Patent Description:
Burners for liquid fuel are known to have a fuel inlet, which may be closed and opened by a user of the burner, possibly by a plug pushed into the fuel inlet, when fuel is not to be filled into the fuel container, and the plug being pulled from the fuel inlet, when liquid fuel is to be filled into the fuel container. Furthermore, a displaceable lid may be provided for covering the fire outlet. The lid covers the fuel inlet and a possible plug of the fuel inlet, when the lid is not covering the fire outlet, and vice versa. In the alternative, liquid fuel may be filled into the burner via the fire outlet, but if the burner is too hot it is very dangerous to fill the liquid fuel into the burner.

Opening and closing the fuel inlet, if provided, by pulling the plug from the fuel inlet and pushing the plug into the fuel inlet, respectively, and displacement of the fire outlet lid, if provided, to cover or allow fire from the fire outlet, is performed manually by a user of the burner.

<CIT> discloses a storage container for a liquid fuel. A filling opening is provided adjacent to an adjustable cover element for filling the liquid fuel into the container. The adjustable cover element can be adjusted between a position that closes the storage container upwards in the area of the combustion zone, and a position that opens the storage container upwards in the area of the combustion zone.

Such a cover element allows a safe extinguishing of the flame after the end of use of the firing device and prevents unwanted evaporation of the liquid fuel stored in the storage container, when the firing device is not in use. The cover element enables the storage container to be sealed off at the top in the area of the combustion zone, so that when the combustion device is not in use, no escape of gaseous volatile liquid fuel is to be feared. Adjustment of the cover is performed manually.

Documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> show related liquid fuel pool evaporator burner.

An object of the present invention may be to increase safety of operating and using burners for liquid fuel, such as bioethanol, used as an indoor or outdoor fireplace.

The object of the invention is obtained by.

A stopping means for stopping, preferably for preventing, a user from filling liquid fuel into the burner, and where displacement of the stopping means is provided by an actuator, which itself is displaced based upon the temperature of the actuator, has the advantage that not the user, but the actuator, controls whether liquid fuel can be filled into the burner or not. A risk of filling liquid fuel into the burner, when the burner is too hot for safely filling liquid fuel into the burner, is avoided. A user's possible negligence to the temperature of the burner, when filling liquid fuel into the burner, is not a problem.

According to a preferred embodiment of a burner according to the invention, the actuator is a bimetal spiral coil, and where the stopping means is mounted on the spiral coil, and where the stopping means displaces together with the bimetal spiral coil, when the bimetal spiral coil is mounted on the burner and when the bimetal spiral coil expands or contracts in dependence of a temperature change of the bimetal coil, due to a temperature change of the part of the burner.

The actuator being a spiral coil made from a bimetal material has the advantage, that the actuator is mechanical with no electronics provided, providing a reliable actuator, which is not prone to false operation, if perhaps liquid fuel is spilled, or temperatures are excessive or other parameters, which may influence operation of electronic actuators.

According to an alternative embodiment of a burner according to the invention, the actuator is a cylinder with a piston, and where the stopping means is mounted on one of either the cylinder or the piston, and where the stopping means displaces together with the cylinder or the piston, when at least the cylinder is mounted on the burner and when the cylinder or the piston displaces in dependence of a temperature change of a fluid in the cylinder, due to a temperature change of the part of the burner.

The actuator being a cylinder and piston also has the advantage, that the actuator is mechanical with no electronics provided, providing a reliable actuator, which is not prone to false operation, if perhaps liquid fuel is spilled, or temperatures are excessive or other parameters, which may influence operation of electronic actuators.

According to a possible embodiment of a burner according to the invention,.

A gauge to indicate whether the burner is too hot to safely fill liquid fuel into the burner limits the risk of a user doing so. If the gauge is placed correctly on part of the burner, where the burner is heated the most, the indication by the gauge will be optimal. Even filling liquid fuel into the fire outlet, instead of into a separate fuel inlet, is possible, by mounting the indicator at a selected part of the burner close to the fire outlet.

According to a possible embodiment of a gauge according to the invention, the indicator, when being within the second section of the dial, extends outside part of a perimeter of the gauge, said part of the perimeter of the gauge intended for being in immediate vicinity of the fire outlet, when the gauge is mounted on the burner, so that at least part of the indicator extends into at least part of an immediate exterior of the gauge.

The indicator extending outside part of the perimeter of the gauge has the advantage that the indicator may be used both for visually indicating to a user, what the temperature of the burner is, and also physically possibly obstructing filling of liquid fuel into the burner. The latter advantage is obtained if the gauge is mounted on the burner so that the part of the perimeter of the gauge is in immediate vicinity of the fire outlet. According to an embodiment of the invention the opening for filling liquid fuel into a container of the burner is the fire outlet also functioning as the fuel inlet.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the stopping means is a closure for an opening of a fuel inlet for filling liquid fuel into a container of the burner, the fuel inlet being separate from the fire outlet, and the fuel inlet being positioned in distance from the fire outlet, the closure capable of being displaced between.

A possible embodiment of the burner according to the invention is characterised in that,.

An additional lid, additional to the closure and operated manually by a user of the burner, provides a safety means additional to the safety means of the closure, for possibly preventing liquid fuel to be burned at the fuel inlet, when fire from burning liquid fuel is leaving the fire outlet. The lid has the advantage of the lid covering the fuel inlet, when fire from burning liquid is leaving the fire outlet, and the advantage of the lid covering the fire outlet, when liquid fuel is to be filled into the fuel inlet.

In the embodiment, where the burner comprises both a closure and a lid,.

The invention has the advantage, that whether the fuel inlet is open or not is established by the closure, operated automatically by the actuator, depending on the temperature of the actuator, and is established independently of whether the lid, displaced manually by selection of a user of the burner, is displaced to cover the fuel inlet or not.

An even preferred embodiment of the invention is characterised in that,.

A stop limiting spiralling of the spiral coil between a fully inwards spiralling and a fully outwards spiralling of the spiral coil has the advantage, that the first position and the second position of the closure are fixed positions. The closure has a first position where the fuel inlet is fully open, and a second position where the fuel inlet is fully covered by the closure. The closure cannot be displaced to positions outside the first position and the second position, but the closure may be displaced to intermediate positions between the first position and the second position, and where the fuel inlet is partly open or partly covered by the closure.

A possible embodiment according to the burner of the invention is characterised in that,.

A switch mechanism providing a displacement of the closure between the first position and the second position, and preventing the closure from being positioned in intermediate positions between the first position and the second position, has the advantage that the fuel inlet is either fully open or fully covered by the closure. The switch mechanism prevents the fuel inlet to be partly open or partly covered by the closure. A user cannot fill liquid fuel into a partly open fuel inlet or a partly covered by the closure fuel inlet, only into a fully open fuel inlet.

Preferably, the high temperature is between <NUM> degrees Celsius and <NUM> degrees Celsius.

The burner according to the invention may be operated by a method for operating a closure of a burner for a liquid fuel, the burner comprising a container for storing the liquid fuel and a fuel inlet for filling liquid fuel into the container, and the burner comprising a fire outlet for burning liquid fuel to leave the burner,.

A burner with an actuator displacing the closure in dependence of the temperature of the actuator results in the closure closing the fuel inlet, preventing liquid fuel to be filled into the fuel inlet, when the temperature of the fuel inlet is above a threshold temperature. Thereby, the closure prevents liquid fuel to be filled from a bottle into the fuel inlet and into the container of the burner, when the temperature at the inlet is above a certain threshold temperature, thus avoiding liquid fuel to be burned at the fuel inlet and possibly in the bottle, resulting in the user possibly being burned and injured. The closure constitutes a safety means operating automatically to close the fuel inlet.

The burner according to the invention may be used together with a funnel for filling liquid fuel into a fire outlet of a burner for burning liquid fuel, the funnel having an inlet and an outlet for the liquid fuel, the outlet being provided in an oblong shape of the funnel, said oblong funnel outlet intended for extending horizontally along a longitudinal extension of a fire outlet of a burner when the funnel is placed on, or near, the burner and when liquid fuel is filled into the fire outlet of the burner via the funnel inlet and further via the funnel outlet in the oblong shape into the fire longitudinal extension of the fire outlet.

A funnel developed especially for filling liquid fuel into a fire outlet of a burner has the advantage that an individual inlet for filling liquid fuel into the burner may be omitted, and that liquid fuel is filled directly into the fire outlet, without liquid fuel accidently being spilled outside the fire outlet, thereby not risking liquid fuel being wasted or staining, e.g., a table on which, or a carpet above which, the burner is situated during use.

According to a preferred embodiment of the funnel, the funnel outlet has an enlarged opening in at least one end of the oblong shape, the enlarged opening intended for facing a part of the longitudinal extension of the fire outlet of the burner, and which part of the fire outlet the oblong shape is not extending along.

