of a statute of a human figure holding a torch high at the end of one outstretched hand and holding an object in the other hand, such as the statute of liberty adorning New York harbor, includes a hollow housing in the form of a human which houses a fluid storage cylinder and an associated valve that controls release of fluid from the cylinder to a fluid outlet rod that extends from the cylinder to the torch and transports fluid to the torch via the rod. A spring loaded rocker arm whose upward rotating is limited by the housing and which can be depressed downward to activate the lighter includes the hand holding an object and extends into the housing where it fastens to a pivot around which it rotates. Pushing the hand holding the object causes the rocker arm to rotate downward into an actuating cam that depresses a piston linked that opens the fluid discharge valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1999Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Inventor: LiYu Lin
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Patent number: 6086360Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is operatively connected to the housing for generating a spark proximate the nozzle and an actuating assembly is connected to the housing proximate the handle and operates to both dispense fuel from the fuel supply and to activate the ignitor assembly. A linking mechanism is provided in order to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply prior to generation of a spark such that a spark is generated when fuel is present at the nozzle. A locating mechanism is provided proximate the valve of the fuel container in order to properly position the fuel container within the housing. In addition, an isolator cap is disposed around the nozzle to assist in directing the spark in the vicinity of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Floyd B. Fairbanks, F. Nicolas Garoffolo, Chris A. Barone
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Patent number: 6086358Abstract: This invention relates to the field of energy and is directed to a piezoelectric gas lighter with protection from children. According to one of embodiments, such lighter comprises a cap movable in a direction along the body, which cap, in its upper portion, is provided with a rectangular cut-out for a button of the safety device, said button being positioned in this cut-out to move in guides along the cut-out. The button in the form of a plate is provided with protrusions directed toward the piezo-element, the protrusions being in the form of legs positioned with a gap with respect to the piezo-element such that the piezo-element is located between these legs. Said button is also provided with a support member having a socket for mounting therein one end of a button spring, another end of which is brought into contact with a support on the cap.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Inventors: David Vakhtangovich Potskhishvili, Karlo Vakhtangovich Potskhishvili
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Patent number: 6086359Abstract: A lighter safety system which in a first "safety on" position prevents the ignition of the lighter by blocking the depression of the lighter trigger. The simultaneous forward engagement of a safety pin with the operator's thumb and the rearward depression of the trigger by the operator's fingers (of the same hand) allows the lighter to ignite. The safety pin is pivotable about a positioning pillar in the housing. A hook on one end of switch engages on slanted slot in the trigger to prevent depression of the trigger until the pivotable switch pin is urged forward.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Polycity Enterprise LimitedInventor: Tak Chi Sher
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Patent number: 6077069Abstract: A selectively actuatable child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium, and a safety mechanism prevents actuation of the valve to the open position when sparks are produced. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1997Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Bic CorporationInventors: Floyd B. Fairbanks, Thomas G. Snell, James M. McDonough
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Patent number: 6077070Abstract: A lighter of the disposable type, ignition of which requires depression of an actuator that is resistant to the manipulations of unintended users. The lighter is normally maintained in a position that prevents depression of the actuator through the incorporation of a mechanism that increases the difficulty of operation. The safety mechanism requires displacement in two directions in order to allow full depression of the actuator and activation of an ignition means. When the mechanism is so displaced through the application of force by a user, it cannot remain displaced without continuous application of such force and will return to the normal, blocking, position when the force is removed.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1997Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Michel Doucet, Enrique Amoros Nollas, Rene Frigiere
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Patent number: 6065958Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle with an outlet at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An electric ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, has first and second electrical contacts operatively connected to a first electrical pathway. The first electrical pathway includes a first gap proximate the outlet. An ignition preventing assembly forming a second electrical pathway is also operatively connected to the electric ignitor assembly and has operative and inoperative configurations. In the inoperative configuration, the resistance of the second electrical pathway is less than the resistance of the first electrical pathway such that electrical current generated by the electric ignitor assembly selectively travels in the second electrical pathway.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Paul Adams, Floyd B. Fairbanks, Richard M. Orazietti, Brian Tubby, Thomas G. Vailionis, James M. McDonough
