Abstract: A fire starter for use with a grill (G) for cooking foods includes a combustible bag (A) placed on the grill. The bag's contents include charcoal (B) which, when lit, has a relatively long burn time. Interspersed in the bag with the charcoal are wood shavings (S) which have a shorter burn time than the charcoal. In one embodiment, the contents of the bag are poured into the grill. In another embodiment, one end (E1) of the bag is opened and placed on a grate (P). The other, upper end (E2) of the bag is opened and the lower end of the bag ignited. Setting the bag vertically produces a chimney effect that facilitates burning of the bag and its contents. When the bag is ignited, the shavings are also ignited and burn for a period sufficiently long to ignite the charcoal before being consumed.

Abstract: An effect body is encapsulated in such a way that the encapsulation or casing supports the ignition behavior of the effect body or of the components. The effect body has a casing for accommodating the components of the effect body, which differ with regard to the chemical composition and the properties thereof. An additional component is located in the casing as an ignition aid. The effect body can be ignited through the top/side surface of the casing or by an internal ignition mixture located inside the effect body.

Abstract: Process for the production of solid fuel from wastewater sludge, and equipment suitable for carrying out the production thereof.

Abstract: A fire starter for use with a grill (G) for cooking foods includes a combustible bag (A) placed on the grill. The bag's contents include charcoal (B) which, when lit, has a relatively long burn time. Interspersed in the bag with the charcoal are wood shavings (S) which have a relatively shorter burn time than the charcoal. In one embodiment, the contents of the bag are poured into the grill. In another embodiment, one end (E1) of the bag is opened and placed on a grate (P). The other, upper end (E2) of the bag is opened and the lower end of the bag ignited. Setting the bag vertically on the grate produces a chimney effect to facilitate burning of the bag and its contents. When the bag is ignited, the shavings are also ignited and burn for a period sufficiently long to ignite the charcoal before being consumed.

Abstract: A product is provided comprising at least one densified biomass particulate having a substantially smooth, non-flakey outer surface and containing no added binder, wherein said densified biomass particulate is comprised of a plurality of pretreated lignin-coated plant biomass fibers which contain a trace amount of base from pretreatment of said fibers. Methods for using and making the product are also described.

Abstract: Fire starters are disclosed. Methods of using the fire starter are disclosed. Methods of producing fire starters are also disclosed.

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: 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: According to one embodiment, a portable fuel system includes a container that includes a closed end and an open end. The system also includes a fuel element that includes a compressed homogenous mixture of a cellulose-containing material and a hardened wax material. The fuel element is removably positionable within the container. The system also includes a spacer that is positionable within the container between the closed end of the container and the fuel element. The spacer supports the fuel element on the closed end such that air is flowable between the fuel element and the closed end. The system further includes a cooking surface that is couplable to the open end of the container.

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: 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: In accordance with the present invention a disposable fuel cartridge for use in fireplaces that self regulates the shape, height, width, depth and burn time of the flames produced when the fuel inside the cartridge, such as alcohol gel, is exposed to ambient air and ignited, where the cartridge makes efficient use of fuel so as to produce a desirable, generally rectangular flame pattern without the need for any additional components, such as rectangular “fuel cells” or rectangular damper lids placed over the “fuel cells”.

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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: The invention relates to a method for stocking and preserving green round wood and sawn timber, which is stored in an airtight and lighttight sealing cover. The oxygen inside the cover is decomposed by the respiratory process of fungi, bacteria and wood cells that are still alive, thereby forming CO2 and H2O. Fermentation processes also lead to the decomposition of hemicelluloses and saccharides which are converted to organic acids and CO2. The oxygen content in the cover is less than 0.1 vol. % after an adjustment time of 3 to 10 days of total stocking, while said CO2 content rises to more than 21 and up to 40 vol. %. This method enables green round wood a swan timber to be stocked over long periods without wastage or environmental damage.

Abstract: An improved stackable charcoal briquet has a convex bottom and a concave top and is packaged in a stacked compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided.

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: 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 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 mixture includes paraffin wax and a thickening agent, the thickening agent being pseudoplastic above the melting point of the paraffin wax. The paraffin wax ideally makes up 50-99% w of the mixture, and the thickening agent 1-40% w of the mixture. The thickening agent includes diatomaceous earth. The mixture may include abrasive material, fibrous particles, and talc to affect its texture when applied to an article. Also disclosed is a synthetic log of combustible material including wood waste and a hydrocarbon (such as paraffin wax), and a coating applied in a state of low viscosity so as to partially or wholly cover the surface of the log, which then sets. This coating is ideally the mixture defined above. The log may be wrapped in a sleeve which features a transparent window, so the coating can be viewed, especially if the coating is only applied to part of the log's surface.

Abstract: A wrapper for an artificial firelog includes a sheet terminating at a longitudinal juncture and a pair of end junctures to form a cavity therein. The firelog is disposed inside the cavity. The longitudinal juncture is disposed along the top rear region of the firelog, thus increasing the likelihood that the front of the firelog will be properly and reliably ignited by the burning of the wrapper. Moreover, positioning the longitudinal juncture at the top rear region of the firelog causes only the front of the firelog to burn, thus resulting in a longer, more attractive fire at a relatively lower heat. Additionally, the positioning of the longitudinal juncture along substantially the top rear region of the firelog allows the manufacturer to imprint eye catching graphics on the wrapper along the front and top of the firelog without a seam, thus increasing the attractiveness and appeal of the firelog to potential purchasers.

Abstract: The artificial firelogs of this invention provide a natural visual and audible sensation so that the artificial firelogs have both a soothing flickering flame and a crackling or popping sound normally observed only with natural wood logs. The crackling additive can be mustard seeds, sesame seeds and synthetic hollow spheres.

Abstract: A portable fuel element made from stacked sheets of cardboard impregnated and held together with paraffin wax. In a preferred embodiment, each portable fuel element contains at least one match that is protected from moisture by the paraffin wax and cardboard. The embodiment is made from a stack of five sheets of paraffin wax impregnated recycled cardboard. The stack, which is about 3/4 inch high, is perforated into 21/2 inch squares. Rectangular blocks that measure 3/4 inch high, 21/2 inches wide, and 5 inches long are broken out along the perforations, leaving a perforation in the middle of each block which separates each rectangular block into two 21/2 inch square, 3/4 inch thick blocks attached at the perforation. A wick is placed into each half of each block and two matches are inserted inside the rectangular block along the line formed by the perforation. The rectangular block is then dipped into paraffin wax to get a wax coating.

Abstract: A combustible bag for igniting material (10) having an outer liner (12) and an inner liner (14). A lighting strip (16) is attached to one or both ends of the outer liner (12) and extends beyond the bag for ease of ignition. The inner liner (14) consists of an inside (24) and an outside (26), with the inside (24) conformed to contain material (22) to be ignited, such as wood chunks, and an outside (26) which is treated with a combustible product (28). The outer liner (12) also has an inside (30) and an outside (32). The inside (30) of the outer liner (12) is conformed to contain the inner liner (14) and is also treated with a combustible product (28). The material to be ignited by the combustible bag (10) of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, includes dried green wood, which has been treated with paraffin so that the paraffin not only covers the wood, but impregnates it, as well.

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: A method of forming organic charcoal briquets from a mix of quantities of discrete coconut charcoal particles, borax, pulverized limestone, binder starch and water as well as the fuel product produced thereby.

Abstract: A grill, which may be portable, includes an open support lattice surrounded by upright walls. The support lattice forms a plurality of adjoining bays each dimensioned to receive and support a fuel module in the form of a disposable non-flammable tray and charcoal briquettes within the tray. Various food supporting devices may be used to support items of food to be cooked on the upper edges of the walls or at selected lower levels by use of terraced steps cut out in the walls. By placing fuel modules in less than all the bays, both the size and the shape of the cooking area can be selected. When no fuel modules are used a flat plate can be placed on top of the support lattice on which conventional briquettes can be placed.

Abstract: An improved fuel block of compressed combustible particles and a binder has a controlled burn rate preferably for use adjacent citrus fruit trees to prevent frost damage. The fuel block preferably has a cylindrical body and is formed with a longitudinally extending series of individual spaced depressions in the side surface of the body. The side surface of the fuel body is tightly wrapped with a combustible paper which forms air pockets with the side surface of the spaced depressions. These air pockets in combination with the paper, provide a series of alternating fast and slow burn layers which enable the body to burn in progressive layers instead of burning the entire body at the same time. An outer protective plastic wrapper protects the fuel body and wrapper paper from the weather until ready for use. A central hole is formed through the fuel body to assist in the initial lighting of the top surface of the body.

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: A campfire producing element includes a hollow housing in which a plurality of layers of combustible material are located. The element has air flow conduits for adjusting the amount and rate of air flowing to the combustible material. A damper unit is associated with each air flow conduit for further adjusting the air flowing into the housing. An igniter unit includes a tubular conduit that extends into the housing and has a plurality of layers of combustible material.

Abstract: A novel charcoal briquet and ignition means is disclosed. The combustible briquet of the present invention comprises a central mass and at least one easily ignited, thin member extending outwardly from the mass such that upon igniting the thin member, propagation of an ignited region proceeds rapidly to the mass. Also disclosed is a holding member for a combustible briquet having at least one configuration incised in the surface to provide a holding force sufficient to retain the briquet.

Abstract: Outdoor storage piles of a particulate solid commodity are protected from the weather by a novel, open celled, shrinkage controlled, water absorbing sponge blanket applied to the pile in a rainwater protecting thickness, and a method for producing said sponge blanket employing an aminoplast resin prepared from urea formaldehyde or a prepolymer of urea and formaldehyde and modified with 4 to 12% fructose, and a suitable foaming agent containing an acid accelerator, such as phosphoric acid in a ratio of 2% by weight of resin.

Abstract: An improved fuel package comprising fuel pieces, a combustible moisture proof container for holding the fuel pieces in a specific shape, and combustible binder/starter composition for binding together some of the fuel pieces into a stack within the container to promote combustion of the fuel pieces when the container is ignited.The invention is also directed toward a method of making the fuel package and hermetically sealing it.

Abstract: A charcoal stove casing set including a presspaper casing provided with a solid alcohol trough and a match stick fire striking assembly, the casing having an inner space for receiving a mixture of charcoal chips, wood flour and black earth formed with a plurality of vent holes communicating with a bottom groove disposed to receive the alcohol trough, the vent holes and bottom groove providing air circulation for supporting combustion.

Abstract: An immediate slow burning granular composite for firing up fireplace logs and kindling wood. The composite is wrapped in a cellophane film and packaged in an aluminum tray to be placed beneath the grate of the fireplace. Upon lighting the composite, a constantly increasing flame ensues, which ignites the logs and kindling wood within the grate. One pound of the composite burns for approximately one hour. The composite consists of wood by-products, hydrocarbons, liquid fuel, scent producing materials, and hydrocarbon impregnated particulate ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A self-kindling fuel package includes a readily combustible container having four side walls and a bottom wall. A charge of fuel is held in the container together with an igniting member for igniting the charge of fuel. The igniting member includes a wick, an ignition element to which the wick is secured and an ignition cream which is applied to a surface of the ignition element. The ignition cream is in contact with a portion of the wick for igniting the ignition element.

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: A fuel combustion apparatus. A base member having side walls which extend generally upwardly therefrom to intersect into a cap member form a container for housing charcoal fuel particles. Charcoal fuel particles are stacked in an overlying relationship within the interior chamber of the container. The interior lining of the chamber is treated with paraffin and a mixture of potassium chlorate. The container is ignited at the base to initiate combustion of the charcoal fuel particles therein. The charcoal fuel particles may also be treated with a flammable petroleum product. Vent holes are placed in the cap member to facilitate air flow within the chamber, and also provided a convenient handle for transport and handling of the apparatus. In an alternative embodiment, the cap member may also be removed to permit access to charcoal particles within the container chamber.

Abstract: The instant invention involves a method for warming cold or frozen engines in low temperature conditions, such as minus 40.degree. F. or below. The method involves draping a fabric bag containing a flammable compound, such as trioxane, over an engine and igniting the flammable compound.

Abstract: A burnable charcoal package comprising an outer package of burnable material containing a plurality of pieces of charcoal therein and an elongated burnable plastic container within the package below the pieces of charcoal, the elongated plastic container including a quantity of gel consisting of burnable material, an elongated fuse attached to the plastic container for the full length thereof and having an end portion projecting outwardly beyond the end of the plastic container, the arrangement of the plastic container in the package being such that the end of the fuse projects outwardly from the package itself, and an air channel disposed within the outer package beneath the charcoal and surrounding the plastic container, the charcoal being supported within the outer package above the channel, the upper and side portions of the channel being provided with openings to permit the passage of air therethrough and the lower periphery of the package containing air holes to permit the passage of air therethrough.

Abstract: A combustible element has a defined geometrical configuration and comprises a fragmented non-consolidated content of combustible material and a combustible enclosure for the material. A plurality of such elements define in a combustion chamber a channel having a geometrically defined configuration, which provides the combustion area and access for the air utilized in the combustion of the fragmented content of the element and of combustible gases evolved during combustion of the combustible material, as well as egress means for gaseous combustion products. Apparatus for the combustion of such elements is preferably provided with a heat exchanging surface defined by a smoke chamber laterally surrounding the combustion chamber. High combustion efficiency and other advantages are stated.

Abstract: An improved fuel package comprising fuel pieces, a combustible moisture proof container for holding the fuel pieces in a specific shape, and combustible binder/starter composition for binding together a large proportion of the fuel pieces into a stack within the container to promote combustion of the fuel pieces when the container is ignited.The invention is also directed toward a method of making the fuel package and hermetically sealing it.

Abstract: Tablets of aluminum and potassium perchlorate (ALCLO), used to ignite a perred fuel in a closed cycle steam engine, are wrapped in aluminum foil to avoid the creation of powdered ALCLO. The prevention of powdering the ALCLO tablets reduces the possibility of inadvertent ignition from electrostatic discharge, ignition by mechanical or other means. Also, the creation of higher than intended burn rates is prevented when intentional ignition is initiated.