Abstract: In a stack of composite wood boards, the wood boards comprise wood particles and an organic binder.

Abstract: In a stack of composite wood boards, the wood boards comprise wood particles and an organic binder.

Abstract: Steps in the processing of oils derived from plants or vegetables include the degumming, deodorizing and bleaching of the oil before it can be used for further applications. By eliminating one or more of these steps from the processing of the oil, followed by hydrogenating the oil to a specified degree of hydrogenation, the resulting upgraded oils can be incorporated into products having commercial applications. The process uses a high shear mixing device and a hydrogenation catalyst. The process can utilize a single or multiple high shear devices, and utilize renewable oils instead of increasingly scarce petroleum based products. The resulting hydrogenated products may then be utilized in a variety of other commercial applications, such as to render cellulosic products water resistant, provide a coating for numerous cellulosic products, adhesive compositions, ink compositions, firelog compositions, drilling muds or asphalt modifiers.

Abstract: A Log Cartridge Burning System is provided comprising a simple, convenient and manageable wood burning system which can easily be applied for use to cook and heat. The log cartridge is comprised of a flammable body of compressed material and a bore formed and sealed by the use of a protective outer paperboard tube and a protective inner paperboard tube together with a top and bottom paperboard cover which serve to hold and maintain the integrity of the entire cartridge without the use of any wax binders. The flammable body of compressed material may be made partly or entirely from natural combustible materials such as sawdust or wheat hulls. The burn pot is specially designed to accommodate the log cartridge of the present invention. The log cartridge burning system can easily be utilized in a variety of appliances such as a patio heater or fireplace, barbecue or grill, or other cooking and heating appliances.

Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for lighting charcoal, specifically a single-use, substantially consumable, chimney-style charcoal starter. The apparatus may include an open-ended, substantially tubular body, a charcoal support, and a fuel source. The apparatus may be charged with charcoal disposed upon the charcoal support. The apparatus may be fashioned such that as the fuel source burns, the charcoal may be ignited from the innermost coals to the outermost coals, at which point the apparatus may also be substantially consumed.

Abstract: Combustible packages for containing a fuel source and a fire started are provided. A combustible package may include a cardboard outer wall and top and bottom lids for substantially closing top and bottom openings defined by the outer wall. Each lid may define a central panel for extending across an opening and a plurality of tabs for facilitating a press fit between the lids and the outer wall. Each lid may also define a central opening for receiving an end of a fire starter. The fire starter may be wound paper tube impregnated with an accelerant. The fuel source may be a plurality of charcoal briquettes contained between the outer wall, the top and bottom lids and the fire starter. The outer wall may define one or more ventilation openings between the bottom edge and the bottom lid. Or the bottom edge may be scalloped to provide ventilation openings.

Abstract: An environmentally-safe, disposable, and combustible charcoal-based heat source includes a first chimney structure and a second wall structure surrounding the chimney structure. An inner chimney flue receives air for igniting and burning the charcoal-based heat source and an outer chimney flue exhausts combustion fumes from the charcoal-based heat source. A bottom wall member secures to the inner chimney flue and the outer chimney flue and forms of a combustible material to be consumed during the ignition and burning of the charcoal-based fuel. A top wall member secures to the inner chimney flue and the outer chimney flue to be consumed during the ignition of the charcoal-based fuel. A plurality of exhaust apertures are arranged within the top wall for exhausting the combustion fumes from the outer chimney flue. An ignition ring establishes a sustained ignition of sufficient duration to ignite uniformly the charcoal-based fuel. A plurality of flaps provide an initial ignition of the ignition ring.

Abstract: An artificial firelog and firestarter chip producing apparatus comprising a cutting assembly, a compression conveyor auger assembly and a die. The apparatus converts standard waxed corrugated cardboard boxes into artificial firelogs by first slicing cardboard sheets into cardboard strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments in the cutting assembly. The cardboard segments are compressed and in the compression conveyor auger assembly and extruded in the die to form generally circular, longitudinally-shaped sections of a firelog. Firestarter chips are fabricated by the cutting assembly, which slices cardboard sheets in conjunction with paper sheets into cardboard and paper strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments and the paper strips into paper mix.

Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial firelog and firestarter chip producing apparatus comprising a cutting assembly, a compression conveyor auger assembly and a die. The apparatus converts standard waxed corrugated cardboard boxes into artificial firelogs by first slicing cardboard sheets into cardboard strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments in the cutting assembly. The cardboard segments are compressed and in the compression conveyor auger assembly and extruded in the die to form generally circular, longitudinally-shaped sections of a firelog. Firestarter chips are fabricated by the cutting assembly, which slices cardboard sheets in conjunction with paper sheets into cardboard and paper strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments and the paper strips into paper mix.

Abstract: A fuel pack for igniting charcoal includes an elongated member formed from combustible material that includes an elongated wick passing through it. Advantageously, the ignitable member and wick are saturated with a non-petroleum oil for providing a catalyst to ignite the fuel pack. The fuel pack further includes a package for receiving and storing the ignitable member. The package includes an open end for moving the ignitable member into and out of the package. The package further includes a sealed end portion for maintaining the ignitable member at a substantially stable position.

Abstract: A combustible product of various shapes and compositions efficiently and conveniently supplies heat, such as for outdoor cooking. The product includes a hollow cone of combustible material defining a substantially cone-shaped exterior, a substantially cone-shaped interior space, a large opening in the base of the cone and a small opening in the top of the cone creating a flue to facilitate ignition of the product and to allow individual products to be stacked upon each other for larger heating requirements or for efficient storage before use. The product may be a single integral piece of combustible material, a plurality of combustible pieces secured to each other to form the cone shape, or a plurality of combustible pieces arranged into a cone shape through means of combustible packaging.

Abstract: A combustible wood-based package is disclosed which includes an outer wrapper, preferably formed from burlap or other similar woven material that encloses large pieces of wood material, medium pieces of wood material and smaller pieces of wood material coated or otherwise soaked in a vegetable wax to form an aggregate. The aggregate is disposed at or near the bottom of the burlap wrapper, with the medium-size pieces of wood material disposed thereon with the larger pieces of wood material disposed on top of the medium-sized pieces of wood material. Preferably, all wood materials are fabricated from all-natural wood logs fabricated from compressed wood particles without the use of odor causing binders.

Abstract: A barbecue grill apparatus for sustaining charcoal burning in an outdoor smoker/cooker has a divider wall with a plurality of bends that form a circuitous pathway between opposing surface sections of the wall. The wall is received into a heat chamber of the smoker/cooker resting on its bottom edge, and the pathway is lined with cooking fuel. The fuel is burned along the pathway which causes the fuel to burn slowly and at a reduced heat.

Abstract: Combustion rate adjustable firelogs and methods of manufacturing are described. One aspect of the present invention are firelogs manufactured with an integral combustion shield for covering a portion of the surface area of the firelog that may be selectively utilized to set the duration and burning rate as the manufactured firelog is consumed during the fire. By way of example and not of limitation, the integral combustion shield is made of a thin flame resistant or non-flammable material, such as aluminum, which covers a portion of the firelog to control the combustion rate. Another aspect of the invention is the adaptation of wrapped firelogs so that they may be easily divided while retaining wrapper portions thereupon. Another aspect of the invention is the adaptation of the shapes of the firelogs so that they may be utilized either separately or in combination with one another.

Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its bottom corners for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combustible fire-starting or heat-providing assembly is described that includes a suitable quantity of combustible alcohol-based fuel liquid held within a freestanding, combustible, alcohol-resistant and alcohol-impermeable container. The container is configured with at least a bottom wall and a perimeter sidewall that is continuous with the bottom wall, in which the upper portion of the container is substantially open to the air to allow free-burning of the fuel liquid. The container is of a suitable composition and the sidewall is of an adequate thickness and rigidity for the container to retain the fuel liquid without leakage throughout the period of combustion of the fuel, even as the sidewall gradually diminishes in height as it melts and burns downward toward the bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A portable incendiary apparatus. The apparatus may include a combustible container having an interior; a separator dividing the interior into a plurality of burn chambers; and, flammable contents contained within at least one of the burn chambers. The apparatus may include flammable contents; and, a combustible, substantially planar member holding the flammable materials and defining at least one extension positioned with respect to the materials so as to promote ignition of the flammable contents upon ignition of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a combustible container; a separator dividing the container into a plurality of burn chambers and partially extending from the container so as to facilitate ignition of the apparatus; and, at least one container extension for promoting ignition of the at least one firelog upon ignition of the apparatus and facilitating transporting of the apparatus.

Abstract: A combustible charcoal fuel package is disclosed which includes an outer wrapper, preferably formed from burlap or other similar woven material that encloses large pieces of charcoal material, medium pieces of charcoal material and smaller pieces of charcoal material coated or otherwise soaked in a vegetable wax to form an aggregate. The aggregate is disposed at or near the bottom of the burlap wrapper, with the medium-size pieces of charcoal material disposed thereon with the larger pieces of charcoal material disposed on top of the medium-sized pieces of charcoal material. Preferably, all charcoal materials are fabricated from all-natural charcoal logs fabricated from compressed charcoal particles without the use of odor causing binders.

Abstract: These firestarters comprise parts of the dead yucca Whipplei plant and the folicles from the Magnolia Grandiflora tree, wicking, wax and fabric. The inner core along with the hard outer shell of the yucca Whipplei stalk, the dead basal leaf rosette of the yucca Whipplei and the Magnolia folicle used with a yucca Whipplei stalk are all very conducive to use in a formula to develop a firestarter.

Abstract: A fire starting assembly is provided in accordance with the present invention for easily lighting and maintaining a fire in an outdoor environment. The inventive fire starting assembly includes, in its simplest form, a combustible container defining an interior, and intermixed layers of flammable and combustible materials in the container interior having first and second burning points, respectively. To provide oxygen for the fire, the container includes holes for admitting air into the container interior, thus fueling the fire within the container interior.

Abstract: A fuel article, suitable for barbecuing, allowing greater burning efficiency and the method of making such a fuel article. The fuel article includes anthracite coal for cleaner burning and utilizes an accelerant covering containing nitrates to be amenable to easy ignition.

Abstract: A fire log system for providing an efficient corn based fuel that is burnable within conventional fireplaces. The fire log system includes a housing having a front opening, a volume of particulate corn within the interior of the housing, a plurality of corn cobs within the front opening of the housing for retaining the particulate corn, and a plurality of retaining members secured about the front opening. The housing with the corn cobs and particulate corn is preferably dipped within a wax material after formed. A wick member preferably is positioned within the front opening for assisting in the lighting of the fire log system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire starter for use as sole fuel to ignite a log of wood in order to start a campfire or a fire in a fireplace easily and quickly. Advantageously, starting a fire with the fire starter of the present invention avoids the necessity of using paper and/or firewood. The fire starter is made of a sealed flammable bag enclosing wood shavings treated with at least one combustible solution. Inside the bag, the wood shavings are in contact with each other and sufficiently spaced from each other to allow air circulation therebetween. A flame-retardant sheet is optionally inserted in the bag, underneath the treated wood shavings.

Abstract: A fire log formed with a groove in a bottom rear corner thereof. The groove is formed at a right angle and provides a protruding edge or lipped surface onto which the flame can latch and ignite the fire log. A generally V-shaped channel is formed in a front surface of the fire log by an arcuate upper section and a curved lower section. The outer wrapper forms a flap or wick which is used to ignite the fire log. The fire log is lit at the protruding edge formed by the groove and initially burns at opposed ends thereof. Flame gradually creeps inward along the rear and top surface, then gradually creeps down the front surface resulting in complete ignition of the fire log.

Abstract: A self-kindling fuel package comprising a container with walls and at least one pinched closure with a semi-rigid wick longitudinally folded into the end closure creating an oxygen channel within the end closure, and a method of constructing the self-kindling fuel package.

Abstract: An ignition device for igniting an associated fuel, such as charcoal briquettes or firewood, includes a base, an ignitor, a wick, and an ignition cream. The base is planar and is made of a combustible material such as cardboard. The ignitor has a generally conical configuration and is attached to a top surface of the base. The ignitor is a thermite type material which includes aluminum and iron oxide. The wick is attached to the top surface of the base and extends between the ignitor and an edge of the base. The ignition cream can be made of the same material as the wick, both being ignitable with a match or cigarette lighter.

Abstract: An ignition device for igniting an associated fuel, such as charcoal briquettes or firewood, includes a base, an ignitor, a wick, and an ignition cream. The base is planar and is made of a combustible material such as cardboard. The ignitor has a generally conical configuration and is attached to a top surface of the base. The ignitor is a thermite type material which includes aluminum and iron oxide. The wick is attached to the top surface of the base and extends between the ignitor and an edge of the base. The ignition cream can be made of the same material as the wick, both being ignitable with a match or cigarette lighter.

Abstract: A self-kindling fuel package comprises a combustible container having four planar side walls, a bottom wall, and a top wall. The container is constructed from a single planar element which is then folded to create the container. The container receives fuel, an ignitor, and a wick. Openings are provided in the walls of the container to aid in ventilation and drafting. A pull tab in the top wall of the container is selectively displaceable to aid in a "chimney" effect.

Abstract: A heating fuel comprising a combustible material which can flow when heat is applied, with a wick covering the combustible material to assist and control combustion. The fuel can be made from materials found in ordinary household waste, using newspaper for the wick and polyethylene plastic for the combustible material. The fuel can be conveniently used if made in the form of approximately cylindrical logs, but with the diameters near the ends of the logs greater than the diameter near the middle, to provide air gaps when the logs are stacked. The combustible material can be made of plastic extruded into rods and embedded in a mass of dried pulped newspaper, with the outer surface of the mass having the desired log shape.

Abstract: Fuel articles having a covering layer thereover, wherein the covering layer serves as an ignition material for the underlying fuel element, and may be spaced from the underlying fuel element. Preferred fuel articles have charcoal compositions in the underlying fuel element and the covering layer is fibrous. The covering layer may be spaced from the fuel element by means of bridging concavities in the fuel element itself, by providing intermediate spacing elements within a concavity of the fuel element, or by providing a spacing material between the fuel element and the covering layer, not necessarily at a location of concavity in the fuel element. The covering layer may have a variety of compositions, and may be overlain by one or more additional layers. The invention further provides methods of manufacturing the fuel articles disclosed as well as methods of using them.

Abstract: Manufactured fuel articles having, as a first component, an inner core of a primary fuel element, and as a second component, a combustible covering layer on the primary fuel element. In some embodiments, the covering layer is preferably at least about a nominal 1.5 millimeters thick, with a preferred thickness being at least about 3 millimeters. In other embodiments, the fuel article may be described as a primary fuel element with a combustible covering layer, wherein the primary fuel element comprises a substantial portion of at least one of the ends, and the covering layer and the primary fuel element are in interfacial contact about a majority of the area of their facing surfaces.

Abstract: An improved prepackaged, inexpensive firebox for sale at retail stores for use in outdoor cooking on consumer supplied backyard grills or for use as a quick campsite campfire starter firebox or as a prepackaged firewood firebox for fireplaces or the like. The repackaged firebox is lightweight, portable, manageably sized for easy storage, semi-fire retardant, water repellant and completely fire consumable and can be used conveniently and safely by a novice consumer. The firebox is comprised of a specially designed cardboard container and a special arrangement of prepackaged layer combustible with kindling points varying sufficiently to ignite and maintain ignited a primary combustible layer such as hardwood mesquite logs found in the southwestern United States.