APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMBUSTION

摘要

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMBUSTION A method and apparatus for the controlled combustion of combustible materials is disclosed whereby the combustion is confined within a slot defined by a plurality of combustible logs in longitudinal contact and opening toward the objects to be heated. Background of the Invention This invention relates to methods and apparatus for achieving controlled combustion of combustible materials, and more particularly, to an apparatus and methods of directing thermal radiation produced by such controlled combustion. One problem which arises from the use of known apparatus and methods for burning combustible materials, such as domestic fireplace grates for combustion of wooden logs, is that a substantial fraction of the radiant heat from the combustion of such logs is directed toward the walls of the fireplace in which the grate is positioned. Therefore, the use of this type of apparatus and its method for combustion is highly inefficient. Examples in the prior art which show grates which burn logs in this manner are U. S. Patent No. 3,670,714 to Eyges (1972), Patent No. 3,505,986 to Wood (1970), Patent No. 2,985,165 to Peterson, et al (1961), Patent No. 2,585,523 to Wellman (1952), Patent No. 1,418,411 to Ward (1922), Patent No. 780,800 to Keferstein (1905), and Patent No. 2,057,659 to Daniel (1936). The need for achieving optimum use of chemical energy stored in natural fuels by combustion is recognized as a contemporary problem. See, for example, Heat Transfer in Fires: Thermophysics, Social Aspects, Economic Impact, edited by Perry L. Blackshear,