US20090241933A1 - Grate assembly for supporting combustible wood pellets - Google Patents
Grate assembly for supporting combustible wood pellets Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090241933A1 US20090241933A1 US12/411,545 US41154509A US2009241933A1 US 20090241933 A1 US20090241933 A1 US 20090241933A1 US 41154509 A US41154509 A US 41154509A US 2009241933 A1 US2009241933 A1 US 2009241933A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- wood pellets
- grate assembly
- members
- pile
- present
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 45
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
- 239000000567 combustion gas Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 5
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000010411 cooking Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229920005610 lignin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241001520808 Panicum virgatum Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000012620 biological material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000026058 directional locomotion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001247 metal acetylides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000004767 nitrides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010815 organic waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23H—GRATES; CLEANING OR RAKING GRATES
- F23H13/00—Grates not covered by any of groups F23H1/00-F23H11/00
Definitions
- Wood pellets made of compacted sawdust and wood chips, are commonly used as fuel in various burner and/or stove devices.
- the pellets are generally cylindrical or round and relatively small (e.g., between about 1 ⁇ 4 and 1 ⁇ 2 inches long, and about 1 ⁇ 4 inch in diameter).
- the pellets typically have water content of less than about 10 per cent.
- lignin in the sawdust and wood chips plastifies to a limited extent, and the lignin serves to hold the pellet materials together.
- wood pellets are a viable heat energy source, whether supplementary or otherwise.
- Pellet stoves or burners are known in which the pellets are fed (typically by an auger) into a burner portion thereof from a hopper. The user puts a relatively large amount of pellets into the hopper, and the auger conveys the pellets to the burner portion from the hopper.
- the burner portion in such a stove is designed solely to burn pellets, and may include a substantially horizontal plate with holes therein.
- the pellet stove typically also includes a fan positioned below the plate, for blowing air upwardly at the plate and, to an extent, through the holes. Because of this forced circulation of air in the burner portion, the pellets positioned on the plate are relatively completely burned.
- the invention provides a grate assembly for at least partially supporting a pile of a plurality of combustible wood pellets
- the grate assembly comprises: a plurality of elongate members positioned to at least partially support the pile of wood pellets; each member comprises a body with a passage and a plurality of transverse holes in communication with the passage to permit movement of combustion gases through the pile during combustion of the wood pellets; the members are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined arrangement to permit movement of the combustion gases through the pile during combustion of the wood pellets; and the predetermined arrangement comprises at least two layers positioned adjacent to each other in a stacked relationship, each layer comprises a plurality of members positioned transverse to the members of said adjacent layer.
- the body of each member comprises at least two planar segments connected at an apex.
- each member is positioned with its apex oriented upwardly.
- each layer is affixed to each adjacent layer at a minimum of one contact point.
- each layer is affixed to each adjacent layer by welding.
- the grate assembly is integrally formed.
- FIG. 1 is a side plan view of the body of the device used in the system of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an end view of the device showing the apex of the body of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 a is a cross-sectional view of the body illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 b is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the hinge.
- FIG. 3 is a side profile view of an embodiment of the system showing bodies of the devices used in formation.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention illustrating application of a first fastening member device in a horizontal position.
- FIG. 5 is a side profile view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a system of bodies in a predetermined order with fastening members/devices of adjoining bodies.
- FIGS. 6 and 6 a are cross-sectional views of embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a system of numerous bodies releasably attached in a horizontal formation.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment illustrating an alternative form of the body for use in the system of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a one-piece formation of bodies for use in the system of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating a cross-sectional view of the container with apertures in line with the apertures of the stacked bodies therethrough.
- FIG. 11 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating movement of a combustible or combusted gas throughout the system.
- the application of the present invention is particularly advantageous for efficiently burning wood pellets. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the present invention may also be used to burn pellets made of other biomaterials such as corn, switchgrass, or organic waste. Accordingly, without intending to limit the present invention to the embodiments described herein, the invention will be described below in further detail having regard to the system and in particular the varied assortment and arrangement of devices used in that system as shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 .
- the grate assembly la includes a plurality of elongate members 1 positioned to partially support a pile of wood pellets 11 .
- Each of the members 1 has a body 14 that defines a passage 12 extending through the longitudinal extent of the body 14 .
- the body 14 also includes a plurality of transverse holes 3 that are in communication with the passage 12 to permit movement of combustion gases through the pile during combustion of the wood pellets 11 .
- the members 1 are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined arrangement to permit movement of the combustion gases through the pile of wood pellets 11 .
- the predetermined arrangement includes at least two layers 16 positioned adjacent to each other in a stacked relationship. Each of the layers 16 has a plurality of members 1 positioned transverse to the members 1 of each adjacent layer 16 .
- the member 1 used in the grate assembly of the present invention will primarily be described in conjunction with a further member 1 suitable for arranging in a predetermined fashion to fit an area and type of use.
- the member 1 and body 14 thereof can be utilized in conjunction with a variety of other types and shapes of devices used as cookers/burners or in other areas used for cooking or preheating, igniting and burning the fuel, in particular wood pellets.
- the device and the embodiments thereof can be utilized together for temporary or permanent fixtures with or without a surrounding container level on the ground level or raised partly from the ground level.
- embodiments of the present invention will be primarily described in conjunction with releasable securing devices for adjoining other adjacent bodies in a predetermined arrangement.
- FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention providing a member 1 of a predetermined size and shape.
- the member 1 has a body 14 being made of a material having a high thermal conductivity.
- body 14 can be made of metal/ceramics including but not limited to metal carbides, nitrides and borides.
- the body 14 may be made of steel, stainless steel, iron or combinations thereof and is of a shape and size fitting for directional movement of wood pellets over and around the member 1 or an arrangement 1 a as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the body 14 of member 1 is dimensioned in accordance with the end-user's requirements and as such the dimensions can vary extensively.
- the body 14 can have a cross-sectional view of an inverted-V-shape, a V-shape or combinations thereof having a hinged 5 apex 2 or a fixed apex 2 defining a member 1 length, height and width of a dimension fitting for the purpose intended for industrial or residential use thereof.
- the member 1 dimension can be of a size ranging from about 15 cm to about 120 cm, having a width of from about 0.25 cm to about 3.0 cm.
- the shape of the body 14 can optionally be round, square, triangular or combinations thereof dimensioned to define apertures 3 or 3 a of a fixed or varied size.
- the body 14 defines apertures 3 or 3 a along the length of an apex 2 and along a planar segment 4 of body 14 , the planar segment 4 can be varied in length ranging depending on the size and number of apertures 3 defined therein or of a length greater or lesser from one end of the planar segment 4 to the other end of the same or adjoining member 1 thereon.
- Apertures 3 and 3 a are dimensioned for directing therethrough a variety of combustion gases (shown as X in FIG. 11 ), for example, the constituent gases of air such as oxygen, gases formed during combustion such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen, and any other gases that may be present in the vicinity of member 1 .
- Apertures 3 and 3 a are also adapted to receive a primary securement-device 7 or a secondary securement-device 7 a as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- Apertures 3 are varied in size and shape to accommodate a style or function of member 1 used for different fuels, more preferably wood pellets 11 as shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIGS. 2 a and 2 b depict a cross-sectional view of the body 14 of member 1 as depicted by the A-A′ line going through the aperture 3 in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2 a shows the aperture whereas FIG. 2 b shows the aperture and a hinge 5 used for moveable adjustment of at least one planar segment 4 about the apex 2 for varying the shape of the body 14 to accommodate a predetermined use in a chosen area of combustion or for adapting the member 1 to be used with a different fuel thereof, the varied angle of the member 1 being releasably secured by incorporating a primary securement-device 7 therein.
- the angle of variation can range from about 10 degrees to about 175 degrees about the apex 2 thereof.
