Patent ID: 8635996
Filing Date: 2014-01-28
Classification: F23K

Abstract:
1. A fuel feed system to convey particulate fuel from a hopper to a firebox, the system comprising: a hopper interface having a plurality of sidewalls defining an inlet opening to receive particulate fuel; a support plate located below the inlet opening; a pusher plate assembly movably positioned on the support plate, wherein the pusher plate assembly includes a base plate of a first length and a pusher plate overlying the base plate having a length less than the base plate, wherein the base plate includes a protrusion disposed adjacent a discharge end of the pusher plate assembly and extending upwardly from the pusher plate assembly; a passageway including an infeed end below the support plate and a delivery end adjacent a firebox; a delivery system to move particulate fuel through the passageway from the infeed end to the delivery end; a motor configured and disposed to actuate both the delivery system and the pusher plate assembly; and a dust removal system to direct fines to the firebox via the passageway, wherein the dust removal system includes: a fines opening in the pusher plate assembly; a fines opening in the support plate; and a fines return plate positioned under the support plate and angled to direct fines into the passageway, wherein the fines return plate is intermediate the delivery system and an access cover and is angled and disposed to permit inspection of the passageway and delivery system.