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Patent number: 6065959Abstract: A handy gas torch includes a fuel container, a fuel gas control device, a piezoelectric device, a securing plate, a supporting frame, a burning, and a top cover. During operation, a knob of the fuel gas control device is turned so that fuel in the fuel container is drawn up by a suction tube of a gas supply device. The fuel gas passes through a tube neck of the fuel gas control device, a guide hole, a gas output tube to a fuel gas nozzle of the burning device and then fills a channel. By turning an adjusting knob to bring a knob hole into alignment with an air intake hole, air is induced into the channel to mix with the fuel gas. The fuel mixture is ejected by a fire nozzle of a fire ejecting device. Upon the user's pressing a press handle of the piezoelectric device to cause a boss on a press plate to press against a piezoelectric means, sparks are generated by a lead wire on one side of the fire nozzle to ignite the fuel mixture for burning purposes.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Inventor: Chin-Lin Tsai
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Patent number: 6059563Abstract: A gas lighter with dual safety mechanism comprises an actuator mechanism provided between an ignition button and a gas fuel reservoir having a push means protruded from a surface of gas lighter, a first elastic member urged against actuator mechanism, a slidably mounted connecting rod on actuator mechanism, and a second elastic member put on a side of connecting rod. In operation, continuously press push means until connecting rod is aligned with ignition button and gas fuel reservoir. Then press ignition button to urge against connecting rod for pivotably rotating a pivotal member to activate a piston of gas fuel reservoir to open an outlet to discharge gas fuel which in turn flows to a tube member for igniting the gas lighter. An ignition is only made possible through activation of actuator mechanism and ignition button and thus, a mechanism for preventing inadvertent ignition of the gas lighter is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: Huang-Hsi Hsu
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Patent number: 6050811Abstract: A hand held, flammable gas igniter includes a handle with a thumb activated trigger extending, out of the handle top, a child safety lock mounted in the handle bottom, a cylinder filled with a flammable gas enclosed within the handle and a hollow tube extending forward from the handle to deliver the gas, when ignited, to a desired location, such as charcoal in a barbecue or wood in a fireplace. When the child safety lock is activated the trigger is released so that it can move downward and forward into the handle causing an L-shaped rocker to pivot forward, opening a gas flow valve on the cylinder, delivering the flammable gas to the end of the hollow tube. The movement of the trigger also activates a piezoelectric spark generator, delivering an igniting spark to the gas at the end of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Duraflame, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Stein
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Patent number: 6050810Abstract: A lighter includes a housing having a valve seat, and a trigger for actuating an igniting device. A plug is slidably received in the housing and biased to engage with the valve seat. A latch is pivotally secured in the housing and has a hook for engaging with the trigger and for preventing the trigger from being actuated. A knob may disengage the latch from the trigger when the knob is moved relative to the housing and may engage with the plug for disengaging the plug from the valve seat. The trigger may not be actuated before the latch is disengaged from the trigger.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventor: Ying Fang Huang
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Patent number: 6045354Abstract: A selectively actuatable lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium. Such lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable latch which normally prevents actuation of a valve actuator to the open position thereby preventing actuation of the valve. The latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: James M. McDonough, Michel Doucet
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Patent number: 6042367Abstract: A safety device in a lighting rod comprises a locking member having an engagement section, which interferes with a portion of an operation member and thereby locks the lighting operation of the operation member. The locking member can move in a direction, that intersects with the direction along which the operation member moves. An urging member urges the locking member to a locking direction. The locking member is provided with a lock releasing section, which can be operated in order to move the locking member in a direction, that acts against the urging force of the urging member. The lock releasing section is projected to a position, which stands facing the operating section of the operation member. The lock of the lighting operation is released by operating the lock releasing section of the locking member, and the lighting operation is carried out in this state by operating the operating section of the operation member.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Tokai CorporationInventors: Masaki Saito, Toshihiro Ichikawa
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Patent number: 6039562Abstract: A piezoelectric lighter with safety lock, which can be a cigarette lighter or a barbecue lighter, includes a spring lock unit disposed inside a pusher cavity of a pusher cap, which includes a locking heel extended upwardly, a release button sidewardly extended from the locking heel through a locking hole provided on a side wall of a piezoelectric unit casing until a pressing end thereof normally exposed outside, and a spring member integrally extended from the locking heel to another side wall of the piezoelectric unit casing so as to urge the locking heel positioning in a locking condition to block the downward movement of the pusher cap so as to prevent any lighting operation of a piezoelectric unit received in a casing of the piezoelectric lighter.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1999Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Kin Chung Li
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Patent number: 6039561Abstract: A safety piezo-electric lighter having a one-piece safety device that is on the thumb-piece which will prevent accidental ignition and will also prevent ignition by children. The safety device on the thumb-piece does not interfere with the conventional operation of the lighter and does not require the user to manipulate a switch with a separate finger than the one used to press the thumb-piece. The one-piece safety device is very easy and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Hou Chong Lei