- the primary securement-device 7 has a head 6 for operably engagement by the end-user, the head 6 defining dimensioned receiving apertures (not shown) as used with implements known by those skilled in the art.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the primary securement-device 7 engaging at least one member 1 of the arrangement 1 a , having an elongate body with a proximal end 6 and a distal end 8 thereof.
- an embodiment of the present invention provides the distal end 8 of the primary securement-device 7 to engage the apex 3 of the member 1 as opposed to engaging the aperture 3 of the apex 2 therethrough.
- Actuation of the proximal end 6 of the primary securement-device 7 having a lesser length, forces downward the distal end 8 of the primary securement device 7 onto the apex 2 of the member 1 thereby engaging and releasably securing the adjacent members 1 together.
- the secondary securement-device 7 a as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6 a provide a further embodiment of the present invention in which the securement device 7 a being of a length greater than the length of the member 1 is positioned in and through the apertures 3 of at least one member 1 for releasable securement of the members 1 or for ease of movement of the arrangement 1 a in or out of the area of use.
- Both the primary securement-device 7 and the secondary securement-device 7 a are made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, preferably stainless steel, iron or both.
- the proximal end 6 of the secondary securement-device 7 a may have a handle means (not shown) in the form of a loop, hook, grip or combinations thereof to be engaged by the end-user for removing the arrangement out or in of the area of combustion, for instance, in case of an emergency or cleaning.
- FIG. 7 depicts a further embodiment of the present invention providing several members 1 in a horizontal alignment on top of one another allowing for slidable adjustment of the member 1 within the next member 1 to accommodate an area of use, the length being fixed by the primary securement-device 7 in the arrangement 1 b of the system.
- FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the present invention by providing a variation on the shape of the body 14 of the member 1 in which the body 14 is substantially curved.
- Several substantially curved members 1 can be arranged together to fit a particular dimension of an area of use or for the type of fuel used or both.
- FIG. 9 provides an alternative embodiment of the present invention providing a single one-piece molded member 1 having a predetermined size and structure similar to the member 1 of arrangement 1 a .
- the single one-piece molded body 14 is a ready-to-use arrangement 1 c alone or with a further arrangement selected from 1 c , 1 b , 1 a or combinations thereof, the arrangements being either releasably secured thereto or positioned on top of each other without the use of a securement device 7 , or 7 a in a chosen area.
- FIG. 9 provides an alternative embodiment of the present invention providing a single one-piece molded member 1 having a predetermined size and structure similar to the member 1 of arrangement 1 a .
- the single one-piece molded body 14 is a ready-to-use arrangement 1 c alone or with a further arrangement selected from 1 c , 1 b , 1 a or combinations thereof, the arrangements being either releasably secured thereto or positioned on top of each other without the use of a
- a preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides the wall 10 forming a bottom portion thereof for containing and supporting the chosen arrangement.
- the wall 10 has a height greater than the height of the arrangement, the wall 10 having apertures 3 a therein for alignment with an aperture 3 of at least one member 1 in a chosen arrangement.
- the aperture 3 a can be in a direct alignment with the aperture 3 of the member 1 for direct transfer of combustion gases throughout the system thereof.
- the member 1 can be in an arrangement as depicted in FIG. 11 , where the member 1 is in an inverted position on top of an upright member 1 surrounding as depicted herein wood pellets 11 .
- the arrangement of members 1 can be interchanged to effect a better burn rate of wood pellets 11 within the system, accordingly, FIG. 11 shows the movement of combustion gases X throughout one such arrangement Id indicating the collection of combustion gases X within the underside of the apex 3 of member 1 thereby increasing the movement of combustion gases X throughout the wood pellets 11 of the grate assembly for cooking or preheating, igniting and burning thereof.
- the bottom part of the wall 10 can be raised up off a ground level by supporting an underside of the wall 10 with a supporting means (not shown), the supporting means can be varied and regulated to effect a desired angle of elevation.
- the system of the present invention provides the means for transferring heat and combustion gases throughout the wood pellets 11 , that can optionally cover the entire arrangement of members 1 , to effect a more efficient cooking of the wood pellets 11 and to ignite the combustion gases X for essentially producing a higher temperature from which the wood pellets 11 are burnt and continuously cooked or preheated thereby heating the system at a constant rate.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide a variety of applications of the system to be used as inserts in areas of combustion including those areas found in residential and industrial settings wherein for example wood stoves, fire places, cookers, furnaces would be used for applying the economical and effective system provided by the present invention.
Abstract
A grate assembly is provided for at least partially supporting a pile of a plurality of combustible wood pellets. The grate assembly includes a plurality of elongate members positioned to at least partially support the pile of wood pellets. Each of the members has a body with a passage extending through the length of the body and a plurality of transverse holes in communication with the passage to permit movement of combustion gases through the pile during combustion of the wood pellets. The members are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined arrangement to permit movement of the combustion gases through the pile during combustion of the wood pellets. Also, the predetermined arrangement has at least two layers positioned adjacent to each other in a stacked relationship. Each layer has a plurality of members positioned transverse to the members of each layer adjacent thereto.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/064,769, filed on Mar. 26, 2008.
- Wood pellets, made of compacted sawdust and wood chips, are commonly used as fuel in various burner and/or stove devices. The pellets are generally cylindrical or round and relatively small (e.g., between about ¼ and ½ inches long, and about ¼ inch in diameter). The pellets typically have water content of less than about 10 per cent. During the formation of the pellets under pressure, lignin in the sawdust and wood chips plastifies to a limited extent, and the lignin serves to hold the pellet materials together. With increases in the costs of various fossil fuels, wood pellets are a viable heat energy source, whether supplementary or otherwise.
- Because the wood pellets are relatively small, a large number is required in order to result in a substantial fire. Pellet stoves or burners are known in which the pellets are fed (typically by an auger) into a burner portion thereof from a hopper. The user puts a relatively large amount of pellets into the hopper, and the auger conveys the pellets to the burner portion from the hopper. The burner portion in such a stove is designed solely to burn pellets, and may include a substantially horizontal plate with holes therein. The pellet stove typically also includes a fan positioned below the plate, for blowing air upwardly at the plate and, to an extent, through the holes. Because of this forced circulation of air in the burner portion, the pellets positioned on the plate are relatively completely burned.
- Many people would like to use a traditional fireplace that they already own instead of expending a significant expense in purchasing a pellet stove or burner. In a traditional fireplace or wood-burning stove, however, the combustion of a pile of wood pellets tends to be incomplete at best. The incomplete combustion results from poor circulation of air throughout the pile.
- For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a grate assembly adapted to permit the movement of combustion gases through a pile of wood pellets.
- In its broad aspect, the invention provides a grate assembly for at least partially supporting a pile of a plurality of combustible wood pellets, the grate assembly comprises: a plurality of elongate members positioned to at least partially support the pile of wood pellets; each member comprises a body with a passage and a plurality of transverse holes in communication with the passage to permit movement of combustion gases through the pile during combustion of the wood pellets; the members are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined arrangement to permit movement of the combustion gases through the pile during combustion of the wood pellets; and the predetermined arrangement comprises at least two layers positioned adjacent to each other in a stacked relationship, each layer comprises a plurality of members positioned transverse to the members of said adjacent layer.
- In another aspect of the present invention, the body of each member comprises at least two planar segments connected at an apex.
- In a further aspect of the present invention, each member is positioned with its apex oriented upwardly.
- In another aspect of the present invention, each layer is affixed to each adjacent layer at a minimum of one contact point.
- In a further aspect of the present invention, each layer is affixed to each adjacent layer by welding.
- In yet another aspect of the present invention, the grate assembly is integrally formed.
- The invention will be better understood with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side plan view of the body of the device used in the system of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an end view of the device showing the apex of the body of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 a is a cross-sectional view of the body illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 b is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the hinge. -
FIG. 3 is a side profile view of an embodiment of the system showing bodies of the devices used in formation. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention illustrating application of a first fastening member device in a horizontal position. -
FIG. 5 is a side profile view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a system of bodies in a predetermined order with fastening members/devices of adjoining bodies. -
FIGS. 6 and 6 a are cross-sectional views of embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a system of numerous bodies releasably attached in a horizontal formation. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment illustrating an alternative form of the body for use in the system of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a one-piece formation of bodies for use in the system of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating a cross-sectional view of the container with apertures in line with the apertures of the stacked bodies therethrough. -
FIG. 11 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating movement of a combustible or combusted gas throughout the system. - Although other applications may be envisioned for the present invention, the application of the present invention is particularly advantageous for efficiently burning wood pellets. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the present invention may also be used to burn pellets made of other biomaterials such as corn, switchgrass, or organic waste. Accordingly, without intending to limit the present invention to the embodiments described herein, the invention will be described below in further detail having regard to the system and in particular the varied assortment and arrangement of devices used in that system as shown in
FIGS. 1 to 11 . - Reference is first made to
FIGS. 1-5 , and 10 to describe an embodiment of a grate assembly la for at least partially supporting a pile of wood pellets 11 (shown inFIG. 11 ). In one embodiment, the grate assembly la includes a plurality ofelongate members 1 positioned to partially support a pile ofwood pellets 11. Each of themembers 1 has a body 14 that defines apassage 12 extending through the longitudinal extent of the body 14. The body 14 also includes a plurality oftransverse holes 3 that are in communication with thepassage 12 to permit movement of combustion gases through the pile during combustion of thewood pellets 11. Themembers 1 are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined arrangement to permit movement of the combustion gases through the pile ofwood pellets 11. The predetermined arrangement includes at least twolayers 16 positioned adjacent to each other in a stacked relationship. Each of thelayers 16 has a plurality ofmembers 1 positioned transverse to themembers 1 of eachadjacent layer 16. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , themember 1 used in the grate assembly of the present invention will primarily be described in conjunction with afurther member 1 suitable for arranging in a predetermined fashion to fit an area and type of use. It should be understood, however, that themember 1 and body 14 thereof can be utilized in conjunction with a variety of other types and shapes of devices used as cookers/burners or in other areas used for cooking or preheating, igniting and burning the fuel, in particular wood pellets. For example, the device and the embodiments thereof can be utilized together for temporary or permanent fixtures with or without a surrounding container level on the ground level or raised partly from the ground level. In addition, embodiments of the present invention will be primarily described in conjunction with releasable securing devices for adjoining other adjacent bodies in a predetermined arrangement. -
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention providing amember 1 of a predetermined size and shape. Themember 1 has a body 14 being made of a material having a high thermal conductivity. For example, body 14 can be made of metal/ceramics including but not limited to metal carbides, nitrides and borides. Preferably, the body 14 may be made of steel, stainless steel, iron or combinations thereof and is of a shape and size fitting for directional movement of wood pellets over and around themember 1 or anarrangement 1 a as shown inFIG. 