Self-powered gas appliance
Patent 4906178 Issued on March 6, 1990. Estimated Expiration Date: 
July 6, 2008. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
July 6, 2008. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesInventorsApplicationNo. 216286 filed on 07/06/1988US Classes:431/79, Photoelectric sensor122/14.21, By other than temperature of water126/101, Combined with boiler126/110C, Gas and air mixing126/116A, Automatic control136/253, Radioactive, ionic, or thermo photo431/12, Controlling or proportioning feed431/328Means supplying fuel for passage through the flame holding structure, e.g., radiant surface burnerExaminersPrimary: Green, Randall L.Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassF23N 005/08AbstractEmbodiments of gas-fired appliances which generate sufficient electricity to be self-powered include water heaters, space heaters, air conditioning units, and electric power and steam cogeneration systems. In such apparatus, gas is burned in a porous ceramic surface combustion burner. The high temperature surface of the burner includes a narrow band quantum emitting substance such as a rare earth metal oxide and preferably ytterbium oxide. Relatively shorter wavelength radiation from this quantum emitting surface illuminates photovoltaic cells having an absorption spectrum matched to the emission spectrum of the burner surface for generating sufficient electricity for powering the appliance. An infrared absorbing filter removes relatively longer wavelength radiation which would otherwise heat the photovoltaic cells. The cells are cooled, preferably by a portion of the utility fluid heated by the appliance. This enhances both the thermal efficiency of the appliance and the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of the cells.Other References
Field of SearchPhotoelectric sensorControlling or proportioning feed By electrical control circuit POROUS, CAPILLARY, PARTICULATE OR SIEVELIKE FLAME HOLDER, E.G., RADIANT SURFACE BURNER, ETC. Means supplying fuel for passage through the flame holding structure, e.g., radiant surface burner Woven screen holds flame Flame Drawer With fluent source handling or collecting means With optics With output system With means to supply the gas With radiant energy source Flame light source Light Including electronic element Plural light sensors Gas and air mixing Compressed air Automatic control Combined with boiler | |