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Patent number: 6036478Abstract: A fire-lighting device includes a jetting nozzle for jetting fuel gas, a gas passage for fuel gas to be burned extending from a fuel tank to the jetting nozzle, and a sintered filter made of sintered powder inserted in the gas passage upstream of a small-diameter portion. Provision of the sintered filter prevents obstruction of fuel supply by foreign matter clogging the gas passage at a nozzle plate of the jetting nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Tokai CorporationInventor: Tsutomu Inada
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Patent number: 6022212Abstract: A safety device in a lighting rod comprises a locking member having an engagement section, which interferes with a portion of an operation member and thereby locks the lighting operation of the operation member. The locking member can move in a direction, that intersects with the direction along which the operation member moves. An urging member urges the locking member to a locking direction. The locking member is provided with a lock releasing section, which can be operated in order to move the locking member in a direction, that acts against the urging force of the urging member. The lock releasing section is projected to a position, which stands facing the operating section of the operation member. The lock of the lighting operation is released by operating the lock releasing section of the locking member, and the lighting operation is carried out in this state by operating the operating section of the operation member.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Inventors: Masaki Saito, Toshihiro Ichikawa
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Patent number: 6022211Abstract: A lighter comprising a fuel tank, a tank cover on the fuel tank, a fuel valve mounted on the cover, the fuel valve being operable to release fuel from the fuel tank, a flame adjustment ring which is adjustable for controlling the height of a flame above the fuel valve, a windshield for protecting the flame, an actuating knob of resilient material, a lever which is pivotable in response to actuation of the actuating knob from its locked position for opening the valve, a piezoelectric unit operable by the actuation of the actuating knob for igniting the fuel, and a spring resiliently urging the actuating knob into a locked condition for releasibly retaining the actuating knob in a locked position and thereby preventing the opening of the valve and the actuation of the piezoelectric unit, the actuating knob being resiliently flexible against the action of the spring for releasing the actuating knob from its locked condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Inventor: Zhengge Wang
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Patent number: 6015286Abstract: An internal-combustion type of gas lighter is provided including a cylindrical lighter housing enclosing a lighter body having a fuel gas reservoir therein; a fuel gas ejection nozzle in communication with the fuel gas reservoir via a valve; a lid permitting ignition of a combustible mixture when open and preventing ignition when shut; an orifice member positioned downstream of the fuel gas ejection nozzle to increase the flow rate of fuel gas ejected from the fuel gas ejection nozzle; a mixing tube positioned downstream of the orifice member, the mixing tube having air injection apertures to suck air under a negative pressure caused by a jet flow of fuel gas from the orifice member, thereby providing a fuel gas-and-air combustible mixture; a diffuser positioned downstream of the mixing tube to decrease the flow rate of the combustible gas mixture and to diffuse the combustible mixture; an ignition actuator to operate a piezoelectric element for igniting the combustible mixture; a combustion cylinder positionType: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Windmill Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Susumu Maruyama
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Patent number: 6012916Abstract: A safety electronic lighter includes an ignition control switch, which is operated to drive a high voltage coil, causing it to discharge sparks, the ignition control switch being rotatable between the operative position and the non-operative position, a safety lock, which is operated to lock the ignition control switch, prohibiting the ignition control switch from operation, a first power control switch, which is operated to switch on/off the power supply circuit of the electronic lighter, a second power control switch connected in series to the first power control switch, the second power control switch being mounted inside the housing of the electronic lighter and kept from sight and accessible by a rod member through a hole at the housing of the electronic lighter.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Inventor: Chung-Ho Liang
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Patent number: 6010329Abstract: A jet pump for a heat gun includes an elongate hollow pump body lying along a longitudinal axis. The pump body has an inlet, a mixing section and an outlet. A nozzle unit is axially aligned with the inlet for directing pressurized fuel into the inlet of the pump body. Movement of the pressurized fuel into the inlet causes air to be drawn into the inlet to mix with the fuel within the pump body. A disk shaped air diverter is axially spaced away from the inlet of the pump body. The diverter has a length and a diameter. The diameter of the diverter is greater than the length of the diverter and larger than the inlet of the pump body. A housing is radially spaced from and surrounds the diverter forming a first annular gap therearound for air outside the housing to pass therethrough. The air moves around the diverter then changes direction between the diverter and the inlet of the pump body before entering the inlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignees: Shrinkfast Corporation, Battenfeld Gloucester Engineering Co., Inc.Inventor: Dimiter S. Zagoroff
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Patent number: 6010328Abstract: A safety mechanism in a utility lighter comprising a safety trigger that slides and rotates a fuel-release lever such that fuel is released, wherein said safety trigger has a space through it that is parallel to the safety trigger's longitudinal axis, an undersurface that moves in unison with the sliding section of a piezoelectric unit, an operation section that protrudes from the lighter housing and has a slightly curved surface, and extension tabs that help guide it along its sliding path, an ignition trigger which is located within said space through said safety trigger and activates the piezoelectric unit, said ignition trigger being capable of sliding relative to said safety trigger and having an operation section and an opposing end, wherein the operation section of said ignition trigger protrudes from said operation section of said safety trigger, and said ignition trigger is in contact with the sliding section of said piezoelectric unit, and a projection that interferes with an edge of said safety triType: GrantFiled: March 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
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Patent number: 5997282Abstract: A child resistant lighter comprising a standard piezo-electric lighter construction having a main body, a fuel reservoir, valve release means, and a piezo-electric means, the improvement comprising a child-resistant safety device which includes a safety button which must be moved to an engaged position so that a contacting block will be in place when the operating button is depressed allowing contact and displacement of the release lever which will open the gas valve and allow operation of the lighter.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Inventor: Aman Chung Kai Man
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Patent number: 5980238Abstract: A gas light assembly having an electronic control system that monitors the surrounding ambient light conditions to detect the transition from a light to a dark state is disclosed. Upon detection of the transition of the ambient light to a dark state, the electronic control system opens a gas flow control valve to allow the flow of gas from a gas supply line through a mixing chamber wherein the gas is mixed with air to form a combustible gas mixture that passes through a venturi tube and a burner head assembly, exiting the burner head assembly at mantels. A spark is generated to ignite the combustible gas mixture passing out of the mantels, and a sensor detects and verifies the ignition of the combustible gas mixture at the mantels so as to verify to the system that the lamp of the gas light assembly is lit during dark conditions and is unlit and the flow of gas shut off during light conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: James C. Collins, Sr.
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Patent number: 5980239Abstract: A lighter of the disposable type, ignition of which requires depression of an actuator that is resistant to the manipulations of unintended users. The lighter is normally maintained in a position that prevents depression of the actuator through the incorporation of a mechanism that increases the difficulty of operation. The actuation inhibiting mechanism requires a downward displacement and a tilted displacement in order to allow full depression of the actuator and activation of an ignition mechanism. Preferably, at least one biasing element is provided so that when the actuator is displaced through the application of force by a user, it returns to the initial blocking position when the force is removed.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: BIC CorporationInventors: Michel Doucet, Enrique Amoros Nollas, Rene Frigiere, Paul H. Adams, Thomas G. Vailionis
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Patent number: 5980242Abstract: A BBQ or fireplace lighter, including a child resistant device to prevent operation by children, and in particular, small children. In one embodiment, the device is in the form of a pivotally mounted lever having a notch engaging a plate in the trigger, locking the trigger from operation. The trigger release mechanism includes a button extending out of the lighter housing immediately behind the trigger guard for operation by a finger while the trigger is operated by the index or another finger. A second embodiment is comprised of a trigger guard plate having a thumb tab extending out of the top of the housing mounted on a rotatable hub. The guard plate engages and obstructs operation of the trigger. A spring biases the guard plate against the trigger to prevent operation, but can be rotated out of the way by rotating the thumb tab to a stop position moving trigger guard plate out of engagement of the trigger, allowing operation of the BBQ or fireplace lighter.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Aman Chung Kai Man
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Patent number: 5975888Abstract: An electronic ignition gun includes a casing holding a fuel gas container, a battery and a high voltage circuit on the inside, the fuel gas container having a gas outlet valve and a pull tab coupled to the gas outlet valve, a push-button switch mounted in a hole on the casing and depressed to drive the pull tab in opening the gas outlet valve for letting fuel gas be discharged out of the fuel gas container through a gas nozzle via a gas tube and to simultaneously close the circuit between the high voltage circuit and the battery, causing the high voltage circuit to discharge a high voltage in producing sparks for igniting discharged fuel gas, and safety lock means, which stops the push-button switch from operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Inventor: Huang-Hsi Hsu
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Patent number: 5971751Abstract: A safety apparatus of a piezoelectric lighter includes a pressure absorbing device disposed in a cap cavity of a casing of the piezoelectric lighter, a holding means integrally affixed to an interior surface of a thumb-push cap for rigidly holding one end of the pressure absorbing device in position, and a receiving means provided in the cap cavity for receiving and supporting another end of the pressure absorbing device in position. Therefore the pressure absorbing device is vertically held between the thumb-push cap and the ceiling of the casing for urging the thumb-push cap at an upper normal position thereof and providing an additional press resistance to the thumb-push cap, so as to resist a downwardly press force applied by an under age child on the thumb-push cap while an adult is capable of pushing down the thumb-push cap easily.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Chun Ching YehInventor: Thomas Ping Hua Lee