3 . The body 14 ofmember 1 is dimensioned in accordance with the end-user's requirements and as such the dimensions can vary extensively. Accordingly, the body 14 can have a cross-sectional view of an inverted-V-shape, a V-shape or combinations thereof having a hinged 5apex 2 or afixed apex 2 defining amember 1 length, height and width of a dimension fitting for the purpose intended for industrial or residential use thereof. Preferably, themember 1 dimension can be of a size ranging from about 15 cm to about 120 cm, having a width of from about 0.25 cm to about 3.0 cm. The shape of the body 14 can optionally be round, square, triangular or combinations thereof dimensioned to defineapertures apertures apex 2 and along aplanar segment 4 of body 14, theplanar segment 4 can be varied in length ranging depending on the size and number ofapertures 3 defined therein or of a length greater or lesser from one end of theplanar segment 4 to the other end of the same oradjoining member 1 thereon.Apertures FIG. 11 ), for example, the constituent gases of air such as oxygen, gases formed during combustion such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen, and any other gases that may be present in the vicinity ofmember 1.Apertures device 7 or a secondary securement-device 7 a as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 .Apertures 3 are varied in size and shape to accommodate a style or function ofmember 1 used for different fuels, more preferablywood pellets 11 as shown inFIG. 11 . -
FIGS. 2 a and 2 b depict a cross-sectional view of the body 14 ofmember 1 as depicted by the A-A′ line going through theaperture 3 inFIG. 1 .FIG. 2 a shows the aperture whereasFIG. 2 b shows the aperture and a hinge 5 used for moveable adjustment of at least oneplanar segment 4 about theapex 2 for varying the shape of the body 14 to accommodate a predetermined use in a chosen area of combustion or for adapting themember 1 to be used with a different fuel thereof, the varied angle of themember 1 being releasably secured by incorporating a primary securement-device 7 therein. The angle of variation can range from about 10 degrees to about 175 degrees about theapex 2 thereof.FIG. 4 depicts a further embodiment of the present invention providing anarrangement 1 a with both the primary securement-device 7 and secondary securement-device 7 a engagingseveral members 1 therethrough. The primary securement-device 7 has ahead 6 for operably engagement by the end-user, thehead 6 defining dimensioned receiving apertures (not shown) as used with implements known by those skilled in the art. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the primary securement-device 7 engaging at least onemember 1 of thearrangement 1 a, having an elongate body with aproximal end 6 and a distal end 8 thereof. InFIG. 5 an embodiment of the present invention provides the distal end 8 of the primary securement-device 7 to engage theapex 3 of themember 1 as opposed to engaging theaperture 3 of the apex 2 therethrough. Actuation of theproximal end 6 of the primary securement-device 7, having a lesser length, forces downward the distal end 8 of theprimary securement device 7 onto theapex 2 of themember 1 thereby engaging and releasably securing theadjacent members 1 together. The secondary securement-device 7 a as depicted inFIGS. 4 and 6 a provide a further embodiment of the present invention in which thesecurement device 7 a being of a length greater than the length of themember 1 is positioned in and through theapertures 3 of at least onemember 1 for releasable securement of themembers 1 or for ease of movement of thearrangement 1 a in or out of the area of use. Both the primary securement-device 7 and the secondary securement-device 7 a are made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, preferably stainless steel, iron or both. - Accordingly, during use the elongate bodies of the securement-
devices apertures 3 thereby expanding within theapertures 3 and further securing themembers 1 thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention theproximal end 6 of the secondary securement-device 7 a may have a handle means (not shown) in the form of a loop, hook, grip or combinations thereof to be engaged by the end-user for removing the arrangement out or in of the area of combustion, for instance, in case of an emergency or cleaning.FIG. 7 , depicts a further embodiment of the present invention providingseveral members 1 in a horizontal alignment on top of one another allowing for slidable adjustment of themember 1 within thenext member 1 to accommodate an area of use, the length being fixed by the primary securement-device 7 in thearrangement 1 b of the system. Accordingly,FIG. 8 , depicts an embodiment of the present invention by providing a variation on the shape of the body 14 of themember 1 in which the body 14 is substantially curved. Several substantiallycurved members 1 can be arranged together to fit a particular dimension of an area of use or for the type of fuel used or both. -
FIG. 9 provides an alternative embodiment of the present invention providing a single one-piece moldedmember 1 having a predetermined size and structure similar to themember 1 ofarrangement 1 a. The single one-piece molded body 14 is a ready-to-use arrangement 1 c alone or with a further arrangement selected from 1 c, 1 b, 1 a or combinations thereof, the arrangements being either releasably secured thereto or positioned on top of each other without the use of asecurement device FIG. 10 depicts the use ofarrangements wall 10 dimensioned to adjoin to or be in a close proximity to at least onemember 1 of the aforesaid arrangements of saidmembers 1. A preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides thewall 10 forming a bottom portion thereof for containing and supporting the chosen arrangement. Thewall 10 has a height greater than the height of the arrangement, thewall 10 havingapertures 3 a therein for alignment with anaperture 3 of at least onemember 1 in a chosen arrangement. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention theaperture 3 a can be in a direct alignment with theaperture 3 of themember 1 for direct transfer of combustion gases throughout the system thereof. - According to various embodiments of the present invention the
