Patent Application
20250137640
The present disclosure relates to the field of flame producing assemblies.
Flame producing assemblies (FPA) such as lighters are typically used for igniting purposes like igniting tobacco, cigars and/or cigarettes have been developed over the past years. Butane lighters, for instance, work by releasing liquid butane, stored in a pressurized chamber, in a narrow stream of gas. A spark, made by striking a flint with steel or by compressing piezoelectric crystal, ignites the gas which burns at about 2000° C. (3600° F.). Because butane turns liquid quickly when compressed, and just as quickly returns to gas with reduced pressure, it makes butane gas an ideal fuel for use in lighters. Flame producing assemblies comprise a fuel source of pressurized and liquidized butane. An example is Japanese Patent Application JPS5671719A which discloses a lighter that enables a smoker to know the number of cigarettes he has smoked with ease and to afford convenience to a person who wants to be temperate in smoking, by counting the number of times he has opened and closed a flame extinguishing cap, and displaying the count at an indicating or displaying section of the lighter. Another example is United States Patent Application US200788504A1, which discloses a lighter including, in one embodiment, a housing, a fuel tank disposed within the housing, a valve adapted to release fuel from the fuel tank, a piezoelectric unit adapted to provide a spark to ignite fuel released from the fuel tank, a display, circuitry, and an activator. The circuitry includes one or more random-number generators, each random-number generator adapted to provide a random number from among a plurality of possible numbers. The circuitry further includes one or more look-up tables, each look-up table mapping each of the plurality of possible numbers from one of the random-number generators to a corresponding alphanumeric phrase.
Typically, the body of a standard cigarette lighter is often compact, durable, and unbreakable in order to maintain the required gas liquification pressures safely. Therefore, in high quality lighters, special grade opaque plastic materials are used that possess the required mechanical properties to provide a safe enclosure for the liquidized butane. The grade of plastic used for the body of the lighter being non-transparent makes it impossible for a user to see, or to estimate, the level of the liquid fuel quantity remaining inside the plastic container. Therefore, a regular lighter user is not able to verify, easily and accurately, if the lighter contains enough fuel to last for a desired period of time. This means that the user of a conventional cigarette lighter cannot observe the amount of fuel remaining inside a conventional cigarette lighter by visual inspection of the cigarette lighter. This leads to conventional cigarette lighters being disposed of before the liquid fuel supply has been fully exhausted.
The performance of flame producing assemblies such as cigarette lighters can, therefore, be further improved.
The present disclosure relates to a flame producing assembly according to claim 1. The dependent claims depict embodiments of the present disclosure.
The flame producing assembly comprises a main body which has a proximal end and a distal end. The flame producing assembly is configured to produce a flame at the proximal end. Additionally, the flame producing assembly comprises a flame signal trigger, counting electronics, a flame indicator, and a power supply. The flame signal trigger is configured to generate an electrical signal when a flame is currently produced by the flame producing assembly. The counting electronics is configured to calculate a number of flames and/or use time of flames produced by the flame producing assembly. The counting electronics may be an electronic counter. The flame indicator is configured to output visual feedback indicative of a number of flames and/or use time of flames produced or producible by the flame producing assembly. The power supply comprises a nanogenerator which is configured to supply the flame producing assembly with power by converting thermal or mechanical energy into electrical energy during use of the flame producing assembly.
An accurate visualisation of the fuel consumed by a flame producing assembly, or the fuel remaining, is possible even if the flame producing assembly is opaque. Furthermore, it may be difficult for users to view the amount of fuel remaining even with translucent bodies. Use of a flame indicator as discussed herein can improve visibility in a flame producing assembly having translucent and opaque flame producing assembly bodies. This way flame producing assemblies (such as cigarette lighters) are not prematurely disposed of by users, thus reducing plastic waste over time. Furthermore, the lighters that are disposed of can be guaranteed to have exhausted their liquid fuel supply, thus improving the effect on the environment. As the power supply makes use of energy harvesting via the nanogenerator during use of the flame producing assembly, the user does not need to separately activate the flame indicator and/or counting electronics and/or flame signal trigger, and no external electronics are required. Thereby a self-powered and autonomous system for indication the remaining or elapsed use of the lighter, specifically lighter fuel, without the requirement of a battery can be provided. Without the need for a battery, also e-waste can be reduced. Due to the autonomous system various information can be gathered and provided to a user, for instance, an estimation of the lighter fuel consumed or the lighter fuel remaining and/or and estimation of the number of flames produced or of the number of flames remaining. The indication of number of flames/use time to a user reduces the likelihood of a premature lighter disposal. Furthermore, an increased efficiency can be provided by harvesting mechanical and/or thermal energy with the nanogenerator.
The nanogenerator may comprise a piezoelectric nanogenerator.
In aspects, the thermoelectric nanogenerator may be arranged at the proximal end.
In aspects, the thermoelectric nanogenerator may be arranged very close to the flame.
In aspects, the thermoelectric nanogenerator may be arranged on a wind guard of the flame producing assembly. In aspects, the thermoelectric nanogenerator may be arranged in an interior of a wind guard of the flame producing assembly. In examples, the thermoelectric nanogenerator may be arranged on an inner surface of the wind guard. Alternatively or additionally, the thermoelectric nanogenerator may be arranged on an outer surface of the wind guard.
The thermoelectric nanogenerator may comprise thermoelectric generating material. The thermoelectric generating material may be coated to a wind guard of the flame producing assembly. Specifically, the thermoelectric generating material, may be coated to an inner surface of the wind guard. Alternatively or additionally, the thermoelectric generating material, may be coated to an outer surface of the wind guard.
The thermoelectric nanogenerator may be configured to convert excess heat energy of a flame produced during operation of the flame producing assembly into electrical energy.
In aspects, the piezoelectric nanogenerator may be arranged on an outer surface of the main body.
The piezoelectric nanogenerator may comprise piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material may be arranged on an outer surface of the main body. Specifically, the piezoelectrical material may be coated to an outer surface of the main body.
The piezoelectric nanogenerator may be configured to convert mechanical excess energy exerted by a user on the main body during use of the flame producing assembly into electrical energy. For instance, as a user is holding the flame producing assembly (e.g. a cigarette lighter), the user could apply more force within their grip that the amount required for only holding the flame producing assembly. In other words, if a user squeezes the flame producing assembly, they can provide the mechanical pressure required for the piezoelectric generator to be activated and supply power.
The nanogenerator may be in electrical communication with the counting electronics. Thereby, power can be provided to the counting electronics.
In aspects, the power supply may comprise an energy storage. The energy storage may be in electrical communication with the nanogenerator. Additionally, the energy storage may be in electrical communication with the counting electronics. In aspects, the energy storage may be a capacitor. Specifically, the energy storage may be a supercapacitor.
The flame indicator may comprise a display. The display may be arranged on an outer surface of the main body. The display may cover at least a portion of the outer surface. In aspects, the display may be of a substantially rectangular or longitudinal shape. The display may extend from a distal end to a proximal end, or vice versa.
In aspects, the display may be an electronic-ink display or an electrophoretic bistable display. In examples, the display may be a TFT or LED display.
In aspects, the display may comprise a segmented display strip. The display may comprise at least two segments for indicating a number of flames and/or use time of flames produced or producible with the flame producing assembly. Specifically, the display may comprise a segmented electronic-ink display strip. Each segment may indicate a multiple of number of flames produced and/or producible or a fractional time interval of use time of flames produced and/or producible.
In aspects, the flame indicator may comprise a protective clear layer. The protective clear layer may be arranged on the display. The protective clear layer may be configured to protect the display from wear and degradation through use.
In aspects, the flame indicator may be in electrical communication with the counting electronics. The counting electronics may be configured to provide the flame indicator with an input signal for outputting visual feedback indicative of a number of flames and/or use time of flames produced or producible by the flame producing assembly.
In aspects, the sensor may be a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor may be arranged in proximity to a spark wheel of the flame producing assembly and may be configured to generate an electrical signal upon rotation of the spark wheel. Thereby the rotation of the spark wheel may be used as an indicator of an ignition process.
