Valves and valve actuation – With correlated flow path – Valve operated by joining flow path sections
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-08
2001-05-29
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Valves and valve actuation
With correlated flow path
Valve operated by joining flow path sections
C138S044000, C431S344000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237891
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This application relates to devices for converting gas-burning devices from the use of intended gas fuels to other gas fuels. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to devices for converting from the use of intended gas fuels to the use of alternate gas fuels supplied at substantially different pressures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portable gas stoves, lanterns, and other appliances used for camping, backpacking, etc., are typically fueled by either propane or butane. Most such appliances purchased and used in the United States are designed to burn propane. However, throughout the rest of the world, most of these devices are designed to burn butane.
Portable butane appliances operate at much lower pressures than do portable propane devices. Typical propane supply pressures can be greater than two, two and one-half, three, and even greater than four times higher than typical butane supply pressures. The pressure of a butane supply container used for portable butane burning devices will typically be in the range of from about 30 to about 60 psig. However, the pressure of a propane supply container used for portable propane-burning devices will typically be in the range of from about 125 to about 200 psig.
In addition, the discharge fittings provided on small propane containers used for camping, backpacking, etc., are typically different from those used on butane containers. Moreover, the inlet fittings on butane-burning devices are typically different from those used on propane-burning devices.
It would be very beneficial to convert the U.S. camping market from propane burning devices to butane burning devices. Because they operate at much lower supply pressures, butane devices are safer and more economical than propane devices. Additionally, unlike propane appliances, butane devices can be used substantially worldwide. Unfortunately, however, a switch to butane devices in the United States has not been practical in view of the fact that butane canisters for camping and backpacking are not readily available. Moreover, it is not foreseeable that such compact butane supply canisters will become available in the U.S. market until a substantial number of butane devices are placed in use.
Thus, a need presently exists for a device for converting gas burning devices from the use of intended gas fuels to other gas fuels. In particular, a need presently exists for a very compact device which will allow portable butane stoves, lanterns, and other appliances for camping, backpacking, etc., to receive and burn propane supplied from the small, camp-type fuel containers presently available on the market. The availability of such a device would allow butane-burning devices sold in the U.S. market to be powered by propane until such time as appropriate butane supplies are readily available. Additionally, the device would allow butane devices to be used in any region of the world where propane is the predominate fuel of choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a device which addresses the needs and alleviates the problems discussed above. The device is operable for supplying an alternate gas fuel to a gas-burning apparatus constructed to receive and burn an intended gas fuel, wherein the alternate gas fuel is different from and is supplied at a pressure significantly greater or significantly less than that of the intended gas fuel. The device comprises (a) an inlet coupling attachable to a discharge fitting provided on a fuel source for the alternate gas fuel and (b) an outlet coupling, downstream of the inlet coupling, which is attachable to a gas inlet fitting provided on the gas-burning apparatus. Thus, the inventive device is operable such that the gas-burning apparatus will receive and burn the alternate gas fuel.
In one aspect of the present invention wherein the source pressure of the alternate gas fuel is significantly greater than the supply pressure of the intended gas fuel, the inventive device further comprises limiting means for limiting flow of the alternate gas fuel through the device from the fuel source to the gas-burning apparatus.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a device for supplying propane fuel to a butane-burning apparatus such that the butane-burning apparatus will receive and burn the propane fuel. The butane-burning apparatus is an apparatus constructed to receive and burn butane from a butane container having a butane supply pressure which is substantially less than the propane supply pressure. The inventive device comprises: an inlet coupling attachable to a propane discharge fitting provided on the propane container; an outlet coupling downstream of the inlet coupling and attachable to a butane inlet fitting provided on the butane-burning apparatus; and limiting means for limiting flow of the propane through the device from the inlet coupling to the outlet coupling.
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon examining the accompanying drawings and upon reading the following description of the preferred embodiments.
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McCorkle Bruce
McLaury Brenton
Stiner Roy
Bonderer David A.
Brown Dennis D.
Burnswick Corporation
Fellers, Snider, Blankenship, Bailey & Tippens
Shaver Kevin
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