member 1 can be in an arrangement as depicted inFIG. 11 , where themember 1 is in an inverted position on top of anupright member 1 surrounding as depicted hereinwood pellets 11. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the arrangement ofmembers 1 can be interchanged to effect a better burn rate ofwood pellets 11 within the system, accordingly,FIG. 11 shows the movement of combustion gases X throughout one such arrangement Id indicating the collection of combustion gases X within the underside of theapex 3 ofmember 1 thereby increasing the movement of combustion gases X throughout thewood pellets 11 of the grate assembly for cooking or preheating, igniting and burning thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the bottom part of thewall 10 can be raised up off a ground level by supporting an underside of thewall 10 with a supporting means (not shown), the supporting means can be varied and regulated to effect a desired angle of elevation. The system of the present invention provides the means for transferring heat and combustion gases throughout thewood pellets 11, that can optionally cover the entire arrangement ofmembers 1, to effect a more efficient cooking of thewood pellets 11 and to ignite the combustion gases X for essentially producing a higher temperature from which thewood pellets 11 are burnt and continuously cooked or preheated thereby heating the system at a constant rate. Embodiments of the present invention provide a variety of applications of the system to be used as inserts in areas of combustion including those areas found in residential and industrial settings wherein for example wood stoves, fire places, cookers, furnaces would be used for applying the economical and effective system provided by the present invention. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can take many forms, and that such forms are within the scope of the invention as described above. The foregoing descriptions are exemplary, and their scope should not be limited to the preferred versions provided therein.
Claims (6)
1. A grate assembly for at least partially supporting a pile of a plurality of combustible wood pellets, the grate assembly comprising:
a plurality of elongate members positioned to at least partially support the pile of wood pellets;
each said member comprising a body with a passage therethrough and a plurality of transverse holes in communication with the passage to permit movement of combustion gases through the pile during combustion of the wood pellets;
the members being spaced apart from each other in a predetermined arrangement to permit movement of the combustion gases through the pile during combustion of the wood pellets; and
said predetermined arrangement comprising at least two layers positioned adjacent to each other in a stacked relationship, each said layer comprising a plurality of said members positioned transverse to said members of said adjacent layer.
2. A grate assembly according to claim 1 in which the body of each said member comprises at least two planar segments connected at an apex thereof.
3. A grate assembly according to claim 2 in which each said member is positioned with the apex thereof oriented upwardly.
4. A grate assembly according to claim 2 in which each said layer is affixed to each said adjacent layer at at least one contact point.
5. A grate assembly according to claim 4 in which each said layer is affixed to each said adjacent layer by welding.
6. A grate assembly according to claim 2 in which the grate assembly is integrally formed.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/411,545 US20090241933A1 (en) | 2008-03-26 | 2009-03-26 | Grate assembly for supporting combustible wood pellets |
US12/571,498 US20100242941A1 (en) | 2009-03-26 | 2009-10-01 | Grate assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US6476908P | 2008-03-26 | 2008-03-26 | |
US12/411,545 US20090241933A1 (en) | 2008-03-26 | 2009-03-26 | Grate assembly for supporting combustible wood pellets |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/571,498 Continuation-In-Part US20100242941A1 (en) | 2009-03-26 | 2009-10-01 | Grate assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090241933A1 true US20090241933A1 (en) | 2009-10-01 |
Family
ID=41115252
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/411,545 Abandoned US20090241933A1 (en) | 2008-03-26 | 2009-03-26 | Grate assembly for supporting combustible wood pellets |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20090241933A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120272876A1 (en) * | 2011-04-27 | 2012-11-01 | Bergeron Martin | Maple syrup evaporator with biomass burner |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120272876A1 (en) * | 2011-04-27 | 2012-11-01 | Bergeron Martin | Maple syrup evaporator with biomass burner |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |