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US4575379A
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Fuel composition and method of preparation therefor
Assignee: RAPHAEL INVESTMENTS A CORP OF IL
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Filing: 1984-06-11
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Granted: 1986-03-11
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Expires: 2004-06-11
Abstract
Abstract A fuel composition in the form of a gel is particularly adapted for use in a fireplace or a heater and offers the advantages of increased stability, reduced burn rate, decreased noxious by-product generation, and enhanced safety. Comprised of a combination of water, alcohol and ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, the miscibility of these components is accomplished by lowering the pH of the mixture. Once in solution, the pH of the mixture is then raised to increase its viscosity in forming a stable gel. Various low carbon alcohols, or blends thereof, may be utilized to provide a range of combustion characteristics. In addition, various salts may be incorporated in the stable gel fuel to provide a desired flame characteristic.
Inventors
- 👤 John M. Browning
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 19:10
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10L; C10L7/00; C10L7/02; C10L7/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for forming a combustible fuel gel comprising the steps of: forming an aqueous alcohol solution; adjusting the pH of said aqueous alcohol solution to a value less than 7; adding a cellulose ether to said pH-adjusted aqueous alcohol solution; mixing the cellulose ether aqueous alcohol solution; and increasing the pH of the cellulose ether aqueous alcohol solution to a value above 7 in forming said combustible fuel gel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for forming a combustible fuel gel comprising the steps of: forming an aqueous alcohol solution; adjusting the pH of said aqueous alcohol solution to a value less than 7; adding a cellulose ether to said pH-adjusted aqueous alcohol solution; mixing the cellulose ether aqueous alcohol solution; and increasing the pH of the cellulose ether aqueous alcohol solution to a value above 7 in forming said combustible fuel gel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said cellulose ether comprises ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose comprises between 2% and 4% by weight of said aqueous alcohol solution.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting the pH of said aqueous alcohol solution to a value in the range of 4 to 6 comprises adding an acid thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the pH of said aqueous alcohol solution is adjusted to a value in the range of 4 to 6 by adding trace amounts of hydrochloric acid thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the step of increasing the pH of said cellulose ether aqueous alcohol solution comprises adding a base containing sodium thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the pH of said cellulose ether aqueous alcohol solution is increased to a value in the range of 7 to 8.5.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said aqueous alcohol solution includes a low carbon alcohol.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 8 wherein said aqueous alcohol solution includes methanol, ethanol, propanol, or isopropanol.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said aqueous alcohol solution includes a combination of low carbon alcohols.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of adding a metal salt to the cellulose ether aqueous alcohol solution during the mixing thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
69 words
A combustible fuel in gel form comprising: a low carbon alcohol; water added to said alcohol to form an aqueous alcohol solution; an acid added to the aqueous alcohol solution to reduce the pH thereof below 7; a cellulose ether added to the pH-reduced aqueous alcohol solution; and a base added to the cellulose ether aqueous alcohol solution to increase the pH thereof above 7 in forming a gel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
69 words
A combustible fuel in gel form comprising: a low carbon alcohol; water added to said alcohol to form an aqueous alcohol solution; an acid added to the aqueous alcohol solution to reduce the pH thereof below 7; a cellulose ether added to the pH-reduced aqueous alcohol solution; and a base added to the cellulose ether aqueous alcohol solution to increase the pH thereof above 7 in forming a gel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the pH of said aqueous alcohol solution is adjusted to a value in the range of 4 to 6.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-03-10 | 1989-09-09 | 1990-03-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-10 | 1993-09-09 | 1994-03-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-10 | 1997-09-09 | 1998-03-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |