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  Black smoke generator apparatus and methodUSPTO Application #: 20060199130Title: Black smoke generator apparatus and method Abstract: An apparatus for generating a black smoke signal is provided. The apparatus includes an acetylene burner assembly that further includes an acetylene delivery structure, a perforated burner head disposed at an end of the acetylene delivery structure, and an electric spark igniter disposed adjacent to the perforated burner head, so as to allow a flow of acetylene through the perforated burner head to be ignited. An acetylene flow control system provides acetylene at a rate that causes the acetylene to be partially combusted in atmospheric oxygen through the acetylene burner assembly, so as to generate black smoke. (end of abstract) Agent: Mr. Christopher John Rourk Jackson Walker LLP - Dallas, TX, US Inventor: Stephan D. Findley USPTO Applicaton #: 20060199130 - Class: 431350000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Combustion, Flame Holder Having Protective Flame Enclosing Or Flame Stabilizing Structure The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060199130. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention pertains to the field of simulators, and more particularly to a black smoke generator apparatus and method that uses acetylene or other gases that generate black smoke due to incomplete combustion in atmospheric oxygen, instead of pyrotechnic chemicals. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Apparatuses and methods for generating black smoke are known in the art. These apparatuses and methods are typically used in weapons training exercises, for theatrical purposes, or in other situations where it is necessary to create black smoke in a manner that does not cause property damage or create a significant risk of property damage. [0003] These apparatuses and methods use pyrotechnic devices that are triggered using electrochemical triggering mechanisms, and the pyrotechnic devices are made with hazardous chemicals. In addition to being potentially dangerous and unstable, these pyrotechnic devices create smoke that contains compounds that may be toxic, are expensive to produce, and have a shelf life that requires the pyrotechnic devices to be used within a predetermined period of time or discarded. If the pyrotechnic devices must be discarded, then special precautions must be used to ensure that they are not taken to an incinerator or otherwise handled in a manner that can result in personal injury. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for generating black smoke are provided that overcome known problems with generating black smoke for purposes such as weapons training simulators. [0005] In particular, an apparatus and method are provided that utilize acetylene or other fuel materials that generate black some when combusted in atmospheric oxygen due to incomplete combustion of the fuel. [0006] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for generating a black smoke signal is provided. The apparatus includes an acetylene burner assembly that further includes an acetylene delivery structure, a perforated burner head disposed at an end of the acetylene delivery structure, and an electric spark igniter disposed adjacent to the perforated burner head, so as to allow a flow of acetylene through the perforated burner head to be ignited. An acetylene flow control system provides acetylene at a rate that causes the acetylene to be partially combusted in atmospheric oxygen through the acetylene burner assembly, so as to generate black smoke. [0007] The present invention provides many important technical advantages. In one important technical advantage of the present invention is a black smoke generator that uses acetylene or other combustible materials instead of pyrotechnic chemicals, which results in a more stable and less expensive source of black smoke, and which can deliver black smoke at volumes that are not economically feasible using prior art apparatuses and methods. [0008] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the invention together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a black smoke generator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a black smoke generator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in the present invention; [0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system for providing control of a black smoke generator in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an acetylene canister vault in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system for providing an acetylene tank and a protective housing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a system for controlling a black smoke generator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a burner assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and [0016] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a burner assembly and support in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0017] In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures might not be to scale, and certain components can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identified by commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness. [0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a black smoke generator 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Black smoke generator 100 uses acetylene or other suitable materials that are burned in atmospheric oxygen to generate large quantities of black smoke without the use of pyrotechnic chemicals or other dangerous and expensive materials. [0019] Black smoke generator 100 includes burner head 102. Burner head 102 is optimized to burn acetylene gas or other suitable materials at a flow rate that results in incomplete combustion of the acetylene in atmospheric oxygen. It is noted in this regard that it is usually necessary to provide an oxidant with acetylene and atmospheric oxygen in order to prevent it from generating smoke. As such, acetylene is usually provided with a dual port burner head where the oxidant is provided through a first port and the acetylene is provided through the second port. Likewise, if acetylene is burned in atmospheric oxygen, it may be mixed with other gases, provided at a low flow rate, or otherwise provided in a manner to reduce the generation of smoke. As such, burner head 102 is configured to provide acetylene flow rates for burning in atmospheric oxygen that are not found in the prior art. Continue reading... Full patent description for Black smoke generator apparatus and method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Black smoke generator apparatus and method patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Black smoke generator apparatus and method or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Decorative torch for use with pressurized fuel source Next Patent Application: Loading table and heat treating apparatus having the loading table Industry Class: Combustion ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Black smoke generator apparatus and method patent info. 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