Abstract: A coating method for compressed biomass products for providing the products with a substantially monolithic, water resistant coating to facilitate improved storage characteristics. The coating Method for compressed biomass products generally includes conveying the products into a tank or spray of heated, liquified coating material that then cools and hardens to provide a uniform, monolithic coating on the entire outer surface of the products.

Abstract: This invention relates to solid firelighters of the type which may be used to initiate combustion of i) barbecues (BBQs), irrespective of whether the barbecue fuel is in the form of charcoal lump wood or briquettes, ii) natural wood in outdoor wood fires or iii) any domestic or commercial fires. Firelighters of the present invention comprise: 25 to 75% by weight fiberboard having a density of from 0.1 to 0.5 g/cm3; and 25 to 75% by weight palm fatty acid distillate; wherein the fiberboard is impregnated with the palm fatty acid distillate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for a rechargeable fire starter and a long burning fuel. The disclosure relates to a rechargeable fire starter and long burning fuel. The rechargeable fire starter and long burning fuel may comprise an absorbent having a porous mineral, or a combination of one or more porous minerals along with wood pellets. The absorbent may then be saturated with a flammable liquid. This combination provides a rechargeable fire starter and long burning fuel that is relatively impervious to moisture.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a chemical change reagent to coal prior to combustion of the coal is provided. In some instances, the chemical change reagent can include an effective amount of a material to reduce NOx emissions, SOx emissions, or both from combustion of the coal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for a rechargeable fire starter and a long burning fuel. The disclosure relates to a rechargeable fire starter and long burning fuel. The rechargeable fire starter and long burning fuel may comprise an absorbent having a porous mineral, or a combination of one or more porous minerals along with wood pellets. The absorbent may then be saturated with a flammable liquid. This combination provides a rechargeable fire starter and long burning fuel that is relatively impervious to moisture.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a solid fuel fire starter having a wicking element made of corrugated cardboard with an exposed top end for ignition by a flame source, a non-combustible housing surrounding the wicking element, the housing defining an open end for exposing the top end of the wicking element; and a paraffin wax reservoir within the housing integrally molded with the wicking element so that the wicking element conveys the paraffin wax by capillary action up into a flame.

Abstract: An artificial firelog of the invention includes as constituents (a) a combustible cellulosic material and (b) a combustible non-petroleum wax, wherein the relative proportions of the constituents are, by weight, from about 30% to about 70% of (a) and from about 30% to about 70% of (b) for 100 parts of (a) and (b). In one form of the invention, the combustible non-petroleum wax constituent may include one or more combustible materials derived from plant oils, vegetable oils, animal oils, fats, rosin, pitch, waxy materials and combinations thereof. In another form of the invention, the combustible non-petroleum wax constituent may include a formulated blend of individual non-petroleum wax components. In yet another form of the invention a combustible binding agent can be added to the blend of materials resulting in reduction of the portion of the more costly combustible wax component.

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: 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: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a system and method for briquetting solid fuel before or after treatment with electromagnetic energy. In the system and method, solid fuel is transported through a continuous feed solid fuel treatment facility, treated using electromagnetic energy, and briquetted after treatment.

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 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 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: A method of producing coal briquette at a low energy cost by saving heating step or drying step for fine coal, which comprises adding and mixing from 1 to 10 mass parts of powdery starch to a coal having 15 mass % or more of water content and comprising 50 mass % or more of particles with grain size of 5 mm or less to form 100 mass parts of a mixture, and coating the surface of the briquette product with 0.1 to 5 mass parts of a heavy oil component simultaneously with or after pressure briquetting the mixture by a double roll briquetting machine in which concaves are formed on the roll surface, as well as coal briquette which is inexpensive and has high strength and high waterproof.

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 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 fire starter consists of a ring-shaped mass of combustible of wax and wood. It consists of a series of inverted frusto-conical sections connected together by a series of inverted triangular connecting sections and a having a substantially central aperture, and having spacers for supporting the mass of material above a supporting surface, e.g. the floor of a fireplace. During the process for manufacturing the fire starter, the wax and wood mixture is subject to high pressure of 700 psi to 800 psi resulting in the formation of veneer layer of wax on the outer surfaces of the fire starter. During combustion of the fire starter, a venturi effect is created by a flow of air to the aperture, providing a relatively high, intense flame. The fire starter burns for a period of time, e.g, 8-12 minutes, and the intensity of the flame generated is capable of igniting conventional fireplace logs without the use of kindling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ignitable fire starting system, including the fuel and the means to ignite. A method is disclosed comprised of the steps of soaking a strip of cloth in a liquid fuel and laying one or more sources of ignition on the fuel soaked strip of cloth. The one or more sources of ignition can be one or more matches. The strip of cloth can be divided into a plurality of sections. The fuel soaked strip of cloth and the one or more sources of ignition may be rolled up to form a cylinder. When one wants to start a fire, one may unroll the cylinder and detach a first section of the fuel soaked strip of cloth. The liquid fuel may be a wax such as paraffin. The step of dividing the strip of cloth into a plurality of sections may comprise partially cutting the cloth along first and second lines where the first line and a first end of the cloth are the boundaries for a first section of the cloth and the second line and the first line are the boundaries for a second section of the cloth.

Abstract: A low cost and an environmentally-friendly synthetic firelog is made by mixing specially processed waxed-cardboard or other wax coated papers of varying proportions with a binder/fuel. The binder/fuel consists of a petroleum wax or a mixture of waxes, the nature and extent of which is suitably modified by in situ admixture with the paraffin wax already present in the waxed-cardboard. Sawdust or other wood fillers may also be added. Upon thorough incorporation of the materials, the resulting mixture is extruded, molded, compressed, or otherwise formed, such that the resulting mass is sufficiently solid to hold its shape at normal room temperature.

Abstract: A long burning fire starter produced by mixing diatomaceous earth particles with wood pellets; soaking the particles and pellet mix in a liquid burning agent and, if desired, a dye and fragrance; coating the soaked mix with wax; and packaging the soaked and coated mix in an airtight package.

Abstract: A firestarting device and a method of making the same is provided. The firestarting device includes an ignition ring formed from a mass of combustible material and having a predetermined thickness. The ignition ring defines an aperture therethrough having a width greater than the thickness of the ignition ring. A support structure formed from the mass of combustible material supports the ignition ring above a supporting surface. It is contemplated that the combustible material be formed from a combination of wax and combustible particles. The wax having a melting point in the range of 136.degree. Fahrenheit to 166.degree. Fahrenheit and the wood particles being finer than 55 mesh.

Abstract: An artificial firelog which contain 2% to about 6%.sub.w coriander seed added to create a crackling sound that mimics the sounds produced during the burning of natural logs. The random crackling sound continues for approximately the same time period as observed with the burning of natural wood firelogs and has an amplitude and frequency of crackling sound that mimics burning natural wood logs.

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: An apparatus and method for producing ignitable material (10) having an angled, rotatable, hollow drum (12) with a high end entrance (14) and a low end exit (16). A molten treatment vat (18) containing molten treatment (44), such as paraffin, within which angled, rotatable, hollow drum (12) is rotated is also provided. The treatment vat (18) is heated so that the treatment (44) contained in the vat is kept molten. Additionally, ejection guides (58) are attached interiorly of the hollow drum adjacent the low end exit (16). Further, a molten treatment excess return (46) is connected to the low end so that the material introduced at the high end entrance (14) which is rotated through the molten treatment (44) and then ejected by the ejection guides (58) from the exit end (16) is allowed to shed excess molten treatment (44) which is returned to the molten treatment vat (18) for reuse.

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 clean and attractive carbonaceous fuel product is provided for improved convenience and marketability. Coal or charcoal can be coated with a clean and durable coating for cleanliness in handling; and, the coating can be colored as desired. Further, a metal salt can be added to the coating or the product itself to color the flame while the product burns. Paraffin can be used as the coating, and the paraffin is maintained above its melting point to improve gloss. Other additives can also improve gloss. Coal is preferably coated with latex to provide an attractive coating that will prevent breaking of the coal. A flammable liquid can be incorporated into charcoal briquettes for easier lighting; and, the liquid reduces the amount of paraffin used in the coating. A masking agent hides the odor of the flammable liquid, the masking agent being in the coating rather than in the flammable liquid itself.

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 disposable cover for covering the cooking surface of an outdoor charcoal fueled barbecue grill and directing the quantity and flow of air beneath the cover when it is placed onto the cooking surface of said grill. The cover is made from a manually formable material having a plurality of perforations arranged in rows, the perforations of each of the rows being in staggered radial relationship with the perforations of adjacent rows. The outward facing side of the cover has a highly polished shiny reflective metallic finish for reducing the radiant heat transfer from the grill and the inwardly facing surface has a coating of aromatic wood chips and a bonding agent for enhancing the flavor of food cooked on the grill.