A funnel developed especially for filling liquid fuel into a fire outlet of a burner and with an enlarged opening facing a longitudinal extension of the fire outlet, into which the liquid fuel is filled, but which part the funnel outlet is not directly situated above, has the advantage of the entire longitudinal extension of the fire outlet, and not only directly below the funnel, is filled with liquid fuel, ensuring an even distribution of liquid fuel along the entire extension immediately after having filled the liquid fuel into the burner.

According to a still preferred embodiment of the funnel, the funnel has a bottom surface or other support intended for being positioned on an upper surface of a burner, and the oblong shape intended for extending along part of a longitudinal extension of a fire outlet of the burner when the bottom surface or other support of the funnel is positioned on the upper surface of the burner and liquid fuel is filled into the container of the burner, via the funnel inlet and further via the funnel outlet and even further via the fire outlet of the burner.

The object may especially be obtained by a burner according to the invention with a gauge and intended for being filled with liquid fuel by use of the funnel for filling liquid fuel into a fire outlet of a burner for burning liquid fuel,.

A burner both having a gauge and being filled with liquid fuel by using the funnel has the advantage that both safety and ease of filling liquid fuel into the burner are optimised. A user is advised visually, in a safe and easy manner, of whether the burner is cold enough, or too hot, to safely fill liquid fuel into the burner and a user is also provided with a funnel to fill liquid fuel into the burner, even into the fire outlet, in a safe and easy manner, contrary to using a traditional funnel.

The object of the invention may also be obtained by a burner for burning liquid fuel according to the invention, the burner comprising a container for storing the liquid fuel and a fire outlet for fire from burning liquid fuel to leave the burner,.

The relatively high temperature may be between <NUM> degrees Celsius and <NUM> degrees Celsius, and the relatively low temperature may be below <NUM> degrees Celsius, preferably below <NUM> degrees Celsius.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of parts of a burner with a stopping means in the embodiment of a gauge, which in <FIG> is shown in an exploded view.

All figures show various parts of an embodiment of a burner. The burner, apart from burning liquid fuel, is intended for allowing and preventing access to a fire outlet of the burner. The burner has a top cover <NUM> and a fire outlet <NUM> for fire from burning liquid fuel to leave the burner. The fire outlet <NUM> is provided in the top cover <NUM> of the burner.

A container (not shown) of the burner, for storing liquid fuel in the burner before the liquid fuel is burnt, is provided underneath the top cover <NUM>. The fire outlet <NUM> is positioned above a position inside the burner where the container is provided. Liquid fuel is passed from the container underneath the fire outlet <NUM> and to the fire outlet <NUM> for liquid fuel to be burnt and so that fire is visible in a room, where the burner is situated or in a chimney. In the embodiment shown, liquid fuel is intended for being filled into the container by filling liquid fuel into the fire outlet <NUM>. However, liquid fuel must not be filled into the fire outlet <NUM> when fire is burning, and liquid fuel must not be filled into the fire outlet <NUM> when the burner is too hot to safely fill liquid fuel into the fire outlet <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, a burner lid (not shown) is provided underneath the top cover <NUM>. The burner lid is displaceable between an open position, where the burner lid is fully covered by the top cover <NUM>, as shown, thereby allowing access to the fire outlet <NUM>, and a closed position preventing access to the fire outlet <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the burner lid is operated manually by pushing a slide-button <NUM> forwards, as not depicted in <FIG>, for preventing access to the fire outlet <NUM>, or by pulling the slide-button rearwards <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>, for allowing access to the fire outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> also show the gauge. The gauge is capable of indicating the temperature of a specific selected area of the burner, where the gauge is mounted. In <FIG>, the gauge is shown in an exploded view, in <FIG> in an assembled view.

The gauge has a dial <NUM> divided into a first section 5A, possibly coloured green or having other visual indication, extending along one selected circumference of the dial <NUM>, and a second section 5B, possibly coloured red or other visual indication, extending along another selected circumference of the dial <NUM>, so that a distinct visual difference is established between the first section 5A and the second section 5B.

Alternatively, the gauge may be divided into more sections where colouring or other visual indication gradually changes, as example, from green, to yellow, to orange, to red, or from one number to subsequent other increasing numbers indicating a temperature level, that is, a gauge with a step-wise visual difference along the dial.

The gauge comprises an actuator <NUM> changing shape depending on the temperature of the actuator <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the actuator <NUM> is a spiral coil made by a bimetal material. The spiral coil <NUM> has an inner end <NUM> attached to a hold <NUM> fixed to the burner and an extension <NUM> constituting an outer free end of the bimetal spiral coil. The extension <NUM> is capable of displacing clockwise and counter-clockwise. The extension <NUM> is directed radially outwards in relation to a rotational extension of the spiral coil <NUM>.

An indicator <NUM> is mounted on the extension <NUM> of the bimetal spiral coil <NUM>. The indicator is visible through a slot <NUM> (see also <FIG>) in the dial <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> is intended for changing position together with the extension <NUM> of the bimetal spiral coil <NUM> along the dial <NUM>, when the extension <NUM> changes position. The indicator <NUM> changing position occurs, when the geometrical shape of the bimetal spiral coil <NUM> changes.

Change of the geometrical shape of the bimetal spiral coil <NUM> occurs when the bimetal spiral coil <NUM> contracts clockwise, as depicted in the figures, or when the bimetal spiral coil <NUM> expands counter-clockwise, as depicted in the figures, depending on the temperature of the bimetal spiral coil <NUM>. The position of the indicator shows to the user whether the burner top <NUM> is cold enough, or is too hot, for safely filling liquid fuel into the burner.

The gauge is showing the user that it is safe to fill liquid fuel into the burner, when the indicator <NUM> is within the first section 5A, and that it is unsafe to fill liquid fuel into the burner, when the indicator is within the second section 5B. A colour green or other visual indication of the first section 5A of the dial <NUM>, together with the indicator <NUM> being within the first section 5A of the dial <NUM>, showing the user that the temperature of the burner top <NUM> is relatively low compared to a colour red or other visual indication of the second section 5B of the dial <NUM>, together with the indicator <NUM> being within the second section 5A of the dial <NUM>, showing the user that the temperature is relatively high, at least a temperature too high to safely fill liquid fuel into the burner.

In the embodiment shown, the gauge with the actuator <NUM>, that is, the bimetal spiral coil <NUM>, is positioned on the burner top <NUM> in an immediate vicinity of the fire outlet <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, the actuator could be a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator with a piston and a piston rod extending into a closed cylinder, where a fluid inside the closed cylinder expands when the temperature increases, and contracts when the temperature decreases. When the fluid expands, the piston displaces the indicator towards a second position within the second section of a dial, and when the fluid compresses, the piston displaces the indicator towards a first position within the first section of a dial.

Other types of actuators, operating mechanically and not operated electrically and manually, and capable of displacing an indicator, more or less, when the temperature increases or decreases, may be envisaged by the person skilled in the art.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, part of the second section 5B of the dial, that is, the section of the dial <NUM> showing the user that it is unsafe to fill liquid fuel into the burner because the burner is too hot, extends along a perimeter P of the gauge and extends in immediate vicinity of, and above part of, the fire outlet <NUM>.

<FIG>, in the embodiment shown, shows that the indicator <NUM> has a length resulting in the indicator <NUM>, when the indicator <NUM> is situated in part of the second section 5B, extending outside the perimeter of the gauge, into an immediate exterior of the gauge, above the fire outlet <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> thereby covers part of the fire outlet <NUM>, preventing a funnel to be positioned in the fire outlet <NUM> at a position, where the indicator <NUM> covers the fire outlet <NUM>. Especially when using a funnel, as shown in <FIG>, and having an oblong gutter-like shape of the funnel to be positioned in the fire outlet <NUM>, the indictor <NUM> covering part of the fire outlet <NUM> thereby prevents using this embodiment of a funnel for filling liquid fuel into the burner.

Accordingly, the gauge with the indicator <NUM> positioned in part of the second section 5B not only shows a user that it is unsafe to fill liquid fuel in to the burner, but at the same time also prevents a user from using a funnel in the embodiment shown in <FIG> for filling liquid fuel into the burner, because the indicator <NUM> covers part of the fire outlet <NUM>, resulting in an increased safety towards filling liquid fuel into the burner, when the temperature of the burner top <NUM> is relatively high.

In the embodiment of the indicator shown, the indicator is shaped like a non-pointed needle. In an alternative embodiment, the indicator is shaped as a partial disc, where the partial disc extends along an outer perimeter of the bimetal spiral coil, from a leading edge of the partial disc and counter-clockwise to a trailing edge of the partial disc. An indicator shaped as a partial disc, the leading edge indicating the temperature, results in the indicator blocking the fire outlet, even when the leading edge is displaced at an end position of the second section 5B of the dial <NUM>.

<FIG> show parts of a burner with a stopping means in an embodiment of a closure <NUM>. The closure <NUM> is intended for allowing and preventing access to a fuel inlet <NUM> of a burner for filling liquid fuel into a container of the burner. The burner has a top cover <NUM> (see <FIG>) of a burner. The burner also has a fire outlet <NUM> (see <FIG>) for fire from burning liquid fuel to leave the burner. The fuel inlet <NUM> is separate from the fire outlet <NUM> and the fuel inlet <NUM> is positioned in distance from the fire outlet <NUM> (see <FIG>).

A container (not shown) of the burner, for storing liquid fuel in the burner before the liquid fuel is burnt, is provided underneath the top cover <NUM>. The fire outlet <NUM> is positioned above a position inside the burner where the container is provided. Liquid fuel is passed from the container underneath the fire outlet <NUM> and to the fire outlet <NUM> for liquid fuel to be burnt and so that fire is visible in a room, where the burner is situated or in a chimney. In the embodiment shown, liquid fuel is intended for being filled into the container by filling liquid fuel into the fuel inlet <NUM>. However, liquid fuel must not be filled into the fuel inlet <NUM> when the burner is too hot to safely fill liquid fuel into the fuel inlet <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, the closure <NUM> has the shape of a plate with a void space <NUM> in the middle. The void space <NUM> is provided so that fire from liquid fuel being burnt in the fire burner can escape part of the fire outlet <NUM> possibly covered by the closure <NUM>. In <FIG>, the closure <NUM> is in a first position, allowing access to the fuel inlet <NUM> for filling liquid fuel into the fuel inlet <NUM> and into the container of the burner. In <FIG>, the closure <NUM> is in a second position, preventing access to the fuel inlet <NUM> and preventing filling liquid fuel into the fuel inlet <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the closure <NUM>, both when in the first position and when in the second position, maintains the fire outlet <NUM> open.

In an alternative embodiment, the closure <NUM> has another shape than the one shown in <FIG>. In the alternative embodiment, the closure <NUM> is a plate having a width extending along the entire width of the fire outlet <NUM>. When the closure <NUM> is in the first position, the closure <NUM> allows access to the fuel inlet <NUM>. However, the closure <NUM>, when in the second position, prevents access to the fuel inlet <NUM>.

The closure <NUM> is operated by an actuator <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the actuator <NUM> is a spiral coil <NUM> made by a bi-metal material. The spiral coil <NUM> has an inner end <NUM> (see <FIG>) attached to a hold <NUM>. The hold <NUM> is fixed in relation to the top cover <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> has an outer end <NUM> (see <FIG>) attached to the closure <NUM> via a mechanical connection <NUM>. The mechanical connection <NUM> is displaceable in relation to the top cover <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the mechanical connection <NUM> is a stop pin.

In <FIG>, the outer end <NUM> of the spiral coil <NUM> and the stop pin <NUM> is in a first end position, which results in a position of the closure <NUM>, where the fuel inlet <NUM> is not covered by the closure <NUM>, and where the fuel inlet <NUM> is fully open to the exterior of the burner, allowing liquid fuel to be filled into the fuel inlet <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the outer end <NUM> of the spiral coil <NUM> and the stop pin <NUM> is in a second end position, which results in a position of the closure <NUM>, where the fuel inlet <NUM> is covered by the closure <NUM>, and where the fuel inlet <NUM> is fully closed to the exterior of the burner, preventing liquid fuel to be filled into the fuel inlet <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, the closure <NUM> has a track <NUM> with one end <NUM> and two opposite curved ends <NUM>,<NUM>. The track <NUM> of the closure plate is a fail-safe solution, if the spiral coil <NUM> possibly displaces past the first end position or past the second end position, because of the spiral coil <NUM> being mechanically deformed because of damage to the spiral coil <NUM>, or because of the spiral coil <NUM> being thermally deformed due to being over-heated.

If the outer end <NUM> of the spiral coil <NUM> and the stop pin <NUM> extend past the first end position, the stop pin <NUM> pass further along the one curved end <NUM> of the track <NUM>. The stop pin <NUM> passing towards the one curved end <NUM> of the track <NUM> results in the closure <NUM> staying in place, as if the stop pin <NUM> were in the first end position of the stop pin <NUM>.

The stop pin <NUM> passing along the one curved end <NUM> of the track <NUM> prevents the closure plate <NUM> from being displaced downwards (as viewed in the figure), even though the outer end <NUM> of the spiral coil <NUM> and the stop pin <NUM> extend past the first end position.

If the outer end <NUM> of the spiral coil <NUM> and the stop pin <NUM> extend past the second end position, the stop pin <NUM> pass further along the other curved end <NUM> of the track <NUM>. The stop pin <NUM> passing towards the other curved end <NUM> of the track <NUM> results in the closure <NUM> staying in place, as if the stop pin <NUM> were in the second end position of the stop pin <NUM>.

The stop pin <NUM> passing along the other curved end <NUM> of the track <NUM> prevents the closure plate <NUM> from being displaced upwards (as viewed in the figure), even though the outer end <NUM> of the spiral coil <NUM> and the stop pin <NUM> extend past the second end position.

<FIG> show the stop pin <NUM> extending into a groove <NUM> in a top cover <NUM> of the burner (not shown). The top cover <NUM> constitutes a top surface of the burner.

The groove <NUM> extends circumferentially along the circumference of the spiral coil <NUM>. The groove <NUM> has two opposite ends <NUM>,<NUM>. The stop pin <NUM> is capable of sliding along the groove <NUM> between each of the two opposite ends <NUM>,<NUM>. In <FIG>, the stop pin <NUM> is positioned at one end <NUM> of the groove <NUM>, and in <FIG> the stop pin <NUM> is positioned at the other opposite end <NUM> of the groove <NUM>. The stop pin <NUM> is capable of being displaced between the one end <NUM> and the other end <NUM> of the groove <NUM>, and vice versa.

Displacement of the stop pin <NUM> is provided by the spiral coil <NUM>. When the spiral coil <NUM> is in the first end position (see also <FIG>), that is the spiral coil <NUM> being in an intended innermost coiled state, the stop pin <NUM> is positioned at the one end <NUM> of the groove <NUM>. When the spiral coil <NUM> is the second end position (see also <FIG>), that is the spiral coil <NUM> being in an intended outermost coiled state, the stop pin <NUM> is positioned at the other opposite end <NUM> of the groove <NUM>.

The spiral coil <NUM> is in the innermost coiled state, when the spiral coil <NUM> has one relative low temperature, and the spiral coil <NUM> is in the outermost coiled state, when the spiral coil <NUM> has a relative high temperature, compared to the relatively low temperature.

Change in temperature of the spiral coil <NUM> is taking place, when flames from burning liquid fuel leave the fire outlet <NUM>, and the top cover <NUM> thereby is heated. Heating of the top cover <NUM> results in heating of the spiral coil <NUM> to a subsequent high temperature, that is, the relatively high temperature, compared to an initial, non-heated temperature, that is, the relatively low temperature. During heating of the top cover <NUM> and of the spiral coil <NUM>, by the fire from burning liquid fuel, the bimetal materiel of the spiral coil <NUM> results in the spiral coil <NUM> spiralling outwards, in the figures spiralling clock-wise.

The fuel inlet <NUM> must be covered by the closure <NUM>, when the temperature of the actuator <NUM>, that is, the spiral coil <NUM>, is above a selected threshold temperature.

<FIG> show an additional lid <NUM> extending below the top cover <NUM> of the burner. The additional lid <NUM> is intended for being operated manually by a user of the burner. The additional lid <NUM> is capable of displacing along the top cover <NUM>, upwards and downwards as viewed in the figures, between a first position of the lid <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), in which first position the lid <NUM> allows access to the fuel inlet <NUM> and prevents access through a fire outlet <NUM> for fire from burning liquid fuel, a second position of the lid <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), in which second position the lid <NUM> prevents access to the fuel inlet <NUM> and also prevents access through the fire outlet for fire from burning liquid fuel, and a third position of the lid <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), in which third position the lid <NUM> prevents access to the fuel inlet <NUM> and allows access through the fire outlet for fire from burning liquid fuel.

<FIG> shows the closure <NUM> in the first position, the closure <NUM> allowing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>, and shows the lid <NUM> in the first position, the lid <NUM> also allowing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>. Therefore, access to the fuel inlet <NUM> is allowed both by the automatic closure <NUM> and by the lid <NUM> having been displaced to the first position of the lid <NUM>, manually by a user. The fire outlet <NUM> is covered by the closure by the lid <NUM> when in the first position.

<FIG> shows the closure <NUM> in the first position, the closure <NUM> allowing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>, and shows the lid <NUM> in the second position, the id <NUM> preventing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>. Therefore, access to the fuel inlet <NUM> is prevented, not by the automatic closure <NUM>, but by the lid <NUM> having been displaced to the second position of the lid <NUM>, manually by a user. The fire outlet <NUM> is covered by the closure by the lid <NUM> when in the second position.

<FIG> shows the closure <NUM> in the first position, the closure <NUM> allowing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>, and shows the id <NUM> in the third position, the lid <NUM> preventing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>. Therefore, access to the fuel inlet <NUM> is prevented, not by the automatic closure <NUM>, but by the lid <NUM> having been displaced to the third position of the lid <NUM>, manually by a user. The fire outlet <NUM> is open by the lid <NUM> when in the third position.

<FIG> shows the closure <NUM> in the second position, the closure <NUM> preventing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>, and shows the lid <NUM> in the first position, the lid <NUM> also allowing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>. Therefore, access to the fuel inlet <NUM> is prevented by the automatic closure <NUM>, but not by the lid <NUM> having been displaced to the first position of the lid <NUM>, manually by a user. The fire outlet <NUM> is covered by the closure by the when in the first position.

<FIG> shows the closure <NUM> in the second position, the closure <NUM> preventing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>, and shows the lid <NUM> in the second position, the lid <NUM> also preventing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>. Therefore, access to the fuel inlet <NUM> is prevented, both by the automatic closure <NUM> and by the lid <NUM> having been displaced to the second position of the lid <NUM>, manually by a user. The fire outlet <NUM> is covered by the closure by the lid <NUM> when in the second position.

<FIG> shows the closure <NUM> in the second position, the closure <NUM> preventing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>, and shows the lid <NUM> in the third position, the lid <NUM> also preventing access to the fuel inlet <NUM>. Therefore, access to the fuel inlet <NUM> is prevented both by the automatic closure <NUM> and by the lid <NUM> having been displaced to the third position of the lid <NUM>, manually by a user. The fire outlet <NUM> is open by the lid <NUM> when in the third position.

The additional lid <NUM> has a length and a width closing the fire outlet <NUM>, when the lid <NUM> is in the first position and in the second as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, in which first position and second positions of the lid <NUM>, the lid <NUM> prevents fire from burning liquid fuel to leave the burner through the fire outlet <NUM>. Preferably, possible fire from burning liquid fuel is extinguished, when the lid <NUM> is in the first position and in the second position.

Marking may be provided both on the closure <NUM> and on the lid <NUM>, or possibly only on the closure <NUM> or only on the lid <NUM>, to show a user, when the fuel inlet <NUM> is closed and/or when the fuel inlet <NUM> is open. Marking may also be provided on the lid <NUM> to show a user when the fire outlet <NUM> is closed and/or when the fire outlet <NUM> is open.

Filling liquid fuel into the fire outlet, using the fire outlet as the fuel inlet is preferably performed by using a funnel. In the following, an embodiment of a funnel for safely filling liquid fuel into the fire outlet, especially in a burner with stopping means in the embodiment of a gauge, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, is described in detail.

Fire outlet of burners for burning liquid fuel is most often provided with a wicking material for passing liquid fuel from the container of the burner to the fire outlet. If liquid fuel is filled into the container via other openings than through the fire outlet, some time elapses before the wicking material is sufficiently wedded by liquid fuel to be ignited.

By filling the liquid fuel into the fire outlet, the wicking material is instantly wedded with liquid fuel. However, for having a satisfactory fire burning, the wicking material along the entire longitudinal extension of the fire outlet must be wedded. If liquid fuel is filled into the fire outlet in one position only, wedding of the wicking material will take some time.

A funnel design having an enlarged opening directed towards the remainder of the longitudinal extension of the fire outlet results in liquid fuel, filled into the fire outlet through the funnel, being passed to the entire fire outlet, without having to displace the funnel. This is different to a traditional funnel only passing liquid fuel downwards through the nozzle-like shape of a traditional funnel, and the traditional funnel having to be manually displaced along the fire outlet to fill the entire fire outlet with liquid fuel.

<FIG> show a funnel <NUM> provided for filling liquid fuel into the burner via the fire outlet <NUM>. Alternatively, liquid fuel may be filled into the burner directly, without use of a funnel, into the fire outlet <NUM> or directly into a separate fuel inlet, if such is provided.

<FIG> shows in perspective a preferred embodiment of a funnel <NUM>, shaped differently than a traditional funnel. A traditional funnel is shaped with a primary part with a frustoconical shape and a secondary part with a nozzle-like shape, the nozzle-like shape serving as an outlet from the frusto-conical shaped part of the funnel.

The preferred funnel <NUM> for filling liquid fuel into the burner has a tray-like shape <NUM> into which liquid fuel is to be filled into the funnel <NUM>, and an oblong gutter-like shape <NUM> out of which the liquid fuel leaves the funnel <NUM>. The oblong gutter-like shape <NUM> extends along one bottom side of the tray-like shape <NUM>. An outlet <NUM> is provided in the oblong gutter-like shape <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> is provided in the oblong gutter-like shape <NUM> so that liquid fuel filled into the funnel <NUM> leaves the funnel <NUM> through the outlet <NUM> both downwards and sideways of the oblong gutter-like shape <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>.

The funnel <NUM> has a substantially flat bottom <NUM>, apart from that side of the funnel, where the oblong gutter-like shape <NUM> is provided. The funnel <NUM> also has support brackets <NUM> extending from the bottom <NUM> of the funnel. The support brackets <NUM> are intended for being placed on the burner top <NUM>, providing a stable and safe abutment of the funnel <NUM> on the burner, when liquid fuel is to be filled into the burner. When the support brackets <NUM> of the funnel <NUM> are placed on the burner top <NUM>, the oblong gutterlike shape <NUM> of the funnel <NUM> extends laterally, horizontally along a part of a longitudinal extension of the fire outlet <NUM> (see <FIG>).

<FIG> shows the oblong gutter-like shape <NUM> of the funnel <NUM> placed in the fire outlet <NUM>.

The outlet <NUM> of the oblong gutter-like shape <NUM> of the funnel <NUM> is directed both downwards and towards the remainder of the longitudinal extension of the fire outlet <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> has an enlarged opening 31A towards the right side as depicted in fig. <NUM>, which is towards the remainder of the longitudinal extension of the fire outlet <NUM>.

Thereby, liquid fuel filled into the tray-like shape <NUM> of the funnel <NUM> and passed to the fire outlet <NUM> via the oblong gutter-like shape <NUM> of the funnel <NUM> is allowed to better being passed towards the right side, which is towards the remainder of the longitudinal extension of the fire outlet <NUM>, when the funnel <NUM> is placed on the burner top <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the gauge is positioned to the right in relation to the longitudinal extension of the fire outlet <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the gauge may be positioned in the centre in relation to the longitudinal extension of the fire outlet <NUM>, or to the left in relation to the longitudinal extension of the fire outlet <NUM>.

If the gauge is positioned in the centre in relation to the longitudinal extension of the fire outlet <NUM>, the oblong gutter-like shape <NUM> of the funnel will preferably have enlarged openings 31A at both sides of the oblong gutter-like shape <NUM>, thereby allowing liquid fuel to be better passed not only to the centre, but also to each side, of the fire outlet <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Burner for burning liquid fuel, the burner comprising a container for storing the liquid fuel, an opening allowing filling of liquid fuel through the opening and into the container, and a fire outlet (<NUM>) for fire from burning liquid fuel to leave the burner,
- the burner also comprising a stopping means (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) for not allowing, preferably for preventing, filling of liquid fuel through the opening and into the container of the burner,
- where the burner comprises an actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>) for displacing the stopping means (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) between a first position and a second position, and vice versa, and where the actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>) is positioned in a part of the burner being heated by fire from burning liquid fuel,
- where the actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>) is provided in a position, in relation to the fire outlet (<NUM>), resulting in the actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>) changing temperature depending on a temperature of the burner within the vicinity of the opening for filling liquid fuel into the container of the burner,
- where change of the temperature of the actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>), because of change of temperature of the part of the burner being heated by fire from burning liquid fuel, results in change of a geometrical shape of the actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>), and
- the actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>) and the stopping means (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) being mutually connected for the actuator displacing the stopping means (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) when a change of geometrical shape of the actuator occurs,
- where change of the geometrical shape of the actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>) results in displacement of the stopping means (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>), via the connection, between the first position and the second position, towards the first position or towards the second position, and
- where the stopping means (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is displaced towards the first position, when the temperature of the actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>) is changed from a relatively high temperature to a relatively low temperature, and in which first position the stopping means (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is allowing liquid fuel to be filled into the container of the burner, and
- where the stopping means (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is displaced towards the second position, when the temperature of the actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>) is changed from a relatively low temperature to a relatively high temperature, and in which second position the stopping means (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is not allowing liquid fuel being filled into the container of the burner.