In aspects, the sensor may be arranged in proximity to a gas release actuator of the flame producing assembly. In other words, the flame signal trigger may be operably coupled to the gas release actuator. The sensor may be configured to generate an electrical signal upon actuation of the gas release actuator. Specifically, an electrical signal may be generated for as long as the gas release actuator is actuated, for instance, for as long as the gas release actuator pushed distally. The sensor may be a mechanical switch. The sensor may be arranged distally below the gas release actuator. Specifically, the sensor may be arranged distally below the gas release actuator such that an actuation of the gas release actuator, for instance, by pushing the gas release actuator distally down, is detected by the switch. In some aspects, the sensor may be a force sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, or a piezoelectric sensor.
In aspects, the flame signal trigger may be in electrical communication with the counting electronics to provide the electrical signal to the counting electronics.
In aspects, the flame signal trigger may comprise a thermoelectric nanogenerator configured to detect an ignition of a flame produced by the flame producing assembly. The thermoelectric nanogenerator may be arranged at the proximal end and configured to convert excess heat energy of a flame produced during operation of the flame producing assembly into electrical energy. The thermoelectric nanogenerator may be in electrical communication with the counting electronics. The counting electronics may be configured to determine an ignition of a flame produced by the flame producing assembly, when the electrical energy received from the thermoelectric nanogenerator exceeds a predetermined threshold. In examples, the predetermined threshold may be set at a minimum level of electrical energy which is present when a flame is ignited.
In aspects, counting electronics may be in electrical communication with the power supply, with the flame signal trigger and with the flame indicator.
In aspects, the counting electronics may comprise a processor unit. The processor unit may be configured to receive and process electrical signals generated by the flame signal trigger. The processor unit may be configured to count the number flames of produced by the flame producing assembly based on the received electrical signals. Alternatively or additionally, the processor unit may be configured to count the use time of flames produced by the flame producing assembly based on the received electrical signals. Alternatively or additionally, the processor unit may be configured to calculate the number of flames producible by the flame producing assembly based on the received electrical signals. Alternatively or additionally, the processor unit may be configured to calculate the use time of flames producible by the flame producing assembly based on the received electrical signals.
In aspects, the processor unit may be configured to drive the flame indicator to output visual feedback indicative of a number of flames and/or use time of flames produced or producible by the flame producing assembly. Specifically, the processor unit may be configured to generate drive signals which can be used by the flame indicator to display elapsed or remaining flame events and/or elapsed or remaining flame use time.
In aspects, the counting electronics may further comprise a memory for storing the number of flames and/or the use time of flames calculated by the processor unit. The memory may be flash memory. Specifically, the memory may be configured as an ultra-low power flash memory. For instance, the memory may be a NOR flash memory. The memory may be configured to consume less than 50 μW for a complete cycle of read and write. In some aspects, the memory may be configured to consume between 10 μW and 500 μW for a complete cycle of read and write, specifically between 25 μW to 250 μW.
In aspects, the counting electronics may comprise a power regulator. The power regulator may be in electrical communication with the power supply, the flame signal trigger and with the flame indicator. The power regulator may be configured to regulate and distribute power to the flame indicator and within the counting electronics.
In aspects, the counting electronics may be arranged on the main body. In some aspects, the counting electronics may be embedded to the main body.
In aspects, the main body may be made of an opaque material.
In aspects, the flame producing assembly may be configured as one of a lighter, a butane gas cylinder, a gas-powered soldering iron, or a utility blowtorch for paint stripping. Specifically, the flame producing assembly may be configured as one of a cigarette lighter, a cigar lighter, a domestic gas ring lighter.
Other characteristics will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain the present disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the art to practice it. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals on different figures indicate like or similar features.
According to the present disclosure, the term “flame producing assembly” may refer to a cigarette lighter, cigar lighter, domestic gas ring lighter, butane gas cylinder (for example, as used in a camping stove or Barbeque), a gas-powered soldering iron, or a utility blowtorch for paint stripping, as examples. Flame producing assemblies are commonly handheld devices, for instance small devices for providing a flame for a cigarette, a candle, or the like.
According to the present disclosure, the term “proximal” refers to the end of a substantially longitudinal body such as a flame producing assembly that, in use, is closer to an element being lit by the flame producing assembly, such as a cigarette. The term “distal” refers to the end of a substantially longitudinal body such as a flame producing assembly that, in use, is further from element being lit by the flame producing assembly than the “proximal” portion. Thus, proximal can be seen as opposing to distal.
According to the present disclosure, the term “number of flames” can generally be understood as the estimated, specifically counted, number of flame events, e.g. lighting events, which were carried out (consumed or elapsed number of flames) since initially using the flame producing assembly, or the estimated, specifically calculated, number of flame events, e.g. lighting events, which still can be carried out with respect to a maximum number of flames which can be carried out based on the maximum capacity, particularly maximum fuel capacity, of the flame producing assembly (remaining number of flames). The consumed or elapsed number of flames may also be referred to as number of flames produced. The remaining number of flames may also be referred to as number of flames producible.
According to the present disclosure, the term “use time of flames” can generally be understood as the estimated, specifically counted, time elapsed for producing a flame (consumed or elapsed use time of flame) since initially using the flame producing assembly, or the estimated, specifically calculated, time remaining for producing a flame (remaining use time of flame) with respect to a maximum time for producing a flame based on the maximum capacity, particularly maximum fuel capacity, of the flame producing assembly. The consumed or elapsed use time of flame may also be referred to as number of flames produced. The remaining use time of flame may also be referred to as number of flames producible.
As mentioned in the foregoing paragraph, the exemplary embodiments shown in
As illustrated in
The flame producing assembly 1 comprises a flame signal trigger 20, counting electronics 30, a flame indicator 40, and a power supply 50. The flame signal trigger 20 is configured to generate an electrical signal when a flame is currently produced by the flame producing assembly 1. This electrical signal can be processed by the counting electronics 30 which is configured to then determine a number of flames, by for instance adding one count to a memory, or to determine a use time of flames produced by the flame producing assembly 1. The flame indicator 40 is configured to output visual feedback indicative of a number of flames and/or use time of flames produced or producible by the flame producing assembly 1.
The power supply 50 comprises a nanogenerator 52 which is configured to supply the flame producing assembly 1 with power by converting thermal or mechanical energy into electrical energy during use of the flame producing assembly 1. A nanogenerator 52 can be understood as a technology that converts mechanical or thermal energy as produced by small-scale physical change into electricity. According to the present disclosure, the nanogenerator 52 can be thermoelectric nanogenerator 52a or a piezoelectric nanogenerator 52b.
In the example of
The structure of the PE nanogenerator 52b may for instance be designed as a sandwich of materials comprising a top film, a middle piezo-crystal structure in the middle, and a bottom film. Further information regarding piezoelectric nanogenerators is described, for instance, by S. Chandrasekaran, C. Bowen, J. Roscow et al.: “Micro-scale to nano-scale generators for energy harvesting: Self powered piezoelectric, triboelectric and hybrid devices”, Physics Reports (2019) (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physrep.2018.11.001.), by Khan, H., Mahmood, N., Zavabeti, A. et al.: “Liquid metal-based synthesis of high performance monolayer SnS piezoelectric nanogenerators.” Nat Commun 11, 3449 (2020). (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17296-0), or by Md. Mehebub Alam and Dipankar Mandal, “Native Cellulose Microfiber-Based Hybrid Piezoelectric Generator for Mechanical Energy Harvesting Utility”, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2016 8 (3), 1555-1558 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b08168, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Nanogenerator can be a TEG or a piezolectric coating. TEG converts flame's thermal energy to electricity. Piezoelectric converts user's finger/palm mechanical pressure on the body of the lighter to electrical energy even when lighter is not in use and user just holds it.
In the example of
In examples (not depicted in the figures), the nanogenerator 52 may comprise both, a PE nanogenerator 52b and a TEG 52a as mentioned above. They may both be utilized for energy harvesting. In some examples, the TEG 52a may be configured to serve as a flame signal trigger 20, for instance for detecting when there is a flame and how long it has been on, which will be explained in further detail below.
In some examples (see,
In the examples of
In examples (not depicted in the figures), the sensor 22 may be a magnetic sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the magnetic sensor may be arranged, for instance in proximity to the spark wheel 17 of the flame producing assembly 1. The magnetic sensor may be arranged and configured to generate an electrical signal upon rotation of the spark wheel 17. Thereby the rotation of the spark wheel may be used as an indicator of an ignition process.
In examples, the flame signal trigger 20 be formed by a thermoelectric nanogenerator 52a which is configured as the thermoelectric nanogenerator 52a mentioned above with respect to
The counting electronics 30 is in electrical communication with the power supply 50, with the flame signal trigger 20 and with the flame indicator 40 and comprises a processor unit 32. The processor unit 32 is configured to receive and process electrical signals generated by the flame signal trigger 20. The processor unit 32 is configured to count the number of flames produced by the flame producing assembly 1 based on the received electrical signals. For instance an electrical signal may represent one count of a flame. If further electrical signals are received, the processor unit 32 may for each received signal add one count the previously counted number. Additionally or alternatively, the processor unit 32 may be configured to count the use time of flames produced by the flame producing assembly 1 based on the received electrical signals. For instance, the processor unit 32 may count the time during an electrical signal is received. The flame time may be calculated based on the time of electrical signals (e.g. signals received above the predetermined threshold in the case of TEG trigger) being received from the flame signal trigger by the processor unit. If further electrical signals are received, the counted time may be added to the previously counted time. In other words the processor unit 32 counts the number/use time already produced with the flame producing assembly 1 since the initial use. In order to add the count of flames and/or the counted time to the previous values, the counting electronics 30 comprises a memory 34 for storing the number of flames and/or the use time of flames calculated by the processor unit 32. The memory 34 may be flash memory. Specifically, the memory 34 may be configured as an ultra-low power flash memory. For instance, the memory 34 may be a NOR flash memory, see, for instance, Qing Dong et al.: “A 1 Mb embedded NOR flash memory with 39 μW program power for mm-scale high-temperature sensor nodes”, February 2017, Conference: 2017 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference-(ISSCC) (DOI: 10.1109/ISSCC.2017.7870329). The memory 34 may be configured to consume less than 50 μW for a complete cycle of read and write. In some aspects, the memory may be configured to consume between 10 μW and 500 μW for a complete cycle of read and write, specifically between 25 μW to 250 μW. In other words, the processor unit 32 stores on the memory 34 the accumulated number of flames and/or the remaining number of flames, i.e. maximum number of flames minus the accumulated number of occurred flames. If the use time of flames is obtained, the processor unit 32 may alternatively or additionally store on the memory 34 the accumulated flame use time and/or the remaining flame use time, i.e. maximum time for how long a flame can be produced with the maximum capacity of the flame producing assembly 1 minus the accumulated time already used for flame production.
The processor unit 32 may be configured to calculate the number of flames producible by the flame producing assembly 1 based on the received electrical signals. Alternatively or additionally, the processor unit 32 may be configured to calculate the use time of flames producible by the flame producing assembly 1 based on the received electrical signals. In this regard, the memory 34 may comprise a predetermined storage entry of maximum number of flames producible with the fuel capacity of the flame producing assembly 1. In case of the use time of flames, the memory 34 may comprise a predetermined storage entry of maximum use time of flame producible with the fuel capacity of the flame producing assembly 1. The processor unit 32 may be configured to calculate the number of flames and/or use time of flame which still can be produced and/or used with the flame producing assembly 1 based on a maximum capacity present at initial use. For instance, the processor unit 32 may be configured to subtract a counted use time from the maximum capacity. The processor unit 32 may comprise one or more logic circuits to perform the required mathematical operations.
The processor unit 32 is configured to drive the flame indicator 40 to output visual feedback to a user indicative of a number of flames and/or use time of flames produced or producible by the flame producing assembly 1. Specifically, the processor unit 32 is configured to generate drive signals which can be used by the flame indicator to display elapsed or remaining flame events and/or elapsed or remaining flame use time.
In some aspects, the counting electronics 30 may comprise a power regulator 36. The power regulator may be in electrical communication with the power supply 50, the flame signal trigger 20 and with the flame indicator 40. The power regulator 36 is configured to regulate and distribute power to the flame indicator 40 and within the counting electronics 30. “Within the counting electronics” can be understood as regulating and distributing power to the memory 32 and, the power regulator 36 itself and the processor unit 32. The skilled person will understand that the power regulator 36 is also in electrical communication with the memory 34 and the processor unit 32, and, in examples, with any other power requiring device of the flame producing assembly 1, e.g. the flame signal trigger 20 if it is of a type requiring electrical power.
The counting electronics 30 are embedded to the main body 10. In aspects, the counting electronics 30 may be arranged on or inside the main body 10.
As illustrated in
In aspects, the display 42 may be an electronic-ink display or an electrophoretic bistable display. In examples, the display 42 may be a TFT (TFT=thin film transistor display) or LED (LED=light emitting diode display) display. Specifically, the display 42 may be a low power TFT or low power LED display. In some examples, the display may be a zenithal bistable display, a bistable liquid crystal display or an electrochromic display.
In some aspects, an electrophoretic bistable display 42 comprises micrometer sized titanium dioxide particles which are, for instance filled with charged pigments (e.g. black and white pigments positively and negatively charged, respectively). In configurations, the titanium particles may be treated to have electrically charging properties. The titanium dioxide particles may be dispersed in a hydrocarbon oil and placed between two conductive plates. One plate may be clear, while the other may be opaque. When a voltage is applied between the two, the particles move to the plate that they are attracted to. When the particles are located at the front side of the display 42, i.e. the clear plate, it appears white, and black when they are located at the rear side of the display, i.e. the opaque plate.
The display 42 has a thickness between 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm. Specifically, the display 42 may have a thickness between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In particular examples, the display 42 may have a thickness between 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm. This enables the display 42 to be integrated in small and thin structures, such as a housing of the flame producing assembly 1, specifically its main body 10. Specifically, the display 42 may be flexible. Thereby, the display 42 can be adapted to the contours, e.g. rounded contours of the flame producing assembly 1. In some examples, the display 42 may be configured to display colored contents. In examples, the display 42 may be configured to display only greyscale contents.
The flame indicator 40 is in electrical communication with the counting electronics 30. The counting electronics 30 is configured to provide the flame indicator 40 with an input signal for outputting visual feedback indicative of a number of flames and/or use time of flames produced or producible by the flame producing assembly 1.
By the provision of the presently disclosed flame producing assembly 1, an accurate visualisation of the fuel consumed by a flame producing assembly 1, or the fuel remaining, is possible even if the flame producing assembly 1 is opaque. Furthermore, it may be difficult for users to view the amount of fuel remaining even with translucent bodies. Use of a flame indicator 40 as discussed herein can improve visibility in a flame producing assembly 1 having translucent and opaque flame producing assembly bodies 10. A further effect is that flame producing assemblies 1 (such as cigarette lighters) are not prematurely disposed of by users, thus reducing plastic waste over time. Furthermore, the lighters that are disposed of can be guaranteed to have exhausted their liquid fuel supply, thus improving the effect on the environment. As the power supply 50 makes use of energy harvesting via the nanogenerator 52 during use of the flame producing assembly 1, the user does not need to separately activate the flame indicator 40 and/or counting electronics 30 and/or flame signal trigger 20, and no external electronics are required. Thereby a self-powered and autonomous system for indication the remaining or elapsed use of the lighter, specifically lighter fuel, without the requirement of a battery can be provided. Without the need for a battery, also e-waste can be reduced. Due to the autonomous system various information can be gathered and provided to a user, for instance, an estimation of the lighter fuel consumed or the lighter fuel remaining and/or and estimation of the number of flames produced or of the number of flames remaining. The indication of number of flames/use time to a user reduces the likelihood of a premature lighter disposal. Furthermore, an increased efficiency can be provided by harvesting mechanical and/or thermal energy with the nanogenerator 52.
According to the method of
According to the method of
In general, a method of using a flame producing assembly is disclosed which comprises: Igniting a flame by an actuator and detecting the ignition by a sensor. Adding one count to a flame counter and counting the flame time until the flame extinguishes, specifically until the actuator is released. Updating a display indicating a remaining or counted number of flames and/or flame time. Harvesting electrical energy during use of the flame producing assembly by one of: mechanical force exerted on a main body of the flame producing assembly by a user holding the flame producing assembly, wherein the mechanical force is converted into electrical energy by piezoelectric material applied on the main body (10), or thermal energy which is emitted by the flame during operation of the flame producing assembly, wherein the thermal energy is converted into electrical energy by thermoelectrical material applied on a wind guard in proximity of the flame.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21194035.8 | Aug 2021 | EP | regional |
This is a National Stage Application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2022/072156, filed Aug. 5, 2022, now published as WO 2023/030833 A1, claims priority to European patent application No. 21194035.8 filed Aug. 31, 2021, its content being incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/072156 | 8/5/2022 | WO |
