US4030302A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steam power plant
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-04-06
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Granted: 1977-06-21
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Expires: 1996-04-06
Abstract
Abstract In a steam engine, an intermediate phase is provided for preheating the feedwater before it enters the boiler. The preheating is achieved by means of the reapplication of the otherwise dispensable exhaust steam in a simple feedback operation in which the exhaust steam is introduced directly into the feedwater. By means of electronic controls the operation of the system at the highest possible point of preheat (up to 210° F.) is achieved thus assuring both high efficiency of the machine and cumulative economy in fuel consumption as well. The latter is further augmented by generous application of insulation to prevent wasteful dissipation of thermal energy as well as to effect protection of the system against the elements.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Mankouski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 18:22
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01K; F01K13/00; F01K13/02; F01K17/00; F01K17/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A steam engine comprising a boiler for converting water to steam, a feedwater tank, means for pumping water from said feedwater tank to said boiler, a steam driven prime mover connected to receive and be driven by the steam generated in said boiler, valve means operable in a first condition to direct exhaust steam from said prime mover directly into the water in said feedwater tank at the bottom thereof and operable in a second condition to dump the exhaust steam from said prime mover externally of said feedwater tank, and means responsive to the temperature in said feedwater tank to control said valve means switching said valve means to said first condition whenever the temperature in said feedwater tank falls below a first predetermined temperature and switching said valve means to said second condition whenever the temperature in said feedwater tank rises above a second predetermined temperature greater than said first predetermined temperature.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
A steam engine comprising a boiler for converting water to steam, a feedwater tank, means for pumping water from said feedwater tank to said boiler, a steam driven prime mover connected to receive and be driven by the steam generated in said boiler, valve means operable in a first condition to direct exhaust steam from said prime mover directly into the water in said feedwater tank at the bottom thereof and operable in a second condition to dump the exhaust steam from said prime mover externally of said feedwater tank, and means responsive to the temperature in said feedwater tank to control said valve means switching said valve means to said first condition whenever the temperature in said feedwater tank falls below a first predetermined temperature and switching said valve means to said second condition whenever the temperature in said feedwater tank rises above a second predetermined temperature greater than said first predetermined temperature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
A steam engine as recited in claim 1, wherein there is provided a burner positioned beneath said boiler, and means to control the rate of fuel flow to said burner in response to the pressure in said boiler increasing the rate of fuel flow in response to lower pressures in said boiler and decreasing the rate of fuel flow in response to higher pressures in said boiler.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
A steam engine as recited in claim 2, wherein there is provided means to raise and lower said burner in response to pressure in said boiler lowering said burner in response to lower pressures in said boiler and raising said burner in response to higher pressures in said boiler.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
75 words
A steam engine as recited in claim 3, wherein there is provided means to exhaust the combustion products from said burner after passing through said boiler including a fan and means to vary the speed of said fan in response to the pressure in said boiler increasing the speed of said fan in response to lower pressures in said boiler and decreasing the speed of said fan in response to higher pressures in said boiler.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A steam engine as recited in claim 1, wherein said feedwater tank surrounds said boiler.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
A steam engine as recited in claim 5, wherein there is provided a pipe coiled in the bottom of said feedwater tank and having apertures distributed along its length and wherein said exhaust steam is introduced into said feedwater tank via said pipe.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
A steam engine as recited in claim 3, wherein there is provided a water storage tank and means responsive to the level of water in said feedwater tank to supply water to said feedwater tank from said water storage tank.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A steam engine as recited in claim 5, wherein insulation is provided surrounding said boiler between said boiler and said feedwater tank and insulation is provided surrounding said feedwater tank.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-06-20 | 1980-12-20 | 1981-06-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-20 | 1984-12-20 | 1985-06-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-20 | 1988-12-20 | 1989-06-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |