Patent ID: 12188659

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction

With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a burner10includes a manifold12, a plurality of nipples14, and a jet16supported by and protruding outwardly from each nipple14. Each nipple14has a first end18that is open, a second end20that is closed, and a wall22extending from the first end18of the nipple14to the second end20of the nipple14. The first end18of the nipple14, the second end20of the nipple14, and the wall22of the nipple14are unitary. Each nipple14has threads24at the first end18of the nipple14. The manifold12includes threaded holes36spaced from each other along an axis AM of the manifold12and threadedly engaged with the threads24on the first ends18of the nipples14.

The nipples14are directly connected to the manifold12by the threaded engagement of the threads24on the nipples14and the threaded holes36in the manifold12, thus eliminating intermediate fittings between the nipples14and the manifold12. This eliminates the cost of the fittings and also reduces the number of connected interfaces in the burner10, i.e., providing a single connection between the nipple14and the manifold12(in contrast to three connections at each end of a T-shaped fitting). The unitary construction of the first end18of the nipple14, the second end20of the nipple14, and the wall22of the nipple14allows, in part, for assembly of the nipples14to the manifold12by direct connection since the nipple14may be rotated by a tool with all of the torque being delivered to the threads24without relative movement between the first end18and the second end20. This also simplifies the assembly process to reduce the likelihood of marring of the nipple14during assembly of the nipple14to the manifold12.

The burner10generates a flame that is decorative for the purpose of viewing. In other words, the burner10is a decorative-flame burner. As examples, the burner10may be used in a fire pit, fireplace, water feature, etc. In use, the flame is visible and the burner10may be exposed or may be concealed, entirely or partly, by an aggregate substrate (e.g., rock, stone, glass, etc.), faux logs (e.g., ceramic, steel, etc.), water, etc.

The manifold12, nipples14, and jets16each define gas passageways, respectively, in communication with each other to deliver fuel from the inlet line to the jet16. The jet16releases the fuel to the atmosphere where the fuel is combusted as a decorative flame. The burner10, including the manifold12, nipples14, and jets16, may be designed to deliver and burn any suitable type of gaseous fuel, including natural gas and propane.

The burner10is configured to generate a decorative flame that is at least partly yellow and/or orange. As an example, the burner10may be configured to generate a flame that has a small blue portion at the jet with the remainder of the flame being yellow and/or orange to the tip of the flame. In such an example, the blue portion may be of a minimal size such that the blue portion is not viewable, e.g., may be covered by substrate. As another example, the burner10may be configured to generate a flame that is all yellow and/or orange, i.e., from the point of combustion at the jet16to a tip of the flame distal to the jet16. Specifically, the burner10is configured to discharge the fuel from the jet16at an air-to-fuel ratio to generate a flame that is at least partly yellow and/or orange. The burner10is configured to burn a fuel-rich combustion mixture at an air-to-fuel to generate the yellow and/or orange color. Specifically, the fuel-rich combustion mixture generates the yellow and/or orange flame in contrast with a fuel-lean combustion mixture that generates a blue flame. As an example, a blue flame may be used in applications in which the flame is used solely for heat generation, e.g., for heating, cooking, etc., without concern for decorative appearance. The jet16may generate a Venturi effect to mix air with the fuel to feed an air-to-fuel ratio at the point of combustion to generate a flame that is yellow and/or orange. For natural gas and propane, for example, the burner10may be configured to burn at approximately 1000-1200° C. to generate the yellow and/or orange color of the flame.

The burner10is configured to generate a tall, dancing flame. This is generated, in part, by the flow rate of fuel to the jet16and the Venturi effect generated by the jet16to discharge the air-fuel combination at a high velocity. In addition, each jet16generates a flame and each flame from each jet16dances. In other words, the jets16are configured to discharge the air/fuel mixture such that the flame fluctuates in width and height during a stable fuel supply rate at an inlet coupling40. The flames from the individual jets16intermingle and/or combine. In some examples, the flames combine together by swirling based on the aim of the jets16relative to each other. The flames from all of the jets16, in combination, dance. The burner10described herein may operate, for example, at 60,000-450,000 BTU. For example, the burner10inFIG.1may operate at 140,000 BTU. The jets16shown inFIG.1, for example, may each operate at 10,000 BTU.

The manifold12, nipples14, and jets16may be arranged in any suitable shapes to position the jets16and aim the jets16to generate the tall, dancing flame. One example arrangement is shown inFIG.1and another example arrangement is shown inFIG.9. In the example shown inFIG.1, the burner10includes two manifolds12, eight nipples14, and14jets16. In the example shown inFIG.9, the burner10includes one manifold12, seven nipples14, and seven jets16. In other examples, the burner10may include any suitable number of manifolds12, nipples14, and jets16.

As described further below, the footprint of the burner10provides, at least in part, the generation of the tall, dancing flame. Specifically, the relative location of the jets16, at least in part, generates the tall, dancing flame. As an example, the elongation of the manifolds12and nipples14along axes AM, AN, respectively, that are transverse to each other provides the footprint to locate the jets16for generation of the tall, dancing flame. The axes AM of the manifolds12may be perpendicular to the axes AN of the nipples14, as described further below, to create the footprint of the burner10that provides, at least in part, the generation of the tall, dancing flame.

The burner10is brass. Specifically, the manifold12, the nipples14, and the jets16are brass. The brass is corrosion resistant, sustainable, and rust-proof.

The manifold12, the nipples14, and the jets16may be specially manufactured for the burner10disclosed herein. As set forth above, in the example shown in the Figures, the manifold12, nipples14, and jets16are formed by machining a brass bar, i.e., to include bores and the other features. Specifically, the manifold12, nipples14, and jets16may be designed and manufactured to have the size and shape to generate the tall, dancing flame having yellow and/or orange color, as described above. The designs shown in the Figures and the dimensions disclosed herein generate the tall, dancing flame having yellow and/or orange color.

Inlet Coupling

With reference toFIGS.1,2, and9, the burner10may include an inlet coupling40. The manifold12is directly connected to the inlet coupling40, i.e., with the lack of any intermediate component therebetween. For example, the inlet coupling40includes at least one threaded hole and the manifold12includes a thread34threadedly engaged with the threaded hole. In such an example, “directly connected” includes examples in which thread sealant is disposed between the manifold12and the inlet coupling40. The manifold12is supported by the inlet coupling40. Specifically, the manifold12is cantilevered from the inlet coupling40.

In the example shown inFIGS.1and2, the inlet coupling40is T-shaped. In the example shown inFIG.9, the inlet coupling40is straight. In other examples including more than two manifolds12, the inlet coupling40may include a corresponding number of threaded holes (i.e., one for each manifold12) and may be of any suitable size and shape, as described further below.

The inlet coupling40is connected to a fuel supply source (not shown) to deliver fuel to the burner10. In other words, the inlet coupling40may be a hub that feeds several manifolds12extending in different directions, e.g., as shown in the example inFIGS.1and2. As described further below, in examples including more than one manifold12, the manifolds12may be in a common plane and the inlet coupling40is designed accordingly.

The inlet coupling40may be a standard coupling as known in industry. As an example, the inlet coupling40may be ¾ inch NPT (National Pipe Thread), ½ inch NPT, or ⅜ inch NPT sized coupling available from any standard supplier. In such an example, the threaded holes of the inlet coupling40have ¾ inch NPT threads, ½ inch NPT threads, or ⅜ inch NPT threads and a standard corresponding sized and shaped body. In such an example, the manifold12includes threads34that match the threaded holes of the inlet coupling40, e.g., ¾ NPT threads, ½ inch NPT threads, or ⅜ inch NPT threads.

Manifold(s) and Nipples

Each manifold12and each nipple14includes a first end18,28, a second end20,30, and a wall22,32extending from the first end18,28to the second end20,30. The first end18,28is open and the second end20,30is closed. In other words, the gas passageway extends through the first end18,28and is plugged at the second end20,30. The gas passageway is elongated along the axis AM of the manifold12. The gas passageways of the nipples14are in communication with the gas passageways of the manifolds12, as described further below.

As shown inFIGS.1-8, the first end18,28, the second end20,30, and the wall22,32may be unitary, i.e., a single, continuous piece of material with no seams, joints, fasteners, welds, or adhesives holding it together. The manifold12may be formed as a unitary component and the nipple14may be formed as a unitary component, for example, by machining from a unitary blank, molding, forging, casting, etc. Non-unitary components, in contrast, are formed separately and subsequently assembled, e.g., by threaded engagement, welding, press-fitting, etc. In the example shown inFIGS.1-8, each manifold12and each nipple14is formed by machining a brass bar, i.e., to include the gas passageway and the other features of the manifold12described herein. By being unitary, the manifold12may be assembled to the inlet coupling40by applying torque to the second end30, which is transferred to the first end28, without the potential for relative rotation between the first end18and the second end20of the nipple14. Similarly, by being unitary, the nipple14may be assembled to the manifold12by applying torque to the second end20, which is transferred to the first end18, without the potential for relative rotation between the first end18and the second end20of the nipple14. In the example shown inFIG.9, the manifold12includes two non-unitary components, an elongated pipe and a threaded end cap that is threadedly engaged with the elongated pipe at the second end30. Such a configuration can allow for customized length of the manifold12. In such an example, the manifold12may be formed of red brass.

The manifolds12and the nipples14are annular in cross-section. In other words, the outer circumference and the inner circumference are circular. The outer circumference and the inner circumference of the wall22,32may be constant from the first end18,28to the second end20,30. In such an example, the manifolds12and the nipples14are generally tubular.

For each manifold12, the manifold12may be straight from the first end28of the manifold12to the second end30of the manifold12. Specifically, the axis AM of the manifold12may be straight. For each nipple14, the nipple14may be straight from the first end18of the nipple14to the second end20of the nipple14. Specifically, the axis AN of the nipple14may be straight. In examples in which the axes AM of the manifolds12and the axes AN of the nipples14are straight, the axes AM of the manifolds12are transverse to the axes AN of the nipples14to define the footprint of the burner10that, at least in part, generate the tall, dancing flame. In some examples, including those shown in the figures, the axes AM, AN may be perpendicular, which, at least in part, may generate the tall dancing flame.

The manifolds12have threads34at the first end28of the manifold12and a head42at the second end30of the manifold12. The nipples14have threads24at the first end18of the nipple14and a head44at the second end20of the nipple14. The threads34of the manifold12threadedly engage the inlet coupling40. The threads24of the nipple14engage a respective threaded hole36of the manifold12. The head42of the manifold12can be rotated to threadedly engage the threads34of the manifold12with the inlet coupling40. The manifold12is supported by the inlet coupling40when threadedly engaged with the inlet coupling40. The head44of the nipple14can be rotated to threadedly engage the threads24of the nipple14with the inlet manifold12. The nipple14is supported by the manifold12when threadedly engaged with the manifold12. As an alternative to the threaded engagement between the manifold12and the inlet coupling40and/or the threaded connection between the nipple14and the manifold12, the components may be fixed together by, for example, press-fitting, brazing, and/or welding.

The head42,44includes circumferential surfaces meeting at vertices spaced circumferentially about the axis AM, AN, i.e., the circumferential surfaces are angled relative to each other. The circumferential surfaces may be engaged by a tool to transfer torque from the tool to the manifold12for engaging the threads34with the inlet coupling40. Specifically, the manifolds12and the nipples14may include flats46,48at the second end20, and specifically, at the head (i.e., the circumferential surfaces may be flats). The flats46,48are planar. The flats46,48each extend from one vertex to another vertex. The head42,44may include six flats46,48each meeting at the vertices, i.e., may be hexagonal, as shown in the examples in the Figures. As other examples, the head42,44may include any suitable number of flats46,48that may meet at vertices or may be separated by round surfaces. As an example, the head46,48may include two flats parallel to each other and spaced from each other by two round surfaces therebetween.

The flats42,44of the manifold12may extend from the wall32to a terminal tip of the manifold12. The first end28of the manifold12may be defined as the portion of the manifold12including the threads34and the second end30of the manifold12may be defined as the portion of the manifold12including the vertices. In the examples in the Figures, the second end30of the manifold12is defined as the portion including the flats46. Similarly, the flats of the nipple14may extend from the wall22to a terminal tip of the nipple14. The first end18of the nipple14may be defined as the portion of the nipple14including the threads24and the second end20of the nipple14may be defined as the portion of the nipple14including the vertices. In the examples in the Figures, the second end of the nipple14is defined as the portion including the flats48.

The manifold12is elongated along the axis AM. In other words, the longest dimension of the manifold12is along the axis AM of the manifold12. In use, the axis AM may be horizontal. More than one nipple14is connected to the manifold12. The manifold12delivers fuel from the inlet coupling40to the nipples14.

The burner10may include any suitable number of manifolds12, i.e., one or more. The example inFIG.1has two manifolds12, the example inFIG.9has one manifold12, and other examples may include three or more manifolds12. In the example shown inFIG.1, the burner10includes two manifolds12(i.e., a first manifold and a second manifold) each directly connected to the inlet coupling40. Both manifolds12are coaxial, i.e., are elongated along a common axis. The manifolds12extend in opposite directions along the common axis from the inlet coupling40. As set forth above, in examples including more than one manifold12, the manifolds12may be elongated in a common plane. During operation of the burner10, the common plane may be horizontal.

Each of a plurality of nipples14is directly connected to the manifold12, i.e., with the lack of any intermediate component between the nipple14and the manifold12. For example, the nipple14threadedly engages the manifold12. Specifically, the manifold12has a plurality of threaded holes36each threadedly engaged with the threads24of the nipples14. In such an example, “directly connected” includes examples in which thread sealant is disposed between the nipple14and the manifold12. In examples including more than one manifold12, each manifold12is directly connected to a plurality of nipples14. For example, in the example shown inFIG.1, one manifold12is directly connected to a plurality of nipples14and the other manifold12is directly connected to another plurality of nipples14, i.e., a second plurality of nipples14. The nipple14is supported by the manifold12. Specifically, the nipple14is cantilevered from the manifold12, as described further below.

The nipples14are elongated along the axis. In other words, the longest dimension of the nipple14is along the axis AN of the nipple14. As set forth above, the axis AN of the nipple14may be straight.

The nipples14may be elongated in a common plane. Specifically, the nipples14and the manifolds12may be elongated on the common plane. As set forth above, during operation of the burner10, the common plane may be horizontal.

The nipples14may extend from the manifold12perpendicular to the axis AM. For example, as set forth above, the axis AN of the nipples14may be straight and the axes AN of the nipples14may be perpendicular to the axes AM of the manifolds12. Some of the nipples14may extend in a common direction from the manifold12. Specifically, some of the nipples14on the manifold12may extend from the manifold12in one direction (i.e., a first common direction) perpendicular to the axis AM and/or some of the nipples14on the manifold12may extend in an opposite direction (i.e., a second common direction) perpendicular to the axis AM, i.e., 180 degrees apart around the circumference of the manifold12.

The threaded holes36of the manifold12may be arranged in two lines along the axis AN, as shown inFIGS.1and9. The lines may be on opposite sides of the manifold12, i.e., arranged 180 degrees about the circumference of the manifold12, as shown in the examples inFIGS.1and9. The threaded holes36in each line are spaced from each other along the axis AM of the manifold12. The threaded holes36on one line may be aligned along the axis AN with the threaded holes36of the other line, as shown in the example inFIG.1. As another example, as shown inFIG.9, the threaded holes36on one line may be spaced along the axis AN from the threaded holes36of the other line. Some may be aligned along the axis AM of the manifold12on opposite sides

In examples in which at least one of the nipples14extends in one direction perpendicular to the axis AN and at least one of the nipples14extend in the opposite direction perpendicular to the axis AN, at least some of the nipples14extending in the one direction may be aligned along the axis AM of the manifold12with nipples14extending in the opposite direction. As another example, all of the nipples14extending in the one direction may be spaced along the axis AM of the manifold12from the nipples14extending in the opposite direction. In the example shown inFIG.1, each nipple14extending in one direction is aligned along the axis AM of the manifold12with one nipple14extending in the opposite direction. In the example shown inFIG.9, each nipple14extending in one direction is spaced along the axis AM of the manifold12from the nipples14extending in the opposite direction.

The nipples14may be spaced from each other along the axis AN to create the footprint of the burner10that provides, at least in part, the generation of the tall, dancing flame. For example, the nipples14have an outer diameter and the nipples14extending in a common direction may be spaced from each other along the axis AN by a distance at least four times the outer diameter with no nipples14therebetween. Specifically, the nipples14in the first common direction are spaced from each other along the axis AN by a distance at least four times the outer diameter with no nipples14extending in the first common direction therebetween. Likewise, the nipples14in the second common direction are spaced from each other along the axis AN by a distance at least four times the outer diameter with no nipples14extending in the second common direction therebetween.

The nipples14may be smaller in diameter than the manifold12. Specifically, the manifold12has an outer diameter and each nipple14has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the manifold12. In addition, the manifold12has an inner diameter and each nipple14has an inner diameter that may be smaller than the inner diameter of the manifold12. The nipples14may each have the same inner diameter and outer diameter. In examples including more than one manifold12, the manifolds12may each have the same inner diameter and the same outer diameter.

Each nipple14is supported by the manifold12. The nipple14may be cantilevered from the manifold12. The weight of the nipple14is supported by the manifold12at the first end18of the nipple14and the second end20of the nipple14is supported solely by the first end18.

The lengths along the axes AM of each manifold12and the nipples14create the footprint of the burner10that provides, at least in part, the generation of the tall, dancing flame. As an example, the manifold12may be 4 to 6 inches long. The nipples14may have different lengths than each other, as shown in the examples inFIGS.1and2. As another example, the manifold12may each have the same length, as shown in the example inFIG.9. In the example inFIGS.1and2, longer nipples14may be 3-5 inches long and shorter nipples14may be 2-3 inches long. In the example inFIG.9, the nipples14may be 2-4 inches long.

The threads34of the manifold12may be ½-14 NPT threads and the manifold12may have other dimensions corresponding to that thread size such as outer diameter, inner diameter, and wall thickness. The threads24of the nipples14may be ¼-18 NPT threads and the nipples14may have other dimensions corresponding to that thread size such as outer dimeter, inner diameter, and wall thickness. As another example, the threads34of the manifold12may be ¾-14 NPT and the threads24of the nipples14may be ⅜-18 NPT.

As set forth above, the outer diameter of the nipple14may be smaller than the outer diameter of the manifold12, and the inner diameter of the nipple14may be smaller than the inner diameter of the manifold12. The outer diameter of the nipple14may be between 0.5-0.6 inches. For example, the outer diameter of the nipple14may be 0.54 inches. The inner diameter of the nipple14may be between 0.3-0.4 inches. For example, the inner diameter of the nipple14may be 0.375 inches. The wall thickness of the nipples14may be between 0.0675-0.0975 inches. The outer diameter of the manifold12may be between 0.8-0.9 inches. For example, the outer diameter of the manifold12may be 0.834 inches. The inner diameter of the manifold12may be between 0.55-0.65 inches. For example, the inner diameter of the manifold12may be 0.6 inches. The wall thickness of the manifold12may be between 0.102-0.132 inches. These dimensions, at least in part, provide suitable gas flow to generate the tall, dancing flame having yellow and/or orange color, and this outer diameter, inner diameter, and wall thickness advantageously minimizes the material, i.e., brass, of the nipple14and manifold12to reduce material cost in manufacturing.

Jets

With reference toFIGS.1and9, the burner10includes a plurality of jets16. As set forth above, one example of the jet16is shown inFIGS.7A-Band another example of the jet16is shown inFIGS.8A-B.

The burner10may include any suitable number of jets16connected to the nipples14. One or more jets16may also be connected to the manifold12, as shown inFIG.1. Each nipple14supports at least one jet16. In the example shown in the Figures, some nipples14support one jet16and other nipples14support two jets16. As other examples, each nipple14may support any suitable number of jets16, i.e., one or more. In the example shown inFIGS.1-2, each manifold12supports one jet16. As other examples, each manifold12may support zero or any suitable number of jets16.

Each jet16is connected to the respective nipple14or manifold12. For example, each jet16is threadedly engaged with the respective nipple14or manifold12. In other words, each jet16is formed separately from and subsequently attached to the respective nipple14or manifold12.

The jet16protrudes outwardly from the respective nipple14or manifold12. Each jet16is elongated along a longitudinal axis AJ. In other words, the longest dimension of the jet16is along the longitudinal axis of the jet16. Each jet16includes a proximate end50and a fuel-combustion outlet52spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis AJ of the jet16. The jet16is cantilevered from the nipple14or manifold12, i.e., the fuel-combustion outlet52is supported only by the connection of the jet16to the respective nipple14or manifold12. Each jet16may be straight from the proximate end50to the fuel-combustion outlet52. Specifically, the longitudinal axis AJ of the jet16may be straight.

The jets16may be aimed in any suitable direction to generate the tall, dancing flame. The longitudinal axis of the jet16extends upwardly from the common plane at a non-right angle. Accordingly, the flame from all jets16combine into a single flame that is generally conical.

Each jet16includes a threaded portion54and a barrel56. The threaded portion54and the barrel56are unitary, i.e., a single, continuous piece of material with no seams, joints, fasteners, welds, or adhesives holding it together. Each jet16may be formed as a unitary component, for example, by machining from a unitary blank, molding, forging, casting, etc. In the example shown in the Figures, each jet16is formed by machining a brass bar, e.g., to include the gas passageway and the other features of the jet16described herein.

The threaded portion54extends from the proximate end50toward the fuel-combustion outlet52along the longitudinal axis of the jet16. The threaded portion54is threaded, and specifically, includes male threads. The threads of the threaded portion54may have any suitable size. The threads of the threaded portion54are the same size as the threads of threaded holes38of the nipples14and manifold12.

The threads of the threaded portion54of the jet16may be, for example, 1/16-27 NPT threads. In such an example, the threaded portion54may have an outside diameter of 0.3125 inches. These dimensions of the threaded portion54encourage proper seating of the threaded portion54against the respective manifold12or nipple14of the dimensions described above (e.g., 0.54 inch outer diameter; 0.375 inch inner diameter; and 0.15-0.18 inch wall thickness of the nipple14) when threadedly engaged with the threaded hole. As another example, the threads of the threaded portion54of the jet16may be ⅛-27 NPT. The jets16include an inlet bore58and a bore60. The diameter of the inlet bore58may be between 0.02-0.08 inches. In one example, the diameter of the inlet bore58may be 0.022 inches. In another example, the diameter of the inlet bore58may be 0.062 inches.

The threaded portion54includes a length extending along the longitudinal axis AJ of the jet16. The length extends from the proximate end50toward the fuel-combustion outlet52. The threaded portion54may extend into the bore of the nipple14when the jet16is connected to the nipple14, and into the bore of the manifold12when the jet16is connected to the manifold12. The length of each jet16is between 0.9-1.1 inches. For example, the length of each jet16may be 1.0 inches. The length of the threaded portion54is between 0.2-0.3 inches. For example, the length may be 0.26 inches. This length minimizes the material usage in manufacturing the jet16while allowing for sufficient gas flow from the fuel-combustion outlet52to generate the tall, dancing flame having the yellow and/or orange color.

The jets16are in communication with the bores of the nipples14and the manifold12. The inlet bore58of the jet16extends through the threaded portion54toward the fuel-combustion outlet52and the bore60extends from the inlet bore58through the fuel-combustion outlet52. The inlet bore58and the bore60are open to each other. A diameter of the inlet bore58may be constant through the threaded portion54. For example, the diameter of the inlet bore58may be constant from the proximate end50to the bore60. The proximate end50may be chamfered at the inlet bore58. The inlet bore58is in communication with the bores of the respective nipples14or manifold12.

The barrel56extends from the fuel-combustion outlet52toward the threaded portion54. As one example, the barrel56is spaced from the threaded portion54, as shown inFIGS.7A-B. In such an example, the jet16includes a tapering portion62between the barrel56and the threaded portion54. The tapering portion62extends from the barrel56to the threaded portion54. The tapering portion62includes an outer diameter that tapers from the barrel56to the threaded portion54. That is, the outer diameter of the tapering portion62decreases along the longitudinal axis of the jet16from the barrel56to the threaded portion54. The tapering portion62may have any suitable length along the longitudinal axis AJ of the jet16. The tapering portion62may have any suitable full taper angle. As another example, as shown inFIGS.8A-B, the barrel56extends to the threaded portion54.

In the example shown inFIGS.7A-B, the length of the barrel56is between 0.6-0.7 inches. For example, the length of the barrel56may be 0.64 inches. Additionally, the tapering portion62extends, e.g., 0.1 inches, from the barrel56to the threaded portion54. Further, the tapering portion62may have a full taper angle of 60 degrees. In the example, shown inFIGS.8A-B, the length of the barrel56is between 0.73-0.75 inches. For example, the length of the barrel56may be 0.74 inches.

The barrel56extends annularly about the longitudinal axis of the jet16. The barrel56defines the bore60extending along the longitudinal axis AJ of the jet16. A diameter of the bore60, e.g., at the fuel-combustion outlet52, is larger than the diameter of the inlet bore58, as shown inFIGS.7B and8B. The diameter of the bore60may taper to the diameter of the inlet bore58at a countersink from the bore60to the inlet bore58. The diameter of the bore60may be constant from the fuel-combustion outlet52to the countersink and the diameter of the inlet bore58may be constant from the countersink to the proximate end50. The diameter of the bore60may be constant from the fuel-combustion outlet52to the tapering portion62and the diameter of the inlet bore58may be constant from the tapering portion62through the threaded portion54.

The barrel56has an outer diameter, as set forth above. The outer diameter of the barrel56may be constant along the longitudinal axis of the jet16. For example, as shown inFIGS.7A-B, the outer diameter of the barrel56is constant from the fuel-combustion outlet52to the tapering portion62. In such an example, the outer diameter of the barrel56is larger than an outer diameter of the threaded portion54. As another example, as shown inFIGS.8A-B, the outer diameter of the barrel56is constant from the fuel-combustion outlet52to the threaded portion54. In such an example, the outer diameter of the barrel56is the same as the outer diameter of the threaded portion54. The barrel56includes a wall thickness extending radially about the longitudinal axis AJ of the jet16.

In the example shown inFIGS.7A-B, the tapering portion62allows for proper seating of the threaded portion54against the respective manifold12or nipple14; allows for sufficient gas flow to generate the tall, dancing flame having yellow and/or orange color; and provides robustness to resist breakage during installation and handling. Specifically, the tapering portion62provides material for sufficient wall thickness at the end of the bore60, e.g., at the countersink. For example, as described above, the end of the bore60is aligned along the longitudinal axis AJ of the jet16between the tapering portion62and the fuel-combustion outlet52. Such a configuration provides a wall thickness suitable to withstand torque applied to the head64of the jet16during installation and handling.

In addition, with continued reference toFIGS.7A-B, the outer diameter of the barrel56may be between 0.3-0.5 inches. For example, the outer diameter of the barrel56may be 0.4 inches. This outer diameter allows for suitable gas flow through the jet16to generate the tall, dancing flame having the yellow and/or orange color. Specifically, the diameter of the bore60at the fuel-combustion outlet52may be between 0.2-0.3 inches. For example, the diameter of the bore60at the fuel-combustion outlet52may be 0.25 inches. The wall thickness of the barrel56may be between 0.05-0.1 inches. For example, the wall thickness of the barrel56may be 0.075 inches.

With continued reference toFIG.7B, the size of the diameter of the bore60may be between 75%-85% the size of the outer diameter of the threaded portion54. In the example shown inFIG.7B, the size of the diameter of the bore60is 80% the size of the outer diameter of the threaded portion54. For example, as described above, the diameter of the bore60may be 0.25 inches and the outer diameter of the threaded portion54may be 0.3125 inches. This allows for sufficient gas flow from the fuel-combustion outlet52to generate the tall, dancing flame having the yellow and/or orange color and a proper seating of the threaded portion54against the respective nipple14or the manifold12while still being robust to resist breakage during installation and handling.

With continued reference toFIG.7B, the wall thickness of the tapering portion62increases from the barrel56to the threaded portion54. This increases the robustness of the jet16to resist breakage during installation and handling. The diverging angles of the countersink and the tapering portion62creates the increasing wall thickness from the barrel56to the threaded portion54, as shown inFIG.7B.

With reference to the example shown inFIGS.8A-B, the jet16may have a constant outer diameter from the proximate end50to the fuel-combustion outlet52. For example, the outer diameter of the jet16inFIGS.8A-Bmay be 0.25-0.35 inches. As one example, the outer diameter of the jet16inFIGS.8A-Bmay be 0.3125 inches.

The jet16includes a head64at the fuel-combustion outlet52. The head64can be rotated to threadedly engage the threads24with the nipple14or the manifold12. The head64has a width extending along the longitudinal axis of the jet16, e.g., from the fuel-combustion outlet52toward the threaded portion54. The width of the head64of the jet16is between 0.2-0.3 inches. For example, the width of the head64may be 0.25 inches.

The head64includes circumferential surfaces meeting at vertices spaced circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the jet16, i.e., the circumferential surfaces are angled relative to each other. The circumferential surfaces extend across the width of the head64, i.e., the circumferential surfaces extend along the longitudinal axis of the jet16.

The circumferential surfaces may be engaged by a tool to transfer torque from the tool to the jet16for engaging the threads of the threaded portion54with the nipple14or the manifold12. Specifically, each jet16may include flats66at the head64(i.e., the circumferential surfaces may be flats66). The flats66are planar. The flats66each extend from one vertex to another vertex. The head64may include six flats66each meeting at the vertices, i.e., may be hexagonal, as shown in the examples in the Figures. As other examples, the head64may include any suitable number of flats66that may meet at vertices or may be separated by round surfaces. As an example, the head64may include two flats parallel to each other and spaced from each other by two round surfaces therebetween.

With reference toFIG.7B, the jet16is designed to resist breakage during installation (e.g., during application of torque to the head64of the jet16to tighten the threaded engagement of the jet16to the manifold12or nipple14) and during handling (including potential dropping of the jet16). As one example, the bore60terminates in the barrel56. Specifically, the end of the bore60in the barrel56, e.g., at the countersink, is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the jet16between the tapering portion62and the fuel-combustion outlet52. Such a configuration provides a wall thickness suitable to withstand torque applied to the head64of the jet16during installation and handling. In examples including the countersink, the countersink terminates at one end aligned along the longitudinal axis AJ of the jet16with the barrel56and terminates at another end aligned along the longitudinal axis of the jet16with the tapering portion62. The inlet bore58terminates at an end aligned along the longitudinal axis AJ of the jet16with the tapering portion62. The countersink between the bore60and the inlet bore58provides sufficient wall thickness for installation and handling of the jet16.

Each jet16has a length along the longitudinal axis AJ of the jet16. The length extends from the proximate end50to the fuel-combustion outlet52of the jet16. The jets16may have any suitable length. For example, each jet16may have the same length.

The barrel56has a length along the longitudinal axis of the jet16. The length of the barrel56extends from the fuel-combustion outlet52toward the threaded portion54. As shown inFIGS.7A-B, the length of the barrel56extends from the fuel-combustion outlet52to the tapering portion62. As shown inFIGS.8A-B, the length of the barrel56extends from the fuel-combustion outlet52to the threaded portion54. The barrel56may have any suitable length.

The barrel56includes at least one oxygen hole68extending through the barrel56to the bore60of the jet16. For example, the barrel56includes one oxygen hole68when the fuel is natural gas, as shown inFIGS.7A-8B. As another example, the barrel56includes two oxygen holes68when the fuel is propane. In such an example, the two oxygen holes68may be spaced diametrically from each other.

The oxygen hole68may be disposed at any suitable position along the barrel56. That is, the oxygen hole68may be disposed between the threaded portion54and the fuel-combustion outlet52. For example, the oxygen hole68may be disposed between the threaded portion54and the head64of the barrel56. As another example, the oxygen hole68may be disposed on the head64of the barrel56. In such an example, the oxygen hole68may extend through one flat64of the head64. The oxygen hole68includes a diameter. The position and the diameter of the oxygen hole68may be selected to achieve the yellow and/or orange flame.

The diameter of the oxygen hole68may be between 0.02-0.1 inches. For example, the diameter of the oxygen hole68may be 0.086 inches. This diameter of the oxygen hole68provides quiet operation of the burner10.

The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.