Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of operating a regenerative furnace wherein combustion gas is preheated in a regenerator bed and then is passed to a plenum communicating along its length with a plurality of ports through which the combustion gas passes into the furnace, and fuel is combined with the combustion gas at the ports; the improvement comprising apportioning the flow of combustion gas among the plurality of ports by injecting a stream of gas into at least one of the ports so as to affect the portion of the combustion gas flowing therethrough.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of operating a regenerative furnace wherein combustion gas is preheated in a regenerator bed and then is passed to a plenum communicating along its length with a plurality of ports through which the combustion gas passes into the furnace, and fuel is combined with the combustion gas at the ports; the improvement comprising apportioning the flow of combustion gas among the plurality of ports by injecting a stream of gas into at least one of the ports so as to affect the portion of the combustion gas flowing therethrough.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the stream of gas is injected cocurrent with the flow of combustion gas through the port so as to increase the portion of combustion gas flowing through that port.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the stream of gas is injected countercurrent to the flow of combustion gas through the port so as to decrease the portion of combustion flowing through that port.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the stream of gas is a jet of compressed air.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the stream of gas is injected into the port at high velocity relative to the velocity of combustion gas flowing through the port.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the stream of gas injected into the port is no greater than 10% by volume of the combustion gas flowing through that port.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the stream of gas injected into the port is no greater than 4% by volume of the combustion gas flowing through that port.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a stream of gas is injected into a plurality of the ports so as to control the flow of combustion gas through each respective port.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the stream of gas is directed into the port in an oblique direction to the direction of flow of combustion gas through the port.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein combustion takes place within the furnace above a pool of at least partially melted glass.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein gas flow through the furnace periodically reverses so that said ports receive exhaust gas from the furnace.